And now we are on our way through January and 2012. I am determined to make this a positive year. There is a lot to accomplish. I have to admit I have not done much by way of making resolutions beyond resolving to continue to finish what I have started and  to make 2012’s Christmas a 100% handmade one… but I have begun to consciously work on my positive thinking. I used to (and really still am) be a HUGE optimist. I like that about myself and am renewing my faith in Ken, in hard work, in our family and the world around me. 

Poor Ken fasted for most of the day today only to have his appointments for himself (bloodwork) and Echo (x-ray and bloodwork) rescheduled for AFTER his doctor visit tomorrow. Apparently they only do x-rays until a certain time today and were running way behind. So they wanted to reschedule them. Not the best case scenario but we will survive. 

Our review of math continues and with it the realization that Zander does a TERRIFIC job if he SLOWS DOWN… the trick is, he hates doing it and wants to rush on through. Work in progress that boy… he certainly has more concentration issues than Gavin does but he has just as much of a wish to do well. 

Math review

First big completion of 2012! One of Emanuel's K books!

So other than some light work and a Bob book each the boys have really been focused on playing constructively together this week. Lots of Lego and crafting and a bit of the ps3 downstairs. Oh and a nice chunk of the afternoon outside! I just wish I could figure out some way to speed along this front tooth of Gavin’s moving out. It is now pointing out of his mouth and rather in the way. Frustrating as we don’t have our dental coverage in place yet (hopefully beginning of February) so just a stop off at the dentist is a big financial issue. And as Ken says, we would hate to go in only to be told it will fall out. 

Kristen and Fydo came HERE for a game or two tonight. The plan WAS to head to their place with Echo but a combination of work and late dinner had us change the location to here. It is never as quiet or relaxing but we had just as much fun I think. Pandemicwas the new game to try! Definitely quicker than some of our other games and a cooperative. But… we lost! 

Pandemic

So beyond the difficult tooth and the ever changing appointments our week is going well. I have library books to pick up, Echo is working on her walking… all 4 of our bigger kids are working on learning new things and Ken has started TWO big contracts in the new year. January is by no means completely SMOOTH but the bumps are a whole lot smaller and more manageable. 

So cute