Thank You!

In all my adventures and bloggings, I don't think I ever take time to thank those of you that read. For one reason or another, God has brought us into each other's lives and well here we are. It is nice to know you genuinely care about our family, our struggles, our successes, our silly times and our sad times. We feel so blessed to have each of you in our life. Thank you for your support and love! You are each special to us in your own way and we are so blessed by each individual relationship.

UGH!

So, this week the home-schooling endeavor is not fairing so well! I am really struggling again! I can't help but think that if this is what's best for my children, my family, why do I feel this way? I feel like with each passing day I am slipping farther away from who I really am as an individual and turning into a cranky, depressed woman. I keep thinking if this is what is truly best for our ENTIRE family why do I feel so lousy? Then I feel selfish because I have these feelings. I am a whirlwind of emotions and thoughts right now. I just don't know anymore. I pray almost constantly every day. I read "home-school" help books, I seek advice from those who have been doing it longer. I seek encouragement from my Sisters-in-Christ, mentors and friends. It all keeps coming back to me, I am the only one who can make this decision. I want to do what is best for my children, for my family, but at this time I don't know what that is. It is times like this I wish I had a guide book or road map for my life, that sure would make things easier! While the Bible helps, it doesn't quite say, "September 2009 Mary Beth will begin home-schooling, struggle and quit by October 2009" or "September 2009, Mary Beth will begin home-schooling, she will struggle, but will grow to love it and carry out until all 3 children have graduated." ...I'm just saying that would help me a bit today!

Ethan lost his first tooth!

Ethan had a tooth get knocked loose last year just before Christmas. It took hold and got sturdy again for a bit, but has now been loose for months! Today, Kalib and him were wrestling and it got knocked even more loose, so Travis pulled it out. He was a little traumatized! But got pretty happy once the ordeal was over!

Building Fun

Dad helping Kalib...just a little.

The girl team!

All done!

Over the weekend we went to Lowe's for a Build and Grow Clinic. They give your kids all the supplies to build a project, an apron, and safety goggles. It is a different project every time. We had such a fun time hammering away! And the best part is, it was FREE! They do these all over and at Home Depot too...I highly encourage you to check out your local area!

Texoma Fair

Last night we went to the local fair. It wasn't the best fair, not many exhibits. But, it was a fun night. We visited the petting zoo, the kids rode a ride and we got a funnel cake! And what's better? Military had free admission last night! It was a fun evening of fair type stuff!


The kids riding a ride!

Just me taking in the Carnival fun.


Travis enjoying the fair...



Travis and the kids outside the front gate.



The kids and I outside the front gate.

Petting Zoo Fun!

Fall...

I feel it all around me! I am debating on digging our fall decorations out of the garage and putting them up...I know Fall doesn't start 'till the 21st! I will with hold!

Home school is going a bit better this week. We painted some cute sculptures from Wal-Mart today, the kids REALLY liked that! And this week, I even caught myself talking about home school in future terms...I'm still not so sure it's for me. The kids are enjoying being home with me. Ethan said the only reason he wants to go to public school is because they have flashy lights in one of the classrooms...So, no matter how horrible I think I am doing, I am getting better! That is encouraging. I haven't cried in 2 or 3 days, and I am really starting to think that this is my new sacrifice to my family. No matter how hard I find it to be, I feel it is something God wants for us...for one reason or another. So, no matter how hard it is, until Travis and I get the word from God, I think we're in this for a long haul...YIKES! That scares me!

We're still full swing in football. Kalib is really enjoying it. And it gives us time as a family to sit and spend the afternoon together!

I think that's it...Be Blessed!

Posting to post?

So, I like to try to post once a week to give you all an update on us. We'll see if I can keep it up! Travis got a new truck this week...It's very shiny!

I have been homeschooling the kids for almost 2 full weeks now. While it is getting better, I cry almost everyday. It is SO HARD!!!! Travis keeps reminding me of the reasons we started this adventure. And, they so outweigh why I want to quit...but, let me tell you, it'd be easy to drive to the school about 1/2 a mile from here and just enroll them! I am giving it my all for a full month and we'll see how we're doing. I'm trying to look at it as weight loss..small goals! First a week, then a month, then a quarter, semester, and then a full year. We'll see if that works out. I have hope. Yesterday was one of the first days I managed pretty well on my own, without crying. I guess I can't say alone. God was with me every step of the way and without him I COULD NOT do this!!! Oh, and how could I forget, I did have an amazing friend call and encourage me, and I took an afternoon break to make some cards...I think that helped! Continued prayers for this life transition are always appreciated!