Thursday 10 February 2011

Normality and Routine vs. Reality



I WAS hoping for a bit of normality to return to my life after the kids returned to school, however it seems that 'normality' is far from happy to return - it's off being itself somewhere else and I'm just running around from one thing to the other and not getting anything done.

The children, on the other hand, seem to have settled back into the routine of school ... the routine of not wanting to get up in the mornings and the routine of rushing off to the school bus with seconds to spare. Not to mention the routine of not wanting to do their homework.

I've been told by the girls in no uncertain terms that they'd much prefer to stay home and read. (Good for bookstores and libraries but not so good for their school reports I'm sure).

Perhaps we all need a little more R&R (six weeks obviously wasn't enough...) and my R&R is more likely to come when the children are at school and peace reigns over the house. But then a phone call from MIL, or SIL or a request from the accountant or a job to do for hubby because he can't do it - he has to go and plough ... and next thing you know the day is gone and the kids are walking back up the hill after being dropped at the front gate by the school bus. *sigh*

I HAVE made an effort with son though - his performance (at school) dropped off quite a bit towards the end of last year. Our idea that he should be made responsible for his own work (getting homework done in time, projects finished in a half reasonable state etc) kind of failed. In a world of sink or swim, he definitely sank. So now, each day after school I sit down with him at the dining table and get him to show me what he did that day, asking him to explain it to me. If he can't, I endeavour to lead him through, kind a bit like revision on a daily basis. I look at his diary, make sure his homework/project due dates have been notated and make sure he packs the correct books for the next day. I think he's entered that teen fog where they see and hear nothing that doesn't interest them, so I feel I have to do this. Otherwise he may just fall off the planet and not realise.

The girls have been fine with their homework and seem to understand everything so far, so I guess I should be grateful for small mercies.

On the creative front, I did manage an afternoon at my bench recently and made some lovely heart jewellery to celebrate the imminent occasion of Valentine's Day (the photo above is one - its a gorgeous lemon citrine pendant and chain - a whopping 1 inch across, it's big and sparkly and very desirable!

Are you expecting anything for Valentine's Day? My hubby isn't big remembering Valentines (although I do recall a bunch of long stemmed roses that arrived at my work from him one year). But he will go and pick me a red, red rose from the garden on the spur of the moment - just like he did this morning:



And that's worth more than anything, don't you think?

Till next :)
Annette

9 comments:

A Farmer's Wife said...

I love the rose - so beautiful. And the pendant - also so beautiful.

BushBelles said...

Gorgeousxo

coffeeaddict said...

I'll take a single blossom brought on the spur of the moment any day over the obligatory Valentine's rose.
Gorgeous necklace too!

ChezChani said...

Spur of the moment is much better than doing what the calendar and card companies tell you to do.

I'll get neither but to replace having a Valentine of my own, I've made Valentine treats for some of the people I work with, and that made me happy and made the kitchen a mess.

Le said...

ohh I love the new piece - very yum :) and yes I sometimes get flowers from the garden too :) it's the though yes :) best le xox ps giveaway at the third

Natural Aroma Handmade Soaps said...

Spur of the moment is very good, lucky you:) I love this necklace, I have a real soft spot for hearts:) it's beautiful! all the best for the homework:)

Unknown said...

love the rose! Stopping by to say Happy Valentines Day!

Name: Holly Bowne said...

Awww, the red rose is sweet! My hubby has a similar attitude towards Valentine's Day. Although this year, he actually had a card and some chocolate for me days ahead of time.

I had to smile when reading about your son and homework. Aaaah, yes. The joys of boys. (I don't actually know if it's all boys, but he is DEFINITELY different from my daughter in terms of school work.) I think what you're doing is great! Just know you may still be doing it when he's 16! ;o)

Millie said...

At 62 MOTH's still waiting for his teenage fog to disappear! Sounds like you are doing all the right things with your boy Annette, sometimes a team effort's required to get our Little Darlings over that learning line.
Millie x

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