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And I'm NOT talking about the kids! Boy, with all that is going on around the holidays - extra rehearsals and programs, special family activities, shopping, etc, I'm having the hardest time staying focused and even wanting to do school. I think we're getting about one day done every two days right now! Thank goodness HOD is so easy to implement and work around things. After the New Year, we're getting back on schedule and me on my diet!
Laura

We quit school for the year last week, otherwise it would be driving me crazy trying to get everything done!! LOL

I hear you! If I can work in some phonics and fine motor skills with 5yo ds, I feel like I've done a good job. Merry Christmas!

Amen, sister! Ha! We went on an 8 day vacation the week of Thanksgiving to see family and haven't recovered since. I was only going to take the week of Thanksgiving off and we came back on the Monday after and I wound up taking that whole week too! It was just a shock to me, I think when we came back and had only three weeks until Christmas. We will only wind up with about 11 days of school this month, but I am trying not to stress about it. I am still trying to get myself out of that "I have to keep up with the public schools" mindset.

This is our first year homeschooling (kindergarten). I think that it has taken me about 6 months to figure out some sort of balance. I'm not sure that I have it down yet or not, but I am definitely learning (like not to answer the phone when it is school time ). This message board really helps. I have gotten a lot of good tips. The biggest lesson that I have yet to master is learning to say "no" to things. It's getting easier. The hardest time that I have saying "no" is for church activities, but I know that sometimes it has to be done. I am still trying to figure out a good balance there. I really want to be a good servant at church (I am one of those who just jumps in if something needs doing and no one else steps up, regardless of whether I feel led to do it sometimes), but I also feel like God called me to homeschool and that is definitely a priority. So, I am still trying to figure out what the Lord wants me to do in that area. I am just going to pray for wisdom in the coming year on this.

I hope that you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Christy

It was generally acknowledged in the ps I worked at that if you didn't get the teaching finished by Thanksgiving, there'd be no opportunity until Januray, because of all the special events and end of quarter testing that would take up the time...rehearsals, performances, field trips, parties... If your schedule allows for some schooling now and then, great...you're doing just fine! Enjoy the holidays with your family! Merry Christmas!

I can relate! We hunkered down and finished the last couple of weeks after Thanksgiving and now we are on a 2 week break! We had our 1st snow today so the kids went outside and enjoyed it. I just love this time of year! And EVERYONE needs a break now and then, so if you need it, take it!