I am working on wrapping up a wedding photographed a couple weeks back. I am still playing catch up to last weeks Senior and Junior Rep sessions, as well. Hoping to have it all done by this weekend before my new sessions. I really hate being behind like this.

 Another issue I am battling is working on the book. I am looking forward to having most of this Winter off. Creating dialogue is so much tougher than I thought it would be. Also, keeping things as real as possible. I may love all things paranormal, but I like to represent the story to be almost believable. If that even makes sense? So, I am aiming at hopefully, having everything completed by next Summer. The fact that those who have read it's rough draft are actually interested and waiting for more, is just surreal to me. Even when I read through it, I have to ask myself, "Did I REALLY write this?." It's a good feeling. I'm sure when people begin pulling it apart, it won't be such an awesome feeling.

 I leave you with a picture of the wedding. Happy Wednesday, all!

I am really terrible.

I have come to find, that I am REALLY, really terrible at blogging. However, I have a new idea for November. To photograph each day, one thing I am grateful for. A photography journal. If I think about attempting a 365 day project, my mind just goes on overload and then, it gets bored. So, with that said, I think it's safe to say that I can handle 30 days.
 I am so very behind on work. I'm having a tough time with balancing everything at once, from editing, holding sessions, to homeschooling and keeping the house flowing. I am looking forward to the next few months I will be taking off, after the beginning of December. Hopefully, that way I can regroup and figure out a new way of  making things flow.
 We'll have another jammed pack month ahead of us. Tristan will be 10 years old on November 29th! Sometimes, it's tough to imagine him being only a few years away from being a teenager. He's still so very young mentally. I admire that in him. It gives me a sort of sense of peace, knowing that he really doesn't grasp what criticism, or negativity is really all about. Of course, he gathers when someone is upset, mad or sad. He feels very much for everyone around him. What's most important is that he is advancing. Even though he struggles severely academically, we are giving him the tools that he will need to live and he is a very, very happy little boy.
 Making the decision to keep our children at home with us, has been one of the most rewarding feelings. Even though at times we feel we'll pull our hair out, we know we are doing what's best for us as a family, and for our children. They are happy, healthy and advancing beautifully. Life is so very good and God is so very full of grace!
 I am looking forward to sharing my Grateful Project with everyone! Happy Halloween week until then!

School will start a little later today for Ava's first dental appointment, and or Luke to get his teeth all fixed up. We have a week full of things to do. If baby Connor doesn't come too late, hopefully we can have the twins bday party this Saturday. If not, we'll just have to wait for next Saturday.

Yesterday... not so much, but today is a new day!

 Fingers crossed and hands in prayer for a better day today, though yesterday was very productive. We finally began our Arctic unit yesterday, and got a ton of work done. However, guess who was less than cooperative? sigh.

 Little Landon Aidan. What will we ever do with you? We've tried it all. He simply approaches school as a stop sign, shutting completely off before even attempting to do anything. I can't tell if it's out of just wanting to be stubborn, or really not wanting to have to try and pay attention. I know he can do the work. He is fine beforehand, but put him in his seat and you get goofy Landon, resistant Landon, or "I'm just gonna completely ignore you and talk about something else" Landon. This kid keeps us on our toes.

 Yesterday, Jason was gone all day long. I quickly felt the strain of homeschooling, WORK, lunch time duty, kitchen duty, laundry duty and referee. Needless to say, my patience was tried, immensely. Took a lot of prayer time outs. I also, prayed an extra amount before bed, and as I was waking this morning. Only way you're gonna get through it! All in all, I still say, the stress is much less than it was when all the boys were in school. I am a sensitive person naturally, so when someone gets it with mama, I take it very personally. I am just going to have to learn to let some things in one ear, and out the other.

 I am going to try my best to begin work on the twins birthday cakes, as their party is this Saturday. Luke has his request for a cowboy/John Deere cake and Landon, a Tom & Jerry. Wish me luck!

My, oh, my.

I believe we're beginning to feel the effects of cabin fever. We have been getting out as much as possible, but rain kept us locked inside on Wednesday. We were back in full swing this week wtih school. Today is a day of testing. Yesterday, we finally wrapped up our Van Gogh unit, and the boys did a beautiful job on their very own renditions.

Enjoy <3

Really beginning to flow

 Today was probably our best so far. Tests are going awesome, curriculum is coming together, and the kids are getting used to their routine. I honestly, never thought I would have LESS stress by homeschooling all four of my children, as opposed to them being in school all day. I have less freedom sure, but is it really "freedom" I am giving up, or am I gaining? I feel that I am gaining here.

 My children are with me all of the time. I can't say how much peace this puts in my soul. To know that they are able to learn, within our four walls that we call home, is just amazing. I am so very proud of their abilities. The bond between each of us, just grows stronger and stronger each and everyday. I have to say, I have experienced so much more laughter in this house in the past two weeks. There is no more pressure to hurry off to bed, to hurry out the door, or time being taken away from us as a family. I get to witness first hand, my children learning.

 Landon is absolutely coming around. I was very fearful in the beginning. We're all enjoying the new K5 addition to our curriculum. Both Luke and Landon have exceeded their assessment testing and have been placed into 1st grade levels. They're, of course, still maintaining their kindergarten level in their day to day curriculum. But, I am amazed by how well they do with the 1st grade work. Just this morning, Luke was already blowing me away with his multiplication abilities.

 Tristan is still struggling. But, having his brothers around really seems to help. They're his helpers. We are doing our best with alphabet repetition, as well as numbers. Got to get these cores down before we move too far ahead. If he doesn't recognize his letters and numbers, how can we expect him to comprehend most of his curriculum?

 I am planning out my work, as well. Moving forward and very pleased with everything that's going on with the business. Bauhaus Productions Photography is growing day by day. I'm also, working on my own studio space and new concept sessions. Very excited to share what's to come in the very near future, so stay tuned...

A great day!

We've been having a great day at school today. I think everyone's exited for a potential of snow tomorrow afternoon. I know I AM! This Mama was meant to be in the coooold weather.

We've started online courses to add to our curriculum. I figured it would work best for Landon, since he's such a tech savvy kid. We signed them all up to do the same. So far they're loving it, and Landon really seems to enjoy it, too.

Now for some pictures for your viewing enjoyment.