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.