Randomness

First of all, my last post was a bit...sad, needless to say. I guess with it being our anniversary, it just was a tangible reminder. I do have faith that we will have more children, if that's God's plan. If it's not, I am so blessed to have my amazing son. It was just a really bad day.

I've really been doing a lot of thinking about our curriculum for this year. According to SC law, I do have to teach certain subjects. There's nothing that says how much time needs to be spent, outside of meeting an attendance requirement. Because math is so "logical" and something that you really need to build on, I will do Saxon. The problem is that Wyatt is about halfway through the 2nd grade level. So I may just get 2nd grade and take it slow. If we finish, we will move on to 3rd. That's the great part about this. We do what works for us. As far as the other subjects, he is going to learn SO MUCH of that in daily life. I'm going to make a list of educational goals twice a quarter, and each day I will have a checklist to help us stay on track. At the end of the day, as long as what's on that list has been accomplished, I will be happy. And if not, there's always tomorrow. A friend reminded me of something...one of the reasons I'm doing this is I want Wyatt to know that learning can, and should, be FUN!

Here is an awesome quote I read today:

‎"Homeschooling is all about finding the heartbeat of your family and following that pace—not your neighbor’s, not your best homeschooling buddy’s, and not the grade level expectations for your child’s age." -Sarah Small

Why I chose to homeschool

Homeschooling has been on my heart for several years. In fact, I've homeschooled for a few months in the past. (When Wyatt was in preschool) I had decided to homeschool Wyatt in Kindergarten. Well, then we moved to SC, and I was concerned about Wyatt meeting other kids, since I really didn't know anyone, and didn't know of any way to have him meet kids his age, aside from church. And we didn't have a church at the time. So, after carefully weighing the options, we chose a private, Christian school for Wyatt. SC public schools simply weren't an option for us.

For obvious reasons, I have nothing against traditional schools. There are many many wonderful schools. In my opinion, what really makes a school wonderful isn't the budget, or curriculum, or even really test scores. It's teachers. Teachers can truly make or break a school. I know some wonderful teachers. (In fact, I'm related to 2...one by marriage, and one by everything but blood)

Unfortunately, our experience at Wyatt's school last year did NOT include an encounter with a teacher like that. Wyatt, who I of course believe is incredibly smart, routinely got bored in class. Despite numerous suggestions on my part of ways to keep him entertained when he was done with his work, his teacher said that he was fine. Well, I have numerous examples of him getting in trouble once his work was done and he was given nothing else to do. But, even that alone wasn't reason enough for me to pull him out. Wyatt is a very active boy, and when his teacher suggested ADHD testing, it was the straw that broke this Momma's back.

I just believe, with every iota of my being, that homeschooling is the right decision for our family. I love that we are close knit, and homeschooling fosters that. I love that I can tailor the curriculum to Wyatt's needs. He was the youngest child in his class...but doing math 2 years ahead of his class. He can't skip a grade, then he'd be WAY younger than his peers. I can do what's right for him, and still let him be himself without feeling like his personality makes him a bad kid.

In all honesty, we'd be homeschooling even if we'd had an amazing year with an incredible teacher. The decision is independent of our experience with school, but the experience certainly doesn't do anything to discourage our choice.

Our school day will take 2 hours. I can teach Wyatt to his interests. I don't have to "unteach" him undesirable behaviors that he's learned on the playground. I don't have to worry about him doing things because he's heard about them in school. Yes, Wyatt will be sheltered. He's still a kid, shouldn't I shelter him? That is, after all, my job. Ask a parent whose child is doing drugs or drinking if she wishes she had sheltered that child a little more.

I love my son. I love spending time with him. My heart hurts for the kids whose moms say that they can't wait for school to start. Yes, I have days where I need a break. And those days, he sits on the computer and plays games. Guess what? I can work these games into my lesson plans.

I don't think homeschooling is the best choice for everyone. In fact, I know it's not. Just as I know that it is the best choice for us.

What's in a name?

Well, it's official. Our homeschool has a name. The Covered Bridge Christian Academy. You heard it here first, folks! Well, unless you're in my CafeMom homeschooling group. Or on my facebook. But otherwise....yeah, you heard it here :)

I wanted a name that really meant something to us. Something that somehow reflected tradition, but was special and meaningful. Maybe with a little twist of an inside story.

