Homeschool
We Did What? 01/24/2011
 
It is the end of a long Monday and I'm pooped!  I know that the kids and I got plenty of work done, but sometimes it seems like I ask myself, "What did we do today?"   So just a reminder for you and myself, let's go over the list...

1. We got up, had coffee and hugged the children.  Not necessarily in that order.

2. With our beds made (does throwing the pillows to the head of the bed count?), we were ready for our learning by 9am.  Well, most of us were.

3. Music, science, handwriting, Scholastic News, literature, and giggling about a silly joke was done by one child or the other.

4. Lunch break!  : )

5. Finish up our to do list.  Not much left, but crossing stuff off sure feels good.

6. End the day with kids doing taekwondo and me rushing to Trader Joe's with another list while they're in class.

7. Dinner, baths, bed, more hugs and kisses... lights out.

8. Oh my gosh... breathe!  Put our feet up, know that we had a full day and be thankful that we did what we did.  The kids are healthy, growing, and thriving.  Isn't that what it's all about?  Whatever your list looks like, you did it, you finished, what an accomplishment!   TM : )

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Holiday List 12/23/2010
 
At the end of today, I will close up shop (my computer) for the rest of the holiday and enjoy the sights and sounds of the hustle and bustle of one of the busiest times of the year. I have a Top 10 List of stuff that I want to remember, so I'll post it here in case I forget...

AskTracy's Top 10- Don't Forget to do List during the Holidays
  1. Laugh lots.
  2. Bake lots of cookies with the kids and not worry about the mess everywhere.
  3. Play board games and make up goofy rules like switching spots with your opponents every 3rd turn, that ought to drive the kids nuts!
  4. Sing Christmas Carols off key, on purpose, and extra loud!
  5. Be thankful that we have our health.
  6. Hug my children and then, hug them again.
  7. STOP TEACHING!  I know it's automatic when you're a homeschool Mom to always think about the next lesson, but just for a few days, let us just be... Mom.
  8. Breathe!
  9. Thank my husband for all his love and encouragement throughout the year while I was frantically worried that my children weren't learning enough  (It's just a myth that we homeschool Moms always think we don't do enough, thank goodness for husbands and family members that remind us of how much we do!).
  10. Thank YOU!  Without all your thoughtful comments and words of encouragement, I don't think I would have lasted as long as I have.  What a privilege that you come and visit me when you have a moment to escape your daily homeschool rituals. I guess I can check off #10 on my list!
Have a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2011!   AskTracy : )
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Inspiration comes in many forms.  I've listed a few that have made my day, or made me feel like I wanted to do the same for someone else.  Maybe it will inspire you to do, or to make you feel like teaching your kids that they can be the next big inspiration.
  • A simple, sincere Thank You.
  • A true apology from the heart.
  • The driver in the next lane letting you in front of him.  And he does it with a wave or a nod.
  • A stranger that gives you a compliment.
  • Letting the person with one or two items in the check out line go before you.
  • Holding the door open for those behind you.
  • Acknowledging the person holding the door open for you.
  • Helping that Mom with the stroller through the door (I'm stuck on the door thing!).
  • Doing for those that don't even know who you are.  
Try one of these today.  Be inspired to be kind.  When you are kind you are teaching your children to be kind.   TM : )
 
 

You know you are a homeschool Mom when...

  • you actually are smarter than a 5th grader.
  • your favorite question to ask your kids is, "Well, what do you think it means?"
  • you make grocery shopping a learning experience starting with the grocery list, it counts for handwriting & spelling!
  • you actually know more digits in pi than the normal 3.14 and you really do know how to use it.
  • And my favorite... When strangers comment, "What grade are your kids?  They're so smart!"    TM : )


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Lists 02/10/2010
 
Lists are good.  They tell me what to do... pay bills, return library books, don't forget tape from Target.  What to buy... milk, bread, deli,... and some times it even tells me the top 10 reasons to___ (pick a subject and fill in the blank).  So I have decided to make a list of my own.  A top 5 list, because 5 is shorter than 10.  My list will be on the top 5 reasons why we continue to homeschool, starting with #5.
  
5. Pajamas- we get to stay in them longer than most families.
  
4. Morning Rush Hour- we have none! 
 
3. The library- Can we say, "Ghost Town"?  How nice is it to have every aisle at your disposal? 
 
2. Field Trips- I love field trips during the "off" season!  We're not off, we're right on!
 
#1 Genius Children!- What more can I say?

TM : )
3 Comments
 
 

AskTracy's definition of flexibility, freedom and togetherness...

Flexibility--Not just changing your schedule, but to be able to change up what you are teaching at that very moment. 
 
Freedom--To teach a subject that your children really enjoy and take as LONG as you want.  But also to take the time to explain something that needs to be understood.

Togetherness-- I don't think you need an explanation for this word.  We are fortunate to be able to have a close relationship with our children because we homeschool.  We get to be there first hand to hear their hopes and dreams and help guide them accordingly.  Lucky them, lucky us!   TM : )  
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