I have my three youngest kids home with me until the end of March. The children who are in elementary school go to a year round school. What this means is that they go to school for approximately 3 months and then have any where from 4-6 weeks off. I have absolutely loved this schedule, much preferring it to the go to school for 9 months and then be off for 3 long months while mom tries to keep you entertained. After four weeks they are ready to go back to school, we are all rested, and ready for a new onslaught of school projects. Unfortunately, as much as I love this schedule a wrench was thrown into our happy little life this school year. Our oldest started high school and the second youngest started attending the junior high that is associated with our church. Both of these schools are on a traditional schedule. The only month all of the kids will be home together is in July. This will be the only month we can do things together as a family. Umm, I am really not digging this so much any more. One of the most wonderful advantages to the year round schedule is that you can take family trips all year, not just during the busy summer months. Not only that but I feel like we hardly ever see each other, all together, any more. So, that being said we are prayerfully considering putting the two youngest kids in private school next year with their older brother. I would have to get a part time job....that paid money. Yuk!! I inquired at the school about reduced tuition, you know because I am so cute and all, and was met by a resounding NO. The administrator informed me that sacrifices had to be made by families that wanted their children to have a Christian education and, you know, they really wont mind eating top ramon and boxed mac n' cheese for the next few years while we pay those hefty tuition fees.

We are prayerfully considering our decision. I really don't mind top ramon.

I have to tell you that one of the worst parts of the oldest two still going to school while the others are off is I HAVE TO STILL GET UP IN THE MORNING. Now, let me explain this to you. When they are all of we sleep in and stay in our jammies all day, rent movies, and hang out. I seriously seriously miss this. Oh well, how does that saying go? All good things must come to an end.

Here is what we have been doing this past week on our first week off...

Bowling with a little help from big sister



Nothing like falling asleep right on the bowling alley floor. It's a lot of work throwing a ball that weighs 1/4 of your total weight.



Brothers turn..



They swam, the water was only in the 50's but the temp outside was 92. I must apologize to those of you still under mounds of snow for posting these pics.




We watched spring begin to emerge. These are the first blossoms on our apricot tree. Umm Umm, I can almost taste that fruit now.



Have a blessed week,
Julie

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