School has started and is in full swing! Jonathan is in 3rd grade, Rachel is in kindergarten, Mark is 2 1/2, and Sarah is now 1!!! Amazingly, this year has been my easiest year, so far. Jonathan is able to do more work on his own. During that time, I am able to work with Rachel. We certainly don't do things perfectly, but right now we do have a schedule. And it is working! So many people tell me, "I could not do that... I could never homeschool... I could never have 4 (going on 5) kids!" And I really think that more people could. Yes, it is hard, sometimes very difficult at times. But is certainly is doable. I kinda explain homeschooling like first getting married. I didn't know how to cook or love a husband or work and keep house. But slowly, I figured it out. With the Lord's help (literally!) I learned to cook for Mike and myself. Then we added a child, and I learned to cook for three. And I learned how to do laundry, keep home, and still spend time with my husband. Then, hmm... we had another child! And another one, and well, another one! Each time I learned, with the help of the Lord, how to care for my family. One step, one child, at a time. And the same goes with homeschooling. I certainly was scared when I first started schooling and yet, the Lord provided each step of the way. I was following his call and He continued to provide. So, our school year has gone more smoothly than before. I have certainly learned a lot in the last 3 years and am more confident. And as I continue to trust in the Lord, He shows me what I can do differently. And I am truly grateful for the gift of homeschooling and for my children.

Jonathan's Birthday Party

Our oldest just turned 8!!! Jonathan celebrated his birthday (Sept.27) by taking some friends to the Maxx and then coming home for pizza, cake, and presents. He had a great time with his friends! This year he got a sling shot, remote control cars that shoot lazers, binoculars and a fishing pole, as well as some other fun gifts! We are so very grateful for a healthy, sweet, responsible, and caring little man. He truly is a gift and we are so thankful that the Lord has placed him in our family. Jonathan, we love you so very, very much!!

All of the Bailys recently went to the Outer Banks for our annual beach trip. We had a great time, despite the very, very rainy weather. The children didn't seem to mind the rain much; they were having too much fun with their cousins! This year Mike's grandmother, Mawcaw, and Aunt Ann also joined us. They were a true blessing to have around! And we also had our babysitter, Hannah, who made life much easier for our family. Enjoy the pictures. :)

We recently went to Idlewild with friends of ours! We had a lovely time riding water slides and park rides... until the DOWNPOUR at 5 pm. :) We tried to wait it out but decided to head out and leave a little earlier than we had intended. But the kids still had a great time and want to go back next year.

Random Pictures

Jonathan's hard times...

So, Jonathan has had a hard couple of weeks. A few Fridays ago he came into the house yelling for me. He had gotten stung about 7-8 times by a bee. Yes, he claims all those stings were from ONE lousy bee. This picture was taken about 15 minutes after he got stung. His lip got swollen and his eye was nearly swollen shut! Poor guy... About 2 weeks later he had to go to the dentist to get his cavities filled. He did fine there, even the dentist said so. I guess Jonathan needed to toughen up a bit... and he sure has!! He was very brave through both incidents. :)

Sarah's First Birthday

Sarah is now one year old!!! She continues to be sweet and pleasant and a wonderful baby! We had two celebrations. One at our house and one at at my parent's house. We had a nice time visiting with family and of course, eating cake! Sarah loved the cake, even though she ended up wearing most of it. :) Thank you, Lord, for such a sweet and healthy baby.