A Bouquet of Newly Sharpened Pencils

"Don't you love New York in the fall? If I had your address, I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils."
.... remember what movie that's from?

Fall in many parts of the country marks a significant change of pace, a change in the weather and a definite upswing in commitments. The pace picks up a bit as schools start, vacations come to an end. The rush to buy school supplies and new clothes is on. The evenings are getting cooler, leaves are beginning their descent. More dinners, fund-raisers, parties. A new season of sports begins. Lessons start, concerts abound. It's a sweet time before the holidays as we settle into a new routine.

Our co-op begins tomorrow morning. Each Monday, 14 families join together to ease the home schooling load. My real desire to co-op, is when the subject is a little out of my comfort zone. (Notice I said 'a little', because when it's just a little out of my comfort zone, I think that is a challenge to meet head-on!) But high school Biology isn't something I wanted to tackle at home! And come to find out, with God's grace and blessing, this co-op has become much more than meeting the needs of the harried home school teacher. It is a place where moms and kids sharpen and challenge each other. Where we can build each other up and go through life together. I am always amazed at the giftings of these women. I have always been open to other adults speaking into my children's lives. And what a blessing these have been. I am so grateful as we start another year together.

Getting our materials ready

Here is what we are doing:
Alexandra (15) History/Constitution/Elections, Biology, Literature
Dexter (13) the same as Alex
Emma (10, almost 11) History/Constitution/Elections, General Science, Literature
Lizzy (8) Constit History, Zoology, Literature, Theatre/Music
Jefferson (7) Five in a Row, Theatre/Music

At home we'll complete the American History, Saxon Math, grammar, Bible and French. Add to that choirs, guitar, violin and piano.

It will be a full year. We are blessed to be together.