Did you miss the first two parts of our series, Enjoying the Harvest? Be sure to click over and read those entries:

Enjoying the Harvest in Your Homeschool.

Enjoying the Harvest in Your Parenting

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Given some time to think about it, you can probably "see" back through this past year and remember some prime "harvest moments", both educational as well as emotional and spiritual. 

There are also some moments or events that strengthened and united your family, as well. I've made myself keep a small journal of these kinds of harvest insights, both for encouragement and so that I really realize the progress being made for our efforts. I know it is hard to find time to write down these kinds of things, and I am one of the worst when it comes to finding time for extra efforts like this. BUT, I have MADE myself do this with a journal -- for all of us. 

Here are some ideas in each harvest moment category that I mentioned above, to help you "see" what I record:

Breakthroughs in their education: 

• First word read all by themselves
• First book read independently
• First time they read a book with interest "without" having it assigned
• Breakthrough on long division
• Moments of realization when they really "understand" a concept...like gravity!
• They begin to connect the things that they are learning with the world around us.

Breakthroughs in their emotional development:

• They slow down to help younger siblings voluntarily 
• Refusal to "follow the crowd" based on principle or belief
• Doing the "right" thing even when you are not around!
• Helping others without being asked
• Appreciating grandparents and other family members 
• Welcoming guests wholeheartedly and caring for their needs 
• Asking if you can "all" go do something together...amazing!

And last, but not least -- moments that strengthen and unite your family:

• When one parent is ill or injured, and they all work together to share the burden 
• A death in the family or extended family, where they learn the real value of love and family, as well as the role of faith in assurance 
• When times are financially strained, everyone comes together to conserve, plan, and help ease the struggle.
• Projects for the family tend to provide long memories as well -- working together to add a room to the house, helping a neighbor, etc.

These kinds of things are all what I call those "harvest moments". Golden, reflective and rewarding of our efforts. They may be brief, like a shooting star, but they are just as joyous when we take time from our hectic schedules and plans to see them and realize that progress is being made and our efforts are bringing on a "good" harvest.

Join us next week as we wrap up this series, discussing how enjoying the harvest is important for you, the homeschool mom.