Catching My Breath!

As you've read in my last post, the school year began! AND, as you can see, I haven't been posting my goal of twice per week. Hopefully, this will change! In addition to the regular routine of home schooling every day, I am teaching on Wednesdays (one class) and then a little more than half the day on Thursdays. AND, I did take on 12 private students for music lessons. Ten are piano students, one guitar, and the other a voice student. I am especially excited to have a young voice student, as that was my area of concentration when I majored in music. God has been so good to me. This enables our family to continue our lifestyle, and enhance the children's education, by providing the money for these other classes that I really can't teach at home. I think I wasn't prepared for how busy I was about to be, as we spent most of the summer isolated from the world due to sickness and then the car accident...that STILL isn't settled by the way. ( our car insurance company is suing the other car insurance company...)
It has also been a bit of an adjustment with Karissa in 7th grade. She is not ever done before 5:00. Her school work is much more demanding, but I am so proud of her as she is rising to the challenge. I think that this is good for her. She is taking more responsibility for her education. She writes her own schedule and then I help her with any problems she may have. I ALWAYS get her started with math, but she is pretty independent apart from that. I grade her work, and she is doing very well.
Katherine is resisting me a bit, which is a surprise because she is my voracious learner. The girl just instantly absorbs everything she studies. I wonder if I'm challenging her enough.
Justin is surprising me in how well he is reading! His creative/artistic side is blossoming, too, and it is so fun to watch him grow in his knowledge and skills.
Also, we've all become addicted to Roller Coaster Tycoon 2, a little computer game where you create your own theme park. It is such a good learning game, as you have to plan, problem solve, etc. I let them take turns playing when I'm giving lessons...if their reading and other assignments are complete.
Well, I am going to go and sit next to my hubby and enjoy the quiet for a while! Until next time..hopefully in a few days.....