Just one of the things I love about homeschooling

Today was one of those crazy, crazy mornings. As I worked with Bethany on her reading, she was struggling with the /i/ sound. We had to work and work on it. Meanwhile, Madison who can sometimes struggle with perfectionism was upset over her inability to do long multiplication. She just started that today, with Math-U-See but she didn't understand the lesson. Jedidiah is loud as he is cutting many teeth, which means even when he is happy he is loud. I notice his diaper needs changed and he is on his way to the pantry to put my car keys in the 50 lb bag of flour. (Boy am I glad I caught that before he was succesful). I am in the process of making bread because we are completely out and it has to get done today.

During the midst of this I know that my daughters need me. They need me to teach them. Madison is upset because she needs help and she is independent. Bethany is upset because she is five and cute and used to things being easy. This isn't easy so she is frustrated. I explain to Madison that this is my job. I am the teacher and I am here to help her whenever she is stuck. Her tears cleared up, I asked her to give me a few minutes to get the other situations under control and then I would give her my undivided attention. She said okay but I could tell she wasn't happy to have to wait. I explained to her that I could keep working with her, while her brother was troubled over his diaper, Bethany was asking for help repeatedly, the bread was making noise in the mixer and Eliora needed direction to keep her busy, or she could give me a few minutes while she worked on something different and I would help her momentarily. She smiled and said she would wait.

I addressed all the pressing concerns. Madison and I spent time on her Math. She got it!!! And I got to teach her patience, love, prioritizing, Math, and that we aren't always perfect all the time.

What I got in return was to, grow in my patience, to once again be reminded that stressful times will pass, to learn to lean on my savior even more, see my daughter grow, get her new math concept and a note to the teacher.

Thank you very much for helping me get a better grade,


Yours truly,


-Madison-

I feel like the most blessed woman on earth sometimes. And this is just one thing I love about my life and homeschooling.

Starting School

Eliora, her job in school is to keep me on my toes. She loves to color when Bethany is schooling. She calls it her math.

Tyler is in 5th this year and very excited that they are learning Latin and Spanish. This is our first year using Rosetta Stone for Spanish. Tyler and Madison are truly enjoying it. I have done a little myself and it is fun. We are using a "Latin isn't so tough" as a curriculum for Latin and that has been interesting too.

Bethany is working on her reading, math and handwriting. She can read lots of three letter words and is amazing at math.

Madison loves all the new books to read for the year. She is excited about school, but she worries about not getting everything just right.

Bill has grown so much in his reading, spelling and reasoning abilities. He has started Alpha Omega Science and History, plus his phonics work, reading, etc. and has lots of school work but he is doing well.

Jed's is majoring in distracting everyone. He is running around making everyone laugh and lightens our heavy school load.

I had to take a pic of my desk. It hasn't been this clean in awhile. Of course who knows how long it will stay this way.

The berry last day of summer vacation

One funny guy

This is our rooster. He is one funny guy. I guess anybody would be who had to spend his whole day with 19 women and three ducks. We aren't sure if the ducks are girls or boys.

He absolutely hates it when the kids catch him. He hangs his head in shame. We were told that we have to watch out for him as he might hurt us, but honestly so far he is a big wimp. He is the most afraid of all the chickens.

And would you look at those eyebrows.

Other news around here is that we are getting ready to start school. First day of school is Monday. I will try to post our school pics in the next few days.

James is busy with work. Bill has started soccer. Awana's starts next Thursday and Bethany is going to try to go this year. Eliora opted out. Baby is growing and growing.