Well, I had to break down and start a fire in the woodstove today.  I can't believe it...not even October!!  I know the kids appreciated it...nothing like a warm, toasty fire on a bleak, wet, cold, rainy day.  It's certainly taking the edge off.  Fortunately, it's short-lived...suppose to be in the 80s this weekend. 

Homeschooling got off to a great start this week!  The Strong National Museum of Play (official title) was a huge hit with the kids!  Four hours and we still didn't quite get to everything.  That's ok!  They're looking forward to going back again some time.  I'm thinking this is a great "first day of school" tradition.  Other than that, it's been review for Sarah and Caleb, all the while enjoying the peace and quiet during the time Samuel is in school!  That boy certainly does make an impact on the noise level in this house! 

Continuing to back up, last weekend was wonderful!  While everyone was away camping, I enjoyed almost 48 hours of exquisite tranquility.  It was quiet, peaceful, and restorative.  I love my kids...they are the hub of my universe...but times like these allow me to appreciate them so much more.  When given the opportunity to be still and fill my own tank, I have that much more to impart to them.  And as they get older, I find my time is much more in demand.  I must remember to make time for myself more often. 

Samuel seems to really like Kindergarten.  Like the other two did when they were his age, he doesn't have much to report when he gets home.  But I can tell that he likes his teacher...on the third day of school he brought in a drawing and a flower!  Big stuff for Samuel...he doesn't even really like to color!  lol

Life is busy, and just getting busier!  AWANA begins tonight, Youth Group tomorrow night, ice-skating lessons started up again for Sarah last night, and Caleb is trying to find his niche, which will likely involve yet another night of the week.  Field trips for Samuel (in which I have volunteered), birthdays galore these next few months, starting with Caleb's in less than two weeks.  Ortho appointments continue, as well as dental and doctor visits, and a half-dozen other oddball appointments here and there.  Yup!  It's the busy season again!  Nothing I'm not used to, but I sure wish the break had been a little longer!