Hi everyone. It’s been a few weeks since I’ve spent a good chunk of time on my blog and visiting blogger friend’s sites. Life has been leaving me in its dust as I feel up to my neck with homeschooling and caretaking.

Another reason for my inactivity is sharing my computer with Ellis; she’s been using it more for her Zoom classes, math lessons, and playing games. Conclusion: get an extra computer. Chris and I thought Ellis could share with me, but her uses take precedence. She is growing up. Too fast. Although for her, she may think one day feels like a year. I’d like to feel that way too.

Every morning I sigh thinking of how many meals I’ll need to make, motivating kids (or in real life, explaining that I’m not trying to make their life miserable by asking them to do lessons), quelling disagreements, caring for kid’s needs, squeezing in precious time for my nap or sanity breaks, and going to doctor’s appointments for my ongoing hip pain and Ellis’ many check-up visits.

Beginning of the year usually makes homeschooling stressful. It’s midyear and time to plough through the rest of the school year well and meeting our learning goals. Life gets in the way and learning takes time. Being the main teacher places urgency and pressure on me. I’m my own boss and worst critic. Kids have biased feedback about me as a teacher depending on their moods and much they can have their way.

I wanted to let you know that I’m not ignoring the blogging sphere; it should get better later this month.

I’ve been trying to be more understanding that kids have stresses too that are their own. These instances remind me that I need the holy spirit to keep me on track. I need wisdom and direction to navigate the day well. (Side note: I failed miserably one week ago when kids kept pushing my buttons and questioning every thing I did). I’ve never heard the deafening silence in our home when I wanted to prove a point to the kids that I’m serious about them doing their daily lessons. I got so upset that I dumped school supplies into the trash. Not proud of what I did and cried for handling the situation rashly.

I’m already dreading the tween years. Some friends are raising tweens and they have stories of kid’s mood swings, testing boundaries, arguments, and self identity crises for both teen/s and parent/s. I empathize with parents and caregivers who have navigated the tangled world of raising children and helping them to learn how to use their wings well and safely.

Thanks for reading my random ramblings! Wishing everyone a good Thursday.