I can't believe we're about to start a new school year already.  Didn't we just finish the last one?  This year we are starting back on July 9th.  I have several Five in a Row units planned for each girl already.  They will be working at different levels this year.  I admit I had a miniture panic attack/freak out time last night thinking about how in the world I will get it all done.  Betsie is acting a bit clingier these days and that makes it hard to get things done.  Jason helps me see the big picture at times like this and reminds me of our goals.

We also came up with a few things to try differently this year.  This won't work every week, but we are going to see if schooling Tuesday through Saturday some weeks works.  That way, I can almost guarantee at least one smooth and get-done-quicker school day each week because Jason will be here to make sure I don't have to stop each time we get some momentum going.  I sure hope Betsie continues taking naps all year because that is the planned Five in a Row time.  When I am working with one girl, the other will have BOB time (books on bed).  However, if they decide to sit in on each other's lessons, that's fine, but BOB time will be done later in the afternoon.  I definitely want them reading.  Also, Jason is going to take a little more active role in a few areas this year.  He has always been involved but he wants a little time each evening to help Rachel with standardized test preparation and to listen to Mary Evelyn practice her reading out loud.  This is a HUGE blessing to me. 

Part of my nervous breakdown concern has to do with how much time I spend preparing food now.  Since we started the Feingold program I am cooking more from scratch.  Some of you who know me are laughing right now.  It's true.  We have to be careful to use ingredients that have no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, etc. and so I make bread and much, much more.  I even make syrup now!  The program seems to be working so I don't want to quit, but until it is "normal" for me it takes time.  And I was already short of that.

But I am excited!  I love our curriculum and it's the time of year when the shiny new school supplies start going on sale.  (Jason has never understood the thrill I get from a new box of crayons.)  There is so much potential in the 180+ school days ahead.  I love homeschooling and learning right alongside my girls.  So one more week to get ready and then we're off!  I need to get that school table and bulletin board cleaned off tonight!

My students:

Mary Evelyn (2nd grade), Betsie, and Rachel (4th grade)