Wow, the first few days/weeks are tough after taking most of the summer off.  K, who has a naturally ability with math, is really struggling. Multiplication and division just aren't becoming automatic yet.  I have to come up with another angle to present this material so that he can retain it and understand it better.  Funny, he can figure out a division problem such as 648 divided by 4 in his head (slowly) but can't do it using the algorithm and putting pencil to paper.  And his mind wanders so much when he does his fact problems.  He does better if I say it out loud, have him repeat it, then give me the answer. But to simply look at the problem and write the answer is enough to have me pull my hair out!

C, I think she does need review of the end of MUS Alpha, but her's is less about not remembering how, and more about a lack of diligence and effort. She'd rather say she can't or give the wrong answer rather than just get it done correctly.  She's a perfect example of "stubborn to her own hurt." Can't imagine where she gets that from!!

I think the workboxes will work ok for us once we get in the swing.  But this week, I've worked every morning, usually have an errand or two in the afternoons, so we're starting schoolwork so late that our focus isn't what I'd hoped. But next week, I won't be working as dh will be traveling again. So we'll be able to have school in the mornings with fresh minds and hearts.  Hopefully it will be just the ticket to get our year rolling.

I have incorporated a few more fun things so far - a benefit of the workboxes. I've tentatively planned out the boxes for the week considering how many days for spelling, vocab, math, etc. Then I've purposefully left some of the boxes empty in my planning, specifically to insert fun things.  And I'm working on implementing more arts & crafts for my dd - playing to her strengths and weaknesses. 

I still (and will probably always) struggle with feelings that I am neglecting my kids when I spend time helping my family, working outside the home, working on the remodel, caring for other children, etc. I would love to be able to simply sit at the table or the sofa or the floor for uninterrupted days of focused learning. But it doesn't appear that's the life God has called me to  - at least not at this season. So instead, I pray to make wise use of the blocks of time we do have. God knows the futures He has in store for my children, so I am trying to trust Him to prepare them for those futures. 

They are such a blessing. I cannot believe that God would love me so much as to give me the gift of caring for these children, watching them grow and learn, giving and receiving love.  It's overwhelming to me, a sinner like Paul - even a chief among sinners.  So off I go for more hugs and kisses.