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the day goes much smoother and quicker. I was adding more to our days then we needed. For this new year I needed to make it a bit more simpler so I did. I am sticking to just the guides with no extras and our days are done byt 1PM. It's awsome. We had a wonderful week though Friday seemed to be bit of a grring day but not like my previous grrring days. If school days keep going like this I will continue to HS for the next three years while hubby is out to sea.
Right now my current issue is nonschool related and more parenting related and my younger ones testing us but it's getting better. In a way I am glad to have them home because I could see my son having a bad teacher relationship with his behavior and possibly my youngest who likes her way and not way.
What is also good about being done early we can do fun stuff in the afternoons. We have painted and I am making a lapbook about dinos with the kids, eventhe oldest would like to make one for fun. In that past we'd still be doing school until 3PM. It has also helped that I get up early to workout, read a bit of the bible and just have the me time. Hubby and I talked and he says it's due to me getting up early but I think maybe reading the bible has helped too because I got up early before and still had long stressful days. Don't know whose right but all I know this new routine is working and I hope it continues.

I've been guilty of having too many extras in the past as well. I'm trying to wrap up some of those extras before we start Bigger in May or June so that we can just focus on doing the guide!

I'm so glad to hear this! We've found the same to be true when we took all of the extras out. This thought of yours really spoke to me...

MamaBear23Cubs wrote:If school days keep going like this I will continue to HS for the next three years while hubby is out to sea.

Having had someone I love dearly stop homeschooling because of being overwhelmed by the extras, this thought you shared here is always near and dear to my heart. It is good to ask ourselves often, "What is it that needs to happen so I can keep homeschooling for the long haul?" For me, just like you, removing the extras has been a key part of that answer. Also, carving some time out to do those things we want to do on our own - like exercise, Bible time, etc. - is important too. I'm so happy for you that you have made this change and found the joy in it, and I too would love for you to continue to homeschool while dh is out to sea - a situation with its own special considerations. Thank you, BTW, for being an example to all of us homeschooling moms, that we as wives CAN do this, even if our dh's are unable to help in the day to day with it. God bless your dh as he provides for your family and serves our country so honorably, and also God bless you as you choose to teach your dc not only the academics, but also the Biblical learning necessary for a Christ-filled life!

In Christ,
Julie

MamaBear23Cubs,

I have found the same to be true too. I was a chronic adder for many years, never realizing how much time all of my little additions added to our day. As more of my kiddos became school-aged, I added less and less until I was only doing the guides as written without any extras. I couldn't believe how much more quickly we got done with school. With currently doing 3 and 1/2 programs right now (and no extras), we are still done by 1:10 (lunchtime) or shortly after lunch each day. It makes a HUGE difference in our start and end times and also equips me to feel great about MY day. While most educators that I've known from my early days of teaching (20 years ago) are in major burnout and dragging themselves to teach each day, I still feel hope for the future and contentment in my days instead. I pray the same will be true for you!

Blessings,
Carrie