Giddy Moments

We're finishing our school work for the day, and I find myself giddy!  School is good!  We only let our books rest till the New Year before picking up where we'd left off.  I did manage to cram in some 2nd semester planning between Christmas and New Year's, and while I wish I'd had more, we needed to get busy.

So the reason I'm giddy is not because everything is perfect in our school day.  Far from it!  It's just that we are doing some new things that we love, love, LOVE!  And because I'm a big mouth who doesn't do well in the area of restrained enthusiasm.  I'll just tell ya, I'm happy to share!

First off, in December boy finished off Analytical Grammar (great curriculum!), and his literature guide from Progeny Press, "The Indian in the Cupboard".  We also all but finished our worldview book, "Who Is God? And Can I Really Know Him?"  So, we had a bit of wiggle room in our schedule.  Thinking ahead to cold, dark winter days, I felt the heavier schedule would work more to our advantage, than not, so I plotted it all.  Little did I realize we'd have a January between 45-60 degrees!  Oh well.  Totally NOT complaining! :)

During Christmas, the Lord totally answered a long time prayer about a writing curriculum.  I have purchased no less than four full curriculum for writing over the years, and we've systematically rejected every single one.  It's a LONG story.  Anyway, out of desperation I cried out to the Lord--seriously--and I ended up at The Write Foundation.  With only six lessons in, I can tell you there is light and writing joy at the end of our tunnel!  Such a weight lifted.

Next, I bit the bullet; threw aside the bad memories of two absolutely horrible experiences using two well known Latin programs (that I won't mention) and what do you know?!  Third time's a charm!  Visual Latin has sparked a fire under both my kids!  And me!  And I am--you guessed it--giddy!

So what else.  Typing for both, which they love.  That's new.  Oh!  And boy is also tackling his first full, on his own Bible Study, "Life in the Word", by Sonya Shafer (Simply Charlotte Mason).  This, for me, falls under the category of discipleship, and Biblical Manhood studies, as it is teaching him how to study the Bible for himself.

I see peace in my kids with all that we are doing.  Even adding these things to our anatomy, math, Bible, history, poetry memorization, language arts, music & art studies!  Whew!  Charlotte Mason short lessons.  Such a blessing.  


Okay.  I've gotten it off my chest.  I feel better.  Time for a mini violin recital from daughter and a bit of crochet for fun.

Have you added anything new and exciting to your year?

When Mom's Too Sick to Teach

There's always a moment of dread when it's apparent someone in the house is getting sick.  After the well-being of everyone, the loss of productive time is usually what is foremost in my mind.  But even when it's me, mommy, teacher, who is down and out, sick days don't need to be a total loss.  Here's what I've learned (Now, we're talking short-term sick here.):

Care Giving
When it comes to teaching handicrafts, and including character building in a home, no better opportunity arises than loving and caring for a sicky.  Patience, compassion, servant-hood, and more, all become necessary during an illness. Whether it's fetching warm socks, or being sure all the remedies are at hand, this is not an opportunity to be wasted.  Don't forget prayer!  It provides the perfect chance for a family to lift each other up.  Often small children don't know what to make of mom being sick, but sometimes by needing them, you are giving them a gift!

Lesson Adaptation
Forget that schedule!  I know you're a read aloud family and your throat and voice, and energy level,  are currently toast.  But now is when you break out the audios you haven't had time for.  Check into radio broadcasts from sites like Lamplighter Publishing, Classics For Kids, Answers in Genesis, etc.

Remember that craft kit you bought eons ago?  The one sitting there collecting dust?  Having the kids sit quietly while working on a project is just what the Doctor ordered.  If you've chosen wisely, the end result will be something beautiful and useful (Thank you, Charlotte Mason).  If you're anything like me the "quiet" part of that is of great benefit.


I'd be remiss if I didn't add that if mom is sick, now is the perfect time for the kids to try furthering their list of "on their own" learning. Sometimes this can become a great boon for your homeschool!  We don't always want to let go of our control over certain aspects of schooling.  Be thankful!  You've just been given a gift!

Changing Perspective
When you're sick, it's okay for your kids to watch "How It's Made" for Science.  It's okay for them to play "Equate" for Math, and it's okay if they do nothing more than entertain one another.  This too (Lord willing!) shall pass, and when it's time to get back to your normal daily routine, you may actually find that someone has grown and actually learned something!  Then you can realize that keeping pace from day to day, ain't all that!

What about you?  Do you have a sick-day plan?