In my life this week…
I feel like the Lord has given me a lot of opportunities to learn and gain wisdom this week while keeping my mouth shut. I have found myself in conversations where I know the topic spoken around the table but for some reason I can’t articulate anything. It is a quiet season, and even as I write it is hard to find the words.
In our homeschool this week…
We’ve had to modify our days now that we are all home again. I have broken up J’s “school” day into more manageable pieces thus giving him time to breathe and me time to workout/laundry/dishes/ect…The “school” day lasts longer but we end it happier and more willing to keep going.
In Classical Conversations we have been studying O’Keeffe’s art work, so yesterday I got out the paints and after a bit of a melt down convinced J to pain a flower. Thanks to him and L we have two beautiful O’Keeffe-like paintings.
Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…
Make time for yourself! Get up early, sit and have a cup of coffee, enjoy the silence before your day begins and if you are a Christian take that time to spend with the Lord. The time spent meditating on Jesus never be wasted and it will be better then any workout you are beating yourself up about not doing. In the afternoon, if your kids are of napping age (still in your house) then make a time when they go into their rooms and stay for an hour or more (ideally on their beds being quiet). During that time you can workout or finally clean your room. After the kids go to bed spend a few hours with your spouse and then go to bed yourself knowing you had plenty of quiet time during the day that you don’t have to stay up late hoping to catch up. Your body will be so thankful that you are asleep to do it all again tomorrow.
I am inspired by…
I have a BFF who inspires me to be more like a “Mary” then a “Martha.” I watch her as she puts people first and I am in awe of it. She never seems worried about what she “should” be doing (perhaps to her downfall, sometimes) but completely focus’ on the person in front of her. In a house full of kids and chaos she seems calm and I am inspired by her.
Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…
J and I had our first assessment at Mind Matters. For the past 6 years of his life I have pursued an answer to the many whys I have concerning J and his behavior. I have finally come to the end and I need help, so I made an appointment and we went today. I am happy to say that it was nice to talk to someone who understands. Our road from here could be long and whatever the outcome my prayer is that we would see a little bit clearer into J’s heart.
My favorite thing this week was…
J accepts Jesus Christ into his heart to be his savior. I know its a “young” prayer but to think that God’s word is getting through and falling on rich soil is amazing. Just when you think their not listening I find he was listening more then I could’ve hoped for. Glory to God!
What’s working/not working for us…
I LOVE having both kids home everyday all day. I love that we don’t have to go anywhere except to CC on Friday’s and that has brought a peace into the house that I thought we would never find.
I am not doing a great job giving my kids any “life” skills. I did not take home ec in school and I’m sad to say my mom did not teach me to sew, cook, clean, or mend. Cooking I have learned on my own, but I need to figure out how to start letting my kids experience laundry days and cooking projects. I found a course online for beginners and I just might give that a try.
Questions/thoughts I have…
Why am I up so late writing this post?
Things I’m working on…
I have been trying to loose weight sense I’ve had children, and after many unsuccessful programs I am working on counting calories and pushing play (a Beachbody motto). I love that I now I time carved into my day for working out and thanks to technology I have an app for tracking my food intake. I know there are many schools of thought about whether you should count calories or not. For me calories are a lot like a checking account and if I don’t know what going out or coming in I could find myself over-drafting every week.
I’m grateful for…
The ability to homeschool, my son’s special needs which brought me to this season of our life, and my husbands job which allows me to stay home.
I’m praying for…
My friends and family who do not have jobs and are struggling every week to eat. It breaks my heart to watch very successful people unable to do the work they love.
A photo, video, link, or quote to share…
At the start of an 8.5hr car ride to visit their new cousin. All smiles here.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
It isn’t always easy to homeschool. Yet, I always tell my children, “If it was easy then it wouldn’t be worth it.” I find breaking up the day into manageable chunks, with breaks, relaxing activities and all, fuels the soul and makes this worth it. My son and I are closer when I relax and let the day happen. It is hardest for me, then anyone else in our home. I had to put away my watch when I first began.
I hope your week is a great one!
I am working on trying to give our kids life skills, as well. My oldest and youngest love helping me bake and I do try to include all of them in the kitchen as often as I can. Our daughter is taking sewing lessons and has made some wonderful things. I should be taking the lessons with her because I can only do some simple hand mending, nothing any too complicated.
I need to get myself up earlier to spend some time with the Lord while the house is still quiet. My day always starts better that way. My husband and I do try to spend some time together every night even if it’s just watching a program together or playing a game on the computer.
Thanks for visiting my blog! Hope you have a great weekend!
Many blessings,
Lisa
Oh, I LOVE (NEED) my quiet, calm starts to the day! I’ve been going to bed early (10:00) for me and getting up early (7:00). The kids roll out of bed sometimes between 8:00-9:00, so I have some time for Hot Cocoa or Tea, catching up on e-mails, and even get a jump start on my chores for the day. It DEFINITELY makes a GREAT start to the day!
So, how do you keep the kids happy, content on a 8.5 hour drive? Always up for tips and tricks there! LOL We drive 4 hours to my parent’s house every other month.
All the best with J!