Who We Are

It has taken me many years to learn the art of simple. In fact, I have been known to complicate most things. You know, things have to be "just right" in order for me to continue or to think that things went well. With each child God has added to our family, I've had to let go of what is "just right" to me and be satisfied with what is "just enough" or just right in God's eyes. To not only keep my sanity, but also to purposely live more simply, here are things I don't have to do:

I don't have to do what every other homeschooler is doing right now with her children, be it baking their own bread or making their own clothes or building their own house or even leading a ministry. I can keep it simple by focusing on the ministry that is going on in my own homeschool.

I don't have to go to every park day, field trip, art class, writing class, chess tournament, band lesson, drama team, choir group, debate team, or co-op that is available. I can keep it simple by going to only those things that will further what is already happening in each child and where they are either encouraged the most in their strengths or helped the most in their weaknesses.

I don't have to teach that special bells-and-whistles math or history program because six other ladies I know are using it. I can keep it simple by continuing to do what is working for us.

I don't have to look like the fashionable "in" ladies I know or the ladies who look very homeschoolish. I can keep it simple and look just right by wearing what looks and feels right to me (in modesty, of course).

I don't have to have a home like our neighbors' that is so clean it doesn't look lived-in-they really aren't home to mess things up, but we are. Our houses should have some things out of place and look hurriedly cleaned as we live and learn with each other all day and night long. Hospitality is more than a clean house, it's a welcome, open house.

I don't have to and shouldn't compare myself or how I homeschool with anyone else. God has made me unique and my children unique as well. We all need His wisdom and guidance for each one.

Now, I wouldn't be honest if I said that I don't still fall into the trap of overdoing things. Today was co-op (which I was teaching-stressful preparation time), then taking one daughter there, three children over there, and bringing another friend home with the rest of us. I did overdo it today, but days like today are the exception and not the rule now. With that, I need to go get my children from all over town and deposit others, so I'll keep it simple and stop here.

For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.                    2 Corinthians 10:12
 

~ Deborah

senioreditor@thehomeschoolmagazine.com

Our next Schoolhouse Expo is coming up 
 

May 16-20, 2011.
 

Be watching for details on how you can buy your ticket at the LOWEST price on January 26th!

Okay, we've been together long enough for you to know that I'm not going to offer any kind of organizational advice-I don't do neat, tidy, or organized. So about the only advice I can add to the topic of keeping it simple is . . . to keep it simple . . . today.

For most of you, your life is way beyond simple. If there were a homeschool reality show equivalent to Hoarders, you'd all be the stars. Somehow, you've managed to fill your day to the brim with all kinds of . . . stuff.

I'm thinking that a total keep-it-simple makeover might be a little daunting, so how about a keep-it-simple-today makeover?

Start by making a mental list of all the things you've got going today (include school subjects, co-ops/meetings, doctor appointments, playing games with your children, reading aloud together, laughing together, snuggling with your husband after the kids are in bed-anything else you can think of).

Now, "don't do" anything on the list that doesn't really matter. So, you might need to cancel that appointment, skip math for your child who is already ahead, read a book that isn't on the list just for fun, bake cookies just because, or watch a video in the middle of the day.

Need help in knowing what matters today? If you think about doing it and you sigh deeply, then it doesn't really matter. If you think about doing it and smile, then that matters.

Be real,

Todd
 

"Teaching children at home does not have to be as difficult as people make it by trying to follow too much of the world's schooling system that has developed layer upon layer over the years. We can peel away excess layers by the one great principle of viewing language learning as different from the content subjects. Language includes speaking, reading, writing, listening, and thinking. These are skills to use for learning Bible and all other content. Children improve these skills by using them in their content subjects. That is more effective and more efficient than adding layers of skill classes."

Excerpted from A Biblical Home Education by Dr. Ruth Beechick

When my children were young, Dr. Beechick taught me this principle. Since I came from a teaching background, it was hard to free myself from schoolishness, but I started to see the truth and power of her words. Using copywork and dictation passages from the literature and content we were already reading and learning about freed us to focus on the stuff the children were eager to learn. It took more effort than filling in blanks, but it also taught my children more about language, often without them realizing it.

Simplifying our homeschooling often amounts to nothing more than getting rid of the school in us.
 

Read more from Debbie at www.debbiestrayer.com.

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Homeschool Freebies

One of the best ways to keep things simple is to just say no! I know that's easier said than done. Just because something is simple doesn't mean it is easy. However, if you want to live a life with God, marriage, family, and church as your priorities, you'll have to be pointed in learning to say no. The world will constantly be stepping in with "wonderful" opportunities to knock you off track.

EHow has some good, constructive tips to help you get your schedule back on track, and SitePoint helps you identify whether you're overscheduled and offers tips for taking control of your time.

For a practical exercise in time management, download my January Digest and complete the Tightwad Training Camp lesson for yourself. Yes, it's meant for kids, but it works for moms too! The results can be eye-opening. If you don't have my January Digest, you can receive it free by signing up for my free weekly newsletter at www.Econobusters.com. You'll receive a link to the free download in your welcome email.

Now that you have all your priorities in line, you might want to download a free printable calendar to help keep you on track. You can even choose your color and style preference. If you like an online option, many people like Google Calendar, but I'm especially fond of the look and feel of the Cozi family calendar. Both are free. I love this post detailing how to use Google Calendar to make a meal plan.

~Molly Green

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