Just a few weeks ago, I was lamenting how our structured (if that's what you could call it!) school days were coming to an end.  I was "in the groove".  Now, I am more than ready for a break.  The boys are coming to a finish with several of the things they have been doing and it just seems like a natural end for now.  My daughter - you know, the one who loved math so much - is really balking at Miquon Math, even though it's the book she chooses to work in.  I am hoping that in a few months, she'll be a bit more mature and easier to work with.  The boys did the same thing so I'm pretty sure it's just that she's 7.  Miquon starts kids into multiplication fairly early, I think too early at times.  We are backing off and spending more time with addition/subtraction and other math stuff that she can do and does willingly. 

So, tomorrow is our last day.  I always think we should go out with a "bang!" or something but that's just not our style.  We are planning on continuing with Carmen's reading to me (she is reading in the Pathway Readers series and we all enjoy listening).  I want the boys to continue copying books from the Bible.  Chad has loved doing this and has tackled all of Luke, then moved on to shorter books for now.  Alec has been in Luke way too long and I suggested he stop there and go on to something like "Philemon" for a quicker satisfaction of finishing what he started.  (Do you say "Phi-lee-mon?" or "Phill-ay-mon?") 

I also want to continue reading to them about world history and hope to get back to our American history (I started that with gusto but it didn't last - shame on me!)  So, reading and occasional writing is all I wish to continue with.  Of course, they can pursue other interests that they've been wanting to spend more time on.  It will also give us time to really clean our poor house.  Having the kids home all day sure creates a lot of papers and such.  It's not that big of a deal to me most of the time but every now and then I can't stand it (Todd HATES it!)  But, I wouldn't wish for them not to be here.  I can handle the mess just to have their sweet faces around me.  Today, everyone (including Todd) was in the kitchen, doing various things and we were weaving in and out of each other's way.  I just had to smile to myself because that's exactly how I like it (most of the time!)  Having all my loved ones around me, happily pursuing something, whether it be fixing a snack, getting paper to draw, finding the scissors to create yet another submarine (that would be Alec, of course!)  I feel the love!