Book Sale

After posting the photo above on instagram, my friend Heather asked for "more cover shots please".  So, of course, I had to oblige.  Who doesn't enjoy looking at beautiful books scored for a song?

Some sweet nature inspired stories:

A few Christmas books to add to our Advent Christmas book tradition:

These will be wonderful to read through while we make our way through Story of the World Vol. 2 and spend some time in the Medieval times.

And just a few others to add to our general collection as well as our Ambleside Book list collection:

I also found some puzzle books (my boys love these type of books), a G.A. Henty story, Jumanji, The Secret Garden, etc., etc. That entire box was about $25.  

I used to love going to these books sales and leisurely stroll through the aisles.  It is so different these days.  First of all, I have a 6 month old Teddy with me.  He is an adorable companion but not a very helpful shopper.  The minute we walk in the door he is a ticking time bomb.  Will he sweetly play for 30 minutes or 5?  I don't know.  So I move.  Fast.

Secondly, I am afraid that every other shopper around me wants the exact same books as I do so I must, must get there first and win.  Win all the books!  Do I start in Children's Classics or Vintage Classics?   Oh the dilemma!  Quick!  The Little Golden book section!  Don't forget to peruse youth fiction (scan your eyes past the Sweet Valley High and Twilight for the good 'uns).  Hurry!  Hurry! That mom looks like she would know a good book if she sees it and she'll get it first if I don't Hurry!  

Phew.  

Once I'm done all my competitive shopping and am happy with my collection I can relax (if Teddy is still happy or there is a grandma to hold him).  I linger a bit through the religious section as well as the cook book section.  I growl at my sister who found a brand new, still shrink wrapped Elizabeth Mitchell cd.  You know.  The usual.

Oh, how I love a good Book Sale!  

Learning at Home

Homeschooling has primarily been a lesson for me in persevering.  Persevering in teaching through winter doldrums, my husband's accounting exams, a trying pregnancy, a new baby... the list goes on. 

My temptation is to not try at all if it cannot be done just as I had envisioned.  A perfectionism that incapacitates me instead of driving me onward.

Knowing this about myself, I was very concerned about our homeschooling success with a new baby's schedule to contend with. 

These past few months has revealed something else about myself that I had long left behind in my university memories - I thrive under a little pressure.  This was again realized in our homeschool:  Teddy is asleep? Quick let's do math.  Mama needs a nap in the afternoon?  Better get it done this morning.

Theodore's arrival has brought a renewed sense of confidence in our homeschool journey thus far.  With God's grace I am able to persevere in teaching my children at home.  

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. -- Ephesians 2:10

And so it goes

Another baby to enjoy and smell and cuddle.  

Another arrow in our quiver.  

Another son to chronicle (hence the blog revival)! 

So very thankful.

A few days before his anticipated arrival we took some photos to remember just how big that belly really was!

 Samuel who can't stop loving him with touches, ear pulls and surprising Teddy until he cries.

Henry has proven to be a wonderful help and a "make Teddy happy" expert.

Oh, that precious curled bottom!