Homeschool Diaries: An Honest Start

This week we started back to school.

How in the world is it already August? I'm not sure.

And while the summer raced by only leaving a blur in my mind, I was eager to begin.

You see, I am finally feeling comfortable in this homeschooling skin (it's only taken a few years). And it feels like home now. Those days of worrying about what people will think when I say, "we homeschool" are no longer present. I am confident that homeschooling my three kids is a wonderful thing, something I don't need to defend or make conditions for or have proof of my children's intelligence because of that decision.

Okay, so the last one is still a work in progress.

You see, Hannah really doesn't like to read. I know, I'm a homeschooling mom who should have my children begging for a book to read at all times. But I'd be lying to you if I said that was the case. And I've done all the "right" things like GAZILLIONS of read alouds, multiple trips to the library, book prizes, etc. But, it ain't happenin', at least not now.

And that's okay.

And I say this OVER AND OVER again because

I've played that comparison game too long and too much to the detriment of my kids and the peace in my home. But it continues to creep up...

And while the love of reading is important, it's not what's most important. And that's where the Lord is working on me. 

Yes, me. Because homeschooling, I'm realizing, is as much about me learning as it is my kids.

He's working right there where I want to homeschool my kids to the glory of myself and for the praise of others.  And it's crippling to be here, for me and my kids.

And on Day One of homeschooling this year, the Lord reminded me He would not leave me here as the day began with Grant rushing off to his room when he couldn't tell me what he wanted to be when he grew up. You see, I pushed too hard for him to "come up with something" for that all trendy "first day of school" photo so I too could share my beautiful children with the world along with their high aspirations.

"How can he not have ANY CLUE of what he wants to be?" I think.

"What does this say about my child?" I ponder.

"Where have I gone wrong?!"

And the Lord, in a gentle way, reminds me that he's only six.

And so, I walk upstairs, crawl in bed with his frustrated self, and tell him it's fine he doesn't know what he wants to be. And he beams at the thought that his picture could include his new stuffed bear and could forego a career path decision.

Day Two, Hannah underwent a crying fit, after I told her she would begin a chapter book. It took an hour for her to calm down and a short nap for me to escape the sudden onslaught of interpretations regarding her behavior. She finally read the chapter.

Day Three, the Lord reminded me yet again He would not leave me in this "spot" as Hannah stumbled to remember part of the chapter she read. My mouth was about to open with critical comments as to how she couldn't remember, only to be sweetly reminded by the Lord to meet her where she is at. And by His grace, I did. This was a sweet victory.

You see, the end of last year was a bit tumultuous for Hannah and myself. It stemmed from sin in my heart. And I am stubborn. And I was hopeful this new year, all would be magically "better." But, the Lord knows what I need. He clearly is not done with my heart in this area and He won't leave me there. No, He continues to refine my heart to make me more like Him.

Homeschooling:

It's not about boasting in my kids. It's not about "looking good." It's not about raising highly intelligent kids. It's about Him and becoming more like Him through these every day fires. And it's about telling my kids about Him....during picture time, during a difficult math lesson, at lunch, reading aloud, when I screw up, again.

So this year, with the accountability of a dear friend, and the power of the Holy Spirit, I want to meet my kids where they're at. Not where I think they should be or where onlookers think they should be, but right where the Lord has them, reading-haters and all (yes both Hannah and Grant said they HATE to read and were aghast when they asked me if I liked to read and I said yes). There's freedom in that. There's joy in that. Great conversations happen there, not critical comments of how they "should be." And the Lord has blessed us with three wonderful children who love to talk and ask questions. May I be thankful for that and start there.

I am so grateful to have this time with them, may I be a wise steward of their lives and this precious time given to us.

So,

Here's to another year of learning...for me and them!

Homeschool Diaries: What I Like About Homeschooling

 

Homeschooling has been hard. But what aspect of life isn't? If my kids went to public school there would be aspects that were hard. Right now I'm thinking waking up and having everybody fed, dressed, and ready to go by 7:00 would be quite a hard and a colossal task.

 

I know many of you do it. Good job.

 

 

And people ask me, how do you do it(homeschooling)? And, I think the same thing about public school. Not in a judgemental way but in a sincere, "I recognize there's a lot involved," kind of way, from homework, to parent conferences, to fundraisers, to programs, to difficult teachers to difficult classmates, and on and on.

