She Reads

Once again "Spell to Write and Read" proves itself.

She reads!

My daughter, who is turning five next week, is reading! I'd forgotten over the past four years (since her older brother learned) the feeling of elation that comes with hearing those first words go from page to brain and pop out the mouth! She's enthralled with books and bounding with excitement.

And finally she's interested in "Between the Lions", the PBS phonics program that I religiously taped when son was in preschool. Great for 90+ degree days!

Unlike when son first read, daughter is reaping the benefits of homeschool experience and homeschool conventions. Instead of tripe to read, we're enjoying the likes of the McGuffey Readers, the Pictorial Primer, and the New England Primer. And this is only the beginning!

Celebrating Tasha Tudor Day

I have to admit, looking at Tasha Tudor artwork "awes" me. It is so delicate and beautiful! When I had a little girl, I renewed my interest in Tasha Tudor books; remembering my Mama and how she always wanted to dress me up like the artwork in the books!

I haven't given the artist, who just passed away this June, that much thought as I've grown older, but when I saw, over at Author Fiesta, an announcement for this date, I was excited. I only wish I had more of her books! I've done a bit of research and link-following and been inspired! So, while I read the books we have to the kids today, play in the garden, and share a tea party with them, I'll dream of all things "Tasha" and hope some of it rubs off on them (especially daughter!).

Here are a couple of links you may find interesting:

The Tudor Family Website and Store
Tasha Tudor Notebooking Pages

Mt. Comfort/Indy Air Show!

After living here in Indy for nearly four years, we finally made the effort to attend the Mt. Comfort/Indy Air Show! This airshow "ain't" your small town, county air show. "Really huge" about sums it up. I've never seen so many interesting aircraft in one place. The children were in awe.

Now, the heat of the day was oppressive. The noise was thrilling. The crowd was plentiful. But there was more...

An experience that not everyone gets: to meet not one, but ten WWII veterans; survivors of the USS Indianapolis (sitting the length of the table behind my son in the picture to the left) which was torpedoed and sunk toward the end of the war. Nine hundred men lost their lives aboard that ship that day, yet these survivors, all in their 80's cheerily told us how glad they were to be at the airshow! They spoke of their wives and children; of lying about their age to join up, and about a book that they had collectively written about their experience--a harrowing tale indeed.

We excitedly filled our children in on what their presence meant. We told our oldest son about this chance he was getting that would probably never come again. A chance that is a rare bit of history in the making. The opportunity to shake the hands of men who should have died, but lived a lifetime as heroes of a long ago war. What a thrill...for all of us.

But there was more! We saw all the usual acrobatics of various aircraft, as well as all kinds of displays of weapons (son was thrilled!) and uniforms. There was possibly too much. My favorite plane though? The Raptor!

Now, my husband's head is full of all the boy junk you can possibly imagine. He can recognize the make and model of every car, airplane and motorcycle ever made (even from the sound of their engine!). But even he was taken back by the presence of the F22 Raptor. Now, this jet was big and loud and maneuvered like nobody's business. This being a "show", we all cheered and exclaimed how "totally cool" this jet was, but the grown up in me also was quite humbled by a machine of war. A weapon. Plain and simple. Husband and I could not help but speak of the pro-military effects of a show like this. Lest we forget...

I highly recommend attending this air show if you ever get the chance! We hope to go back every year.

The God of All Comfort...Indeed!

I guess you all have figured out that I'm a huge fan of Steven Curtis Chapman. After the accident, in May, that took his youngest daughter home to be with the Lord, I've been even more endeared to them and their ministry. I've prayed, checked up on them as much as I could, prayed some more and passed on relevant links. Here is the latest series of interviews now airing on Focus on the Family. The 2nd part is today, third tomorrow. You will be able to hear them all here.

Carnival of Homeschooling: Women's Independence Day

Be sure to check out the Women's Independence Day issue of the Carnival of Homeschooling. Renae has done a fabulous job putting a very full carnival together! In case you've never checked out a carnival, it's like a compilation of homeschool blogger's most recent best posts. Not always on topic, but fit to the constant theme of sharing homeschooling tips, experiences, and resources. You're sure to find many gems!

