It’s Been Awhile

Life has been…overwhelming. Not in a bad way, but in a “I need to stop and catch my breath” way. I have learned along the way that whenever I have the feeling of drowning in my responsibilities, it’s most beneficial for us all if I just drift, breathe, and gaze at the stars for awhile. I make no apologies for this. After awhile, I regain my strength and can begin moving forward again.

After Ro’s birth, and then switching jobs, I was not able to give homeschooling the attention that I wanted for a few months. We are now back in full swing, and for the first time, we’ve chosen a name and patron for our homeschool. We are referring to ourselves as “The Peace and Love Institute”, and we have chosen Our Lady of Peace as our patroness.

(I love this image.)

I know that everyone thinks I’m somewhat of a hippie, and it probably comes as no surprise that “peace and love” is my theme and my mantra, but it means more to me than an overused catch phrase. If only I could truly learn to love God with all my heart and my neighbor as myself…if only I could truly learn to be at peace with God, myself, and others…if only I could teach my children to do the same through my example…

Caveman’s 9th Birthday

Caveman requested to have his party at the dojo, with a martial arts theme.

As much as I wanted to come up with a creative Pinterest-worthy cake, I had to work the weekend. So Kroger bakery it was.

Favors were given out in “black belt” gift bags.


And he couldn’t wait to try out sword kata with his new light saber.

It’s a Family Thing

For years, martial arts was “my thing”. It’s now become a family thing! I am happy that my family is joining in and enjoying it.



Sparring has become our second favorite physical activity.

Gigi Turns Two

Gigi got to spend her birthday at Chuck E. Cheese with her family. Grandma and Grandpa even came to celebrate with us.

She loved her chocolate cake, but she hid her face when we sang “Happy Birthday”.

Happy birthday, sweet princess!

Happy 12th Birthday, Dear Mojo!

Mojo’s wish this year was to hang out at the mall and have a sleepover with her friends. One of the perks of homeschooling is being able to have a sleepover on a Sunday night!

The boys woke up with makeup on their faces the next morning. But that’s OK; I told them how they could get even at the next sleepover.

Roku’s Baptism

Ro 3 Weeks Old

Dimples

Not only does he have his Daddy’s dimples, he also has his Papaw Mike’s chin dimple.

I don’t think we could have made a cuter baby.

Post-partum Visit

PKU done, weighed 8lbs 8oz, birth certificate filled out and signed. Everything is going along smoothly.

Meeting the Family and Settling In

Ro’s siblings decided right off the bat that they like him.

And Ro decided right off the bat that he did NOT like having a bath.