The Homeschool Mother's Journal

In my life this week:  This has been, as usual, a very busy week! My computer was being repaired all last week, then my internet was down for a while, and now I'm behind on everything!  Just as I suspected, my work waited for me, though. ;)

In our homeschool this week:  My kiddos do some of their school work on the computer, so they are behind a week on those subjects (since my computer was at the shop). We doubled up on a few lessons this week, though, so we will soon be caught back up.

Also, while we were without the computer and had extra time, I started doing more work on handwriting, creative writing/composition/etc., and a new grammar program that I've been wanting to try out with them. I feel like my kiddos need more practice on each of these 3 subjects, but it was hard to introduce something new while keeping up with everything else, so this turned out to be a perfect time! I'll update more after we've been using the new materials for a while and I can see how they're working for us.

My favorite thing this week was:  My favorite thing this week was this past Friday, February 15, because it was my birthday. :) My sweet family made the day special and spoiled me! Each one of them did something just for me so I would feel loved and appreciated! My 17-year-old daughter (who has autism and is non-verbal) gave me sweet hugs and kisses. My 15-year-old son helped clean up and did a couple of yucky jobs so I wouldn't have to do them. My 10-year-old daughter cooked my birthday dinner all by herself. (This was her first time to cook by herself with no help at all! She made baked chicken, brown rice with gravy, butterbeans, and candied carrots. YUM!) My husband did the dishes and cleaned up around the house. He is also taking me to pick out new curtains! That's what I want for my birthday, and he didn't want to try to pick them out by himself. 

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share:  If you get behind on school, don't panic and don't worry about it! 

Things I'm working on:  I am working on getting organized! I desperately need to get myself organized so I don't waste so much time! I sit down to do school with the kids or to do laundry or to work on my blog, and I get distracted by a million things and don't end up finishing what I started. My goal is to make better use of my calendar, lesson planner, Evernote, and/or whatever else I need to get to the point where I know what needs to be done and when. Then I'm going to try my very best to start a job and finish it without getting distracted by something else. I'm hoping (and praying) that I can do this! I need more time with my family, and I know I can have more if I don't waste so much time each day flitting from one "job" to another.

I'm grateful for: My sweet hubby! He has been out of town for a week, and I've missed him terribly!

I'm praying for:  A friend who has been terribly sick! She is my daughter's "helper." My daughter is autistic, and Sherlita comes 5 days a week for a few hours each day to help out with her. But Sherlita has been very sick for nearly 3 weeks now, and she needs prayer. I would be so thankful if you will pray with me that God heals her quickly and completely.

I'm afraid I can't share a photo or video this time because my computer that has all of my pictures on it isn't working right now. I'm having to borrow my son's computer whenever I can (He uses it for school.).  I'm not sure if I'll be able to get my computer repaired (I've already spent too much on it trying to get it fixed) or if I'll have to get a new one. I really don't want to get a new one and have to start over with everything!! But as it is right now, I can't use my computer anyway, so I guess I won't be any worse off if I have to buy a new one--except I'll have to spend all that money!  :P

I hope you're having a wonderful week!  Thanks for visiting my blog. I'd love for you to leave me a comment letting me know that you stopped by! I'll visit you back, too.  :)