And, with this week's theme, be sure to reflect on your 19th amendment right to vote! And go vote in...

70 days!

Review: "Hitty: Her First Hundred Years"

I had absolutely no idea what "Hitty: Her First Hundred Years" was about when I took it off my shelf to read. I had purchased it by author, Rachel Field, per the recommendation of Jan Bloom's book, "Who Should We Then Read". By author, is how I buy most of my "old" books.

I had purchased this book at a library book sale. It is a hard back and like brand new. From the markings, I can tell the library bought it in January of 2001. I know I bought it last year, so it sat on their shelf for seven years. It truly looks as if it were never touched. The amazing, and yet sad, thing about that is that it is a really, good book! One that I wish I'd known of when I was a young girl.

Hitty is a very, real doll, discovered by author Rachel Field, in an antique shop in New York City (1927). The story (a Newbery winner) is Hitty writing her memoirs of her hundred years. She is now on display in a library museum! You can see more pictures, like those above, of her here. At only 6 1/2 inches tall, she saw much! It is amazing to see history unfold around her as she experiences everything from riding the high seas on a whaling ship, to being lost in a hay loft for many years! She rides the Mississippi on a steamboat and witnesses the effects of the Civil War.

There are a few elements of faith in the book as Hitty once belongs to a God fearing little girl, and even the daughter of missionaries. The children, and adults, she encounters are far from perfect, which lends this book to great discussion and character lessons. Hitty has great, even exciting, adventures, that will keep children interested. It is really well-written. Obviously not watered down language of the current era.

I'm always thrilled to find a children's book of such high caliber. I even enjoy reading them just for myself. After all, so much written for adults is garbage! If you are looking for a great book to share with your kids, try "Hitty". There is no reason a boy wouldn't also enjoy it!

Prayer Journal for Kids

I'm still working on Bible resources and am adding these prayer journaling pages for our notebook. Our focus this year is on praying scripture, but we've also studied and learned about praying like Jesus prayed (The Lord's Prayer), so we will use both pages alternately.

My children are very thoughtful in their young prayers, so I'm encouraged to teach them more about the power that comes with those prayers and the power that is the Living Word of God!

Leading Ideas

I've been revisiting some of the basics of Biblical Principle Approach as I continue to work on developing our Bible lessons. In particular, discovering leading ideas in passages of scripture. I am, by no means, an authority, however I have gleaned enough from other BPA sources and friends to be dangerous!

So, what is a leading idea? According to the Foundations for American Christian Education (FACE), "A Leading Idea...is an idea that leads the reasoner down a pathway." This comes from researching the word "lead" in Webster's 1828 Dictionary. Some might argue that there is not much difference between a leading idea and a Biblical principle. They could be the same, however a principle will not be as "passage specific".

I really enjoyed Mandi's (can't find the specific post) write-up on "how to tell if you have found a principle" (or a timeless truth, as she calls it). Basically, she asks the questions...

1. Is it a statement about God's character? God never changes.
2. Is it reinforced in the New Testament? Then it's transcultural.
3. Is it a statement about the nature of man? We're still sinners.
4. Is the original audience very broad? Transcultural again.
5. Is it a reason for something? Reasons are often principles.
6. Is it given as a superlative statement? Always, never, everything...etc.

A great resource that I have, and hope to use more is, The Encyclopedia of Bible Truths, by Ruth Haycock. I can't even begin to explain to you all that is in the now four-volume set. Suffice it to say, it gives Biblical leading ideas, through scripture, for most areas of study.

Personally, my objective is not only to teach Biblical principles and foundations, but to more thoroughly examine the heart issues of our daily walk with Him who is greater than all our sin. I say "our", because this as much involves myself, as my children!

I made up a leading idea sheet for our notebooking, to cover our growth through these scriptural leading ideas. The second page can be copied multiple times as you continue your Bible reading. I wrote this, at the top of the first page, so I wouldn't 'forget' what we were doing!:

A Leading Idea is an idea that leads the reasoner down a pathway.
It is a thought that stands out in every single passage of God's Word.
It is always true.
It might be different each time you read the passage
(because of the leading and teaching of the Holy Spirit).
And, it will always spur you on to reflection, prayer, and action.

