I could absolutely be the perfect homeschooler that some moms already think I am if not for these six things:
#1 I have imperfect kids
Besides the usual signs of childhood imperfection like refusing to leave diapers on, disobedience (I told him not to play with slime), and mess-making, my children have maligned my good reputation by:
Peeing all over the pool deck at swimming lessons, necessitating special clean-up
Shooting the little neighbor girl in the back with an Airsoft pellet on two different occasions (after I assured her mother I would protect her)
Arguing against the faith in front of my homeschool friends (They asked, “Which apologetics curriculum are you using again?”)
And those are just the things I feel comfortable telling you. I could be a perfect homeschooler if it weren’t for my kids.
#2 I have an imperfect husband
My husband is our school principal and he works out of our home. Although his self-employment has been a blessing to us in many ways, it has allowed a rather annoying habit to get in the way of my homeschooling: He likes to call off school for good weather. I will be in the middle of teaching when he will come into the school room declaring, “It’s a beautiful day! We’re going for a hike. Everybody outside!” The kids gladly disappear, leaving me holding the books. I could be a perfect homeschooler if it weren’t for my husband.
#3 I have an imperfect house
Having an attractive work environment really does aid learning. Unfortunately, there’s something wrong with my house. For example, I must have really weak drywall, so that when the kids bounced out of their inflatable trampoline, landing on the wall, the drywall just imploded. The wallpaper must not have been adhered well to the wall, because it peeled off so quickly. My furniture must be poor quality, too, because the leather desk chair’s “leather” has peeled off by itself. I could be a perfect homeschooler if it weren’t for my house.
#4 I have imperfect curriculum
My kids would all already have their Ph.D.s if only better curriculum were on the market. The material is too hard or too easy. There is too much to do or too little. It takes too much time or not enough, allowing the kids to become idle. It’s too interesting, making all other subjects unappealing, or it’s too boring. And to top it off, I’ve spent tons of time and money looking for something that doesn’t seem to exist. I could be a perfect homeschooler if it weren’t for our curriculum.
#5 I have imperfect friends
On days when my husband is working out of the house and I can finally teach, we get a phone call from our homeschooling friends asking if we’d like to do something fun. It doesn’t matter if I don’t take the call, because the kids have already gotten a text message from my friend’s kids and they’ll announce that we need to start getting ready for our field trip immediately. I usually agree because the kids’ behavior, my husband’s impending return, my messed-up house, and our imperfect curriculum will surely make the day a loss anyway. I could be a perfect homeschooler if it weren’t for our homeschool friends.
#6 I have some imperfections
This is definitely last on the list, but I have a few very tiny problems of my own, that I have mostly taken care of. Sort of. Like when the kids were little, I would very rarely (no more than once or twice a day) get so caught up in what I was doing on the computer that I wasn’t supervising them and then they would give themselves haircuts. Nothing big.
Then every once-in-a-while I don’t tell my husband that we’re going on field trips (only never) and so he doesn’t really know our schedule. That could explain why he doesn’t know that we’ve been gone every day this week and today isn’t a good day for a hike.
It’s also happened that on those very rare occasions when I wasn’t supervising the kids (for only a few hours at a time), that they’ve used that time to destroy the house. But I still think the house and furniture should be high enough quality to withstand some abuse.
When it comes to curriculum, I have to admit that in a few instances (every six months or so), I will change curriculum, just in case there is something better available. But you know what they say, “If you love a curriculum, set it free…” Wait, that might not be the right saying. But you know what I mean.
Finally, it’s possible that I might have told my friends that we’re fairly flexible (like I might have said, “Any time you want to go, give me a call!”). It’s also remotely possible that I may have been the one to call or text my friends to say, “Hey! It’s a beautiful day! Let’s go for a hike!”
I don’t seem to be the only homeschooler who will never be perfect! Be sure to check out iHomeschool Network’s other articles. Don’t worry about what the kids are doing. I’m sure they’re FINE.
In another week or so, the Christmas sales begin in earnest. Let’s take a little time to get organized this week so we can take advantage of them.
#1 Make gift shopping list
I will admit that I get a little excited when I see things on sale–sometimes to the point that I buy things I don’t need. Before we start our search for deals, let’s make a list of exactly what we need for gifts. Use the planner links from The Christmas Plan Challenge or grab this AMAZING free planner from HEDUA.
What gifts do you need for:
immediate family
extended family
homeschool friends / groups / teachers
church friends / groups / teachers
mail carriers / hair dresser / other service providers
charity
#2 Make clothing & other shopping list
Now we’re ready to make a list of clothing needed for the holidays, but don’t limit yourself to that. This is the time of year to buy any type of clothing. Many stores have summer clothes on sale as well, so shop now for next year.
This is also a great time to purchase other items you know you will need in the coming year. Is your computer nearing the end of its life? Buy one now on sale, so you’re prepared.
Are there any non-perishables you need for holiday baking and cooking? Add them to the list and avoid the long lines.
#3 Research flyers & sites
Is your mailbox full of catalogs? If you don’t have any gift needs that can be met by a particular catalog, recycle it right away so you’re not tempted. Do the same with sales flyers that come with the newspaper if you get it. If you do find something you need on sale, add the particular sale price information (and any coupons) to your planner so you can compare.
