Homeschooling Schedule...what's yours?

So school is starting and I am in the preparation stages of getting our school together for the year. We are going to start on September 8th, just like the rest of the schools around here. Thankfully, it gives me a little extra time. Last year I actually started in August, there is no way I would have been ready yet! Anyway, I really need a better schedule for this year. I am going to have a 2nd, (2) 1st graders and a kindergartener. I have different learning styles with each one. So, here is the question, what makes your homeschool schedule work? I would love to know yours. When I get mine together I will put it on here. But, in the meantime, I love learning from what works for others. So, please share your thoughts!

Oh where, oh where is the Ice Cream Man???

Ok, so it might seem mean, but it is what our family does. The kids love hearing the ice cream man all summer long. Our family has a rule that we get ice cream from the ice cream man ONE time each summer. Jason and I wait to find the hottest day there is and then surprise the kids with a trip to the truck. Well, this weekend was it. It was so humid and hot. So, Saturday after dinner we head to the park right around the corner (where the ice cream trucks and carts are always waiting). Was there any trucks, NO! We waited and waited and waited. Nothing! We were there almost an hour. So, it was getting late, and we headed home. We had some ice cream in our freezer so we took that out, but it is just not the same. We thought we would try again on Sunday afternoon, it was suppose to be hotter...and it was! Yes, our hopes of finding a guy at the park were good. Again, we went and waited and waited and waited. NOTHING! All summer they have come and literally just sat in front of our house when the kids have been playing, and now for TWO DAYS we have been searching for them and can't find them. The two hottest days of summer! We ended up walking to the local gas station and purchasing some ice cream from there. This ice cream treat was getting to get more expensive!! So, today, when I didn't have any money on me and dad was not with us...I saw the ice cream man...actually 3 of them, right in a row. TORTURE! We thought all was lost, until (of course, right as I was getting dinner ready tonight) he emerged and landed right in front of our house!! We bought ice cream from the ice cream man and enjoy! It took three days, but we did it. Our summer task has been accomplished! Ice cream man can now go away, we get to wait until next year to enjoy you again. John got his Spongebob and the girls got their Dora...just like last year. And I suspect it might be the same order next summer too. Thanks Ice Cream Man.

13...Lucky or Unlucky?

13(.1) was a lucky number for me last week for it meant the END of my 1/2 marathon! And boy was I ever glad to see the number 13. I have to say for being an unlucky number mile race, God sure came through on making it a very lucky (and enjoyable) day. First off, the weather was the exact tempurature I LOVE to run in. Second, I had a great friend to run it with. Third, it was not humid (my asthma thanks Him!). Fourth, Jason and the kids were able to make it down in time to see me run (they had to get up at 5:45 to make it, the race STARTED at 6:30). Fifth, my ingrown toenail game me NO PROBLEMS! Sixth, my knees NEVER HURT! Seventh, I ran the whole time. Eighth, I FINISHED!!!It was a great run. Jason had them text him at the 5k, 10k, 10 mile mark and finish. At the beginning I had about a 10 1/2 to 11 minute mile, but around mile 10 I ended up slowing it up a bit. I think that was the best run I have had EVER! But, I will admit, I was ready for it to be over and especially them putting a hill at the very end. There were a few during the race, but right at the end, UGH! At least at the top I was able to see the finish line so I pushed it! The best part is I was able to pray for the 13 kids that are over in Africa and who I was running for. When I started focusing on how long I had to run, I would look at the list I wrote on my hand and I would pray. They go through such hardship every single day, I can do it for them today. And I did. For them. Yes, I can say I am a 1/2 marathoner now, but I know I did it for them. I have raised fourteen percent of what I set out to do, but every little bit helps. Next year, my sister is joining me in this endevor and I can't wait to do it with her. Will you join me? If you think you can't just remember that you can do anything with Christ who gives us strength. Last December, I couldn't even get a 1/2 mile down. Less than a year later, I complete 13.

You can do it! I know you can. Join me and World Vision next year. I would love for you to join our team!!! Here is a video of me at 4.5 miles and some pictures during the race. Thank you!

After the race, Jason had promised the kids a trip to the beach. So we walked over to 12th street beach, enjoyed a few hours there and then headed home. This is a picture of the kids as we waited for dad to go and get the car parked elsewhere in Chicago. I love Chicago!