Project Up

We are soon to finish our third week of school and I've been feeling a bit restless. For someone who is very project-driven, to have months of school planning take off means I've got a clean "project" slate. This could be bad!

There is always the usual tweaking to be done with our school lessons, but I'm beginning to smell the winter craft bug. Images of crocheting, scrapbooking, baking, and rug making are filling my head. This is not a good thing! I have too much day-to-day homekeeping that I haven't mastered.

My typical reaction is shut-down mode. This is where, instead of continuing to be productive while I contemplate the future, I shut down. Zone out. Vegg. In other words, be worthless. Of course, it hasn't helped that the husband is business tripping it on the other side of the continent (more on that later). My vision isn't necessarily blurry; just my reality!

Those who know me well might tell you that I'm an all or nothing type. That would be fairly accurate. If I can't do it all, I do nothing--at least for as long as it takes me to get a grip. I'm getting a grip right now, by the way. So I start out daydreaming and end up cleaning like a tornado. Then I project plan to my heart's content! "I wanna..., I wanna..., I wanna..." is my mantra. I wanna make beautiful things. I wanna bake incredible goodies. I wanna have time for tea.

I think about my extremely creative and industrious grandmother and I sigh. I love all the things she loved, and I so wish she had lived past my eleventh year. My, oh my.

By tomorrow night, I'll know whether or not I'm truly out of my ever-lovin' mind. That's when the hubby returns...And hopefully I'll have the perfect project plan, up and running. Until then, the grip-getting continues...the tornado cleaning begins!

Why is that scrapbook table looking at me like that?

The History of Children's Literature

I stumbled across an interesting site recently, and had to share. It's a really neat telling of the history of children's literature. Personally, I can't get enough of the really good (aka "old") stuff! If you are a children's bibliophile, like myself, you'll find this interesting!

Abe Lincoln Visits Indiana

About a week ago, we were honored to attend the re-enactment of Abraham Lincoln's famous visit to Indianapolis in 1861, while on his way to Washington after being elected President. The speech was given on the steps of the State House and was hosted by the then governor of Indiana, Oliver Morton. After Lincoln's speech, a reporter questioned Lincoln and his responses were heard by all.

This re-enactment was so fun. They took great care with the details, (except that it actually took place on a cold, snowy, February day) including a world-renown Lincoln impersonator by the name of Fritz Klein. He was incredible! (If you ever get a chance to see him, you won't be sorry!) Both my children were mesmerized, which is saying a lot considering the speech was political, the sun was in our eyes, and daughter is just four. We were sad that there wasn't a bigger crowd, and that there were hardly any children, but some schools here had already started.

Having the governor and the reporter (actors) also present was like the icing on the cake. It made the experience a lot more real. Everyone seemed to really enjoy it and since we are deep into our Civil War studies, I was very curious to hear what the President-elect had to say on a few issues. Very interesting stuff.

After the event, we headed to the Indiana Historical Society for the afternoon. They had Lincoln crafts, Civil War & Lincoln exhibits and a great picnic spot on the canal, that we enjoy. This was all part of the Lincoln Bicentennial celebrating 200 years of Abraham Lincoln.

Next, we'll be heading to Springfield, IL (sometime this fall) to visit his home there. We've already been to Lincoln State Park in southern Indiana. That was a lot of fun too!

Updating Our Bible Time

I've put myself through the ringer about our Bible time. The first week of lessons, it became clear something had to change. To say I was dissatisfied about covers it. I love our "Judah Bible Curriculum", specifically the scope and sequence. However, what we have done the past two years (routinely) was not coming together with daughter now in the mix.

Some things have been greatly on my heart as of late: having son develop his own time of study, devotion and prayer, leading towards his own quiet times and his growing in his relationship with the Lord, and continuing to teach more directly character and habit. I've also not felt right about having separate Bible times for the kids. As I debated possibly replacing what we did last year with something else, a friend spoke wise words which set me free: "Don't be a slave to anything! Especially curriculum." Amen, Sister!

