School 2016-2017 and Little List for Encouragement.

And so it begins!  School August 1, 2016!   So not ready for this but obviously the kids were ready.  They got down there on Monday morning raring to go.  I had to dig through the boxes and the equipment and organize and set up.  And the whole time, I was doing that in my head too.  So this morning found us finally getting more in rhythm.  Bible memorization for the year picked out and started.  Schedule made up and posted.  A few more misc items purchased and ordered.  

He brings me his books and demands I tell him what to do.  So this morning after hanging out wash I was giving his Bible lesson on the deck. 

And we finally made it down to the desks to study.  

Did you ever notice with the pictures I take of her how they are usually a blur like this.  She won't sit still!

Basement school room. 

Pens and pencils and ect organized for the moment.  Just had to take a picture. 

He's so eager to learn.  If I can just keep him in that attitude! 

Enjoying his own space and world.  I love this. 

Teacher books and keys .....

He has no idea how spoiled he is.  Studying with his favorite blanket....

 And so begins another year.

      Something that's been going in my head.  All you mothers that talk about being so busy and how hard it is to parent and ect.  I agree.  I understand.  But I want to say something for the mothers who don't get to send their kids off to school.    You are doing a constant 24/7 job.  There are no vacations for you.  And that is big.  So when your friends all talk about what they got done in a day and how they were able to zone in on their projects and how they went shopping for groceries with just the baby and how they went to a ladies bible study or whatever,  I just want you to know it's legal to feel like crying.  Especially, when you've missed one more fun thing because of your choice to home school.  

     But,  you're doing a good thing.  You're investing in their lives and you know what's going into their heads and hearts.  And you get to hear and see how their character is developing.  Yes, and that's part of what's so scary about this whole business too.  And it's so super exhausting. 

      I just want to write all this down because I know how it all goes on and on and on unnoticed sometimes.  And it feels so lonely and hard.  And it really helps for someone to notice and say a word of encouragement.  So I'm noticing you all.  Because I'm shoving on....and I get tired and lonely too.  And scared. And I want you to be able to go on and not get too weary.  And hey, lets hang out sometime!  Ha!  Oh wait.  I home school.  I'm just here plugging along.  

   But here's a list of ideas for when the going gets too much:

~Breathe

~Pray....the on your face before God kind.

~Open your bible App and read.  God always comes through with a needed truth.

~Remember your worth isn't in your perfection or performance or your outings with friends but in your relationship with God.

~Go outside.....and pick flowers or listen for the birds....or take a walk.....just get 15 minutes if you can.

~Be interested in the other person.

~Find a good book to grow your brain with.

~Do something spontaneous....do a quick run to DQ or something with the whole tribe.

~Do a quit clean up of the whole living area and light a candle.

~Smile and play Pollyanna for a little bit. 

~Call your mom or most trusted cry on your shoulder person. And cry.

~Soak your feet while the kids are running everywhere.  Last time Jeanie got into the spirit of it and washed my feet. 

~Turn off the negative and only think on the good.  Phil. 4 :8 

And I'm off.  God bless.  

~