Embracing It

School has been going to for two weeks now. My arsenal this year includes new school rules, set school hours and consequences if you do not follow the rules or do something that is not school related during school hours, check lists, reading lists, assigning out gym class for the littles to a big kid (same with some science and reading lessons) and exit checks. I am finding keeping school running for 6 kids is now a full time job. It used to be part-time. It is now full time. Most outside interests are now being placed on the back burner and moved off the stove all together! It is only going to be like this for a couple of years. #1 and #2 will start college as soon as next year. I am not going to fight this time of my life. I am really working on embracing it.

It isn't as easy as typing that sentence.

I find day after day, year after year turning my will over the Heavenly Father's can be tiring. On the days I struggle I normally haven't taken good enough care of me. The exercise hasn't happened. The scripture study hasn't happened. The house is a mess. Someone is dancing around me asking what there is to eat (when there is a snack cupboard and frig full of food). The kids are pushing me to do more and I have another family over for dinner or a playdate. Therefore my quiet time hasn't happened. My date night hasn't been happening regularly (or at least when both of us are awake, stinky 80 hour work weeks).

I lose sight that these children are also God's children. They will succeed in ways that aren't as tangible as being a football star or section leader in band or National Honor Society electee. (All these things are great accomplishments but is that all you want your child to be?)

When you are a homeschooling mom you don't have external indicators that your child is doing okay. Only every now and then do you catch a glimpse of who they are becoming.

I live day in and day out with all their faults (and mine) blaring loudly in front of us. I sometimes don't see the how we are progressing. Embracing all that can be a true act of faith. Oh, what an act of faith!

But I find myself being whispered to, "You aren't the only one who has faith. I have faith in you. They will be fine. You are doing it. You are doing it."

and so you find a kleenex, wipe your face, blow your nose and keep on going.

Let the school year begin!

It feels like the beginning of a marathon....6 kids, 4 different levels, menus made, freezers stocked (for quick dinners).

Seminary started this morning. The big boys need to be at the church for 6:20 class.

This year EIW is offering online classes. #1 and #2 are enrolled. We are doing a US History year. We are using Sonlight cores 100 and 3/4 (now D/E) for history and more language arts. #3 reads at the level as #1 but writes at a different level. 4, 5, and 6 are not completely reading but will be by Christmas.

It is a big year this year! A few big mile markers in my mothering are going to be crossed (or have been). It is the first time in 16 years we have had nobody wearing diapers. AND Everyone will be reading by the end of the year.

Life is moving along

This past weekend we baptized #4. Well, actually, #1 baptized #4. It was a very special day.

#6 is turning 4 next week. She loves her little buzzcut. When I was cutting all the boys' hair she got in line and said, "I want an army guy cut." I asked her if she was sure. She was. I did. She is cute, cute, cute. She looks like a miniature Emma Watson with that pixie cut. DH found it disturbing that it really did fit her personality. teehee

#5 just got a bob cut. She loves it. She is doing well, right on the cusp of being an independent reader. For this semester of school she is going to learn how to make quesadillas for the family.

#4 is also on the cusp of being an independent reader. He is full on in "I hate girls mode." #5 just gets sooo crushed.

#3 is lucky to be still alive. All I am going to say is, dawdling.

#2 is doing well. Puberty has struck. He will come back from the Dark Side soon.

#1 turned 16 this past month.

I am, at this moment, tired and envious of other moms who have children at school today. This is a message someone sent me on Facebook: I've heard smart people describe home schooling as "intellectual incest." Thought you'd like to know.
..And it's certainly not my concern, of course, if you choose to keep your kids cloistered, free of worldly influence, away from the (arguably necessary) regimentation of public schools. Still I feel sorry for those kids, stuck in that miasma of supernatural claptrap, sure of their own righteousness and open-mindedness. I can point to innumerable leaders who went to public schools. That article (not to put too fine a point on it) is horseshit. Latin! LOL.

He was referring to this article.

Oh, well. Some people just happen to be butts that talk.

Last week I killed a dog. It wasn't on purpose but the dog ran out in front of the Suburban, I was on a dirt road with kids in the car. The voice in me said, do not slam on the brakes, you will lose control of the car. I was really grateful #5 wasn't with me. She would have been sobbing and I already feel bad enough.

My hairdresser cut my hair too short.

The house is finally unpacked after the move. 3 years later....but as Marie pointed out, I got littles and I homeschool and I am darn lucky I got this much done! Oh, how I miss Marie.and Cindy. Krista too. This whole homeschooling thing is just heavy today.