I’m not one to shop the stores on Thanksgiving and Black Friday, but I love to shop online. When it comes to clothing for myself (I purchase most of my clothing this time of year), I usually order only from stores that have a physical location nearby. It makes returns much less of a hassle. Check out your favorite websites for deals and check out bfads.net. This website does a great job of sharing the best deals. I also love to check Amazon’s Lightning deals at this time of year. I already scored a great deal on a Christmas gift for my college student!
I highly recommend you start your online shopping with Ebates. Doing so can earn you significant cash back. Just set up an account and click on the store of your choice. Shop as usual and get money back!
#4 Add sale dates to calendar
Once you know where you want to shop and for what, it’s time to add the days and times to your calendar. I like to set reminders on my iPhone for lightning deals.
The great news is the window for getting good deals has expanded greatly. Last year, for example, the online sales started the week of Thanksgiving. This year, you can already get great discounts. Gone are the days when you had to sit by the computer on Thanksgiving night waiting for the clock to read midnight. Happy shopping!
Are you a Black Friday shopper at the stores or online?
Don’t worry. We aren’t going to start decorating this week (unless you really want to!). Instead, we’re going to get our Christmas decorating organized. You know those years when you went to decorate the tree and none of the lights worked or you had plans to make something you saw on Pinterest and then…well, you know what happened. This year it won’t with a few simple steps you can take now.
#1 Get out decorations and sort
The first step is a tough one, I’ll admit. Get out your Christmas decorations and sort them according to what room they’ll go in. You’ll put them in labeled bags and boxes, but first get rid of anything you haven’t used in at least two years that isn’t sentimental. If everything is sentimental (you know who you are), put items you aren’t sure about releasing in a box marked “Declutter Christmas 2015.” If you don’t miss it by next year’s decorating season, bless someone else with it. You may want to take pictures of these items to keep, rather than the items themselves.
This is also the time to recycle decorations that are broken or that need updating.
#2 Research ideas
Would you like to freshen up your decorations this year? Check out Pinterest for ideas. You’ll find everything from elaborate displays that would require Martha Stewart to employ dozens of artisans to simple ways of using what you already own. Let the kids help you as their opinion matters the most, doesn’t it? I’ve pinned some great ideas for you to check out on the Organized Homeschool board.
#3 Shop for pre-made decorations and craft supplies
Yes, the stores are stocked with everything you need for Christmas decorations. Would you have been better off buying everything at the end of the season last year? Maybe. You can save money, but the stores were also packed with people with the same idea. If you shop now, you’ll have a great selection and you won’t have to fight the crowds. If you choose to wait to shop until post-season, block off time for this on your calendar now.
If you want to make some Christmas decorations with the kids (if you’re like me, there’s a part of you that doesn’t want to, but you’ll be glad later that you did), now is the time to gather what you need. I get really frustrated when the supplies I need are sold out. Don’t let this happen to you! The good news is that many of these supplies are on sale now. Check the paper or your favorite store’s website or app for coupons.
#4 Make homemade decorations
If you’d rather wait until after Thanksgiving to make Christmas crafts, please do. I just know that I have a tendency to think I’m too busy to make them and put off the whole process until next year. Whenever you make them, remember that glue washes off (usually), but memories last. Enjoy yourself and you’ll be ready whenever you choose to decorate.
Speaking of that, when do you normally decorate for Christmas? Leave me a comment below.
Is it still too early for you to think about Christmas? I understand. But every year that I’ve delayed thinking about Christmas until after Thanksgiving has been disappointing. This week, we will begin the process of planning for Christmas, so come December, the holiday will be even more enjoyable.
#1 Discuss last Christmas
What did you and your family especially love about last year’s celebration? Was there anything that you wanted to do, but didn’t? Discuss this now and take notes.
#2 Set up planner
Last year, I used a Christmas planner for the first time and it made life easier. There are great free Christmas printables like this set to get you started. I’ve pinned others to the Organized Homeschool board. Christmas is a big project when you think about it and it requires one place to keep all your information.
If you prefer a digital solution, you could plan Christmas on Pinterest, making liberal use of secret boards or in Evernote.
Now is the time to add all of the events your family wants to attend to the calendar: the church Christmas program, the extended family Christmas party, the live Nativity scene, the medieval Christmas feast, the neighborhood caroling event, the toy drive, and the lights display. Even if you aren’t sure you will attend, I recommend adding the dates to your calendar, including any deadlines.
While you’re at it, add any associated to-do’s to your planner or incorporate them into your task management system.
#4 Plan ideas for making it meaningful
Christmas is a time for celebrating the birth of our Savior and for making memories. What could you do to enhance your worship of Christ during Advent? Celebrate Jesus, an Advent study, is one idea. Last year, I took these free printable Advent Scriptures, put them in decorated, numbered take-out boxes along with a fun family activity. It was such a relief not to try to come up with candy or small gifts for all the kids each day and we made wonderful memories. This holiday bucket list and this Advent list can give you some ideas. Be sure to check the Organized Homeschool board for even more choices.
