That Time of Year

It's that time of year.  The weather is getting warmer, we have been working in the same books, doing the same thing (routine, it's useful, right?), and the homeschool convention is right around the corner.  It's a restless time of year for me.   My mind begins to wander to what we will do next year.  I try not to take it for granted that we will be doing the same thing each year.  The boys change and grow, as do I.  I try to make sure that we do what will work for all of us.  The first thing I do is seek the Lord.  He has never failed me yet in guiding me to what works well for us.  I also check out what others are doing, how it works for them, and how they work it out in their family.  Maybe it will work for us, too.   The thing is, there is soooo much stuff out there.  And much of it is good stuff.  I have been homeschooling for how long? and I still get overwhelmed sometimes.  I just don't want to miss anything.  I don't want there to be gaps in the boys' learning.  But you know what?  The best piece of advice regarding gaps in instruction I received is from Jessica Hulcy.  She is the co-creator of KONOS curriculum-more good stuff.  She was at our homeschool convention one year, probably the second one we went to.  She told everyone, "Write this down."  She waited for everyone to get a pen or pencil.  When we were all ready she said, "There will be gaps.  You can't avoid it.  But you know what?  The public school will have gaps, too."  That was such a relief.  And I cling to it.  When I get that "Oh my gosh what if I'm missing something" feeling.  I remember that.  And I am able to function again.  And then I get on with the business of figuring out what we are going to do and try to stick to it without becoming overwhelmed with curriculum and online classes and co-ops and online freebies and...

Happy Mother's Day

What a wonderful day.  I know that this day is a boon for Hallmark, but it is a joy that my family takes it seriously.  My husband and sons made my day.  Not because of the gifts, though there were some of those, even a handmade one.  Not because of the sentimental cards, though there were a couple of those (leave it to J. to keep the mood light).  No, today was made because of the leadership of my husband to take the Hallmark holiday and use it to guide my sons in honoring me.  It isn't that my sons are lunks and need to be told to be nice to me.  They aren't.  It is just that my husband takes the time to use this day to remind my boys to honor their mother as the Lord commands.  And they see him loving his wife as the Lord commands.  It is a wonderful example he sets and one that my sons are blessed to have.  Thank you, Sweetie!

Homeschool Isn't Just For Kids Anymore

So, I'm learning to sew.  I feel so Laura Ingalls.  My mom is a great sewer.  She and my grandmother made my sister's wedding dress.  If I had a picture I'd show you, but I don't.  You will just have to take my word for it that it was intricate and beautiful work.  My mom can make almost anything.  She can make patterns out of newspaper, and outfits out of nothing.  Thing is, she isn't, or wasn't, always the best instructor of her children.  Sorry mom.  I kicked her out of the car when I was learning to drive a stick.  I survived.  Went on to teach my future husband how to drive a stick.  (Say, maybe I've been homeschooling longer than I think)  Anyways, she is a good sewer but I haven't really taken advantage of her skills until recently.

I have been interested in sewing for a long time.  Even went out and bought material and patterns, with mom's help.  Never did anything about it until a few weeks ago.  Mom had brought me a sewing machine, showed me how to use it and said "Go."  Well, it sat around for a while, until one day I decided "I'm going to make a skirt."  How hard could it be?

I opened up the pattern, looked at the directions, realized I had gained a few pounds and no longer had the right size.  That was the first call.  I only called her 5 more times over the next 2 hours.  One week later and several calls later (diminishing in number as the days went on) I completed the skirt.  Well, mostly.  I couldn't hem it because in my "adjusting" the pattern I went a little crooked at the bottom.  Definitely needed an expert to fix that.  It looks pretty good.  I don't have a picture (yet) so you'll have to trust me again, but my husband did let me wear it to church on Easter.  Figure it couldn't have been that bad, right?

All this to say, homeschooling isn't just for kids.  Learning isn't just for kids.  We all keep learning new things.  I have learned that I am not that great of a sewer, but I enjoy it and plan on getting better at it.  (I have made two more skirts and am currently working on a dress.  Sleeves!!!!)  I hope my kids see me continuing to learn and realize that "school" is never done, and I hope I will always be able to help them learn as my mom is helping me now.

Of Worms and Fellowship

Well.  We made it.  Our first dissection is over.  J. and three fellow travelers of Biology 1 had the joy of dissecting worms yesterday.  I participated as little as possible. You know, so they could have the full educational experience of participating and not just watching.  Had nothing to do with me being totally creeped out.  I find that as I grow older I grow more squeamish.  Oh well.  They all did a great job, and the little ones who were around found the process fascinating and not at all creepy.  J. asked why they had to dissect things and I answered that they would better understand the creativity and ingeniousness (that a word?) of the Lord.  He wasn't quite convined.  The whole dissection thing was made easier to deal with because of the fellowship J. and his three friends had before and after.  A good time had by all.  And no, I didn't take pictures.

Of Visits and Friends

There are friends for a season and friends for all seasons.  We just had a visit from the latter.  Julia and I met at a La Leche League meeting when J. was 8 months and her daughter K. was 4 months.  We sat next to each other on the floor and our children drooled all over each other and each other's toys.  They would literally pull a toy out of the other's hand/mouth and put it in their own.  Quite cute.  Julia and I assured each other repeatedly that our children weren't sick.  A beautiful friendship started that evening.  Our children loved playing with each other and Julia and I, well the Lord blessed me mightily by bringing Julia into my life.
                                  
 In  2004 (that long ago?!) Julia and her family moved back to New York, where they were from originally.  We have been out to see them every couple of years and keep in touch via phone and email.  I am happy to say that there is never that awkward reacquainting time.  She and I pick up where we left off and so do the kids. They were back recently for a funeral for a very close friend, and we were happy to be able to see them for a brief time.

Ours and our friends from New York

We have been blessed with good friends since we began homeschooling.  Some have been for a season and some have become friends for all seasons.  It was a concern when we began since J. was leaving Christian school and a class of friends he had known since kindergarten.  I am happy to report, as is he, that the friends he has made since homeschooling have been true friends.  There is no pressure by the friends to conform to some arbitrary, worldly expectation.  Instead each is appreciated for their different gifts and talents and they are encouraging of one another.  I know this sounds Pollyannaish, but that is what we have found in our lives.  And we are blessed and I am grateful.

Again

Well...at least it hasn't been several years.  We are still homeschooling along.  This is J.'s first year of high school.  It is, he told me, his best and favorite year.  Should I be offended?  Because he is essentially teaching himself.  We meet occasionally and talk over what he is learning.  I grade his work (OK not always that day) so I know where he's at.  That is one major benefit of homeschooling:  I get to watch my boys begin to take ownership of their learning.  I see them want to learn something so they do.  I see them begin to understand that this is what they are called to do now, so they are prepared to do what He calls them to do later.  At least that is what I keep telling them.  And they are beginning to understand.  And it is a true joy to watch.

J. himself, taking a break