My public school kids start back on the 15th. Until then I am watching 2 of their friends during the days. Hey, they would be here anyway, might as well get some cash for it, right?

The whole first half of this school year might as well ahve not been. I'm looking at what we've accomplished - and I feel like I have nothing for a portfolio. I haven't been very good this school year about getting things accomplished. Really... even for me being as relaxed as I am most of the time, it bothers me how lax I have been. I couldn't admit that to anyone else - but here. I haven't read to the kids. I haven't been working through Winterpromise like I was so excited about. I haven't done the things I wanted to do with them, and I feel like a failure because of it.

Lauren is starting to read. She's getting words that end in 'e' now, and doing fine. She can add simple numbers and subtract. I'm really hoping she will be ok in first grade. I think she will... but I have a lot of apprehensions. I know she would be bored out of her mind in Kindergarten, though. Adam has always done well, and he finished up his Beta book from MUS. He's also reading well. But writing - not handwriting, WRITING... oye. He will be in second grade. Those two will be starting at the public school on the 15th, and I think they will actually get a lot out of it.

Nathan... he is going to still be home with me. I'm glad. I love spending time with him. He usually does whatever I ask him to do without a problem, but the last few months he's been being pretty defiant. He doesn't enjoy doing his math work like he used to. All he wants to do is play video games. He has been refusing to read. His spelling is atrocious (did I spell that right? lol).

I am hoping that with it just being Nathan, that I can help him get back that love of learning. He said he wants to learn about space and atronomy, and I have Winterpromise Sea and Sky and also Apologia's Astronomy book to use as guides. I have a ton of resources for him - including some crafty things, which he loves.

I have been so overwhlelmed with our last move and dh leaving. It feels like he's been gone forever, and it feels like the wait for him to be home is neverending, too. He left in August for 8 weeks - was home for a few weeks, then left in early December for 15 months. I miss him so much, and I am trying to keep up with life, but I really really miss him. I want to lay in bed all day - but I can't and don't.

Sometimes I think that homeschooling all of the kids would be the best choice for us, but then I have this other saide that is soooo excited to have some peace and quiet and have one thing taken off of my plate. I haven't been doing a very good job of homeschooling anyway this year.

We had such a good homeschooling year last year, that this year is such a stark contrast. I had high hopes of all of us going to the beach and reading books, playing in the sand, learning to surf. But the reality is that all of my kids are fighting at every opportunity. I am worn out beyond belief. And reading at the beach... ummm... forget that with kids! lol But there is so much here to do and see and learn about. Ideally, it would work... but it hasn't been working.

I told you it was bloggy.

:hug:

[QUOTE=3boysnagrl;2792299
I have been so overwhlelmed with our last move and dh leaving. It feels like he's been gone forever, and it feels like the wait for him to be home is neverending, too. He left in August for 8 weeks - was home for a few weeks, then left in early December for 15 months. I miss him so much, and I am trying to keep up with life, but I really really miss him. I want to lay in bed all day - but I can't and don't.

[/QUOTE]

Be easy on yourself!! My one friend moved and she didn't start homechooling until months later. Her DH was around, though, to help out with housework and meals.

I am sorry you miss your DH. :eyes:

I'm sure your kids are learning. Kids also can catch up quickly too, if you're thinking that they're behind on learning. I'm sure they are just where they are supposed to be!:hug:

I agree be easy on yourself. I haven't accomplished as much this year so far as I would have liked but I know it will come around. Your kids are doing well and it is stressful for them and for you. I bet once the others are in school, Nathan will settle in and enjoy the work you have for him. Plus now that the holidays are over, you will all be able to get into a new routine.

:hug: Another be nice to yourself. :hug:

I have never been able to relax (officially) about HSing. But the more I think about it, the more I wonder what of this the children really need. And it is not much. I will post more if I think of something useful.

Thanks, guys.

And reading what you highlighteed, Amy, really made me think twice. I have NOT been gentle on myself. I expect so much of myself, but give other people breaks. I need to give myself a break and not be so demanding.

Thing is... we've been here almost 8 months. That is as long as I lived at our last place, and I don't feel as settled here as I did there. Don't get me wrong, Hawaii certainly feels like home... just I haven't gotten settled in, kwim? Our neighbors aren't nearly as cohesive.

So... it feels like we've been here plenty long enough - but when I read what I wrote, I can see that it's just soooo much and I do need to be gentle with myself.

So, I am going to try. My 3 that are going to school are going to enjoy it, I know. Adam and Lauren are so looking forward to going to school. Austin is anxious to get back to his class and his friends. I am really enxious to have some peace and quiet. Nathan is getting excited to have some quiet and some time to learn about what he wants to learn about - Astronomy. So... that is what we are going to do.