Our busy-non-stop life!

I haven't had time nor energy to properly update this space, although I have thought of it from time to time.  I have a couple of excuses though.  

1. Daniel hasn't been the best at sleeping...that doesn't surprise you does it? ;)  He also doesn't like to be put down for a nap awake. I'm often carrying him in my moby wrap that my sister in law gave me a long time ago when I had one of the other boys...was it Aaron or Owen?  I can't remember.  But anyways, I also found this wonderful for getting the grocery shopping done!  For some reason the trolleys (shopping carts) with a baby seat in them, or car seat on top are smaller than the ones that can fit two toddlers in.  Why?  This just doesn't make sense to me.  With a family of 7, I need all the space I can get pretty much.  

Oh, but he is such a darling...

2. Homeschooling. This is a legitimate excuse.  I've been trying to juggle schooling, babies needs, and trying to keep up with the laundry and feeding children. (Notice I didn't mention keeping the house clean, yeah it doesn't get done a whole lot.) This would be easy if I had loads of energy, and the children were always obedient and happy.  But realistically life is not like that.  I'm often trying to teach something to Aaron while directing the 4.5 year old to play with his toys, while feeding a fussy baby, as well as keeping an eye on Amelia's work, and figuring out what Owen can do next.  Busy most definitely, I'm glad I stopped swimming lessons for this term, Jett is suggesting we do it for the next term too, but I almost need something for the 4.5 year old to do and to look forward to.  He is so full on!  And has a short attention span.  Any ideas are most welcome.  The best one I've found it getting Amelia or Aaron to spend time with him while I get something else done.

3. Jett's many excursions.  He seems to be always on the move.  Whether it is Synod, pastoral visits, taking a service elsewhere (Tauranga), or now he is staying at the church while someone else is attending to some work that needs to be done there.  It just means I have to put aside some things that need to be done and help him get out the door first.

Our communion is coming up and we hope to have Rev and Mrs. Rayner here.  We look forward to it very much!  The children enjoy having company.  Aaron was hoping Mr. van Dorp was coming too.  Maybe in January, I tell him. :) They like Rev. Hutton too, with all the stories he tells them, but he isn't coming this time.  My kids (Amelia, Aaron and Keith) are social butterflies and like to talk a lot.

On another note, I am so thankful for my daughter!!  She has been a huge help in coping with Daniel's needs, or the other children's. So far she is able to change him, dress him, burp him, cuddle him and she has put him to sleep several times...and she enjoys it so much, a little mother. :)

Now I need to try to get Keith back into bed for the 11th time or so...!!