Woah! 2 months!

I had not realized that it had been SO long since I've posted anything on here.  Time just gets away from me these days.  BUSY, BUSY, BUSY!!! 

This year is 4th and 8th grades.  A step up in expectation for the boys as well as myself.  And sometimes I think it is going to do me in.  I know they've had some choice thoughts about it as well.

I keep telling myself to be calm and wait for the 'groove'.  So...I'm still waiting...and this is the start of week 4.  We'll see how it goes.

This year, Joshua and Erik are doing 3 courses via the computer (Bible, History, Spanish).  They like the independence but are challenged to figure out how to 'work the system'.  I think it is good that they are encountering some other way of doing school than just my way.  For English, we have switched to Rod and Staff, Level 7.  This is a much more rigorous program than the Shurley Grammar.  It is about to kick all of our collective rearends.  But, WE WILL PREVAIL.   Math-u-see is still our choice for math and they are studying Pre-Algebra this year.  Science is Apologia General Science.  Very interesting information, but rigorous as well.  We are just MUCH more busy this year than in previous years, but I knew we would be.  I keep telling them, 'Eighth grade is the springboard into Highschool.'  Other than that, we are doing spelling, art, music, P.E., health, and typing and math drills.

Isaac and Seth are doing well in their course of study which is more than they are used to, but not by a lot.  We are using A Well-Trained Mind English program this year and will probably go into Rod and Staff eventually.  Science is a junior Apologia course, the Flying Creatures of the Fifth Day.  Math-u-see Division.  History is a combo of History Pockets (hands on, craft oriented) and Story of the World.  (In middle school, we'll move into the Mystery of History books.)  They have the other subjects listed at the end of the last paragraph + penmanship.

In addition to this, I am trying to keep them on their chores, as well as take care of my business.  Shopping has become a little disorganized.  I have had to go to the store more times this month than I can remember ever doing before simply because I do not have the brain power to make adequate lists and always find out after I get home and start through the week that I did not do a thorough job.  Oh well.  I'll get the hang of it soon.

Well, I have to go now.  The school day is beginning...