So much happens every day that I just try to enjoy the moment. I have about 5 great blog ideas on a daily basis and it makes me frustrated that I can't blog about it all! I am loving the age Holden is (almost 6). He told me today he is really glad he is homeschooled. He gets asked a lot of questions and quizzed, but he takes it in stride. He has never come to me in tears about any of it. He is confident and knows we homeschool different than people expect. He tells his friends he doesn't do school at home (don't worry it is legal). I am so very proud of both my boys. They are extremely bright, social, and fun loving guys. I feel like the happiest mom alive on a regular basis. We have our tough moments as well, but we manage those times fine. Life could be so much worse. Unlike some oppressed women in our country, and around the world, I have the power to go to work if I want, or stay home with my children. I am not beaten or berated. The freedoms I have are so wonderful. These freedoms allow me to give my children a very full and interesting life whether we are at home by ourselves, or with friends, or family.
Speaking of tough moments, I am a little tense today. I think it is partly PMS, partly because I miss my husband who is in the Middle East, and because I have a lot going on now and in the near future. The kids and I are planning to go to Texas to see my family in about 15 or so days. Holden's birthday is coming up soon, as well as Christmas. I am trying so hard not to cave in to societal pressures about this time of year and about birthday parties. We have been having such a lovely idyllic fall, I don't want it to end. We had a white Thanksgiving and spent the day with friends. The kids and I went sledding a few times this week with friends and cousins. Every time I think life can't get any more interesting or fun with the boys, it just seems to get sweeter. Yes, they have their brotherly moments of unlove. Life is never perfect, it is just perfectly fine with me. I am learning to appreciate it all.
Overall, I shouldn't complain. The support and love we get on a regular basis from friends, family, and neighbors has been tremendous. And my husband has been a huge help from so far away. We have been each others cheerleader the past 8 months. Also, today some little friends came over and gave a bunch of used toys to my boys. They called it a toy party. Both boys have friends and family who give them lots of love and support. I'd say we are extremely rich with good fortune.
I am looking forward to cuddling up again tonight with the boys to read a King Arthur adventure book that is like an "I Spy" book. We have been working on it and it is really interesting. We bailed on the "Harry Potter" book we started in October. We got into "I Spy" books and other children's books because we can enjoy them with Camden (3). We will pick up "Harry Potter" in a few more years. For myself, I just finished reading "The Golden Compass" and I am still reading "Walden" by H.D. Thoreau. Last month I read "Infidel" by Ayaan Hirsi Ali. It is amazing that I still have time to exercise almost day, and keep up with the housework, and kids. Going to the YMCA the past few weeks has helped me stay on track and have energy to keep going. It is a huge stress reliever as well. I know I am probably trying to do too much, but it feels good for the moment. And most days I just enjoy the challenge. Plus when life is exciting and fun, all comes easier.
All I can say is, UNbelievable!!! Those of you with kids at home or not at home all day know what I mean!!! The joys of parenting are there for the taking!!! I am so grateful to all the support out there for parenting as we do. Some of my favorite mentors out in the universe are Joyce Fetteroll, Scott Noelle, Sandra Dodd, and many, many others (see my links). Thanks to all of you out there who are busting your butts to tilt the scale in favor of love and joy vs. pain, suffering, and oppression of children's rights. It does make a difference. I have a long way to go to fully recover from my own oppressed childhood, but I am changing everyday--and loving it.
Three huge cheers to you all....
2 comments:
Heather,
You are so right, in every thing you said. I feel very much like you do. We are lucky and Grateful for such happy lives. And unschooling is what has brought us here.
Let the Good Times roll!
It's just GRAND, isn't it?
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