For the Sake of the Call
Oct. 7, 2008 - From the Mouth of Babes |
Saturday, Josiah asked if he could go out to breakfast with daddy and to the hospital with him to do rounds because it was his birthday. They ate breakfast at Jones' restaurant (THE only breakfast place in town...seriously!) You all city folks have NO idea!!
Then they went to the hospital to see all the patients. Afterwards, they were at the nursing station and Josiah was watching daddy write the notes and orders in the patients' charts. There were quite a few nurses within earshot and another doctor as well.
Josiah was watching Chris write in a chart and studying it intently (as he learned how to read this year. )
and proclaimed, in no small voice for all to hear, "Daddy, how could ANYBODY ever READ that??"
Spoken as a true doctor's kid!
Needless to say, the whole place was chuckling at his comment!
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Oct. 7, 2008 - Twin Cities Marathon 2008 |
 (photo taken the day before with beautiful weather mind you!)
Well, my marathon man finished the Twin Cities Marathon in 3 hours and 32 minutes. While this is an incredible time for anyone to finish, he was hoping to finish in 3 hours 10 minutes to qualify for the Boston Marathon. As much as he trained, there was nothing that could prepare him for the pouring down rain in 50 degree weather. Needless to say, towards the end, he was turning blue and thus affected his time greatly. Regardless, I am so proud of him and I am so thankful that he finished and is healthy without injury or hypothermia!
My hubby's faithful supporters! The kids and his parents at mile 8 of the marathon. The rain was just starting.
My youngest in a Grandma and Grandpa sandwich to keep warm!
They are such good sports!
DD9 with Grandma and Grandpa's dog.
DS7 with Grandma and Grandpa's other dog.
One of our signs cheering on all the runners! This is mile 22.
My only photo of my hubby in the race! Oh, well!
The fans waiting patiently for Daddy.
There he is! My hero!!
Our family in front of the state capitol! You have to appreciate our bundled selves in mish mash outfits! LOL! Too funny!
DH at our favorite Italian restaurant Bucca's!
In celebration of our hero!
At home on later on working out the kinks in his leg while eating Papa Murphy's pizza!
Look at that cheese!
We are sure proud of him! He is ready for more action too! Thanks for reading!
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Oct. 7, 2008 - Historic Murphy's Landing |
This past May we had the chance to tour Historic Murphy's Landing for free! It was in celebration of Minnesota's 150th Birthday. We were all very excited to see this living museum all about the brave pioneers that helped settle Minnesota.
The museum starts with a horse drawn trolley ride.
The first stop is at one of the original log cabins still intact from some settlers/fur traders here in Minnesota.
Inside the cabin there were some women who had started breakfast on the stove and were demonstrating the concept of felting with wool. Even though the fur traders were felting beaver fur and other furs, they showed us the concept behind it. One interesting fact was that felters didn't live very long because of the toxic chemicals they used to felt the fur for the popular beaver hats.
One of my son's favorite stops was seeing all the rifles and pistols.
Explaining where bullets where going in this "new" pistol.
Working in the garden.
Cute sheep we got to pet.
Petting a chicken!
Ringing the bell for school to start!
Using a slate in the school house.
Sack races at school.
Playing a hoop game with one of the school girls.
Walking on stilts.
Stick hoop rolling.
A soldier walking into town.
Almost to town!
We made it!
Spinning yarn
Swedish weaving loom.
Learning how to do spool weaving.
Checking out the "modern" Victorian house and all their lovely things. DD9 looking into an original picture viewer.
Running water! See the red pump! Pump away and you have indoor running water! So fancy!
The local Swedish Lutheran church.
A house that originally was in Minneapolis I believe.
The blacksmith shop
The black smith!
The local boarding house.
Town center ready for the great local debates!
The general store.
"How much does my hand weigh?"
The store is loaded with goods!
Well that about does it for our adventure! Hope you enjoyed taking a tour of Historic Murphy's Landing.
