First Day of School

We started our new school year today! I know the timing is funny... but we like doing school in July when it is so very hot so that we can be off in December- when the weather is nice (in Phoenix!) and there are so many fun Christmas activities to do. 

If you are wondering to yourself how one lady manages to school four kids, care for a baby, keep house and make meals... you aren't the only one.   I don't know how it happens, either!

It is surely by the grace of God that we get much accomplished around here.

To be honest, I have been anxious about starting for the past month.  Would Ezra cooperate? Would the rest of them cooperate?  Would Titus wreck the house while I worked with the others?  Would I have any energy at all to make dinner?  Well, so far, so good.  Jesus is so kind to us.  

Part of my game plan for this year- to maintain everyone's sanity and to still make progress- is to keep lessons short and simple.  We are focusing on reading and math and will sprinkle in some science and history as we can.  

I'm also employing the help of Ross and the kids around the house as much as possible.  As well as keeping all the kids in the same room as we school- to keep an eye on those darling mess makers.

Please be praying that each school day is as sweet as this one.  I know there will be rough days ahead, but the goal is to keep learning fun and meaningful as much as possible. 

How did they all get so big? :(