Starting Fresh!

Matt and I have been trying our best to change up our home decor. We've painted and painted and still have more painting to do. I've purchased a bookshelf and a bench that has storage under the seats. The kids love the bench....though it's become a seat that they fight over. I've been able to organize and makes things look better as far as the toy situation goes. The bench now acts as a toy box. This picture is a rare one.....all together in harmony.

School is going quite well for my bunch. Nolan, of course, is taking to it like a fish in water. His reading improves daily, and as I am now working with 2nd graders, I would make the assumption that Nolan is reading at a second grade level or higher. He also reminds me soooo much as me as a student. I NEVER wanted to get into trouble and did my best to do what the teacher asked. Nolan comes home each day with a "proud note" from his teacher for behaving. He's just a wonderful boy.

Natalie also is making impressive gains. I've struggled with her in trying to instill a love of learning, but I had made little progress. However, at school, she's quite the little student. She's showing interest now in counting, trying to write, learning the alphabet, and so forth. Her teachers have commented on how much she likes art, which I have known for a long time. Not too many things hold her undivided attention, but any sort of crafty or artsy thing seems to really capture her.

Nathan and Nicholas are going to a neighbor's for babysitting while I do my observations. I'm only going twice a week, so I hope they do well for her. I've been assigned to a second grade class and I LOVE it! I have always thought that not majoring in education was a huge mistake for me. But, I've come to realize that I can't have any regrets about it. I've had the opportunity to work in the business world, have four wonderful children, and let my heart guide me as to where I belong in the workforce when the time goes. I don't think I would've appreciated what I'm learning about education at an earlier stage in my life. This was the right time to start fresh.