My father in law is a professor at Messiah College in Grantham, PA. They have a beautiful covered bridge on campus. What better symbol for family and Christian education than something like that?

The bonus is that Randy and I had our Engagement pictures at that bridge. It has even more meaning because of that.

I must say, I'm very proud of our name

My planner: A work in progress

OK, so here it is, July. School starts next month, so I have GOT to get my planner together. That is my big project for today and tomorrow. I really should have it done today. I'm getting most of my sheets from Donna Young's website.

The cover will be a picture of Wyatt on the first day of school. The first page will be a list of standards required by the state

I plan (haha) to have a section for educational goals for each semester. Just something I can keep my eye on and make sure I'm working towards. Then I will have a section for actual planning. The lesson section will have a grid showing each subject along the side, and the days of the week along the top. Once we complete a task, I will put a sticker in the square. Along the right side of the weekly grid I will have the spelling list for the week. I want to make a reading section with a book log in the front, and book reports behind the log. Otherwise, I think I will save unit tests to go in there. I will keep a field trip log, which will document where we went, educational goals, who went with us, contacts at the location, etc...

This is all still rough in my head. I will post pictures once it's done.

Wyatt will make a scrapbook of all his projects (which will qualify as art! HA!) and between that and my planner, we will have records of everything. 2 binders for a year isn't bad.

What a weekend!

Phew! Let me just tell you...It's been a busy weekend. Saturday was Wyatt's birthday party. We had SO much fun, and his cake turned out far better than the one on his actual birthday. I guess with practice things do get better! (And fire engines are red instead of pink)

Also this weekend was the SCHEA homechooling convention. It was pretty small, but I did get some good info. One of the best things I heard, I think, was when someone said "Remember, you really only have to be one day ahead of your child". That's so true! And, there's always Google to the rescue! On the one hand, I loved that it was a smaller convention. As a new-ish homeschooler, it wasn't at all overwhelming. And it was nice to meet a few local moms, as well as finding out that there is a group of moms in Manning who will be starting to homeschool in the Fall as well, so we are trying to have a get together. That would be nice, since the closest group I can find is about 45 minutes away. Totally doable, but I'd rather it be closer. I did find out, through an online group of mine, about a much larger conference that happens in March. It's for the entire South Eastern US, and it happens to be in SC. We are making plans to attend that.

Saturday night I was having horrible stomach pain. The meds my GYN gave me to help with the menstrual pain worked so well the last 2 months. This month? Not so much. I had taken one more than is prescribed, and still was doubled over sobbing Saturday night. I finally went to the ER. (And let me just ask, why is it that they must give you shots in your butt? I have many more muscles.) I was still sore yesterday, some cramps and I was exhausted, but mostly it was that my stomach muscles felt tired. The ER doctor said he wouldn't give me a diagnosis because I'm being followed by a GYN, but that he thinks my suspicions (about endometriosis) are right. I'm calling my gyn today. We will have insurance in Sept and had been planning on me having the surgery then, but Randy said he'd much rather I have it sooner, even if it means paying out of pocket. The pains are getting more intense and lasting longer. Even just 2 months has made a difference.

Yesterday was Father's Day. From my point of view, it was perfect, except we missed church. There was just no way. I slept in, thanks to the ER visit. (Sorry Randy, that's not how I planned on it going yesterday morning!) We got up, kinda hung around as a family, then we went to my dad's. We gave him his gifts, which were some motorcycle decor, as well as some marinated steaks to cook on his (insert TV announcer voice) BRAND NEW GRILL!!! We had a blast. I think Dad had fun, as well as Randy. Wyatt's behavior was amazing. He was so good yesterday. He had a few moments where he got upset over not getting what he wanted, but he'd go in another room to pout, which is what we've been encouraging him to do. (I don't care that he gets upset, I want him to know it's ok to be upset, but not that it's ok for him to have fits.) The only reason I want him to go into another room is because it helps him to calm down. He knows he can be upset in front of me (or anyone really), as long as he's respectful. But if he chooses to go in another room, I don't blame him. All in all, it was a really good day.

I wanna go back to sleep!

