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• June 21, 2009 - My Week
Posted By Cathy
Well, this has been a challenging week for me in many regards. One, I've been having trouble sleeping and also some trouble with anxiety during the daytime. I think there are multiple dimensions to that whole issue.
One, it was the girls recital this week - which was totally wonderful. But, I tend to get anxious leading up to big events like that even if I don't have a huge role in them.
Two, my husband puts in a lot of time on his farm projects this time of year - mowing fields, digging things up, stacking hay, spraying weeds, making ponds, moving cattle, tracking the weather, planting grass, watering grass. He did these kinds of projects when he was a kid even. It is hard when he gets going at high speed. Part of it - is it is just the most effective time for him to do all this. But, I also think he just gets going this time of year - really intensely. Maybe it's the long daylight hours. I'm not sure. But, hey, he's not down this time of year though.
Three, I think the summer solstice really effects me. Actually, I know it does. To the point that we have daylight blinds in our bedroom to block out the light. I was having horrible, horrible insomnia before we got those. I deal with that and with anxiety anyhow. It's just accentuated this time of year. I thought today, you know, they tell you during the winter that you should turn of the lights and not get so much artificial light. Well, how about in the summer, close the blinds early to make it darker and get to bed early. That might help.
School
Well, I think we will still do a couple more weeks of mellow school, but we are definitely headed towards a summer schedule. In July, my step-daughter will be with us most of a month and we'll totally just go and play, as long as I'm not working. I'm intending on working two to three days a week during the summer at our business (which is web related). My husband shares home duty with me and we use a little babysitting of a really trusted babysitter.
I may be a little more hit and miss on my weekly summaries as I won't be doing formal school over the summer. I really enjoy hearing from all of you and reading about your lives. I can't tell you all - especially when it comes to a couple of you I've really connected with - how much corresponding with you all does to encourage me.
You all have a great summer and a great week!
(6)
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June 22, 2009 - Untitled Comment
First off, I LOVE the dance pictures. Your daughter is beautiful. I think it's that season for all of us--I'll have to post ours soon.
Thanks for stopping by and for your comments. You know how you can read something at different times and different information pops out at you because of the season you're in? When I read book 1 of CM principles, it was at the beginning of our homeschooling journey, and I was more struck by her comments on good nutrition and rest as a starting point for a solid education. I'm reading through book 4 with my daughter now--it's been good for us both.
One of the problems for us is that my daughter is naturally slow (not dumb, but more like a turtle or snail)--at least until there is something that she perceives as a direct benefit to her if she speeds up. She doesn't have this perception about school, and has yet to pick up why it would behoove her to move faster. We have had talks about how long her work should take, her time and the lack of free time, and many other conversations along that line as the Lord has provided me with new insights. At this point, I am thoroughly convinced that children are who they are, and not every child "gets it." Whether it is a thick skin or a resignation to crawl along in life, my daughter thinks little of having books open from the time she wakes up until well into the night. On the other hand, she was ready 20 minutes early to try out for next year's performance team. As I posted most recently, this is a part of our uniqueness. I pray that God will give us both wisdom and understanding, but I also know that He is weaving her rug as He weaves mine, and her differences, regardless of what I think, are in some places larger than me and what I can "fix." That's the point at which I'm humbled and have to go to God, which is where He wants me in the first place. It is all very difficult to articulate in a comment; she enjoys her subjects, and once she gets going (not a morning person) she can be fun to work with. She just has a very Eeyore-like approach to life in general, and it's frustrating for wannabe Tiggers like myself.
Having said all of that, the connection for her might be that she wants to take on more dance classes. Of course, I was not willing to let her because of the time mgmt issues. So, the Lord may have provided her the incentive she needs to feel as if there is something in this "school thing" for her after all.
Sorry to write such a long comment this morning--I guess you hit the abundance of my heart as I prepare for next year myself! God bless you, Cathy!
June 22, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Cathy, I typed this lengthy response out that somehow disappeared with the click of a button. I've got too much to do to retype it, but here's what I said in a little smaller nutshell:
1) I didn't mind the exchange about CM principles.
2) As children get older, they decide upon what they consider to be a reward. For my daughter, she doesn't mind sitting at the table with her books, so the "free time as a reward" concept doesn't resonate unless there is something besides school that she really wants to do. This is not necessarily a bad thing that she enjoys learning in this way, so I have to balance the need for speed with a desire on her part to be excellent in her product.
2) I agree with you (and CM) on the need for consistent training. In fact, our reading of Book 4, "Ourselves," together was a part of this consistent training. However, in order to be successful at an age where children pass the grammar stage, training must marry the buy-in that a change of behavior is necessary. The horse must drink for himself regardless of the leadership on your part. Consistency of training is not the issue; right now, buy-in is.
3) When my daughter was the age of your girls, I would have posted as you did regarding the breaking up of assignments, etc. I think those are excellent suggestions. We have indeed pared down, broken up, etc. However, at this level, she will gradually, but assuredly, have other instructors as we prepare her to leave this nest. The expectations will be different, inclusive of the fact that you don't always have the luxury to come back to it refreshed, We must train not only to meet the expectations of home, but because she will leave us all too soon, we must groom her to succeed in others' worlds as well.
Again, all of this is hard to articulate as a comment in others' blog posts. I would love to discuss it more if you'd like at belinda.bullard@blessedheritage.com.
June 23, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Whether I chose to have surgery or let the bone mend crooked the recovery is the same. But now I'm remembering that no one told me how long that would be. I'm guessing 4-6 weeks. They will put a plate in my foot that will keep the bone straight as it heals. I can have it taken out in a year if I choose.
I'm thinking it might just stay in there.
Thanks for your prayers.
Julie
June 23, 2009 - Hi
Hubby is much better. Thanks for the prayers. Apparently, he caught a bug going around. He has to go in several nursing homes for his job and several schools, so it's quite possible that he caught it there.
It was 107 today. It is extremely hot! There is no rain in sight for us. We sure do need some right now. All the flowers are starting to wilt. I hate to waste water, but I guess I'm going to have to give them several sprays each evening. I can't let them all die.
Have a great week!
Penny
June 23, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Anxiety is a real problem for me too. I've never had a panic attack, but... Even when things are going really well, I can find things to get anxious about.
Jenn
June 23, 2009 - Just want you to know...
that I am thinking of you and praying for you today.
Carol
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