We had decided that we would not do *formal* school with Geoff. He is five, sure most kids are starting kindergarten at five. But he is our baby, we are not ready for him to grow up. Besides he is so. very. busy. He has two speeds - full speed ahead, knock over everyone and everything in my path and sleep! Thank God he sleeps!

So to the point, well we will get there. Geoff has spent the last 10 weeks running up and down the uncarpeted runway, I mean hallway; teasing his cousin and brothers; whining that he can't play computer games or watch tv all day; and generally making life difficult. He does not play well by himself and is constantly trying to get one or more of my students to entertain him. Well that is normal - he is the baby - though don't let him know I told you that! I whined sought the advice of my wise husband and being the wonderful problem solver that he is told me to make Geoff do school like the rest of the kids. Oh, of course, thank you.

I cautiously informed Geoffrey (who is known for his *ahem* strong opinons) that he would be doing real school like his big brothers and sister. I braced myself for the fight I knew was coming, but what is this, he is beaming from ear to ear. Really mom? That is great! (Who are you?)

Well that was easy, now the hard part. He needs books and a math program and and and..... Hey, I remembered, my sister just got a math program (here begins the comparison - it must be good, I need to use what she is using, blah blah blah) I began to research different maths for his level. Comparing one program to another confusing myself totally. If I get this and I like it - should I switch ALL the kids? Hmm this could get pricey. But he must have a workbook, right?

Between sessions online to find the perfect math program, I read (again) Ruth Beechick's "You Can Teach Your Child Successfully" and I found freedom. I read that book during the first years of our journey in to this sometimes overwhelming world of homeschooling. Must admit, I found the information a bit hard to implement - back then - but now I read it with new eyes. A perspective of educating my children for many years and I was excited! I CAN teach Geoffrey successfully - without spending lots of money on programs that promise to work and leave us always wanting. Within the walls of my home I have all of the resources I need to teach him.

I began to make a mental list of what he needs to learn this year. Recognize numbers and count to 100. Begin to add and subtract. Odds and Evens. Skip count by 2, 5, 10. Recognize all of his letters and their sounds and be able to write them legibly. Learn to use scissors more effectively. This list is just the beginning, but I have all I need to teach him - in my house - today. So we started, and he is loving it. And so am I!

Here he is reading about snakes with Cade.