S washing dishes |
My, how I've neglected this space! Time just seems to fly by and priorities shuffle around accordingly. Which is to say that I haven't been here because I haven't had the time, nor found it incombent to make the time. :)
S with the sandpaper letters |
There has been just too much going on. I am simultaneously reading three or four different books. Simplicity Parenting, Siblings Without Rivalry, and Square Foot Gardening. I have three crocheting projects that are just missing ears, and I have a cape pinned up and ready to sew. Schooling has been the main reason though why I haven't been here. The kids have quite a bit of homework on a given day, and when they don't (or when they're done) I don't want to waste the precious time I have with them.
The two older ones and I went skating this past Monday outside at Celebration Square. Oh how fun it was! I have forgotten the joys of skating. And those two were just priceless. My phone is full of photos from our morning skate. In the end, I had to drag M off home. He just didn't want to leave. And boy, you could tell how much he loved it! Trying to speed skate around the rink and falling every so often when he lost balance. I can't say how often I laughed gleefully for the pure joy of watching those two learn such a fun sport! We are planning a repeat for today while the cold weather lasts.
Last weekend we managed to get to our favourite retreat - Dormition monastery. Such good timing. And how we've missed it. Whenever we get back, we notice how we feel more uplifted and how the kids have sort of re-calibrated, if you will. It's beautiful.
S and J scrubbing potatoes |
S colour matching while J sorts beans |
These days, it's S keeping me busy during school hours. She is motoring along with her "work" and I am following her lead as best I can. I wish I knew what I know now earlier so the other two could have enjoyed similar activities and attention from mama. I am doing my best to make up for it though. J loves working in the kitchen, and it's not hard to get M in there either. All is not lost. The other day, we took a much-needed break at home to recuperate and recharge together. While not perfect by any stretch, I found the day to be very profitable on so many levels. And that just makes my heart sing. :)
Little J turned 5 early this month. She loved all her gifts, and they were all very hands-on, which is where this little one is right now. She loves to make things and play dress up. She has gotten a lot of use from her new "bead box" and has been very generous sharing with M and S. There has been a lot of bracelet and necklace making going on.
And baby M was baptized on the 31st of Jan. (Two more reasons I haven't been around, incidentally!) Speaking of baby, she is a doll. Laughing away whenever someone takes the time to notice and talk to her. She talks right back to us too! This is actually a sore point, because I so often have little time to give her, and I feel so guilty! It's no wonder I try to make up for it while I'm waiting in line at the store! Those old ladies must think I'm a new mama the way I go on with her. :) C'est la vie, je crois.
J sorting the items in our nature box |
Right now, we are turning our attention to plants. Tomatoes in particular. And cucumbers. Some seeds need to be started soon and I am unprepared on so many levels. But, here we go again. Diving into another growing season with our sleeves pulled up and ready to get dirty.
M and J completing their Montessori sun together while S looks on |
M experimenting with mixing colours |
Another item on my list is organizing this space. I think I mentioned I was trying to organize the kitchen. Well, that has spilled over into the entire house. It's a big job. Bear with me. It won't be done this month. Probably not this spring. I just have to be realistic with four kids and a full, full, full life with them. (In trying to find an adjective to describe our lives, I really think "full" is the most successful...)
The cape I must needs finish and my little sewer stitching her little fox purse |
Anyhow, excuse me as I have a cape to sew and a poster of the life cycle of a frog to start. And if I was being honest, I'd have to say that I'll probably have to wait on the poster for next week. Kids do need to eat, I'm told. So dinner trumps poster. But not cape. Funny how that works, eh?
Wishing you a wonderful and preferably peaceful weekend.
Well, life sounds busy, but full, all in a good way. And it sounds like you are enjoying it all. Soak it up mama. Hope you guys have a beautiful weekend.
ReplyDeleteYou know those times when you need to step back from the computer and connect personally. This was probably more like that. Plus a 3 month old. :) xo
DeleteEvery word fills the air with joy. What a wonderfully busy and exciting time for you guys. Your children are so beautiful. Don't worry about keeping us entertained okay? We will be here when you come for a visit.
ReplyDeleteThank you, dear Yanic. I will remind myself of your words when I feel badly for not spending time here. :)
DeleteThank you, and thanks for visiting! :)
ReplyDelete