The last month of the year usually disappears like a runaway train and I'm left feeling like I missed out on savoring Christmas. We enter December on the heels of the Thanksgiving flurry of making and feasting and we're tired because it's cold and dark. And there are presents to buy and fun to plan and I still need to do school, make supper every night, and get the kids to work and orthodontist appointments. Trying to keep up makes my head spin. So I'm trying to build margin into our days so that each of us can truly anticipate the celebration of our Savior's birth. We're doing an Advent book, Cindy Rollins' Hallelujah, A Journey Through Advent with Handel's Messiah. While some of the kids don't exactly appreciate the music (I'm hoping they'll come to) the rest of us enjoy simply reading the daily scripture, singing the song of the week, and then listening to the day's portion of The Messiah. Honestly, it's a better fit for our family than some of the books we've tried that just get a little too touchy feely for this crowd.
I'm also trying to lower school expectations a bit for the next few weeks. We'll take two weeks off for Christmas but until then I don't want to overthink or over plan. We're cruising along with Math, Latin, History, and Writing. Peter and Kate work pretty much independently, just joining us for devotions each day and turning in Last weekend Pete and I headed to Michigan. The kids were happy to see us go as our friends, Brian and Rachel, and their daughter Hollis stayed here with them. We took our time driving back roads and enjoying the beautiful fall colors along the way. Our normal days are so loud that it's always nice when we get away to just enjoy quiet together. Then we have bursts of me talking Pete's ear off and then some more quiet. Thursday evening we were able to meet our friends Josh and Carrie for dinner. We used to spend weekends together every now and then back when we were first married and just had a few little people. Then life got busy and before we knew it, it had been five years since we've all been together! It was really fun to catch up and enjoy a friendship that was able to pick right back up again. Friday we enjoyed a slow morning, cooked breakfast at the cottage we stayed at, I did a lot of knitting, we both read. Then we drove to Grand Haven to go for a walk. After some more time just relaxing at the cottage we went to a winery to do a wine tasting and then out for dinner. Saturday was another slow morning. Then we drove into Grand Rapids for breakfast- well, brunch really. We spent a couple of hours browsing a used bookstore and a few other shops before heading back home. Arriving home we were shocked back into the normal level of noise and chaos and lovingly greeted (tackled by Silas) by the kids. It was wonderful to get away for a couple of days together and of course, wonderful to be back home. I have to admit though that I am having trouble with reentry into my usual routine. A few of the kids have been sick, I myself had a couple of days of not feeling great, and I haven't gotten on the treadmill all week! Hopefully I'll get my act together by Monday and we can be fully back to "normal."
I've been reading my old blog a little bit this evening and it makes me sad that I didn't keep up with it. It is just so full of sweetness with all the endearing stories and the pictures. Those were crazy days with my 5 young children but it was so so good. And it is so good to go back and read and remember the Lord's goodness and faithfulness. It's fun for the kids to see where we were and where we are now. And it's good for me, as a homeschooling mama who often feels like we aren't getting anywhere but just making messes everyday, to see that we've established rhythms and habits and really, a family culture, around God's Word, good books, and lots of time together. We've been doing "Morning Time" for years! I just didn't call it that so I didn't even realize it was a thing way back at the beginning of our homeschooling! Well, I enjoyed going back and seeing what the kids were doing for school in the early years so I'm going to take some time to list what everyone is doing this year. Peter (10th-ish) Saxon Algebra 1 Apologia Chemistry (at co-op) Technical Writing (at co-op) Tapestry of Grace Year 2 Honors History and Honors Literature (online) Worldview Vocal Lessons (other- volunteering = Cadet Junior Counselor, works at a bike shop, has discovered a love for cycling) Kate (10th-ish) Saxon Algebra 1 Apologia Chemistry (at co-op) Technical Writing (at co-op) Art (at co-op) Tapestry of Grace Year 2 Honors History and Literature Lite (online) Worldview Vocal Lessons Maddie (7th) Saxon Math 7/6 Apologia General Science (at co-op) Art (at co-op) Tapestry of Grace Year 2 History and Literature Latin for Children 1 Visits to Europe (by Simply Charlotte Mason ) Spelling Wisdom (by Simply Charlotte Mason) Fallacy Detective Writing and Rhetoric book 3 Teshome (6th) Saxon Math 7/6 Apologia Land Animals Science (with 2 other moms teaching to a group of boys) Tapestry of Grace Year 2 History and Literature Latin for Children 1 Visits to Europe (by Simply Charlotte Mason ) Spelling Wisdom (by Simply