The Homeschool Mother's Journal

For more journals or to participate click here.

What's new this week?  Well, adding a newborn to the mix of our home keeps life interesting, constantly looking to maximize the minutes and learning to function on less {sleep that is ;-)}.

In my life this week…just trying to stay on top of things: 

1. daily lessons for 5 of the children {high-school down to pre-school},
2. grading {catching up...seems to be an area of constant need},
3. keeping up with 4 children that are 5 and under, and
4. an ACCOMPLISHMENT:  I finished our newest one's baby scrapbook {praise the Lord, she is only 2 weeks old today! ;-)}

It was fun to spend a few days working on Carolyne's baby scrapbook...it's been a while since I have scrapbooked for our family!

In our homeschool this week…autumn art through ABeka {I love autumn}, multiplying & dividing fractions...Saxon {a challenge for our 3rd son}, essay writing {"Well done" for our 2nd oldest}, rain provided tadpole catching {the fun and spontaneous part of learning at home} and extra-curricular activities {orchestra and flag football practices}

The impromptu learning opportunity growing and swimming after the children collected them from the rain filled swale earlier this week...

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share...a little with consistency is better than a lot with sparsity.

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…

1. weekly orchestra practice x 2,
2. weekly football practice x 3 {this week},
3. church {at least some of us...I usually keep my babies home until around 4-6 weeks old to reduce exposure to GERMS that aren't ours ;-)}, AND
4. a new adventure for us...a mother's helper will start this week on Thursday {a dear young lady we know who will be a blessing to have helping once per week with the active 2 & 4 year olds, assisting the elementary level children with staying on schedule/their assignments, helping me with grading everyone's work and the supervision of afternoon playtime...my primary goals for her each time she's here}...FYI ~ it went VERY well AND to add to the blessing, Carolyne even slept for 2 1/2 hours yesterday morning!

My favorite thing this week was…taking time to watch and learn each of my children {just to stop and see how God has created each one uniquely...their different personalities, gifts/talents and interests}.

What’s working/not working for us…right now, Carolyne is NOT following my intended & hopeful schedule...she LOVES attachment parenting which really is NOT conducive for following the "nap schedule"...oh, to work on this.  ;-)  What is working for us...having a schedule ~ it helps to keep everyone else on track {for the most part} with chores & school. 

Whistling to a girl who should have been napping...

Questions/thoughts I have…thoughts...I really need to make the most of teachable moments AND training opportunities.  Otherwise, instead of my children being a joy and blessing to be with all day, everyday it becomes difficult and unenjoyable.  ALSO of equal importance is to make sure I AM being an example of all the character traits I aspire them to possess...that is the more challenging portion, isn't it?

Things I’m working on…

1. putting all my maternity clothes away {done and sorted through to reduce/share with another expectant mom...too much accumulates over 8 babies ~ not to mention I'm not as tiny as I used to be ;-)} and putting back all my "normal" clothes {done},
2. organizing my food/paper goods shelving areas {currently working on} and
3. decorating for autumn {need to pull down all our decorations and get the kids involved with this over the weekend}.

I’m reading…Carry on Mr. Bowditch {for LLATL - tan book} and Sweet Journey {a gift from a friend}

I’m cooking…Italian Pie ~ a hearty meat casserole with a healthy addition of spinach ~ a recipe made for us earlier this year by a friend and now has become a recipe added to our collection of good meals!

I’m grateful for…taking time to just be still {not a natural inclination of mine, but one that does promote health and times of reflection}
I’m praying for…a couple young ladies who are newly expecting, a new season of flag football {wisdom for coaches, safety for players, opportunities to grow in godliness for our son}, upcoming union of two young people we know {read their story here}, and for the Lord to work through the lives and circumstances in our family as well as our friends' families...so many things to be prayerful for.

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

A horse riding opportunity recently for three of the children as Mark went to look at a job...the owner graciously invited them to ride while they were there...happy children!

So, that was our week ~ out with the month of September and in with October ~ can you believe it?!  The older I get, the faster time seems to slip by...

Blessings ~