Summer to School Switch

So we're not sick anymore.  Sorry about the lack of posts.  Perhaps you thought we'd all died.  Well, we're alive and kickin'.  All is well.  Busy, but well.

We started our homeschool year on August 29th.  It's been going wonderfully regarding Emma (8th grade) and Jeffrey (6th).  They've taken the reins of their education more this year than any other, and it's exciting to see them be more independent and learn some time management, as well as the subject matter.  They each have a list.  Emma's is an actual list with check-off boxes, while Jeffrey's is a grid which shows a week-at-a-glance.  They do whatever they can on their own (without me) before lunch--which is quite a bit, actually.  After lunch, we discuss readings, do science experiments and map work, and go over anything they didn't understand.  They've really been doing well, and I'm quite proud of them. 

Lydia?  Well...I think she just needs more time to adjust from summer freedom to the school year.  I think that's all I'll say about that right now. 

Samuel has needed to reorganize his day as well.  He feels like he's lost his playmates since they're all busy doing school.  Lately, I've started the school day by reading to him (he's almost four) for a little while.  I also bought a couple of workbook-type-things he could do so he wouldn't feel left out.  If I spend a half-hour with him straightaway, then I'm almost guaranteed a full hour after that without interruption.  It's like his attention tank gets filled, and then he'll go upstairs and play with his Cars cars for a long time.  This is a great discovery, since Lydia does require my full attention at this time.

Swimming lessons and Awana started this week.  Youth group started last week.  Dance starts next week.  It's busy, sure, but I've carefully prayed over activities for this school year.  I'm at peace about all that's going on. 

You know what else starts next week?  The Sing-Off!  YAY!