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Howdy Stranger

I didn't just have a baby, or go through a major illness, or go through a major life change.  I wish I could say I had a really good excuse for not posting in a coon's age, but alas, there is no good reason.  I did continue to add books to my finished reading list though...does that count for anything?

We recently got back from a glorious 2 week vacation to Oregon.  I just love the Pacific Northwest.  I really hope it is in God's plan for me to one day live there, because really?  I don't think I could ever get tired of views like this: Or of having sights like these on my morning walks: Isn't God's creation marvelous?  Normally all I see is suburban sprawl and green/brown shrub growth, so this trip was a real treat!

Less than a week after returning home, we started another school year.  I was excited, Ethan was excited, Aaron was not so much.  We are less than a week into the school year and there have already been tears, pouting, whining, complaining, and melting into blobby heaps on the floor at the mere mention of writing.  I was still thrilled about school in the 2nd grade, so I really don't understand all of this drama.  It could be a very long year if we don't find some way to motivate my oldest child. Also adding to the commotion is my youngest, who does NOT appreciate having mommy's attention pulled away from him and suddenly showered on his brothers for hours at a time.  He is more than a bit jealous of me normally, but this week his jealousy has been off the charts.  We have done some lessons over the loud screams coming from Andrew.  Usually he is screaming the word, "ME! ME! ME!" over and over again.  I don't know where he gets that from...

Regardless of these issues, we are getting into a routine and personally I am glad to be back to some normalicy in my days.  Hopefully I'll be able to share more about my vacation and the goings on around the house with kids, school, and home improvement, too!
Posted by Johanna at 8:20 PM Labels: Aaron, Andrew, blogging, Ethan, homeschool, Oregon, travel, vacation 

ROTFLOL!! Wow, I have one of those in my house too. Actually, maybe I have two of those. If you count me that's three. LOL.

Lovely photos. I'd like the views in Colorado a bit better I think. But maybe because of sentimental value and because the left coast scares me.

September 2, 2010 at 8:58 PM cuponklipper said...

I beg to differ. You had a very good reason! You wouldn't willingly choose to be postpartum or have a serious illness or major life change, now would you?

September 3, 2010 at 3:01 PM 
I love the Pac NW too :)

Ohh the joys of homeschooling! That oldest child of mine is still my high needs kid as well.

Good luck :-D

Gorgeous pics, too :)

September 3, 2010 at 6:06 PM 
Good to see you back on the blog! Your kids sound like mine! Drama over school work, jealous one year old. Yes, we can relate. I don't know how you feel about a rewards system, but Noah totally thrives on earning some kind of reward. At school he earns "merits." He works hard for them and asks his teacher for extra work so he can earn more. If I decide to home school at some point, I think I will have to bring this system home. I know it probably doesn't fit with the philosophy of learning being its own reward, which I would prefer to adhere to.
During his school break this week, he's earning tokens for the arcade. He's motivated!

September 5, 2010 at 10:39 PM