My Ramblings Archives - Page 14 of 24

Thoughts in My Head Right Now

May62014

May 6, 2014 by Jolanthe 9 Comments

It’s been quiet the last few days here, but it’s not that I’ve dropped off the planet. Part has been a crazy-busy weekend tied in with some yucky headaches. There is a lot going on in my head right now that may eventually be shared, but honestly I often struggle with how to put something down into words to accurately describe what I’m feeling.

But here’s the gist of a few things:

YAY!! The end of our school year is almost done! Need to make sure everything that needs to be done is done!
End of the year testing – so often causes me angst. Several of our kids really get anxious during testing and it’s wearing on my heart (and nerves) at times. Encouraging a child to do their best, not worry about the results – and then be worrying about them yourself – (sigh).
Feeling that one of your kids is getting the proverbial ‘short end of the stick’ in some areas – and trying to figure out how to best remedy that.
Dealing with ever changing emotions in kiddos, behavior issues, and just being a mom can be exhausting.
My inbox has run rampant and that stresses me out. Sad, but true. I suffer from feeling I need to personally answer many of the emails I receive and need to get over that (unless of course it’s yours…grins).
There are ideas for this, this, and this…must find the time to sit down and actually get them done. (Newsflash – I can’t do it all.)

Sounds exciting, no? The testing issue tied in with the end of the school bliss have been at the forefront of everything. And really – that can sometimes be overwhelming. (Hopefully this will encourage a few of you to know that you aren’t alone!)

Add in life – and well, blogging takes a bit of a backseat at times, especially when you can’t coherently put something into words.

That is the short version of it.

But how are YOU doing today?

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Filed Under: My Ramblings 9 Comments

Adjusting Expectations and Finding Joy

Mar262014

March 26, 2014 by Jolanthe 13 Comments

There are times in life when circumstances seem to take over and overwhelm. Responsibilities and situations come up that force us to adjust our plans and expectations of what the typical ‘normal’ looks like.

Routine is something I thrive on, and in the past few weeks and months, God has been pushing me out of my comfort zone and stretching me (ever-so-gently). My days have been overflowing and the reality of the things that need to be accomplished and what is stacked on the plate can be mildly overwhelming at times – both in the homeschool realm and in day-to-day life.

This quote from Seasons of a Mother’s Heart has been such an encouragement to me over the last bit:

In the unexpected moments and new responsibilities that arise – choosing to be joyful is so important. Things may not all be what was envisioned and expected, but in that tension – well, that’s a place that I’m learning to rest and rely more and more, so I can live in true joy.

If there is something that you would like prayer for – can I ask you to email me or leave a comment. I’d love to pray for you.

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Filed Under: My Ramblings 13 Comments

Why I May Be a Bit Quiet…

Nov52013

November 5, 2013 by Jolanthe 17 Comments

The short answer is – I’m tired.

It’s been {what feels like} a long few weeks around here and there is a lot coming up in the next few weeks that needs to get done.

Friends are going through difficult times. School still needs to get done. And most importantly, my family needs me.

So…will you forgive me if I’m a little scarce around these parts for a bit? While there are lots of things swirling around in my head to share with you all, sometimes finding the time to share it all is hard.

I’m not disappearing. Just resting and focusing on a few things that need my immediate attention.

{hugs}

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Filed Under: My Ramblings 17 Comments

Homeschool Socialization: Who is Unsocialized?

Oct212013

October 21, 2013 by Jolanthe 15 Comments

At some point during the homeschooling years, the question of socialization comes up. Maybe you’re out and about with the kids during school hours, and people realize that you homeschool. Maybe a well-meaning friend or relative pops the question.

“How do you plan to socialize your children?”

While I always try to politely answer the questions as they arise, there are times I honestly want to bang my head on the table because of the irony of the question. Our kids are almost so socialized, it’s ridiculous.

Let’s Review the Meaning of Socialization {shall we?}

so·cial·i·za·tion [soh-shuh-luh-zey-shuhn]
noun
1. a continuing process whereby an individual acquires a personal identity and learns the norms, values, behavior, and social skills appropriate to his or her social position.

{from dictionary.com}

Our children do not attend a typical school and spend the day with a classroom full of children their age, but they do spend time with other children {as well as adults} in plenty of other social situations and learn how to navigate being socially appropriate in ALL situations. They have and continue to make friends. And believe it or not, they have fun and do not feel that they are missing out on life {thank.you.very.much}.

This past week though, something happened that really made me sit back and ask the question…

Who is Really Unsocialized?

Our outreach director at church asked me to help out at a monthly soup kitchen, but it fell during a time that I would obviously have the kids. When I asked if it would be okay to bring the kids along to help, the answer was a resounding yes.

