First DAY of the REST of Our Lives~THIS Semester!

It really WAS a struggle figuring out that we needed to sign up for a home based Virtual Academy, but in the decision came some relief and much needed prep work.  We had to rethink environment, styles, and TIME.  Our learning environment went through an overhaul. For years, we have schooled without a specialized SPACE, but just in our cozy comfy den chairs and sitting at our kitchen table~our style was relaxed and unpushed mostly~sometimes it got harried~but mostly it was get up and get going by 10 and work it TIL we were done which meant at least 3PM, but IF we had appointments or I had errands, I'd leave an agenda or TO DO list~and scoot~they'd handle it! Then there was the TIME factor of the past~our schedule was OUR OWN...nobody to do any dictating to SisterT and her littles...except IF we wanted or truly needed (like doc and dentist appoints OR traveling...) to change it up~AND WE DID...also our times to do our work could vary too.  TIME WAS OURS...But something told me on Thursday as we all three were sitting in our den, each with his laptop in an online Virtual Academy orientation session~Some things ARE about to change...

AND they have changed. Yesterday was our very very first day of working within the confines of the Virtual Academy~AND it was different.  Good.  But definitely different.  All we did yesterday was continue to work the very last of our school work (from me) AND do some initial testing for assessment.  In this came the need to address ALL those things that we've done so differently~like setting up the NEW SPACE.  There were new desktops put into place and a new book shelf as well.  One computer had arrived~DID I SAY that they provide the computers and all books and materials? I couldn't be more excited JUST on this feature ALONE!  But setting the space up meant taking some time to room arrange and vacuum.  I mean: construction MAKES dirt! LOL...sooo we had some housekeeping too, and all that where our NEW quiet and non (HOPEFULLY) distracting, but close by MOM area...I'm liking this myself.  ALL that school stuff near them...but also neat and organized..well, it WILL BE...LOL..it's still arriving in great big boxes...daughter's stuff is ALL yet to get here...but it will...and we'll get it put into place and even have plans to add shelving OVER their work stations as well as a cork board to post up for THEMSELVES their calendars and agendas...or anything else they might need to highlight in their space.

On a light note about the space, I did get to hang one of my very very fave pics in it as it matches just perfectly.  It's a Victorian Era mother teaching her little child to pray~I love it! And in many ways it has symbolized my heart about homeschooling even if the actual scene here wasn't all that serene as we did our schooling.  Something calming and inspiring about this picture..just plain pretty imho.  ;-))

But the environment isn't done.  There's more painting to be done~the trim around the new back door is just wood, but it's present and all drafts are sealed! woot! AND then our sheetrock doesn't meet our ceiling b/c in the future~the ceiling will be redone and maybe the space reconfigured...maybe...but anyway, the long term purpose will be addressed soon too..but for now, it's a school room..YES IT ISssss!

Our Time changed in that we were on a mission to accomplish this testing that I knew would take AT LEAST two hours or more...ENTER MO for both kiddos...tiring/taxing TESTING...but it had to be done and since the probability of being HERE to take it on Monday @2 is remote IF they both get parts for the new Drama Club spring production, Charlotte's Web~we had to do it...YESTERDAY!  Soo I set it all up~and off they went...It seemed to work well for them..I can only HOPE...

And of course, our schedule got a kiax yesterday because with monologues due today, I normally would have allowed a short school day and not worried if the Advisor or teachers were available in their office hours and holding classes/answering questions...THIS IS ALL SO NEW~but good...seems good...will be GREAT!

Okay, so all that nagging NAGGING fear is somewhat lessened...somewhat.  The proof is in the pudding so they say, and in TIME we shall see...We SHALL...and it's coming pretty quick!

So today, this mama, SisterT is heading out to run errands to further organize up future TIME~so I can have them up, on tap and READY FREDDY come Monday~the TRUE VERY first day of this semester, which is THE FIRST DAY of the rest of our lives...

See you soon. Thanks for coming by~leave me a shout-out about what's going on at your place! HUGS!!