Back in the saddle...

I had given up on blogging. Mainly because I ran out of space and time. Also, my routine was cut short by our move and maybe it has taken me 18 months to find a little bit of normalcy in our lives again! But, just this week I opened up my blog. I went back to the very beginning and was able to read stories and see pictures of my little ones. My little 4 year old baby girl who has now grown up into a 9 year old young lady! It was so fun to remember that time in my life and I realized I'm not quite ready to stop. The kids even enjoyed hearing their own stories read aloud. So, maybe I'll keep going. It will be sporadic most likely. Our life is full and even at this moment I am taking time away from what I should be doing in order to take time for this. But, that's okay. Life in Louisiana has been different for us. It has been a huge transition and one that isn't over yet. Just when I think things may feel normal again, one of the kids will start talking of how they miss home. And the things that were normal to them. Generally, that can be dismissed by a little chat and a lot of lovin'. We are determined to make many memories here - taking every opportunity to drive to my Grandmother's house or experience South LA activities. (which is it's own unique culture, by the way) We are Homeschooling again also. After trying out the local Public School for 5 months last year, we were forced to realize that it just wasn't going to work for our kids. It wasn't a good option and we couldn't put our faith and trust in the school to provide what they needed. Simply put, there was little JOY in this school and we were watching the joy being sucked from our daughter's life. So, here we are schooling two of our kids now -- 4th grade and Kindergarten. God has given us moments to hold onto. Where I am reminded that they are young and being together is good. Life will not always be this way - but it is right now. So, we are happy with how things are going. We've also connected to a Homeschool Group that helps us a ton. We will be going on several field trips throughout the year and have already been on two. (One to a FireStation and another to a local theater for a children's play!) We are slowly finding out things that are happening around us and are able to get involved and be a part of them. Our baby boy is 10 months old and nearly running around the house. He has a new bruise each day and is just as tough as his big brother. I didn't think it could be possible to have two boys that had so much energy! But, it is! Mackenzie and Nate are playing soccer and really enjoy it. They love all team sports tho! It is SO FUN to watch 5 year olds play any sport. Yesterday, Nate was goalie and the other team scored a goal. Ryan hollered out, "Nate! Keep your eye on the ball!" Nate yelled back, "I am Dad! I just watched it go right in the goal!" He also stopped at mid-field to yell at me, "MOM!! Check out that awesome rainbow! It's BEAUTIFUL!" Until next time...