We are approaching the end of this school year. It's always an exciting time..but also a bit hard to stay focused. We are already enjoying the break...though it hasn't yet begun....it will soon enough.
Daddy is going to be on vacation next week. We are trying to finish up the majority of our school work by this Friday so we can enjoy a guilt-free vacation too. 
Rebecca is planning to do some school work through our break..mostly math. My girl has a real desire to study midwifery...and she will need all the science studies she can take! That's fine with me...she's very self motivated and will work all she needs to so she can accomplish whatever goal she sets before herself.
I am already planning out our next school year. I believe we will begin either late July or beginning August. I'd sure love to be completely finished with our school year by the end of April next year. Once spring arrives, it's tough to stay on task.
We will have all four children doing "school work" next year. Not that they don't learn without doing the "school work"...but the official..we are beginning school work! Mary is quite excited to join us..she doesn't want to wait a couple of months! That's my girl!
Rebecca will begin 9th grade, Thomas 7th, Natalie 3rd and Mary K/1. I don't really do a kindergarten program...Besides, she already knows her colors, shapes, alphabet and to count...to 30 and beyond. Mary is a very bright girl and I am sure she will have no trouble with schooling.
One thing I bought at the used book sale this past weekend is Teach Your Child To Read In 100 Easy Lessons. This has been recommended to me by several friends. We'll try it this year. Natalie will be using Rod & Staff Reading. When we began our home education journey 10 years ago, we used R&S exclusively. Thomas was not a workbook learner, so we veered away from it. But, it gives such a solid foundation in reading that I am returning Natalie to it.
We'll continue Rebecca in Apologia Science. Thomas and Natalie will begin using it. I am so impressed by this series! I also purchased Learn To Write The Novel Way at the book sale. Rebecca requested this one...I found it in brand new condition for less than half price! Can't beat that! 
I have much to decide before we begin our next school year....think I'll turn the computer over to Natalie and Mary and curl up with a catalog to start making those decisions!