 

And so, no schooling option is easy. It comes with its own set of difficulties.

 

As well as strengths.

 

 

I tend to focus on the difficulties and forget that there are great things about homeschooling.

 

One of which would be, not having to get up at the crack of dawn and make sure all my kids are dressed and ready to be out the door by 7:00.

 

Lately, a strength I've been enjoying are the many conversations I am able to have with my kids throughout the day. They say so many funny things. They ask so many great questions. I am so happy I get to be a part of that.

 

Yesterday we were at the pediatrician for Kate's three year check up. We were waiting on the doctor and Kate was dancing like crazy and making the most insane faces as she sat in her undies. Hannah, Grant, and I laughed so hard. I had tears. It's moments like that that I'm thankful to share with them. It was 10:00 and we were together, making memories.

 

And yes, homeschooling allows me to get doctor's appointments knocked out during the week in the mornings when it's not so busy.

 

Once someone said they heard a mom realize she shouldn't homeschool anymore because she was yelling at her child to say his ABCs while he was hiding under the bed in defiance to that very action. I would have quit homeschooling on the first day if that was my criteria as to whether or not I was fit to homeschool. I lose my temper. My kids cry. They see my ugly sin more than anyone. I had to apologize today because in a fit of frustration I kicked our dog after she stole yet another snack from my children. So, if you homeschool, it is unrealistic to think you aren't going to have some bad days where you do things that may border on insanity. And that can actually be a strength to homeschooling. My kids see my mess. And we *try* to daily walk in repentance and forgiveness. I'm not always good at it. There are times I am too prideful to apologize AGAIN for that same sin I did just moments before. But oh boy, it shows me right away how I need Christ. And that's the best place to be I have found. Sometimes the most worshipful thing I can do in the morning is to realize my very obvious limitations and say, "I need You."

 

 

I think just living life together, real life, is a great strength. My kids see interruptions and how to be flexible with what the Lord sets before you, especially when it wasn't in the "plan" for that day. If a serving opportunity arises, they come along. If a Jehovah's Witness knocks on the door, they listen intently to that conversation. If I am so tired I can't keep my eyes open during our read aloud time, I take a 30 minute "nap" on the couch while they sit with me and watch a show (yes this happens a lot). Life is full of unexpected interruptions. I hope to model handling those interruptions with grace while also being diligent to meet the demands of their education. Because, in the real world when they have a job, those interruptions will be there and they will have to address those while also getting the task at hand accomplished.

 

Homeschooling is a pretty good picture of discipleship. I think of discipleship as life on life. The disciples were with Jesus day in and day out. And while I am clearly not Jesus, His Spirit lives in me. And He uses me, like any Christian parent, to shepherd my children while we eat, while we learn, while we discipline, while we play. There's no getting away from them!

 

I remember as a kid when my mom would pick me up during a school day to go somewhere, maybe a doctor's appointment or to take me home because I was sick. And I often thought about the "freedom" of all the people who were in their cars driving around not at all bound by the school or its day. For some reason I thought that was invigorating and I longed for it. There was school and then there was "the real world." 

 

So I think of homeschooling as an opportunity to merge the real world with their education. They experience the practical aspect of life and its demands while also receiving an education in the midst of it. Day in and day out. Many folks think homeschooling is sheltering our kids from the real world when in fact it's often the opposite. They are smack dab in it. It's like "on the job training." And as a Christian parent, that "on the job" training is preparing them to think rightly and Biblically about the world around them.

 

So homeschooling, while it is most definitely tough and often makes me weary and feel incapable, has a lot of great strengths that I often must remind myself of. And so I write this post, as a reminder, especially on those days when I find myself yelling at my child who is held hostage under the bed because they refuse to say their abc's.

 

 



Homeschool Diaries: Our Latest Adventures

It's October.

 

We've officially been at it for roughly seven weeks.

 

Our math books say 5 1/2 weeks.

 

Grant's reading book says 4 and 1/2 weeks.

 

But, we're trucking along.

 

This year I've been better at protecting our school time, which means being creative at times with when and where we do it.

 

Sometimes that means school is in a doctor's office.

 

But hey, that's a perk of homeschooling...the flexibility. The goal is to "get 'er done." And sometimes that also means doing so while wearing silly outfits.

