Here we are, almost a full 3 weeks into homeschool year. We have already had so many things go on, that I wonder why it is called "Home" school for us, we never seem to be home. We spend our mornings and afternoons in full learning mode that by the time that school is over with for the day our brains are exhausted and hurt. I crave nap time after a full morning of math!! Being that yesterday was Labor day, we were able to take a needed break and just relax. We shut off the phone, and our brains and just enjoyed being together, fishing, swimming, building sand castles and laying in the lake. We found (at the suggestion of a great friend) this fantastic place nearby. It is only a short 45 min drive from our home and it's called "MoonShine Beach". I have lived here for many years, yet have never been there nor heard of it before. Yesterday as I sat in the lake, just relaxing (and getting very burned), I realized I wasn't stressing about the house, the car, the bills, the kids and our future, and I for sure was not stressing about what to have for dinner. There were moments when my thoughts drifted away from the day and I would begin to think about the many task for the next day but then I would correct myself and say we don't have a stress filled day ahead of us. We don't have to worry whether all the homework is done before piling it all back into our bags and cramming everything in them. I didn't have to worry whether I had packed their lunch and made sure all papers were signed and ready to go. I so enjoyed my day yesterday and can not wait to go back and rest some more.
It really was a much needed break from the first few weeks of school and all the adjustments that were made. Last week, I had moments when I felt like I was failing my son and keeping him hindered. I felt like I wasn't giving him all that I could give him or all that he needed. I had great moments of head in hands and wanting to give up. I had a good friend, who also homeschools, give me the best advice ever. She said that who better to teach your child then you. It is my job as his mother to teach him and that I am not failing him, but giving him more than I could even think up.
I know that someday's there will be doubt, but I do know deep down that this is the plan and the path that God has set for us. I am excited to teach him and see what happens next. I am exciting to take field trips to the zoo, pumpkin patch and apple orchard. I am excited to see what ideas he thinks up for science class and am very excited to see were his imagination goes with each new day.
It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge. Albert Einstein
