The Homeschool Mother's Journal

In my life this week...

My focus has been to get rid of the clutter.  I've tried to shut everything else out so I wouldn't be distracted from reaching my goal of removing 50 items from my home every day.

Parting with stuff is easier than I thought, but pulling myself away from the computer to reach my goals every day can be a problem.  While we were moving I didn't have the computer for almost a week.  I missed my bloggy friends.

I've had to set a timer when I log on, and you would be amazed at how intimidating the ticking is.  (Now I know how my son feels when we set the timer for him to get his lessons done.)  I actually had sweat break out on my upper lip, heart palpitations, and butterflies in my stomach.  Setting the timer will have to be part of my new routine.

In our homeschool this week…

I've started to work a little on my son's course of study for the new year.  The hard part of deciding what books and resources to use is over, but now I need to speed up my effort on setting things up for daily lesson plans.  There are boxes still surrounding his desk, and they will need to be removed this weekend if we are going to be ready on time.

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…

I've been taking my own advice here.

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…

We've been getting to know our new neighbors this week.  Some are old friends we're just catching up, and some are new, young couples with cute babies to get to know.

Our complex is set up with the parking in between two separate sections.  When we first moved here in 2007 we lived in the section we just moved back to.  We waited two years for a three bedroom to open up on the other side, and when we finally got one the best feature was the pool right outside our front door.  Now, my son and I are back where we started.

Thankfully, it's been an easy adjustment, and we don't miss our friends from the other side thanks to daily visits to the pool.  Being able to stay here has also been a comfort since we are still less than 5 min. away from my mother.

I’m reading…

You may find this completely absurd, but I'm reading Atlas of the Medieval World.  I picked it up at a yard sale, and immediately fell in love with all the photos and maps.  I was also pleased with shorter text pieces.  Obviously, I'm hoping to use this as a resource in our homeschool.

I’m cooking…

I'm bored, frustrated, and I need help making a meal plan for my son and I.  It was so much simpler when we had my mother here because of the sugar and salt restrictions in her diet, now all I have is a picky eater who won't eat anything healthy.  (Ok, he will eat lettuce, fruit, and occasionally carrots and green beans.)  But, if it's not full of preservatives and basically junk food he won't eat it.

I have to go to the grocery store this weekend, and I have no idea what to get.  HELP!!!

I’m grateful for…

My bloggy friends.  You inspire me, and keep me going.

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." - Romans 12:12

Hope, patience, and faith in God will give you the peace and joy you need. ♥

The more you speak God's Word, the more His goodness fills your heart and the more real His promises become in your life.

What promises are you speaking in your life today?