Hello!
(For some reason my first introduction didn't post correctly, so here's another go.:-) ) I've been a lurker here for several years and thought it was time I introduced myself. I'm a homeschool graduate now homeschooling my own 8 children - 4 boys and 4 girls - ages 11- 6 months. I've studied and loved Charlotte Mason's wonderful and wise ideas since my oldest was 4 or 5. (I've written a bit more about that here: http://www.noblewomanhood.com/2011/biblical-homeschooling-the-trivium-and-charlotte-mason-3/)
Implementing them has been a bit more of a challenge as I've struggled with severe adrenal fatigue over the past five years and all my lovely homeschool plans were laid aside as survival mode took precedence. (I wrote a bit more on that last year as well: http://www.noblewomanhood.com/2011/when-thou-liest-down/) We've definitely had to focus more on lots of real life learning with academics squeezed in here and there whenever we could fit them. (The Lord has been so faithful as He has taught us some much needed lessons that weren't in MY original plans. :-)) I've been shocked (and so thankful) at all the children have managed to learn and absorb in spite of lacking more disciplined studies. (We have majored in Nature Study and lots of Outside Time ;-))
I'm deep in school planning again though (The SCM Organizer is PERFECT for our family) as my health, though still a challenge, has been at a manageable level this year and I'm hoping and praying that we will be able to focus more on academics (CM style :-)) for awhile and less on simply surviving.
I've enjoyed many of your conversations on these forums, have learned a lot from you all and hope to learn more.
God bless,
Jen
