Thursday, May 20, 2010
"Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face." - Victor Hugo
I absolutely love this quote. What a reminder to show your pearly whites, and at such an appropriate time of year.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Family time
What a beautiful day today! The kids and I took our first official bike ride of the year complete with a stop at the playground. Then we worked a bit in the yard followed by violin practice (without moaning) and a yummy dinner that my daughter helped prepare. It feels so good to see the smiles on my kids faces. I am at peace today.
I am so excited about the end of PS and going back to HSing! There's no place like home.
I am so excited about the end of PS and going back to HSing! There's no place like home.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Guilty or Good?
It's amazing how quickly things can change, right beneath our noses. And it's also amazing how long the process of change can wreak havoc on our day to day lives.
I write this today with the (in my mind shameful) admission that in January I had to put the kids in PS. Oh DREAD! But in reality it was likely the best thing to do at the time. My marriage and life in our household had deteriorated to such a point that I was physically, mentally and emotionally unable to function in any real capacity. It took just about every ounce of energy I had to get out of bed and deal with the basics of meal prep and general household maintenance. Yes, HSing was still taking place, but honestly, it was sporadic and always came with a dark cloud looming nearby. Patience was no longer in my vocabulary, nor did I have the energy to combat the ever increasing incidences of student resistance. Needless to say our HS schedule, and life in general for all of us, had been negatively affected by the incessant arguing between myself and my husband. TOTAL BURNOUT had moved in and taken over our household. It pains me to even think how dismal my world seemed at the time.
Fast forward 4 months. Had it been so long???! The kids have adjusted to PS and for a short while even enjoyed it. My daughter has made progress in spelling, however has lost ground in math. My son however has made no real progress in any subject that I can identify, but thankfully has not appeared to lose ground in any subject either. Yet in the past several months, I have found greater clarity in WHY I felt so strongly about homeschooling in the first place. I have reconnected with my values and my self. I feel like I can stand on solid ground now, and not be shaken to the core by the negative energy that is unfortunately a very real part of life. I have collected myself and I am ready to begin again. This time with a new set of priorities, a clearer vision of how to meet them, and perhaps a thicker skin as well. I couldn't have found this clarity had I continued to "go through the motions". Yes, I still think of PS in negative terms, but at the same time realize that it was better than sitting at home with a miserable mom. Sometimes we need to bite our tongue and do something we don't want to - in order to save the things most important to us.
The reason I write all this is that I know for certain there are other HSers out there experiencing tough times. If I can offer just one bit of hope to someone out there suffering the effects of burnout, I am happy. I have learned from experience that we don't have to feel guilty about sending our kids to PS for a while. It might be the best favor you do for your kids and yourself...
Ready to start anew! Look out HS - here we come!
I write this today with the (in my mind shameful) admission that in January I had to put the kids in PS. Oh DREAD! But in reality it was likely the best thing to do at the time. My marriage and life in our household had deteriorated to such a point that I was physically, mentally and emotionally unable to function in any real capacity. It took just about every ounce of energy I had to get out of bed and deal with the basics of meal prep and general household maintenance. Yes, HSing was still taking place, but honestly, it was sporadic and always came with a dark cloud looming nearby. Patience was no longer in my vocabulary, nor did I have the energy to combat the ever increasing incidences of student resistance. Needless to say our HS schedule, and life in general for all of us, had been negatively affected by the incessant arguing between myself and my husband. TOTAL BURNOUT had moved in and taken over our household. It pains me to even think how dismal my world seemed at the time.
Fast forward 4 months. Had it been so long???! The kids have adjusted to PS and for a short while even enjoyed it. My daughter has made progress in spelling, however has lost ground in math. My son however has made no real progress in any subject that I can identify, but thankfully has not appeared to lose ground in any subject either. Yet in the past several months, I have found greater clarity in WHY I felt so strongly about homeschooling in the first place. I have reconnected with my values and my self. I feel like I can stand on solid ground now, and not be shaken to the core by the negative energy that is unfortunately a very real part of life. I have collected myself and I am ready to begin again. This time with a new set of priorities, a clearer vision of how to meet them, and perhaps a thicker skin as well. I couldn't have found this clarity had I continued to "go through the motions". Yes, I still think of PS in negative terms, but at the same time realize that it was better than sitting at home with a miserable mom. Sometimes we need to bite our tongue and do something we don't want to - in order to save the things most important to us.
