This is a subject that I've wanted to write about for a long time. It's a subject that I've been hesitant to write about in the past. I've been worried that some how I would offend someone by saying what I really feel. Maybe because I've been really sensitive about other people's comments or criticisms. I'm not very good at writing down my thoughts and expressing myself. I've recently met a group of homeschooling moms who are amazing. They inspire and uplift me. They remind me that I'm not alone in this awesome journey of educating my children. Being a homeschooling mom is very lonely sometimes. One amazing mom in this group says she doesn't have a "thick skin" and I kinda feel the same way. I feel like I'm a failing when I hear comments like; so and so "is reading or doing math at the 5th grade level and he/she is only in the 1st or 2nd grade" and then looks at me like my kids are stupid or I'm failing to teach them so they fit into the "normal level". I'm trying really hard to get past this, to not be so sensitive. Don't get me wrong, all mother's love to share "brag" about their kids achievements and strengths, I'm totally one of those moms! But sometimes it's obvious that my kids are being compared and criticised. Or it could be just my own insecurities.
Today this group of homeschooling moms and all our children got together. Two of the mom's have teenagers and are "veteran" home school moms. I'm so impressed with these teenagers! There were a lot of kids, at least 15, ages 9 months to 16 or 17 yrs old. They all went outside to play and I was never once concerned about the kids cause I knew the older ones would keep an eye on the younger ones. I was impressed with the teenagers who seem to be mature way beyond their years. They were gentle and kind with the younger kids. They are very intelligent well rounded kids who seem to have a strong sense of who they are and where they are going. I want my kids to be that way! I enjoyed my time with these new friends. They have so much experience and wisdom, they've been where I am as a homeschooling mother. I love their little bits of wisdom and advise. It's nice to feel that I'm okay. To be reminded that I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing. I don't take my children's education lightly. I've put many hours of thought and prayer into this. I have no doubt that this is what I'm supposed to do. I love teaching my children. I love seeing the joy in their faces when they learn something new and exciting. I love the freedom of letting them really explore something they are passionate about. I love seeing Noah learn about Leonardo Da Vinci and being inspired by his sketch books. Noah now has a sketch book of his own and has spent many many hours drawling and sketching this week. I love having my children close to me (even when they drive me crazy)! I love being a mother!
The first thing the girls did when we got home on Friday was change into "dress up" dresses.
Then they wanted to go play outside and I made them change into play clothes. They came out like this. I think Emily wore Emma's clothes most of the weekend and Emma wore Emily's clothes. So as usual we were getting them mixed up all weekend long. Silly girls!
The boys wanted to play target practise with the airsoft gun and we had a neighbor kid at our house most of the time so that made 8 kids running around!
When they got tired of target practice they came inside to make a tent in the living room.
We watched the movie Tangled which Cale said was a "dumb movie" but as you can see he sat and watched it anyways.
Kendall got out his rc plane and flew. The kids loved that!
The kids stayed up late talking and giggling every night and for some crazy reason they were all up before 7am! We were all pretty tired!
We had a little flag ceremony in the morning on Memorial day. Since it was Emma's birthday she got to be the flag bearer.
All the kids and Kendall.
Jessica and Vernon came up and we had dinner at my mom's house. The kids all had fun playing with bubbles.
Jacob playing with some toys at my mom's house.
Emma really wanted a pinata for her birthday, so the kids had a great time with it!
Daniel taking some swings at the pinata.
Vernon got the older boys real dizzy before they could start swinging the mallet around!
I made an apple pie and a cherry pie for Emma's birthday. Darien's birthday is on Sunday so we celebrated his birthday too while we were all together. My mom made a chocolate cake for him.
Emma and Daniel being silly!
Noah, Cale, Daniel, Emma, Jacob, Emily and Darien. 
Okay we were missing the newest cousin Alexander in the last picture so here are all the Washington cousins. Some day we will get all my siblings and all their kids together and get a picture taken!
Emma opening her presents.
She LOVES I Spy books and now has the game! So much fun!
Jacob and Alexander getting to know each other. Alexander is 2 months old and I think he weighs more then Jacob! 
He is so cute!! 
Hmmm, what's this??