For the last week, I (Marcella) have been able to take a walk in the morning and some in the evening too. We're trying to encourage the baby to come and help me get back in shape for delivery. Anna and Daniel have caught on to my patterns and try to finish their work in time to go with Mary and me.
Joy spends alot of time looking at books, making up stories, or repeating the ones she knows. She also uses Daniel and Anna's old workbooks and pretends to do "schoolwork." Clearly at four, she is ready to have some assignments of her own. This summer we'll let her start some phonics.
After chores, breakfast, devotions and clean-up everyone starts their schoolwork. Kendal (9th grade) and Kelsey (6th grade) work in the dining room. We have generous breaks for lunch, projects, and many unexpected events. Throughout the day they help with the younger children too. They are truly learning how to multi-task and stay focused in a busy environment. We're very proud of how much they are learning!
Isaac works in his room alone usually. We've found that he can get too easily distracted, especially by cute little Mary. Isaac's progress in school is slow and steady. He is our most improved student and he works hard for every well-done task. His handwriting is beautiful! We are thankful for his diligence and the freedom to teach him at his own pace.
After lunch we put Joy (4) and Mary (2) down for a nap. They're usually much happier during the evening hours if they sleep for an hour or two. These days, I try to get a little rest myself too. Naptime cooperation depends upon what season we our family is in. When the youngest child is still in a crib- all is quiet. But once he or she is old enough to move into a boy or girl room the challenges start. I have to stand guard near the door to be sure everyone is in their beds! If I'm faithful the tired ones will give in and have a peaceful nap. Joy and Mary have just begun to share naptime. We've been here before and we know that peristence pays. "Do not grow weary in well doing, for in due season you shall reap [some quiet time again :) ]" -my rendition of Galatians 6:9.
By lunchtime, the boys have finished their schoolwork and chores. After they help clean up they go outside to play cowboys or soldiers. They especially enjoy visits over the (shorter) side fence with our neighbor, Mr. Mills, or just play with his dogs. Isaac and Daniel have a box full of toy rifles, pistols, holsters and caps in the shed. In colder weather they wear Bob's VMI (grey) and US Army (blue) uniforms and hats. They've learned how to use hammer and saw with left-over wood. They are handy with the rake and shovel too. We just have to keep an eye on where they dig and what they hammer or saw!
This is new: a human-drawn chariot. It was formerly a bike trailer/stroller. Every child in our family enjoyed a few trips around the yard this week. Our yard isn't large, and there aren't many outdoor toys, but that does not keep the children from inventing all sorts of entertainment! In the springtime, the younger children are anxious for Kendal and Kelsey to finish their schoolwork so they can come outside to help them with a new invention or project. Stay tuned for more photos of their campsites, medical tents for wounded soldiers, favorite birds, wildflowers, and hopefully a newborn sibling very soon!!!
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