The reason I write all this is that I know for certain there are other HSers out there experiencing tough times. If I can offer just one bit of hope to someone out there suffering the effects of burnout, I am happy. I have learned from experience that we don't have to feel guilty about sending our kids to PS for a while. It might be the best favor you do for your kids and yourself...
Ready to start anew! Look out HS - here we come!
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Sunshine on my shoulder
With the arrival of spring comes a lifting of the spirit and a renewed vigor for life.
I had the long awaited opportunity today to take a stroll on the beach. My senses rejoiced to the sound and smell of the ocean, the caress of the breeze occasionally mixed with mist from a crashing wave, my feet sinking into the soft sand, the simple beauty of a clear blue sky and watching my kids revel in their many explorations... But what I noticed is that there was one single ingredient which magically seemed to pull all the others together to culminate in a deep sense of bliss.
The sun... The nucleus of our universe. Without it, all creation will perish... And yet, we move through our days secure in knowing that the sun will shine and life will go on. Even at night we are assured of it's ever-presence as we gaze upon the moon and the sun's reflected light. Its permanence is seldom questioned... It provides us Warmth. Security. Energy. Life. Creation... Is it God? No. God is ever so much more. But I digress.
As I contemplate this day I find that the sun offers so much more than I had ever previously imagined. And it does so generously and without demand. Its effects are far-reaching not just in the physical world, but also our emotional and spiritual outlook.
The warmth the sun provides offers a feeling of security and safety from which we can view the world with positivity and confidence. Bad things don't seem so dreadful when viewed from a place of security. Yet, when the perspective is reversed, even the best circumstances can take on a negative tone when seen from a place of insecurity...
So, what can I say? I love the sun for sharing it's warmth and it's light, and for offering comfort, peace, and clarity.
I had the long awaited opportunity today to take a stroll on the beach. My senses rejoiced to the sound and smell of the ocean, the caress of the breeze occasionally mixed with mist from a crashing wave, my feet sinking into the soft sand, the simple beauty of a clear blue sky and watching my kids revel in their many explorations... But what I noticed is that there was one single ingredient which magically seemed to pull all the others together to culminate in a deep sense of bliss.
The sun... The nucleus of our universe. Without it, all creation will perish... And yet, we move through our days secure in knowing that the sun will shine and life will go on. Even at night we are assured of it's ever-presence as we gaze upon the moon and the sun's reflected light. Its permanence is seldom questioned... It provides us Warmth. Security. Energy. Life. Creation... Is it God? No. God is ever so much more. But I digress.
As I contemplate this day I find that the sun offers so much more than I had ever previously imagined. And it does so generously and without demand. Its effects are far-reaching not just in the physical world, but also our emotional and spiritual outlook.
The warmth the sun provides offers a feeling of security and safety from which we can view the world with positivity and confidence. Bad things don't seem so dreadful when viewed from a place of security. Yet, when the perspective is reversed, even the best circumstances can take on a negative tone when seen from a place of insecurity...
So, what can I say? I love the sun for sharing it's warmth and it's light, and for offering comfort, peace, and clarity.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
On Friendship...
True Friends are few and far between. A true friend isn't afraid to tell you the truth about yourself, yet will still love you even when you don't listen. Cherish the friend that tells you what you don't want to hear. I Thank you for caring enough to set me straight.
"I believe that friends are quiet angels who sit on our shoulders and lift our wings when we forget how to fly." ---Unknown
"Friends are like stars... you don't always see them, but you know they're always there." ---Hulali Luta
"I believe that friends are quiet angels who sit on our shoulders and lift our wings when we forget how to fly." ---Unknown
"Friends are like stars... you don't always see them, but you know they're always there." ---Hulali Luta
Change
Change is a natural and necessary part of nature, growth, and even degeneration. And there is no denying that Change is upon us. Both individual change and societal change. I personally am going through a host of transitions in which I am floundering. I felt like I needed a place to honor the good and positive things I experience as I journey through my days. A place where I could remind myself of my many blessings. And a place where I can nurture a positive attitude and a generous spirit. By sharing my dreams and fantasy I choose to create a light and joyous reality for myself, and hopefully help to affect change for others in a positive manner. Will you join me?