Charlotte Mason) Fallacy Detective Writing and Rhetoric book 3 Piano Lessons Ella (5th) and Charlotte (4th) Teaching Textbooks Math 5 Tapestry of Grace Year 2 History and Literature Latin for Children 1 Visits to Europe (by Simply Charlotte Mason ) Spelling Wisdom (by Simply Charlotte Mason) Cursive Practice Math Facts Practice Writing and Rhetoric book 2 Piano Lessons Silas (pre-K) Phonics Get Ready for the Code The Ology lots of puzzles, play and reading aloud He wants to do EVERYTHING the older kids are doing! Anneliese isn't officially a student. Well, who am I kidding? My kids are my students from birth! Right now we're trying to figure out if she really still doesn't know her colors or she's totally playing us. I'm pretty sure it's the latter. She definitely keeps us on our toes! In addition to the above "subjects," we have "Morning Time" most days. We gather around the table to work on our scripture memory passage of the quarter, sing the hymn of the quarter (this summer I planned a 4 year cycle of scripture and hymn memory and I plan to add poems soon), and pray. Then I read aloud another spiritually related book. So far this year, in light of the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, we've been reading Heroes of the Reformation by Richard Newton. When we're done I plan to read Children's Stories by JC Ryle. After that, the high schoolers are excused and we do an enrichment study per quarter. First quarter we studied the art of Jan Van Eyck. Second quarter we are studying Hamlet. Third quarter will be a study of Beethoven. Fourth quarter we plan to study the poetry of Tennyson. Our days are packed and tiring but I hope that truth, beauty, and goodness is infused in all that we do and these precious children leave our home equipped for all they will face in life and inspired to continue a life long habit of learning! here's a picture of the people who dressed up for the Reformation party at church last Friday night
I did something this morning that I rarely do. I slept in until 7 and then stayed in bed drinking coffee, knitting, and watching the news. I just felt like my body and my brain needed a slow morning. And it was really nice. But here I am, at nearly 5 pm, working on our school plans for next week which is something I typically do early on Saturdays. The kids were up late last night and Pete and Peter were out the door early today to attend a fund raising event so I thought sleeping in would be a good idea. The fact though that I'm "behind" now always makes me say I'm never sleeping in again, that it isn't worth it. I'm not sure. And I'm not sure why I get to frustrated with these things- everyone not turning in all their work, a couple someones not doing well on a Latin test, not great spelling by certain children, having a couple of kids still completing school work on a Saturday. Those things matter. But how much do they really matter? They're small in the grand scheme of time and space, right? I mean when you start thinking about how big the world is, the suffering that's taking place, how God's Word should be the most important thing, the soul, you realize how small we are and can't help but ask how much those "little" problems should frustrate me. Still, I am trying to raise responsible, conscientious people who are firm in their convictions, have a heart for the Lord and for others and so I have to hold them accountable to finish what they're supposed to, right? There is no room for laziness in parenting and that's hard. If I'm lazy, my children suffer and follow that example. Does that mean I can't ever "sleep in?" I don't know. Maybe not for the next 16 ish years.
I can't even tell you how many times I've imagined blog posts in my head or even begun typing them and then never finishing. And now I see that it's been nearly 11 months since I posted. This year has just been so full and busy and there is never a dull moment. And so time to reflect and ponder and actually write anything that makes sense gets put after sleep and so, never happens. What stops me from blogging if it's actually something I think about somewhat regularly? One thing, I think, is the pressure. There's no shortage of beautiful, inspiring blogs out there with designer layouts and lovely photos. But when I let that stop me I'm forgetting who I've always done this for. It's for my family. Because they love to look back and read the things I've written over the years, being reminded of the sweet chaos of this big family. Then there's truly the fact that I'm just busy. Within a 10 minute period I'm changing a diaper, switching out laundry, answering 17 billion questions, reminding someone to finish their chores, and running out the door for more groceries or to run someone to work or a practice. We're hopping over here. And most nights we have a couple of kids up later than us so there's no quiet time to reflect and write in the evening. I need to figure all this out. I've thought about having "office hours" like I did when Anneliese was a baby and Silas still napped. That would be when I could write. But somehow, so far, the time that could be used for office hours has become a trip to the grocery store for more food.
