I have to focus- it's not over yet!

Yes school is starting in a few days for most folks- but here on Providence we are finishing our second week! This is the 26th "start" for me.

What a journey! Things have changed so much since those first days- days of uncertainty and fear-over working myself and the kids.

I have learned so much that I truly will never need to know once Luke finishes school here at home.

I have been through 5 different home school groups-only lightly touching down for a look in most. Too much "stuff" and not enough school work to suit me. Don't get me wrong - I like fun but a steady diet makes kids "fat" and discontent.

I like real life things like raising animals,building, problem solving household things and such. I call it life skills- and the kids NEED these kinds of things to be well rounded.

I admit academics were not the reason we began our homeschooling journey but they have a place in the future of each child. They need the tools to make choices in life once they are on their own-whenever that happens.

If we can teach them how to "learn anything" that they want- they will only be limited by their own willingness , or lack of it, to learn skills, jobs or trades.

So - now that I have had my say in the area of school I have to say that I truly have no idea how to start August without starting school. In a few years I guess I'll learn what other women do in August. I feel a little apprehensive about it all- like I'll be cheating! :)

I have complied with every rule and regulation for so long that I can't imagine NOT thinking about it all.

Anyway- that is in the future- right now I have a smart high schooler who lkeeps me on my toes with Algebra and science ALL the time. He constantly challenges himself- thus challenging me to keep up! Am I getting old or is he just enjoying the amusement of watching me scurry to keep up with him??