One of the many reasons I decided to home school was to foster the bond between my children. Being at the the very most 27 months apart, I wanted to give them the opportunity to spend time together, share special moments, teach each other, grow together, and learn compassion and empathy for each other. These are lessons I would expect them to have with any special friend, but are crucial to a healthy family.

I can see how easy it would be for a large family to become disconnected and dysfunctional. This time last year, we were 5 people going in 5 different directions. We were tired, stressed, and not content -- EVER. The stress Dave and I were feeling was being transmitted to the kids, without a doubt. As a parent, I sometimes find it difficult to meet everyone's needs. By having all my children with me each day, they have learned "it takes an army." I remind them daily that it's one of me, verses 3 of them. They have learned to have more patience and as a result, be more self -sufficient when needed. We all work as a team.

Yesterday was one of those days. Yesterday, my brother came home from Kuwait after a 4 month deployment. We took the morning off from "school" to go to the airport and welcome him home. We worked together to decorate signs, and talked more about why Bob was there. It was an invaluable lesson for them. Because we spent most of the day with our family, we still didn't really have time to fit in our "real" lessons during school hours. Instead, we worked them in throughout the evening, outside of our classroom. It's a family affair.

I can't help but think back to the stress and chaos we were dealing with this time last year, and I am so thankful we have chosen a more simple life for our family, even if it gives Dave and I a little more stress in other areas -- its nothing like before. It forces us to be creative, and that isn't always a bad thing. All day long, I thank God for his blessings. I do my best to not take a single one for granted. Sometimes all it takes is throwing on those breaks a little and enjoying the moment.