Starting Another School Year

Though we've been in school for over a month now, which shows just how far behind I am in blogging, I didn't want to simply skip over the start of school.  Promotions are a big deal when you're a kid, so let's talk about where everyone is right now to honor those promotions.  We currently have three elementary, one Junior high, and one Senior high student.  We'll start at the bottom and work our way up. 

Hannah is our second grader.  This is the year she will learn to read and jump into more complex math.  She was supposed to join the other three in cooperative work, but since she needed a little bit more personal attention to bring up her reading skills she works with me every day.  I am happy to say we are seeing big progress already.

Riley is our fourth grader.  He doesn't enjoy reading, but could use the practice so we give him ample opportunity in read-aloud situations.  Riley loves to create so he's happy to finish his work day and go to his room to build.

Sonja is our fifth grader.  She's on the cusp of so many changes next year and she's already anxious about them.  She's a quick learner and is happy to finish her work day so that she can create.  Currently, she's enjoying bracelet making and knitting. 

Connor is our 7th grader.  He feels old hat to the Jr. High scene since he was tossed into it last year.  However, this is the year that his workload increased significantly.  He was a little overwhelmed at first, but he seems to be getting into the swing of things now. 

Nikolas is our 11th grader--yep, you read that right, he's a Junior.  Kind of crazy, but totally real.  This year Nikolas is balancing working and school.  He's doing a great job of it.  He really enjoys his job, and school is okay.  :-)  But he values both.  There is so much that he needs to line up before graduation and I think he's a little overwhelmed by it.  At the least, he's less than exuberant about it, but I'm sure he'll figure things out. 

Jozsef is still plugging away at his degree program.  He is learning a ton and doing really well.  He is also balancing school and work and enjoys his job very much.  He recently stepped out of a leadership role at the youth group so that he can focus more on his studies.  Though he will miss the kids, it was a good choice.  Research and paper writing are rather consuming. 

All of the kids are loving our porch.  They enjoy taking their books out there to read.  Jozsef will take his iPad out and study.  I an thrilled that they even have the option.  The porch truly is one of the perks of the house.  We all enjoy it very much. 

So this is school for us this year.  Next year will be a big one since Nikolas will graduate.  I cringe at even having to say that--SO much to do before then.  But for now, we'll see what this year brings, take it in stride, and enjoy every moment we can.  :-)