I know that in our house, about this time of the year, we are sick of school.  Easter break rolls around and we are ready to be done already.  So, how does your family deal with the End of the Year Blues?  I would be interested to learn how you maybe do things differently to keep yourself and your students on task.  I think we lose out on alot of time because we slack so much during this time.  And yet, it's inevitable and we just don't care anymore.  I keep cracking the whip, but it's a half-hearted crack, and my kids know it.  So, how do you deal with it?

I know, I know.... everyone does Wordless Wednesday. But, since it's Thursday and since I am wordless (that in itself is a miracle!), please deal with my Wordless Thursday with a smile....

 ? Did I just hear an Amen from Homeschool Moms Everywhere?

Trying to adjust to this new schedule has been hard on all of us.  This week was the ultimate in adjustment.  I am not a morning person.  I never have been.  I'm not proud of it, as my mom was a morning person, and I have felt guilt my entire life because I hate mornings and love late nights.

This week, my eldest son started back to college.  This is a good thing because he has had way too much free time.  He has worked full time this summer, but when he's home, he just sits with his laptop on his lap (where else?), headphones in place, oblivious to the rest of the world.  He will sit there for hours on end.

Today, this has ended.  He has to get up early and get out of here to either go to work for four hours before going to class or go to his first college class.  Either way, we are having to get up at about 7:00 for four mornings a week.  To those of you who get up early and are morning people, I heard you gasp that anyone would complain about getting up at 7 AM.  Many of you are up, done half your chores, are half done with your school day and are thinking about lunch.

Not here.  I am doing really well if I can get up at 8:00.  Yesterday, I got up at 7:50 AM, which is pretty good for me, except that my son had to be at work at 8:00 and he was sound asleep in his bed.  Today, I got up at 8:20 AM, which isn't too bad, except that he was supposed to leave to go to college at 8:30. Again, he was sleeping soundly.

I realize that I am supposed to be the parent here.  For some reason, I was hoping that by the time my kids were 20 (which he is), they would get themselves up. Nada.  Normally, hubby takes this horrendous job, because he leaves for work about 7:30, which was perfect.  However, he has started going to work at 7 AM, so he leaves the house at about 6:45, while we all sleep soundly.

I felt terrible today, like I'd failed him as a mom.  I apologized to him and sent him out the door this morning.  Thankfully, he made it to class on time.  What a way to start my day. One morning of sleeping in, I can see, but two?? It's just inexcusable!

The rest of the day wasn't too bad.  I had a much-needed crying session early this afternoon, mostly from being tired.  Then, I got busy and cleaned out the basement.  That was hard, but fun.  I thank the Lord for letting me be here for my kids.  My two younger ones are doing great with their new curriculum.  Even though today started out with alot of rush and stress, it's 10 times better than the last two years.

Tomorrow morning, hubby is going to call and get me up at 7 AM.  I am going to be ready to roll in the morning! 

Well, ds finally got the rest of his books today.  Sadly, my dd and I were more excited that he was, but that's okay.  I've been away from A Beka for three years and it's been coming home week (or month?) for me.  I told my husband that working with this curriculum has changed my whole outlook about school, my kids, and homemaking.  I feel like "Holly Homemaker" again. 

Do you know how long it's been since I've felt this way?  A very long time.  I was so burnt out three years ago - homeschooling the three kids with A Beka had become my life's story and I was sick of it.  We then moved on to a Christian school, where I taught part-time and loved it.  Unfortunately, however, my kids did NOT get a good education.  In March, I found out that my dd was being sorely mistreated by the other girls in her class (3rd & 4th graders) and I pulled her out.  To say that I turned the school upside down is an understatement.

My son was happy there (8th grade), but his education was horrendous.  Because there were so many slower kids, they lowered everything to that level.  My son is quite bright and he got straight A's the whole year.  I knew it was just because he wasn't challenged at all. 

We moved from that situation to Ohio Virtual Academy (OHVA).  It's a home-based public school that is supposed to be the modern way to homeschool.  The kids had their own "teachers" and did alot of their work on the computers which were sent to us, free of charge.  DD did not do well on her state testing, however, and we both were dreading school again.  After I saw her test results, I called her teacher who told me that because of dd low test scores, she qualified for special classes in reading and math.  In addition to these special classes, she would also have to continue her regular classes.  I could not imagine adding two more classes to a curriculum that we already dreaded doing.

So, here we are.. back with A Beka Academy and Book - back to where I started about 16 years ago with son #1.  Like I said, I feel like making meals, cleaning, and being mommy to my kids.  I really don't know why except I feel like I have my kids back.  Everyone in our church who homeschools uses the OHVA program.  It seems that I'm always the one to be different, but I don't care.  The main reason that my own friends and family members don't do A Beka (or even look into it) is because of the cost.  It is more expensive than most curriculums, particularly if one does the DVD program or the direct traditional program.  But, it works for us and I have to do what is best for my kids.

Sorry for rambling.  I have had alot on my mind.  I'm trying to figure out why I feel so contented with this program.  I wonder if I missed the will of God for my family by changing curriculums.  I am even dropping the college classes that I had scheduled for this fall.  This is a big deal for me, as I was determined to get my degree in business.  Now, I want to stay home and take care of my family.  Isn't that awesome?