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Oct. 7, 2008 - A Picture Challenge for you! |
I was challenged by Mary at Owlhaven who was challenged by Sara at A Shower of Roses to go to the picture files in my computer, find the 6th file folder, select the 6th picture, and post it! Here’s the moment I found, my baby girl having fun doing the dishes. I'm probably biased, but I think she's adorable. I'm just sayin'. Anyway. If you decide to do this challenge, post a link to your blog in comments. It will be fun to see which random picture ends up on your blog!
**Please leave me your email or web address so I can "talk back" to your comments! :o)
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Oct. 7, 2008 - Fetch With Ruff Ruffman! |
Our family has found a show that we all love! Even Dad loves this one! It's on PBS and is called Fetch with Ruff Ruffman! This show is a reality tv game show for kids from the Boston area and it's educational! The whole show is about competing for points during their challenge of the day. It's full of problem solving, using math and science skills and loads of creativity! The host is a dog(animated) and is super silly! He chooses 2-4 people to "Go Fetch" the challenge and sometimes uses all 6 kids for challenges. We all learn something everytime we watch and we most definitely laugh out loud at Ruff.
We had a chance to meet 2 of the Season 3 "Fetchers" here in Minneapolis in September. Macy's was sponsoring a meet and greet in one of their stores here. The kids were so excited! So we had to go! Here are the photos of our experience.
DD9 with Ruff Ruffman!
DS7 looking very excited!
DD5 too cute!
DD5 building a dog house out of index cards. Just like the show, using thinking and problem solving skills to do a mission.
Both girls making frames for their new photos of themselves with Ruff.
Meeting New Season 3 Fetcher Sam. He was super friendly and very excited to talk to us about his experience.
Meeting New Season 3 Fetcher Sammy. She was super sweet and gave us an insider scoop on Ruff's new assistant! You'll have to watch to find that out!
The season has already started, but don't dispair, go to PBSKIDSGO! To find out all the details and join in on the fun! You won't be disappointed!
If you're going to watch television, we believe it should be more than entertainment and mindless dribble. We believe it should be fun and educational!
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Oct. 7, 2008 - In the Groove |
I have been very focused lately ... except when the phone rings, or the computer dings -- does your computer do that? Mine talks to me! It dings when somebody I know comes on instant messenger ... when I get new mail ... when a tweeter tweets. And of course, I must check to see what I might be missing!
Other than that, I think this mama's finally got her groove back! We have settled into a comfortable routine of school, home, and church activities. It feels good to have some sense of "normal" back after the past year of craziness with the 3 extra youngin's.
- It's nice to have time to take a meal or a plate of cookies to a family in need of encouragement.
- I've started to send real notes to faraway family and missionary friends. It's such a day brightener to get a personal letter when you open up the mailbox!
- How good it feels to have time to read great books to my kids again!
- Time to plan out our school for the week ... and then actually get it done!
- How fun to have our own bonfire pit in the back yard ... complete with chairs and a swing that are dedicated to that spot. And we use them!
- Next Sunday I will once again be singing alto in the choir ... after an embarrassingly long absense. Which means I also have time for choir practise after Wednesday night meetings.
- I'm even beginning to get a handle on the housework ... the clutter ... the piles. Okay, not really ... but I might ...
**Please leave me your email or web address so I can "talk back" to your comments! :o) |
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Oct. 7, 2008 - Looking for Contributors for a Special Needs E-Book! |
We are looking for 10 parents of special needs children who are NOT in this current book to give us their “testimony” in 500 words or less about how having that special child in their home has actually ENRICHED their lives. Why would life not be as good without him/her in their household? We want to know the joy and blessing behind having this wonderful child in the homeschool.
The ten who we choose will get a free ebook when finished – that is the only compensation.
Please do not turn in your testimonies direct – first email Charlotte McKinney and give her a short sentence or two why they should be chosen as one of the ten to go into this E-Book.
