Speaking from the Heart

Mark doesn't like to waste time, when it comes to schoolwork. He wants to get it done as soon possible. For self-fish reason on my part or lack of time, I would help him reach that goal. As I was about to assist him in finding 5 misspelled words in his spelling assignment, a little voice told me that I should practice what I preach "Don't bail out my kids, everytime they call for help". If I help him now with the minor, will I be able to let go and allow him handle something major? It is better for him to learn from his mistakes today, rather than later.

When Katherine started playing Arthur's Computer Game at two, she didn't know what she was doing. She was imitating her brother. She moved the mouse around the screen to see what opened and who said what. When it came to spelling games, she randomly picked a box, until the right one matched the picture. It didn't seem like it was that long ago, but it has been 7 years. Time flies when you are a mom.

With some free time today, Katherine and I played Authur's Computer Game . I was in awe, as I watched her manuevered around the screen with ease. She has come a long way and I had something to do with it.

Mark had already learned how to read, by the time I home schooled him. Unlike Mark, I had to teach Katherine her ABC's, vowel and consonant sounds, blends, etc. Along the way, I even picked up some phonics rules that I didn't learn the first time around.

If I had to do it all over again, would I home school? My answer would be a definite "yes". Not only am I educating them, I am also preparing them for adulthood. I want them to know that Jeff and I will give them love and support. However, we will not bail them out everytime they are in trouble. They are responsible for the outcome of their lives; nothing comes easy; through prayers, God will guide them, but they must also work for it.

After being off for a month, it was hard to get started on Monday morning. Nevertheless, we managed to have a productive week.Our day begins at 8:00. Mark and Katherine have an hour for breakfast, make their beds, get dressed, and a little of television.

 Most of the mornings, Katherine spends her first half hour eating and watching T.V.; Mark spends the last half hour playing X-box. I noticed that once Mark gets X-box out of his system, he is more focused on school. We begin class at 9:00 sharp. While one is doing seatwork, I am working with the other. We usually finish by 12:00. If there is more work to be done, we resume class at 1:00.