Unschooling

I love structure, lists, and measurable results.  But a lot of learning also takes place when I let the kids do their own thing.  Hyrum drew helicopters and got excited about online subtraction speed drills this morning.  He raced the clock a lot longer than I would have scheduled him to practice.  He totally enjoyed it and improved by cutting his time in half.  Then he found a pretzel recipe in the Friend magazine.  Now he is reading and following the recipe.  We will see how it goes.  Maybe I should try this more often.  Of course, facilitating these activities takes a lot of work and patience too.  I'm grateful Heavenly Father lets me try new things and choose so much of what and how I learn.  I should extend that blessing to my children more often.

Kids Are Home

It's Fall Break! I'm so glad to have the hustle and bustle of the kids again. I'm glad we don't really have anything big planned or pressing this weekend. We are accomplish several small things, attending the temple, and going visiting teaching. The kids are playing with their friends, reading, exploring my new tablet, and relaxing. I love it! I'm so grateful for little breaks that rejuvenate us and help us enjoy our normal schedule as well. Heavenly Father knows all about this. I'm also grateful for the weekly break of the Sabbath.

Full-Time Job

Being a Mom is a full-time job. I love it! We have charts that help us get chores and goals accomplished. Keeping everyone on track and on task is a constant job. Once you get one child reading or working or practing you quickly move to the next child. With seven awesome kids you just go and go. I love it! It brings such a feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction. It also gives me a great time to be close to my kids and help them develop their talents and knowledge. I'm so grateful Heavenly Father sent me these beautiful children. I'm so grateful He has provided Jaremy with a good job that allows me to stay with the kids full-time. I love my job!! It's the funnest, most fulfilling in the world!!!