BACK TO SCHOOL!

Oh happy day, school is back in session!
 
It was a nice summer, but a crazy and chaotic one.  It was fun, but loooonnnngggggg...I swear July lasted a year. Now school is back in and I'm thrilled and excited.  Noah and I will be embarking on a new adventure together, I'm going to be facing some new challenges and responsibilities, and Nathan is already settling into a groove and enjoying the 6th grade.

Nathan is in band again this year, but is going to stay out of chorus this time.  I think this was a mature choice he made, as he was really overwhelmed last year. He's also in the gifted program and doesn't need to push himself too hard right now.  Both boys are also in Scouts and have a lot of responsibilities and activities there, plus they both have bowling league and are involved in a youth ministry.

Noah is in 8th grade now and is officially "homeschooling".  Last year he did K-12, which is a good program but wasn't a good fit for him.  He seems really happy and optimistic with our program, and isn't stressing himself out or getting upset or overwhelmed, which is really what he needs. He really loves that we can do fun activities for P.E., like an hour at the pool or the Wii Fit.   We've also joined a homeschool co-op and I think it's going to be great for both of us.  We meet one day a week, I get to teach one class and help with another one, and Noah gets to take several classes that he's interested in as well.  Also, he is currently a quartermaster in his Scout troop. He's come such a long way, I'm really proud of him.

In addition to teaching at the co-op, I've also become the committee chairperson for our Scout troop, and continue to lead the Mpact Girls ministry at our church. So between that, bowling, homeschooling Noah, babysitting after school every day, and being a full-time college student myself, I think I'm busy enough right now. :)  I'm also going to be joining the PTA at Nathan's school, of course.  I do need to get back on some sort of a cleaning schedule though, my house seems to keep getting completely out of my control!  I also need to learn to take advantage of my "free time" and do some pre-cooking, baking, soaking beans, etc.  Once Noah and I have settled into a good daily routine, I'll be better able to manage my time. 

I have some recipes to share and maybe a few funny stories and photos as well. Hopefully I'll have more time to blog more often!