Goodbye, Hello, I hope to see you more!

As we all say goodbye to 2010, I hope that this year has been good to you.  I know that it has been a challenge for some, a struggle for others.  There have been good things and difficult things, and I suppose that we can say that about all years!

The Zookeepers have been so blessed this year as we've watched our babies grow.  MamaKeeper has been oh-so-busy with learning to navigate the waters of homeschooling.  I know I haven't been around the Blog much, and I hope to rectify that in the months to come.  Because I really do like talking with you all out there!  As I'm learning, homeschooling is a constantly changing, ever evolving endeavor.  When I think I've got a handle on what to do to make the day pleasant and productive, the baby learns a new trick or changes her sleep patterns, and we're back to square one.  BUT, as all homeschooling parents learn, flexibility is not just the key to a good home education, but also crucial to a successful one.

Flexibility, though, requires freedom.  I need limited outside personal commitments.  There are things that I can't do anymore (for now) that take my concentration/focus/time away from my primary job.  I'll get back to all those things one of these days, but just for now, I'm learning to streamline.  Not to say "never", but just to say "not right now".  And it's a wonderful problem to have, because I dearly love teaching my children.  Yes, even on the days where I'm pretty sure that my sanity is of no value any more because it has clearly taken leave of me.  It takes leave often.  Apparently, my sanity and I have "issues" with each other.  WhatEVAH.

But seriously, I wanted to leave 2010 with a post to say that I missed being more present this year, and I don't immediately expect to jump back in with lots of writing in the months to come.  But, it will come.  So, for now, from our house and zoo to yours - HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!  And may 2011 be chock-full of healthy and happy and closeness to God.  Because if that is the case, then I know that your year will be so awesome!  May God bless you!

(Photo by DaddyKeeper.  Canton, MS Courthouse)