Back in the swing of things...

Well we are back into the swing of things with homeschool, church, and household duties.  One major change in our home is that Russell has a new job.  He is now the principal at Whitney Intermediate School.  He has been wanting to be in charge of his own school for quite some time and he is blessed with this opportunity at this time.  Praying that God's plan will be revealed and He will work through Russell in this new school.  The kids and I are excited because it might mean he is home more in the evenings.  There will be many less extracurricular activities in the evenings.  So more time at home.  Russell will also be ordained at our church soon as a deacon.  We are so proud of him.  He is busy but we know he is doing things he is called to by our Lord.  He has special talents that are being used to glorify Him. 
I am praying this week's cold spell brings about the end of these allergies, especially cedar.  UGH!  About to get me! We are being extra cautious at home and as we have to go out in the community to wash hands and stay away from those that are obviously sick.  So many are sick right now but praying that we are spared from it.  Peyton has been so blessed this year.  Since we started homeschooling he has had no problems with his asthma and very little trouble with his allergies. 
Our homeschooling is going well.  This first year has served as a great learning experience for us all.  I have learned so much about my kids.  I have been able to provide discipline in areas as they arise immediately and help build their character, as well as shape their attitudes.  Math has been a struggle for us all.  I am not a great math teacher so I feel for the kids.  Peyton throws fits (which we have worked through consistently with discipline) because math seems "long" (longer than it was in 1st grade naturally) and he doesn't want to do it.  Jaedyn is so good in math because she has had some good math teachers (she still talks about Mrs. Fallwell and how great a teacher she was:).  However as with any year, things get harder and more in depth and the work is more involved.  We are struggling with GCF, LCM, cancellation, etc.  She knows them well but struggles as we go onto something else and come back to review it.  So glad we can stop and go back and review for an extra week if she needs it that have to move on because of others. Peyton has started working on regrouping.  He does so well. Catches on the first time usually.  But complains just because he doesn't want to do anything. :) typical boy! But overall I am pleased that they are learning at their pace, being challenged, being disciplined, learning true history, learning through their environment and interests, solving real world problems, and learning to manage their own time and resources. 
Just a few years ago this would not have even been in the realm of possibility for me or my family.  Funny how God can change your mindset and how things appear to you to work according to His plan.  He has done so many things through Russell and I to change our family and our focus.  I am so blessed through all of these things, yet I know that this is only the beginning.  I pray for His mercy and grace on days where I fall so short and I pray for His forgiveness when I do things that break his heart because of my sin.  I want to teach my kids how to live for Him, seek Him in all situations, and to be His light in all times. 
Sorry so long today.   Just sitting here helping the kids as they work and reflecting on the last couple of weeks and how blessed I am to have this life. 

Other things we are working on this week:
*Finishing my in-home photography studio - few last minute things to get done before Valentine Mini Sessions
*Completing our Hill County Fair projects.  Of course Peyton is making things out of wood.  Jaedyn is baking something, making a wreath, and working on another collage.
*Next Friday, January 31st, we are headed to the Perot Museum for a Whitney Homeschool Field Trip
*We had our first playdate since Christmas this past Monday.  Was such a nice day and a good turnout. 
*Mom is coming this weekend.  The kids are so excited to visit and have her help them with their fair projects. 

Have a blessed rest of the week and weekend!