this school day was better than the last, thankfully. even though we slept in and didn't get started until later, we ended up finishing most things by 2:30. i'm getting more comfortable with skipping some lessons or work sheets. i'm trying to figure out each kiddo's learning style so i can best help them along. i had John doing all this book work as that is what Abeka calls for, but so much of it is repetitive and he, being a boy, gets really bored with work sheets. we played with these phonics tiles that my MI gave me a long time ago and he really enjoyed seeing how many words he could make. i also started transitioning him into cursive writing, something they don't teach in public school.

thankfully William is having a much better week, though his odd behavior persists. he seems to have suddenly turned ADD on me, whereas Samuel seems to have matured out of it. anyways, his seemly inability to control his impulses can be really trying.

Margaret and Samuel are doing really well so far. Samuel is doing way better academically this year than he was in school. he does seem to need an older boy to look up to, or to put him in his place, as he seems to feel the need to bully his brothers a lot.

i can really tell that the Lord is giving me grace to make it through each day. at the end of the day i look back on all that was accomplished and am amazed. i know He is the one carrying me through.

i got me some far out running shoes over the weekend. after ,much trial and error and much dollars spent, i have decided i don't need to buy 'spensive shoes as long as they are the right type for my feets. i generally go through two pair every 9 months. there is just no way i can justify $100+ on shoes that often. not with 6 other people in my family that also wear shoes.

anyways, here's what i got -


bright, huh? they are similar to one of the pairs i got last time and those have suited me well. . i'll probably get another pair in december. i generally buy a pair in september when i start building my marathon miles, and another in december or january in time to break them in before february's marathon. i've been doing this for many years now. sometimes i find some awesome deals on shoes in december because that's when they're clearing out the year's model.

i had better get to tidying up the ol' homeplace before the man gets home. happy tuesday, y'all.