Tuesday, August 25, 2009

what works...what doesn't

We started school on Monday. I was wiped out by Monday night. This first week of school is always one of tweaking and figuring out what works and what doesn't. For example: leaving math until the end of the day doesn't work. Getting the dishwasher unloaded before lunchtime - does work. Here's some of things I've figured out:
Mckenzie practicing the piano while Maggie and I edit writing is a bad combination.
As soon as John Samuel and I sit down to do some reading, Molly will have to go outside.An early breakfast requires an early lunch...which in turn requires a mid afternoon snack. (school just makes you more hungry!)
I need to take a break and do something outside for just a couple of minutes during the day to recharge myself.
Logic is not something that comes naturally...to me.I will not handle everything right throughout the day, I'm better to just ask for forgiveness as soon as I realize I've blown it.
Ipods and reading history are not compatible.I'm sure I'll be learning as much as the kids do this year. I always do. So, what have you figured out today?

17 comments:

Stephanie said...

The only thing I figured out today is that the crochet pattern I'm working on from a magazine has many errors.

I'm sure you will all get back into the swing of things soon. :)

Sigrun said...

Happy back-to-school. Enjoyed the pictures. I love Lantana, the varied colors on one blossom cluster. Today I learned that when I bring home pipes that are sticking out of the truck box at eye level, I should look where I am going.

Larissa said...

wow, you're covering loads of subjects with three kiddos - you are sooo good! tell kenzie that her hands/fingers are gorgeous and look perfect for piano playing (or just for being gorgeous)! my kiddos have been eating all day long all summer (first breakfast is at 7am) so I have no idea how they'll make it through the school day. and I thought to you today when I took the dogs out at 3pm mainly to step out of the house and away from all the arguing - then I heard "where's mom?" lloks to me like you're doing a great job - your kiddos are so lucky to have you as their teacher!

today i figured out that if your son has a dentist appointment at 8am and you take all 3 kiddos with you then you can take them out to breakfast #2 at 9am, target at 10am, a walk in the park at 11am, trader joes at noon and be home with lots of yummy groceries and happy kiddos by 1:30 - of course by then i was too tired to do anything but clean and fold laundry! keep up the great work - i do not recall learning any logic until college!

mark said...

i figured out that leaving a nearly full pan of brownies at home with two growing boys = one measly row left for dad at the end of the day! i learned that a different color of nail polish on each finger looks wicked awesome! and i was reminded of the amazing people that God has filled my life with. those here with me now, and one's that i would drive to the ends of the earth, or maryland (whichever is farther) to see.

Christina said...

This week I'm learning that no matter what else I feel like I NEED to get done, I must nap when my sons are sleeping. At least for now, it's not an option. ; )

I never could do math at the end of the school day either. My brain was too tired to tackle it if I put it off. Your post made me miss my homeschooling days. They were good. I hope that everything soon smooths out into a good routine for you all.

cathleen said...

I've been figuring out that I am NEVER NOT going to be tired at the end of each day. Taking care of these grandgirlies wears me out. The only thing that makes it worth it, is the sweet little hugs and kisses I get from them. Words like, I love you, Mema, can totally recharge my batteries. Still...I am glad to see them go home at the end of the day. Seeing your daughter practicing piano makes me wish I could play better.

Heather said...

I think that it is great that the process brings about a lot of clarity about what works and what doesn't.

Today, the only thing that I figured out is that my serger and I may NEVER get along :)

kirsten said...

thanks for sharing - looks like you got off to a pretty good start. thanks so much for your encouragement - my day went surprisingly great!

i still haven't bought a logic book and we were supposed to start today. why are they so hard to find? what company/age level is that one?

Tracy said...

Back-to-school days... I'm sure these first days will be a lot of smoothing out to find your rhythm...Sounds like you've got a good start though. :o) Everything in moderation... I'm with you on the logic...I could so with some learning on that myself--logic, math, don't come easy to me! Your "what works...what doesn't" is what I'm working with at the moment as well. I find journaling/list-making a great tool for this. Love the citrusy joy of the lantans...what a lift! Happy Days to you all ((HUGS))

The WoodLand School said...

Thank you for sharing this post!

I have figured out that playing long, involved games just before bedtime makes the entire family antsy (ummm ... that is not a good thing).

I have figured out that math in the morning is productive.

I have figured out that when I knit while helping the kids do schoolwork improves my mood.

I have figured out that my house will never be tidy for longer than 5 minutes as long as we're all home.

Alison said...

Let sleeping toddlers lie- if they're sleeping, they need it!

a friend to knit with said...

oh, the back to school week.
totally does me in, too!!!
i love the routine... but the transition takes time....

i figured out that whatever i really wanted to do for myself while the kids were home slipped my mind once school started! :)

love the orange and pink nails mckenzie is sporting! :)

cinnamongirl93 said...

Back to school. It's always an adjustment. Make sure to pencil in some time for a little fun after school too.
I love your pictures as always!

Denise said...

It was back to school for us this week too. I'm figuring out that I like these quiet days ;-)

Ruth said...

We are still working out our schedules and what works and what doesn't here. It takes a couple of weeks to get into a routine.

I also know that I need a little outside break halfway through our morning. I love to go outside, hand the laundry, walk to the garden and just be alone for a little bit. It really helps.

Ruth

Tonya Gunn said...

That is why homeschooling is such a blessing. We can change our schedule and routines to fit the needs of our family. We have been easing back into learning and this week we should be going at nearly 100%.
Enjoy.

Journeying Five said...

That staying up late and trying to school in the morning is a bad combo...the girls were wonderful though and started before (yes BEFORE) i came down! i can make a true confession and still survive!