And yes, I'm stomping my feet and crossing my arms. The stupid dog woke me up at 3:00 this morning, and naturally, I fell back to sleep about 1/2 hour after I had to get up for the day, then over slept. Don't ya love how that works?

Yesterday was one of the best services I have been to in a while. I don't know if I just had so much lifted off my heart, or if it was sitting next to one of the best girls in the world, or what, but it was great. It was what church is supposed to be. I left feeling completely refreshed. Randy and I had a class to attend last night. When we left, we looked over the small groups, and found a marriage enrichment one meeting at 11, which means we can regularly attend the 9:45 service, which makes me feel SO great! I really feel in my heart that things are turning out the way they are supposed to. Of course, life isn't totally perfect, but I don't think it's supposed to be. I definitely see a very large light at the end of the tunnel. Finally!

So, I can be a bit OCD, especially about organization. Wyatt? Not so much. I'm trying to figure out how to balance us so that we can homeschool, and homeschool WELL. He's almost a perfect kid for unschooling, but I'm just not to comfortable with that. I know, I know, I swore I wouldn't really think too far ahead until after the conference next week. (I'm excited, aren't you! :P) I was looking at A Beka curriculum online, and it's said to be a more advanced curriculum. Well, he's in 3rd grade math and 5th grade Language Arts. I definitely won't be able to teach out of a kit. I'm going to have to play around and figure out something as unique as he is. Which is what homeschooling is about!

I'm finding lately that I have less to do online. Usually what I do is goofing around, I'm not as tied to any social site as I used to be. Which is a very good thing. I am kinda getting back involved with Cafe Mom but not for the drama, like I used to be. Now it's truly about learning how to be a better mom and wife. There's a lot of homeschooling support on there, too.

The future is looking good, baby!

Believe it or not...

...I really haven't had much to say.

This was a great weekend. Sunday we went to church, and had yet another wonderful sermon from Pastor Clay. I really do love our church. I think I'm going to have to stop attending small group on Sunday morning though. At Wyatt's age, they can only do 1 session of Sunday School. So, of course, he needs to be in there while I'm in my class. Well, that means he sits in the service with me. That is not working out so well. I worry that he may be disruptive to others, but, more than that, I can't focus on the sermon. I really don't get much out of it at all. So, it may be time to say farewell to small group. :(

Yesterday we went into one of the larger towns. We decided, in planning for Wyatt's party, to see if a membership to Sam's Club would be worth the price. I printed out a free 1 day trial coupon, and off we went. They are running a special right now, buy 10 weeks of full membership for 10.00. We went ahead and signed up, then just walked around the club. There are LOTS of deals that made signing up worthwhile! In fact, yesterday, we only got 2 things, but we still saved the 10.00 membership fee, and spent less than 20.00. How do you like them apples?

So, I've done lots of stuff with Wyatt while looking at different styles/sets of curriculum. I have to say, it looks as though he will be doing 2nd grade work for the majority of his homeschooling. That really reaffirms my choice to homeschool. He's in 2nd grade math. He's already started multiplying. As far as reading, well....he's beyond 3rd grade, at the very least. I had been hoping to purchase a box set to make the first full year a little easier, but it doesn't look like that will be an option. I will need to get a little from here, and a little from there. On the other hand, I am sooo proud of little man! He is so smart <3 I am truly blessed

Zumba....duh

Well, I'm not going to Zumba tonight. Wyatt's Kindergarten graduation is today. I still can't believe it. I'm on the fence about how goofy Kindergarten graduations are, but...it's happening so I gotta deal with it. At least I didn't get him a class ring. Yup, they had Kindergarten class rings. Crazy. Pure craziness. He's my baby, and I want him to stay a kid as long as possible. He will grow up soon enough.

With that being said, I wonder if he really realizes all that he is graduating from. This is his last year at that school, even though it goes up to 12th grade. Randy and I talked about it, and we are going to homeschool him next year. I don't profess to know how long we will be able to do it, but we're going to try. This year has confirmed all the fears I had about sending him to school. He's just...I don't know. I honestly believe he will thrive at home. I have a feeling this will end up being my soapbox, but I'm just not totally comfortable enough with it yet to make it my soapbox topic :-P

Day one back on the diet....

