They’ve Grown so Much

Three years is a lot of time, and among the many changes that have taken place, the kids are one of the biggest.  Over the years they’ve really grown, as kids tend to do, and not only have their sizes changed, their personalities have too.   Somehow calling this guy a Milk Monkey just didn’t seem right anymore.

I discussed it with the kids and they’ve decided to forgo the cute, little nicknames that I always found kind of corny and they want me to introduce them as themselves.  So drum roll please…

First up we have Elijah, while he could still be called a Professor, with his head always in a book, he’s not so little anymore.  He’s now inching his way out of the tween years, and making his way to the vast unknown…teenage-hood.  Thankfully we still have another year before we get to explore that fully.

Then we have Isabella, previously known as the Mighty Princess or just Princess for short.  She’s now 10 years old and a little spitfire. She almost always has a smile on her face, but don’t let her sweetness deceive you, she’s a tough little cookie and always ready to stick up for her brothers.

Then we have the littlest, Josiah.  While he’s no longer a milk monkey, he’s definitely still a monkey.  He’s now a whopping 6 years old!  He’s always trying to find ways to get alone time with his mummy, and is still determined to marry me.

Speaking of change, I quit my job a year and half ago.  I’m now officially a stay-at-home mum.  This wasn’t a decision I took lightly, but it was something that was necessary.

I had a fantastic job where I worked from home and an amazing boss, my father in law, and a much needed paycheck.  Being able to work from home seemed like the perfect situation, but in reality I was struggling…really struggling.  I hated pushing my kids aside so often to get work accomplished but we needed the income to pay the bills.

We had made the decision to home school our kids so that I could cultivate their potentials and build strong relationships with them. They could get a good education at a regular school, but homeschooling is about more than education.  It’s about family and nurturing and having the time to explore individual interests.  During those busy days of juggling between the kids and work, it was becoming clear that what we were doing just wasn’t working.

After a lot of praying and seeking God’s will, we came to the decision that I would leave my job and focus on the kids.  Changes had to be made.  We sold our house and moved.  Dan has always wanted to live in Florida, so after a few hurdles, here we are living in the Sunshine State.  We’re really enjoying our new life. There are so many things to do around here and we’ve met a lot of really great people.

Speaking of things to do, we spent this past weekend with these two clowns…

The local library has a summer reading program where the kids log their reading hours and at the end they host a big party.  They had a make-your-own sundaes station, lots of prizes, and a very funny clown show.

Each child was also given a little stuffed animal and a lot of coupons for free meals at various restaurants or discounts at venues like the Crayola Experience.  Elijah and Bella also went home with a prize from Universal, and a stack of encyclopedia type books that will be great for science.

Yesterday we went to Chipotle Mexican Grill for the free lunch they earned with all their reading.  I was impressed by our library and the summer reading program gave a lot of kids an incentive to read.  We really enjoy our local libraries, both here and back in Massachusetts!

3 thoughts on “They’ve Grown so Much

  • 31 July, 2017 at 8:24 pm
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    How cool! Always love seeing how your family grows together.

    Plus, how amazing of a prize for reading! I’m sure they will be put to use.

    So long to milk monkey but hello to cheeky monkey Josiah! Your “official” introductions are so sweet.

    Reply
  • 2 August, 2017 at 10:13 am
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    Loved it, and am so glad you started this up again! It’s a great way for me to keep track of what everyone is doing, and see pics of them as they grow. Great job!

    Reply
  • 2 August, 2017 at 7:44 pm
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    So happy that you are back with Honestly Mummy. Love to read about the children and oh yes have they not grown these past 3 years. God continue to bless you and Dan and the children. love you all

    Reply

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