Happy birthday hatchling number 4!

Sometimes, I look down to see whose feet have come pattering up behind me,

and I am amazed each and every time, at just how big you have grown.

You are such a charismatic person, quick to make friends.

Adored by your big sisters,

since the day you brought us

the little feet we had been missing.

You've joined us on this crazy adventure.

Through sticky times,

and smooth,

showing us new ways to find joy.

We love you so much.

Happy 4th Birthday!

About time to say something

It is probably time I said something.

Given it is March.

This March, our focus is very much on waiting for the newest member of our family to hatch.

Hopefully, it will not be too much longer, as the older hatchlings are growing very impatient.

Spring is out in force today, with the crocuses and snowdrops in bloom, daffodil shoots getting taller by the minute, and we have so many not so small projects simmering on the back burner.

With any luck March is going to be a very busy month.

And for that, I am very thankful.

Windy, wet days need rainbows

It is wet and windy,

everyone has colds and the car is in the shop.

So we mixed up rainbow bubbles, 

to cheer a grumpy hatchling.

Once we had gotten the food colouring out,

it seemed a good idea to bake cake,

and make more play dough,

and try out making rainbow spaghetti.

Now, half the hatchlings are busy playing play dough while the other half are making crafts with the spaghetti.

Through the sound of the music playing we have playing, I hear laughing and happy chatter. Which is exactly the change we needed from this mornings congested grumping and back ground whinge.

Wishing you a happy day with rainbows, regardless of how hard the rain comes down.

Bunny had a secret

We had suspicions, but we'd suspected before, and it came to nothing.

So I didn't want to pressure her; hence, we left her be.

Happily, we found she'd been keeping six adorable secrets.

Now, I just have to convince the hatchlings we don't need to keep them all!

Quiet days

There is a time for all things.

Someone wise once said.

And these days, have been, in a hairy and slightly topsy turvy way,

quiet days.

Days, where we make 15 phone calls to unravel the days plans, because the winds roar with indignation and the sea stands upright, ready to high five anyone gutsy enough to ask it to settle down in the face.

There have been storms all over the country, which have undoubtedly changed many lives. I can only hope that they are able to find peace at the end of this season.

For us, plans foiled, have meant more afternoon naps. 

Less running from one place to the next.

Lots more time to spend together,

 indulging our interests.

This winter seems determined to go out with a bang.

Yet, spring is just around the corner, crouched down, poised to released its boundless energy, and I wait with anticipation for what it will bring.

Until then, I will treasure these quiet days.

It may, after all, be another year before we have another.

Home education is...

And it is not 

like this.

It is 

like this.

But it isn't anything like

this. 

It is a lot more

of this.

Pride grows from insecurity

I don't to use this blog as a place to discuss deep and thoughtful topics very often.

Mostly, this is due to my attempts to keep perspective and keep focused on all the good in my life.

I think that is important. There is always so much for which to be thankful.

Today, it is worth considering the damage that pride does to a person, to their marriage and in their life generally.

Pride grows from insecurity. 

As though it will shield you from your weaknesses.

It provides false comfort in the illusion of independence and self sufficiency.

Not only is it a completely self indulgent and selfish pursuit, it cheats you out of the joy of receiving and being part of a team.

Pride manifests its self in defensive behaviour and criticising others.

Building a crooked and unsteady wall to avoid relating to others and causing rifts between those who care.

Pride cheats you out of true companionship and leaves both you and those who would try to build a relationship with you with a sour taste and little room for growth.

Let go of pride: over money, over physical strength, over martyrdom in the family home, over who works harder or who has suffered most greatly.

To quote a popular lyric, 'The race is long, and in the end, it is only with your self.'

Little bit windy

The wind has blown for days.

Disrupting ferries and making it difficult to get chores done outside.

It has been rather unrelenting,

perhaps it should come as no surprise, the forecast predicts even more wind.

Belated birthday post Hatchling no3

Once upon a time,

just six short years ago,

our lives were blessed,

with a sweet baby girl.

Happy birthday

to our dear 

and precious 6 year old girl.

Happy Birthday Hatchling no2

I don't know where the days have gone.

And I hope I have treasured them as much as they deserve.

Because each day with you has been better than before.

Your sense of humour and tender heart,

thank you.

And happy 8th birthday.