Well, vacation is a distant memory, our time in Florida was wonderful - and we got out just before Fay came in and brought some rain and wind.  Thankfully, we had a great week of sun and warm weather, perfect for swimming and going to the beach.

Today is our first day of school.  I know God is teaching me patience.  I have been so excited to start school, I couldn't wait to start in on all the new things we would be learning.  Unfortunately, not all of the kddos were as excited as Mom.  It keeps me humble and clearly focused that I can't do this on my own at all, only while resting in God's hand can I teach and guide my children.  So, I took a few minutes to stop and pray and just rested in Him.  And, you know what...He answered.  Isn't it crazy how we're always surprised when that happens!  The kids got interested in what we were doing and actually pursued some things on their own, that I hadn't planned.  Oh, yeah - did I mention God is also working on my flexibility?  It was great to watch all three kids down on the floor painting, because they wanted to, and enjoying it and each other.  God is so good to give me encouragement.  My 13 yo ds didn't even complain about math!!  WOW!  How awesome is that.  Like I said, God has been so good today to give me encouragement. 

My 5 yo ds is beginning his kindergarten work today.  I don't want to make him sit still all day, but there are definitely areas we need to work on with him.  He's very active and, as with most boys, can be very loud.   But, again, God is working on me to be the Mom he wants me to be.

Well, our break is almost done, so until next week.....

Okay - I am now really coming into the electronics age.  I am a paper person, I like to write things down, I love books, magazines, anything with paper.  One problem with that though, my house is not big enough for all my books and magazines and notebooks, etc.  I can't just throw out my magazines, there might be an article or ad in it that I'll need later.  Well, I just read my first issue of the TOS digital and I think my husband will be happy.  I can read the articles, click on the links within the articles (or the ads) and it just opens another window, I don't have to navigate away from the article I'm reading.  When I'm finished looking at the linked website, I just close it and I'm right back to the article I was reading.  I can download the magazine, share articles with friends, and best of all (especially in my husband's eyes) there is no magazine to find space for.  I know it's going to take a little adjustment, 'cause like I said, I just love paper, but I know the rewards of more space and less clutter will be well worth it.

Have you read the digital magazine?  If so, share your thoughts about it.  If not, check it out, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.  Until next week....

I have had the Schoolhouse Planner for less than a week, but oh my goodness!  I can't believe all the things they have put in here.  I really appreciated things like the Bible reading schedule (I am determined to read through the Bible this year) and the many helps they have like lists of Presidents/V.P.'s/Pres. wives, inventions, periods of History.  These are things that I would have normally spent time searching for on the internet, but they have them listed.  Thank you so much. 

They have pages to record memory work, vacation plans, budgets (my dh really liked this), meals, etc.  They really thought of everything.  I have to say it is the most complete planner I have seen and in my effort to get and stay organized, I've tried many.  The great thing about it is it's in e-book format, and you can type in the pages and print them out.  Plus, you only have to type out the ones you'll use.  So, on the calendar pages, you can type in field trips, vacation days, appts., then print them out...less writing to do, and the blocks are big.

Really, it's so much, it's hard to give you a complete picture.  You can click on the link below and download a sneak preview of it. 

http://www.theoldschoolhousestore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=2629

Plus, they have monthly modules, unit studies available each month (and I just checked, right now the Aug/July is only 3.95!, I had to snatch that up too) .  Check it out.

We're getting ready this week to go to Florida.  The kids are excited, it will be their first time in Florida.  We'll be staying right by the beach and are looking forward to a nice relaxing week before school starts.   Every day our youngest (5) asks "Is today the day we go to Florida?"  It will be a great time for them to explore a different part of the country.  They've had a chance to see the desert in Texas.  We like to drive to different parts of the country so the kids can experience the many aspects of geography that we have in the US.  It helps us appreciate all the different things God made.

 Praise the Lord, Verizon didn't go on strike!  My dh works there and we were a little concerned that it was going to come to striking before they could get a contract agreement, but God is good. 

It's hard to believe the summer has gone by so quickly.  We will be starting school in three weeks.  I can't wait and yet I know I'll miss the summer.   I love the beginning of the school year, though.  I love buying all the school supplies and the fresh start and enthusiasm we have in September.  It's really special this year because my youngest is so excited about starting Kindergarten and learning to read.  I am much more laid back with him than I was with the other two, I plan on letting him set the pace a little more than I did with the older two.  Another words, I won't panic if he can't read perfectly at age 6.  He is excited, though, and asks questions constantly.  I love this age and the eagerness with which they embrace learning.  My older two have faltered in that eagerness somewhat.  I hope to bring back that love of learning for them this year.  Another reason for embracing CM's philosophy and ideas.  Well, until next week....

Our family is beginning our 4th year of homeschooling.  I have a 13 yo ds, 10 yo dd, and 5 yo ds.  We have used some of Charlotte Mason's methods the last couple of years, but this year we're jumping in with both feet.  I love homeschooling and the freedom it gives me and the gift to be able to teach my children and learn with them.  I love the look on their faces when they finally get something or when they discover a new interest.  I really love the fact that they are making memories as a family and will remember each other when they think of their school days.  I am so thankful that God has allowed me to be their Mom and to be at home with them and watch them grow into the person He's created them to be.  It's amazing to watch them develop into such unique individuals. 

I would love to hear from others, especially those who have used CM methods - what has been the most challenging, easiest, most fun, or just your thoughts, insights.  I'm so excited to enter the "blogosphere".

Until next time....