At home to school

The girls have completed about 50 days of school so far.  So, I take time to sit back and evaluate how things are going; I am yet again realizing that I am the one that needs to do some work.  I get behind on checking assignments, posting grades and following up on things.  I now feel like I have the okay to start beating myself up but why should I feel I have the right to do that?  Is it because I am comparing myself to another mom or some idea of what I think the homeschool mom should look like.  Teaching three different levels, running the house and taking care of little ones is a lot to tackle each day.

This is our sixth year homeschooling and I still feel like I am learning so much.  I don't know that I will ever feel like I have this mastered.  I think when I feel that way it will be time to do something else.  Everyday, week, month and year has been different.  We do have a routine that we follow each day but it is very relaxed and go with the flow.  It has not always been that way though.

I remember the first year, how excited we all were.  I got the curriculum delivered and sat down over several nights and had the entire school year planned and written in the planner.  Well that plan lasted all of about 6 weeks.  I ended up having surgery (hysterectomy) and just did not feel like doing any school work for awhile so the eraser had to work overtime in the planner.  We have had sick parents to care for and ultimately lay to rest.  An unexpected death of a nephew that is the same age as my oldest daughter. We have dealt with daddy losing his job and deciding to go back to school himself. I have had kidney stones and both of my parents have had heart attacks. This has all happened in those first 5 years.   All of these things happen in others lives also, but as a homeschooling family I am thankful and blessed to have the time to spend with getting through each thing together as slowly as needed.

I have learned to plan one week at a time because we just never know what lies ahead.  Are my girls learning all that they need to know?  I believe so.  We have math drills, phonics lessons, science experiments and standardized testing too. But, they are learning that family is important, taking care of others is vital and being thankful for all that we do have and can accomplish in a day should not be taken for granted.  I love homeschooling and I am so thankful to have this opportunity with my family! I am not saying that families in the public schools don't do these same things but for me it has just been such a great experience!