....and I was foiled by a Pina Colada. Ah well, that's what weekly points are for. I'm right back on the bandwagon. I really want this weight off. I have no excuses. At all.

I'm so not ready to go back to work today. We will be busy, so at least the day should go by pretty quickly. I hope. Tomorrow will be completely insane. I work until 5, and Wyatt's Kindergarten Graduation (sniff sniff) is at 6.

I asked the lady in charge of Womens Ministries at my church if there was a homeschooling group. I was surprised when she said there wasn't, but not so surprised when she said that she's had other people asking about one. So I'm going to help (maybe) start one. I'm excited! I told her I really have no clue what I'm doing, but that I know what it's like to feel isolated, so hopefully we can avoid that.

It's already 73 degrees, and it's not even 6 am yet. Today is shaping up to be a hot one! I gotta remember to bring my fan to work.

Can you tell I'm having a hard time with blogging this morning? No clue what to write about. At all. Ah well.

4 shifts left....SO tired

We have a pretty big dirt track in our area. I work it often on the ambulance. Last night, I was informed that Casey Kane wanted to buy it. I didn't realize it was such a huge deal. I guess he even races there sometimes. It's one of the 3 biggest in the country. Hmmm....who knew? They are doing a kids night coming up, and I think I'm going to take Wyatt. He will LOVE it. That kid will be in heaven. But, anyway, I worked last night, and I go back in tonight. After that...only 3 more shifts. I'm so relieved. But, kinda sad, too. I feel like a lot of my identity is being an EMT. However, I feel like I miss out on SO MUCH because I work shift work. Yes, it has it's good points, but then there are days like today. I was so tired that I made the choice to miss church. I hate that, but last time I felt like this and worked, I fell asleep during the sermon. And, since I have to work tonight, then get up at 4 am, I needed to get my sleep when I could.

I finally got rid of the ringworm in the kittens....only to discover that Wyatt has it too. *sigh* At least I already have the meds on hand. I really didn't think that's what it was because it didn't itch. But, alas, that's what it is. So we all have to be a little more careful than usual about washing our hands. He can still play with his friends and go to camp, but....it's just another thing

So, after hearing many many opinions, which I weighed carefully, I made the decision to homeschool Wyatt. It's so hard because Randy doesn't tell me what he thinks. He never does, because he's afraid it's going to be different than what I want. But, I digress.... He is on the waiting list for the private school, so I'm going to look at this as time given to me to get our feet wet, and really see if homeschool will work for us. Maybe it will, maybe it won't. But it also gives me time to look into co-ops and homeschool groups in the area. Hopefully I find something. And, if for whatever reason it doens't work, I will wait until Wyatt gets a spot in the private school. I really think God will lead me to the right decision for our family.

WHY WHY WHY can't I make up my mind?

I am so very very torn on the whole (are you ready) homeschooling issue. I know the benefits. But, here's the thing. When we move, I'm not gonna know ANYONE. Well, except my dad. Yes, we will meet people in church, but I wanna know more people! (I'm greedy that way). Plus the church I think I'm interested in is about 45 minutes away. I want Wyatt involved in sports, and I swear getting any community information is like pulling teeth. My kiddo is pretty friendly and sociable, and I want him to have friends, well, to be friends with.

BUT South Carolina public schools SUCK. Now, where we are moving to, there are 2 elementary schools. One for PreK-1 or 2nd grade, and the other one goes through 5th grade. So he will be in school with other little guys. There is (what appears to be) a really good private school. Sounds like a good choice right? Well, Wyatt's on the waiting list. Plus, why pay 300/month for something I can do myself?

I think there's a dent in my desk roughly the shape of my head.

So, I think I'm being incredibly selfish in my wanting to send Wyatt to school. It's really not about the time for myself, it's about wanting friends. Plus, I've always pictured being the mom everyone goes to with problems, for advice, etc...How can I do that when there isn't anyone? Not that Wyatt won't have friends (I hope), but...you know what I mean. Maybe you don't.