Tia Linschied
Senior Editor of HSB |
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Oct. 7, 2008 - Should Teacher's Be Prosecuted for Consensual Relations with Students? |
If one teacher's union leader in the UK gets her way, then the answer is no. Others agree because they feel it ruins the teacher's life. Please note that the article points out that "consensual" relations is between a 16 year old student, or older, and a teacher.
There are those who are in opposition of this point of view but a judge recently agreed and let one teacher off with just 12 months probation. Never mind that it does ruin children's lives. Never mind that the teacher abused her authority.
This year the consenting age is 16. What will it be in the next five years? 15? 14? 13?
I know when I was 16 I "thought" I knew what I was doing. I was an idiot and I wasn't alone. If 16 year olds are so mature why don't they just go ahead and say they can join the military, be tried as an adult in all cases, and go off and live on their own?
Tia Linschied
Senior Editor of HSB |
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Oct. 7, 2008 - Minute to Minute - Quiet Time Alone for a Busy Homeschool Mom |
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Minute to Minute
Readers Helping Readers |
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| Greetings! |
| Last week we met Tracey, a homeschool mom who felt guilty about seeking time alone for herself. She enjoyed the freedom provided over the summer by a few summer classes her children attended and wrote the Minute to Minute Readers asking if she should feel guilty about longing for more free time like this.
Homeschool moms nationwide wrote in with tremendously encouraging letters reminding Tracey of the comforting, yet often forgotten, fact that even Jesus, the Son of God, sought time apart from his disciples to pray and talk with His Father.
"Then cometh Jesus with his disciples unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. . . .Tarry ye here. . . . And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed." (Matthew 26:36-39)
A special time alone rejuvenates the weary soul and aids the homeschool mom through another day in her journey.
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| Pray Daily and Listen |
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Dear Tracey,
I too, have been homeschooling since the beginning. My children are now 13 and 14 twins (two sets). When they were younger, I had my hands full with very little help. Their father was in the Army and was gone the majority of their young lives, just a little background.
Now, I too, love having a little time away from my kids and my husband on occasion. I need to rejuvenate myself and get a little time to think through or brainstorm. I enjoy it immensely. It has been awhile since my children were very young, so I really don't remember feeling guilty about taking time for myself. I don't think I did because I knew I needed that time to be a better mother and person. I do remember, and still do on occasion, feeling guilty when my children would go to class-type events and have a great time. I wondered if I was giving them everything they "needed". And then realized that I was second guessing the calling I received from God.
When my children were younger, we did a lot of the "fun" things: homeschool art classes, museums, parks and nature walks, etc. I would incorporate everything to try to make it fun. Not only for them, but for me also. I have never really liked boring textbooks. There comes a time though, that you will need to sit down and "do" school, but for now, enjoy your children and your life.
As far as the socialization, you might be suffering more from the lack of socialization than your children. Do they get to see other kids in the neighborhood after school and on the weekends? You might find that they are much more social than you think. It is just not a constant partnership with someone. Your children will learn so much about themselves by having to rely on each other, on their parents, or on themselves and not on the advice of someone who really doesn't have their best interest at heart (their "friends"). That is not to say they should be kept under a rock or in the closet and not have friends. It is to say that they learn that it is okay to like their parents and confide in them and their siblings. Something that is not taught in schools or condoned by the kids in school.
By the way, summer classes are fun! They were meant to be light-hearted and enjoyable, so you will come back next year or tell a friend about your experience. When "school" is back in session, all the fun goes away; work and pressures take over. That also happens at home if you let it.
Do you feel guilty for being a stay-at-home mom? Feel the self-imposed guilt for not working when "everyone" else does? Been there done that. I do have a higher education and am not using it professionally at the moment. An education, mind you, that would make our lives just a little easier, and therein lies the guilt. Then, I take a good look at my children and see what I would have given up to make our lives just a little easier. Being a stay-at-home mom is not a curse. It truly is a job. It is what a lot of women wish they could do but don't know how. Don't feel guilty, be proud of your choice and be confident in what God has placed before you.
