I Can’t Believe It’s Over

Our school year is over. Our curriculum is complete. Finals are done. Standardized testing is finished.

And my teacher gift is screaming at me as never before from hubby’s side of the closet.

A little sneak peek…..

Isn’t it darling?! Makes me swoon just a bit – I’m not gonna’ lie.

It feels really weird to know that I am done with the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Next year will be the first year in seven years that I won’t be fully responsible for my children’s education.

It’s a welcome feeling, though. I’m excited about what God has for my kids in the coming years…. and excited to see how He will let me sleep, blog and read use me in all my new free time.

Right now though – I’m ready for a break. Ready for some guilt-free down time and ready to release control over my children in this way into someone else’s very capable hands.

I’m working hard on the answers to all your wonderful questions, but I’ll just go ahead and answer these questions, since they totally apply right now.

Lisa at Domestic Accident asked “I want to know what changes you are contemplating regarding your time management and the blog- only because I need some tips myself.”

My immediate time management solution involves SUMMER and enrolling the kids in school this fall for the first time in seven years. I can HEAR the angel chorus…… I really think I could die happy now. Except, not so much. I’m not ready to go…. I’ve got a big ol’ break I just earned. I’d like to enjoy it!

She also asked, “Do you think you can hook me up with Anne cuz I love her, too!”

I’d be happy to try. But I’m not sure she would respond. I haven’t heard from her in a while. I do wonder if she’s reading, though. Wouldn’t it be funny if she left a comment here with a big shout out to you, Lisa??

Anne Taintor is very down-to-earth and humble. I think she feels like a normal person and I know she was grateful for the affirmation that her work is freakin’ brilliant. I do wonder though, if she realizes how many people really love it. That would be a hard thing to get my mind around….. others being that crazy about my work.

Back to the last question:

Lisa @ Take90West asked/said (whatever), “I have serious time management problems too, so I totally relate, but what is a typical day like for you?”

I’m sure my Spin Doctor would be happy to consult on how to improve your time management skills. He’s full of solutions.

(Not that he advises me much. He’s smart enough to know that his unsolicited advice gets him nowhere in bed.)

Here’s my real answer:

PRE-BLOGGING: I’d wake up around 8, snuggle and talk in bed with my kids until at least 8:30 and generally start school by 10. We’d break at 12:30 or 1 for lunch – and finish up independent studies in the afternoon before heading off to extra-curricular activities or outside to play.

SINCE I STARTED BLOGGING: We’d still pretty much stay on that schedule, except that most days the kids would start without me. I’m not proud of the fact that the day was peppered with email and blog checks – and I was constantly frequently making the kids wait on me to get off the computer.

I prefer to think of it as honing their independent working skills in preparation for the classroom setting next year – but I’m too honest to not admit that I pretty much dropped the ball in the waning months of school this year. The academia part was covered – but the purpose of our home schooling was simply not served.

I was just over it.

I feel a little bad about that, but I guess I got a little high on the thought of having a life of my own for a change. It was heady stuff that I just didn’t know how to handle all at once, and I didn’t do it well.

I have to admit, I’m a little concerned about summer. Idle time generally translates to trouble at our house – so while I am admittedly looking forward to more guilt-free time for myself, I think I’m going to have to have realistic expectations around it. I’m prepared to have the kids do some math and lots of reading – and we’re working through a kids’ Bible study on James that we will keep up with. Good stuff.

As for time management, I am convicted that time on the computer should always be secondary to time with the Lord. Still fleshing this one out, but, I’ll be sure to let you know if when I find something that works!

I had so many encouraging comments in response to my bloggy fast last week, but this one nailed it. It was from Michelle at Life With Three.

Thanks for being so open about sharing this — because it really helped me. My priorities have been very screwed up, as well, and the fruit that I’m bearing proves it. It’s funny — when I make the time to put God first, there’s always a peace about my life and “enough time” to get everything done. When I do it my way (which, I’m ashamed to admit, is more often than not), things don’t get done, things get forgotten, life becomes a mess. Thanks for speaking His truth into my mess today.

I couldn’t have said it better, Michelle. So, guess what? You are the first ever recipient of my “You Said It Award” this week. Thanks for your encouraging comment. It blessed me and affirmed what God was doing in my life.

More answers to come next week, dear reader. Thanks for all the great material. I knew you’d come through for me.