The Start of Something New

As the new school year approaches, I have decided to home school the kids.  I've been reading, reading, reading all summer long to decide what style or approach to teaching I want to take.  I just finished one of the best books about education, A Thomas Jefferson Education by Oliver Van DeMille.  It has inspired me to continue my education and learning, to increase my understanding of this great nation of The United States of America, and to become the best citizen, mother and wife I can be.  While these are lofty ambitions,  I know they are attainable.  
I also read a book about chores.  This area in our home has been difficult for me to give responsibilities to the children.  I know M and B are capable of doing chores around the house, but I keep control for fear they won't "do it right."  They never will do it correctly if I don't give them an opportunity for learning and growth.   The book suggested using "chore packs."  We had a Family Home Evening lesson on their assigned chores, and today was our first day using them.  I met with some resistance, but overall they want to help me with their assignments.  

We're Back From Vacation

We went to Texas to visit my family for two weeks.  The kids had a blast getting to know their cousins and other family.  It was nice to go home because I haven't been home for 4 years.  While I was  there,  I went by the house that my parents first bought.  It didn't seem as small back then as it does now.  I'm not sure how all of us fit in there.  It was for sale, so I got to peek in the windows and look at the back yard. Oh, how I love to go down memory lane.  
My oldest brother wasn't supposed to be at the reunion because he was getting deployed.  His wife and baby were still going to come.  When they showed up at the house, Parley was with them.  It was a wonderful surprise.  All of the family was there.   This hasn't happened in quite some time because of brothers serving missions, and family in the military.   
J, M, B, Lil M, and I went to Sea World while we were in TX.  The boys loved watching Shamu and the dolphins.   Lil M wasn't too happy about getting splashed by Shamu, but when the shock wore off, she loved licking the salt water off her arms.  M rode his first roller coaster, "Journey to Atlantis."  J asked him if he liked it, and he shook his head and said, "No way!"  It was funny to see his face as we went down the big drop.
I'm glad to be home, but it was a great vacation.