Lapse of Time

I guess blogging has fallen down my priority list lately.

Homeschooling is quite a journey, it consumes large quantities of your time, energy, emotions and thoughts. So far, I find it all to be worth the effort, but none the less it is most of my current life's work.

On that note, I'm very happy to say that I think I have now completed my research on what curriculum we will use next year! It won't be a huge surprise to those of you still checking our blog, that I'm not going to stray from  my "roots". We're still going to follow a hodge podge of different books and curriculum. I think what I'm most excited to add is Switched on Schoolhouse for History/Geography & Spanish for Emma. SOS is a computer based program that basically does the work for you. With Liam's age and very real needs on my time and eyesight, I NEED that! Emma also needs some separation in her work and she's driven enough to do it on her own.
I think handing those subjects over to a "virtual teacher" will help me concentrate on math, language arts and giving Olivia the best start she can have in reading, handwriting and spelling.

Our minds are tied to our gardens and landscaping projects. They are slow moving but always on our minds. We (Andy and I...mostly Andy) installed our grape vine posts & tension wire just in time for our 4 seedless concord grape vines to arrive! They are 3 yr starts so we are hoping for a very small crop yet this year! I don't know about you but we have grape LOVERS for kids. I'm already dreaming about canning grape juice.

Also in our yard projects....We're beginning to transform our back fence line into something other than the straight, boring, crab-grass filled area it was before we started. We edged a new curving grass line, and we've chosen 3 evergreen trees, Karl Forster grasses, Ivory Hallow dogwood shrubs and lots of perennials to fill our gaping holes! I am very much hoping to make progress in that en devour before Alyssa's bridal shower takes place, hopefully in my backyard!

Andy is very excited and looking forward to taking part in a specialized CI course the end of this month. CI (Clinical Instructor) is something he's thought seriously about pursing since school and we're thankful he has a chance so soon! After this course is completed, he will be able to take on a student for a 6 week clinical period at a time. Those of you who know Andy, know that he is an excellent, patient teacher!

Olivia is finishing up her first year of ballet. Her spring recital is in May and she is quite excited about it.

We are very much hoping the Lord opens up a door for Emma to join a well-known children's choir in the area this September. The cost is a bit high, but we feel the instruction is almost priceless. Alyssa spent years in the same choir.

Well, it's about time for Liam's nap to come to an end, which means I will be back on stairs, garbage and kitty duty. Those seem to be Liam's favorite things to "mess with" lately. He is ALL boy. Did I mention he throws everything?

I'll try to be back again soon to write more!

Nellie