I keep almost posting lately.  Then don't. Or get some pics loaded and then have to run again.  And keep telling myself I am falling behind on blogging.  But then, can one actually fall behind on one's own blog?  Will the blog police scold my truancy? 

The lack of chatter here of late is partly in proportion to the volume of private email happening.  Since there are only so many hours in the day, when they are gone they are gone.  I can sum up by saying many of those letters involve discussion about how to do it all, more specifically how do *I* do it all. Short answer? You can't. *I* can't.  So first priority goes to home and family.  

It is very hard to LIVE this life well and simultaneously live a full online life.  I would argue that it is nigh on impossible.  At least for me.  So it's often either/or. My miscellaneous responses to email lately:

To have a clean house you don't need a new cleaning system.  You need a broom and a washcloth. You need to clean as you go – fill your sink before you cook, wipe the fixtures while the littles are in the tub, make a sweep of the car before you get out.  

To have well educated children you don't need more plans, more creative methods, or learning styles evaluations. You need some books, pencils, and a smile of encouragment. (and yes, we do use traditional materials and yes, I will review the Maxwell bk.  Someday lol) 

To have order in your days you don't need little boxes and ical.  You need to wake up (before the children) in the morning, stay more off the computer than on, and always have an eye ahead to the next few things on deck.  ie – are clothes laid out for morning? Are dinner ingredients defrosted?  Are backpacks ready for school/sports etc?  

It really is that simple. Simple, not easy. It is much easier to surf for ideas than to put them to work. It is much easier to discuss edu-methods than to help work out long division for the umpteenth time. Yet the latter leads to great long term success and easier school days.  

 It seems so delightfully refreshing to thumb through crafts books or blogs, but how often do we pick up the needles/machine/paint ourselves? (after our home and school were in order)

It is inspiring to look at images of tidy pantries but so much more satisfying to spend an hour clearing a shelf or two in our own. 

You can have those things that feed your soul and your family, but not by discussing them here. Linger a bit to glean if you must, then scoot and DO. Don't be content to sit and watch others. Your own blessing sifts through your fingers as they fly across the keyboard.

and that, my friends, is what keeps readership and discussion nice and low around these parts lol. And on that note I need to go and git.  God bless!

PS will try to shoot a few more pics up here.  Bavaria or Bust this week!