September 1, 2010
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Who said it would be easy?
As the number of areas of my world where progress is measurable grows smaller, I find myself feeling unsettled, off balance, floundering, if you will... particularly as it relates to home schooling. I function best with clear goals and standards by which to measure achievement. However, it seems we are drifting into uncharted and unchart-able territory...
With two high schoolers now in Great Books Academy, and working on college level math and science with Paul, less teaching is required of me. I'm more of a monitor at this stage. That ought to translate to less stress, right?
The younger two are at odd spots, with different needs and challenges both academically and emotionally; and with Jacob, his autism requires that I keep constantly re-evaluating methods and materials to provide content that stimulates his interest and intellect, and yet can be molded to his peculiar learning style. Lately it has frankly been overwhelming. And wearying. And I vainly wish for the perfect "How To" manual.
I'm not the first mum to want such a thing, and I shan't be the last!
But that's where I am at the moment.
Regardless of all that, what keeps me going, puts a song in my heart, and a giggle in my step, is this sort of sisters-braiding-each-other's-hair kind of thing:
Yeah. Love that.
On we go!
Comments (10)
Love the hair! It is nice that we get those little moments that help us get through the day and help us realize that we are so blessed to be mommies.
I have started the whole stress about school thing too. I don't feel prepared and I feel overwhelmed thinking about getting a house ready to sell while schooling and taking care of a one year old. Isn't that impossible? Then little Margaret randomly comes up and hugs my leg and Jack whispers that I'm his lovey dovey and things just seem better.
Hey painting walls is a life skill right! :)
@Holstons - Yes, yes those little gifts are just the ticket!! And painting walls IS a life skill! It's also somewhat satisfying - even if it's just off-white "to sell the house" paint, in the sense that you can see your work, "and it is good" at the end of a day.
I bet that hair braiding kept them busy a long time. Cute! Life is overwhelming at times, no matter what stage you are in. I like the Moses' Mama Principle. "Do what you can and trust God with the rest."
Looks like fun! I remember doing things like that with my sisters.
Good luck on the homeschooling front! I can see how that would be so incredibly frustrating and difficult! Hang in there.
I've wondered if high school will be less stress or more stress for me. This is the first year I've taught two (we're at the other end of this adventure, the beginning end), and I was really worried about that, but so far the two "classes" are meshing nicely.
The homeschool journey is alwasy evolving and changing, whether or not you have a student with special needs. I thought by now I'd be on easy street--but I'm actually much more busy and stressed than when the kids were little. It's like a job where you have to re-educate yourself every year! I'm still easing into it myself--we're doing a lot this week, but not everything yet!
Oh, and thank Geneva for reading my manuscript. I don't have a direct way of contacting her!
@ata_grandma - Amen - one day at a time.
@bethro78 - Never having had sisters, I really get a big kick out of these things with my girls!
@gwennieg - I have always loved the early years, but of course, whenever you add in a brand new student, it is an adjustment to the schedule!
@MamaMentor - It's a relief to know I'm not alone in feeling the dynamic nature of this process!
(And yes, I have passed on your thanks to Geneva!)
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