It's Been A Little While...

...since I last wrote, that is...
Life just seems to get busier and busier, but we are loving every minute of it! We have been working diligently in our homeschooling. We are studying American History this year, and the kiddos seem to really be "getting into it". We love our curriculum...we use Sonlight, and I have to say it is pretty AWESOME! In this curriculum, they bring History alive. All subjects are tied into the main history theme (this year Am. Hist.) and then when you add the wonderful literature that accompanies the study, and all the activities you can do... well you just have fun,fun,fun! The teen boy is working on Algebra and Physical Science. The Preteen boy is working through Pre-Algebra and Astronomy. The littles are learning to read, and The middles are plugging along with their studies. Can you say....we never have a dull moment?!
In addition to our schooling, our teen keeps us busy with church youth activities. Our pre teen, Mr Socialite himself, keeps us going and doing (well at least letting him go and do). Our girlies are busy with dance, and don't forget our mischievous boy duo who seem to get into every crazy thing imaginable. Since our family has grown, we have limited our kiddos outside activities to 1 choice each. Even with the limitations, it seems as if we are always doing something or going somewhere. ...all of this... and the baseball season hasn't even started! Will have plenty more stories about that in the spring, I am sure.
On a more exciting note...at least for Brad and I...
We get to go on a CRUISE!!!  Actually, we had planned this trip back in the summer (scrimping and saving any extra money we could find). The time is almost near for our departure... leaving in 11 days. We will be sailing the southern Carribean Islands. Dear friends are joining ranks to care for our clan of children. We thank them from the bottom of our hearts! We are just so ...so...so...so EXCITED!!! It will be the first trip away... for more than an overnight stay... from the kids... all by our lonesome...
Don't get me wrong, I love my kids and by the time we are into the cruise three day... I will miss them terribly. However, it is thrilling to think that Brad and I get some time together... ALONE... Happy Valentines Day to us!!
We have some other exciting developments underway ...but, we aren't quite ready to publicly give details yet.
Stayed tuned ... 
** sorry no pictures... really haven't kept the camera handy....that and we really haven't done any exciting picture worthy things lately...