Check out iHomeschoolNetwork to see other’s participating in The Homeschool Mother’s Journal
In my life this week…
This week, our sweet Mr. was out of town for work. Instead of slacking off all week we managed to stay on top of our chores and were pleasantly surprised when he showed up a day early! I think even he was a bit surprised to see his home so tidy. We also tried to keep our excitement under control as we waited for the weekend when our Nanny (my mom) would move up here to live closer to us than she has been in over 18 years. No longer will I have to drive four hours to get a hug from mom. Just in time for Mother’s Day.
In our homeschool this week…
The annual tests arrived last week, so this week I had them practice review tests in their workbooks to get used to the types of problems they’ll face. We made bird feeders,
did puzzles
created safari scenes with Model Magic
created replicas from construction paper
rescued a cocoon
and finger painted. Actually, after that first go we did the finger painting again – with friends – seven kids total.
Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…
Don’t be afraid to offer a calculator. No, I didn’t let her use it for her work, but when she started melting down over how “I CAN’T DO THIS” thoughts I offered to let her check her work herself before I got it. When I mentioned she could use the calculator on my phone (secretly practicing her calculator skills because I don’t need a kid that can’t use a cash register) she stopped whining and eagerly went back to work. I had her check her work with an orange pen (one of mine that they never get to use) so she could correct her work but I would know what she missed. She only missed one out of 32…. mom win right there. Kid win too.
I am inspired by…
This week I have been inspired by bad news… or maybe it was just no news. I have spent over a year suspecting our oldest daughters had difficulties (discussions had been had with doctors on topics of Asperger’s, NLVD, ADHD, anxiety, OCD… no one would say for certain). We finally received the results and the news was good… nothing was wrong with them. Which is good, unless your brain immediately assumes the opposite of “nothing” is “my bad parenting”. I cried a lot. This week, knowing there was nothing to excuse their behaviors outside of what they were learning or reacting to at home, I calmed my voice, I listened, I responded, and I must say it’s been a pretty dang good week.
Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…
We didn’t go anywhere this week but we are excited to see Nanny (my mom) this weekend to help her move in!
My favorite thing this week was…
When my eldest daughter, the one that hates chores and ignores the section on “helpful things to do at home” on her responsibility chart, emptied the dishwasher when I asked her to put her laundry away. Seems she wanted help, because the pile looked like a lot and it overwhelmed her. She thought, on her own, that if she did one of my chores that it might free up a few minutes so that I could help her hang up her shirts. So we sat her bed and hung up shirts for a glorious 10 minutes of one on one time.
What’s working/not working for us…
Bedtime is still a struggle. Finding meals that everyone will eat is another stressor.
Questions/thoughts I have…
Bedtime routines like warm baths, singing or reading don’t settle my oldest. What can I do to help her settle down? I feel like I’ve tried everything.
Things I’m working on…
Focusing on family. Narrowing my online pursuits. Letting things go.
I’m reading…
Bible right now, the books I’m in the middle of have been put aside this week.
I’m cooking…
Shortly after Christmas, my sweet husband bought me my first purchased piece of cast iron cookware.
It’s a combo dutch oven / skillet. At first all I cooked was bacon and eggs in it but lately I’ve been putting the big part on the stove on med-high and getting it hot, adding a big spoon of coconut oil, throwing in frozen chicken, and putting the skillet/lid on top. When I peek in and hear it going good I turn it down and let it cook for about 45 minutes. NOM…. it was SO juicy!
Our girls won’t eat chicken if it has “green stuff” (seasoning) on it and plain chicken in the oven dries out. This… everyone ate.
I’m grateful for…
Jesus. Mr. coming home early. My mom moving closer. My neighbor who keeps my sanity in check. and coffee.
I’m praying for…
*sigh* I wish this list weren’t so long. My prayer journal page is filled with online friends who are sick, hurt, lost, sad or facing unimaginable events. Tonight I will pray for my kids. They need the mom I know is inside of me and not the one on the outside trying to do everything for everyone exactly the way “they” want it done. I will pray they forgive me for yesterday, hug me in the morning, and know in their hearts and in their heads that their momma loves them….like Jesus loves them.
Don’t forget to head over to iHomeschoolNetwork to check out the other journal posts!
