December brought fun, challenges, and a nice long break to our homeschool group. We took off the same days that Addison's school did, and it was much needed. We went to a chilly outdoor dramatic retelling of Dickens's A Christmas Carol . Donated our Turkey Trot money to the United Way. Leah crushed some tricky pentomino puzzles. Bryn threw the party of the year for her fish. Very impressive coloring by Asa. The kids helped me make ornaments for my Primary class. Emmie loves glitter. We learned about the circulatory system. The way the veins and arteries enter and exit the heart is truly incredible. We made labeled playdoh models of brains. Made a working model of the digestive system. Eww. https://youtu.be/NGW62kMmk-8 Teamed up with some neighbors to take some Christmas cheer to a rest home. Had a fancy tea party with the neighbors to compliment our study of England. Leah made some pop-up cards. Stained glass art by Asa. These guys are always looking for creative ways to occupy...

First off, look at this gorgeous group of children: Here's a sampler of our homeschool learning in November. I had to hide numbers all over the classroom for one of Asa's math lessons. This was a favorite hiding spot. As part of our geology unit, we melted bits of crayon together to learn about metamorphic rocks. Learning about weathering. Asa conquered one of his less-favorite activities: tangrams. P.E. Bonus footage: Nate's laundry day work-from-home uniform. We recently heard that he'll be home at least until the end of March. Selling eggs in math. I personally read the book Room on the Broom  to Emmie at least 50 times. A visit to the Natural History Museum. Emmie passing some time with Tommy. Ask Asa sometime what 1,000 minus 999 is. He thinks it's neat. We got a little snow and Leah made "ice cream cones." Popsicles on a snowy day. Brrr! We practiced writing thank you notes. The girls made some impressive creations in their tech classes. https://yout...

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 ...