An added difficulty we faced was that Ethan was done with his work in 2-3 hours, so we always had the rest of the day to fill. This was difficult when all of his friends were in school and I always felt like a cruise-director, trying to plan activity and fun for the Entire Day Every Day.

You do seem like you are a better stay-at-home mom than I was, so this may not be an issue for you!! We ended up putting Ethan in school this year, and since we didn’t plan ahead he is in public school. It is TERRIBLE, but our situation changed and we just couldn’t homeschool anymore. Looking at it nearly a school-year later, I am sad that we miss our days together, but with the addition of a break from each other we actually get along better when we are both home. I am very sad about some of the kids he goes to school with, because I don’t think Ethan is strong enough to be a good light to others, they end up influencing him.

The actual academics aren’t difficult, because there are SO many good curriculums out there that you can find what works for you and him and run with that. It’s everything else that we found hard

Thx for sharing that funny story about the stickers. I can see it in my head. ha ha ha!!

I love photography too. I’m saving up for a Nikkon D40. Oh how I want that camera.

congrats on the peace & quiet. I need alone time to function. Without it I’m a mess. Glad ya got some.

Oh and thanks for dropping by my blog. I’m so glad that you “visit” me there.

I hate decorating! Hate it!! I’m very minimalist and I HATE clutter. In my last apartment I never hung anything up on the walls. I just can’t do it. I have to have someone else come in and do it for me. I don’t mind it if they do it but I just can’t.

I remember going with you and sitting in the auditorium as you would rehearse so you could get used to playing in front of someone.

A friend of mine with four kiddos (ranging in ages from newborn to 13) has a “check out” system for toys along the lines of a library. The kids have to check out a toy, playset, boardgames or dress up stuff. Only when they bring it back can they check out another. Also they’re awarded points for the chores they do, practicing piano, etc… without complaining. Those points go toward checking out special stuff like the Wii or a movie. Otherwise they only get one of electronics per day and have to choose what they’ll do for that hour: play video games, watch tv, use the computer, etc…

I think it’s really neat to see how parents figure out how to make life run as smoothly as possible.

I’m a lurker but since you’ve posted after a long absence I felt it only right to say thanks for returning to the blogosphere. lol.

I’ve really missed your posts!!

Lots of love,
Dana

I LOVE lists too!