Keeping Your Homeschool Alive- The Value of Taking a Break

Welcome back to day two of our 5 Days of Homeschooling Blog Hop.  If you missed yesterday's introduction, we would love for you to take a minute to catch up!

Today, let's chat for a minute or two about taking breaks.  I am ALL about breaks.  I mean, after 19 years I deserve a break, right?

Let's start with what a break is.  One definition I found was "A pause in work or during an activity."  The pause part kind of got me hung up for a while, and I had to really think about that wording.  I was going to talk to you about BIG breaks, not just a pause.  It also got me thinking that there are several kinds of breaks, and we homeschooling moms probably need them all at one time or another.

HOURLY BREAKS- You know, those times that tensions are high, tears are bound to happen at any moment (yours, not theirs), and mom just needs to cry uncle for a few minutes.  Sometimes we just need to take a few minutes to stop and regroup.  Through the years I have found those are the times I need to push back from the table, maybe grab a hand of a little one and pray.  When we get frustrated, when things don't go the way the lesson plan shows, or when kids just are not behaving the way we think they should, the best break we can have is a quick time of prayer.  Not only does it re-position our heart, but it is a good visual reminder to our kids that we are human and that we too need God and His guidance.

MONTHLY BREAKS- I think public school teacher conferences are ingeniously and strategically placed in between holidays!  Have you ever noticed they seem to automatically have at least a day or two off each month for something?   That is just smart planning.  We all need time to rest, play, and recharge!  Over the past few years we adopted a Sabbath Week Schooling Schedule in which we aim to school for 6 weeks and then take a week off.  Sometimes I have to fudge the exact timing with holidays or a college child's plans, but the point is, we do take some time off every so often to rest and lesson plan.  The kids need it and I need it.

YEARLY BREAKS- Sometimes we just need to celebrate and enjoy family.  However that looks to you.  Whether it is a stay-cation with popcorn and movie nights or a lavish vacation to a deserted island (please sign me up) your family needs you!  They need one-on-one parenting time, love, and attention outside of tests and quizzes.  Years ago we made the decision to save money each month towards a yearly family vacation.  Best. Decision. Ever!  Some years are quieter than others, but all have been opportunities to make memories and to rest from the pressures of school and everyday life.

No matter what kind of break you need today, rest assured they are all needed at some point.  The opportunity to come back and start fresh, whether after a minute of prayer, a week to lesson plan,  or a time to just relax and have some fun, is an opportunity worth taking!

Go ahead, give yourself a break!

Blessings,

Rest

Winter Rest

Winter is a time for God's creation to rest and repair.

Don't you love that?  I found that quote in one of my 5 year old's science books and it struck a chord with me.  Maybe that is why winter is my favorite season.  I do, after all, sometimes need to rest and repair.  How about you?

Do you need rest-

from saying YES to everything and everyone

from the hustle and bustle of your family's endless activities

from the hurtful words of one who forgot to be kind

from an addiction that you cannot seem to conquer

from the lies you allow Satan to speak to your heart

from a hurting world

from a job that seems thankless

from friends who take more than they give

from facebook, twitter and yes, even bloggers

Oh friends, there is so much out there that we sometimes just need rest from.  I pray that in the upcoming month as we celebrate our Savior's birth you will allow winter and the One who created it to be a place of rest for you.

Confessions of the Stay-cation

To just dive right in because I know you will ask...I had a good weekend...at home.  Nope, did not go to Colorado with CP.  Long story, but the details of life just added up and it did not work out.  A reminder that sometimes our best laid plans just do not work out.  Hmmm, maybe because they were not the best laid plans, or maybe because God just had other plans.  Either way, no negative comments please, feeling bad enough without them...I am a words of affirmation gal, remember!  ;)  Regardless,  I did get some rest, which I obviously needed!  My mom (did I mention she is wonderful?) has cooked and taken care of the kids for me while I had a stay-cation!  Long baths, good food, reading, quiet time with kids, decluttering (more on that to come soon) and sleeping in.
The only thing that was missing was my hubby, but as I type he is on a plane on the way home!  yipee!  I have missed him!  I have some making up to do! ;)
Happy President's Day!

Air Travel and Honeymoons

Friday I am stepping onto a plane for the first time in 2 1/2 years.  Did I mention I h*te flying?  (we are not allowed to say that word in our house;)  Did I mention flying terrifies me? Did I mention I have tried several times to look for a reason not to go?

And yet, Friday it is.  You see, my beloved goes to Colorado the same weekend every year to ski and fellowship with fellow military friends.  I have gone with him on occasion...when driving was an option.  He finally stopped asking me to go out of frustration I think...until this year.  I got invited!  3 nights without kiddos, dogs, cooking, cleaning, appointments...well, you know, real life stuff.  So while my marvelous mom (thanks Mom!) holds down the fort, I am going on a second honeymoon. 

shhhhh...don't tell the fifty-some people we will be there with that this is my plan.

 For those that know me...this is hard!  BUT, this is needed.  The Lord says, "Come to me all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest."  Matthew 11:28

So I am going to rest, (nope, no skiing) just a time of quiet and relaxation with my hubby! (after the plane ride, that is)  I hope to come back ready to be a better mom, better wife, better teacher, better housewife, better friend.  Rested and relaxed.  I will let you know!

 Did I mention I h*te flying?  Will you please pray for me??