Getting Back on Track

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 After some much needed down time over Christmas break , we are trying to get back to a routine.  Christmas is such a beautiful time and I always look forward to every minute of it.  This year I was determined to not over-do things and run myself ragged.  But here's the thing:   Apparently I was ragged before I realized it.  I feel like I did a nose-dive on Christmas Day and am just now recovering.  Not kidding.  I didn't do tons of baking or write out an extensive menu.  I didn't plan elaborate gifts to be made for neighbors and Hubby's colleagues.  I kept it simple.  I was proud of myself.  We didn't even travel to see family.  That's not to say I didn't do any baking or gift making, because you know that I did.  But I think there have been a number of contributing factors leading up to my nose-dive.  I can assure you that I am taking my vitamins, watching everything I eat and am trying to get more sleep.  I'm also trying to be sure I work in a few minutes of quiet time to read or journal about things that are important to me. 

 

I'm not much of a resolutions kind of girl.  I believe in making changes as I go through life, no matter what day it is.  With that said, there is something about the first day of the year that makes a perfect jumping off point.  So I do have a number of things I want to remain mindful about as this new year proceeds.  I want to enjoy my kids every day, try to live a little more true to who I am, to keep journaling, continue to be as creative as possible, and keep taking care of our health to mention a few.

 

So as the afternoon sun casts wintry shadows across the Hearth Room, we listen to our music assignment while we do our artwork and study great white sharks.  What is it about boys and dangerous animals?  Never mind,  I know the answer to that question.  We have piles of good books waiting for our attention and a basket of yarn teasing me across the room as I ponder what changes I want to make to our routines.   And I really need to buy some curtains, but that means I have to commit to a paint color first!  Decisions, decisions. 

 

I look  back over the last couple of weeks and remember the sweet moments of little hands and ribbon, squeals of delight, requests for just-one-more-cookie, handmade ornaments, (yep, I've been to Hopscotch Lane),  kitties playing in boxes, and icy, sugar coated mornings to explore outdoors.  It was all so good, even if I felt bad. 

 

So Happy 2013 to you!  I wish for a year full of hope with dreams in our hearts.  I wish for good health and happy times and so much creative inspiration we all burst with joy!

 

xoxo

 

 

 

 

 



Visiting Natural Bridge

 

It was a day for Homeschoolers at Natural Bridge today. 

 

It's just a wonderful place to visit.  It offers so much to see.  The area is rich in history and it's a great place to walk and spend time outdoors. 

 

Honestly, I'm too tired to think straight after all the fun I've had today.  Walking, looking for little fish in the creek, being amazed at the size of the actual rock that makes the Natural Bridge, the Indian village, the caverns, toys, and butterflies.  But the best part?  I got to meet a dear friend for the very first time.  That was awesome.  I'll explain later.

 

Have a lovely tomorrow!

We'll be off on another field trip.  I hear my pillow calling. 

 

xoxo

 

 

 



School Days

 

It's Back-To-School-Time for us here in the Hearth Room. 

 

Books, maps, manuals full of discussion questions, experiments and writing assignments, schedules, and lots of toddler activities...  There is so much to keep us busy!  And so many WonDerFul things to read! 

 

 We've taken a few weeks to gently slide back into a routine.  I have to admit it seems quite a daunting task when it lies out there ahead of us.  I mean, after such a random summer, just the thought of actually moving this family through the days on some sort of loose schedule full of learning opportunities was downright frightening! 

 

But it's always the books that grab our interest.  Once we organize the bookshelves with some of the year's planned reading materials we start to change gears and look forward to getting into some of the fun stories and activities that follow. 

 

So now that we've gotten used to our School Pace and are starting to add in the extra curricular things...it all feels like it's coming together nicely.  And if Young Man reads while I get Sweet P down for a nap, I get to CROCHET!  Yes, right in the middle of my day!  I feel like I'm getting away with something luxurious, but it's really only 10 minutes...  Just let me finish this row...  Lol. 

 

My Ripple is almost done, but has taken a backseat to the Random Striped Blanket.  And I am now finishing a sweater for Sweet P, as well as starting a new baby blanket.  I have a lot of hooky catching up to do here, so I'll be back soon!

 

Are you hooking up something, too?

 

xoxo