First "REAL" day of school

We started counting our 180 attendance days for school year 2012-13 last Friday. We started our day with our  Pray, Pledge, Ponder time and then went to party.
Of course I forgot the camera. Again.
That afternoon while Mama was at a Community Bible Study Meeting the Daddy (aka  the Principal) took the big students to a 4-H meeting. Some of them are excited about it, others, not so much. I was hoping we'd all be like, "Ooh, that sounds fun!" We aren't. But there isn't another meeting (that I'm aware of) till next month so we can think about it.

Today we jumped in with the whole shebang! We started out on schedule and even got ahead (well, some children got ahead of me while I was working with others. I may have to assign busy work. Bleck!)
Here's this years 1st day pictures (after we went in search of an agreeable spot).


Brown Home Academy
We didn't do new school clothes this year. Whats the point? I did have the fine idea Saturday that
we should do new school PJ's for the first day - maybe next year.

Ava - the 8th grade class (the practice kid)

Autumn - the middle grader  (she's in several grades,
 one of the perks of homeschooling) (the quiet one)

Elijah - the eldest 5th grader (the LOUD one!)

Alex - the younger 5th grader (the comedian)

Lora - the 2nd grade class (the sweetheart)

Jorja - the 1st grade class (the baby girl)

Jacob - the Pre-K 3/4 class (the knee baby)

Josiah - the Pre-K 2 class (THE BABY)

We had a really great day. We made it through all the subjects and I had time to work with everyone. Even my Pre-K idea worked out (so far). I made up the "curriculum" mostly so that biggers could help keep the little-ers busy while I'm teaching one or two others. I still give instruction and over see but they do the "sitting."
We are starting with colors. (and since I haven't written about that I will briefly now)

Pre-K file and round box for crayons and stuff

A note card for each day with activities (today color is black - they cut black paper= great idea,
and played in a dark (black) closet with a flashlight and a bossy sister = also a great idea)
I got the color worksheets and stuff for future lessons from kidzone

File folder for each day with all they'll need

Each day has a "Color Dude" We can reuse them during the year.
I have no idea where I got the dude pattern from. It was all free (except for ink and paper).

After lunch and some chores the little-ers even took a nap! Praise the Lord!

 While the biggers began Botany.

 There was a picture of other kids note booking but it's just showing up as an x.
They've played outside and are now watching Vegi Tales and I've had time to make TWO blog post before cooking supper. I'm thinking the schedule thing is working so far.

What have we learned this week (I've been forgetting to do this): Friday we learned that we know people that other people know - that sounds silly but its true.
We went a friends house for supper Saturday night and learned that some people are braver than others and the kids are impressed by clean houses even though they haven't figured out that's why some houses seem nicer than others and therefore have made NO attempt to clean better at home.
We've learned that maybe we missed doing school a little bit (even though homeschooling is a lifestyle -everything is a lesson - some times are for more focused learning - like today - and the next 178).
Today I learned that I should have taken a picture of everything. And mama's should take naps too!
Pray we keep at it earnestly!