So the whole reason for this blog was to record the lessons that I continually find myself learning while on this home school journey. I have reached a new conclusion that seems to be both emotional and freeing for me. I am not equipped to meet all of my children's learning needs! But I can find ways to make sure that their needs are still meet. For our family that has meant a pretty significant change in our home school curriculum over the winter break (all made possible by the additional income of Lyle working in New York!)
Ever since we have started I seemed to just have a hodgepodge of different workbooks to go through with the kiddos, which worked well for the most part, but I also observed definite lacking. As the demands for the higher grades became more, the less adequate this method seemed to be. I couldn't make up for the slack myself, and it was very difficult for me to feel like I wasn't giving my children the best education I could. But I also had to realistically look at what I had to work with and face the fact, I needed some help.
So I started the search. I found an awesome christian home school program with streaming video that would actually instruct my children in English, Reading, and History, taking our schooling from a "filling out a workbook" style to "receiving instruction and working on an assignment" style. I've always wanted it to be this way, but just couldn't do it by myself. So I could either continue to struggle and feel bad, or come to the conclusion that I needed help and get it! We have tried it for the past few days and I am so pleased with it, my kids are excited about learning again and I can't wait to do it with them.
So here's the new view: Getting the help I need to teach my children makes me a good home school mom, not my ability to actually do the instructing.
On the family front, Lyle is still home and it looks like he may be staying, but no official word yet. Also Liberty turned 12 on the 29th (enjoy the pictures) and we have been down and out with the flu for 2 weeks. I am very ready to get back to our routine and have a healthy family again.
She got her ears pierced for her birthday.
Birthday pie with horses :)
Birthday girl getting ready to blow out the candles.
Present time :) With little sister onlookers.
Getting a pedi as part of her present from Aunt B