 

It seems I have more of those pictures than any other kind. Should we be embarrassed?

 

Nah, a sense of humor makes some homeschooling days survivable.

 

Speaking of humor, Hannah got a real kick out of her reading vocabulary one week. We often talk about "dancing a jig" so when we came upon "jig" in Little Bear, well, she couldn't stop laughing. And we won't even get into goblin. Way to go, Little Bear, in keeping my otherwise uninterested daughter, engaged.

 

 

While Hannah is writing definitions of goblins and jigs, Grant has made great progress in writing his letters, and his name.

 

 

If anyone has followed this blog for any length of time you may remember our trials with Grant holding his pencil correctly. I am so proud of the progress he's made over the past month. His handwriting and pencil grip has improved leaps and bounds.

 

 

Someone who apparently does not share Grant's pencil grip issues is Kate.

 

 

However, what they do share is exhaustion after a full day at Classical Conversations on Tuesdays.

 

 

 When you have awesome tutors who incorporate Nerf guns with learning about Richard the Lionhearted, well, who wouldn't get worn out from all of that excitement.

 

 

 

Officially teaching two kids this year has had it's kinks to work out. And we're still working them out but I think in a way having two "school aged" kids is a bit easier. When Hannah sees that Grant is working too, she's more apt to dig in. And it provides more structure. Some ask what Kate does during "school." Well, she plays. Thankfully she's very imaginative and enjoys cooking in her kitchen while we work or she'll play with the dollhouse or with her growing collection of baby dolls. Or, like today, she'll have a Dora marathon. Just being honest.

 

My issues still include being patient. Lots of moms tell me they wouldn't have the patience to homeschool. Well, I don't either. I fail. A LOT. So, I pray, A LOT and I need to pray even more. I had a very bad day with Hannah last week where my patience was gone and my ugliness came out. It's a humbling place to have to repent to your daughter several times during a day/week. I told her I want her to enjoy homeschooling and I know I make it hard for her to do so sometimes.

 

By God's grace she said, "I do enjoy it."

 

Bless her.

 

The Lord teaches me a lot through my kids...one way in particular. They are quick to forgive and slow to hold grudges. I could be a monster and in a few short minutes it's as if nothing has happened. May I be quick to forgive and slow to hold grudges. I'm thankful our Lord is slow to anger and abounding in mercy. 

 

So, in a nutshell, we have our good days, we have our bad days. And the Lord is reminding me that homeschooling my kids is so much more than "hitting the books." It's in those moments when we spend ANOTHER week on the same spelling words because Hannah can't quite get them that the Lord is teaching me about my heart and how to encourage and love her's, even if it means we spend four weeks on one spelling list. This is so much bigger than an education. I pray I would slow down to see that and take the time to invest in my kids' hearts even moreso than their education.





Homeschool Diaries: First Day of School

Despite feeling a little unprepared, we jumped in and plunged deeply into school.

Hello 2nd grade. Hello Kindergarten. Hello very busy little Kate.

Breathe.

As I've said, this has been a busy summer and I wanted everything "perfect" for their first day of school. I wanted a perfect plan that proved fail proof. One that would ensure no more crying fits at the table. One that would inspire Hannah to read, read, read. One that would keep Kate busily occupied as the older two dig in. And one that promised an effective plan to include two school-aged children instead of one.

But, as the kids went to sleep last night and I took a crash course on their lessons for today, I realized perfection was far off.

And I was okay.

Can I repeat that?

I was okay.

It hit me that it's okay if today is a bit "messy." I mean, shouldn't it be when you bring in a new schedule, young kids, and, today, a toddler with a 104 degree fever? It would be silly for me to expect a plan to work perfectly. There's freedom in starting the school year expecting tweaks to be made all along the way. And, after today, tweaks will be made. I am not a slave to a "perfect" schedule. Freedom.

And so, we jumped.

And it started great. I want to make their first day special. Being at home, they miss out a bit on the "back to school" excitement and so I like to create a bit of that in our own home. I was so thankful it worked. I had a "back to school" surprise: a small water bottle, crayons, watercolors, pencil holders and cases and dry erase pencils. I was happy to hear Hannah exclaim: "This is the best back to school day ever!"

Victory.

