School Daze

Here we go again!  Every year looks a little different, and this year looks more different than any other so far.  With the oldest graduated from high school and on to University, and the youngest in second grade, we've crested the add-a-student-every-couple-of-years peak, and are coming down the other side.

Which is a strange feeling in itself.

                       But it's a good strange.
Most of the time this year is just the three younger kids at home with me.  So we re-organized the school room to make it a more workable space, and a more pleasant space to spend time in.  Because we do spend quite a bit of time here.

Apparently, we do school in pajamas frequently enough that I didn't even notice until I posted this photo.

I have a place of my own to work, or umm, sit and make sure everyone is doing what they are supposed to be doing.

We even have a place to sit and read in the school room this year without retiring to the couch.  

Rachel is at home part-time this year, doing History, Chemistry, Bible and Literature with me, and  I'm really happy to be able to continue reading and discussing ideas with her at home.  (Chemistry, on the other hand, I could live without). The rest of the time, she is at Freeport High School taking Art, Math and an AP Literature class.  She is really enjoying the classes there and doing well.  So far, she's received comments from her teachers along the lines of  "I'm very impressed with your writing", and "I like the way you do these equations".  

 I think she's even given homework help to some friends in classes that she hasn't taken there.

My only regret thus far is that I didn't take a picture of her "first day".  So, I'll have to include one from last summer.

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that not only is she smart, she's gorgeous too.

Things feel a little slower paced this year, and that's a good thing.  It's been good to feel less rushed through the day.  It gives me some sanity time to keep up with the necessary parts of life, and also to play a little, with things like making soap, for instance.  See?  Chemistry can be fun too.