Well, sort of...Isaac's eating breakfast and watching some preschool shows.  Leo (the dog) and Cameron are still snoozing away.  It's nice and quiet.  I'm able to sit here for a few mintues and enjoy my first cup of coffee in about a week...nice...

Here are some things I've been musing/praying over lately:

*The beginning of a "school "year always brings hustle and bustle of it's own to our family's lives.  All at the same time, after a summer break, you have many "starts"=school-home and private, CCE (religious ed @ church), sports, support groups, etc.  Xavier and I had originally decided to teach the Adult Catechesis class together.  As we thought and prayed about it, it became more obvious that this was his calling-not mine.  God sent many wonderful and passionate people to help him with the class.  Xavier was also committed to teaching Alex's CCE and Confirmation classes.  We've always been of the belief (even BEFORE homeschooling came into our lives) that our children's religious education was paramount, so from the start, either he or I have always taught (I taught the younger years, Xavier has taught the older years).  Unlike most families, our children's ages are spread across the board (right now from almost 21 to 3!).  With Xavier teaching the 16 year old this year, and one of the coolest couples we know teaching Cameron's 4th grade class (YEA Mike and Miki!!!), I feel free to stay home and fully engage in MY ministry-wife, mother, homemaker, educator, etc...  It always seemed to bother me, esp around this time of year, when the priest, religious ed director, pto club, gala chairman, etc, started making all their appeals for help.  Was I not doing my part? Was I not doing enough?  Don't get me wrong-I've spent probably close to 20 years doing this or that-the list is not important-just suffice it to say I've done or lead it all from teaching to committees to room moms..... But when I started home schooling and really started to take a look at what I personally am called to do....my "ministry" if you will, God seems to always find a way to say "look Tammy, THIS is what I've called YOU to do-be satisfied and know that it's ok". I guess you could say I'm like a great support bra-always there, to help support and mold some pretty important stuff and help keep everyone in their place. This has really hit home the last several years while my older two were finishing school and moving on in their lives-I have helped keep the stability that they all crave-here at home.  It is also my ministry to support my family in their endeavors-whether it's teaching a religious ed class or just listening to a homesick child who happens to live in Japan.  I've also volunteered for the prayer line at Alex's school...Lately we 've been striving to eat at home more-a struggle in our hustle and bustle world.  It isn't always easy-some days we're eating at 5:30, others at 9:30 but we've survived. This year, we only have one teen with a crazy schedule (vs 3 in the past) so that helps.  I have to say it has been nice to eat dinner, watch a movie as a family, do some reading and have most everyone in bed before 10pm.  Things will get hectic soon-next week infact, but I know my ministry is to make sure that in the hustle and bustle, home and family don't get lost.  I find it interesting that I am older than most of my friends.  I hope they understand that I have been where they are (running like crazy on fumes some days) and it's ok.  I am where I am because God placed me here. In what might seem like the easier of jobs-I often struggle-God has given me what I can handle at this time and in this place.  When that little bit of worry starts to creep in and give me a hard time about not doing enough....I just listen to the voice of God who right now sounds like an awesome little 3 year old boy who still needs me....as HE says..."just wet it go, mom, just wet it go.".  So as I encourage my family to "be all that they can be", I must remember to do the same.....So I guess you can say, I've already signed up for my ministry this year!

*Children go through MARKER PHASES....Isaac is the latest.  Last night he came in the living room with black marker (I'm thinking Black Sharpie at this point cause it isn't coming off...) all up and down his legs.  We have YET to find the errant marker.....hmmmm maybe the dog crate...... I've been told having children with marker on their legs isn't a punishable offense, so I'm not going to stress about it too much....at least until we hit the YMCA today and I have to explain it a couple times....or more.....

*All children love to read....you just need to find the right story!  Cameron's great find has been The Tale of Despereaux.....where to go to next?

*Fish need peace and quiet too, sometimes.....don't ask.......

*It is pretty much inevitable that your teen will come in and askfor the strangest things like a compass or protractor around 10pm just as you are getting into bed.....

*It is also inevitable that when you are on the phone, someone who's been ignoring your voice all day, will suddenly be drawn to you and want to have an entire deep, theological (or dramatic in this case) conversation.....

And yet, we all keep on living and breathing....isn't that too cool?!?