It's a brand new year, and as I'm sure many of you are doing, I am thinking big about what this year could hold for our family. Lots of dreaming. Some list-writing. Some reading. Some praying.
For us, 2010 is the year to really hook into homeschooling in a more formal way. I have to say I can hardly wait to start! Saraya and I decided today that we'll begin school again the week Stuart starts back (a week before Term 1 officially starts for the kids). Aside from maths, we have everything we need and are ready to start. Monday-Friday will be our school days, though I imagine a lot of informal extension and definitely maths extension will happen on Saturdays when Stuart is around. :) Let's just say he's a much more enthusiastic maths teacher than me!
I'm pretty sure my biggest homeschooling hurdle this year will be this gorgeous little guy right here.....
Ah, William. He is a bundle of love - affectionate, cuddly, confident - and curious. And determined. And stubborn. And well into the typical 2-year-old behaviour we all find so challenging, even though he's still 5 months off being 2. The last couple of months I've been praying about how to balance his needs and the other children's needs during our school week, and thankfully now have a few answers, things to try! The other night I ordered a good-quality toddler pouch for those times he wants/needs cuddles when I need to spend time doing table work with Saraya.... but he will be contained so hopefully those toddler fingers will keep away from the work! I'm determined to not only survive the year, but to enjoy it!! I'll let you know how we go. And I would love any advice from any homeschooling Mums out there regarding keeping busy toddlers happy. :)
So much learning has been happening through the holidays anyway, we haven't really stopped schooling. It's just like that. When you read with your children, go places, talk constantly with them about everything, involve them in what you are doing, teach, listen, explore, play and leave resources out for them to use/discover - that is all great learning! It's been such an enjoyable holiday so far. Lots of family time, and lots of visitors too. We have some family coming to stay this week which will be so nice. And friends for tea tonight. And Friday night. Yay!
The children all got puzzles for Christmas and now they have all been completed at least once. :) Elijah had his first attempt at a 100 piece puzzle yesterday and is proud to have it done, with quite a bit of help! I think puzzling will be on the agenda for leisure-time throughout this year.
And gardening! Having the vegie patch dug out is exciting, and thanks to Wendy and Phil who gave us a Green Harvest voucher for Christmas, I have seeds ready to go into it. Thanks guys!
This sweet Garden Notes journal Cathy bought for me last year has been in my hand the past week as I have jotted down thoughts and plans and yes, dreams. :) I want to wind the gardening and food-growing into our daily lives this year. I'm hoping to increase the amount of food we can grow ourselves. New Year's Eve I wasn't out partying; I was at home, and after watching a comedy series I love with Stuart I got onto Daley's online and bought 6 new fruit trees. They should be delivered this week and I'm hoping to plant them into our orchard before Stu goes back to work. Got to get some more fruit trees into the ground in the next couple of years so we've got time to fully enjoy them!!! It will take a few years for most of them to begin fruiting.
So, it's a New Year and I can't wait to see what the year holds for us all. What are your plans / hopes / dreams for the year ahead? I'd love to hear them!
