I can't believe this boy of ours has started the adventure of teenagehood. The days have been long, but the last thirteen years have flown. Addison is a good boy with a kind heart. He's goofy and incredibly creative. He has the ability to capture all his siblings' imagination and take them on adventures no matter where they are (even while cleaning their rooms). He is a deep thinker and it's awesome to see how his personality fits in a bigger body and a more grown-up social environment. It's rewarding and also anxiety-inducing to be involved in watching all the growth that is taking place in Addison's life right now. We're so proud of him for wanting to try and be better when he makes mistakes. I honestly feel like that's the secret to life, and he's practicing it frequently. It's also noteworthy that he's got a singing voice beautiful enough to make you cry if you're lucky enough to be standing outside the bathroom door when he's in ...

A couple overarching observances from the mama/teacher. I have always appreciated teachers and school staff, but homeschool has taken my appreciation to the next level. I am so grateful for teachers, administrators, custodians, cafeteria workers, and those who appropriate funds for schools. Their work is so important. Also, the homeschool life is really hard. In some ways, I've become a working mom. That's both working and momming all the time. I haven't figured out how to balance things, still, and  our house and yard and dinner menu are suffering because  of it, but I honestly feel like I'm doing the very best I can figure out how to do. I'm grateful to have Nate on board in such a hands-on way. He is such a support and a strength to all of us. We're firmly committed for the year, though. And every once in awhile there will just be a sublime moment when it feels so right and amazing. But mostly it's really, really hard and Nate and I both live on the edge ...