Being a Home School Teacher

I have always wanted to go into teaching. I have thought that after the kids got older, I would go back to school and do teaching. I didn't plan to start my teaching career so soon! I have started home schooling Janna, my third grader, and what an experience it has been! I have felt so many different emotions the past month. Feelings of inadequacy, doubt, panic that I will ruin my child, fear that the people around me will think I am a nut, etc., etc. There have been times when I am ready to drive Janna back to school and sign her up because I don't think I can do it, but each of those times, the Spirit has gently guided me to feel that what I am doing is the right thing. I recently read Elder Neal Andersen's talk from conference last October titled, "You Know Enough." I've decided I DO know enough. I know enough about what I want my children to learn and become. I feel like I am taking on a different calling in life--does that sound too weird? But, I really don't know how else to describe it. I feel like this decision--which has been months (if not years) in the planning, is changing who I am and making me a better person. I have always said I need a break from my kids during the day, I could never home school. (And the first week was a little trying, I admit). But I have found that I love it! I am loving Janna more! Maybe Leah and Ethan sense that, because they are both begging to be at home, too. My plan is to home school them all in the fall. I still shake my head at what I am doing sometimes--I mean, I am expecting child #6 and I'm not one of those super-moms! But as I have started this journey, I have done a lot of reading about teachers and what kind of teachers we should allow teach us and our children. I've decided that mom's do make great teachers, and where I lack, the Spirit will help fill in. Today, among the math and writing, we read the "Pied Piper" and had a good discussion about honesty. We read from Genesis for science about how God created the Earth, and compared that with evolutionists and what they believe. I just love being able to choose what my kids learn! I won't say it's all easy and fun, but today was a good day!

Life as a Single Mom

Steve has been gone on his big rafting trip through the Grand Canyon for 7 days now. The day after he left, I discovered a saturated ceiling panel in the basement bathroom, the result of a leaky toilet upstairs. Luckily, the guys at Pump Service (Steve's business) came to the rescue (including one of Steve's brothers). It was a relative stress-free crisis! Other than that, life has been about the same. When you have a lot of kids, life just seems to keep going as usual. The one nice thing (as I'm sure you women will all agree) is that meal prep is much easier. The kids are content with pigs-in-a-blanket or something else just as easy. But I'm looking forward to him coming home!

Another Curve Ball

Well, I'm having another boy. This news was almost as strange as finding out I was pregnant in the first place. We were so sure it was a girl--I had even had dreams! I'm still trying to adjust to the news and picture life preparing another missionary! I feel such pressure! I was really hoping for a nice, mellow girl. So far, my boys have been far moodier than my girls. Anyway, I'm not wanting this little one to feel unwanted, so I will be happy and look forward to meeting the little gentlman that chose to be a part of this family. Name ideas, anyone?

Harry Potter

Well, today I finished the 7th Harry Potter book (much to Steve's relief--these were worse than Twilight!). Wow! What a neat story! It amazes me that someone can be so creative to come up with such a complicated tale, enough to fill 7 huge books worth. I laughed, cried, was scared, angry, sad--all the emotions. But now, I really do have to move on with my life and do something!! Taxes need organized, my poor bathrooms have suffered, etc., etc.

Sunday with the Kids

It is a rare Sunday that I actually have time to take a picture before we rush out the door, but this week, we actually got one. Leah is 11, Janna is 9 today, Ethan is 6, Erik is 3, and Garrett is 2.

The Year Summed Up

As the year comes to a close, I realize what a blessed year we have enjoyed. Steve finished up (and is still finishing) our addition, which has been so wonderful for our family. I was able to attend BYU Women's Conference with my old roomies from Ricks (we're all still quite young!). What a fun time that was! The summer was full of gardening, swimming lessons, yard work, motorcycle rides, the Burley fair, and good intentions of keeping up on reading and math during the vacation. It was also spent anticipating the fourth novel in the Twilight series. The highlight of the summer was the open house of the Twin Falls Temple and being able to be a part of that. It is such a blessing to only have to drive 40 minutes to attend the temple now! We are grateful for this opportunity and hope to prove our worthiness of this blessing.
This school year found me home alone with my two little boys, which has been so fun! They are such cute little friends and love to play with one another. November found me with a new calling as the Activity Day leader for the Primary girls aged 8 to 11. I was released from my calling in the Stake Relief Society after over four years. It was a bittersweet time. I so enjoyed serving with the sisters in that presidency!
Steve and I were able to spend a week on the Big Island of Hawaii. That was enjoyable, except the signs of morning sickness were already manifesting themselves as I basked in paradise.
Overall, this has been such a good year and I know Heavenly Father is mindful of us and knows what we need. Obviously, He feels I need another child, and I'm trying to put my faith in him! I'm excited for the new year ahead and the joys and challenges it will bring!
Merry Christmas everyone! I love you all!! Thanks for your love and support!

Expecting Another

Just want everyone to know Steve and I are expecting another baby. This has come as a great surprise to us, as we were pretty sure our family was complete as is. I guess there's another one. Anyway, I am due July 22 and am feeling the effects of pregnancy already. You know, the nausea, extreme tiredness, moodiness, etc. I'm feeling post-partum depression and I haven't even delivered. I want to have a good attitude, but sitting alone with five kids at church and the thought of adding another baby is overwhelming right now. I pray I will have the faith to make it through!