The Culprits

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Studying: Nerf Style

 This week was my "moment of truth" week. We do on-line public school at home. That isn't how I originally wanted to homeschool, back when Seth was little. But it's how I talked Justin into agreeing for me to homeschool the boys. It was our compromise. And, even though I WISH I was one of those really diligent, organized, structured, homeschool moms who don't need any help.......I'm not. The help I get from the OLS has been a blessing. This week was state testing time, which I have always found to be a horribly stressful time of year. It feels like a lot of stuff is riding on my shoulders. I feel extremely pressured. In my imagination, I just KNOW if my kids do badly, the anti-homeschoolers in my life will feel justified in their opinions that I never should have homeschooled to begin with. Who are these people? I have no idea. They are probably just my imaginary alter egos, who exist only in my mind & second guess my choices as a mother & worry that I'm destroying my kids' lives...and...and...and...so on. So, what did I do to help my kids really get ready for their ISATs & IRIs, when I was under so much (self-imposed) STINKING PRESSURE??? Well, we have a hard, fast rule around here: when all else fails...........have a Nerf-Gun-War!!!! OK. It wasn't actually my idea. The boys just love to do that every now & then........or every other day. Especially when they know they have studying to do, but Mom's procrastinating on making them do it. They hope that I will just "forget" about school for the rest of the day. And sometimes I do. But when my almost-15 yr old, who is going to LEAVE ME FOREVER in the next 3 or 4 years, is PLAYING OUTSIDE WITH HIS LITTLE BROTHERS (who are usually considered his "lesser-fellow-beings").........and killing them ever so lovingly with his Nerf Bazooka...........how can anyone expect me to put an end to their fun? It simply warms my heart & I wish it would never ever end. I will cry SO very hard when Seth is not here to murder his little brothers anymore. But, despite my bad homeschooling technique, the boys all scored great on their tests.........so I am vindicated! My non-supportive "Other Heathers" can kiss my big toe.










                                  Nerf Target

10 comments:

Misty said...

I am sure your boys will test awesome. this was our first year doing it and I'm a big fan simply because it reaffirmed (to me) that Gen is learning... hang in there Mama... you are amazing...

paige said...

i love this post - i love the vulnerability that it takes to say, "this is what works for us..." (re. online schooling) _ & i love the encouragement to keep *relationships* the priority. Very familiar to me :)

Lisa said...

Hey, just browsing your blog from The Top 25 contest. Love the post. I feel the pressure too. Thankfully, our state doesn't require testing or reporting so I am off the hook there, but the pressure is very real all the same. Thanks for visiting my blog!

Lisa, The Epsteen Chronicles

BTW, 6 Boys!!!! Wow, and I thought I was outnumbered! You are SO blessed!

Hipsy Gypsy Homeschoolers said...

stopping by from live~laugh~love... six boys.... WOW! You're doing a great job mama! Love your blog off to read more :) Alecia

~*~The Family~*~ said...

Came over to check out your blog - lots of great pictures!! Happy Mother's Day!

True Texan said...

I love a good Nerf gun war! Isn't it amazing how those nasty doubts creep in? Sounds like you're doing a great job to me! Love your blog, too!

Boy Crazy said...

Nice to meet you ladies!!! Thanks for the kind words! Yes, I am especially great at that self-doubt thing. Our state doesn't require homeschoolers to test, but the on line school that the gov't pays for....does require it. And, Misty, they did score great actually. Although they haven't always in the past. This year was better........I'm happy!

Deb Chitwood said...

I loved your post! It's always great when we find out our children do better than we expected. I homeschooled my kids through high school and worried that I didn't properly prepare them for college. Then they both got all A's in college, and my daughter even graduated with her B.A. from a university in England at age 19! I think that's often the case with homeschoolers! Sounds like you're doing a great job - and remembering what's most important! :) Deb @ LivingMontessoriNow.com

melyssa said...

Ain't no one brave enough to kiss your big toe, woman!

wink, wink

Boy Crazy said...

Deb~ That is so neat & encouraging! Thanks so much!

Lyssa~ HEY! ;)