First Day of Homeschooling

Evelyn was busy playing with her letter wheel. She was learning and keeping busy too!

Ethne started this morning by showing us her culinary skills which included slaying a rubber chicken with a spatula. She was very focused on this procedure. It was hilarious to watch.







Peggy spent the night with us last night, and the kids decided that it needed to be a slumber party. I am so glad that Gran-gran is game for just about anything. As you can see, all three kids were delighted to have their Gran-gran here.

OK, we have survived thus far and it wasn't all that bad. Yes, we took the plunge today and officially started homeschooling. For those of you who are homeschooling experts, I'm sure that my children's experience today was not that of perfection. However, we did have fun, and I learned a lot today. I think the kids learned some things as well, but I learned a lot! I learned that little breaks are WONDERFUL! I also learned that an old free computer is a really good treat for kids, and I can use educational games to get them to practice their writing skills. (No, I am not above bribing my children!) Now, I will say that I do have a "mini classroom" set up in my house. I don't mind chaos at times, but I need a bit of structure or I totally lose focus. Elijah is like that as well, so we have our designated little classroom area in the play room. It makes it convenient for breaks and also for reaching materials when needed. The kids were so excited about today, and I hope they keep that enthusiasm. It was also cute to watch Charles with them. He seemed to be more in his "preacher" mode this morning and the kids just kind of stared at him. I'm going to work with him on making a few more applications or activities for the bible devotionals he has planned. We'll see what he wants to do. We're just trying to make weekly plans and adjusting them as needed. My main goal is to not over-plan. I like plans--they make me feel secure. However, I want to tailor each day to my children's needs, so I don't want to feel like I have to get a certain amount done. Since we are going to be schooling year-round, I figured that we would more than likely get everything covered that the public school kids cover as well as a lot that they don't. Plus, opportunities are opening up that we wouldn't get to take advantage of if our kids were in public school. For instance, the Nina and Pinta are going to be in the area in Sept. We're now going to plan a Columbus lesson. I love that I can do things like that. So, please keep us in your prayers, and if you hear of any cool opportunities for learning, let us know. We welcome all suggestions. We might not be able to do everything we hear about, but we appreciate knowing what's available.

Mother's Day Treasure Just Discovered!

Mother's Day was a bit busy for me this year, and not much of a break at all. But that's totally fine, and pretty much the way it's going to be when you have three small kiddos. I've come to realize that. I'd rather have the craziness than to be without my precious babies. Anyhow, I was straightening up in the playroom and Evelyn decided to help. She found a piece of paper, and decided that she would crumple it up. Before she could totally destroy it, I decided to make sure that it wasn't "important." I found a lovely "Mother's Day treasure" from Elijah. It was a little questionaire that one of his teachers had helped him fill out at Sunday school. Here it is:





1. How old is your Mom? 90


[OK, I'm obviously not that, and he knows my age so I'm not quite sure why he said 90. It's funny anyhow.]


2. What do you and Mom do together? Have friends


[I think that he meant "have friends over."]


3. What favorite food does Mom cook for you? Chicken nuggets, fish, rice, roll


4. Where do you and your Mom go that's fun? To the park


5. What would you like to tell Mom today on Mother's Day? I love her.


[Can't beat that!]



Signed, Elijah [in his scribbly writing]


I was so glad that Evelyn helped me find that paper, because Elijah has been a bit challenging the past two days. It was a great reminder of how he loves me and needs me. What a "pick me up!"

Wow--A lot to think about.

I've just had one of those days today that made me realize that I sure do have a lot to think about. Charles and I have discussed some "long term" plans (adoption being one of them) that has gotten my wheels turning. I've been asked by Elijah and Ethne's OT to continue therapy with her despite homeschooling. I also have had several others ask me about homeschooling and how to get started when I haven't really started it myself. So, I really have some planning and plotting to get done. I'm a bit overwhelmed, but it's a good overwhelmed. My house is almost caught up, and I'm starting to feel more at ease with the world.

My life has been such a whirlwind since I started college in 1998 that I honestly remember my childhood better than I do the past 11 years. I know--that's really sad! Gary's death has had me thinking about how I need to cherish EVERY day and EVERY moment with my family/friends instead of just the highlights. I need to meet each day as it comes and savor it. I'm really looking forward to the savoring!

So, this is my plan. I have not been finishing all of my chores each day. I have been setting things aside in order to spend time with my children. I am purposely neglecting folding a pile of laundry to read a book to my children, and it feels great! I know this might not seem like much to you, but to a mother of three who feels like she'll never catch up--it's a huge step. I was sick of being the "mean Mama" and Charles getting to be the one who had all the fun while I cleaned up the mess. Don't get me wrong, he helps around the house and is awesome, but I rarely put things down to help a kid. I feel frazzled and pulled in all directions.

Well, this week while I was writing a "note" for FB, I realized that one of the things that I love about my grandfather was that he always made time for me no matter what. If he was doing something, he would set it aside (if possible) and enjoy my company. If it was something that he had to get done, he would enlist my help. He made it apparent that I was important to him. I was important enough for him to pay attention to, and I realized that dirty dishes and dirty clothes were winning out over my own children.

So, pray for me as I endeavor to meet the emotional and social needs of my kids.

My Daily Walk Starts

Well, today I started to make myself accountable to someone--anyone about my daily walk with God. I have not been studying my Bible like I should, and I feel that this has lessened my Christian influence to many. So, here it goes. I am going to start blogging about my day, including my daily Bible study. Hope that you all enjoy.