Homeschool Mother’s Journal: October 26, 2012

Welcome to this week’s edition of the Homeschool Mother’s Journal. This week we are featuring Marianne from Abundant Life.

In my life this week…

This week can be described most accurately with one word. Busy. School is in full swing with classes, tutors, after school activities and me finishing up a 10-Day blog series on homeschooling with dyslexia. This, not to mention homeschooling 5 kids while keeping an eye on an active two-year old! Or, maybe not so good of an eye. See photo below. I knew it was too quiet. On the bright side, we did get a lot of school done inside while they were plastering the back yard (and themselves) with mud!

In our homeschool this week…

Since it was a busy week, we focused on the basics. Making sure to take care of our household routines and the three R’s with the little ones. My two ninth graders are becoming more and more independent, which is a blessing.

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…

Knowing how to balance life and school is critical for a homeschool mom’s sanity. Setting priorities each day helps me tremendously when it is ‘just one of those weeks’! Get the big things done and know that there will be time later for the smaller things.

I am inspired by…

I am inspired by the heart of love in my kids. When my computer ate my nearly completed blog post late one afternoon this week and mom was loosing it, a daughter came in and reminded me that God is in control. Where did she learn this? From me. Humbling and inspiring!

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

A birthday this week brought our whole family together at a local restaurant where there was good food, lots of laughter and memories made.

My favorite thing this week was…

Spending some one-on-one time with my now 15-year old son. Seeing the fine young man that he is becoming.

Thoughts I have…

I am so thankful everyday for the freedom in this country to homeschool and raise our kids to know, love and serve God. No matter how difficult (or dirty!) it gets homeschooling my kids, I wouldn’t want it any other way.

Things I’m working on…

I am thinking through developing and writing a custom Bible Study for my two oldest kids based on their specific character strengths and weaknesses. Kind of a teen Bible Study that works with their learning styles and spiritual needs. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.

I’m reading…

I just received my copy of 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess by Jen Hatmaker. This is the inspiring story of how Jen and her family spent 30 days eliminating excess in food, clothes, media, possessions, waste and stress. During this time Jen’s family found a more Christ-like simplicity. I am excited and nervous about reading this because I’m pretty sure I’m going to be radically convicted.

I’m cooking…

The weather here in Southern California is finally getting cool enough to call it Fall so the Crock Pot has found a permanent position on the kitchen countertop. Our favorites? Chicken Pot Pie Soup, Mexican Chalupa and homemade Mac and Cheese.

I’m praying for…

The election, my husband, my kids, me, our extended family, our homeschool, wisdom, guidance, provision, and peace.

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

When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but so often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us. – Helen Keller

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