It has been so long, over eight months, since I have stopped here to write, that there is nothing to do but just start fresh rather than try to play catch up. Honestly, it has been such a year that so much is a blur and I can hardly catch my breath! So, a quick check in at where we are, and then it will be blogging as if I never missed a beat. (I hope!)

My kids today:

Charlie- 22 now, he did a tour in Afghanistan but didn't see any action. He thinks that stinks, I thank God for his safety. He is stationed near us now and it is so good to have him be part of our lives again. He is around often, getting to know the little ones that were born after he enlisted. He has matured so much. It is really a wonderful thing!

Katherine- 17, she is almost grown, I don't want to think about how soon she may be ready to go out on her own. For now, she is doing college at home. It keeps her so busy, I miss her- both her help and her companionship. She is still Thomas' favorite and it is hard to keep him happy when she isn't around. She dreams of a future in musical theatre and has been taking classes at the theatre program. She doesn't have her license yet because she needs glasses and I haven't gotten her there yet!

Timmy- 15, he is changing so much, developing new interests. He is still my chicken farmer, but he is also working on writing a novel. I never would have dreamed it possible! He really wants to play football in college, so we are praying for a way to make that happen. There are no opportunities for him to play in our area because Virginia won't allow homeschoolers to play.

Regina- 13, still working on her novels and her art, she also has had to step up and take over many of Katherine's responsibilities. She and I have been spending lots of time together traveling to the chiropractor a few times each week, as we both try to get our backs feeling better.

Elizabeth, 11- defintely growing into one of the "big kids", she is also taking on more responsibility. She is my early bird these days, making gluten-free breakfast for everyone and finishing her math before we all get up!

Clare-, 10 this week! She is my first girl with a flair for fashion, it's kind of hard to say no to her. Of course, her fashions have to come from ebay, but it is fun to buy something other than Lands' End dresses! She does well with the little people and loves to play with the baby.

Teresa-7, still a unique individual, but she is settling down some. She's finally reading which helps. I am finding that she longs to be a big kid, so I am working on giving her responsibility. Life is busy, and I am tired, so it can be an effort, but she really needs it. She and Augustine are inseparable, which is a blessing and a curse! She is so pretty and looks just like Katherine did at her age.

Augustine-5, my sweet, sweet boy! Sometimes it is hard in a big family for a tender hearted little guy who just wants to be listened to. He has Teresa on one side, always being the boss in their relationship. Then there is Thomas on the other side, who is so wild and aggressive. Two year old siblings are always hard, but Thomas is special. So, there is Augustine caught in the middle. I try so hard to surround him with love, but not to baby him. I am hoping to get him reading soon, which will open new worlds to him.

Thomas-2.5, oh my, this child is the center of attention! His flaming red hair and bulky build are the perfect look for this unbelievable bundle of energy. He doesn't stop. He is talking so much now, and loves to laugh. He keeps us all jumping all day. I could fill a blog with just his exploits and funny saying. He loves the baby so much. If she cries, he is right there trying to help.

Aurelia, 8 months already. Sweet baby, always smiling, easy going. God blessed us doubly with her! She has been crawling for a couple of weeks and is already pulling up, intent on seeing the world. My only complaint is that she loves to nurse all night. I am so grateful for this beautiful baby, but I am feeling too old for this right now! I wouldn't trade it for the world though!

That's a snapshot of us, today. Not very thorough, but it is a start. I miss blogging, and it makes me sad that I have missed so many moments by not recording them. But I am looking forward, and not dwelling on what didn't happen. Where it goes from here is yet to be seen, but hopefully this will be the beginning of a new resolve!