Anyway, this morning I was surfing the net until my caffeine kicked in enough to make a coherant (albeit not spelled correctly) blog post. I found what I think may be a really good opportunity. There is a company that does cloth diaper parties, much like Tupperware, Pampered Chef, etc parties. I do want to CD when I have more, so it seems like a perfect solution. It will give me product knowledge, plus it's a social outlet. I don't expect to be nearly as busy as I would be selling Tastefully Simple or Pampered Chef, but...hey, it's something. I do think I'm going to look into it :) And cloth diapers have changed...A LOT. It's not like you even use pins anymore (unless you want to). It's super simple. And, better for the environment, your baby's hiney, and your wallet. You know, the more I think about it, the more I wanna look into it

Homeschooling thoughts (again)

So I was talking to my friend April, she's one of my bigger...hmmm....inspirations for homeschooling, and a good local friend.

I told her that one of the issues I'd been having was that I know now there are some days that I just want quiet time, and that I need Wyatt out of the house. I felt like that was such an unfair thing to say, and that other HS moms always seem to have it all so together. Well, in one of my online HS groups, someone brought up that very subject. And you know what? All these other HS moms feel the same way. They all have days that they want to load their kids onto a bus and just....breathe. Or get their house really clean. I feel so much better knowing that. I felt horribly guilty before.

April said when she went to a HSing convention that they had a talk on that very thing. She felt the same way.

Isn't it amazing, as parents, the amount of guilt we allow ourselves to feel? I know a lot of that is outside influence. Not that we intend to let others dictate how we feel, but it's human nature. One person who is pretty insistant about traditional schooling being better can make me feel horrible for wanting to homeschool. And this particular person always uses the argument "but think of all the time you'd have to yourself" That can do one of 2 things...It either makes me feel like I'm doing myself a disservice by HSing, or it makes me think "Soooo....because I enjoy time with my son I'm a bad mom?" (Thought in a COMPLETELY sarcastic tone, of course) And it makes me want to homeschool that much more.

I know I can do this. I see all that Wyatt learns now. And a homeschool day only last about an hour or 2 at the kindergarten level, because we don't have to take breaks for the rest of the "class". Think about how much fun we can have the rest of the day? And we are planning a vacation to Williamsburg this winter...Hellooooo....field trip! (And, if I happen to get some shopping done at the outlets...well, that's multi tasking!)

Call me OCD, I'm ok with that :)

Although it certainly is an ongoing process, my Home Keepers' Notebook is certainly well under way. And wow...I feel uber organized! I have a master to do list, a section for weekly planners, a section for weekly menu plans, a section for daily to dos, a section for my checklists, a section for recipes, a section for bill paying, a section for articles of interest, and a section for misc. And, of course, come fall, there will be a section for lesson plans. Although, maybe I will have a separate Homeschooling notebook. Hmmm...That actually gets me excited, lol. My daily to do list is even broken down into sections. Go figure. I don't know where I get this from, but I do think sometimes that it borders on a disease! LOL

I really can't wait until I am only working overnights. I was home yesterday, and not tired, and I got SO MUCH done. I really felt accomplished. I could look at my house, and not be embarassed if someone came over. Not that anyone ever does, but I feel like I can relax so much better when my house isn't cluttered and messy. Mind you, with an almost 5 year old, there's always a mess, but that's ok. That I can deal with. And Wyatt is getting so much better about cleaning up after himself. Of course, I'm getting better about giving him a good example to follow. And I'm following through with discipline, so that makes a difference.

Well, after talking to many many people, I think I'm going to go with My Fathers World for homeschooling next year. It seems fairly simple to organize/follow, without being easy. I still want to look into Abeka, but I have time yet. I should do that while I'm at work today. Abeka tends to be a bit more advanced from my understanding. Which is NOT a bad thing! That's why I'm homeschooling :)

Well, we had another earthquake this morning. This was the largest one yet, 3.1. Which I know still isn't huge in the grand scheme of things, but, it shook the station. And then the phone started ringing and it hasn't stopped!

What an insane week!

Well, let's see...where to start.....

The terrible cough I had all week progressively got worse. Thank goodness Randy had taken some vacation time for a vacation that we postponed, so he was home to take care of Wyatt so I could take care of me. After getting short of breath walking across the room last night, I was pursuaded to go to the ER. And I was then diagnosed with a mild case of pneumonia. But m-o-o-o-m....I want bronchitis like everyone else! All the other kids have it, why can't I?

