We're into our second month of homeschooling! We did take one entire week off while vacationing in Breckenridge, but that is the beauty of homeschool, it's not a big deal. I am discovering a few things:
1. COVA is pretty chock full of learning. That's good and it's also a struggle for us. One reason I chose this option had to do with the fact that my kids were struggling in school. Not failing, just struggling, and I wasn't sure exactly how to help them best. It's great to have a free curriculum full of fun options for learning, but since we're trying to find and pick up some lost pieces of our puzzle, I've felt overwhelmed. I am calming down, and gaining confidence slowly, but it's A LOT of work.
2. I'm still trying to find the perfect balance. I'm trying to go easy on myself and recognize that while I am doing what is best for our family right now, it is still a hard adjustment for Caz, Xander and Sadie. Trying to figure out what exactly to do with them while I'm teaching has been a challenge. They pop in and out of our school day, and I'm trying not to feel guilty for the times they ask for me to read a book and I say "no". They're not unhappy, but our days are really different this year than they were last year. We've spent much more time at home and less time playing outside. That bothers me.
3. I have felt, over and over and over again, that this is the best thing. The entire summer, after our decision was made, was spent wondering "why"? Why do I feel that I need to do this? Why is this the best thing for us? (I felt strongly that it was the best thing, but I couldn't pinpoint all of the reasons why I felt that way). As school has progressed I have had daily confirmations that we are doing the right thing for Nicole and Heidi. We're changing their courses around, adapting to their needs. We're taking this away and adding that. Yesterday was another big decision in that area: Heidi's literature class was changed, as was Nicole's. Nicole is beginning the Barton Reading program and I literally laughed for joy when I realized this is what we've been searching for. We've asked for help, and what we've been given wasn't working. We've talked to pediatricians and eye doctors with little result. Yesterday I knew this was one of the reasons I felt led to choose COVA, as intense as it seems at times. We're picking up the pieces and putting it all together, and I feel so good about it!
4. At the end of a long day I wonder how in the world I was able to juggle everything. School, preschoolers, yw president, family responsibilities, household chores, extracurricular activities......I think to myself, "Wow, we accomplished SO MUCH today." I told Sean yesterday that I wasn't sure what I filled my time with last year. I am doing a lot, and it feels good. I need to tell myself these things, not to set myself up or boast, but to keep myself moving forward. I haven't felt this challenged in a long, long time and that means I need to cheer myself on.
5. My husband is incredible. Yesterday was a hard day for me, and as soon as he walked in the door I felt at peace. I felt like I could do it all, whereas 5 minutes prior I was questioning my abilities. He is supportive and eager to help me in this process. His very presence changed everything for me. I'm so blessed! Okay, so this wasn't a new discovery, it's something I've always known, that is why I married the man!
Now it's time for math. :)
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