I have gotten some very sweet e-mails from a few of you & your comments are so encouraging – THANK YOU!
So, how are things going? It is a work in progress . . . 2 steps forward, one step backward . . .
God
I’m still lacking in this area, but I think (like a lot of things) that it’s more of things just not looking the way *I* think they should more than total failure…. I have this vision of waking up early to a quite house full of sleeping children, sitting on the porch with a glass of warm tea or coffee, reading my Bible & praying while I watch the sunrise. Reality – I talk to God all day. However, it’s not in a quiet house – it is in the chaos of rearing children, schooling, cooking, & cleaning. Sometimes I pray for immediate help in my day-to-day moments, often I lift others up as I move laundry around or prepare meals. The quietest moments are during showers. So, maybe I should cut myself some slack & just realize this quiet mornings with God aren’t realistic for this season of my life.
My Kids
Tyler
I still haven’t started reading with him one-on-one, but I am happy to report that his personal reading time is getting done. EVERY.DAY!!!
Tucker
I am sooooo proud of him! This week he caught up to Trevor in his reading & spelling & is doing a FABULOUS job in math & other subjects!!! And you better believe I’ve been praising him!
Trevor
We have had a couple Mommy-Trevor playtimes & he ate every minute of it up! We are moving right along in math.
Truman
ChAlLeNgInG!!!! I’m doing pretty good with using positive words, but still need to work on less yelling. We are still finding our groove as far as a routine, but I’m consistently disciplining this strong willed boy & have been doing good with having at least a few things planned for him, rather than last minute activities being tossed his way. AND I gave our schoolbarn a pretty good fall cleaning – we took out ALL the annoying/distracting toys & put up some old “baby” toys, plus got a few new BIG BOY ones out.
My Husband
Dinner was ready early more days than not!! This sounds small, but it is a HUGE accomplishment for me! Bedtime is getting better, but not so consistent. We did squeeze in some alone time a few nights this week.
Homeschool
I totally sucked at starting school at a reasonable time… I’m just wondering if we are more of afternoon schoolers! I did pretty good not going online while schooling. It is much easier if I just leave my cell at the house.
AM Routine
With nursing & lack of sleep, my body just hasn’t kicked into gear for me to get up (& actually get out of bed) before the kids. We are rising between 7:30-8, but aren’t always getting around immediately. Although this might not be very productive – I am getting some really good snuggle time in with my kiddos. Truman wants nothing to do with school in the mornings with me. So much for that idea . . .
School Routine
Core subjects are getting done. It’s looking like my mustangs will finish their writing book, language, & maybe spelling by January.
30 minute “Truman time” is successful! He does great with Tucker, but is still pretty mean to Trevor. Mondays with my mil are fabulous! Now if I can find someone Tue-Thur
Afternoon Routine
Quiet time – LOL!! Still no science or history in the afternoons
After school Routine
I’m doing great here. I’ve been good about “work before play” & am using this time with the boys or for housework.
PM Routine
Truman has been in bed by 8!!! {most nights} WHOOOO HOOO!!!!
Tucker & Trevor are 50-50. I try to get them in bed by 9, but it’s more like 9:30 when Tyler goes to bed. I’ve been going to bed on time too!
Life is still crazy! Deer season is here (pictures coming soon – hint! hint!!!) so that has thrown a curve ball into our schedule too. I’m tell ya, if it isn’t one thing, it is another! But memories are being made.
2 comments:
Tiff~we are having the same issues as you in a way.I need(am trying( to work on my computer time.
We use to START schooling ASAP by 8 now that hubby has started going in later we start on Monday at 11 and the rest of the week at 10 it helps so much this is for the both of us.we get chores done cleaning started and laundry on the line for the day.I even have time to get a shower.Listen to me I only have one child right now(hopefully wishing for more)and I find it hard to get through times.
Just remember this is the best thing about homeschooling we can school WHEREVER WHENEVER we please
Ecclesiastes 3:1
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
Whenever I start feeling that way, I try to think about this scripture. Every mother, has seasons, instead of fighting them, work with them. Remember the schedule/routine is just that a schedule/a routine. It's a tool, and no it doesn't need to be a crutch, or a feeling of bondage.
I heard this from a friend the other day, and loved it. She attended a class and the mom was speaking of "the perfect day" she said think of that "perfect day" think about what made it so "perfect" Then she said take the top 3 things that you accomplished, not anything specific, just things that did happen, and let that be your daily goal. It makes a goal for you, but not a burden. Then when those 3 things are going great, add more if you feel you can. I might also add, that most of the time, those "perfect" items are not the curriculum, but the time, or the energy spent on your family.
Remember you are raising a family, not a genius! and life is just as much "school" when the environment is right!
oh and remember to pray often and breath!
Post a Comment