Homeschooling From a Closet

Technically, it's homeschooling from a bar, but I thought that title might get me in trouble with the law.

This closet has been evolving all summer, and I finally got some time this weekend to get in there and organize.  Really it was easy, now that it's purpose is more clear.

Our home came with a dry-bar in a closet under the main staircase.  It's located between the kitchen and the formal dinning room, which we are using for our school room this year.  I still hate all the glass and mirrors, but we are blessed to have all this space, so who am I to complain too loudly.

I used basket, magazine holders, and other organizational tools to control the clutter.  All of our new curriculum has not arrived yet, but it will all fit here.  Each child can just grab what they need, and then return it at the end of the day.  Safely away from very busy little brothers!

These pencil holders from Ikea work will to hold all those little supply items.  Love them!

Art supplies, and bigger items.

Mom's work space.

Next up is bringing the girls desks down from upstairs, and organizing the entry way closet to hold Ben's toys.

This is the fun part of homeschooling, I love organizing and getting new curriculum.  

Come February I may be turing that closet back into a bar!

We had a busy weekend around here!  Madeline's bathroom got painted, and a new exhaust fan was hung.  We have been having some moisture issues in there.  The crappy builder grade paint was melting off the walls, and we were starting to get a mold problem.  New paint and new fan to the rescue!  We are still trying really hard not to invest any money in this house, but that was one area we could not ignore.

Hope you are all well, and had a wonderful weekend. 

Home Again

{Saugatuck sand dunes July 2012}

I'm seeing signs of my sanity coming back after a very stressful season of life.  At almost a year out from our move, our new normal is starting to feel normal.  I no longer feel the need to keep everyone busy, busy, busy, and therefore distracted from feeling homesick.  We can now take life one day at a time, for exactly what it is, and not rush it away.  We are coming back to center after being thrown for a loop.  We are coming back to who we are as a family, we are stronger and refocused on our long term goals.

We have had a lot of ups and downs this year, made some big decisions, only to change our minds,  repeatedly. Part of me feels really bad about that, I know it's been confusing at times for the kids, but it is truly a reflection of the emotional roller coaster that goes along with such a huge life change. 

Part of coming back to who we are as a family means back to homeschooling.  It's what works for us.  I just needed some time away from it to remember how much we love it!  I was truly burnt out.   So, although I have lot's of planning to do in the next few weeks, I am re-energized and excited to begin a new year at home.  I will continue to work a couple days a month, as I know I need this little outlet (and really enjoy my job) for the nurse in me.

I am so happy to be able to say that I am looking forward to this school year!

Tomorrow we are off to Ben's appointment at the Duke Down syndrome clinic, can't wait!