So, how are you?

I have had several friends check in on us since we started school, asking "so how's it going?"  The answer to that depends on a few things.

#1  It depends on what day/time they ask. :)

#2  It depends on whether I decide to share a typical "pretty good", or if I decide to lay it all out for them and "get real".  :)

This year I have put more time into creating a schedule that I am hoping will give us some flexibility with the littles, and still help us to complete our daily assignments.  Part of the reason I wanted to start school early is because I knew that this schedule would take quite a bit of tweaking.  The first week was eye opening and I was able to make some helpful adjustments to the schedule. 

But, the reality is, is that it is very hard for me to do school with two little ones.  Last year, Davis was a similar age as Ellis, but it was easier to incorporate him into sitting at the table, or playing independently with toys, or later in the year he was able to use the computer.  With Davis and Ellis, it seems like someone is always borrowing stealing someone else's toys, they are both wanting to do "school" in the middle of one of the boy's spelling tests, or things are quiet and you walk into a bedroom that must have just had a tornado come through it since every toy that exists is out (and not being played with). :) 

We have definitely had some good days, but today....well, today I was at a loss. 

Towards the end of our morning school time my mind was wandering.  Some of the thoughts going through my head were "I need to research mother morning out programs for Ellis and/or Davis.  Maybe I could get a sitter to pick up the littles 1 morning a week so that we could get some undivided school time.  I should re-work the schedule (again), and make it more flexible in the mornings and more academic heavy in the afternoons during Ellis' nap time.  I should plan more, prepare more, have more activities ready to grab for the littles to do"....and on and on my mind went.

I'm not sure how our year will end up looking.  I have had homeschool friends who had their little ones in a moms morning out program and that worked great for them!  I've considered it in the past, but always hesitated when following through.  I have to believe that's the Lord leading me and directing me as to what He wants me to do.  I truly believe that everyone does things differently because the Lord is speaking to us individually and telling us what He wants for our family, so I try to "listen" closely.  (But, sometimes it's so loud at home I'm not sure I can hear clearly.)  ;) 

I had a sitter (and a Papa) in the past who, for a few months, would pick Davis up and take him on adventures.  That was great because Ellis was napping and Davis was having a blast, and the big boys and I were able to be very productive.

I'm sure the schedule will be worked, and re-worked, and thrown away at some point, and re-worked again.  Being flexible is not one of my strongest qualities, but with four kids, it is definitely coming easier.

The thought of increasing our academic studies in the afternoon gives me pause, because I know that the boys and I work best in the morning when we are fresh and wide awake.  We do school in the afternoon, but we usually complete our more difficult subjects in the morning.  After lunch it seems like we all hit a little bit of an afternoon slump.  It's worked out as a perfect time for us to do some group subjects like history and Latin, and to complete independent workbooks.

There is no perfect solution, and I guess that's what I want to and NEED to realize.  There are going to be some days where I tell my friends that it was a great day, the sun was shining, the birds were chirping, and the kids were eager and excited about school.  And then there are going to be days like today where it's a struggle to get through every book, our schedule is tossed out the window, and Ellis and Davis have to have a million (plus one) "I'm sorry" hugs to each other.  But, with each day, I wouldn't change it for the world (even if you find me researching schools on my computer).  ;)  The moments I get with my kids, the giggling I hear coming from the room as Davis is making Ellis laugh about who knows what, the random "I love you Mom" from Drew in the middle of a workbook, the excitement from Knox as he demonstrates to his older brother how to play his new Language Arts games....well, these are the moments I'm glad I didn't miss.  It's moments like these, and a hundred other little tiny ones, that make my mama's heart happy and full of joy. 

I try to remember that this is a season.  It won't always consist of dirty diapers in the middle of math, a much needed goldfish snack break, pulling out every toy that might keep the little ones entertained for an entire 2 1/2 minutes (fingers crossed :) ).  It also won't consist of 4 kids all trying to figure out a way to sit in my lap, "buddy" time watching the big ones loving on the little ones, kids working so hard on their school work to gain my approval....well, maybe that last one will last forever....I can only hope.  ;)  What I do know is that I'm not alone.  Today in my Bible study I read this scripture and highlighted the last line,

"He tends his flock like a shepherd:

He gathers the lambs in his arms

and carries them close to his heart;

he gently leads those that have young."

 

Isaiah 40:11

 

I'm so encouraged to know that I'm not alone.  The Lord will lead me.  May I remember to keep my eyes on Him.