Now, it is time to be proactive. Go out and find other stay-at-home moms. They are out there. You need to seek them out. If your support group is far away, then join one on the Internet or start one of your own. Place fliers out and about for an informational meeting and see where to go from there. Take your children with you and have them help. It will teach them so much about how to speak to people and be proactive themselves.
One more thing, if you were to put your children in school, would you be able to foster the fascination of art with your daughter? Would you be able to let your son grow and develop when his "wiggles" set in or will he be forced to sit still and get frustrated?
Every one of us has a different way to home educate our children. It is our style and the direction our children take us or what their needs are at the moment. Your children are young; enjoy them and listen to their needs. Above all, pray daily and then listen. Do take time for yourself, even if it means getting a babysitter and taking yourself for coffee. You never know, you might find a new friend.
Many Blessings,
Nancy
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| Alone Time = Valuable Time |
| Dear Tracey,
I do think time alone is valuable. Even Jesus spent time away from the disciples. I think for the homeschooling mom, it can be difficult since your children are home all day! One thing we do in our house is have rest/naptime. At this time, only one child is still napping. My other children (ages 9, 7, 6, and 5) play quietly during this time. I do separate my six and seven year old boys--one plays in my room until the last 30 minutes of naptime when they are allowed to meet up in their room and play together quietly. When our children outgrow the need for afternoon sleep, we transition them to quiet play in their rooms. I think this gives them a chance to recharge their batteries as well, since they are together all day. I have one child in particular who needs this quiet, alone time! They also learn to entertain themselves, rather than relying on me for all their activities. I don't spend all of naptime on being alone. I usually do some school with my 9 year old daughter, and she will often help me with chores as well. Right now, I am pregnant and need a nap myself, so that takes up part of this time. But, I usually do take some time to be alone. My daughter knows this is time for mom to recharge and regroup with some quiet. She will entertain herself during this time.
Another time I treasure is early in the morning before my children are awake. I spend some time waking up and reading my Bible and praying before having a shower and starting some chores. This gets my day off to a good start and makes our mornings less disorganized and stressful. I also get a chance to pray with my husband briefly before he goes to work and that has also been valuable.
I don't think you need to feel guilty about needing time alone. I think it's important to not see it as an entitlement or something to be selfish about, but I do see it as important and I don't think you have to choose between homeschooling and having some time of quiet during the day.
Blessings From A Fellow Homeschool Mom,
Alice |
| Building A Strong Foundation |
| Dear Tracey,
There is nothing wrong with you having time for yourself. I hope you take some time alone with the Lord every day. This is absolutely essential for your personal walk with the Lord, as well as for you to function as a godly wife and mom.
I also think it is wise to have an hour or two a day for personal reading, and I make my kids have a quiet time of play so I can do that. Beyond that, I think it is fitting for Dad or Grandma or someone to keep the kids a few hours per week, so you can have some time alone. However, I would be cautious about a long term activity with peers for children that young, as you will bring home more than art projects.
Over time, I think you will see that your children will pick up actions, attitudes, and words that you would rather they not use. I know how hard it is to live away from a homeschool group. Mine is 45 miles one way and some of the activities are further than that, but I go every week and enjoy the fellowship of other families, while my kids attend choir and PE. We also drive 26 miles one way for piano lessons, but I have enjoyed taking a book to read during the lessons, so I feel that time is for me, too.
I have four, always homeschooled children and I have never regretted my decision to put our family relationships first. When they were as young as yours, we had almost no outside activities, however, as they got older, I deliberately made that long trek to town to allow them appropriate fellowship, so that they and I would not feel deprived.
