Choosing Battles

So often home schooling feels like swimming upstream. 

The grass in the public schoolyard often looks oh, so green. 

It seems like every day there are at least a few reasons to let "schooling" slip by the wayside.  I know that there are very important things that my children are learning by spending their days with me, but I know they also need some consistent practice in the academic areas. 

Some days, things go really smoothly. 

Other days feel like a struggle all day long. 

For so long, our family has been in "survival mode".  I feel like I can't keep using it as an excuse. 
And my kids WANT to learn. 
But there are SO many distractions. 

Daisy got sick to her stomach last night. 
Ruby's outfit wasn't quite right this morning. 
That made scriptures late.
Sarajoy is still doing the several runny diapers a day thing.
Simon needs a buddy, especially with Daisy down.
She woke with a fever and sore throat.  Oh NO!
We somehow struggled through math and reading and a little writing before I had to leave for the Dr.
I was tired.
All the kids were tired.
I told them to rest while I was away. 
I don't think the toddlers let them rest much.

I decided to get some things at the health food store to maybe hopefully prevent the rest of us from getting strep.  And some stuff for Sarajoy's tummy.
And we had to get the antibiotics.
We needed groceries, too.
Two hours later, I got home. Starving.

So while I get welcomed by the toddlers who both want to be held and fed, I try to scrape together a sandwich, return phone calls, and get the kids back to work on their school and chores. 

A certain person argued with me from the moment she awoke.  She had a reason against every single thing I asked her to do. 
It was exhausting.
I finally had to send her to bed.
She was there for hours, and I missed her.  I was sad about her choices.

I used the Thanksgiving turkey broth to make some stew and made some rolls while talking to my sister on the phone and guiding the boys through the last of their school and chores. 

I managed not to fall asleep at the dinner table, or while doing dishes with the kids, or while doing family night, or while watching Polar Express. 

But now I am too tired to even think about tomorrow. 
I don't feel sad or depressed.
Just a little overwhelmed and discouraged.  Drained.
I want so many good things for my family, and I work so hard for them. 

When it comes down to it, it is worth it. 
It is worth it.
It is worth it. 

So I'll fight again tomorrow. 


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