Posted by Cindy on January 30, 2007
Three babies. You’d think I’d pretty much learned it all by now, wouldn’t you? On the contrary! I think I’ve learned more this time around, and believe it or not, what I’ve learned has nothing to do with babies.
I’ve learned that taking meals to people REALLY means something to them and IS AN IMPORTANT MINISTRY. It not only takes the load off of them when life is hectic (or sad, or rough), but lets them know that they are important to others and others really care for them.
I WILL NOT hesitate anymore to make a meal or take a treat to someone in need. Someone who’s lost a loved one, someone who’s just had a baby, someone who’s been in the hospital, someone who’s going through a trial. They need the nourishment both physically and emotionally. Their family needs it, too.
It’s easy to think that you don’t want to “bother” the family in need. It’s easy to think that they surely must have too many meals as it is. It’s easy to think that you just don’t have enough time to prepare a meal for yourself and someone else. All of those reasons are just excuses and I won’t be bothered with excuses any more!
I’m so thankful to have wonderful friends and family who have taught me such a valuable lesson!! Thank you! 
Posted by Cindy on
I can finally say it………..Life’s not so bad with a newborn.
Yes, he’s almost 6 weeks old and I’m just now getting out to Walmart again.
Yes, I have to fix supper in stages throughout the day and eat most meals holding him.
Yes, we’ve only just begun a few “school” activities again and those happen “when they happen”.
BUT, I’m sleeping again!! Anytime I get sleep, life is just easier to handle and doesn’t look quite so bleak. How am I getting sleep already? (If you are part of the baby sleep patrol, please read no further!) Well, it seems this little guy is very comfortable on his belly. I know, I know! How can I do such a thing? Well, I’ve finally decided I can either have 5-10 minutes to get something done before he wakes from a nap OR have 1-2 HOURS free during nap time. Which would you choose? Seriously, though, his reflux is much more calm when he’s on his belly. I keep a close eye on him during naps just to be sure.
At night…..SHHHH…..he’s sleeping with us!! Again, I know, I know! Do you realize how nice it is to sleep seven hours straight as compared to being up every hour or two, though?? With two other children in the house during the day (who AREN’T tired), I simply have to get my sleep. Since we started this arrangement, life is quickly getting back to normal. Or at least, normal with a newborn. Hey, I’m able to go to Walmart again – how much more normal can life get??
So, as each day goes on, I’m able to do a little more of the stuff I used to be able to do. I say that like it’s been years since I was able! 
But, as I think about getting back to the school routine, I wonder how much of that routine we’ll really jump back into. I’ve seen AMAZING learning going on over the past six weeks! Learning that I haven’t orchestrated. Learning that wasn’t in the name of “school”. But learning that has been so real and so relevant. Learning that has been led by my children themselves. Something you don’t always give them credit for being able to do!
What have they been doing? Creating blogs, cooking full meals from scratch, teaching each other lessons, doing their own science experiments, learning how to play new games on their own, making checklists for themselves, doing extra chores to help me out, making and taking treats to elderly neighbors……See what I mean. No math lessons for sure, but real learning none the less.
Homeschooling with a newborn isn’t so bad!
Posted by Cindy on January 21, 2007
We did it! Well, I guess you could say we (the four of us) AND two sets of grandparents did it!! Yes, it took eight people in all to finish this puzzle.
Now that we know the tricks to the puzzle, it will probably be easier the next time around.
It’s a wonderful puzzle for learning all the countries of the world and I would highly recommend it. Just be sure to place it on a table you won’t need for awhile (unless you have eight people available to work on it at one time!)
Posted by Cindy on
Wow! I took these pictures about a week ago when Eli was 3 weeks old. He has already turned from his side to his belly a couple of times and from his belly to his back a few times. This was going from belly to back.
Posted by Cindy on January 20, 2007
I came across a WONDERFUL site the other day that pulled my thoughts back in the direction that I feel God is leading us in our family and homeschool. It seems I start every school year with such good intentions, and then somehow my original vision gets crowded out by the “have to dos”. What are the “have to dos”?? Here are some examples:
-Have I filled in the little box on my lesson plans for every subject today?
-We need to be finished with the botany unit by Christmas because we MUST cover zoology this year, too.
-Will my daughter really be prepared for 5th grade math next year if we skip over a 4th grade Saxon lesson here and there?
You get the idea.
Overall, I believe myself to be a very relaxed homeschooler. I don’t mind skipping redundant lessons in a workbook. I don’t mind chucking a workbook for a more real-life approach. I don’t mind changing plans at a moment’s notice for a field trip or a friend in need. But, it never fails, every year about this time I find myself having to stop and get myself back on the right track. I don’t know how I slowly become a slave to the workbooks and my lesson plans as the fall semester goes on, but I sure do!
Let’s just say that the articles on this site have helped me to regain my focus. You will be blessed!
http://www.homeschooloasis.com/lol_main_pg.htm
