I cannot believe - do not WANT to believe - that we’re gearing down.  Only three weeks until time to head back to work full-time for Greg and school for the kids and I.  I’ve been sorely disappointed with the weather of the past few weeks - it’s nearly three weeks since we’ve had a full day of sunshine.  Some days are sporadic sunny breaks, but mostly grey and cloudy and usually rainy.  Yesterday we had a fair amount of sun, but it even rained when it was sunny!!!!

So, I’m trying to not panic.  And just enjoy the rest of the summer.  We do have really pleasant, even swimmable weather til mid to late September, so I think our school schedule will be very relaxed until October.  I have some curriculum ordered.  Need to finish my ordering, but I may leave some of it until September.  Spread the cost out a little bit.    Now that I have more of an idea what I’m doing as far as curriculum goes, I think we’ll likely try to order throughout the year, again for cost reasons.  I could spend sooo much money just on books alone - picture books, chapter books, books to read together, out-loud…..There’s a lot of stuff out there, people!  We’re going to make a more concerted effort at using our library this year.  And for sanity’s sake, we’ll be doing a mid-week trip to town for some lessons (swimming for sure, though Cole wants to take karate or the like, so we may try to fit that in as well). 

So, if it weren’t for the fact that the end of summer means fall, which means 59,382,093 days of winter close behind, I’m actually getting excited.  It’s been loads of fun perusing my catalogues and websites, and choosing what to buy now, and what to wait on.  This is the first year I’ve gotten this much stuff, mostly because last year I was, well, post-partum, need I say more, and the two years before that was only Cole in kindergarten and first grade.  So we didn’t do much.  Cole’s a big third grader now, so you know, it’s a big deal!  Brett is also a kindergartener, by the province’s standard, though I’m planning to do the Rod & Staff Preschool books with him.  We have a few other fun “school only” activities for both him and Eliana.  I think overall, it is going to be a great year.  I’m getting into my groove.

Speaking of which, the one thing I’ve learned over my first three years as a homeschool mom….I have to do it MY way.  I need and want advice from the pros - the moms who have been doing this for a while - but I can’t try to model my approach after anyone else.  It doesn’t work.  Well, it hasn’t so far.  This is truly such an individual way of living.  Though we’re all homeschoolers, every one of us has different needs, as families, as the moms/teachers, and as the children.  I’m so thankful to be able to be home with my children, and choose how and what and where we do “school”. 

Until October though, I may not be around much still.  I love blogging, but honestly haven’t even kept up with reading my Bloglines since CHRISTMAS!!!!  Once we’re all tucked away for the winter though, I’m sure I’ll be around much more again. 

We’re getting set up for a photo shoot in the fall as an exchange with a lady who needs some sewing done.  Also, fall brings the warm days and crisp nights and apple picking and garden harvesting.  It’s a season to be embraced, and this year, instead of despising it, I will be out enjoying it as much as possible.

So, happy end of summer.  Enjoy these last hot, lazy days!  Savour the sunshine, and go for lots of walks.  I will do my best to enjoy and not dread the months ahead of me.  I have a few things on the back burner, things that I’m planning to help make winter more endurable, and maybe even enjoyable. 

I sure would love to have a wood stove!