We had a pretty good day. It was mellow, and not exciting, but nice. Our lessons went smoothly, and we even got some errands done. I wasn't sure if I wanted to head out or not, but they were saying we were in for a big storm. It was suppose to start today at 11:00am. Well it's after 9:00pm and we've barely had a dusting. I don't mind, I think we still have enough snow from before. It would be nice if we got up into the 50's and 60's like our friends in the Midwest states. But alas, we live in the north around the mountains. But I'm thankful that we get a bit warmer here that the town we use to live in. It really isn't all that bad, and the kids really enjoy themselves in it. They were out playing today after our lessons were over. They are both doing better with their lessons. Less complaining and grumbling, and their finished work is better. I am blessed by that. I have been reading some homeschool articles and blogs that are meant to be encouraging, but I feel like we are lacking in so many areas after reading them. I know I need to keep my focus on the Lord and how He is leading us and not compare with other families or what I read. And I need to learn to take what I read, as the Lord leads me, as an encouragement to try new things, if that's what the Lord wants. The funny thing is, right now things are running smoothly with our lessons, so I'm not quite sure why I feel I need to change things. Maybe because I keep reading about how people have changed their homeschooling a bit to keep it exciting. I don't always think of doing that. I guess because life itself isn't always exciting. I mean, we have to do things even when it's not exciting, and lots of times we can't make it exciting. All we can do is work on our attitudes while we are doing the work. I do pray that in some ways I am teaching my kids that. That even though it's not always fun and exciting and what we want to do, if its something we have to do, we can do it for the Lord.
Well, that was a bit of rambling I wasn't planning on. I do have a quick prayer request. Paul hurt is back shoveling snow on Christmas Eve. Nothing too bad, but enough to be a nagging pain that just didn't want to go away. Then every time it was just getting better, he would have to shovel again. Let me explain just a bit what happened. On Christmas Eve he was helping the kids shovel snow here at home. It was deep and a heavy snow. That's when he pulled it. But at work, they have given him some extra work so he could make some extra money. But the extra work is shoveling snow. So every time his back started feeling better he would have to go to work and shovel again, and hurt it again (our kids and friends take care of our house). But he really didn't want to give up the extra work and extra pay, but thankfully today he told them he couldn't do the extra work for at least a week or more. It doesn't effect his normal job, and he can do his work just fine, it was the extra work he was having trouble with. So I'm thankful that he is taking a break from the extra work, and giving his back time to heal. But I do ask for prayers, first and foremost for his back to heal. But also that he would be encouraged through this time as he is really bummed he can't do the extra work. It's his need to provide and take care of his family. He knows the extra money is needed and hates to give it up, but he needed to, for now anyway. The Lord is constantly watching over us, and with the OT this week, it will help a lot. Plus, he will start up again, as soon as his back feels better. Thanks for the prayers.
Hi JoAnn,
Greetings from another Idahoan! I added you to my friends, and will enjoy keeping up with you and your family.
I'll pray for your hubby's back. Back pain is so not fun!
I know what you mean about making school exciting. Sometimes you just can't. I lack creativity in that area. I've struggled with feeling 'less than' next to other home schoolers. But a friend encouraged me and told me you know what's best for your child and how to make it work. I felt better after that.
Kristy
It's a struggle to be content with what we know we are to be doing, not looking at what others are doing and thinking it might be nicer. Maybe that is the one down fall of blogging. BUT, there is so much more good than harm done. You are right not to make changes for the sake of making changes. Those of us who are making changes need to do so because a change is needed. I hope Paul's back is given a chance to heal. Wish I could send you this warmer weather. My kids would like some snow. Maybe we can arrange a swap. ;-)
Jenn
JoAnn, please stop being so hard on yourself!!! :) Every family is different and what works for one family does not necessarily work for others. People are made different and so you don't have to be like everyone else. For our family lapbooking is a good fit. I'm a scrapbooker and love it. PC love scrapbooking also (LO is kinda young to show a preference) and so lapbooking is a good way to fit that crafty right brain stuff in. PC is very artistic so that is important. Since he already has so many problems, I'm just trying to find ways to help it click for him, but it is not for every family!!! I kinda get the feeling your more left brain (computer people usually are) so the artistic stuff my not be for you. The important thing is to find what works for your family and that your kids (and you) are doing well. :) I will be praying for Paul. I really pray his back heals up and doesn't continue to nag him.
I love ramblings... it shows your heart. I will keep Paul in prayer. Poor guy. Shoveling snow is the pits. lol. We did it for years - now, we just watch the sunrise and sunset in CA.
Poor Paul! I wrenched my back shoveling snow a few years ago & it was no picnic! I'll definitely pray for him.
I'm currently going back & forth on curriculum for my daughter. It's tough sometimes. For me, if I'm not asking myself if I'm doing this or that right every now & then...well, I get stuck in pit of mediocrity. That's not good for me or my daughter.
Thanks for commenting on my blog. You are an encouragement to me. I read your blog as often as I can, but don't comment as often as I should. I do appreciate you & your honesty. It's refreshing.
This blog is so I can share my journey with the Lord, my journey as a wife and mother, and my journey as a homeschool mom. I pray that you will see the Lord in my life through happy and sad times, and that this blog glorifies the Lord.
This is an award and tag free zone, thank you.
