Pressing On

 I've been thinking HOPE will be my word for 2022.  I have never done this before but it feels right this year, comforting even.  The last seven months have really stretched us and we're a little tired from it all.  And at the same time, just fine.  Really, when I look around at the kids and the house everything is fine.  We may not be as productive as some families, we're not taking trips, or doing lessons or teams, but we're together and learning how to live together.  Maybe these other things are distractions from what really matters? Not that travel, or teams is bad but maybe it doesn't matter as much as we think.  Maybe what really matters are the goodnight hugs, eye contact, really listening, smiling when you don't feel like it.  

Lent is right around the corner and I'm nervous, I always get nervous before a fast.  I wish I didn't.  Some people seem so excited about lent, and I don't get it.  Maybe one day I will. 

Today we did school, watched Old Yeller with the younger kids (I love this movie!), baked cookies, cleaned and decluttered under Felicity's bed, took a nap with Moses, made dinner, played Trouble with Felicity and Moses. Sometimes I like to write down what I did in a day.  Today felt hard, inwardly, but outwardly it was pretty lovely.  

 Poor Eleanor has a low grade fever and doesn't feel well.  I'm so tired of sickness! Lord have mercy on us. 

Goodmorning !

 

Felicity Turns 8!!

 Many years sweet Felicity! Her birthday was February 1st.  Felicity is so full of life and helpful.  She love's to help with projects and in the kitchen with meals.  She has been reading so well and has already met her goodreads goal for the year!  She is enjoying Mercy Watson books and the Dragon Master book series.  I am reading, Children of Noisy Village, aloud to her in our spare time.  

I am so thankful God gave us our Felicity.  Her pregnancy was the most difficult for me and she was born breech but God has blessed her with such a joyful spirit.  She was like the balm for our broken hearts.  We had just left our old church and joined the Orthodox church when I became pregnant with her.  Part of the reason her pregnancy was so difficult was that I was grieving and didn't realize it.  We lost most of our friends, my husband lost his job, and my health was not good.  It was so much at once and I wasn't coping well.  And then came sweet Felicity.  God bless you girl!! 

We had a break from the cold weather and made it to the park. It was so fun! Eleanor and Athanasius were there too, skating or riding on the trail.  I'm learning it's challenging to get pictures of older kids. :) Instead of a cake this year I bought cupcakes and other treats from the bakery.  The kids loved it and it was sp simple for Ellie and I, who usually bake the cakes.  Actually, this birthday was so wonderful and stress free for me because I kept everything so simple.  We enjoyed steak, mashed potatoes, and corn ( Felicity's request) and watched the Sand Lot together.  The kids always get a birthday movie and this was hers.