Helpers

Doesn't Brian have tons of help in this picture?? We've had a couple mice finding their way inside so Brian had to take the day off (had to!!) to solve this problem. I can't live with mice--gives me anxiety. You can see the porch is all messed up because he's working on filling any spaces out there. I'm sure the problem will be solved after today.

Samuel is indeed wearing his shirt backwards in this photo. He said he was backwards boy and left the house with Brian like this to run errands. :)

Faces

Nathan has been trying out some new faces. He had the frown. He then started adding a little eye roll with the frown. Now, he wrinkles up his nose at his us. He thinks he's hilarious and that makes it even cuter. You can really see those fangs when he does this--he has 4 teeth now. He was over 24 lbs at his 9 month check so still way bigger than the other kids were. He is now trying to stand in the middle of the floor but can't quite figure that out yet.

A Reflection

I really meant to use this blog as a place to "reflect" and not just update the family on pictures but life is busy!! I talk and email and journal so much that I can't think of what else I might possibly have to share here. :) But I do want to blog about what Brian and I are in the midst of deciding...should we homeschool? Honestly, it's not so much a matter of "should" as waiting to see if all the pieces fall into place. It's only October so we have plenty of time to change our minds.

Homeschool is something I've been interested in for awhile. Maybe because I have so many friends that do it. But I'm always reading blogs and had long ago read Lisa Whelchel's book about homeschooling. Brian was not really for it until recently. He then wondered why we were prolonging the inevitable. Right now, the twins go to a private school but that's just not going to be possible as our other kids get to school age. And we also cringe paying all that $ when we know it could be used in so many other places...like our 90 year old house?!

Our public school is just not an option for me. I know Brian would probably be okay with it because he still sees it as the school he went to but I try to remind him that he's middle-aged now and things have changed. And, really, it just seems like there are actually options now. I want my kids to have a Christian education, not one dictated by the world's standards. I also want to be able to help my children in their areas of weakness without sending them to school all day and then working all night on those areas.

I also just like having my kids home. I know that's shocking. I was explaining to my friend, Karen, that I really don't like sending them off to school. She understood but I know it seems strange to others. The thought of strengthening family relationships is a huge bonus. Not that I want to be idealistic about this...I know I already have days that I want to pull my hair out and those won't disappear. But, they are my kids and they've all been little miracles in their story and I can't fathom why I wouldn't want to educate them at home.

I checked 9 books out from the library on homeschooling. I have been reading more and more blogs about homeschooling. I have emailed and gotten together with friends to talk about homeschooling. Jeanie, Natasha, Nichole, Gwen and Kim H have all stepped up and offered their wisdom. I'm far from alone, which feels good. I already know that "socialization" will be the big topic with everyone. I am already annoyed by the word from reading books. It is a serious undertaking and so we are definitely praying about it and learning all that we can. I am trying to hold it loosely so that if we decide to go back to private school next year, that will be okay with me.

Most important for us is that we seek what God would want us to do and then that we are unified in that decision. I got great advice from 1 friend that told me people are opinionated but this is mine and Brian's family and we have to do what we think is best. So, we'll see. It's only October...

Garbage Bag/Duct Tape Day

The twins' school had a goal day for a fundraiser and they were able to go to school wearing garbage bags/duct tape creations. They seemed excited about it and Brian helped them create their dress/shirt.

Lily with her flowery dress.

Hunter with his rocket ship shirt.

*And an extra picture: Hunter lays on the floor to watch TV and Nathan comes right over to crawl over him again and again. I think they both enjoy it. Although, Nathan did bite Hunter once.

Hunter and Lily were sitting on the porch, looking for Grandma Barb and Papa Lee Friday morning. They had Grandparents Day at school so Brian's parents were picking them up. They were so excited at the thought of being in charge of showing their Grandparents around!! :)

I finally got a picture of Nathan standing!! He has to support himself, of course, but he's been doing it a lot more. We had just moved the crib down but we moved it down again. He's just growing so fast! Yes, he has paper in his mouth. I didn't realize that until he turned around but I wanted to quickly get the picture before pulling it out. That's our Nathan--always eating paper!!!

9 Months Old

This baby is such a joy! My sister says that he's what a 4th child should be--content, laid back and happy, happy, happy. He really is pretty independent when he's on the floor. I just have to make sure he doesn't eat garbage/small toys! That's not as easy as it sounds in this house. :)

Nathan loves turning lights on/off, loves to eat baby puffs and yogurt melts, loves his siblings (even though he is getting to an age where he's scared of noises and they can be loud!!). He seems to have an affection for a mom at school--she stands with me while we wait for our 1st graders and he always smiles and leans toward her until she holds him. But, really, he's the 1st child I've had that is friendly to strangers. A little bit of my Grandma Verda in him, I think. :)

Nathan is getting more ornery. He looks at me before he makes a beeline to the open bathroom door (why won't anyone shut the door??) or before shoving paper in his mouth. He seems to know that those things are forbidden. He also loves to shake his head "no".

He's just a great addition to our family and we all love him so much!!

Yes, I let Samuel eat Doritos in his pajamas. He's on the couch because Nathan was bothering him. I snapped this picture because I was hoping Nathan would stand up. He pulled himself up to stand yesterday and I wanted to get a picture but my scream of delight must have scared him because he fell. :)

Brian needed to lower the crib and I was helping the twins with homework so he took Nathan upstairs with him. When I came up to check on him, this is where he was! Ha! Brian thought it was a good solution because the boys share a room and it's a disaster--complete w/little pieces that are too dangerous for a baby!