I stole this quote from a friend's blog today

"We, as persons, are not enlightened by means of multiple-choice tests or grades, but rather by the other people in our lives that we come to know, admire and love. We are educated by our friendships and by our intimacies. For instance, think how the actions of someone you admire influence your behaviour. Similarly, think also of how a boy's interest is sparked by a hobby he loves, and to which he devotes all his time and trouble. Whether it be gardening, keeping house, or governing a state, love of work - like love of people- teaches things that no school, no system, can. " Karen Andreola Charlotte Mason Companion

I copied and pasted this today from my friend's blog today - it's actually kind of funny, because the first book that I borrowed and never read about homeschooling was THIS book - the Charlotte Mason Companion. Oh well, I am doing alright without it...but you know, reading things like this does remind you of your focus and your purpose. We officially had our first day of school today...our first whole day with all subjects. It was good, but it is also a good time to get a reminder that although our workbooks are great, and our unit study is great - the purpose, the reason for us choosing homeschooling is to give our children more than just a workbook education. It is really important for them to read, and to do math correctly...it is important for them to know history, geography and the rest - but it is ultimately so much more than just that.
Remind me of that when I get stressed about too much 'socializaton' okay?? Not that I want a free-for-all of hanging out with no structured school time - anyone who knows me at all will know that I don't mean that...but I need to keep it in perspective. It is so important to read aloud together, to let the girls play pretend together, to visit with friends and family...my Grandpa, because he is not going to be here forever. Their grandparents, because grandparents have so much to offer in the way of having good actions to influence their behaviour.
I will try to remember this when I am getting stressed about all there is to study and how little time we really have!