My Random Update

I am convinced we will not get it right while in this life. It is a fun challenge to keep trying. Challenges are always present, especially in the realm of parenthood. There is a constant flux of needs and issues. Having said that, I am loving this phase of life. I spend my days with my children, and when I remember, we have a lot of fun. We have a schedule we follow during the week with specific subjects to study, piano practice time etc. Some days, and with some children, this works great. Other days, we toss the schedule and go to the park, library, nature center, or other outing. Happy learning occurs. I am more and more convinced that children will learn best when not pushed. There is no educating them. They have to do that themselves. I can only inspire, love, provide resources, and hopefully be an example. I am grateful I have children who love to learn. This week I am tired. Glen's schedule the past few weeks has been over 80 hours. He will be home this weekend for his first day off in about two weeks. He has been a trooper. He had to pull over on his way home from a 30+ hour shift the other day to sleep for 30 minutes (which turned into almost two hours).

We had a really fun visit from Nana and Granddad a few weeks ago. They brought the boys kilts, and we had a Scottish evening here. Granddad told stories while the children held pictures up they painted of things in the stories, Nana played guitar and sang a beautiful song, and we ate a mediocre dinner (made by me). Hiram adores his kilt, and would wear it every day if I let him. We have limited the wear to two times a month.

The boys are enjoying their Taekwondo. They are also both taking piano lessons. I am still figuring out how to best help Hiram practice. He really likes to play on his own, but he gets quite frusterated when his fingers don't play the right notes. They are both doing well. Hiram likes his discovery class (once a week parent taught preschool). He told me today that he wants to stay at his class forever and never come home. I think he would miss Bonzo (his stuffed dog) after a few days. Speaking of animals, Indigo Slush died. It was quite an ordeal, and I think we will stick with stuffed animals for now.

We have enjoyed going to the nature centers in the area, and have had some beautiful 60-70 degree weather. I love being outside with the kids. There is something so good about that.

Charlotte is growing up. She is such a fun, bright girl. She knows what she wants, and likes order. She loves to pray, read books while she goes to the bathroom, eat seaweed snacks, pick out her own clothes, and hang out with mom. She is reading quite a few words on her own. She is anxious to start piano lessons. There is a teacher at the music academy where the boys take lessons that said she would take Charlotte as a student at three. She has a little more than six months to wait. I can finally fit her hair in pigtails, or a ponytail. She looks so grown up.

About me: Loving running, Downton Abbey, reading, and new recipes. Serving as the primary secretary. Here are some books I've recently read:


The Shell Seekers (LOVED, not life changing, but a very fun read)

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet (good book, very readable)

The Parenting Breakthrough (good ideas, applicable)

Discover Your Personal Beauty Profile (interesting)

The Night Circus (imaginative book, didn't love the writing style, but really cool story, readable)


Charlotte will be waking from her nap any minute. Then we will be off to piano lessons. Anson and Hiram are watching a Planet Earth DVD about caves, and are totally thrilled about it. I just heard, "I can't believe I am seeing this!"