Moratorium: the results edition

It has been one month since I took a moratorium. I have found out who my true friends are. I have been lonely. I have had a blast. I have enjoyed my children more than any other time in my life (or theirs). I have faithfully schooled the children every day Monday through Friday for 2 weeks. I am very proud of myself. I have taken school so much more seriously than last year.

• 'This One' is learning all about the Pacific Islands. The Mister is teaching her pre-algebra and she is reading several history books. She is taking a creative writing class, a science class (complete with dissection happening next semester!) and a class called "dancing through time" where she will learn dances of different era's through history. Soon, she will start up her sewing class as well (she is really very talented). Our home school co-op is hosting an entrepreneurial fair in November in which I hope she will sell some of her homemade puppets/creations to her peers!
  
• 'That One' is learning how to read 3 letter words, working on letter sounds and learning her addition facts (flashcards, yay!). Today we learned about fishermen. We "fished" in the bathtub like real fisherman (the youngest got in on some of that action!).
• 'The Other One' really, really loves Play-Do. He used up all of what we had, so The Mister made him some at home - it is blue, 'The Other One's favorite color. It could keep him entertained for hours! When he is unable to do what 'That One' is doing in school, he asks for the Play-Do and it makes everyone happy!
  

I have to admit that these last few weeks have probably been some of the loneliest in my life.

1. I don't quite fit into the preschool set anymore and I am not quite ready for the grade school crowd either or the middle school one yet, for that matter. I am learning, adjusting and finding a new balance at home.
   
2. I don't feel stressed about getting my household duties done in time to make a play date.
   
3. I don't come home from a play date to find that I feel terrible about coming home to a disaster. I don't feel bad about leaving the mess alone to focus on school instead. I don't have a clean house since I have more time (it might even possibly be messier).
4. I don't have anyone to lean on at this point really except the Mister who finds it hard to understand the SAHM dilemma of social interaction - but that's okay.
   
5. I don't have a great structure (like, we don't get up because we have to be somewhere. We get up at our own pace and do school in our pajamas most the time (but somehow we always get school done even though we aren't stuck to a regimented schedule)
   

I have learned more about my abilities in the last few weeks than I ever knew about myself.

1. I feel capable of helping my kids learn for the first time in my life and I am learning with them.
2. I enjoy their company.
3. I have enjoyed my time away from them more than ever when I have gotten it because I look forward to seeing them again.
4. I have loved seeing them grow over the last few weeks.
5. I really like what I do now.

Those are just a few of my humble musings this week. :-) Have a great holiday weekend y'all!