Gratitude Weekly Week 4 - The Homeschool Opportunity

Today Nathan and Sarah start at a new school.  We have been doing the homeschool thing this year, but just before Christmas we decided that Nathan needed to go back to traditional school.  He was doing great academically, but really needed to improve socially.  I just couldn't give him them opportunities to be part of a group here.  He is very resistant to going to school, but we believe it to be in his best interest.  While checking out the school that Nathan was placed in, Sarah decided that she really wanted to go to school as well.  After much deliberation both of the young ones will be going to school.

I am trying to be upbeat about it, but I think I am failing miserably.  It has been so enjoyable teaching them at home.  Sarah's schooling was very difficult, but I felt that we grew closer as we struggled through it.  Nathan's schooling was delightful.  There is nothing like learning something and getting a hug and a kiss from mom for doing well.  Both of us were so happy every time he learned something new.

I am so very thankful that we did the homeschool thing, even if only for a little while.  I love the resources we now have in our home as well.  Just because they go off to the big school tomorrow doesn't mean we stop learning at home.  This opportunity, just taught us that we can learn at home and have the tools to do so.

PS  Now I may be able to do a little shopping, don't tell Jay.  :)

Gratitude Weekly - Week 3 - Warmth

This week we had a little warm spell.  I got a little bit excited because I thought our heat was working, but really the temperature just went up 10-15 degrees here (50-54*F).  We had several days of sunshine and mild temperatures.  My feet were toasty and a few times our house got a so warm I thought we needed to crack a window.  We were able to go to the playground and play until Nathan was tired instead of playing until appendages go numb.  Now however the temperature is back down to about 40*F during the day and 34*F at night.  My feet are cold again too.  But I have cute new slippers so that helps some.

Sarah's First Horse Ride

Sarah began riding lessons this week.  Riding lessons were one of Sarah's Christmas presents.  Two years ago Sarah tried riding on a trail ride and was too nervous, but she does love horses so much she really wanted to learn to ride.  Over here in England there really seem to be many opportunities for riding so it seemed like a good time to start.

 Sarah's lessons are on a New Forest Pony named Tia.  She is 9 years old and the softest horse I have ever laid a hand on.  Her teacher is a friend of a friend named Kate.

 Sarah was still a little nervous, but Tia made her more relaxed.

 Beautiful ladies all three.

Gratitude Weekly - Week 2 Birthday Celebration

I am very blessed to have a wonderful generous husband who spoils me delightfully.  Friday a week ago was my birthday and as usual, my darling didn't disappoint.  This year to make sure that my day was special, Jay took off work and we made a family trip to Stonehenge and Bath.  

 I am sorry to admit that Stonehenge wasn't quite as impressive in person as I had imagined in my head.  The children however were completely impressed.  So much so that they listened intently to the recording and wouldn't stop listening for pictures.  Nathan's comment was those look like the rocks on the computer.  We had Stonehenge as our backdrop on the computer for months, he was so excited to find out they were the same rocks. 

Bath was a delightful discovery.  We didn't know what to expect, but Bath was beautiful and charming.  There were many cute shops and more shopping opportunities than anyone needs.  We really look forward to more trips to Bath.

 Bath Abbey

 Very cute area of town

 Roman Bath in the center of town

Gratitude Weekly - Week 1

Better late than never.  I am going to begin again with my gratitude postings.  In the month on November on Facebook I listed something I was thankful for every day in November.  I found that I was much happier and looked for things to be happy about.  Also when something bothered me I was more likely to gloss over my upset or disappointment.  I want to feel that in my life more, that is why I will be going back to my Gratitude Weekly posting.

Week 1 - I am thankful for my family, my cute little family at home.

 My parents and my siblings.

Those crazy people I married into.

 Each and everyone  of those people helped to make me who I am.  They helped me grow and learn and helped me to see what I could become.  I am extremely blessed to be a part of all these people.