Puppies, Puppies, Puppies!

This week has just been loaded with taking care of puppies. Our girl dane, Shadow gave birth to five beautiful puppies last Sunday. It was amazing!

The first one came at about 3:30 in the afternoon. The second one didn't come until about an hour and a half later. All in all, though, she was done at 7:00. When all was said and done she had two merles, one harlequin, one fawn, and one black. Of course, our boy dane, Freckles, was quite the proud papa.

I was quite surprised to see a fawn in the middle of the litter, however, I remembered that Freckles has brindle in his pedigree, so I guess it was bound to come out sometime. Shadow is a very good mama. The children all want to go in and see the puppies. She is fiercely protective, though. The only way they have been able to sneak peaks is when we take Shadow outside. Sometime between tomorrow and Saturday, the pups should open their eyes and we are all looking forward to that.

Aside from puppies, we have been back to school full-time again. We go pretty much all year, just doing an abbreviated amount during the summer. Now, however, we are easing back into full swing again. The children really love world history and that appears to be the focal point of the week. In some way or other, books, battles, etc., we are discussing world history. I grew up with very little knowledge of anything other than the US. In college I discovered more about the study of other countries, but I, too, am enjoying an intense study of world history right along with them. It's great!

Tucker is now reading, which means the youngest (so far) is now reading. I feel like we have passed a hurdle. It really feels like an accomplishment having them all reading now. I remember a time, with several, where I never thought we would learn to read. I was sure I was doing everything wrong, but eventually it all fell into place. Isn't it amazing how that works. Just lay the foundation, I suppose, and continue working and it comes when the child is ready. I think I learn as much, if not more, daily than my children do. I wouldn't trade it for the world.