January

Ah January. Usually my least favorite month of the year. There's the after holiday let down, the long cold days in a very long month, and of course Aaron being back at work. But here's why this year feels different...

• Our month of December was just so darn good. Year round we intentionally work to not fill our calendar to the brim in an attempt to really foster family time, and December was no different. We did so many fun things, but we also had lots and lots of time to just enjoy slow mornings full of Christmas music, hot cocoa, loads of Christmas books, and heaps of playing. It was just the most lovely month I could have imagined.

• We still have no snow! In fact, it's been down right pleasant and therefore playing at the park and being outside now and then has allowed us to not get too cooped up and restless. That said, some snow to play in before this winter is over would be more than welcome.

• We didn't start school back up until a week into January, so this month is already not feeling quite so long!

• Homeschooling has given me a new appreciation for the new year. It's proven to be a time where I can reevaluate what is working and what isn't. A blank slate, if needed.

We had a great first semester of homeschooling. In many ways it went better than I imagined it would, and in a few ways, it was harder. But I suppose that might be how each year goes. Being able to tailor each of my children's education to the ways that best suits them is a total dream. I spent the Christmas break deciding what should stay and what should go, and I'm hoping that what I came up with will be a good change. I decided to mix up our math curriculum and also add in some new phonics practice, as well as some fun science kits and several new games. January is looking promising!

Hope your Christmas was full of wonder and enjoyment, rest and excitement, joy and happiness. Happy New Year from the Schrader family!

Photo Credit: Ashley Matteson Photography

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