I'm ready. Ready for routine. Ready to get back to some sense of normalcy, with a few extra tasks thrown in there for good measure (Caboose's appointments). There is nothing like shopping for new school supplies - how exciting! I like a new box of crayons as much as my girls do! And, don't get me started on new backpacks! :-)
It is hard to believe our oldest daughter will be in 5th grade this year. Wow...that just sounds scary - for me, at least! She's an absolute joy; my right hand in helping around the house. She's willing to jump in with the younger kids at any time I need her and she works diligently in school. She understands that if we go ahead begin and double up a few days, then the benefits will be so great (as in, December off for Christmas!). You've probably heard me say that everyone needs an ACat around their house! :-) She's signed a contract now for East Texas Spirit Soccer Club, so we will be busy with that several times a week. She also will continue piano lessons and Kidz Praise at church. So, 5th grade...here ACat comes!!
Our Smiley is not so happy about school's beginning, but she will be fine once we get started. We have a new rewards system in place for this school year. Instead of getting an allowance for chores around the house (Don't get me started on that...we all live in this house and we will ALL pick up with NO compensation! It's all part of being a part of a team, right??), we are implementing a "real world" scenario. You earn money according to the effort you expend. So, come report card time, each girl will earn some money, depending on how well they performed in school. You know...a certain amount for each A+, another amount for each A, A-, B+, B, and B-. After that, it's a big fat ZERO. You should see the cool chart CS came up with - each grade gets increasing amounts, too. I digress... ANYWAY, all that to say...Smiley is ALL about rewards and awards. It provides the motivation she needs to get going, so I'm optimistic that this school year will run a little more smoothly! Smiley brings many smiles to our days, albeit with some high drama from time to time. But, she does like to help (especially with cooking), make lists, and take care of Caboose. She even changed a dirty diaper last night - all on her own accord! This school year, Smiley decided to stick with Jazz, piano, and Kidz Praise. She will be our only one going out to Venture this year. Venture is another motivation for her to push herself through her week's school work. I think she will do just fine in 3rd grade!! We love our Smiley-girl!
Now, our Little Bit...how can it be that she will be in official preschool this year?!?! She is SO excited about preschool and about having Mrs. Palmer, just like Smiley did at 4. We have the Dora backpack and lunch kit ready to go. And, she is so ready to learn and grow this year - mentally, physically, and emotionally. We saw Smiley just bloom during her preschool year at Hand in Hand, and I just know we will see the same with Little Bit. Little Bit will also continue in Kidz Praise, but she decided that she wants to play soccer - her first "real" organized activity. She wavered a little between dance and soccer, but soccer won out in the end. AND...big news...Daddy is coaching her team!! She has great eye-foot coordination, and she does a fabulous job dribbling the ball. Heat nor running faze her at all. I think she will be a natural!
So, we end our summer in just another couple of days. We are a little sad to see it go. But, it's nothing that a new "First Day of School" outfit won't fix!! We are girls, you know! :-) I *think* I'm ready to begin our 5th year of homeschooling. The call from God is still on our hearts, so we will continue moving forward, despite the busyness of life. The materials were bought back in May, so all I have to do is pull it out! The DVDs arrived about 3 weeks ago. There's nothing left upon which to wait! So, School...here we come!
Cindy and crew
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