Software

The short version is Windows 8 hates me. And vice versa. The long version is....no, wait....actually, the short version pretty much covers it. Back when I started this blog, I had Windows 7 and a photo editor that made it nice and easy to post pictures from my laptop up to my blog. And since said blog is 90% pictures (cuz that's way more fun than listening to me chatter :P), this was most useful. Enter my new laptop and Windows 8. No longer are my photos neatly organized into a folder I can open and view without leaving my desktop. No longer are they easily editable. (Yes, that's a real word I just made up.) Now, the photos open on an entirely different screen, and they have to be edited in Paintshop, and I loathe Paintshop, and I have to switch back and forth between those screens to view and edit and try to upload. Ugh. 

BUT.....I am more stubborn than Windows 8. Plus, I like recording the kids' school and activities here. It makes for a nifty record and a fun way to share the kids' lives with family and friends in far away places (and it's way less messy than scrapbooking). Therefore, I hereby renew my fight against the evil forces of Windows 8 and resume my regular blogging activities. Again. I will win this time. I AM stubborn enough. Really. Just ask my mother. :P

For now, a little catch-up. The last two months, in 24 pictures or less. :)

Just because I thought it was cute that she hung her stuffed giraffe on the wall like a decoration. :)

Taz in her book corner, and Crawdad on his math board. 

Her cupcake board game and Clifford on the laptop keep Miss Taz busy while the boys do the part of their school that requires me. 

He's siiiinging in the rain..... :P

Helping Mama prune the potted plants. :)

Below is the annual setting of the schedule....which lasts about 15 minutes until we find our groove and wind up flowing through the day pretty much unscheduled. Oh well. I put forth valiant effort at the beginning of each year. That counts, right?

I love that they never outgrow the joy of a box. :)

School....

 ....and the art of being distracted. :P This was originally geometry homework. And then it wasn't. :P

Taz learned somersaults and the dog....practiced yoga? 

 Cub turned 15!! How did that happen? I blinked, I guess. I have to say, I cannot imagine being more blessed by any child than I am by this one. He is becoming such an amazing, grounded, responsible, funny,  godly young man that it just makes my heart swell. Could.not.be.prouder. Keep the faith, Son. May God continue to mold you and bless the awesome young man you are.

It's a cute little mouse. It would have been even cuter had it not been drawn during Geometry. I think I'm seeing a pattern here...

There's a cat in my homework!

And mine!

Papa Bear bought the boys a dirt bike. Much fun was had by all. :)

Crawdad's first ride.

And his first veering off the road. :P

Cub racing his brother. He was pretty impressed with himself that he beat Crawdad on foot. Never mind that Crawdad had yet to make it out of first gear. :P

Cub's turn. He's blurry, but he was going faster than I could shoot. Maybe I'll ask for a new camera for Christmas. :)