"Are these your grandchildren?"  (No, they're not.  We just got a late start.")

"You must be a better mom than me because my children make me nuts." This said by a co-worker when I commented that I was looking forward to quitting time so I could spend time with my family.

Tomorrow is the last of our required 181 days.  We're kind of ending with a whimper instead of a bang, but it's ok.  I've worked a few more hours this week than I typically will, as it's month end, the busiest time of the month at a title company.  So the kids have had to do some schooling on their own.  DH is in the middle of a major project so his days have been filled with proposal writing.  So in an effort to foster a bit more independence, we started using Sue Patrick's workbox system last week. 

Now we aren't using it to it's full potential and I hope we will make better use of the system once we start up again in the fall (and perhaps even for some summer learning also)  But I have been able to leave some fairly simple things in their boxes for them to complete when I'm not home.  C can do her MUS worksheets on her own, but K can't do all of his math because of the new skills introduced in each Saxon session.  I had him do some skip counting practice and he's played Timez Attack on the computer.  He can do his phonics worksheets on his own, though C cannot.  I leave various handwriting or copywork projects, some assigned reading, working on their latchhook projects, Bible time with Dad, etc.  Yesterday I asked them to make a diorama in a shoebox based upon our recent read aloud Cricket in Time Square. 

Next week we have various graduation activities for dh's niece in Santa Fe and then K's birthday is Friday.  He will be 8.  I know it's silly but I already get bummed out thinking about how we only have approximatley 10 years left before he'll leave home! :{

I think we'll be fairly busy the next three weeks, but then hope to slow down and enjoy just vegging a little!  Hope your summer is off to a great start!