So, I determined that my newly directed focus (hopefully from the Lord!) would indeed provide son, and daughter, with the things on my heart. Here is our revised plan:

Monday
Read: "Child's Story Bible"--absolutely fabulous, by the way!
Narrate: daughter first/then son
Daughter: Coloring page
Discuss: story (background)
Read: "Our Young Folk's Josephus: (for historic context--here, or 1st thing Tuesday.)

Tuesday
Read: Bible passage
Narrate
Daughter: Coloring page (cont'.)
Write: Memory verse (to card)
Daughter: Trace/copy memory verse
List: Key words from passage

Wednesday
Review: Passage & history
Discuss: Character of Christ, as it relates to passage. (Biblical Principle/Theme for year)
Action: Pray memory verse (or passage)
Write: Prayer (Prayer Journal)

Thursday
Review: Books of the Bible & Habit ("Laying Down Rails") goals (review/accountability)
Habit: Focus on selected habit/Set goals
Learn: Quite Time/Bible Study (Choose one method--or aspect of method--to apply to passage.)

Friday
Overflow day. We do limit our time per day, for the sake of all so don't always get everything done!

Lost, But Not Found

There is nothing more frustrating to me than losing things. And I do it all the time. Just recently we had the tragic loss of a lovey (daughters) and now I'm suffering the tragic loss of all my winter jammers.

That's right. I cleaned out the closet and set a nice, neat stack of winter jammers in a nice, neat spot next to the Goodwill bag. You get the picture? Enter son who, with a smile on his face, offers to help Mama. Fast forward a few weeks and enter a chilly night. No jammers. I tore the room and closet apart before realizing how gone they really are.

Oh. And that's not all. Desperate me, crying over one particularly favorite old pair, drives cross town to Goodwill dump sight in "hopes" they'll still be there. Hello! Goodwill has a turnover of about a day! So if you happen across a really awesome pair of 4 yr old, red floral Eddie Bauer flannel jammers? They're mine. I want 'em back!

Record Keeping/Life Keeping

When I had children, I swore I'd keep track of all the milestones and special moments. I became an avid scrapbooker and was dedicated to my calendar where I recorded all the info.

When we began homeschooling, I didn't think about those "parenting" moments as much as I thought about the "learning" moments. I gave up the time-consuming scrapbook hobby and even quit buying my annual Mary Engelbreit wall calendar. I was counting on their notebooking for school being enough.

There were problems with this plan, however. First of all, daughter was too young for notebooking, and son wasn't likely to have the most valuable information in his math or history notebook. Something has been missing.

At the convention this year, I picked up the "Record of the Learning Lifestyle of..." Journal by the Notgrass family. This is a great spiral book which, like a calendar, allows you to daily record what your children are doing. But more importantly than that, it allows you to chart what they do in categories that visibly show areas of strength and weakness. For example, if your child has not done anything creative in a week, that space will be blank and if you are being mindful (which is the point of the book) you will realize there is an area of deficit that may need more attention.

I really love the way the categories are divided because they show each as foundationally important. They include such things as "Learning About the Thoughts of Others: Reading & Literature" and "Relating to Others: Character and Relationships". All academic subjects are covered as well as Biblical principles for growth, such as character and individuality (ie: creativity). This is also a year-long book, as opposed to a school-year record. You must also keep one for each child. How much or how little you write is up to you.

I thought that this might be too daunting of a task, but after just two weeks, I already see huge benefits. My Mommy brain is not what it used to be, and just the aspect of remembering when things happen is helpful. It's also nice to think about milestones again, such as riding a bike with no hands, or even recording special outings with Daddy. I've noticed right off how little Bible time daughter gets, compared with son.

I'm trying to take a few minutes each night to fill these in, it's hard to remember details back even a day or two. I think this will be a great resource and a good habit to keep.

So Much To Tell: Not Such A Surprise!

"Literature.": The second thing that son wrote down on his "positive reinforcement" list his first day of lessons (after proclaiming his loathing of school).

Son loves literature! It's no surprise, really. My children just love good books. The fact that he thinks he knows this story so well, since he's listened to the dramatization a hundred times! (It's really good, too!) This has not dampened his enthusiasm to hear it read aloud. He's only sad that I'm keeping to a slower pace so that we can notebook. Daughter is truly enthralled as well. Me too! It's been years since I read the story and I have my old copy with beautiful pictures to inspire.

