I just wanted to write a little life update for April 2021. You can read my last life update here. I know it’s such a cliché to say, but how is it already April?! I can’t believe we’re more than a year into Covid! And 2021 is whizzing by!

How the Kids Are Doing

The kids have just started Grade 3 for Maths and English. As before, we’ll be using CTCMath and IXL, because the programmes are still working well for the boys. I’m all for changing things up when they don’t work, but if it ain’t broke…

We’re also still using Mystery Science on a daily basis, which the kids adore! We’ve upgraded to the premium subscription and there is just so much on there! I highly recommend it!

Oscar’s reading has taken a massive leap forward. He’s always been a bit behind Dominic, but now I can see a big improvement in his confidence. And they still love reading, which makes me so happy.

Both boys are still not so keen on writing, but I’m not massively worried. Dominic loves to write silly messages on his walls, which are all painted with blackboard paint to encourage them to draw and write, so I’m taking that as a win. They’ll get there in their own time because they always do!

The kids have been doing a lot of baking recently, and it’s fantastic to see their enthusiasm and interest. Oscar is a bit more willing to try things like kneading dough or cracking eggs, but both boys are enjoying the sweet treats at the end! And so are we!

We found Bake with Josh at the library and it was so good that we bought the book. The recipes are easy and not too sweet and the boys have been choosing something to bake each week.

My Life Update

Life is still pretty stressful, if I’m honest. There’s a lot to do and it feels like I’m on a hamster wheel. I’m really grateful to be busy, but at the same time, I’m longing for a nice break!

The past year has amped up the anxiety in the family and it can be pretty intense at times! We’re unsure about what’s going on in terms of vaccines and the virus. We do live a pretty insular life usually, but it can get to be too much sometimes.

I would love to just leave everything behind and travel around the country in a camper van with the family and Daisy. Sigh. This is firmly at the top of my bucket list!

That being said, I’m still working hard on my mental health. I try to run or workout at least 5 or 6 times a week. I also try to meditate, when I have the time. I should really be more consistent with this, because it does help. I could also do better with my diet, but the extra weight is slowly coming off.

I stopped studying at the beginning of the year. I did two semesters of a BA degree last year and it was just too much! I tend to overload myself with a million things and then spin out because I can’t cope. And then I beat myself up for being a failure! It’s a vicious circle!

I have however decided to take a counselling course. A student of mine recommended it and I’m really excited to learn some strategies for living a calmer life. I need to be more mindful of how I live my life on a daily basis. I’ll definitely keep you updated on how it’s going.

Blogging

I’ve rebranded the blog, and I’m in love with it! My little blog has come so far since I started in 2017. I’ve learnt so much and I continue to learn more each year. It’s also been a great outlet for me.

I also finally got a DSLR camera. I’ve always been interested in photography so I’m excited to learn more. And to take a million pictures of the kids too!

It’s always a treat to do something creative because it puts me in a really good headspace. It also works wonders for stress and anxiety!

I’ve also decided to try and spend more time on blogging. I think rebranding has had a big influence on this because everything feels fresh and pretty. I hope to be blogging more regularly, writing more homeschool reviews and designing more useful printables and unit studies.