Jason and I knew from the start of our family that we wanted to live a very simple life, free of the busyness that comes with multiple appointments, sports, activities, etc. And here we are, sitting at our computers reviewing our schedules and the very few evenings we have free during the week.

While it seems the opposite of our family goals and rhythm, it also is a new chapter. The children are older and have different interests and we find ourselves having to heavily consider what an impact every one of their interests may have on our family.

Originally, we decided whatever we do, we would do together, however, baseball practice on a cold wintery night wasn't my favorite plan for family time. So some evenings we find ourselves dividing and conquering. I have to say, though, that it brings me so much joy to see the little ones look up to their siblings and see the older ones cheer on the younger ones.

It's not so bad.

Especially when that child feels like they have an entire family backing them up. Cheering them on.

We will always be assessing what our family can handle.
I would imagine there will be years where we will hold back and others where our plate is full.

But honestly, this wasn't something we were ready for. How quickly life can change when children are "of age" for sports and activities. It makes me really appreciate the younger years, when all our evening plans included were wrestle time and maybe a bath.

While our plate is full, it's full in the best of ways.

Having the children at home all day really frees me personally from feeling like evenings are overbooked. It's a welcome change to our daily pace, which is slow and steady. This is something that Jason and I will have to work through continuously, though, as he's the one out bringing the bacon home. :)

This whole homeschool-thing has really come to show us some of it's advantages. I've been pretty open on here about the fruit that has come from it, but I have to say, it really does help when sports come around. I am so grateful to be at this place right now.

The Lord has been doing such a work in me in how I respond to the children, in tone, stature, and word. Having them around all of the time has taught me so much about myself and how wrong I have been handling situations. It's grown me in so many ways.

So, now, in the evenings, when we are due to be somewhere at a specific time, I have the day to prepare myself and the children. We talk about time management and their role in helping us get there at an acceptable time.

They are part of the process and now responsible for us getting there.

It's been wonderful!

And nearly stress free.

So that's now.

Our days have been warm and summer-like.

Slow and steady.

I remember reading somewhere that for schooling, the months between Christmas break and Easter break were the most productive. I would have to agree.

I have been learning to give up the guilt that comes with allowing them to interrupt their day with an hour's worth of nest building or fort constructing, chalking that up to "schooling" in it's own form. :)

And more and more I learn that the pace of the day, the state of the attitudes, the spirit in the house, it really comes down to me. I'm the one who sets it, if I am in control of my emotions and if I am disciplined in my efforts, all the ducklings follow along in their row.

How beneficial this would have been years ago!

I guess that comes with growth. I would imagine I have read this and been told it many times, but not until you're at the right spot does it really resonate.

Isn't that the truth?!