And to start the day I let them break in their watercolors and paint a self portrait. And while their portraits were, well, small, they had fun.

And then, the messiness that homeschooling can sometimes be, began.

Thankfully, some time in prayer this morning was a sweet reminder of my need for the Lord as we venture into another year. I do pray that the Lord would provide (as He promises) a way out when I'm tempted to respond poorly to my kids' frustrations. And as Proverbs 3:5-6 says "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path." I often do not acknowledge Him when I'm frustrated and tempted to respond poorly and instead jump into what I think is right...but it is not...my own sinful response to my kids. But it says when I do, when I turn my mind to Him and acknowlege Him and trust what He says, He will direct my paths. So my prayer this school year is that the Lord would bring this verse to my mind and equip me with the discipline and self control to stop, acknowledge Him and His ways and cling to the promise He will direct my path, one away from sinful selfishness and frustrations.

And that's a long sidenote. It seems homeschooling and parenting really bring out the worst in me and the Lord is using these as tools to refine me...and I'm a slow learner.

Hannah's first day was overall smooth. We had some speed bumps when she realized she had to do her math facts this year ON HER OWN while I worked with Grant. So, I pulled out some incentive for her to memorize them and complete her page in less than a minute. I don't know what the incentive will be, but she is on board and working those flashcards. I did not do well last year at making her memorize her facts and so that is a goal I set for us this year: to memorize all her facts and to be able to recite them quickly.

Her attitude was good overall. I am thankful. I think her attitude naturally feeds off of mine, another reason for me to hold my tongue more often and to grow in patience as she learns.

Grant's first day was relatively good as well. He's having a hard time with the fact he can't play Mario during school time. And he hates to write, a big problem when it comes to school. I had to explain that almost everything will require making some sort of "mark." And when we practiced, tears were shed. This will be an area I need a lot of grace and patience in. He still struggles to hold his pencil well. It's better than it was, but still a struggle. Other than this one major obstacle, he did well. He enjoyed his math and reading lessons.

And Kate, bless her. She woke up with a fever. It was last August all three came down with a high fever and kept us out of CC for two weeks. Over the course of three weeks we were stuck at home nursing fevers. Hannah's reached 106 degrees. I'm praying this is not a repeat of last summer. If you think about it, I'd appreciate your prayers there too. Kate's is high...104...but I think my kids just get high fevers. They act relatively fine. So today was mostly spent watching Dora on the tv and napping. My goal for her is to have activities for her to do independently in the morning during math time. My idea today bombed, but she also had a fever.

So, that's enough chatter. And if you've made it this far, you're a good friend. Ha! I'll leave you with a few pictures of our first day and of the little faces I am very thankful to get to spend my days with, even if it is very hard. They are a blessing and it's a priviledge to be able to teach them.

Homeschool Diaries

Homeschooling,

Where do I begin?

Thoughts race through my mind a mile a minute, pretty fitting since that's how I feel homeschooling is moving, a mile a minute while I try to sort through a sea of thoughts.

Another year with CC is coming to an end. I am very thankful for this community and the support it offers. I am thankful how the Lord is using my role to stretch me as I continually find myself out of my comfort zone, the best place to be, it seems, to reveal my inadequacies and my need for Him. I am thankful for the grace He gives me to lead in spite of myself.

I find myself growing even more committed to the classical, Christian model. Actually, I'm pretty pumped about it. And, I may just come off a bit over zealous and weird if you ask me to talk about it. I am most thankful that it is training my children how to think and learn and eventually how to articulately defend what they believe, whether it be about a perspective on a piece of literature or about their faith. The classical model makes sense to me, likely because it complements our natural tendancies in learning.

