Things are Looking Up

So, as I expected, we got very little - and by very little, I mean none - school work done Friday.  I had even told the girls that because we got so little done Thursday and Friday, they could expect to have homework over the weekend - no whining!  They didn't balk about it at all; 'course we didn't end up doing homework.  The weekend flew by and no school work was done.  This is when I start doing a number on myself.  My head says, "Why are you homeschooling?  You're not qualified to do this?  They're never going to learn anything!"  I could go on and on but I don't want to bore you; you get the idea.  I have to consciously remind myself of the kids wonderful standardized tests over the years; of the boys successful highschool careers; of the fact that, even in a formal school setting they have assemblies, fire drills, and other such interruptions. 

"Calm down," I say to myself.  That works better now than it did 10 years or ago (or 9 or 8 or, let's face it, even 1 year ago).  It's true.  I am a better homeschool mom every year.  That kind of makes me sad :(
My older kids were like the guinea pigs.  They had a mom who was learning on the fly.  On the bright side, they did great!  They taught ME well!

The very good news is the progess I've seen this week.  As it is summer session, I do not make the girls get up at a certain time.  This is REALLY difficult for me!  However, the girls get up, get dressed, get their breakfast and get to their school work on their own and that is awesome.  This week, Jane in particular has impressed me.  While she is eating her breakfast, she has gotten to her school work.  She has taken the initiative to work ahead in her algebra.  She has gotten 98% or better on her lessons.  She read her history, which she will complete this week even though it was to take her to August 17.  Her history is internet-linked and she has aced all her check-ups!  I have her print them off and will keep them for our records.

I was so impressed with her work ethic yesterday morning and gave her a lot of kudos.  She smiled and said, "I really want to hang out with Erin and Molly this afternoon."  I think she thought that was a poor excuse but I grabbed onto it!  I told her that is what we all need to do.  All through life, we have to get done what NEEDS to be done, so we can do what we WANT to do.  She had homework Monday night and I told her it was her job to remember and get it done and if Tuesday morning came and it wasn't done, she'd have to miss her dance class that night (tuesday is jazz/tap; her favorite).  She got it done.  Things are looking very well indeed!