...since my last entry!  (An embarrassingly long time!!!)  I have been been reading the posts of other bloggers, but have neglected to update mine.  Life just gets in the way sometimes, and some things tend to get left on the wayside. Hopefully, I'll be checking in more often from now on.

I have been so inspired and encouraged by reading the other blogs on this website.  Many times, when I have felt discouraged or weary,  it seems the Lord has directed me to a word in season, and my spirit has been renewed!  I truly appreciate reading of the struggles and triumphs of other wives and mothers.  For those of you who sacrifice your precious time to bless and encourage, THANK YOU!  There are days when I have felt frazzled, tired, and downhearted, but a timely word has completely turned my day around for the better! 

What has happened since my last entry?  Well, my hair is much shorter, for starters!  (I'll have to post a new photo!)  Oh, and last October,  I became an American citizen - a very big milestone in my life!  David and our five children, plus Amanda's fiance Eddie were all there at the courthouse to witness the swearing-in.  There were 47 others sworn in as citizens that morning, representing 19 countries.  So, I'm finally an American!  After living here for many years, I had the opportunity to vote for the first time in April.  I was so excited, I almost ran to the voting station!

We formally started the new school year at the end of August, and so far, it has been going smoothly.  We very recently purchased a microscope from Sonlight, and we are very pleased with its performance.  A confession here - Mum has been using it more than any of the children!  I find the microscopic world fascinating, and I could spend all day observing things, especially wriggly critters!  (Viewing their antics is like watching an adventure movie!)  The children are calling the microscope 'Mum's New Toy'! 

I've changed the title of my blog to 'Reflections by Candlelight'.  Why?  I'm known around these parts as the candle lady!  One of my hobbies is making scented soy candles.  I'm new to blogging, but I'm guessing that the only opportunity I'll have to spend time online is after the young 'uns are in bed. 

Picture the scene - Mummy unwinding at the computer after a busy day; the flickering glow of a candle gently breaking up the darkness; Reflections by Candlelight!  (Get it?)  

I attempted to post these photos yesterday, but after the "POOF" experience, I decided to go and have a cup of tea instead!  These are a little late, but that seems to be the story of my life! 

This is a very recent photo of hubby and I, taken at Cracker Barrel in Pittsburgh.

These are our eldest children, Amanda and Jasmine.  (arent' they silly?)

This is Jason, doing what he can commonly be found doing every night ~ froghunting!

Michaela and Gabrielle (the twins) complete the family!

So, there you go - 'Our Family'!

There are a number of teens and young adults who I consider to be 'practically' part of the family, too, but I'll save that for another blog entry! 

Hello, and welcome to my humble blog! 

The unthinkable just happened!  I spent an hour or so writing my first entry, including photos.  I was almost finished, then YIKES!!!  Everything vanished!

I'll try to write more later, and post some pictures.  For now, here is a brief introduction:

My name is Angela, and I'm originally from England.  I am wife to David, and mother to five children.  Amanda is 22, Jasmine is 15, Jason is 10, and Michaela and Gabrielle (twins) are 6.  We are a homeschooling family residing in Ohio.  As parents, our desire is to train our children in godliness, so they can perpetuate the heritage to our future grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  We have made mistakes along the journey, but as we have grown in the Lord, we have learned from them. 

I am so happy to have found Webblogger, and I have Angi to thank for that, as she included the link in one of her TOG group Emails!  The blogs I have read have been inspiring and encouraging.  I'm looking forward to being a part of all the wonderful things that are going on here.  We are a diverse group, but have so much in common!