Mom! Dis is how I wite cuwsive...
See?! I swibble cuwsive!!
Thank you #6!
(I would have posted a picture but she used yellow dry erase marker on her white board. It didn't show up.)
Friday, October 7, 2011
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
School is on the move today
We are heading to a library for school today. #1 and #2 are meeting a math tutor (DH is so busy with work he can't do math lessons with them anymore.). That means 4 other kids and a mom are schooling in the library.
The little girls are packing everything in sight. No joke. "Mom? CAn I read OUR books at the wiebwawy?" #5 just started to panic. "MOM! Are we going to pack the piano??? Cause I haf to do piano fowa school." I just calmed her down and told her to go practice her piano now.
deep breaths, deep breaths
I think I can. I think I can. I think I can.
The little girls are packing everything in sight. No joke. "Mom? CAn I read OUR books at the wiebwawy?" #5 just started to panic. "MOM! Are we going to pack the piano??? Cause I haf to do piano fowa school." I just calmed her down and told her to go practice her piano now.
deep breaths, deep breaths
I think I can. I think I can. I think I can.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
“People often say to me that motivation doesn’t last. Well neither does bathing…that’s why we recommend it daily. In a perfect world, we hear something once, we record it in our brain and never need to hear it again. Well, I don’t know where you’re living, but my world is far from perfect. I occasionally have doubts, fears, and disappointments in my life. During those times I need “shots of inspiration” to reinforce, to encourage, and to motivate.”
Zig Ziglar
Zig Ziglar
The Bike Adventure a.k.a. disciplining different kids calls for different methods
#1 and #2 are biking to seminary in the morning. If it is not raining or rained the night before. They have headlights, tail lights, bright orange vests with reflector tape and a cell phone.
Seminary starts at 6:25 am. The ride is 4.6 miles long and takes about 20-25 minutes depending on potholes. They left a little late this morning. #2 is the keeper of the phone. We got a pay by the minute phone for them to use so they can check in when they get to the church. One ring and hang up then mom knows you are safe.
This morning the ring didn't stop.
I jump out of bed, get the phone and talk with #2. "I am here fine but the last time I saw #1 he was at the end of the driveway." #2 hates to be late and #1 was not going as fast as #2 wanted him to go. The last time #2 saw #1 was at the HOUSE end of the driveway. He took off and didn't stay with his brother.
I get dressed and start the Suburban and start the drive. Praying the whole time. Alternating prayer with, "that stupid kid. Why didn't he just wait?" I get the church and see two bikes parked. whew
The phone rings about a half hour later. #1's chain won't stay on. Please come get us. I pick up #1. Tell #2 to ride home. #1 relates to me how he broke down halfway to the church but he didn't have a phone because his brother took off and he was 25 minutes late getting to class. Oh, and what is for breakfast? (you know that important boy stuff, "I am safe, feed me.")
If I was to have this conversation with #1 it would involve blocking out an hour of time. He would get defensive, we would have to go around and around with him ending up growling at me and doing extra chores and push-ups.
Instead I had this conversation with #2:
"You guys are like missionary companions. You stick together. If one of you had been hit by a car at a high speed there is a strong possibility you would not be able to dial a phone. Therefore you must stick together. Keep each other safe."
"OK mom. I will stay with him from now on."
I let it sink in for a half hour. He is sitting next to me at the breakfast table. I look over at him and ask, "Do I need to go over this conversation again with you?"
"Nope. I got it."
wow, what different kids these two are.
Seminary starts at 6:25 am. The ride is 4.6 miles long and takes about 20-25 minutes depending on potholes. They left a little late this morning. #2 is the keeper of the phone. We got a pay by the minute phone for them to use so they can check in when they get to the church. One ring and hang up then mom knows you are safe.
This morning the ring didn't stop.
I jump out of bed, get the phone and talk with #2. "I am here fine but the last time I saw #1 he was at the end of the driveway." #2 hates to be late and #1 was not going as fast as #2 wanted him to go. The last time #2 saw #1 was at the HOUSE end of the driveway. He took off and didn't stay with his brother.
I get dressed and start the Suburban and start the drive. Praying the whole time. Alternating prayer with, "that stupid kid. Why didn't he just wait?" I get the church and see two bikes parked. whew
The phone rings about a half hour later. #1's chain won't stay on. Please come get us. I pick up #1. Tell #2 to ride home. #1 relates to me how he broke down halfway to the church but he didn't have a phone because his brother took off and he was 25 minutes late getting to class. Oh, and what is for breakfast? (you know that important boy stuff, "I am safe, feed me.")
If I was to have this conversation with #1 it would involve blocking out an hour of time. He would get defensive, we would have to go around and around with him ending up growling at me and doing extra chores and push-ups.
Instead I had this conversation with #2:
"You guys are like missionary companions. You stick together. If one of you had been hit by a car at a high speed there is a strong possibility you would not be able to dial a phone. Therefore you must stick together. Keep each other safe."
"OK mom. I will stay with him from now on."
I let it sink in for a half hour. He is sitting next to me at the breakfast table. I look over at him and ask, "Do I need to go over this conversation again with you?"
"Nope. I got it."
wow, what different kids these two are.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
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.
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.
Monday, September 12, 2011
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.
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.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
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.
#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.
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