So, it's nearing the end of October.  How are we doing?  Well, the schedule is out the window, we spent this schoolday doing housecleaning, I've got the first cold of the season, along with dh and a few of the kiddos.  Cruising right along with normal, everyday life.

I am doing one of my infamous pendulum swings.  I seem to either run our homeschooling like a drill sergeant ("It's 11:05!  Why aren't you working on your spelling?!") or I swing way the other way and starting thinking, "Hey, it's fall.  The weather's gorgeous! The kids have multitudinous activities to choose from, there's a support group event coming up, there's a field trip coming up, there's a youth event coming up, there's a ministry opportunity coming up...  We need to be flexible!" Am I the only one who finds it hard to keep the balance between academics and life experiences at this time of year?

I have found it impossible to stick to any schedule when the holidays are on the horizon.  I have tried various ways to accommodate the holidays in our home schooling....a Christmas unit study....extra "home ec" making homemade Christmas gifts....incorporating musicals (both formal and homemade)....lots of extra special reading of those extra special holiday books.  I don't feel badly about what we do...I can count it as "credit" for some subject or the other.  But it does raise my blood pressure a little if we begin to fall behind in certain subjects. 

Don't get me wrong.  I love the holidays and I love the beautiful weather.  I would like nothing better than to just go with the flow, live according to the moment, allow my flesh to rule.  But, alas, I must be more mature than that!  I must find the way for us to accomplish our academic goals, enjoy the season, keep everyone content, and emerge in January with it "all" done.

Another opportunity to take it the Lord in prayer  and seek the counsel of my dh.  Another opportunity to evaluate priorities. 

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Giving each day to you, Lord. Looking to You for direction, moment by moment.