I am screaming inside with excitement as I write this post. I have not blogged since the summer and now I am here blogging! I am so excited to be back! So why have I not blogged? In one word — LIFE! A mom to 6 kids ages 4 to 15, homeschooling, tutoring our homeschool group, and being a homemaker takes lots and lots of time! This year I decided that I must take care of myself as well as everything else. This year I am making big changes so that I can do the things I enjoy too because I feel that in the long run when I do that it is good for everyone!
In a nutshell, there have been BIG changes in our home other than trying to stay away from crowds and quarantining.
So what are those changes? First, my oldest is in high school this year, yep – HIGH SCHOOL! OK, now I want to cry! When I started blogging he was only 4 years old! Our homeschooling has completely changed this year as well. We are still part of Classical Conversations but our community is meeting in 2 homes and 1 class is virtual. I was asked to tutor this year and I am so glad I did because I love it so much! I am tutoring virtually and 4 of my kids are in my class which makes it nice. My two oldest boys are doing Challenge B and Challenge 1 virtually as well. Being online has been quite an adjustment but we feel this is what is best for our family at this time. We are hoping we will be meeting with our CC community for the next school in person.
Since we decided to not use our Legoland annual passes and let them expire we are taking advantage of more camping trips. We camped 2X towards the end of the year and this year we have a few more camping trips scheduled. We love camping. It gives us a chance to get away while “quarantining” and enjoying the great outdoors.
Our family has also grown! In March my oldest son and I adopted 3 adorable guinea pigs (Sharona, Oreo, and Coffee). He wanted 2 guinea pigs so we went to our local rescue but when we got there I fell in love with (Coffee) and now we have 3! Our biggest decision came in December when we decided to adopt a dog. Prior to adopting my daughter and I did quite a bit of research as to what dog we wanted to adopt. We had specifics (female, low shed, small) so we kept searching our local rescue’s and on December 21st we rescued our sweet 5-month Dachshund mix – Scout. She has brought so much joy to our family but I honestly feel like I have 7 kids now! She is the perfect fit for our family and a mama’s girl!
Being home more has allowed my kids more time to learn new skills. My oldest daughter is learning how to do different hairstyles, she even cut her hair short with no help from anyone! She is continuing with baking from scratch. When she does not know how to do something she teaches herself. Makes this mama proud!
I could go on and on but I have to say that since our family has been staying home more it has brought our family closer together. In the past, our schedules have been full of stuff. Homeschool functions, sports, church activities, etc. Before it seemed like we always had something scheduled and it would be days before we all sat around together at the same time for dinner. It is refreshing to have us together more and it has brought less stress in our home not having to be running here and there. Before I know it they will be grown up and out of the house so I am soaking it all in!
I am so glad to be back. My plan is to blog a few times a week. I would love to blog more but there is not enough time in a day but I am here! What about you? What new things are happening in your home?
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Oh wow! So much has been happening in your life. I love the addition of the new animals. Fuzzy creatures make everything better.
The shift hasn’t been easy for so many families. Interesting to see how everyone is adapting.
Congrats on that adorable new addition! We added 4 paws to our family too. Sounds like you’ve been very busy but it sounds worth it!
Wow! 3 guinea pigs! My son will love 1! hahaha Glad you are back, happy and well! We all have our moments in the past year.
Great to hear you’re back! It’s really nice to know why you had stop for a while.
Welcome back to the blogosphere. It was nice getting a look at what was going on with your while you were away.
Welcome back! We have 2 guinea pigs: they’re pretty awesome. And my daughter will be starting high school this fall, eek!
Welcome back it seems like you have been so busy and who could not love Scout. So nice to get a pet from a rescue. Look forward to hearing more about your family.
It sounds like you are so excited to be back and I’m glad you are taking time to enjoy things for yourself. Good to see you again.
Thank you Tammy! 💗
Welcome back…
Welcome back! And congrats! I can’t wait to read more of your stuff!
Thank you! 😊
Glad to hear that you are back. Sometimes it’s great to take a break and come back when you’re ready!
Welcome back! Glad you enjoyed your family or me time.
Welcome back! It’s definitely awesome to have a break and just enjoy your time with your family.
Sounds like you have been quite busy! That is a lot of things going on and keeping your hands full. Kids do grow up so fast, mine starts HS in the fall.
Welcome back! Looks like you have been very very busy. Scout is super cute and will be a wonderful addition to your family.
You’ve been so busy! Good for you! Enjoy the pets!
Total WOW! We love camping, too! I am so glad that you had a wonderful moment with your family. I can’t wait to see more of your adventures.
Congratulations on your new family members! Scout is adorable, I bet she loves playing with the kids too.
Awwww, welcome back to blogging, I can only imagine how tough it must have been homeschooling everyone.