Sunday, August 30, 2009
School is in session
It's the end of August already... The new 2009/10 school year officially started last week for the public schools and for us as well. We got off to a rough start with some interruptions on Monday, but we managed to salvage the week by beginning on Tuesday instead. Overall, our first week went very well! The kids willingly, even eagerly, jumped into their studies without any resistance or complaining. The time spent last month in planning our lessons has been worth the effort, affording us a clear direction for this year and an easier start. Also, I think that our new approach to discipline and communication has helped make an enormous difference in all of our attitudes and behaviours and is a definite contributor to our positive start for school. My discovery came at a class at the UHEA conference this past June called "Teaching Self Government". I have been slowly implementing the techniques I have learned over the summer and it really is working! You can find out more about it here - http://teachingselfgovernment.com/. I am very thankful to have found these parenting techniques. My sanity has been spared! :)
Regardless, we are all grateful to get back on a normal, and less hurried schedule. Fall is already in the air and we are seeing the first few trees displaying their autumn colors. The night air is bringing in an early chill, and we all seem to be getting ready to hunker down for another long winter. The garden has not withstood the cold snaps that have been moving through, with our corn, cucumber, and pumpkin plants all falling victim to a summer cut short. The cold weather crops are fairing much better, but I suspect they will require an early harvest. Such is life in the mountains... Sigh...
Regardless, we are all grateful to get back on a normal, and less hurried schedule. Fall is already in the air and we are seeing the first few trees displaying their autumn colors. The night air is bringing in an early chill, and we all seem to be getting ready to hunker down for another long winter. The garden has not withstood the cold snaps that have been moving through, with our corn, cucumber, and pumpkin plants all falling victim to a summer cut short. The cold weather crops are fairing much better, but I suspect they will require an early harvest. Such is life in the mountains... Sigh...
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
MidSummer already! Getting ready for a new HS year...
Here we are, enjoying the fantastic mountain summer at last. It's weather like this that makes mountain living worthwhile. Summer got off to a slow start with most of June being plummeted with LOTS of rain, but alas summer finally arrived. The garden is now beginning to grow, and I am beginning to see that cold weather crops are necessary for a successful harvest up here since the growing season is quite short. We do however have a very nice bunch of potted tomato plants growing on our sunniest deck. I'll move them indoors in Fall, so we will actually get a pretty good tomato harvest this year. Out in the garden we have two variations of kohlrabi, beets, carrots, pumpkin, snap peas, asparagus, and we did have some cucumbers, but something ate them. Oh well. In pots we have one cabbage plant, potatoes, chard, spinach (which mostly drowned in June), radishes, and the previously mentioned tomatoes. The kids loved turning the soil, planting the seeds, and are thrilled to see how things are starting to grow. The radishes are mostly harvested already which gave the kids a thrill. Our lettuce seeds did not sprout, but I knew they were old. We'll try again with some fresh seeds. The flowers and weeds are growing like mad from the rain, but luckily everything is growing where it is supposed/allowed to.
We are still HSing through summer, but on a lighter schedule. The kids just finished the Beta level in Math U see (today), and we are continuing with AAS level two on a regular basis. I would like to finish our Body Systems study by mid August, and then for the new school year, we will be digging into Writing, Astronomy, Home/Life Skills and Character studies. So, in a nutshell here's what is planned for 2009-10 school year starting end of August/early September:
Math U See - Gamma
All About Spelling
Writing Strands
Apologia Astronomy
Character First
Reading
Sewing/spinning/kitchen and cooking skills, etc...
When we finish with Astronomy in/near March, we will switch to social studies and geography, with a possible unit using the Little House series. I think our Life Skills will tie in very nicely with Colonial and Pioneer Times, so that will be our focus when the time comes.
The most important thing I have learned this past school year is to have faith in the curriculum choices I have made, and to not overwhelm myself with too many different sources of information. I was going nuts with too much information, and ended up crippling myself. We are keeping it simple this year, and not worrying about what the school or anyone else is doing. I think we will all be much happier.
In the mean time, I have created an outlet for my photography. My new website is http://www.ambientnature.com/. Please take a peek and let me know what you think.
Until next time -
We are still HSing through summer, but on a lighter schedule. The kids just finished the Beta level in Math U see (today), and we are continuing with AAS level two on a regular basis. I would like to finish our Body Systems study by mid August, and then for the new school year, we will be digging into Writing, Astronomy, Home/Life Skills and Character studies. So, in a nutshell here's what is planned for 2009-10 school year starting end of August/early September:
Math U See - Gamma
All About Spelling
Writing Strands
Apologia Astronomy
Character First
Reading
Sewing/spinning/kitchen and cooking skills, etc...
