Homeschooling Update

So far so good. It has been better then I expected, harder then I was prepared for, and more rewarding then I could of imagined. There have been highs and almost as many lows in the last 5 months of school. Well probably more like 4 months if ya want to get technical. We take all holidays and every Friday off :) December was pretty hit and miss as well. If you were to ask McKenna if she was enjoying it her answer would most definitely reflect what we did that day. No pressure right! I want her to be learning and having some fun. That balance has been a constant struggle. There are some days we get both of those and some where only one learning or fun prevail. Here's a rundown....

BETTER THEN EXPECTED:
One of my biggest worries was making sure I didn't neglect the other girls while trying to do school with McKenna. I have found that I am more engaged as a Mom on every level. Seeing McKenna light up as she finishes another book, cheering for Brynlee as she learns how to write, and being there when Raigynn learns a new letter is so priceless.Before I began my one of my top priorities of the day was whether or not the house was clean. Of course that is important and it is still on my list just no longer holds top spot.There is so much more to motherhood then being a good housekeeper. We all are able to spend more quality time together. If McKenna is up at the counter doing something chances are Brynlee and Raigynn are right next to her.

HARDER THE I WAS PREPARED FOR:
In my reading prior to beginning this school year I was convinced that as long as I could inspire McKenna to want to learn we wouldn't run into too many issues. Well for starters..... it is HARD to inspire someone to want to learn when as in the case of myself I had taken a back seat to learning. Still working on this one. I wasn't prepared for her interests to change so often and for her to want to do and learn more then sometimes I am in the mood for. Last but not least being able to prioritize from what to teach to what needs to be done around the house. Unfortunately, blogging and laundry have rarely made it to the top ;)

MORE REWARDING THEN I COULD OF IMAGINED:
This morning is a prime example. McKenna practicing piano, Brynlee playing on the whiteboard, Raigynn coloring, and Holland enjoying her morning nap. Then about 10 minutes later seeing them gather to play. I just stood in my kitchen so grateful that everyone was home and engaged in something worthwhile. Granted every morning isn't like that but these small glimpses of serenity are wonderful.Being able to start each morning off right and focusing on those things that matter most has been fabulous. My testimony has grown and I have seen the girls grow and learn things I never thought they would be able to. We have learned from each other every step of this journey. Heres to the next few months.....