March 18, 2009
Are you running to seed?
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Welcome to the March edition of A Living Education E-zine!
Recently I have again been convicted about making sure that we make the time to create special family memories. I have also bee looking for ways to recharge with my family instead of needing time alone.
In our home, where both parents are at home 24/7, you would think that we would not need to set aside special family times as we are always together. But it is amazing how that time fills up and you start taking being together for granted.
Charlotte Mason
Charlotte Mason has a wonderful way with words and her quote further on sums up one way that we have tried to slow the pace of our lives and make time for uninterrupted family time. Every Friday night since the beginning of the year we have been picnicking at a choice of outdoor venues for our late summer suppers.
Sometimes we invite close family friends, other times we just enjoy being on our own. Sometimes it is at a small private beach, other times at a wonderful dam where we have a long swim first, other times it has been in the forest.
Making Friday another day of the weekend (not the end of a work/school week) has been making a huge difference to our “head-space”. I like to keep the venue a secret until the last minute for some extra fun.
Family Relationships
Learning to be together as a family is an important part of life. Being together as families can have the effect of sandpaper on wood as events and circumstances in the sibling relationships smooth us and hone us as people.
It is not always a great prospect – who would readily choose the pain involved in having their heart constantly exposed? But it is in the family that we learn how to handle irritation, disappointment, respect, politeness, kindness…and well, basically, the Fruit of the Spirit.
Knowing this does not give us free right to let it “all hang out” all the time. The home, and the relationships in the home, need to take proper priority (not just be paid lip service) and we need to learn to respond to one another – and teach our children to respond to one another – with kindness, gentleness and love.
Slowing the pace of our lives, saying no to some play dates, setting aside family time (not just once a week or month) are all ways to start building the relationships within the home.
I have said to my children more than once when discussing the limits on outside friendships, that these relationships – the ones within the home – if they are cherished and nurtured are the ones that will be with them for life. The ones outside the home, well, those friends will grow up, get married and possibly move away...so be sure to place the time and affection where it should be.
Organizational Tips
I love to plan…I love to know where my weeks and days are going. This does not mean that I cannot change midstream – if I couldn’t do that I would be setting myself and my family up for failure.
One of the things I do, also as a way to make sure that I can get through all the tasks before me, is to label my days. My days look something like this:
Monday – Library, post office, errands day
Tuesday – Admin, pay accounts day or bike ride with children
Wednesday – Children's sport and friends day
Thursday – Children's team swimming day and my day at the gym
Friday – Groceries and evening picnic
Saturday – Early morning bike ride with children or organic markets & house Church
Sunday – No drive day, veggie gardening, website work
This simplifies my life tremendously and prevents me always forgetting things or at least trying to remember what needs to be done. I mentioned "Rainlendar" in a previous ezine which I now use to keep track of what needs to happen on which day.
Perhaps you could just use a diary for your daily to do’s that you can write up as you need to if that works better for you.
Your marriage
My husband and I recently celebrated our 18th wedding anniversary. As tradition dictates we ate at our favorite local Bistro. But this year we arrived in style – well...at least he thought so!
As he works from home, we have no need of a second car and he bought himself a little scooter to get around on when he has to nip out for something or meet a client for a lunch.
He thought it would be fun if we went up on the scooter...so why not? As we went around the corners, he would say “Lean with me, Wendy.” These words have stuck with me for the last month since the event.
When we reach a possibly discordant point in a discussion, I ask myself, is this an opportunity to “lean with him” or do I need to keep going in my direction.
Just some food for thought!
Quote
“For we are an overwrought generation, running to nerves as a cabbage runs to seed; and every hour spent in the open is a clear gain, tending to the increase of brain power and bodily vigour, and to the lengthening of life itself. They who know what it is to have fevered skin and throbbing brain deliciously soothed by the cool touch of the air are inclined to make a new rule of life. Never be within doors when you can rightly be without.” Charlotte Mason Home Education Pg 42.
Book Reviews
I was asked by a dear friend and mentor to review her first ebook which is now available from her website.
Linda is a veteran homeschooling mom who uses a whole book approach to her children’s academic portion of homeschooling.
Her first ebook is a mammoth booklist with reviews and sample dialogues to have with your children as you work your way through some of the best literature on different time periods.
So if you are wanting to have a wonderful whole book approach to study the American Revolution, then look no further than Linda’s American Revolution
Sitesell Spring Special
I know that everyone is finding this time in the world economy tough so I do feel the need to mention yet again how Sitesell can help you moms at home earn an income with your hobbies, particular knowledge or passion.
Sitesell has its Spring Special on at the moment which is a fabulous opportunity to buy two sites for $399 or split the cost with a friend. This means that you pay $200 for a site instead of $299.
Please feel free to contact me with any queries on the Sitesell product, I am more than happy to dialogue with you and help you clear up any indecision.
Having a Sitesell website has helped me earn a very welcome "salary" which we have ploughed into our mortgage, bringing very welcome relief to our budget in this time of a world wide overburdened economy.
Don’t delay, contact me today!
Take care until next time,
God’s richest blessings to you as you homeschool,
Wendy
PS Please pay it forward by sending this E-zine on to other homeschooling moms who will benefit from my thoughts. If you received this from a friend, sign up here