Even homeschool friends can introduce your children to words and ideas you do not prefer, so sometimes, we have to deprogram and instruct on the way home, but at least most of the families are somewhat like minded.
A morning or afternoon a week is enough outside influence for children and I think you would live to regret it if you decided to put the children into a classroom situation on a regular, daily basis.
Enjoy limited time alone, but don't give up the foundations you have already laid by giving up your children to a full-time classroom situation. Remember, the main purpose for homeschooling is for the relationships they will build with family and God. Don't risk losing that.
God Bless You,
Ladonna
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| From The Experienced. . . . |
Jesus took time to get away and be alone (Luke 5:16). If Jesus, our Savior, needed to get away and be alone, I think it's very healthy for us as moms to get away and "recharge" our batteries so we can give the best of ourselves to our husband and children. I have found that I am a more grace-filled, kind, and patient mom when I can spend time away or alone for even a few minutes. My husband watches my son one night a week while I attend a ladies Bible study. I come home refreshed and look forward to my evening off as I know my son is having his own special time with Daddy. This may be a given, but prayer time alone helps me to get my focus and godly perspective back amongst my busyness.
~Rachel
You have to trust your heart and gut about where God is leading you on the homeschool issue. I have homeschooled my daughter for 5 years, and now she is a freshman with plans to finish school at home. She is an only child, and I had quite a bit of free time when she was in public school for the first 4 years of her education. It was an adjustment to give up this free time, but I have absolutely no regrets about our decision to homeschool. Our relationship is far, and above, better than those of my friends whose children are in public school. She has always been active in "outside" activities such as voice, piano, AWANA, co-ops, and youth. I think it is so good for mothers to have outside activities as well. My daughter sees me as having my own interests which empowers my authority. I try to stay in a Bible study, women's circle, and am a member of a very active book club. It has also been good for our marriage to have time alone without her. Go to the Lord in prayer and have faith in your journey.
~Janey
Why not organize a Christian mom's group with women from your church? You could get together one evening a month while the husbands keep the children. You can alternate homes. I was in a group like this at one time and loved it! Right now, I attend a women's homeschooling group that meets in the evenings once a month. We talk, shop, and chit-chat a little. I enjoy that bit of time. It also gives my husband a chance to connect with our young children. Blessings to you and you family!
~Ann Katherine
Do not feel guilty for alone time. I used to ride horses a lot before I had my children. After the fourth was born, 3 1/2 years ago, I "kinda" gave it up. A couple of months ago my farrier made me promise to ride at least four times before his next visit. I did, and I kept riding. I found I had lost a part of myself. When I ride, it is my quite/prayer time. There is no better place to pray then out in nature with God and just you. Even Jesus went to seek alone time to be with the Father.
~Lisa
I wouldn't feel guilty at all. We all need some quiet time. My husband and my family will watch the kids for me while I take time to go to the store, shop with my sisters and mom, or just read. My quiet time is so valuable to me, and it recharges my batteries. Besides, our kids like to be away from us some, too. Vacation Bible School is one of the most looked forward to events for my kids. However, I am one of the teachers so that does not count toward my quiet time. Do you have any family or friends near you that would be willing to watch your kids for a couple of hours each week so that you could recharge? You are not doing them a disservice by homeschooling them. You are doing the right thing. They learn better social behavior, academic and home care skills by being with you. Not to mention, you can add in Bible studies and more things that they are interested in. Don't be dissuaded from homeschooling; you are blessing your kids like God is blessing you.
~Sonja
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| Have you seen this FREE gift? |
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Now is the time to subscribe to TOS! With your order you will receive six wonderful gifts and you definitely don't want to miss out on this one!
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| Homeschooling Resource |
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 Homeschooling with Encouragement is packed full of encouragement but kept simple while covering the topics that seem to overwhelm the homeschooling mom. Be encouraged in creating a successful school schedule and school day. Read how to beat homeschool burnout and how to evaluate your progress as a parent/teacher. Also, you'll be comforted to read the hearts of moms as they tackle the difficult question about socialization. This is a must read; a book that will encourage your journey through homeschooling.