I found a neat resource at CurrClick to go along with the book. There are some errors in the e-book, but it's still a great resource. Son has actually enjoyed recording his thoughts on our reading, as well as being introduced to ideas like compare and contrast, and we're only in the second week!

I look forward to our time with this treasured book.

Helpful Font

Here is a helpful free font that you can download if you have young beginning writers who enjoy tracing!

Remember the Dictaphone?

I've had this thought in the back of my mind for some time. Actually a memory, I kept thinking about my father's dictaphone. Remember those hand held voice recorders with the little tapes? Daddy's is long gone, but I haven't been able to shake the feeling that I was missing out on an opportunity, so I went shopping.

It wasn't hard to find a small, inexpensive ($25@Target) digital recording device. As I brought it home, I mentally listed all the possibilities for it; justifying my purchase. I held it for a few days (in deep contemplation), then handed it over to my nine year old son. Oh BOY!

Can I just tell you how much excitement there has been around here because of that recorder! To say he loves it, would be putting it mildly. He's having an absolute blast with it.

Right off the bat he recorded his first story written for IEW. He was proud! So proud! Next, he secretly recorded everyone in the house. This, of course, precipitated the rule that no one may be recorded without their knowledge.

He has recorded himself sleeping--all ten hours worth. He recorded how to make oatmeal for breakfast. He made up his own version of Jonathan Park. He became a cub reporter and began interviewing his sister. The two of them made up some great tales.

He, and his visiting partners in crime, recorded themselves screaming at the top of their lungs. Oh yes indeed. He recorded himself reading his history assignment. AND he recorded music he was listening to on the ipod. Weird :) I've caught him recording various appliances and basically any sound he is capable of recording. I'm not sure if he's been in the bathroom yet. Probably has. Boy!

Did I mention that he recorded himself reading his story he wrote for IEW? That was the whole point. Love that.

Now...I'm a bit bummed that I didn't consider computer compatibility with this thing. I imagine that would require a lot more money. But now that I know the possibilities, I'll be thinking about where to go with this "hobby" next!

Missing: Ding

Missing!

Our Beloved Ding

Last seen playing to daughter's heart's content in the back yard.

Description: Elephant. Stuffed. About 6" long...used to be 6" tall, but is a bit flattened by love and frequent washing. Grey/blue with a tinge of grey/dirt. Trunk, tail (tipped in something resembling pink), four legs. Two black eyes. A pink cross-stitch belly-button.

Answers to: Love Ding, Dingy, Ding-a-Ling, and Ding.

Has a special attraction to a four-year old girl who has loved him since she was two.

Reward! We'll pay just about anything.

We want our Ding back.

We've searched high. We've searched low. We've searched the trash, the laundry, the drawers and cabinets, the purses, the baskets, the gutters, the roof, the street, yard and neighbors' yards. We've searched every room, closet, corner and crevice. We even searched the grill and turtle habitat...twice. This is a sad, sad time.

Where are you, Ding?!!

So Much To Tell: Being Four

Our four year old was quite eager to begin school. I was happy to see her enthusiasm and have enjoyed seeing her reactions all week.

Some of the highlights include her love of memorizing scripture. She asks for MORE! She also likes our hymn and poem time.

She is also thoroughly enjoying our reading aloud of "The Secret Garden", by Frances Hodgson Burnett.

She has begun her Spell to Write and Read and is beginning to write the phonograms. I will need to keep coming up with new ways for her to practice because she gets bored with the repetition. The pre-printed sheets I've used, she doesn't like. She likes her wipe-off book with the colored markers, but gets tired of it. Time to get creative.

I've started her in RightStart A, which she also likes and is doing quite well with. Who wouldn't! It's a great series.

I'm happy that most of these things just take a few brief minutes. I'd forgotten how nice that was! She moves from one thing to the next very quickly.

Most of all, she is enjoying the art time with her brother, and her piano lessons. We are using Artistic Pursuits which is so fun! This week alone they have used paint, chalk and modeling clay.

I'm using the Bastien Piano Party (available from your local retail music store) series for her piano time and she loves it--wants to play all the time!

