Twas the night before the first day of school, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring (because we have an awesome exterminator) not even a mouse.
The children are nestled, all tucked in to bed. Visions of sugarplums are likely not dancing in their heads...
Heck. They don't even know what sugarplums are. Come to think of it, neither do I. So perhaps this next statement will surprise you.
My kindergartner will NOT be starting school tomorrow.
No, seriously.
And neither will my fourth and fifth grader.
No, they aren't sick. And neither am I.
It's high time I come clean with this fun little secret that I've been keeping to myself...
This year I will be embarking on a new journey and will be home-schooling my kids. And before you start with the "what if"s and the "how to"s let me tell you, I've heard everything from "Aren't you worried about their social skills?" (Um... not so much) to "How in the world will you ever handle schooling four children at the same time!?!?" Seriously, people. I watched Little House on The Prairie- I've got THIS! (That was a joke, folks.... it's okay to laugh).
No, I know for a fact I am not smarter than a fifth grader. I have a feeling I'll learn so much during this adventure. And yes, I'm well aware of the fact that it won't always be peaches and roses, and there will likely be days when I want to throw in the towel... and hopefully, I'll press on.
But why?
No, there is nothing wrong with our local school. On the contrary, pulling my children out of this school was one of the most difficult decisions I've ever had to make. Ever. The faculty and staff are some of the most precious, most supportive, most encouraging, amazing people that I have ever met. We are so, so SO blessed to have had five years with them. And honestly, if I hadn't felt like God was calling me to home school, I would be so honored to send my other children there as well.
But God has another plan. I have no idea what this year will look like, or the next, or the next. But I do know that when God tells me to do something, when I obey, He moves in ways I could never have even dreamed. So when it came to home-schooling, I wrestled with God at first. Like I said, we love this school, we love the AMAZING teachers and principals, we love everything about this school. In fact, we chose to live where we live now, just so that we would be closer to the school.
But I know I'm being called to do this. So I'm obeying.
Do I think I'm a better teacher than the teachers at this local school? Absolutely not. Seriously- they are PHENOMENAL. But I do know that God knows what my children need, and if He's calling me to do this, He will absolutely equip me for the journey.
So, all of that to say, I'm excited. And giddy. And nervous- all at the same time. I'm looking forward to walking through this with dozens of other home-school families. I'm expecting amazing things from this season with my family, especially with my children.
And let me clarify- this task, this journey on which I am about to embark, this is a calling. It isn't for everyone. Some families are public school families. Some are private school families. Others are home-school families, and you know what? All of those are great choices and you should feel no guilt or condemnation, whatever your decision regarding YOUR children. I say- you have to do what is best for YOUR family and not listen to what anyone else has to say. :) (just my two cents)
So anyway, I may have to use the spelling and grammar check a bit more than I'd like to, but even still- I'm reminded of David when he faced Goliath. He knew that he was sent by God, for God's own glory, and David trusted that God would take care of him in the face of this giant. In the same way, I say to the challenges and hurdles that come with home schooling, BRING IT! God has called me to this tremendous task, and it's my honor to walk in obedience and watch Him slay these giants, one by one, for his glory.
Now where was I? Oh yes... the children are nestled all snug in their beds... and now I will be too!
So happy "end of summer" to all, and to all a GOODNIGHT!
-The Real Life (homeschooling) Mom
The children are nestled, all tucked in to bed. Visions of sugarplums are likely not dancing in their heads...
Heck. They don't even know what sugarplums are. Come to think of it, neither do I. So perhaps this next statement will surprise you.
My kindergartner will NOT be starting school tomorrow.
No, seriously.
And neither will my fourth and fifth grader.
No, they aren't sick. And neither am I.
It's high time I come clean with this fun little secret that I've been keeping to myself...
This year I will be embarking on a new journey and will be home-schooling my kids. And before you start with the "what if"s and the "how to"s let me tell you, I've heard everything from "Aren't you worried about their social skills?" (Um... not so much) to "How in the world will you ever handle schooling four children at the same time!?!?" Seriously, people. I watched Little House on The Prairie- I've got THIS! (That was a joke, folks.... it's okay to laugh).
No, I know for a fact I am not smarter than a fifth grader. I have a feeling I'll learn so much during this adventure. And yes, I'm well aware of the fact that it won't always be peaches and roses, and there will likely be days when I want to throw in the towel... and hopefully, I'll press on.
But why?
No, there is nothing wrong with our local school. On the contrary, pulling my children out of this school was one of the most difficult decisions I've ever had to make. Ever. The faculty and staff are some of the most precious, most supportive, most encouraging, amazing people that I have ever met. We are so, so SO blessed to have had five years with them. And honestly, if I hadn't felt like God was calling me to home school, I would be so honored to send my other children there as well.
But God has another plan. I have no idea what this year will look like, or the next, or the next. But I do know that when God tells me to do something, when I obey, He moves in ways I could never have even dreamed. So when it came to home-schooling, I wrestled with God at first. Like I said, we love this school, we love the AMAZING teachers and principals, we love everything about this school. In fact, we chose to live where we live now, just so that we would be closer to the school.
But I know I'm being called to do this. So I'm obeying.
Do I think I'm a better teacher than the teachers at this local school? Absolutely not. Seriously- they are PHENOMENAL. But I do know that God knows what my children need, and if He's calling me to do this, He will absolutely equip me for the journey.
So, all of that to say, I'm excited. And giddy. And nervous- all at the same time. I'm looking forward to walking through this with dozens of other home-school families. I'm expecting amazing things from this season with my family, especially with my children.
And let me clarify- this task, this journey on which I am about to embark, this is a calling. It isn't for everyone. Some families are public school families. Some are private school families. Others are home-school families, and you know what? All of those are great choices and you should feel no guilt or condemnation, whatever your decision regarding YOUR children. I say- you have to do what is best for YOUR family and not listen to what anyone else has to say. :) (just my two cents)
So anyway, I may have to use the spelling and grammar check a bit more than I'd like to, but even still- I'm reminded of David when he faced Goliath. He knew that he was sent by God, for God's own glory, and David trusted that God would take care of him in the face of this giant. In the same way, I say to the challenges and hurdles that come with home schooling, BRING IT! God has called me to this tremendous task, and it's my honor to walk in obedience and watch Him slay these giants, one by one, for his glory.
Now where was I? Oh yes... the children are nestled all snug in their beds... and now I will be too!
So happy "end of summer" to all, and to all a GOODNIGHT!
-The Real Life (homeschooling) Mom
