Dec. 7, 2005 - Going's on....
Well- there's one thing about life. It's not boring!
We are awaiting a new computer so my 2yo old one can bump to the kids. We can network the two and that will be nice. They can have their e-mail and do school work on theirs. Their current computer is... I don't know how many years old and cannot handle much in the way of graphics/newer programs. We are going to be using Switched On Schoolhouse (SOS) for math and science for now. I am a weird bird. I like math, yet I hate it. I seriously started at 1+1 my freshman yr of college. I had gaps in knowledge (like how to properly do a long division equation!) that had frustrated me greatly. I loved math- when I understood what I did wrong and HOW to correct it. I spent much of High School very frustrated. Why where half of my problems correct and half wrong???? I don't know how many times I asked and was just told to re-work them. So I have a love/hate relationship with math. When it come to teaching it past say 4th grade- it's pretty much hate. :) I'm not a natural mathematician. As for Science- I love it, but simply have not had time to teach it other than reading the books SL provides. My oldest loves science. I also look fwd to the grading being done for me on the 'puter. I have always struggled with finding time to do it, record it, etc. We have one main living room area- so I don't really have a place to keep things out while in progress, I think that plays a part as well.
I have also been fairly busy just trying to be of help to my MIL. We live 15 minutes away from my in-laws, which is a blessing, but creates challenges as well in that it's hard to just pop over with 4 children in tow. A new complication is transportation. DH has been using his parent's 3rd car- but the transmission is going. He doesn't think it safe to continue driving to and from his studio- mostly freeway. So that means I won't have transportation to do errands or help mil (early 70's) who is suffering from a torn ligamant in a leg, and a numb arm and thumbs that are painful and that she can't manipulate. What can one do with non-functinoing thumbs?? Not much.
Dh and I didn't really want to move back to CA from NYC, but felt it was a good choice for many reasons, and I felt that perhaps there were other "God reasons" related to my in-laws' health. We had hoped it was not the case, but it was a nagging feeling. (Oh-mil was just diagnosed with b****t cancer for the 2nd time earlier this yr. with a few metastisizations (?) in the form of cancer spots on bone from the earlier cancer.) My FIL is not retired yet and is a work-a-holic as well. His plan is to retire to P/T this next year. He is a professor.
So I have not been as productive as I'd like with schooling the children. Part is my own issues just trying to adapt with now 4 children, trying to keep the house running and clean (if it's a mess I can't think straight!), yard work which I enjoy but I'm not used to having to incorporate, and going to my in-laws once a week for the children and me to do yard work, whatever is needed. There are also unplanned things as it relates to -in-laws- spur of the moment needs to help in errands, or car problems, etc. My priority outside of my basic responsibilities at home is helping my in-laws. It can be frustrating in that I have found it hard to get on a schedule as it relates to schooling, however, I feel the greater need right now is helping my in-laws in any way needed. (btw- FIL is not a Christian, MIL is.) My in-laws have been such a *blessing* to us- helping with dh's schooling and numerous other things along life's way.... We want to be blessings to them. I can't be financially, but I do have time and energy and health. Time seems to be slipping fast.... Seeing their grandparents more is good for my children, and I want to model having them and their needs as a priority.
Time to go cook breakfast.... :)
PS- how on earth do people afford cars?????? Like more than one? Or even one? Having lived for 7 yrs w/o a car we are finding it shocking! A buck fifty for a subway ride is looking good!!
Comments
Dec. 8, 2005 - priorities
Posted by Anonymous
love your blog! I just wanted to encourage you if I can - I agree it's more important for our kids to see love in action, kwim? I've been struggling with school this year - balancing meeting the needs of my youngest with schooling the other two. I'm a work in progress:-)
Mmmm...maybe I'll have to start one of these blog things. Can you post pics too?
Blessings!
Caryn
Dec. 8, 2005 - Caryn-
Posted by CityCricket