And some people have asked me lately, why do I homeschool. And my answer to that has been refined over the past two years. My focus was very blurry to begin with as I was uncertain as to what my goals and reasons were in homeschooling. But lately, my focus is more clear and I move foward with much more purpose and confidence. I know many people assume (and possibly a good reason to) that folks homeschool out of fear, fear of what that big dark world will do to their kids. And that's partially true. But I don't homeschool out of fear, it's out of hope. Because, yes, I do want to shelter my kids. I said it. But what's wrong with that? I want to shelter them from an overstimulation of ideas that young impressionable minds are unable to sort through at a young age. I think of homeschooling as a greenhouse, an environment that prepares my kids for the world they will be thrust into.  My kids will be faced with some big stuff (for lack of a better word) and I think it's our job as parents to prepare them for it. I'm not saying therefore every parent should homeschool because I don't think that's true either. But for us, I see homeschooling as the best way to prepare our kids for the world that awaits them. Instead of shielding them from the world, we are preparing them for the world. And as Christians, we are called to teach our kids diligently about the Lord and His world. I find it such a priviledge to get to do that every day with my kids as we learn about His world whether it's through the order of math, the science of His creation, or the beauty of words. For us, the goal of education is to know God and to make Him known (also the mission of Classical Conversations). Lord willing my children will come to know the Lord and I want them to be prepared to defend their faith and engage the culture that grows more hostile toward the Christian faith. Overall, I see this journey as the best way John and I can be good stewards of our children. That perspective has grown vividly sharp over the past several months and has given me greater confidence as I press on in this journey.

On a much lighter note, I've found myself at a crossroads regarding curriculum. I wanted to be that homeschool mom who didn't switch curriculum. Well, cross me off that list. After much debating, I decided to end The Writing Road to Reading primarily because the next step, the spelling notebook, was so confusing and required a lot of brain power to decipher and "ain't nobody got time for that" when you've got a house to run and three kids to oversee. And while I am thankful for the year we invested in that program (and I'll likely supplement Grant's phonics program next year with it), it's time to move to a more simple plan. Thus, thanks to my sister in law's wisdom, Hannah is moving to SRA phonics as well as doing Storytime Treasures through Memoria Press to work on literary skills, spelling, and copywork. Hannah loves it so far. She's starting to read classic books like Little Bear and already I see a confidence growing in her with reading. We'll continue with Saxon math for both kids next year. I like it. I like it alot (thanks Forrest Gump). And buddy Grant will be doing Saxon phonics next year thanks to an awesome deal I grabbed at the local consignment store. He is.fired.up. Grant will be an official kindergartener next year. I can't believe it.

So, those are my very RANDOM homeschool thoughts. I know, all over the board. Homeschool life is plugging along. It's hard. It's tiring. It's demanding. But I do enjoy it. My biggest struggle right now is how to stay awake during read aloud time after lunch. It's bad. Even when I taught in public school I struggled to stay awake. Now that I'm no longer employed in the public school system I can tell you that I dozed off smack dab in the middle of reading a chapter book to my kids. I mean, it was like a 2 second doze. But I did. AND when I was in a reading conference with one of my students right after lunch, I dozed off for a split second. And he caught me. He caught me red handed. He said, "Miss Harman, were you asleep?" And, now, my own kids ask the same thing during read aloud time, "Mom, are your eyes closed?" It's a problem I can't seem to get rid of. I don't drive to see my parents anymore (or try not to) right after lunch because I can't hardly keep my eyes open (it's a three hour drive). I've had to pull off the road before and close my eyes with all three kids staring at me.

So, that's a LONG digression. Look at these pictures of our awesome homeschool days while I close my eyes for a minute. 

To work on Grant's fine motor skills I found some great ideas on Pinterest, like picking up small beads and putting them one by one in an egg carton. I must say, he's doing much better with his pencil grip. Hooray!

 

Hannah working on identifying syllables via Post It notes.

 

Picture sort by identifying pictures that start with certain letters.

 

A conflict of interest, can you spot it in the picture above?

 

Some of us in CC got together and took a trip to the local fire station.

Again, I'm really proud of Grant sharpening his motor skills and working on writing letters. He's proud too.

Homeschool Diaries: Thoughts

So, I think it's been awhile since I've written anything about homeschooling.

And I'm sure you're on the edge of your seat waiting for my thoughts!

We've taken the typical "Christmas Break" to enjoy the season and for me, to regroup.

It seems I'm learning a lot, and I'm hoping the kids are too. (ba, ba, bummm...)

People ask me how's homeschooling going...

and there is no "cookie cutter" answer to sum up how it's going.

It's hard, it's frustrating, it's exciting, it's rewarding, it's mundane, it's a priviledge, it's overwhelming, it's flexible, it's a pleasure...

And catch me on different days and you'll get different answers, but that's with anything, right?

