I'm happy to report that Carmen is getting used to the routine of school time.  She is a happier soul, on most days, with only occasional lapses into toadgirl.  And the better her attitude is, the better mine is.  I have found that she responds extremely well to humour, so when she starts to get rude, I throw her off the track by making a mistake on purpose which surprises her and makes her giggle.  I also need to remember that she does better if we take a couple of quick breaks during our morning.  Also, if I suggest we take a walk after the school work is done, she gets more enthusiastic.  Kids are meant to move and I need to remember that.  My sons can sit for longer periods, of course (well, usually) but we break up their morning with music practice, which works well. 

Our schedule is working well, I think.  I write it out for them each day and let them choose the order that they want to proceed, unless I have a different plan for that morning.  I think they like that. 

We went for a walk this morning, right before lunch, and a police woman drove by.  I saw her eyeing us carefully.  Then it dawned on me, "Oh, yeah, it's a school day."  But our state doesn't have a truancy rule, as far as I know.  At least the last I heard, there wasn't one.  Funny how your heart jumps in moments like that.  Then later, the same police lady drove by us again but this time she smiled.  I smiled back, relieved. 

We went up the hill to watch a huge piece of machinery move some downed trees on the edge of the forest up there.  It was like watching toothpicks being thrown around.  I was thinking to myself, "I'll bet that driver played with Tonka toys as a kid."

I think this year has started out better than any year we've had.  Praise the Lord.  My prayer is that I can do all I can to make it better for the kids.  I have made a firm committment to have Bible reading and/or devotional plus praying with them every morning.  It is written into our schedule.  I am certain this has made a difference.  How could it not?