It's Friday. That means it's the end of the school week and I'm tired. We have a Reformation Party at church which is a great thing and the kids are looking forward to it. But at this point I really just feel like staying home in warm pj's with a glass of wine and a meal I didn't cook. Oh well. Since I've been writing this 4 people have knocked on my door 3 times. Should I just give up yet? Before I give up all together, I just want to say that I wouldn't trade this ridiculously demanding job of being the homeschooling mama to 8 kids for anything in the world. It's intensely frustrating often and completely exhausting. But also rewarding like nothing else I could imagine. And sanctifying. I think that's the greatest gift of the whole thing. The "thing" being my calling. The Lord is teaching me so much by putting me with a bunch of people. I was never good at having roommates. I remember how relieved I felt when Pete and I got married and I realized I'd never have to live in a house with a bunch of girls again. I am cracking up right now. Because as I write, some of that bunch of girls has knocked THREE more times and one has screamed bloody murder in the hallway. So I live in a house full of girls again! They are wonderful helpers and make my life easier in so many ways. But also? They unarrange things in the kitchen, don't always get the dishes clean when they wash them, and at the moment my living room is "decorated" with a random assortment of socks, books, game and puzzle pieces, a couple sweatshirts, probably a hairbrush, and other evidences of people not always putting their things away. Of course, we can't blame only the girls for these offenses. And some are worse than others. I think what it comes down to is people are messy. We all are. And the more people, the more messy. So I'm learning, very slowly, to love in the midst of the mess. To see the people emerging from those chubby little toddlers I had as really interesting and fun people- even if they do say weird things and have quirky habits. Because we all do, right? Well, I'm going to go finish making some food for tonight and love my people. Maybe I'll be back in less than eleven months. It sounds like there is a whole CROWD of people hanging out right outside my door so I should probably investigate anyway. 2016 was not an easy year. At the beginning of the year we struggled with determining if the Lord was leading us to make some pretty big changes. We prayed and asked Him to guide us. And as He does, He made the way before us quite clear and we ended the year feeling much more settled in where He has us. It has also been my hardest school year so far. I've never really doubted whether God was calling us to homeschool, but the summer brought uncertainty in that area that required me to really evaluate whether or not this was what we should be doing. He gave us sure confirmation that this is still what is best for our family, in spite of the fact that we may possibly have a child who isn't so sure he/she wants to be homeschooled anymore. When it comes down to it, we love this life. It isn't easy. I have felt overwhelmed much of the time, homeschooling 9th, 8th, 6th, 5th, 4th, 3rd grades AND trying to care for and spend time with a preschooler and toddler. Oh- and there's a home to maintain and meals for 10 each day to make or manage. Still, we love it! We love to be able to closely direct the children's learning, watch their relationships with eachother and us grow, talk with them about so many different things, and basically just do life together each day! We love reading together, having tea and poetry on Tuesdays, watching the older ones care for the little ones, not forcing them to fit into a box, take time off when the rest of the world is in school. And most of all, this life allows us to make Love for the Lord the ultimate curriculum. That is THE most important thing we want our children to leave our home with. I love this Charles Spurgeon quote, "Alas, if our children lose the crown of life, it will be small consolation that they have won laurels of literature or art." Early in the year brought a diagnosis of cancer to two people we love. One, Oma's, ended in October with her leaving this life to enter into eternal rest with her Savior. We said good-bye, so sad that our days of making memories with her are over. Yet, so happy for her that she was relieved from her pain and suffering. It was a great encouragement to our souls to watch her die peacefully, enjoying time with her loved ones, proclaiming God's faithfulness to her and telling of His goodness until her last day. The other loved one with cancer is undergoing treatments and we pray daily that she will come out of this stronger than ever. With each passing year, the luster of the world grows more faint. We see the pain and suffering of those we love, whether it be cancer, marriage troubles, wayward children, or even just the smaller struggles of the everyday, and we long more deeply for heaven. We long more deeply and passionately to be with our Heavenly Father. And yet we know that as long as we have life, we have work to do! We begin a new year thankful again for the ways that the Lord has carried us through 2016. Our hearts do not need to fear the future because He has gone before us, as we were reminded of in church this morning. And so, we welcome 2017, excited to see what God will do with each of us individually and as a family. here are some pictures from November and December, 2016 ....who finds all the toilet paper roll "craft" ideas totally gross. since it's christmastime, i'm seeing all sorts of ways on pinterest for making "inexpensive" gift boxes or decorative crafts. out of toilet paper rolls. and where do those rolls come from? someone's bathroom. no thanks. i'm all about diy thrifty ideas. but i draw the line very far from using anything that has been near the toilet to make a box for your Christmas treats. your welcome.
It's Friday morning and I'm sitting in my closet/office knitting and watching Julie Bravewriter on Facebook talking about optimism and hope in your homeschool. I'm enjoying the quiet. But I'm also worried about the quiet. At this time of day I should be hearing the boisterous bustling about of 8 children having breakfast and doing chores. But it's nearly silent from where I sit. I'm guessing that means the older boys are still sleeping and the girls and Silas all raced through eating to head down to the basement to play, chores undone. Because we cleaned the basement this week and somehow that always inspires them to make a new mess. They are very creative, which is wonderful, but a mouse found running around down there this week (I don't really want to talk about that) forced us to pick up, reorganize, and clean. So I'll talk about it a little- a house is being built next door which I'm sure has disturbed the mice from their homes in that field so they're searching for new homes. We've had 2 in the past week and I'd just like to pretend it's not reality. Anyway, back to the quiet. I need to be done knitting this fun, bright, cheerful hat for Ella now and get everybody motivated for chores and some school work. This afternoon we're decorating cookies with friends. And there's snow in the forecast for the weekend so hopefully I'll get to spend lots of time inside with yarn and a hot drink!
"Play, vigorous healthful play, is, in its turn, fully as important as lessons, as regards both bodily health and brain-power." -Charlotte Mason
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December 2017
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