For me, homeschooling is forcing me to face a lot of sin, whether it's people pleasing or control or impatience or pride. I've lost my cool with Hannah a few times lately out of frustration. And I realized a lot of that frustration stems from pride, the root of all sin, right? I want her to excel, and that's good. But I find myself wanting that in order to prove to others that homeschooling kids are successful and I AM doing a good job. And when we hit a bump in the road, my pride takes a dive. And that's just me being bluntly honest. And it's sin. And I've had to repent, a lot. I've had to again and again let go of worrying about what others think about our choice of education for our kids and the typical stereotype that gets applied to them.

And, I am. Step by step. I don't hesitate anymore when I tell people we homeschool or make comments like, "for now," or "we're trying it out," in hopes to ease the blow a bit. And it seems again the Lord has a sense of humor because, no lie, when we visit our neighborhood Publix, I have to remind the check out lady EVERY TIME, that we homeschool after she makes comments to my kids like, "why aren't you in school?" or "are you playing hookie?" or "do you go to school?" Nor do I feel the need to explain the flexibility that homeschooling provides, such as being able to hit the grocery store at 10:00 am while still having plenty of time for reading and math.

And, as silly as this sounds to most, it's a good way for me to let go of people pleasing, by telling people we homeschool. And I do pray the Lord will break me more and more of that ugly sin because honestly, if I feel uneasy sharing that we homeschool, how much more uneasy could I feel sharing that I am a follower of Jesus Christ? And I am guaranteed to be ridculed and denied for that. So, I see the Lord even using this facet of my life to reveal that sin and slowly break me of it and the need to win people's approval. And so I welcome it.

As for the kids, they are learning and I have to actually remind myself of that on days I feel frustrated. I'm still waiting for Hannah to L.O.V.E reading. She is reading and getting better and better every time she reads a new book. And that's just plain exciting. And I'm hoping soon she'll pick up a love for it. Right now she mainly just does it when I tell her too though she gets fired up when she can read signs and words on cereal boxes and juice boxes (and other things too). Her handwriting has improved tremendously over the year.

We've been doing The Writing Road to Reading and I'm still a fan. I'll admit, it's tedious and I had to buy the newest edition of the book because the older edition was a bit confusing. And, the newest one is still a bit too. I still like the system and am still committed to it, though as I read through the book I feel like I'm back in college reading one of my text books. Thankfully I enjoy learning about teaching and the whys behind the methods.

Hannah has learned all of the phongrams (I believe seventy or so) and we are soon starting a spelling notebook. I'm excited about that. Not so sure she is.

We are doing Saxon math. I like it. But it's here where my frustration came to a head. Subtraction, something I well remember not excelling at when I was little, has proven to be the same with my little Hannah. And trying to explain that 4-1 is three has created quite the dilemma in her little mind. Take any number away from a larger number leaves Hannah's mind in confusion and my emotions at a boil. Thanks to some good advice from friends, I revisited some earlier techniques and I think it's doing the job.

We've taken a two month break at Classical Conversations. We've done some reviewing, mainly of the timeline. The kids and I will both be happy to return to our community in a week or so.

And I could write more but I'm assuming I have already lost most readers who began reading hundreds of words ago but quickly became bored, so I'll stop for the one or two of you who made it this far, namely my mom and my mother in law. Mothers are always loyal.

I'll leave you with these three smiling faces, the reason why I'm at home and pouring into them as best I can and praying for the Lord's grace as I also take on the role as educator.

Video Viewing: The Morning Songs

 

 

 

 

Two worlds are colliding here on The Harman Hood. We've got Video Viewing in conjuction with Homeschool Diaries. Get. Fired. Up. And because of these unique two worlds, I realize only a small few of you may enjoy this...namely grandparents.

Each morning during breakfast we do our calendar time. In an attempt to help the kids remember how many months are in a year and the names of the months, I made up a song. And I did the same for the days of the week, though I can't remember if I made that one up...sorry, don't want to infringe on anyone's rights to the song.

First up, Grant, singing the months of the year followed by Hannah's quarky rendition of our days of the week song...and, not to be left out, Kate's interpretation of the days of the week song with the help of her back up singers, Hannah and Grant...and Mommy.

I'm always thankful for an opportunity to record their little voices...I don't want to forget the sweetness.

Homeschool Diaries: In the Thick of It

Well, we've completed three weeks of school.

Lots of thoughts.

