First day of school.

We have two lengthy doctor's appointments on two days next week, so I backed up the start of school to today. I think it'll work out, actually — we'll only have a two-day week, followed by a long weekend, a three-day week, and then another long weekend and a four-day week, before the five day weeks begin.

Oh, I'm tired, though.

The good news is that we got everything done about an hour earlier than usual, since for some reason all the kids got up before seven. I even had time to do an extra load of laundry (still catching up from camping), put dinner in the crockpot (emergency chili) and wash and cut up the salad, somewhere between morning stories and lunchtime. Milo did his first math lesson; when I told him he was going to write his name in his new math book, he did so — m i l o, what do you know. I didn't know he could write his name, and it turns out he can.

In about half an hour, I am going to put the tea on, sit down with the kids, feed them crackers and banana pudding, and read some stories of their choice. If I were one of those homeschool bloggers, I'd take this half hour while the two-year-old is napping, make brownies or something, put candles on it, turn tea time into a party celebrating our First Day of School. And, of course, take lots of pictures. But I'm not one of those bloggers, and I'm taking my half hour as a welcome opportunity to plant my butt in this IKEA chair and type.

Number of subjects successfully taught, counting both boys: Seven.

Number of times I wanted to beat a particular child who shall remain nameless: Only 1 today.

That's a pretty good ratio.

Maybe instead of tea, I'll have a beer.

No wait, then the kids will ask for juice boxes.

Better stick with tea.