Are you crazy???

I'm SURE that is what many of you want to say when I tell you I have chosen to homeschool my 6th grader.  So far, I don't feel that way.  It came as much of a surprise to me when I entertained the thought late last school year.  But that stubborn little thought would not leave my mind.  So, I rolled it around a bit.  And the more I rolled it, the more snowball- like it became.  It was one of those things that after prayer, fasting, meditation, and temple attendance confirmed over and over (just to be sure I wasn't crazy) I knew I wanted/had to do.  Many steps over the course of the last few years have led me here, I just didn't realize they were headed up the homeschool mountain. 

It is a beautiful thing to research, study, and dig into the kind of curriculum you know your child will love.  And believe me, I have done my share of digging and researching.  It is astounding the kinds of resources there are to choose from!  Also, I must note: to the people who have been willing to take me under their wing and share their incredible knowledge and journey of homeschooling, thank you.  I would be lost without you. 

Today was Day 1.  And it was already so awesome.  This boy who does not have a love for learning spent 6 hours with me learning and we both loved it!  I know there will be windy days ahead, and I have no idea how long we will continue it, but if the Lord says it's a good thing, then we are sailing on! 

Winding down... and up again...

Phew!  This summer has been the fastest and fullest we have experienced yet!  I sure wish I had written it all down.  We spent a chunk of time off and on in CA visiting with my parents, going to Scottie and Jen Williams wedding, and just spending time with Jason when he wasn't working. 

Our final summer adventure was a camping-ish trip up north to Prescott.  Took a few tries to get there due to changes in work schedule, but we got there and set up in a beautiful camp location, pitched our tent and...

• spent hours trying to locate firewood (found some after dark!)
• hiked the next day to the lake, canoed and paddle boated out hearts out
• came back to find the van battery dead (thank you fellow camper for rescuing us)
• and a giant hole in the tent from Flapjack trying to get IN it
• while in town, the skies finally opened up and let us have it
• taught the kids how not to react well to the unexpected soaking of bedding, chairs, tent etc.
• spent the next 2 days vacationing my favorite way... in a wonderful (and dry!) hotel
• Hit the Sharlot Hall museum (AMAZING history museum of the area)
• Walked old town Prescott shops, love the artsy shops
• Settled in with the old folks for music in the park, & our very own solo dancer (near strip tease) center stage. 
• Drove around aimlessly looking at houses to replace our current inferno, but didn't fall in love with the place. 

And today we started school!  Which is another post...