In Survival Mode. . . again
We finished two weeks of school, and I have to tell you that so far things haven’t been too rosy or peachy keen. In fact, it’s been downright hard and frustrating. How hard? Well, I did something I haven’t done ever in our last 7 years of homeschooling. I threatened to send the kids to school– on our 3rd day! And then, I actually looked up online to see how much it would cost. $40,000/ year brought me back to reality.
I realized something this weekend, though. I am back in survival mode. I’ve been this way for a number of months after every single one of our babies was born. Why did I forget it this time? Did I think it would be different because I’ve done this so many times before or because I’m older and more experienced?
Well, I am fully seeing the truth now. My expectations are WAY too high. I’m exhausted from getting so little sleep at night. I am nursing a baby every couple of hours all day and night. I’m homeschooling 5 kids now, along with a preschooler, crazy 2-year-old who gets into everything, and a newborn. School isn’t easy either– teaching two kids to read and difficult math with two others.
So, I just need to relax, rest more, lower my expectations, and do what I can do without feeling bad/guilty about what I can’t get to.
We have a number of new outside activities this year that are stressing me out, but I’m going to lower my expectations about those, too, and try to have fun with it all!
My house, cooking, projects, well, none of it is going to reach my goals for a while.
I’m grateful to the Lord for giving me an encouraging conversation with a new lady I met at the park this evening. He loves me and will sustain me through this season of survival mode. I will lean on Him and trust Him.
Hebrews 12:1-3
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Hi Gena…I’m at the library and the facebook jumped right on! amazing…I hear you and cannot figure out how you manage everything…mainly homeschooling…moms with kids always have a mess in the kitchen (I realized that the kids had grown up when I no longer had milk splashed all over the legs of the kitchen table and chairs…I really feel that you need more help (mundane stuff that needs being done) at the house…also, firstly, I would like to see you have a babysitter at least once a week for 2 to 3 hours so you could get out for lunch and shopping (fun stuff…maybe even try on some chothes). You need to get out of the house for a breath of fresh air and a change of scene…you might feel too tired to go but, I would do it anyway…go over to Chili’s and cruise around TJs…stuff like that…even though I had six kids, I didn’t homeschool and may have considered it for a few hours a day, but never for the whole day…honestly…I think the program should be looked at and the kids farmed out more…I really believe that that would be beneficial for them too…especially some of your more gregarious ones!! They could use the outlet for their energy and social happiness. Home will always be best, but it can be enriched.
well, now I’ve gone and stuck my foot in it!
Hi Gena, I tumble across your blog by googling “lapbooks” ( I think)!
Anyways, I have been reading thru some of your blog and love it! I am a a Christian, homeschooling mom of 2 girls. Much different world than you, but none the less. I love that you can admit your expectations were too high, I’ve been there, and when you (we) lower them, everyone is so much happier 🙂
May the dear Lord overflow Blessings your way.