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do to our craziness of life on our side of the world. We are only halfway thru Preparing. Everyone is advancing in other subjects but for science and history HOD has become a two year program instead of one.

We started Beyond March a year ago and are just about to finish it this summer. Then we'll go full speed ahead with Bigger. I know some moms do take over a year to do one guide, whether it be because they planned it that way or because life just happened. Also, different families start guides at all different times. So no worries! I"m sure you're in good company. We'll finally finish up Beyond in August, I hope. That will be about a year and a half after we started it, and we school year round!

Hey! Due to life circumstances we too are going to be a little over a year finishing our guide (CTC). My goal is to finish CTC by October and then jump straight into RTR (its in a box by my desk soo itching to start it when the guide comes).
Truthfully this is the first school year that I've finally shed that pressure that it has to be done by day 180. Totally freeing !

We did the same thing with Preparing, though that wasn't the original plan. I am so proud of us for actually finishing in May, even if it took longer than we expected. The satisfaction that we had when we completed it was phenomenal!

In our years prior to HOD (Preparing was our first guide) we did lots of studying the ancients, so this year we're skipping CTC and headed into RTR. This summer we're working on Write With the Best to get my son's writing on par for RTR. I really love HOD and I wish that we had worked harder on Preparing and been able to cover CTC. My son is at the older spectrum, so RTR will be a good fit. I just wish that I found HOD sooner and developed the discipline needed to get school done each day.

Hi MamaBear23cubs! We have taken anywhere between 1-2 years to do HOD guides, depending on placement, pregnancies, and pacing (the 3 P's, I guess! ). As long as you are alright with it, I think it's just fine. I am wondering if you have a question we could brainstorm answers together for though? If not, then onto the second half of PHFHG for a big finish , but if so, we'd be glad to chime in to help as best we can!

In Christ,
Julie

I tried to double up the days but didn't work out as planned. If it was just her and me it wouldn't be so bad but with the other two in the mix, it started to take away from them and our stopping time. Still getting use to the fact it takes a hour to drive to appts and such and if we take public transportation it takes another hour. That ate our days away. I start back up in September and by them I should have routine and how things go under control. We will have 13-16 weeks of schooling before we prepare for daddy to return from sea.

We got a little behind this year too. Preparing gets a little fuller in the end and harder to double the days. We have kind of been taking it day by day with deciding how much we are going to do and that has been working. We are getting closer to being done. But I think stretching it out is a fine idea as well. It is not a big deal to start a guide mid year even if that ends up being when you are done. Just enjoy it.

MamaBear23Cubs wrote:I tried to double up the days but didn't work out as planned. If it was just her and me it wouldn't be so bad but with the other two in the mix, it started to take away from them and our stopping time. Still getting use to the fact it takes a hour to drive to appts and such and if we take public transportation it takes another hour. That ate our days away. I start back up in September and by them I should have routine and how things go under control. We will have 13-16 weeks of schooling before we prepare for daddy to return from sea.

We've never done well with the doubling up concept here either. We tried it one year when I'd had a baby and then had a surgery 6 months after that. The doubling up just took the joy right out our day and made me so tense. After that, we just decided to move forward as we are able. I can empathize that this is a super busy time for you right now. I remember driving to doctor's appointments too (when my ds had to wear a helmet), and I can imagine that public transportation would add even more time. I'm praying that the Lord helps you through this busy time and helps you find encouragement, and that the doctor's appointments go well and help improve health where needed. I'm also praying for a period of rest and refreshment for you now, and a good start in September. I do think the second half of PHFHG should go smoothly, as you've already gotten into the routine of doing it and your dc know what to expect. I am sure you can't wait to see your dh after that - I can imagine you miss him very much! Be sure to celebrate what you have finished in PHFHG though - that is a noteworthy accomplishment that deserves celebration, so hang in there - you are doing a good job!!!

Love in Christ,
Julie