New School!

After a wonderful year of homeschool last year, we planned on continuing that same method this year. However, it became clear very early on that full time homeschool might not be a fit for all of us this year, for a variety of reasons. Jack's work for third grade was much more time consuming than second. He was still thriving and doing well with completing it, however, the time I had left for Graham and Reid was next to nil. I just knew we needed a change so that I could have enough time to devote to each of my sweet boys (and possibly a moment to myself each day). So, we headed over to the Academy of Classical Christian Studies and jumped in mid-year. We are so thankful to have such a wonderful school in Edmond and the blended model has been the perfect balance for us! The boys go to school on Monday and Wednesday, and then I homeschool the other three days, with the assignments from school. Both boys have wonderful teachers and have made friends quickly. And Reid is loving his alone time with me for two days/week! Even better, if they get all of their work done on Thursdays, then Fridays turn into Friday Fun Day. I love that we still have time to all just be together.

Last Day of School

I can't believe it! We survived our first year of homeschooling. And, I have to say, it was much easier than I thought it would be. Of course we had rough days and it was definitely a transition for us, but overall it was so freeing and I loved seeing my boys grow and learn each day. This year Graham, learned to read, Jack learned division, Graham learned subtraction and fractions, and Jack learned quite a bit of Latin. We read so many great books together. We did science experiments. We visited so many places and spent so much time outside exploring and playing. The boys became more responsible because they had time to do chores and take on jobs around the house for me. They also became more independent as they had to self pace their own work and find out how they work best. We were even able to take breaks and vacations as needed and we could just pick back up where we left off! We developed new friendships and had so much more time to spend time with old friends as well. In fact, Jack has a new best friend who has been an answered prayer for our family. Overall, I would say God blessed us immeasurably on this new journey. We are happy for a break but we're looking forward to the fall!

School Days

These three. We have been to three parks, two museums, two play dates, and one picnic this week. We have run through the rain, walked new trails, and made new friends. And we even squeezed "school" into four of the five days.  My days are so blessed!! I am so thankful for this time. I see the these boys growing so very tall and I am reminded that the little time i have is going to go by so quickly!

School Days

Ah, my days with these boys. I am often emotionally drained and physically exhausted, feeling as though another accident or mess might just make me crazy. Feeling like it would be easier to skip out on this call to homeschool. But in these sometimes never ending days, God is revealing to me a joy that I have never known. While I am guiding them, He is guiding me. Each day, as my abilities inevitably run dry and my weaknesses appear, He demonstrates his great power and sufficiency while offering the grace to cover over my inadequacies. I am so thankful for the days I have with my boys and for the opportunity to allow God to change me, even when that change does not come easily. 

Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. -2 Corinthians 12:8-9

First Day of School

Well, this year's first day of school was quite a bit different from those of past years. It is our first year to homeschool! We had a blast this morning and our work only took us a couple of hours. The boys have spent the rest of the day playing together inside and outside, using their imaginations, and just enjoying being little boys. I am so glad that we made this decision and love having more time with them. 

I did tons of research and think I have found the best curriculum fit for us. We are using Memoria Press. It is a classical, Christian curriculum that focuses on the three R's in elementary school with a bit of enrichment in music, art, and science. Latin begins in 2nd grade so that was a big seller as well. :) Jack will be listening to the Story of the World CDs for history and all three kids will attend a co-op on Fridays called Elevate. Elevate will give us time with other homeschool friends and with this group we will have regular field trips and family events as well as periodic "school" programs. We look forward to beginning the co-op on September 5th. 

Hoping for a wonderful school year!