We spent our first night at Twin Oaks on Tuesday, August 8th.

I had a lofty goal to start school the next Monday, August 14th, but quickly realized amidst all the construction and moving chaos that it just wasn’t meant to be so.

We did start school a week later though!

It was not quite the celebratory start we normally have with a special breakfast and new school supplies.

In fact, most of the books had just been ordered and were still on there way here.

Also, as I planned our first week, I realized several of the things I needed are still in boxes on that beloved semi that is parked somewhere in Onalaska.

I was confident though.

Confidence can take you far!

Just look at our line up this year!

Eliza Claire, five years old and in kindergarten.

Tate Owen, six years old and in kindergarten.

Lane Stevan, nine years old and in fourth grade.

Chad Ryan, thirteen years old and in eighth grade.

I still have a hard time believing I only have four in school and no high schoolers!

At night there have been mattresses all over the school room because the kiddos bedrooms are downstairs and are not finished yet – but we clear them out in the morning and stack them in the master bedroom for the day.

Organized chaos, I tell you!

So thankful our new home has four bedrooms so we can use this one upstairs for school!

The boys have been doing their independent work at the island in the kitchen, and I have been teaching the littles in the school room.

It is working well!

We do our Bible time, read aloud, and projects together wherever we feel like being on any given day.

Tate and Eliza are doing My Father’s World first grade curriculum that I am adding a lot of hands on activities and work sheets to.

Chad and Lane are doing ABeka math, Apologia science, Daily Gram and ABeka grammar, impromptu writing assignments, Spelling Power and Bob Jones spelling, cursive practice, and My Father’s World Countries and Cultures curriculum.

We have had a great week and a half of school – but I will admit if there is only one thing I have learned over the years it is to lower my expectations for the beginning of school, and to be thankful for every step we take – even if they are baby steps!

Expectations can really get you!

We also have all been learning all new chores – which have included daily construction dust, a half-finished house, mud for a yard, and a dishwasher that looks beautiful but is not hooked up yet!

Even in all of the crazy, crazy – we are finding our groove – and absolutely loving it!

Looking forward to this school year with my crew!!

Let the school year 2017-2018 BEGIN!