Meet Our Newest Addition

Life here is moving at a fast pace, as usual.  I hardly feel like I have time to breathe at times, yet I do not know if I would change anything...and if so, what?  But, on doctor's orders, I did try to slow down a little last week.  Even though I wanted to can more, I think I'm done with that for the year as it is not as important as some other things.  Like...we are starting our first day of school next week. :)  Everyone here started yesterday, September 1st, but I wanted to start on a Monday...easier for me.  Anna is SUPER excited and Lydia is catching it as well.  I, on the other hand, feel way under-prepared to be getting started.  I feel like I've been half-planning all summer, yet still don't have things set up the way I want.  Yeah, it would have helped if I didn't decide to change the layout of our house the week before school, BUT it will be nice to have a little more order before we start.  The Lord has blessed me with multiple different schooling materials.  At the beginning of the summer I was a little discouraged by how little I have access to here and felt like it was going to be difficult to put together a curriculum, but now {thanks to very generous birthday gifts :)}I have such an abundant supply of books and resources that I'm not exactly sure where to begin!  Not all of the books have gotten here yet, but they are on their way.  Hopefully tonight I will have some time to put together a more definite schedule.  I also have a chore list I want to print out.  I am amazed at how much the girls are able to do and it takes such a load off of me, I just need to have something up that I, and they, can see.

Finally, I'd like to introduce you to the new addition to our family.

Yeah, I know.  I don't know what I was thinking either.  But isn't she adorable?  The second day I was really beginning to doubt my wisdom to agreeing (ok...and wanting) her, but she is very smart and is already learning not to poo or pee anywhere but here "spot"...soon, that will be outside.  That was pretty much my biggest problem as I already have enough of that to pick up.  The girls unanimously named her Girly.  (Well, Anna did mention Anna and Inga -???)  How did they come up with this "original" name?  Well, Papa's first dog was called Lady and he suggested that.  But Anna insisted that she was to small to be Lady...she was a Girly.  Any other suggestion after that was quickly voted out in favor of Girly, except for Princessa. :)  She is fitting in beautifully.  She loves to cuddle with me, but at the same time LOVES to play with the kids and Eric.  Anna has loved her from the beginning and Lydia and Sammy are starting to enjoy her more.  (They were a little scared of her at first when she was hyper and playing with Anna.)