Trying to figure out when to start school while Dad has chemo and radiation for seven weeks, I have one possibly two surgeries within the next couple of months, and physical therapy, is, well, challenging.  Just as the Scripture teaches that in every temptation God makes a way of escape, I'm finding that with every new addition to my schedule, He is also giving me creative options to continue the childrens' education at home. Or on the road, as it may be this semester.

As my friend Jennifer  [who is one of the two smartest people I know, and definitely the smartest woman] put it, I may become an unschooler yet.

What a blessing it was to talk with the folks at the Notgrass booth at our local fair. After homeschooling my son for six years and my daughter  for three, I'm finally more comfortable breaking the "school at a desk" mold. Years ago I read in Debra Bell's about the need for the homeschooled student to become more independent in their studies, taking greater responsibilities for their assignments. This will probably be that year.

Our notebooks, "A Record of the Learning Lifestyle" came yesterday. The children are already using them!  I hadn't planned on starting school so early, but when we are doing schoolwork and educational activities/field trips, it only makes sense to record these activities. Our textbook studies will begin when they usually do, in September. At least--that's my best-laid plans right now. But one thing I've learned in homeschooling, flexibility is a virtue!