I love Thanksgiving, don’t you? What I don’t love is not being able to find my tablecloth and napkins and trying to thaw an overpriced turkey in record time. This week we’ll get organized for Thanksgiving so we can have a relaxed holiday.
#1 Discuss last year
What did your family love about last year’s holiday? What was a disappointment? You may be surprised by your children’s answers to these questions. You may also want to ask if your celebration made them more aware of God’s goodness as we want gratitude to be a prominent feature of the day.
#2 Plan the meal
Plan time-savers. Several years ago, I determined that I really didn’t like getting up super early to bake a turkey. So I made it the day before and it made Thanksgiving a joy. My husband slices the turkey (we make two when we host extended family) and we store it in turkey broth to keep it moist for the next day. Look for ways to make the day of Thanksgiving less stressful if you’re cooking.
Plan the meal itself. If your family does Thanksgiving pot-luck style, now is a great time to decide who will bring what. I like to make more than I think I’ll need because we absolutely love Thanksgiving leftovers. If you don’t have your holiday recipes organized, now is also a good time to find them. Fortunately, I’ve posted my mom’s stuffing recipe on the blog, so it’s easy to find!
Plan the decor and table settings. If you are hosting Thanksgiving and you already have the decorations and tableware you need, just make sure you know where they are! If not, look at some of the great ideas I’ve pinned on Pinterest. We have a large enough group, that I use paper for Thanksgiving and I found some fabulous paper goods at Hobby Lobby. I have also purchased my Thanksgiving decorations there for 50% off.
#3 Research gratitude ideas
This is the perfect time to plan a Thanksgiving unit study. Blessed Beyond a Doubt has put together a list of unit studies that you should definitely check out. Our homeschool co-op reenacted the first Thanksgiving one year, complete with a feast with our friends. If you’ve never done this, I highly recommend it!
It isn’t too early to buy non-perishable items for your Thanksgiving meal. Whenever you buy, plan to hit the sales. If you need linens, paper goods, or materials for your Thanksgiving unit studies, buy them now. You’ll be very thankful you did!
I’ll admit it. I’ve missed opportunities to give to charities like Samaritan’s Purse because I wasn’t organized. This week, we will make sure this doesn’t happen again! With the holidays approaching, charities and ministries are counting on our gifts of time and money. Here’s how to get started:
#1 Discuss options and pray
The number of charities and ministries vying for my family’s time and money is frankly overwhelming. I need to consult with my husband and children about where God is calling us to give. Of course, we don’t want to be so planned that we can’t respond to the Holy Spirit’s prompting. But neither do we want to be wondering what to do about every need.
You may have discussed your budget for charitable giving during the Organize Your Finances Challenge. If not, this is the time to talk about how much money the Lord is calling you to give, aside from your tithe. Of course, that amount can change, but at least you will know approximate limits. You will also need to talk about your schedule and whether you can commit to one-time or ongoing service.
Make a list of charities you already give to or have the opportunity to give to. Pray about them and come to agreement about how you will invest the time and money God has blessed your family with. One thing you may want to consider is the personal connections God has used to introduce you to ministries. For example, we often give to missionaries we know personally because they know the needs of the people they’re working with and ensure the money gets to the people. That isn’t to say we don’t give to organizations where there is no personal connection, but our loyalty is to those we know.
#2 Research
Once you have selected charities you would like to get involved with or to continue supporting, find out where the greatest needs are or where your family is uniquely suited to be of assistance. Many ministries have specific requests during the holidays, for example. Others may have days set aside for volunteers. Last year, we helped pack meals for Feed My Starving Children and I was so thrilled that:
My children were allowed to help
Our family learned what a blessing it is to have food to eat and to have an education
We discovered how much fun it can be to volunteer
I’m thankful that our good friend found out about this ministry and has been the liaison between our homeschooling group and the church sponsoring the ministry. We learned when they most need our help so we can volunteer again this week.
#3 Use your calendar and reminders
Add any deadlines or dates you find to your calendar for the upcoming months. I’ve had our meal packing day on the calendar for weeks so I wouldn’t plan anything else for that time. If, for example, you learn that your shoe boxes for Samaritan’s Purse are due in early November, set up a reminder at least a week ahead to take the kids shopping for items to fill them.
#4 Organize
Many of the charities we support (including our church) want us to buy gifts for needy children. If I don’t plan for this and keep them in order, I can end up spending too much money or getting confused about why I bought what I bought. I love to shop for these gifts online during Black Friday week. I find fabulous deals on toys my kids are too old for or already have. I buy them to use for charity gifts. I keep them organized before I wrap them with the mGifts app. You can also use a Christmas gift list like this one.
If you make gifts for charities or ministries, set up a gift making station. If possible, make an assembly line and let your kids get in on the action.
If you or your children are donating money to a charity, you may want to create a giving jar so the giving is tangible for kids. Or prepare a giving jar like this one with ideas for serving others. It’s definitely not too early to get started!
I’m a Christian psychologist turned homeschooling mother of six. My life can be a little crazy, so I look for sanity-saving ideas to use and share. I hope you’ll read my About page to learn more.
