We have come a LOOOONG way and we are doing so much better with our son's OCD. My husband, my eldest son and I attended the OCD conference in Atlanta in July and it was awesome. It was a very well organized, wonderful gathering of the top researchers, psychologists, psychiatrists, OCD suffers, parents, families, authors, etc. There were worshops for everyone, including an excellent children's program. We heard Elizabeth McIngvale (The Nation's OCD spokeswoman) speak. We learned a ton about OCD and came away feeling excited and empowered to help our son live with OCD.

He is doing great---99% OCD free (after a long and hard winter).

An update since my last entry:

We finished up the school year well. The kids did fine with the IOWA testing and everyone "graduated". We then went on a nice family camping trip to Blue Springs, Florida, where we enjoyed the natural springs that Florida offers. From there my husband flew home and I drove on to North carolina where the kids and I enjoyed 2 weeks at Eagle's Nest Camp (I taught Arts and Crafts and they participated as campers).

Now we are enjoying 7 weeks on Whidbey Island, Washington. My husband just flew back to hot Miami after a nice three week vacation. His time off with the kids and me included boating, sailing, crabbing, hiking, fishing, deer, fox and eagle sightings, wine tasting, farmer's markets, carpentry, hammock swinging, reading, trips to the library, puzzles, games and lots of family time!

We will fly back at the end of August to officially open up our "Villabella School" in early September.

Occationally I get those "worries" about teaching 5th, 3rd and 1st grade. Especially 5th grade to my "tween". I LOVE homeschooling and know it is WAAAAAAAAAAAY better than most schools but still, sometimes I feel over whelmed by the thought of it all. One step at a time...