New Preschooler

For the first time since Mary was 4, one of my kids is attending an outside school. We found a play preschool for Robbie that was just what we had been looking for. Three mornings a week of relaxed, educational fun. Plus, the class is full of boys for Robbie to run around with. I think he gets enough of us females at home.

Wednesday was his first day...very excited and up extra early. He helped me make his lunch and pack his school bag.

He loves going and every morning since then the first thing he asks is whether it is a school day.

Having 3 hours, 3 mornings a week is working out well here at the house also. We are using that time to focus on projects for the girls' various unit studies. Activities and books that he always wanted to be in the middle of, but really wasn't ready for.

I'm amazed at how quiet it can get in the morning when all of the girls are busy working and Robbie isn't here. This is my first experience at homeschooling and not having a preschooler/toddler in tow.

Other than getting used to a new routine on M,W,F; everything else is moving along normally. Fall is coming, we've had the AC off for nearly a week and have been comfortable. I can smell the difference in the air and it is making me more interested in fall cleaning, preparing for winter and doing more knitting/crocheting. I have a pork loin in the freezer that I am just waiting for cooler weather so I can use the leftovers to make a Brunswick Stew.

After almost two weeks off from soccer, Mary was back on the pitch playing. So happy to be back out there instead of watching.

Next week looks to be another busy week. The calendar is filled with activities & practices and Katie will be celebrating her 8th birthday. Wow!

Peace,

Amy

September!!!

Wow! I shouldn't have blinked during August because it just disappeared.

We came back from the trip to the beach, picked up Mary in the mountains from camp and promptly became sick for nearly a week. The joys of a stomach bug running through a home of six. I think it took me extra days to just mentally recover from that experience. Thankfully everyone was well enough by the weekend so that we could make it to all the games.

This past weekend was Mary's first soccer tournament of the year, a home tournament. Her team has looked really good in practice so far, but came out to the games looking a little flat. It was a good warm-up to the season which starts after Labor Day.

Mary hurt her knee early on Saturday, so her play was limited Saturday afternoon and Sunday. She played goalie the first half of the first game and looked good. She volunteered to be part of the goalie rotation this year and is doing extra goalie training.

As far as her knee goes everyday it is getting better and we don't believe it is a severe injury. Her knee collided with another's knee. Her coach has limited her practice time this past week and on Tuesday told her that he wanted Mary to take the whole week off from training (Tuesday-Tuesday after Labor Day).

Katie also had a softball game on Saturday. The schedules worked perfectly so that we could see Katie's game in-between Mary's games. Katie's team is doing really well and having lots of fun.

As far as the two little ones go, we are getting used to our go..go..go lifestyle. The back of the van is filled with lots of trucks for moving piles of dirt around, because every field seems to have a playable pile of dirt right next to it. Of course there are trees to climb.

And facilities to explore.

Schoolwork amazingly is still moving along. After six years of homeschooling it appears the children have finally adapted to the ebbs and flows of life and can do schoolwork even with everything else that is going on.

I've finally scored on curriculum choices, as there have been no complaints so far this year about our schoolwork. The biggest hits have been the unit studies. I'm using a couple from Intelligo right now that are so easy to use. Literally click and go.

After Labor Day, Robbie will begin attending a play preschool three mornings a week. The first time one of my children has attended a 'school' outside our home since Mary was in preschool six years ago. It was an opportunity I didn't feel like I could turn down and something that will benefit all of us. I've just got to get used to getting the kids up and ready to leave the house in the morning again. Robbie is very excited and keeps talking about 'his' school.

Right now, we are watching the weather and waiting. We are supposed to head back to the beach for one last summertime visit with the family tomorrow. Hoping that Hurricane Earl speeds on up and moves out as quickly as possible. DH has taken off Friday-Tuesday and we are looking forward to a long, family weekend by the pool.

Have a great holiday!

Peace,

Amy