Needed Encouragement - UPDATE

[Kristen]

Hi all,
I posted a few weeks ago about being overwhelmed. We had skipped Bigger and tried Preparing this Sept. but realized it was too much for my boys (ages 8 and 9). Everyone was encouraging and Julie helped so much with placement.
I am proud to say we just finished our first full week of Bigger and actually finished Unit 2 Day 2 today with much success! The boys loved it right away. The first day, my 8 yo kept saying, "this is fun, this is so fun." Everything is just right as far as their abilities and the amount of time it takes. It is just enough that I don't feel like I have to skip things to make time for other stuff or because they won't be able to "get it." (which I had been doing) They enjoy taking turns playing with their little brother (2) while I work on Math and English with the other. The first day my 9 yo said "dictation? what's that?" with this sort of dread and whine in his voice. He is a bit of a perfectionist so when I told him it had to be spelled and punctuated correctly, even the periods and capitals he switched his tune and was ready for the challenge, to prove he could do it. Well, afterward he says, "I love dictation!"
I feel we are really into our groove. We pretty much finished before lunch even though some days we had distractions and lunch got a little late or we finished story time after lunch while the little one slept. But today we did it in 3 hours flat and started lunch at 12:30! We all felt a sense of accomplishment. My 9 yo said, "now we have the whole afternoon free." They practically cried one day when I told them we had to stop our story time for lunch (we're reading about George Rogers Clark - an adventurous boy they totally relate to). I had to promise we'd read more in the afternoon.
Anyway, I just wanted to write and thank you again and let you know what a blessing this curriculum and board are! In fact, I just talked to a friend of mine today who said she is so busy planning and feels she has lost her joy (she has two boys). I said you have to check out HOD!
Thank you, thank you and God bless!
Kristen

[Dorla]

What good news! I am very happy for you. We also went through a dry spell in Bigger and I am so glad that I posted my concerns on the board and received encouragement and sound advice. Like you, we are now in our groove and loving school once again!
Keep it up!
Dorla

[Samuel'sMommy]

I'm glad you were able to figure out what works for you. I hope you continue to enjoy HOD!

[mamayi]

That's fantastic! I found your update so encouraging!

[my3sons]

I'm SO HAPPY to hear this, Kristen! That is just what I was hoping would happen - God is certainly blessing your dedication to find the best fit for your dc and your willingness to persevere until it's working well. Kuddos to you for persistence, perseverance, and diligence - all wonderful character qualities of our Lord and Savior. So many times we want a quick fix - but a little time, a little prayer, and a little dedication can do wonders. Thanks so much for sharing!

In Christ,
Julie

[Carrie]

Kristen,

I'm so thrilled to hear this! I'm praising the Lord with you for the change and the placement that is fitting your kiddos well. I often feel so blessed to be able to gather together on the board and talk about options until each family finds its best fit.

I really appreciate the update!

Blessings,
Carrie