Gentle Start (or Re-Start!)

I had posted an earlier thread about “re-starting” after being in survival mode for 3+ years due to several family crises. Just wanted to share that we took a break over Christmas and just got started again this week. I took the advice in “Making the Transition” and decided to make our Bible time most important, but also to set the timer so I didn’t go over! I allowed myself 10 extra minutes, but then I had to wrap it up quickly. We did pretty well! Then my second goal was a more in depth time of studying “Godly Womanhood” with my oldest 4 (ages 21, 19, 16, 14). After that, I took 10 minutes or so to read to my little girls (ages 10, 8, 6)–Monday it was from American History for Little Folks, Wednesday from a library book about Tchaikovsky (Getting to Know the World’s Greatest Composers), and today from Mary’s Meadow–oh, how I LOVE that one! And although the “narrations” are still me asking a lot of questions, for only three days’ worth, they’ve gotten better about it! They’ve gone from being “embarrassed” to accepting it and trying to answer if I give enough information about what I’m wanting! (Lots of hints at this point, but we’re just getting started!)

I didn’t get to work with them on their phonics, and a few of the littles didn’t get much math in, but my main goals have been accomplished so far. Tomorrow is what I call “Family Fun Friday”, and I decided *no matter what* kind of week we have, we’re not going to “make it up” on Fridays! I’m planning on getting some more of the Ruby Doll kits and do them all together on Fridays (3 yods will be happy to just play with his farm set! 🙂 ) I might go ahead and play a phonics game with them since that would qualify as a “fun” thing! 😉

I have been a bit discouraged that I didn’t get at least their phonics in, but really, when I think about it, it was a good start. Next week we start music lessons (giving and taking), so it will make things a bit more challenging! I already decided I am not going to try to do phonics until Wednesday! (The older girls leave for lessons, but the littles and I can stay home and learn!) I ordered some books on Mary Cassatt through interlibrary loan, so that will be the next “extra” I add, probably in a few weeks.

Anyway, hope this doesn’t bore anyone! I’m happy to have met my main goals, and if that’s all I get done next week, too, that will still be an accomplishment!

Thanks for listening!

Trisch