While we’ve finished this past school year and I’m busily laying out plans for next year. And sorting. And reorganizing. Gearing up.

Because the start of the school year is getting closer every day – and creeping up faster than I realize!

I am so much more excited for this upcoming year than I have been in past years. And on the flip side, so much more nervous since the “load” is intensifying some too – with first and second grade now, more subjects covered, preschool time for Zachary (and actually making a wholehearted effort at that) and also attempting a little something for Kaleb too.

Going to the homeschool convention was an amazing blessing. It got wheels turning in my head. Motivated me in many different ways and was just an encouragment overall. Enough so that I’m ready already for next year’s convention.

With my new planner in hand, I am happily planning for the upcoming year…and the time spent with our kids.

Just a little something we’re going to try at home today. Here are some great ideas for making shadow puppets with your kids:

While visiting another homeschool blog the other day, Walking by the Way, the mom mentioned having her son write a poem for spring. So in turn, I had all three of our kiddos sit down to write or dictate a poem about spring to me. They each titled their poem by themselves. :)

Only 4 more weeks of school left. The kids are excited. I’m excited….and actually excited for a break so that I can start planning next year’s curriculum. :) Sad, but true. I’m ready to move on and start working on something fresh.

Co-op is officially finished – just one more “special” program in a few weeks, but otherwise our Fridays are now free too.

We are going to fit in a few more lapbooks though too before the end of the year, since during these last few weeks the girl’s load is getting a little lighter. They are happy to hear that!

One of my friends, Alison, was gracious enough to host Flat Mary for a few days at her house in Oklahoma. She returned to our house yesterday along with a note and pictures from their family:

“We most certainly have enjoyed our time with Flat Mary! While here in Oklahoma, we took Mary on an excursion to the Wichita Mountains (just big hills in comparison to the White Mnts. or the Smokey Mnts.!!!). We went to the Holy City, home of the longest running outdoor Passion Play. We took Mary up the mountain. We climbed over rocks and stumbled over cactus!

We even saw a stone that was found in Jerusalem and is now preserved in a monument at the Holy City.

We also took Mary to see a monument that is dedicated to all of those who lost their lives at the Oklahoma City bombing. With tears in our eyes we reviewed all of what we know about that attack with Flat Mary. When the bombing took place in 1995, it was the largest terrorist attack that had ever taken place on American soil. 168 people were killed and 19 of them were children. You can learn more about this at www.oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org .

We hope and pray that she makes it home safely! Thanks for sharing her with us.”