Arrgh! I just lost an entry that I had finished. It was a very cozy one about quilting and having the kids on my lap while I was typing, but then at the last second someone jostled around a bit too much and I pressed some combination of keys that made the whole window I was working in just disappear. And that was it. All gone. Shock, grief, disbelief, etc. Alright, a few minutes and hugs later, I'm over it. But I stared very forlornly at that screen for quite a while, willing it to reappear. It just feels so good to finish getting my thoughts down and ready to send out there to connect with anyone who reads this and so bad to lose that flow and connection. But I will keep writing anyway! Anyhow, I finished Lucy's quilt and I'll post pictures after she gets it over Thanksgiving. And here's something I hadn't written about, and therefore never lost: I feel for first year teachers, as I guess that's what I am in our little home school. So much anxiety and unsure-ness and trying to figure everything out and experimenting to see what works and adjusting and recreating approaches and schedules and wondering if it's going to be ok and insecurity and trying to get organized. And moments of peace and sureness are there, even though it's new. And seeing the kids flourish is very rewarding, suddenly realizing how much they've taken in while I wasn't really aware that they were learning is amazing and wonderful. I know it's only the first year once. Hey, maybe I'll even miss it when it's over. It is very much my time in that I am very invested in teaching so I can imagine looking back fondly on all this.
Posted by Bahiyyih at November 9, 2005 09:29 PMBahhiyih,
It definitely gets better and easier and much less anxious after the first year! My parents started homeschooling me in what would've been fourth grade for me and, apparently (I don't recall this part), all year I kept saying that I wanted to go back to school with my friends. HOWEVER, at the end of that first year my parents talked to me about reenrolling me at the Montessori School I had been going to before homeschooling and I said, "No. I want to keep homeschooling! I don't want to go back to school."
Homeschooling your girls is one of the most awesome gifts you will EVER bestow upon them (pretty close to things like life and unconditional love). Keep having fun with it. As you've seen already, the learning part comes naturally.
Heather
Posted by: Heather at November 10, 2005 10:35 AM