Summer zipped by, and even though it isn't technically over with.. we did start school back! I had so many summer posts that didn't get done. We traveled a good bit, and of course the adoption dominated so much of our time and attention!
The years slip by so fast.... I can't believe that Macheus is in the first grade. I went back and looked at some of my old blog posts earlier today, and they grow up way too fast! :(
Our curriculum this year is going to keep these guys busy. I am doing Saxon math with Macheus, but the rest of the crew is doing Teaching Textbooks on line. They like it and it saves me a ton of time not having to grade it! I am working through Explode the Code workbooks with Mac, handwriting and just some fun books to read together. Until he is reading independently this will be all we do.
Malachi and Myles are doing Rod and Staff Language programs. They are pretty rigorous, but they are doing well. We used it with the older kids and it definitely prepared them for college. The Reading program in the 4th grade is covering Bible; so Myles won't do a separate Bible curriculum, but Malachi is. We are finishing up our study of Human Anatomy with Apologia. Not sure what we will study next. I wanted to do Notgrass Georgia History this year, but they aren't selling it anymore! :( We had a copy that I used with the oldest three, but it was worn out. I got rid of it thinking I could replace it for the next crew. If anyone has suggestions feel free to share! :) I have had some blog readers communicate with me through e-mail after I shared it. I will post it again... maynor7@windstream.net. Feel free to e-mail any suggestions!
Sweet Mariah.... I so enjoy this girl! God was so good to give me my three girls! I adore my boys... but life without my girls would be lonely!
She is doing Notgrass Economics, Government, TT Algebra 2, Apologia Anatomy and Physiology (Bio 2), and Learn to Write The Novel Way. This will be her last year home schooling, as she will be doing dual enrollment next year. Makes me sad...
This sweet little nugget couldn't be left out of the back-to-school pictures. Oh how we all love him!
We have gotten on a pretty decent schedule. I get up at 6:00, fix smoothies, start laundry, and then I head out the door to go running. I run a pretty long time (usually around 10 miles), so it works best for me to start while everyone is in the bed/just getting up! By the time I get home the kids have gotten chores done, drank smoothies and started school. When I get home I shower, throw the next load of laundry in, and then I start school with Macheus. His usually takes me from 10-12. In between helping him I usually help the other two. Madeline is a huge help too! She usually does everyone's English! At noon I feed Matthias and spend a little time with him. I try to lay down with him for at least a few minutes and then I put him down for his nap. While he is napping the other kids eat lunch and we do any other school and grading that we need to get done. The afternoon is spent putting laundry away and getting things done that need to be finished before the guys get home from work. I try to at least let Mac and Myles have several hours of free time outside. It is so important for boys to be outside and moving!
For now, this schedule is working. Life is ever changing and adjustments have to be made!
These two started back to college classes. Matthew works full time and is finishing up his senior year! He is very ready to be done! Madeline has been a journalist for our local newspaper for the past year, but Marc encouraged her to take a break from that for now. She is currently taking SIX classes and needs to concentrate on that. She is teaching piano lessons out of our home though. She currently has a 4.0 and we knew she couldn't keep that up while working a very demanding job.
Well. that is what life is looking like these days! I hope all of you are off to a good start wtih your school year!
~Until next time...
