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Do you think General Patton would have been a great homeschool Dad?  Ah, we'll never know, but his words in this quote might ring true for many homeschoolers.   TM : )

"Don't tell people how to do things, tell them what to do and let them surprise you with their results." - George S. Patton

I have a hard time getting through Mondays, especially when summer is right around the corner.  My mind is like a fidgety 8 year old who's stuck in a boring classroom!  Thank goodness we're not stuck in a classroom otherwise I'd be labeled ADD real quick!  So I have to remind myself to keep homeschool fun, keep it light, and change the view every so often.  You know, like the way learning and teaching should always be!   TM : )

This says it all!   TM : )

I am so happy that I am able to make a positive difference in other families lives.  Those of you who know me outside of this website, know that I am very involved in the "underground" community known as homeschool.  I am passionate about informing families on their options when it comes to educating their children.  I believe that the more you know, the better, especially when it comes to your child's education.

Since I'm on a happy rambling streak, I would like to add to my happiness a "thank you" to the wonderful readers of AskTracy for keeping me on my toes.  Your emails and comments constantly keep me on top of things!  This quote is for you...   TM : )

Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind.  "Pooh!" he whispered.  "Yes, Piglet?"  "Nothing," said Piglet, taking Pooh's paw.  "I just wanted to be sure of you."  ~A.A. Milne

My oldest is 13 today!  He is smart, and smart, and did I mention that he's smart?  My children's birthdays are always a day of reflection for me.  I often wonder how my kids are doing and if I'm doing the right thing for them by homeschooling.  As I type those words down and I see them written in front of me, it seems so silly that I even have those thoughts.  Silly or not, as I reread what I just wrote, I AM doing the right thing homeschooling my children and so are you.  We can see it with each and every birthday, not just how much they've grown physically, but how much they've grown intellectually.  I guess there is no wondering when you can see growth with your own eyes.   TM : ) 

I hope today has been a wonderful day for you!  Testing is in our schedule for the rest of the week, so posts will be short.  But I know things are going just fine in your home.  Remember, deep breath!!!   TM : )

I like this quote.  Something to think about as you start your week.   TM : )

"Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change."
-Stephen Hawking

I hope you can read this (below), they remind me of a few kids I know!  Have a great weekend!   TM : )

P.S. This cartoon was found on the internet to make you smile.  It is not mine, I didn't draw it, I don't own it, so I need to give credit to the guy who created it.  I'm good like that!  : )  Fox Trot 

I think I have been living on the moon lately.  Is it that time of the year?  Why YES, yes it is.  This IS normal to feel a little whacky, do you know why?  Well, I'll explain and see if it makes sense to you too.

As I look back and reflect on my years as a homeschool Mom (I'll be starting my 9th year in the fall, can you believe it?  I can't imagine...), there are certain times of the year that throw me off.  The beginning of the school year, and the tail end (if we're talking about a dog, more like the hind legs) of the school year.
  
The beginning is most obvious.  It's new.  This year the beginning was a little scary for me as my oldest moved up from elementary to junior high or middle school or whatever your area calls the 7th grade.  I felt like a new homeschool Mom starting all over again!  And yes, the beginning was definitely out of sync for me as a homeschool Mom.  See?  You're not the only one!  : )

Make sense so far?  Next is the hind legs and that is where I am right now.
The closer I get towards the end of the year, around April (hey, that's now), I get antsy.  I am just like the kids!  I am not satisfied with spring break, I'm ready for summer vacation!  Am I supposed to feel this way?  There's still school work to be done, and it is so hard to focus right now and being a little out of whack is starting to feel normal.  But it IS normal because that is your inner voice telling you that you have been working hard right along with your kids and doing a great job this past year.  It's your own little alarm clock ringing and getting your attention, letting you know to get ready for summer, loosen up, have some fun, and yes... be a little whacky.   TM : )