Well it seems like it's been forever since I updated the blog here.  Life, as life does, took a turn for the hyper-busy, and updating here took a backseat.

Everyone seems to be settling in to being back at the books, and I'm beginning to easily see where each of them are doing their best, and doing their worst, in each subject.

Jordan (8) really struggles with mathematical concepts, so I've taken to setting her up at the Listening Station, once a day.  Simple concept really, pop the headphones on and listen to side A and side B of the addition math facts sing along tape.  They're such catchy little songs, even Kev and I have been singing along with them.  We've just started this, this past week, so I don't have any kind of a feel on whether or not it's working for her.  I can only hope it does.

When I was a junior in highschool, for part of my course requirement, I tutored kids at the elementary school across the street for one hour a day.  One of the things I helped the kids with, was math flashcards each day, and setting them up at the Listening Station.  While the math facts tape played, they could color or draw.  It made a big difference with those kids, (it was a mixed class of first and second graders) so I'm really hoping it will help with Jordan.

Spelling is another area both Jordan and Rachel struggle with.  I've taken to adding our spelling words as flashcards also, before each daily spelling lesson.  Spell the word outloud, then say the word.  We've only done that for a week now, so we'll see how that works out.

In phonics and reading, they're both doing great - no issues there at all!  And Samuel... well my word, he doesn't struggle with anything, and just last Friday he got 20/20 on his spelling test!  Go Sam!!

Jessica is doing well so far - still struggling horrible with English, and still loving History and Science.

The real struggle is having Ruth in the schoolroom while we do our lessons.  Oh boy howdy, she is a handful and a half.  She has the attention span of a shoelace, and when Ruth doesn't get her way, people in Zimbabwe hear about it, she fusses so loud.

So, it's going to be a challenging year, and by His grace, a wonderful year.

I've been busy myself - doing a lot of writing, and working on new graphics for my store.

I finally got my faerie garden book published, and I'm currently editing the manuscript for a second book - unrelated to faeries. :-)  This book is a collection of stories, studies, devotionals and inspirations, written by Kev and myself, over the last few years.  I hope to have this book ready for the publishers in the couple of weeks.

As you can see by the new header pic, it's FALL!  I love this time of year, and wish it would stay longer. I took that pic yesterday afternoon from the deck. 

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving here in Canada, but our family meal is today - with our own family and 5 extra guests coming.  We're staying home from church today (like many others) to prepare the meal and welcome guests - to give thanks to our Heavenly Father for such wonderful blessings.

SOLI DEO GLORIA!

Carla