Flexibility Demonstrated

When extolling the virtues of homeschooling, people are usually quick to go on about the flexibility of such a lifestyle. Yesterday at our house was a picture perfect demonstration.

We had a bit of a late start, but I had school work pulled and ready to go for whenever the kids were ready. Brian returned to work after his lunch break and my brother-in-law, a SAHD, called. He hated to ask, but something had come up and could I run over and help with the baby for a couple of hours. So the kids and I donned raincoats and off we went to borrow a car to get to Uncle's. Three hours of toddler taming ensued.

(At one point, I was sitting on the couch, thinking of my own kids' toddler years and wondering exactly what it was that I had done all day as my two chased their cousin. It all came back to me pretty quickly. Little kids run around getting into things and eating constantly.)

Raiden at one point held his cousin and carried him around. Raiden has always avoided such a situation before. He thought cousin was wiggly, heavy and strong. Kori, in her ever constant bid to be 'in charge' of the baby, found herself catching mostly-eaten apple. She was not impressed. She much preferred picking out fresh tee-shirts for the boy.

When we left to return home, it was pouring. We returned our borrowed vehicle and walked home. In the rain. And everyone knows walking in the rain encourages downpours to become torrents. Raincoats don't do anything in that kind of weather. The kids figured a play in the rain was in order since they were already soaked to the skin. I think they had fun....

After pouring out and drying off, we had just enough time to squeeze in a math lesson each.

So, although we didn't get to all the 'scheduled' work I had planned for today, we had a full, busy, unexpected day. Scheduled work can wait. In the past, I would have attempted to cram as much as possible into the last minutes of our day. This year, I am feeling more organized - I am more organized - and it's easier to let it slide. I know that math is a priority for us to finish. The kids have discussed it and they'd like to be done their math books around the March Break. That means at least five lessons a week. So, in our available hour, we did math. And there's no stress or anxiety about the other work that will get pushed to today, combined with something else or just left out altogether.

See? Flexible. Lessons in Helping Others and Family Time rather than Language Arts and History. It's all good.

Only Monday

It's Monday. I had to check a few times just now. Seriously, it's still Monday. It feels like it should be later in the week. At the very least Tuesday.

I suppose today could have been worse. Something really bad could have gone wrong. In fact, I really don't have much to complain about in the grand scheme of things.

I read somewhere today that someone was envious of homeschoolers. You could tell that her view of homeschooling was one of gentle family time and togetherness. Of low-stress days and sibling love. When I read this message on a forum I really, really wanted to reply to it.

I wanted to shout about how utterly rotten you feel some days. How totally inadequate you feel sometimes. Not only as a parent, but as the primary Guide, Example, Teacher, Sherpa, Chef and Storyteller to your kids. I wanted to tell her about how wrong things can go. About the negative and stubborn attitudes; about biting your tongue off to avoid ultimatums; about making your kid cry because you told them the truth and feeling like a big, dumb meanie because you wouldn't change a word.

I scraped the bottom of the parenting toolbox today. However, I did not lose my cool. I did raise my voice a little. I figured I was somewhat justified as Child A hauled off and kicked Child B, followed by the immediate flight of Child A from the local area. Where was I you ask? I was about 8 feet away pulling our school work for the day off the shelf. How laughing and tickling turns to such violence in 3 seconds is beyond me. They were getting along so well.

Ok, so that I get some sleep tonight, I think it would be cathartic if I were to tell you of the good things that happened today. It'll also use up my available Internet time so that I am not further tempted to dash that one mother's enamoured visions of homeschooling.

Good Thing #1: We were up, showered, ready for the day, housework done by 9a.m.
Good Thing #2: Math was finished before 10a.m.
Good Thing #3: Kori likes the scarf I knit her enough for me to fashion matching mittens for this Fall.
Good Thing #4: Pork Tenderloin on the BBQ for dinner was amazing.
Good Thing #5: We delivered fudge to friends.
Good Thing #6: Kori is signed up to swim this season.
Good Thing #7: The kids have forgiven each other, me and are ready for tomorrow. Which is only going to be Tuesday.

See? Not a total write-off. The only niggling worry that is not going away is how can one little child not like anything, no matter what, even if they chose it for themselves. How can she find the energy to disagree, argue, counter and test consistently? All. Day. Long. When I asked God for focus and direction, I didn't know she was going to come with extensive lessons in patience and tolerance.

On a lighter - yet still serious - note, make sure you head over to Cristina's and check out her comic #134 and her very relevant (to me) message. As much as I whine and complain, I know I'm doing the best thing for our kids. I know having them in school would not be as forgiving a place to experience growing pains. And Lord help the individual who tells me to toss the kids in school. I'm that close to losing it.

But, onward and upward to tomorrow. My dad always used to tell me that tomorrow is what I make of it. As memorable and true as that might be, he did tell me that before I, notably, had children. But I'll try. I'll get up and look in the mirror and tell myself - even though it's only going to be Tuesday, for Pete's sake - what a good day it's going to be. It's all in my attitude. And if my attitude is telling me to start our day off with a walk to Tim Horton's for muffins, well then, I guess we'll start there and see how it goes.

The Kids Are Filthy

We got down and dirty for the 'first' day of the season. The picnic was splendid. The weather was gorgeous. The company was refreshing. What else can you ask for?

The treasure hunt was a huge hit. Great job, Lyn! The clues rhymed and made the kids think just enough to make the hunt interesting, but not overwhelming. Lyn could probably box it up and sell it, it was that good.



And what picnic would be complete without a group picture? This one was full of flipped eyelids, fart noises, turned up nostrils and other general unruliness.





A successful day, all around. Pleasant reminders of the reasons we choose to homeschool and many thoughts of appreciation at being able to do so.

Welcome, HomeLearners!

The 2nd Annual Picnic is Tuesday. I'm so happy that fellow homeschooling Mom, Lyn, took the reins this year. I'm really looking forward to it.

In preparation, I made a sign. Well, two, really. I'm happy with how they turned out. Noticeable, bright, to the point. I will affix two garden stakes to either side and with my trusty hammer, I will plant them when I arrive at the picnic. Note to self: pack hammer. And staple gun for emergency fixes.

P.S. The letters really aren't crooked on the sign...there's an extra piece of bristol board under there messing up the visuals...

My Furry Toddler

This is 'Nuk. 'Nuk is five, going on 2.5 in people years. She likes boxes. Actually, she likes all things cardboard. However, boxes are special to her.















Not very often does she stick her head in them, though. This box is very special. Can you guess why?














Is she weird? I mean, does anyone else have a dog that tears strips off boxes...and then tears up the little strips...? I suppose I should be grateful that she's drawn to cardboard rather than socks or small children.














Not much distracts 'Nuk from her objective. What is it about cardboard that makes her want to destroy it? Really, I'm perplexed. It's strange. Strange like how Raiden used to play with spoons strange.














See?! Little tiny bits of torn - not chewed - cardboard. Between the box bits and the hair (did I forget to mention that 'Nuk is currently blowing her coat?) it's like having a toddler all over again: Constant vigilance required to keep the floor hazard free.