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| Homeschooling Resource |
E-Book: Best Ever Back to School Activities is a treasury of 50 winning and welcoming activities, strategies, and tips that save you time and get your school year off to a sensational start. Included in this menagerie are management tips, mini-books, poems, games, and much more that will help you set the tone for a year of fun-filled learning.
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Thank you for sharing your heart-felt advice, personal accounts, and tips on finding quiet time as a busy homeschool mom. If you have a question you would like to ask our Minute to Minute Readers, please email us. Emailing or otherwise responding to this email constitutes permission for The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC to publish, post, reprint and distribute part or all of your response in the Minute to Minute E-Newsletter, the print, digital and online versions of The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, on Company websites and in other Company publications.
Sincerely,
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Elisabeth Marlowe, Minute to Minute Editor
The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine |
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Oct. 7, 2008 - Minute to Minute - Quiet Time Alone for a Busy Homeschool Mom |
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Minute to Minute
Readers Helping Readers |
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| Greetings! |
| Last week we met Tracey, a homeschool mom who felt guilty about seeking time alone for herself. She enjoyed the freedom provided over the summer by a few summer classes her children attended and wrote the Minute to Minute Readers asking if she should feel guilty about longing for more free time like this.
Homeschool moms nationwide wrote in with tremendously encouraging letters reminding Tracey of the comforting, yet often forgotten, fact that even Jesus, the Son of God, sought time apart from his disciples to pray and talk with His Father.
"Then cometh Jesus with his disciples unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. . . .Tarry ye here. . . . And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed." (Matthew 26:36-39)
A special time alone rejuvenates the weary soul and aids the homeschool mom through another day in her journey.
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| Pray Daily and Listen |
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Dear Tracey,
I too, have been homeschooling since the beginning. My children are now 13 and 14 twins (two sets). When they were younger, I had my hands full with very little help. Their father was in the Army and was gone the majority of their young lives, just a little background.
Now, I too, love having a little time away from my kids and my husband on occasion. I need to rejuvenate myself and get a little time to think through or brainstorm. I enjoy it immensely. It has been awhile since my children were very young, so I really don't remember feeling guilty about taking time for myself. I don't think I did because I knew I needed that time to be a better mother and person. I do remember, and still do on occasion, feeling guilty when my children would go to class-type events and have a great time. I wondered if I was giving them everything they "needed". And then realized that I was second guessing the calling I received from God.
When my children were younger, we did a lot of the "fun" things: homeschool art classes, museums, parks and nature walks, etc. I would incorporate everything to try to make it fun. Not only for them, but for me also. I have never really liked boring textbooks. There comes a time though, that you will need to sit down and "do" school, but for now, enjoy your children and your life.
As far as the socialization, you might be suffering more from the lack of socialization than your children. Do they get to see other kids in the neighborhood after school and on the weekends? You might find that they are much more social than you think. It is just not a constant partnership with someone. Your children will learn so much about themselves by having to rely on each other, on their parents, or on themselves and not on the advice of someone who really doesn't have their best interest at heart (their "friends"). That is not to say they should be kept under a rock or in the closet and not have friends. It is to say that they learn that it is okay to like their parents and confide in them and their siblings. Something that is not taught in schools or condoned by the kids in school.
By the way, summer classes are fun! They were meant to be light-hearted and enjoyable, so you will come back next year or tell a friend about your experience. When "school" is back in session, all the fun goes away; work and pressures take over. That also happens at home if you let it.
Do you feel guilty for being a stay-at-home mom? Feel the self-imposed guilt for not working when "everyone" else does? Been there done that. I do have a higher education and am not using it professionally at the moment. An education, mind you, that would make our lives just a little easier, and therein lies the guilt. Then, I take a good look at my children and see what I would have given up to make our lives just a little easier. Being a stay-at-home mom is not a curse. It truly is a job. It is what a lot of women wish they could do but don't know how. Don't feel guilty, be proud of your choice and be confident in what God has placed before you.
