I'm going to remind you again, every family is different and therefore no two homeschools (or just homes) are alike. Its easy to get caught up in "wow, how do they do that? I wish I could do that."

Remember that all these well intentioned bloggers and advice columns (and friends and family) don't show all the hard stuff. They didn't mention how long it took to even decide the "what" not to mention the "how". They didn't take a picture of the kid with temper tantrum that morning (and afternoon) or the kitchen that looks like its been attacked by racoons. And for all that we do well theres always going to be something we feel we are missing or could do better - especially when we start compare ourselves with others.

We can NOT do it all!

But Praise God anyway! In His infinite wisdom He loaned these little REAL PEOPLE to you to train (amazing!) - He knows what He's doing, even when we are sure we have lost our minds.
My sweet sister-in-love and I have been comparing notes. Her certain child is a great reader and she takes the time to read aloud to her children - AND FINISH THE WHOLE BOOK!
While my child of nearly the same age is a struggling reader. We are in the first week of school and this certain child has already shed a few tears when I remind her that all the sounds she is making are not in that word.
This certain child of mine is also blessed not to be in the "experimental group" - that group of children I have that taught me, the hard way, that they are all going to "get it" when they are good and ready. I can push and that may help, but sometimes its just pushing. Like when you get to a door that says "PULL" and well . . . we know how that works. If only kids came with big signs that say "PUSH" and "PULL" so we'd act accordingly.

This sister-in-love wonders how I have the time to do our science experiments and any art. She doens't realize that I have a love-hate relationship with such activities (I've come to hate markers - and yet I buy more every year). AND experiments and art are part of the curriulum I use (I'm just following directions - I'd never think up most of the stuff we do).

I shared a link to a good idea I've never actually remember to use. She may find it useful. This certain link also has the blog of a homeschool mom who WOWs me. How does she do it? I bet her kitchen is clean and she's never had to pick a trail to the recliner to crash after trying to teach her over-achiving boys all the wonderfulness that flows from her enviable creativity. (But she does have some good almost do-able ideas - and stuff I may use during our high school years to fill graduation requirements). But how does she do it?

Then there are these homeschooling families nearby that always seem to be at every event, field trip, and meeting (and they seem really crafty) and they still get "it" all done. How do they do it?

Then I am reminded of all the times I've been asked, "How do YOU do it?" And I honestly don't know, except it is not me but the power of Christ that lives in me. Its daily prayer to be the vessel HE uses to teach these kids. (Okay, some days I forget that prayer and just fly by the seat of my pants - which is a good reminder to hurry and say that prayer). Plus, I'm blessed with a REALLY GREAT MAN!

There is also that gentle reminder of what "they" may give up or do without to do what they do - that their husband provides differently - that they are gifted differently - that they have different kids - that I'm called to fulfill the purpose HE has for ME. And not do everybody's job, just mine.

Then I'm reminded that I can do all things through Him who gives me strength. (I just can't do it all at the same time).

PS
And I love naps! So sometimes nothing else happens.
And its good to find a one or two who you think "Wow. I do more than that anyway." Just to lift the spirtis - HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
But todays message seems to be don't compare! So don't do that.