It's Monday...update on us!

For those who may be wondering what's been going on with us...we've been doing a lot! ;-) I've taken a bit of a break from being on my computer. I've noticed just how my time is eaten up when I spend time online during the day. So, since my last post, I've taken a bit of a hiatus. I have been taking pictures of some of things we've been into and will share those in a next few days.

We've taken on a challenge of reading 100 books a month (click here to join us!). I was in conversation with one of the ladies at our local library about how cool it would be read all the books in the library. The children's section is rather extensive. So we have decided to start in the 'picture book' section and see how long it will take us to read all of those. Just yesterday evening we sat and read through 15 books--some were short, others rather long. Jaya has her own 'set' of book, since she has her own library card. I'll be adding a list to the blog for my documentation and to share some really good books with you. (Out of the 15, I have three personal favorites.)

I have also been helping a friend and her family move. Which has brought up the whole thing [again] for me--organization and purging!! I am proud to say that I've gotten through all of our clothes. In the process of utilizing my local Freecycle and giving away not only clothes but all remaining baby items (high chair, diaper genie, crib set, etc.) since as of tomorrow I will no longer have any babies! (My son will be 3!) I am also getting through the paper clutter and trying to let go of some books (that's a hard one for me as I LOVE books and have already weeded my collection down).

We've also had time to attend a homeschool day at Valley Forge National Park, enjoy several playdates (at the park and at home). The children have spent much less time in front of a screen and more time with their hands in the dirt, creating tools with sticks and running in the fallen leaves. Soon Autumn will be over and the colder, more harsh weather will keep us in doors a bit more, so we're totally taking advantage of all the time we have now! ;-)

Surprisingly enough, I've even had time to pick up my journal. It's been some time since I've written in it. I've spend more time typing here. ;-) I have to say that actually putting pen to paper was rather cathartic. I keep a journal for each of my children--once upon a time I wrote them a letter to them daily/weekly telling them about the day and how they were growing and what great things I was learning from them. Since our move, I haven't done a lot of that. I took some time to write in each of their journals. I plan to give each of them their journal(s) when they leave home so they can be reminded of the time they spend with me. Yeah, I'm sentimental that way... I've also taken time, while journaling, to enjoy some good cups of Chai Tea and found another wonderful cup of coffee.

We have two birthdays to plan for this month. My son's is tomorrow and my first born daughter's is later this month. This is also the month of my favorite holiday--Thanksgiving--and with that all the food and prep that going into hosting a dinner (or contributing to another's). I'm also thinking about what handmade gifts I'll be giving this year for the holidays. Some I hope to make myself/with the children, the others I'll be purchasing from others who have made them by hand (check out: Handmade Pledge). There is so much to be 'busy' about. I'm purposing to be 'busy' about the important things--the things that matter in my life! ;-)

I hope that each of you have been well during my 'time away.' I'll be stopping by your pages to check in as well.

Enjoy your Monday!