When we finish with Astronomy in/near March, we will switch to social studies and geography, with a possible unit using the Little House series. I think our Life Skills will tie in very nicely with Colonial and Pioneer Times, so that will be our focus when the time comes.
The most important thing I have learned this past school year is to have faith in the curriculum choices I have made, and to not overwhelm myself with too many different sources of information. I was going nuts with too much information, and ended up crippling myself. We are keeping it simple this year, and not worrying about what the school or anyone else is doing. I think we will all be much happier.
In the mean time, I have created an outlet for my photography. My new website is http://www.ambientnature.com/. Please take a peek and let me know what you think.
Until next time -
Thursday, May 7, 2009
The best laid plans
Life has a way of interfering in even the best of plans and we are no exception.
We plodded our way through winter and actually were doing quite well. We have been moving through our math and spelling lessons swiftly, language lessons were falling into place, science found it's way into our schedule.... then March came. I had surgery to fix a small (and I mean tiny) umbilical hernia. I thought, "Okay, it's a teeny tiny incision, so this will be easy. Like a paper cut." HA! What a joke. What I thought would take 3 days, took weeks! I suppose even the smallest of surgeries are still a big deal. It's tough to teach when you can't move, so our lessons slowed significantly. BUT - blessings do come in the strangest packages. Since I was not allowed to do any lifting of any sort, the kids got a few lessons on cleaning house. Both kids are now proficient at vacuuming the house, and H is now a laundry aficionado. I have been informed that he will now do all the laundry. We'll see how long his enthusiasm lasts. :)
So that was March - then came April..... After being cooped up in the house all winter, we finally had enough! April was a perfect time to take a trip to Grandma's house in CA and celebrate birthdays there. What a glorious trip we had! Spring had sprung and the weather was outstanding! We stayed the entire month and the kids played outside everyday! We went to the Redwoods, the ocean and beach, got a beautiful view of the Golden Gate Bridge from the Marin Headlands, visited Marine World (now known as Six Flags Discovery Park) and the Exploratorium in SF. We celebrated Easter and two birthdays (H is now 8 and L is 6). Needless to say, our education was very hands on for April. The books stayed quietly in their bag. We finally made our way back home just in time for May to begin. My homecoming was celebrated on a heating pad with a backache which is now going on week 2..... We are very happy to see that the snow is melted away though, and spring is arriving here in the mountains. We are off to a slow start this week, working on Math and continuing our "body"books as a start. It is time to start our garden (and gardening lessons) as well. It will take another week or two before we are back to speed, but we are all thankful for the wonderful time we had in CA. The break was worth it.
We plodded our way through winter and actually were doing quite well. We have been moving through our math and spelling lessons swiftly, language lessons were falling into place, science found it's way into our schedule.... then March came. I had surgery to fix a small (and I mean tiny) umbilical hernia. I thought, "Okay, it's a teeny tiny incision, so this will be easy. Like a paper cut." HA! What a joke. What I thought would take 3 days, took weeks! I suppose even the smallest of surgeries are still a big deal. It's tough to teach when you can't move, so our lessons slowed significantly. BUT - blessings do come in the strangest packages. Since I was not allowed to do any lifting of any sort, the kids got a few lessons on cleaning house. Both kids are now proficient at vacuuming the house, and H is now a laundry aficionado. I have been informed that he will now do all the laundry. We'll see how long his enthusiasm lasts. :)
So that was March - then came April..... After being cooped up in the house all winter, we finally had enough! April was a perfect time to take a trip to Grandma's house in CA and celebrate birthdays there. What a glorious trip we had! Spring had sprung and the weather was outstanding! We stayed the entire month and the kids played outside everyday! We went to the Redwoods, the ocean and beach, got a beautiful view of the Golden Gate Bridge from the Marin Headlands, visited Marine World (now known as Six Flags Discovery Park) and the Exploratorium in SF. We celebrated Easter and two birthdays (H is now 8 and L is 6). Needless to say, our education was very hands on for April. The books stayed quietly in their bag. We finally made our way back home just in time for May to begin. My homecoming was celebrated on a heating pad with a backache which is now going on week 2..... We are very happy to see that the snow is melted away though, and spring is arriving here in the mountains. We are off to a slow start this week, working on Math and continuing our "body"books as a start. It is time to start our garden (and gardening lessons) as well. It will take another week or two before we are back to speed, but we are all thankful for the wonderful time we had in CA. The break was worth it.
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