Now, it is time to be proactive. Go out and find other stay-at-home moms. They are out there. You need to seek them out. If your support group is far away, then join one on the Internet or start one of your own. Place fliers out and about for an informational meeting and see where to go from there. Take your children with you and have them help. It will teach them so much about how to speak to people and be proactive themselves.
One more thing, if you were to put your children in school, would you be able to foster the fascination of art with your daughter? Would you be able to let your son grow and develop when his "wiggles" set in or will he be forced to sit still and get frustrated?
Every one of us has a different way to home educate our children. It is our style and the direction our children take us or what their needs are at the moment. Your children are young; enjoy them and listen to their needs. Above all, pray daily and then listen. Do take time for yourself, even if it means getting a babysitter and taking yourself for coffee. You never know, you might find a new friend.
Many Blessings,
Nancy
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| Alone Time = Valuable Time |
| Dear Tracey,
I do think time alone is valuable. Even Jesus spent time away from the disciples. I think for the homeschooling mom, it can be difficult since your children are home all day! One thing we do in our house is have rest/naptime. At this time, only one child is still napping. My other children (ages 9, 7, 6, and 5) play quietly during this time. I do separate my six and seven year old boys--one plays in my room until the last 30 minutes of naptime when they are allowed to meet up in their room and play together quietly. When our children outgrow the need for afternoon sleep, we transition them to quiet play in their rooms. I think this gives them a chance to recharge their batteries as well, since they are together all day. I have one child in particular who needs this quiet, alone time! They also learn to entertain themselves, rather than relying on me for all their activities. I don't spend all of naptime on being alone. I usually do some school with my 9 year old daughter, and she will often help me with chores as well. Right now, I am pregnant and need a nap myself, so that takes up part of this time. But, I usually do take some time to be alone. My daughter knows this is time for mom to recharge and regroup with some quiet. She will entertain herself during this time.
Another time I treasure is early in the morning before my children are awake. I spend some time waking up and reading my Bible and praying before having a shower and starting some chores. This gets my day off to a good start and makes our mornings less disorganized and stressful. I also get a chance to pray with my husband briefly before he goes to work and that has also been valuable.
I don't think you need to feel guilty about needing time alone. I think it's important to not see it as an entitlement or something to be selfish about, but I do see it as important and I don't think you have to choose between homeschooling and having some time of quiet during the day.
Blessings From A Fellow Homeschool Mom,
Alice |
| Building A Strong Foundation |
| Dear Tracey,
There is nothing wrong with you having time for yourself. I hope you take some time alone with the Lord every day. This is absolutely essential for your personal walk with the Lord, as well as for you to function as a godly wife and mom.
I also think it is wise to have an hour or two a day for personal reading, and I make my kids have a quiet time of play so I can do that. Beyond that, I think it is fitting for Dad or Grandma or someone to keep the kids a few hours per week, so you can have some time alone. However, I would be cautious about a long term activity with peers for children that young, as you will bring home more than art projects.
Over time, I think you will see that your children will pick up actions, attitudes, and words that you would rather they not use. I know how hard it is to live away from a homeschool group. Mine is 45 miles one way and some of the activities are further than that, but I go every week and enjoy the fellowship of other families, while my kids attend choir and PE. We also drive 26 miles one way for piano lessons, but I have enjoyed taking a book to read during the lessons, so I feel that time is for me, too.
I have four, always homeschooled children and I have never regretted my decision to put our family relationships first. When they were as young as yours, we had almost no outside activities, however, as they got older, I deliberately made that long trek to town to allow them appropriate fellowship, so that they and I would not feel deprived.
