Boy Crazy

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

Monday, May 2, 2011

While They Were Sleeping

“There was never a child so lovely but his mother was glad to get him to sleep.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Sometimes, it's so very nice when my boys are asleep...................

even him...............

..................and him.............

.............and him....................

................even him......................

.............even him.............

(awwww....look! My cute baby boy is still somewhere inside of that big man child. How I love him. He should really stop growing now. *Sniff sniff*)

...................and sometimes, him too.

This pic is for my mama-in-law, who raised such a very nice boy for me to love, after he grew up & left her to be my husband. Here's a pic of your cute little boy, sleeping too, Mom. OK. So he's a little hairy & scratchy. Don't you just wanna smooch his forehead? :)

God created sleep, so moms wouldn't eat their young.............and would remember how cute & precious they ALL are & start over being their mama again the next morning. With joy. :D