I've started her with the Noah Kindergarten lessons (though she's still a bit young for it) for Bible and Literature. The lessons are so short, I'm finding it hard to adjust to the slower pace and the spreading it over a week business. I'm also tweaking because who can help but, at this stage in the game! I'm mainly using them for more foundation development.

I'm doing a good job thoroughly wearing her out! She had to lay down for a few minutes one morning because she could hardly hold her head up. She hasn't napped regularly for about a year and probably should! Her little brain is very busy.

So Much To Tell: Surprises!

With every new day, comes a surprise or two! My most pleasant surprise has been son's interest in our writing lessons from Institute for Excellence in Writing.

On Monday, I set up the video for him on my laptop at the dining room table. I made a point of removing myself from the temptation to let him watch it on TV like it was a show. Next I handed him a PEN (recommended) instead of a pencil. He was curious. He fussed a bit at first, but by the time he finished the 40 minutes, he was sold!

My totally reluctant writer may be a thing of the past! He has written his assignment for 30 minutes each day without complaint. He completed his great "work" and proudly presented it to me today.

Part of my "master plan" to get him writing was the purchase of a portable recording devise. I presented him with it today after a full day of lessons with no whining. One of the first things he did was record himself reading his story! That would be me jumping up and down and woohooing in the corner! :) He then set off to record his own version of the Jonathan Park stories (after I told him about the newest volume being released).

In case you haven't heard Andrew Pudewa, or purchased the IEW program, YOU ARE MISSING OUT! It is beyond good and Andrew is an incredibly smart man and gifted speaker/teacher.

So Much To Tell: The Rough Spots

Our roughest spots out of the gate these past three days, were undeniably math and spelling: two places we've achieved the most and had the best results curriculum wise.

First off, as we moved to Level E with RightStart, there was seemingly no review. Son panicked and did not handle his fear well. The lack of summertime practice took it's toll and patience became the order of the day as I watched him struggle to remember his tens facts. (It has begun to come back quickly now.) Needless to say, math took a good hour. There were tears and lots of hugs. We're over it now. :) Prayer helped immensely and then there was this...

I took the advice of the great Andrew Pudewa and used a white board for the first time. Success! Son loves the board and has asked to use it everyday so far. More than that, his attitude has done a complete about face. Of course, it may also have to do with the disciplinary tactic that I'm resorting to.

I'm calling it "positive reinforcement". Every time he whines or cries and utters words in the categories of "I hate..., I can't..., No...", he must write three things down that he loves about school. It will be a running list and no two items may be the same. The more he utters, the deeper he's going to have to dig. It's my most brilliant mommy moment in quite a while, if I do say so myself. He gets it and there's no room for misunderstanding.

Back to the math. It was just today (third day) that I heard it: "This is fun!" I'm recording it here for posterity so that I'll remember that, if even for a moment, math was fun. My cup runneth over.

The last tactic that I embraced was that of letting son decide when he would do his math. He has wanted it first thing when he is fresh. A bit of good wisdom that has helped. I think we're over the hurdle now, so we're going to try it after Bible. (I like to have Bible first thing, don't you?)

The second bump in the road was spelling. This makes little sense to me. He's good at it, it's not hard and there was nothing new. We continued the same routine (with Spell to Write and Read) and began with review words. Mentally, he's gotten into an attitude rut with spelling and he knows it. A couple of things will help: more prayer! use of the "positive reinforcement" tactic, and the use of the recorded spelling lists on the ipod. Also, he does like his new notebook pages for spelling. Today there was nary a peep from him about it. The conniption fit of Monday is just a faded memory. May it ever be so.

That's the extent of our rough spots so far. Well, unless you count daughter's "adjustments" into a learning routine...but that's a different story!

Pilgrim's Progress Favorites

Truly a classic, Pilgrim's Progress comes at us in many forms. Our favorites include the book, Dangerous Journey, with the audio/video series presented here (scroll down). We also love the children's version that's called, The Progress of Pilgrim Mouse.

Then there's this fabulous dramatized audio version from AIG.

And now there's this movie that looks like it'll be interesting (watch the trailer): Journey to Heaven.

