Feeling Overwhelmed?

We have all at one time or another felt overwhelmed.  It most often happens when we have over committed, over scheduled, and underestimated the time in our days.  I do not find myself overwhelmed by many things. I believe this is the result of careful planning and learning to say NO!, but today was different.


As a home school mom, who was also a home school student I have found my teaching style to be organized and lax at the same time.  I have a plan and on most days it is executed flawlessly, but on other days you could set off fireworks inside my house and I wouldn't notice because all hell was breaking loose anyway. On those days I think back to when I had two toddlers, cutting, coloring, and pasting letters in their always neat notebooks. My motto was "a place for everything and everything in its place."  Well those days are long gone.  I now have two toddlers, two elementary students, and one middleschooler. No longer is it OK to just focus on our ABC's, no now we do fractions, and giant spelling words, and science project too big to fit on the table.  Don't get me wrong, I am having fun, but the responsibility I have weighs heavy on my shoulders.  My son recently decided he wants to attend West Point.  My thoughts...WOW, can I get him there? In actuality it shouldn't matter what my kids want to be or do when they grow up, it is still my job to give them the best education possible.  And I must remember, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."


Even though I believe God is my strength I was dejected when I walked to my office/library this morning to find I really had know idea what books I wanted to use next school year (or where to find them on my shelves or files for that matter). We plan to start next month, August, take one month off for a cross country vacation, resume in October-November, off for December (our focus in Dec. is Christmas cooking, crafts, visiting, gift making), In January we will be welcoming a new baby (amount of school work accomplished ~ unknown), by February we should be ready to tackle the books until summer. As I type I can't help but wonder what has me stressed, but I know it is the question of what books, what subjects, which worksheets, copywork, Bible, lapbook, what to grow, what to build, etc.  Normally I wouldn't think twice, but this year I feel compelled to reach out for help in the form of a curriculum, Yes, I said it, this classical mom is buying curriculum. Even though I already have books a plenty on the shelves adequate for teaching any grade level.  The curriculum is for me, my sanity.  I need someone else to tell me what to do and when. I found one today and have purchased most of the books needed to compliment the study.  I am excited and look forward to the month ahead that it will take to familiarize myself with the approach and texts used.  It cost more then I have ever spent in one year, but I know many of the books will be used again and the cost will be spread out over many years.  It took all day to complete the orders as there are a lot more books involved then I originnaly thought, but I feel good about the decision, my husband supports the decision, and I just might sleep a little better tonight knowing I am on my way to a happy, easier school year. 


So rather than feeling overwhelmed, I feel relieved, thankful, fully trusting in God to work through me as I teach my kids.  I know that not everyday will be perfect, but I pray we learn from our mistakes, pick up the broken pieces and set our feet on a new path the next day. Remembering "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phil. 4:13
Jenny






for info on my curriculum purchase www.easyclassical.com