This and That

I am reading through The Little House on the Prairies series, again, for something like the 100th time. I don't know why, but when I was looking on my shelf for something handy to read it just seemed like what I was looking for. And, as I was reading By the Banks of Plum Creek this afternoon it struck me that Laura was eight when she first went to school, unable to read and said she wasn't very sure of some of her letters. Six or seven years later she became a teacher and later one of the most famous American authors.

I don't even know where I really want to go with this. It is just in all my readings this hasn't ever stuck out to me. But, it even more emphasizes that waiting and letting children be children, and spending the early years teaching them basic skills is just as much an education as sitting them down in a socialized school setting and having uninteresting facts shoved down their throats.

Part of me is constantly looking for that reassurance that I am not screwing up. I don't push, push, push - at least not anymore as Mary has taught me that lesson. I am coming more and more into believing in delayed academics for the children. I could almost be an unschooler if I could get over my own control issues and Mary didn't need the structure that daily lessons provide.

Speaking of structure, I am trying very hard to come to turns that this week is going to be another week that doesn't happen like I had planned. One of my best friends called me this weekend in a tizzy. It appears her ex suddenly couldn't take care of her two kids Monday and Tuesday while she is scheduled to be at an orientation. So I agreed to have them over here 9-5 for both days. Then, while I was at the grocery store this afternoon I ran into the mother of Mary's best friend from her daycare/preschool days. We have been in and out of touch over much of the last year - just running on two different schedules. Mary has been bringing up this friend in conversation a lot lately, and it is just providence. So L's mother invited Mary over to her house for the day on Wednesday.

Geez - I just can't say NO. And, part of me doesn't want to. Friends are important. Friends that are in trouble and long-lost friends. It will be kind of stressful around here for the next few days and I have told Mary that the basics will still be done, even if it is in the evening. But, I think it will be worth it in the end.

And, speaking of stress, the company I do projects for on occassion contacted me on my way out of town last week and have another project they need my help on. I think this is the third August/September in a row they have had work for me - must be something about school starting that other things HAVE to come up at the same time. The work is easy, the money good and I am not going to turn it down going into birthday/holiday season. This could be the money for all of that and our car insurance premium that is due in November.

Off to bed, I'm going to have six kids floating around the house tomorrow and I need my rest.

Peace,

Amy