Even homeschool friends can introduce your children to words and ideas you do not prefer, so sometimes, we have to deprogram and instruct on the way home, but at least most of the families are somewhat like minded.
A morning or afternoon a week is enough outside influence for children and I think you would live to regret it if you decided to put the children into a classroom situation on a regular, daily basis.
Enjoy limited time alone, but don't give up the foundations you have already laid by giving up your children to a full-time classroom situation. Remember, the main purpose for homeschooling is for the relationships they will build with family and God. Don't risk losing that.
God Bless You,
Ladonna
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| From The Experienced. . . . |
Jesus took time to get away and be alone (Luke 5:16). If Jesus, our Savior, needed to get away and be alone, I think it's very healthy for us as moms to get away and "recharge" our batteries so we can give the best of ourselves to our husband and children. I have found that I am a more grace-filled, kind, and patient mom when I can spend time away or alone for even a few minutes. My husband watches my son one night a week while I attend a ladies Bible study. I come home refreshed and look forward to my evening off as I know my son is having his own special time with Daddy. This may be a given, but prayer time alone helps me to get my focus and godly perspective back amongst my busyness.
~Rachel
You have to trust your heart and gut about where God is leading you on the homeschool issue. I have homeschooled my daughter for 5 years, and now she is a freshman with plans to finish school at home. She is an only child, and I had quite a bit of free time when she was in public school for the first 4 years of her education. It was an adjustment to give up this free time, but I have absolutely no regrets about our decision to homeschool. Our relationship is far, and above, better than those of my friends whose children are in public school. She has always been active in "outside" activities such as voice, piano, AWANA, co-ops, and youth. I think it is so good for mothers to have outside activities as well. My daughter sees me as having my own interests which empowers my authority. I try to stay in a Bible study, women's circle, and am a member of a very active book club. It has also been good for our marriage to have time alone without her. Go to the Lord in prayer and have faith in your journey.
~Janey
Why not organize a Christian mom's group with women from your church? You could get together one evening a month while the husbands keep the children. You can alternate homes. I was in a group like this at one time and loved it! Right now, I attend a women's homeschooling group that meets in the evenings once a month. We talk, shop, and chit-chat a little. I enjoy that bit of time. It also gives my husband a chance to connect with our young children. Blessings to you and you family!
~Ann Katherine
Do not feel guilty for alone time. I used to ride horses a lot before I had my children. After the fourth was born, 3 1/2 years ago, I "kinda" gave it up. A couple of months ago my farrier made me promise to ride at least four times before his next visit. I did, and I kept riding. I found I had lost a part of myself. When I ride, it is my quite/prayer time. There is no better place to pray then out in nature with God and just you. Even Jesus went to seek alone time to be with the Father.
~Lisa
I wouldn't feel guilty at all. We all need some quiet time. My husband and my family will watch the kids for me while I take time to go to the store, shop with my sisters and mom, or just read. My quiet time is so valuable to me, and it recharges my batteries. Besides, our kids like to be away from us some, too. Vacation Bible School is one of the most looked forward to events for my kids. However, I am one of the teachers so that does not count toward my quiet time. Do you have any family or friends near you that would be willing to watch your kids for a couple of hours each week so that you could recharge? You are not doing them a disservice by homeschooling them. You are doing the right thing. They learn better social behavior, academic and home care skills by being with you. Not to mention, you can add in Bible studies and more things that they are interested in. Don't be dissuaded from homeschooling; you are blessing your kids like God is blessing you.
~Sonja
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Thank you for sharing your heart-felt advice, personal accounts, and tips on finding quiet time as a busy homeschool mom. If you have a question you would like to ask our Minute to Minute Readers, please email us. Emailing or otherwise responding to this email constitutes permission for The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC to publish, post, reprint and distribute part or all of your response in the Minute to Minute E-Newsletter, the print, digital and online versions of The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, on Company websites and in other Company publications.
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The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine |
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