Well here we are with another Monday. I never do as well on Monday as I do on other days. Although, ironically, it is usually our best school day since I am new for the week and have great ambitions as to what we will get accomplished. We actually got it all in today! Artists study, nature study, although this was weak since we needed a hen to study her feather pattern, and we do not have one. We will look at the rooster at the Farmers Market this weekend and study his. I also instituted a new rule this morning, which is if your chores are not done or not done with a pleasant spirit then no TV in the afternoon. And if you fuss about that then no Magic School Bus in the morning. I hope this encourages them to be better about chores.  I do expect a lot of them in chores, compared to other kids nowadays, but they are home, and I need the help if I am to keep up with schoolwork etc. 

     We have an extra dog for a while. My brothers Pugle (sp?) is visiting while he is out of town. He is making me appreciate how calm and well behaved my older(31/2 yrs) dog is. He is not bad just a puppy and energetic. It is kind of like swapping kids with a friend for a day, when you have a 13 yr old and they have a 5 yr old. You forget how much energy they bring with them. 

     One thing I struggle with in school is keeping it interesting for them. We are going to make our own maple syrup this spring with a friend. But, I confess, I do not have loads of time to prepare and need to work on this. They love the literature and geography which needs little prep. Nature study needs more prep on my part so I need to find an answer for this. Of course as it warms up and we can go out and do nature walks again there will be more to look at. I need to find more local parks where we can walk. 

     I also need to find a way to make money. I have thought I could sell my bread, but I think you need a license to sell food... and I could baby-sit but then we have Spartacus and I wouldn’t leave my kids with a dog like him, he looks mean. I do not want a huge home business just a little pocket cash, and I stink at sales so Avon, Mary Kay etc are out.  I will pray for God to speak to me about this and show me the way.

     Until next time I find time to write...signing off