Recharging batteries

This week is half term here. We follow school terms, having the two older children in school. This time, I feel as though my batteries are almost flat. Finishing work, a busy term, realising how much needs to be done around the house, a little one who has been sleeping badly and educational planning sometimes gets a bit tiring. But there is encouragement.

There was a comment here, the other day, about occupying toddlers while home educating. I hadn't had a good day. Here is part of my reply
This morning, my toddler managed to pour milk over the fridge and his cup while I was explaining maths. Later, the whole cup of milk ended up on the floor. 
In order to save sanity, I got out the playdough forgetting that it had come out rather runny being made with lemon not cream of tartar. My little one and I then managed to get covered in flour and playdough. 
There was also a bit of an incident with granola. Can't remember how many times I've cleaned the floor!


Sarah suggested looking up tots trays. This is what I found. Really useful for us especially since I recently invested in some small plastic units with pull-out tray drawers. We've started to use some of the ideas. My drawers are a bit too shallow for some of the ideas but at least, they might keep the water contained! My toddler's favourite occupation is standing at the sink and pouring. I would like to believe that this is educational but I live in fear that Grandma will slip on the water on the floor before I have time to mop it up.

One thing that seems fundamental is that those lovely, attention requiring toddlers get plenty of attention at other times. Probably more important than a spotless house.

I'm a bit of a worrier and I seem to know of a fair few reading four year olds-not mine. Yes, she would like to read; yes, we are slowly doing phonics a little at the time and keeping it fun but no, she can't pick up a book and read it. This article was encouraging and worth a read.

Next, on the recharging is to do something different. I'm being brave/mad and hoping to try to make some sourdough bread. My friend, Ali tells me that this needs to be made with rye flour so that is sitting ready in the cupboard ready for the experiment.

Of course, there is the major risk that I will forget the most important part.

" Hast thou not known? Hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? There is no searching of His understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increaseth strength.
Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: but they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40v 28-31