Ending Summer Break

I have decided we will be starting school on Monday.  The local schools all begin here on Tuesday.   I thought briefly about waiting. I feel that our summer has busy, but we haven't spent a whole lot of time together.  However, I realized that starting school now, when we don't have events planned, will free up the schedule later when we want to do things.

Megan and too much TV time

Plus, in some ways, jumping into our school year brings us together.  We are in our Bible together every morning.  I tried to continue Bible time together throughout the summer, but it didn't go as planned.  The older girls were gone a lot with mission work, visiting friends and family, and, for Jasmine, working. 

I'll be so glad to begin our mornings without the TV on or teens sleeping the day away.  School gives us structure and a routine.  I would school year round if I didn't have to work around all the summer activities my children enjoy.   However, I know that there are many types of learning, not just "school" work.  Library programs, VBS, mission work, musical theater productions... All of this gives experiences that are priceless. 

This year will be Jasmine's senior year.  I hope to enjoy the time with her home as much as possible.  Laura will be a sophomore this year.  How is it that she has gone through seven full years in our homeschool?  Megan, my only child that has never attended public school, will be beginning third grade.  

As I get stuff ready for Monday, I like the feeling that we are getting back to school.  By the end of summer, I am ready to have more structure in our days.  I'm glad to welcome our 2015/2016 school year!