Thus Far

What a unique memory, our start at a new adventure, something that we will forever remember as different and exciting. I think this homeschooling journey may actually force me to write here a bit more... for fear of losing moments and stages that I normally wouldn't experience.
That's been one out of many realizations I have had in the past two weeks. I am getting to know my kids even more because I am getting to know them at their most strained or most inspired states. It's been so encouraging! Everett has such a quick wit, and while I've known that, it shines while he's learning which has been an unexpected blessing! Carter has such a sense of peace when he is learning. There's not much teaching with him, it's as if he's reviewing everything he already knows up there in that mind of his.
These moments, among others I want to remember. I don't know what God has for us as far as the longevity of this journey is concerned, but I have every intention of documenting these moments of awareness and intimacy with my children.

We're only two weeks in, but I can now understand what they mean when they say, "It's so very difficult at times, but the rewards are worth it". I experienced that day one, then two, three, then four and so on. I feel like our days are filled with highs and lows.
The highs, they're fulfilling. Exciting. Encouraging.
The lows, they're frustrating and it takes all of the discipline in my heart to fight against doubt and the spirit of comparison... I did let my mind go a few times and it was deadly. I learned. And so here we are.

It's crazy busy. I have an incredible amount of respect for teachers now. Incredible. There is so much work to be done and needs to be tended to. I have never been so physically exhausted in my life! I am bouncing around the house all day.
See the picture below? I'm usually in the middle (and add one more on there from time to time). It gets hot in there. And I'm pretty sure those kids have no spacial awareness. And I fight the need to push out and be free nearly every 5 minutes. :)

But then we are done reading, and I send them out to "recess" and all I hear is them laughing together, helping each other, and entertaining one another. Building the strongest of ties (and coming back covered in dirt).

Then my heart bursts with joy and gratefulness that He has asked me to do such a task.
A few things. These babies make things much louder. And more messy. The other day, I was working with Carter on his hardest subject, completely oblivious to what was going on three feet away from me. When we were done, I looked over to see that the twins had removed every single puzzle and board game from the drawers. Pieces scattered everywhere. Those are the things that can send one over. I would love to say that I calmly laughed and made a game out of picking them up, but I didn't.
I've never failed so much in my life at being a mother. But I've never succeeded as much either, and that's in a two week period. I joked with Jason the other night that their memories of me will be so bi-polar!
Regardless, I want to be honest (for myself and as an encouragement to others starting). Highs and lows.

Scarlett, who has never shown interest in anything academic-related has suddenly wanted to be involved in everything. I've found myself making little lesson plans for her and giving her plenty of busy-work. She's been memorizing Bible verses and poetry at the same level of Everett! Even the babies are catching on to the poetry. So fun. I'm not sure why we never made an effort to memorize before.

One thing that has really helped with the rhythm of our day is to have the week pre-planned for each kid. This really gives you a good idea of what needs to be done and when. It also gives the kids a visual so they can swap out subjects, rearrange their day or cram a few extra things in on one day so another day can be more based around adventure.
I've mentioned that I've been able to come under some amazing homeschooling moms. They have all stressed the importance of organization for successful homeschooling. I couldn't agree more. It gave me so much confidence before I even started, knowing what's expected of me and them. If you're looking for a tool to help with this, I recommend "The Planned Approach". This book was actually written by one of those helpful mothers I keep mentioning. :)

I've been pleased to learn that almost all of the curriculum I have chosen has fit our family and the boys' individual needs. The only one we are struggling with is Writing With Ease for Carter. It seems to be fine for Everett. The concept of narrating classic literature and dictating it has been difficult for him. He gets a bit frustrated with what's required for him to understand and remember...so we're heading a little more "Charlotte Mason" and using books and passages I choose, rather than what's provided in the work book. I'm hoping once he understands the concepts and gets in a rhythm with dictating, that it won't be so difficult for him (to be honest, the passages they provide for a third grader are even difficult for me to dictate).
Aside from that portion, the boys are loving school! I get a lot of hugs and words of affirmation from them both. Of course it's difficult being home all the time, so we usually make our way out once a day, exploring ponds, orchards, rivers, or doing PE with our friends.

I thought we would be wanting to finish school early so we have a free day, but truth is, it's kind of fun mixing it all up throughout the day. Plus, we've been using the babies' nap as a great time to focus and enjoy work... per Everett's words the other day, "It's like a different house when those rascals are sleeping!!".