To be completely truthful, I was a little nervous, because let’s face it – you never know when kids are going to act up. But they were all so excited to go along and help, so we pulled everything together and headed out.

There were ten adults and our four kids. Do you know where most of the adults were the entire time? Standing in the doorway of the kitchen, chatting with each other, and looking out at those coming through the doors.

Do you know where the kids were almost the entire time? Setting up, serving those coming in, and INTERACTING with everyone. Playing and keeping a little one occupied so her mom could eat. Talking to adults and inviting them to church. They were the ones socializing with everyone.

While I stood in the doorway and held back from interacting.

Again – who is really unsocialized? {This is me waving my hand sheepishly.}

Fear can so often hold us back, and I’ll be the first to admit that venturing out in the unfamiliar is difficult for me. However, if sitting back watching from a doorway is what socialized adults end up doing, well – there are many lessons that I can learn from my homeschooled children on how to be TRULY socialized.

Do you have a socialization story to share with us today? Feel free to leave a comment sharing with everyone ~ we’d love to hear it!

For More Reading…

This post is a part of the Homeschool Basics series. Be sure to read the other posts if you are just joining in.

Here are a few additional links you may be interested in regarding the topic of homeschool socialization.

Top 5 Ways to Make Sure Your Homeschooled Child is Weird and Unsocialized from Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers
Socialization is a Bunch of Malarkey from See Jamie Blog
Are Your Children Socialized? from Hodge Podge

photo image purchased from fotolia.com

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Filed Under: Homeschool Basics, My Ramblings 15 Comments

Paperwork and Tea Time

Oct172013

October 17, 2013 by Jolanthe 7 Comments

Just when I think that I’ve managed to get into a good routine with our school year, we start a new year and there are all sorts of fun, new things to throw into the mix. While our oldest {7th grade} is working a bit more independently in her schoolwork, an added benefit to me {oh, that is SO tongue in cheek} is keeping up with all of the paperwork and correcting. The older the kids get, the paperwork seems to grow exponentially in some areas.

grading papers

I so love paperwork. {Please, note the sarcasm.}

This school year has managed to absorb even more of my overall time {more planning, grading, reviewing…}, but it’s all a good thing. Really, truly. There are days that I feel a little bit overwhelmed. Sometimes a few more than I would care to admit.

Slowing Down and Focusing

One thing that I’ve started to do with the girls this year is have a weekly tea time. They each have their own special time with me – one on Wednesday and one on Thursday. The main intent was to review schoolwork, talk about assignments, and make sure we were on the same page with things, but it has really been such an added blessing to our week.

tea cup

While we do get all the paperwork covered, it has been a time where we can chat, share things that have come up during the course of the week, and just enjoy being together. Essentially, it’s a time to be intentionally focused 1:1 on the child in front of me and connect with the heart inside.

One thing I’m learning through all of it is to just slow down. It’s a season where I am having to put a few things aside in order to focus on what is important and needs my immediate attention.

And that’s a good thing.

But don’t think those little boys running around the house want nothing to do with mom. Now they are wondering when their ~~tea~~ hot chocolate days are going to start.

I really wouldn’t have it any other way.

Do you have focused 1:1 time with your kids? How do you carve special time to share with your children?

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Filed Under: Encouragement for Moms, My Ramblings 7 Comments

Seven Words Spoken in Haste

Sep232013

September 23, 2013 by Jolanthe 9 Comments

Over the last bit, The Mission of Motherhood book has been within close reach and another book of Sally Clarkson’s that I am so thankful to be reading. She always manages to challenge me but not make me feel like a failure as a mother. Her gentle words encourage, stir things in my heart, and prompt me to do more as a mom.

Not every day is a stellar day in our household. There are a few stubborn personalities in our home {mine included} and when wills collide – well, it isn’t always pretty.

This week I snapped at one of our kids. Rather than stopping and calming myself, I let my emotions take over.

I made the wrong choice. The next hour was spent talking with that child. Apologizing and admitting my wrong. Attempting to repair the damage seven words spoken in haste had accomplished.

That afternoon during our daily quiet time, I picked up The Mission of Motherhood and read the following passage:

“I have blown it many times with my children, but even these mistakes have helped me to mature and depend on God more than I would have without my parenting responsibilities. As I walk honestly before God, with my children watching, they will learn how to have a real relationship with him as well. As they see me apologize to them and pray in front of them to ask for God’s forgiveness in my own life, my children will learn that God is a God of grace who forgives me and guides me.” p. 87, The Mission of Motherhood

And in those few moments, my heart was encouraged. Just the words that I needed to hear {and maybe you do as well}. I am not a perfect mom. In the years to come, I will continue to fail, but my response to those failures and to my children – those are the moments that will most impact my children’s lives and hearts.

Today I am so thankful for the grace of God and His forgiveness.