The Homeschool Mother's Journal

 

In my life this week...

Let's just call this a recovery week. The past couple months have been so insanely busy around here. Mom was in the hospital a few times, but over the past week, she seems to have taken a positive turn. Because she hadn't been doing well, last week, we had lots and lots of company here, and it was amazing. My sister and her family visited. I got to spend so much time with them, even more time with her kiddos since I babysat one day. They are so much fun!

Three of my mom's siblings were able to come for the weekend too, as well as other family. We hosted 22 of us for Easter dinner. I would do it again in a heartbeat. It was a blast. There were stressful moments (um...remember to turn the oven to the right temperature, ladies), but, still, it was so, so worth it! Easter is my favorite day of the year. Celebrating with so many family here made it the best resurrection celebration that this family has seen in years!

In our homeschool this week...

We had a relatively normal school week (just what does that mean, anyway?), which is something we haven't seen in a while. We took off last week, and, while I didn't necessarily feel like I got much of a break, the kids had a wonderful break. It was just what they needed.

This week, Ava worked on adding money, and we dug into Explode the Code. She absolutely loves ETC. We just got the new book a few weeks ago, and Ava has been absolutely begging to get started (We used ETC in previous school years, but we set it aside for a while this year). Truthfully, I am glad to say the book I purchased is beneath her a little, but we're going to do it anyway because I think she needs the extra practice and strong foundation for spelling and phonics. 

I'm working with Lukas on writing descriptive paragraphs with real words. By that, I mean, words like "puffalicious" are not an acceptable way to describe clouds in formal writing. He loves to be funny, and I have let him run with this, but, at the end of fifth grade, I think he can write something a little more formal than that.

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share...

Do fun things. Even when life is crazy, do things like backwards day (start school with the things that sometimes get left out of the day like art and other projects), make paper mache exoskeletons, take a nature hike and draw, paint, or do whatever makes school a little more enjoyable. If life is going 200 mph, chances are pretty high that your kids need the break from the monotony that school can become this time of year!

I am inspired by...

Nature. I could sit by a river and just stare at the water flowing past for hours or hike to a secluded meadow in the woods to read or write and get stuck there on purpose. God gave us a beautiful world to enjoy.

Places we're going and people we're seeing...

We have a soccer game this weekend, and we'll visit with Mom a little afterward. On Sunday, the kids have rehearsal all day for the upcoming children's musical. Next week, I'm having coffee with a couple of friends, taking Mom to chemo, and then doing the normal school and activity schedule.  

My favorite thing this week was...

Reading to my kids. I know that sounds so simple, but we just haven't had time to read for enjoyment with so much going on. It felt amazing to sit on the couch with a great book while the kids colored in their new giant-sized coloring books that were in their Easter baskets. More of this will make every week a little better.

What's working/not working for us...

I don't even know how to address this one right now. I love the opportunity God has given me to spend time with my mom during this season. It is the most important thing that we are doing right now, and I will never regret it, and I love it. That said, schooling on the go isn't ideal. It works enough because we have to make it work, but it means we do bare-bones schooling and none of the fun stuff. However, I wouldn't change this for the world. This is what we need to do, and so we do it, and I am blessed. Very, very blessed.

Questions/thoughts I have...

We have such a naive understanding of our justice system. I hope that you never have to find out how true that statement is.

Things I'm working on...

Balance.

I'm reading...Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle. Ava didn't remember it because she was 3 when I last read it to them. We are loving it all over again!

 
I'm cooking...

I think I'm going to make beef and broccoli this weekend over brown rice, and I might roast a chicken with veggies and stuffing. 

I'm grateful for...

Flexibility.

I'm praying for...

Mom's health, Dad who is doing so much for her, my husband who is facing insurmountable problems as well as severe back issues (bulging/torn discs. Yikes!), and my sister.

A photo/video/link/quote I'd like to share...

Love this family photo with the four of us.

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