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ALmom
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| Posted: July 22 2009 at 8:11am | IP Logged
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Well, life has been interesting here. I just finished all my paperwork (due tomorrow) on my booklists, goals, etc. I was getting overwhelmed feeling like I had to re-write all my plans to be day by day, etc. My dd changed her mind once more and wants to finish everything this year - and graduate - but has close to 2 years worth of credits she needs to get. I twisted my ankle (and am in the middle of books all over the floor where they still remain) and basically was forced to realize that somehow I was not getting any down time because I spent all summer planning and organizing and somehow this wasn't what God wanted - but my kids want plans. Then I've been convicted more and more about getting my prayer life in order but needing a bit more direction in how and was making mediocre progress until the prayer request for Matthew came along. So my ankle stuff made me slow down (and has become a real blessing) and decide that somehow planning must be streamlined while still meeting children's needs. I just ran out of time - and if the time isn't there, there must be something I'm trying to do that God doesn't want me to spin my wheels on. Also, if I do end up following the latest trend, dh will be immensely happy since our needs should go way down - I'll be re-using what I already own for the most part and just buying really good books for fun.
I just had to share how it all worked out -
1) dd and I had a real heart to heart about what is really needed. I want to help her meet her goals. We went through her goals (basically she is undecided about this so wants all the doors open and basically just wants to finish school this year if at all possible but is not upset with me. She has taken ownership, yes!!!) and decided to go through plans together and talk about what we both felt was needed - both in terms of clear communication about what must be done, but also which books, which paper topics, how we are approaching this to meet both her goals and requirements of honesty. It turned out to be rather simple matter of yellow highlighter - and a few penciling ins. She doesn't need me to break down into daily anymore  She made up her own schedule for next year - pretty brutal, but not impossible. I don't care if it does take an extra half year. If it does, she'll duel enroll in an EMT course and once she has enough coursework in with duel enrollment, she can begin to ride with the ambulance - so either way, she shouldn't be delayed in moving on. She is still talking to recruiters but I'm relieved to know she has eliminated the Marines (not because they aren't a wonderfully couragous bunch - just doesn't seem the right place for dd  )
Then in looking over her course plans (doing 2 Theologies) and as we highlighted what we're doing in 12th, I noticed that the 12th theology is a lot about developing a prayer life - exactly what I needed to kind of show me the way (now God does always reinforce what he is trying to get through my thick skull by the lesson plans we end up with for the children). They go through two wonderful books as spiritual reading and journal this. Guess who needs to work alongside dd. Anyways, We decided that we will not do any more than 2 formal paper topics per subject per quarter and went through picking out what we have decided. We are either outlining or discussing the rest. She picked out the books she will cover. We are both very happy, I think.
Then the prayer request for Matthew so I had the a reason to really keep at it and persevere before the inspiration got old(though of course we're only into a few days, but somehow Matthew is really helping me and God has practically hit me over the head with a hammer so I'd better get it this time, right  (I started the total consecration but just didn't keep it all straight - have to get that on the next go round).
Looking at the revised plans from Kolbe, I feel I can use their plans with a lot less tweaking for ds - . I really like the high school plans - the latest revised ones.
Decided not to re-invent the wheel with another son - so am using MODG (4th) plans with only minor tweaking. They just seemed to fit this year. We are finally almost done with vision therapy - just a tinsy bit more and copywork is just the thing.
And in looking over them, it occured to us that this idea about copywork and studied dictation are the answer for ds who is struggling with writing, grammar and spelling. We are going to use the material in Kolbe theology plans (Bible) for copywork and see if modeling doesn't help the process along a bit for this very visual learner. If I need to go for simpler copywork, I can always pull out my MODG plans and do that while we sit and wait at co-op.
I had momentary panic over science - definitely not a science planner - but called in ds(the science fan) to look at the books we had. I, thankfully, had finished arranging all the science in baskets. He found some books he has not yet read - not many but enough to last him for at least some time this year. I see there will be some Astronomy suggestions here - and another book to order whenever we run out. My sister is loaning me a book to see - but we have a majorly deep plant book to order, an Entymology book that came in a bunch of science stuff I just bought and the thrift store had a ton of science books that a teacher evidently dumped. I bought most of them and the baskets they were in for next to nothing. That should give us a bit more reading material here.
I think we are being inspired to simplify and place more time and effort into the liturgical year and prayer. Ie get lopsided priorities back in order and re-look at what it is that the children really need most.
I'm reinvigorated, and inspired - and most of this happens right after the rosary for Matthew - so thank you God and thank you Matthew.
Off to get a catnap before delivering my paperwork to the school.
I think this is the first year I have not done major tweaking.
Janet
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Mackfam
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| Posted: July 22 2009 at 11:32am | IP Logged
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Janet - I'm thrilled for you!!!!! Reading through your post I can hear the stress dropping away as your planning progressed. There is so much freedom in simplifying and living that! Many of my thoughts lately are going in that same direction!!
I'm so happy that all your plans worked out and that you find renewed vigor and focus in your prayer life!!! I'll pray for you that this continues...send some prayers my way as well, would ya?
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Jen Mackintosh
Wife to Rob, mom to dd 19 , ds 16, ds 11, dd 8, and dd 3
Wildflowers and Marbles
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TracyQ
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| Posted: July 27 2009 at 12:01pm | IP Logged
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Isn't it so nice when a plan comes together? I'm about to start on really delving today. My IHIPs are due soon!!!!!
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Blessings and Peace,
Tracy Q.
wife of Marty for 20 years, mom of 3 wonderful children (1 homeschool graduate, 1 12th grader, and a 9th grader),
homeschooling in 15th year in Buffalo, NY
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Angel
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| Posted: July 29 2009 at 6:30am | IP Logged
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My IHIPs are due soon, too. I have two down (sort of) and one to go. I feel like I've been "planning" forever, though, and stuff I was thinking about and preparing for back in the spring doesn't seem to be appropriate now, so I'm scrambling and feeling a bit overwhelmed. Like you, Janet, it feels like I've spent my summer getting no rest! (Well, we've been out to soccer 3 nights a week, and the older two had camps, so - shew! August should be slower, though, thankfully!)
I am not going to say that maybe I need to sprain my ankle, though, because that is just tempting fate. 
I've decided that planning for school falls into the category of work as far as Sundays are concerned. usually I felt like I was just puttering around, but now I think I really need the time away - to read a novel, or work in the garden, or whatever. Even if I don't *think* I do.
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Angela
Mom to 9, 7 boys and 2 girls
Three Plus Two
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4Real Forums : Planning and Ordering our Days
Topic: Planning