I'm sure there are more, beyond the original, but I thought we'd share these few gems!

Have You Seen This?

We don't have TV so I was happy to get this link and be able to see this Good Morning America interview of Steven Curtis Chapman and his family, after the death of Maria.

So Much To Tell: The Schedule

We have three days of school under our belt and are making all kinds of progress! I must tell you how grateful I am to my prayer buddies who lifted us up this week. Thank you, thank you!

Let me just tell you how thankful I am. I'm thankful that Monday's only happen once a week and that the first Monday of a school year only happens once a year! Yuck. Now, while it wasn't completely horrid, it had it's rough moments and they were looonnggg moments. Our day began at 7am; school starting at 8:15am and ending at 4:30pm. Yep. It was a long one.

I'm happy to report however, and am oh so grateful, that Tuesday came in two hours less. Whew. Today lessened the load still further by another 15 minutes. I'm hoping we'll sit comfortably at 1:30ish.

Getting everything done was not an issue since we literally had all the time we needed. I'm thankful, again, that experience has shown me that things will settle down as time goes on. The schedule that I made for the first week lasted half the day as I "let it go" for better results. The next schedule I made didn't get used at all, and I'm contemplating whether or not we've had enough days to justify truly attempting a third! I will say, nothing would have come together if it weren't for check lists. LOVE check lists!

Overall, daughter's lessons did not take near as long as I thought they would, and son's are about what I expected, give or take a bit. It shouldn't take too long to find a balance.

I'll add that time-wise, we've all gotten up on time and done very well getting ourselves together, breakfasted up and moving. By last night, however, this Mommy was feeling it. Just a wee bit on the tired side (iow--wiped out!). That carried forward to dragging myself out of bed this morning, rather than the bounding out that I had hoped for.

I'm excited to share more about what we are doing. It's going to be a great year!

Sunday Night

It's Sunday night. Down to the wire and I think I'm finished. Oh, I'm sure I could come up with something else to plan or organize, but for the moment, I'm done. I'm ready.

I asked daughter if she was excited about starting school tomorrow and being with Mama and brother to learn good things. She said no. But, she said yes yesterday and earlier today. I pick those answers!

Son. Well, I'm trying not to project my anxiety over him "hating" school work. Especially because I know he really doesn't hate it, but is dealing with this 8/9 yo attitude issue that I keep hoping will pass. Now would be a good time. :)

I'm concentrating on thankfulness. I don't want this week to be about my efforts, or my children's attitudes but about how awesome it is that God has given us the privilege of knowing Him and learning all that He has for us. Oh, please Lord. Let us see your face.

I'm nervous about managing both children with lessons. I'm nervous about my own energy level, as well as my patience. I know all too well how the best laid plans of man often fail. That's why it's got to be about Him. I don't want to forget for a moment.

Tomorrow is supposed to be the hottest day of the year, so far. We'll be inside! I offered son the option of having lessons outside, but he wants to be in the school room (pictures to come). Now, having seen the weather, I'm relieved.

I'm really thinking that my response will set the pace for the day. No pressure. HA! I'm not sad that the public school down the road starts on Tuesday. That will help with some issues.

I'm off to enjoy the rest of my evening with a little bit of kitchen cleaning thrown in. Everyone has their clean underwear and 4yo is already asleep--on time! One more to go. If you don't hear from me, send out the troops.

Our Last Hoorah

Today is the last week day of our summer break. Monday, it's back to the books. Though we've had a glorious break, it's difficult to imagine what may be ahead. The planning and scheduling is nearly complete. The organizing is done. The laundry is in a state of "being laundry".

There is never a lack of things to prepare. There never will be! But for today, we will prepare for son's birthday party tomorrow, do a little errand running, and catch a little "play in the sun" between scattered showers. We will enjoy each other and go to bed weary from our day. We may even forget for a moment that our free-time is soon to be limited and our brains will soon be in over-drive!

We'll probably miss our carefree days, but maybe, just maybe we'll appreciate our down time more. We're learning to make the most of each opportunity and here's our chance to put it to the test! May God have mercy on us and show us the benefits of seeking His face. This is Friday, August 1st, 2008.