Coming home

In nearly four years of blogging and more than six hundred posts, I don't believe I've ever been away this long.  I'd like to say I was hammering away at the Life List I had left you to stare at for more than two weeks...but really I've just been here and there.  Or, not here.  At all.  For no real reason, really.  And I'm sorry.

Now late in November, I feel us beginning to settle in for the long winter ahead, our first as a homeschooling family.  We have not a single daily appearance to make, besides our semi-weekly engagements with basketball and library class, and so begins the very first time in several years where I will work to ensure that each of us see the light of day often enough. 

At fourteen months old Marin is leaving her infancy back in the dust, now having learned to run through the house to keep up with her brothers, and developing her own interests, and growing her vocabulary. 

And teeth.  May I not forget to mention the entire mouthful of molars that have been working to join the party.  Four coming through on top, and a whole lot of swelling on the bottom.  We're down to bottles only before naps and bedtime, and definitely a fine case of separation anxiety.  Hello Toddlerville!

Separation anxiety, that is, unless we're talking about spending four hours in Barnes & Noble.  Then there is no fear at all associated with getting lost, or left, or possibly kicked out for destroying the entire children's section.  Twice.  Then it is all about running away.  And being chased.

(And why, you ask, are we spending four hours in a book store?) 

Reeeeeee!

If you've not been reading the Pioneer Woman for all of these blogging years, you're missing out on something big.  Go, and start with the Black Heels saga.  You'll thank me later.  (I've been both amazed and appalled at the number of people who've not known to squeal with me when I mention this book signing.  People, are you living under a rock??)  

(I didn't mean to insult you.  We've not visited with each other in a couple weeks.  Take me back.)

One of PW's stops on her Griswold Family Book Tour was a close-enough Chicago suburb, which Kevin's aunt and I were all over like white on rice, I tell you, having read her from some of her earliest entries. 

I was a bit sad when I didn't make it to this past summer's BlogHer conference, knowing that Ree would be speaking...and later learning from a few of my blogger pals-in-attendance that Marlboro Man, too, was there.

And, well...

Neener-neener-neener!

I KNOW!

What a fun evening, and truly, what a great family. 

Back at our own homestead, deciding to enjoy every last moment of chilly, not-yet-cold weather, KJ and Jackson have been spending quite a bit of time on their bikes.  And wouldn't you know, though I worried at times it might never happen, my seven year old has taken to two wheels! 

For sure, with all of the milestones our crew has been hitting lately, and with the quick approach of Jack's fourth birthday, I am feeling life pass in the blink of an eye these days. 

...Making me even more grateful to have this unique opportunity, to not only stay home with my children, but to fully participate in each of their educations.

 

Three months into the school year, we've got our routine down pretty well.  We've switched up some things that were not working, and a few workbooks, too, and we're learning how to manage time and stay motivated, and focused.  I am forever glad to look back, even at what we'd done three months ago, to see what progress has been made with each of the kids.  I continue to stand by my original plan, to homeschool year-by-year, for as long as it works for each child, and I'm open to where that takes us.

(I have every good intention for writing an entire post dedicated to the nuts and bolts of our schooling, because I definitely don't want this time to get away from me without being documented.  ...Just not at half past midnight, eh?)

So now with one Thanksgiving down, and two more left to go, I am thankful to be back to the blogosphere, and I promise not to go far, for long, any time soon. 

(Which is code for, Hey! how about an abrupt ending?!  I need to be up in five hours and my eyes are crossing after yet another busy weekend, but if I don't post this now, as non-sensical and jumpy as it is becoming, it may be another week.  By then, with all three Thanksgivings under my readjusted belt, and a perfectly trimmed Christmas tree!  Heh.)

Comments

[Nikki]

What a fab looking table, so welcoming. Marin gets more and more beautiful by the month and is that chocolate on KJ's arm? Happy Thanksgiving to you all.

[Michelle Z]

REEEEEEE!!

So jealous!

[Michelle Z]

oh yeah - and cute kids, hi to you. that stuff, too.

Is it sad that I read every word & then all my brain could think was, "REEEEE!!!" ?

[christine]

I squealed when I found out she was coming to the Chicago-land area. Unfortunately, it was on the night of report card pickup, and I had to be at work late :(

I think half of my Thanksgiving menu comes from her website this year.

[Jen L.]

SQUEEEEEEEEEEEE, REEEEEEEEEE! Extra awesome.

That table is absolutely beautiful. It looks exactly like I imagined your Thanksgiving table would look. (Not that I sit around imagining your table...that would be creepy...)

Marin is totally a little girl. And a gorgeous one at that. Enjoy your Thanksgiving Day!

[Cindy]

Oh Moll, you look fabulous!! And look at that hair!!! Wow weeeeee!

[Amy W]

Omigod, the eyelashes on Marin!

So jealous you got to go to a book signing...although I did get to ride the elevator with Marlboro Man at Blogher!

[Erica]

First, I am so glad you are back. I was about to send out a search party ;) Also I am soooo jealous you got to meet Ree! Yaaayyy! How awesome. I wanted to go to KC so badly to see her, but sadly I missed it. Dang it. Also the picture of Marin is beautiful. That is definitely her color. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

[debi]

Oh Lordy, I missed you. I love your hair, your baby girl is becoming such a big girl and oh how beautiful she is too. And oh, are you sure that Jack is almost 4 years old? Have I been reading you that long? So happy to have you back Molly.

[Maternal Mirth]

I love Ree to the deepest depths of my soul, but I must also say that Marlboro Man? Yeah, um, HOT!

[Jenny]

Thanks to people for the comments on the table! I should have used regular plates to give a shinier appearance. Oh well.

And look - a BARRETTE in Marin's hair!!!!

[WebSavyMom]

-->So jealous you got to meet REEE! plus MM and her two boys. I wish she was coming to Virginia. Oh well - - do you like the cookbook?

[debi]

One more thing, Kevin is hotter than Marlboro Man.WAY!