A Week of Joys...

In my life this week…I made it!
I wrapped up the spring semester and in doing so, finished my first year back in graduate school. For those of you new here, I am  a speech-path, but last August I started working on a second masters in History (part-time) with a concentration in French. I had both oral and written comprehensive finals this past week and had a paper due. It was a busy, stressful week and I am glad to put it behind me. I'm taking one class this summer and have signed up for 2 classes (so far) for this fall.

In our homeschool this week...we keep plugging away!
We took Monday off (my finals day) and then did extra work the other days. Audrey wrapped up another subject and the kids will be on  a short "spring break" from now until the 24th. Then we will start back and homeschool through  to the end of July.

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share...discover nature daily!
Get your kids outside each day, no matter the weather!

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing...the city of lights!
Today, I am heading back to France for  8 days. I am so excited to go back. This trip, I am being accompanied by my 5 year old daughter, Charlotte, who is very excited about her first trip abroad. While my last trip I stayed mainly in Paris proper, this trip is longer and so I am looking forward to also doing some day trips into the French countryside.

My favorite thing this week was…Joy!
Finishing finals. And yesterday, I was interviewed over the phone by an author in New Jersey who is writing a book about Jane Austen fans. The interview was fun and it will be neat to see if she uses my profile in the final draft. But the best thing was Baby Brooke turned to and we had her family party and she was so excited. I can't believe she is two already. What a joy she is!

What’s working/not working for us...participating parents!
What's working for us is that I am so lucky to have a husband that  enjoys doing his part in the child-rearing and is an active participant...something I do not take for granted! While I am gone this week with Charlotte, Mr. Darcy will be staying with the other 4 children.On their agenda this week: a birthday party, a train show and an Irish dance competition. I am thankful for a man who enjoys being a father and sees no problem with heading out to activities, without me, with 4 children in tow.  

Things I’m working on...clutter busting!
As soon as I get home, the house is getting a spring clean! I am going to reclaim my dining room table! This semester it has slowly become a "catch all" for a myriad of things. I hate that! It's time to get back to my minimalist roots and get my house ready for summer! We are hosting a party here the 26th so that will be good motivation to get everything done before the end of the month...clutter you are going down!

I’m reading...a book that is not a history book finally!
"I love dirt: 52 activities to help you & your kids discover the wonders of nature" by Jennifer Ward

I’m grateful for...my kids and my mum!
 This Mother's Day weekend, I am so grateful for the opportunity for being a mother. I am so thankful for my children and the time I get to spend with them each day through the gift of homeschooling, and I am so grateful for my own mother.

I’m praying fo...(and your prayers are welcome!)
safe travels for my daughter and I this trip.

A photo, video, link, or quote to share..."It's my party day!"
Baby Brooke turned two this past week (I guess we need to stop calling her Baby Brooke...). She helped make her own cupcake tower. Look at this happy face. Her joy is my joy. Motherhood is full of such joys!

Wishing you all a blessed Mother's Day! This post is hooked up to the Homeschool Mother's Journal link up which is now being hosted at ihomeschoolnetwork.