I'll try to keep it contained.

Overall, I'm loving it. I really am. I have enjoyed the structure it has brought to our home. My kids (I think ALL kids) thrive in a structured environment. So do I. Since homeschooling I've found it a bit easier to stay up on housework...though if you walked in my home you wouldn't necessarily notice it! But having a tentative schedule allows me to have mandatory housework time. I also find the structure cuts back on discipline issues. As the kids know what to expect and are kept busy through various activities, it cuts back on sibling fights and unnecessary mayhem. Yes, mayhem.

Grant wrote his name. Hooray! That should be a whole different post. His pencil grip is continuing to get better.

Math is going well. The kids love the games and hands on activities that come along with it.

Another part I've thoroughly enjoyed, moreso than the kids...is learning about the ancient times. In Classical Conversations we are on Cycle 1 which focuses on the Ancient Times in regards to geography and history. LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. I love history. And then to see it in relation to the Bible as well is awesome. The kids are memorizing the location of The Fertile Crescent (as am I) and how this is the beginning of civilization. Of course this is modern day Iraq and into Iran and Turkey. We've talked about how this is where the Garden of Eden was and where Adam and Eve lived. They are memorizing the location of the Hebrew Empire where we looked at the Sea of Galilee, the Jordan River, the Dead Sea. Thanks to the internet, we've taken a "tour" of these places and talked about how Jesus was there. We also looked at amazing pictures of Iran and Iraq. What beautiful countries! Thanks to the media we simply see the "ugly" parts. But after looking at pictures I can see how the Garden of Eden was there. The kids also have to memorize a timeline from creation to modern day (thankfully they do this each year because it's a lot). One card says Babylonians to which Grant replied...King Nebuchanazzer! I love that my children are connecting general history with the Bible. I want them to see the Bible isn't separate..that it lines up with general history and fits together. I could go on and on...it's just been fascinating to me. Now when we read in the Old Testament we can connect the Tower of Babel with the Fertile Crescent and Sumer, the Red Sea with Moses, and the Sea of Galilee with Jesus walking on the water. Okay, this is getting long.

On a different note, while there have been many great things happening, it's also been a struggle. The past four weeks all three kids have been sick. We've missed two weeks of Classical Conversations. I miss it. For me and for the kids. Thankfully we'll be there this Tuesday, Lord willing. With sickness permeating the house, bad attitudes have flared up, including my own. I've had some hard days with Hannah not wanting to learn. There have been many tears shed by her and some frustrated words shared by me, unfortunately. While homeschooling is fun (at times) it's also hard. Hard because it amps up the patience meter and again highlights my need for the Lord. I get so frustrated when Hannah whines about doing her work or says, "I can't do it," and shuts down for the rest of the lesson. There are times I just want to shake her (don't worry, I won't). I know this comes with the homeschool territory. But it's hard. Hard not to be hard on your own kid. I have high expectations for her. This isn't bad. But I also have to chill out. Slow down if need be. Listen. Take breaks. I'm not good at those things. So, like every other role (wife, mother...now teacher) I desperately need the Lord to do this. Because I can see how I can and will easily make a mess of it if I don't depend on Him in this pursuit. I want my kids to look back on this time and say, "I really enjoyed that time with Mom." Not, "wow, Mom was a real lunatic and I wish we never did that." I've heard those stories...the lunatic ones...well lunatic was never said but probably could be by my kids if I try to pursue this in my own strength.

So, that's my update...and I'll leave you with a few pictures because, well, that's probably what's more interesting!

 

Seriously, I need to do a post simply on why it's such a big deal he wrote his name! Bless his heart. He was so proud. And so am I.

 

Hannah's copy work time. She's made great improvements from day one. She's shed a few tears but has made a big progress the past couple of days we did this. This is a great lesson in perseverance for her among many others. She's got this first part of the verse down pat too!

 

In the midst of some of our struggles I thought it best to relax with...ART! Always a hit! I found this easy and fun lesson on Pinterest. You just make a glue design, sprinkle salt over it, and then drip water color and watch them run. The kids LOVED it and keep asking to do it again, Grant especially.



 

 

We got messy another day with paint. I realized we needed some more "fun" things to do. And, I need some artwork to hang up for Hannah's "Art Gallery" at her Art Birthday Party in a few weeks.