What we've been working on...

It's been a whole month since I posted anything...not that I haven't had anything to say, we've just been busy working on so many things. In addition to "must do-s" such as reading, math, writing, and family work, we have been rehearsing sometimes hours a day for all of the performances this Christmas. The whole family has followed Brandon and tried to join in on his choir and violin music. It is amazing to see his musical talents develop. He loves everything music and we had to laugh when he presented his top three things he wants for Christmas--a trumpet, an acoustic guitar, and bagpipes! Even the little ones have joined his bell choir (Grandma and Grandpa, prepare yourselves...) Brandon also earned his Arrow of Light and is now a Tenderfoot Boy Scout. He's hoping to earn his swimming merit badge right off since he's been so diligently working on swimming this year. He says the only reason Katelyn still beats him is because he doesn't wear a speedo like Michael Phelps.

When Katelyn decides to take her nose out of her books, she tells me she wants to work on projects. We had a great time making Christmas gifts for Deseret Industries with the Relief Society and Activity Day Girls. She has made her own first aid kit and helped a neighbor with a quilt project. She loves to read to the little ones and help with Zach (who she calls "Bubba"). I think she wants to be a reporter someday because she loves to write in her notebooks, notices everything, remembers all kinds of details, and has even taken up a love of photography. She photographs her dolls and any other willing family members (they don't seem to hold still as well though.) We have plans for some homemade gifts for Christmas (we hope). She's very excited.

Amanda and Josh have been so busy creatively playing together. They love playing "Mom and Dad" and "puppies". It is a real sign of what kind of a parent you are when they imitate you. I had to laugh when I saw Amanda "nursing" her baby and heard Josh yelling "Go Cougars!" before he left on a business trip. They are busily learning their letters and numbers and often "read" books--even chapter books without pictures. They love to carry their scriptures to church and always remind us when it is time for scripture study. They insist on taking part. Their favorite thing in the world is having one-on-one time with Mom or Dad. Josh will say, "I need an interview!!" Amanda continues her mothering of Zach. She loves him and really everyone so deeply that some are amazed at what a loving child she is. She has brightened the day of many of the "grandparents" in our ward.

Zach has been possibly the busiest little person of all. He is working so very hard at learning how to walk. It takes all of his time and effort. He is into everything, cruising around every inch of the house. He already knows how to open all of the child-locked cupboards and has practiced some maneuvers to get into the pantry and the bathroom whenever the door is opened. He can go up and down stairs and is very fast now. He turned one this month! It is bittersweet to watch him grow into a little toddler. Where did my newborn go? He is so wanting to grow up and keep up with the older kids. He will do just about anything to go outside. He loved the day when Brandon pushed him up and down the sidewalk in a dump truck (he couldn't manage to get the tricycle going). Zach is everyone's baby. We all love to take care of him.

Mom and Dad--our work seems to never end. Most of it we really love. I was talking to a friend who said that she hated Sunday nights because it meant that her work week would begin on Monday morning. I have honestly never had that thought since beginning to homeschool. I guess it's because I never really "check in and out". I love what I do and I have noticed that my capacity increases when I take care of myself and fervently pray for help in all of my daily efforts. Today has been an especially hard day (which included throw up, an orthodontist appointment, a fussy teething baby, a performance, and Dad being away--again), but I am still smiling. (Thanks for your kindness, Mom, to help me.) Brian and I feel that amazing things happen when we are all in it together. The Lord seems to make up the difference. Truly, all things are possible through Him.