Don't Be the Drill Sergeant Mom

Friends, it's hard for me to admit this:  I've lost a lot of the joy I used to feel in homeschooling.   Oh, I still believe in homeschooling as much as I ever have, but I think I've lost MY sense of wonder, fun, and enthusiasm.

Somewhere along the line all of the little "tasks" in a day have taken on such importance.  Math drills, grammar lessons, handwriting practice, piano practice, laundry left on the floor, dishes left on the coffee table, junk left in the van..... these little things have overtaken my life.  

It's exhausting.   

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Happy Birthday Miss B

Nine years ago today Miss B entered the world. She was 2 weeks early, but still clocked in at a whopping 8 lbs. 2 oz. I had always wanted a little girl.

It really is true when people tell you that time moves so quickly. Last night my husband pointed out to me that she is halfway to adulthood. Wow. I feel old. It does seem like yesterday that I bought her that first pair of "walking shoes" and she began to take her first steps.

By about the age of three we could tell that she was going to be a deep thinker, and not always wanting to go along with the crowd. Her personality is an interesting mix of my husband and I.

She has always had an "old soul" - so sensitive and concerned about others. I think that's what I love the most about her. And, I just think she's pretty cute, too!

Her favorite thing (since she was a baby) to this day is playing with dolls. I am sure she will make a wonderful mother one day.

She informed me a couple weeks ago that in two years she will technically be a "pre-teen". I told her that was not allowed.

This is the kind of girl she is - to celebrate her birthday she has invited one good friend to celebrate with her, and today decided she wanted to invite a brand new homeschooling friend, too - a little girl that has just moved here. She told me she wanted her to have some fun and not feel so lonely. This is why I love Miss B so much - her caring heart. I thank God for my sweet girl.

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Homeschooling: A Family Affair

I hear stories of homeschooling parents whose extended families aren't always supportive of their endeavors. I consider our family so fortunate to be blessed with grandparents and aunts and uncles who support our journey and take a part in our homeschooling. I am even amazed at how, while some of them live far from us, they make an effort to help. I appreciate this so much, because sometimes homeschooling feels like a marathon, and it's nice to have your family cheering you on.

Normally the homeschool teacher is our house is me - on certain special occasions it might be my husband. I love the times when my children are learning from people other than me, especially if these people happen to be family. Last night was just such a time, and while I didn't plan it, I think my children learned a lot!

They learn how to behave at a nice dinner. Life isn't always peanut butter and jellies sitting at the kitchen table, is it? Oooooh, is my darling daughter putting her fist up to her brother's face? Surely not.

They learn about math. Believe it or not, as I was helping my father-in-law pick wine for dinner it turned into a mini math lesson (review of our 12s times tables and addition and subtraction)- this is just one of the places he keeps wine in his house.

Since my daughter loves her new pink digital camera, she learns a lot about photography -- and the interesting wall hangings in the pool table area of the basement.

They learn about things in grandaddy's yard - after dinner I sent them out with a plastic bag and asked them each to find 10 interesting things in the yard. A little nature study, right? As I was out with them it was also just a quiet time for us to have conversation, which is a cool thing to do with a five and eight year old!

It doesn't look like the figs are quite ready to pick yet, either.

After the treasures from outside had been spread on the table,

Aunt Julie showed Anna that the branch from the Tulip Poplar tree makes a great set of antlers!

And, what night would be complete without a game of "Steal the Pack"?

One of the real benefits of homeschooling is that it changes the way your family looks at every situation. Every moment is an opportunity for us to learn - and while yesterday didn't get marked on our attendance sheet towards the required 180 days of school required by the state, I know we were learning!

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