This morning Deacon was up at 5am which felt like 4am because just a day ago, it was! Today just happened to be the day I really needed to go to the grocery store, too. Thankfully, the older boys cooperated in the procurement of the groceries. I may or may not have bribed them with gum...
It got me thinking though: am I really prepared to homeschool during a deployment? I can do deployments and extended separations and I can do homeschool...but, can I do them at the same time? We take school slow. Turner is eager to do "school work" but with two other children under the I-can-sit-for-10-minutes-stage, it's tough to get as in depth as he wants to. Some days Turner will ask me the craziest questions and I want to sit down with him to explain something but it's just not possible.
He just started reading and blew through all of his BOB books that I was saving for his Easter basket. He wants to read for hours on end, but I just can't sit with him for that long. I do a lot with him during nap time for the younger two, but, sometimes I rely on John to have a conversation with Turner at night while I clean up from the day.
I am not feeling anxious about the deployment. We've been there, done that, and have the t-shirt. I'm really starting to fear (not) getting it all done. I've gotten used to living in a state of disarray and I'm finally ok with a dirty floor. I'm just worried, that, at the end of the day or school year, Turner will be fulfilled. I know, in my heart, that his cup will be full because staying home is right for him.
I've been simplifying life so I can focus on being there for the boys as they need me. I signed off of Facebook and I've been leaving my phone and laptop in my room during the day so I'm not tempted to respond to a text or just check Pinterest. I've started to make the same meals during the week (i.e. Monday: roasted chicken and veggies, Friday: Pizza, Sunday: spaghetti and meatballs). I think these few changes will help me stay on my toes in regards to the house and general "cleanliness" of things. A house of boys and a new sand box out back does not lend it self to cleanliness! My thought for streamlining the day was that we could do more with school activities. There isn't too much more "work" I'd add to the day, but, rather, games and other fun things.
In the end, I know it will all work out. With just days until Daddy leaves, I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed at the thought of everything, though. I always end up surprising myself at the strength I can summon while single parenting but it doesn't shake the doubt I feel in the beginning!
I love all the pics. What adorable boys. Your school room set-up is great! How old is Deacon now? What sorts of actiities does he do? What year does Eli start Kinder? Ariah starts in august 2013...at home, of course. But she loves doing her "work".
ReplyDeleteDeacon plays with the abacus or Melissa & Doug toys. I just try to keep him from ripping the big boys' papers off the table! :) Eli is crazy ahead of where Turner was at this age so I just try to keep him occupied, too. I put together "tot trays" and keep 'em coming for him. I will start incorporating Kinder things with him at 4 just because he's interested. I will have to pick your brain about the choices you made for Solomon and 1st grade.
ReplyDeleteI empathize with your worries for staying on top of school, especially as a single mom. It is SO hard to get enough one on one time with each child. I know that you are dedicated to it and will find a way for it to work. You (and the rest of The Baggett clan) are in my thoughts.
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