Someone came to look at the house today. I hope they love it. While they were here, we went to our old stand by, Chick Fil A. Wyatt opened the door to go into the playroom, and got his foot stuck under the door. A trip to the rescue squad to see Daddy and have him fix it, and Wyatt was good as new. Daddys are the best fixers ever!

Yesterday we aquired 2 kittens. They are currently nameless. 7 week old boys. I have no clue...Tom & Huck? Barnum & Bailey? (My house is like a circus most days)

Now....for the bad mommy moment. (Other than him losing some skin today) I am so torn about the whole schooling thing. I enjoy homeschooling him, but I also enjoy a peaceful and quiet house when he's at school. I feel rotten saying that. He's my son, it's my job to raise him, and not to be (just a little) relieved when he's at school. Randy's pushing me to send him, because he says he can tell a difference when I've had that me time, since I've been sleeping in. That makes me feel terrible! I've started looking at options. If we stay in this house because it doesn't sell, he will go to public school (we have great schools) If we get the house we want (terrible schools) then he will go to christian school. (Already researched the school, I'm excited to schedule a tour) I feel like I'm somehow failing as a mother. Which I know isn't true, because a lot of good parents send their kids to school. I just wanted to homeschool. Or I thought I did.

So much to say.....Hmmm.....

I have no clue what to blog about today, but I promised myself I would try to blog every day. It's really very relaxing for me. This morning I woke up early on purpose so I could have my coffee and my blog. There's tons on my mind, but nothing I want to put "out there" just yet. And no, *sniffle* not pregnant yet.

There, I will talk about that. Why is it that it was SO easy to get pregnant before, but now? It seems to be escaping me. I never in a million years thought that, when I was ready to try, it would take some time. Have I blogged about this before? Possibly, I don't know. I can't remember yesterday, much less what I blogged about before.

Homesteading....something I so want to do. I have NO clue how to do it, but I want to anyway. I am learning from a great group of girls. Somehow I do think I blogged about this yesterday. I need more coffee.

AHA! You blog readers don't know that I'm watching my neice and nephew today do you? See, there ya go. Something new. Yes, I will have the cutie pies today. I love being surrounded by kiddos. It just makes me so happy. Today will be very busy...I have to drop some consignment stuff off, Wyatt's soccer game is at noon, take all the kiddos (even Wyatt) to my brothers, come home and clean for the open house tomorrow, then tonight I am going to see Jeff Dunham! Yay! I am super excited about that.

OH OH OH! I didn't tell you people this either....I am SO proud of Wyatt. Part of his homeschooling curriculum is to learn a bible verse every week. At first, I was very skeptical. Well, this week, he has memorized Proverbs 4:20 "Pay attention, my child, to what I say. Listen carefully" Now, let's just hope he follows it! But I am SO proud of him! I added hand motions to it, and it took him 2 days! We started school late this year, so it's only been one week, but I think this week has shown me that I CAN do it. I hardly expect results overnight, but in a weeks time I can see progress! I am so excited! He's learned his days of the week (although sometimes he forgets Thursday....little booger wants to jumy right to Friday), the bible verse, and what a dictionary is. I really feel like we are off to a good start. I can do this!

Homeschooling: Our great debate

To homeschool or not to homeschool? THAT is the question. Anyone who has ever considered homeschooling for a nanosecond knows that there is a lot to take into consideration. Today I'm going to kind of think out loud about homeschooling, so this blog may turn into a list, argument with myself, who knows :) But first let me just say that what we've finally decided is to send Wyatt to pre-school and then supplement with homeschooling. The primary reason is (drumroll) academics. Yes, I'm talking about academics for a 4 year old. I sat in the parent orientation and heard one of the teacher's say that they won't be teaching writing skills until halfway through the school year because most of the kids don't have the small motor skills to write. That struck me...Wyatt has been writing letters since he was 3! So here we have our first example of having to slow down curriculum to accomidate everyone. Then the next day, I went to my Mom's bible study. More than half the moms there homeschool. And some of the points they made were AMAZING. I will use some of them in my list :)

Things to consider when homeschoooling (accompanied by my thoughts on the subject)
~Most importantly, academics...See above. Some people say that they don't know how to educate children on different grade levels. It can be done, with patience, organization and time, I'm sure
~Socialization (This is a BIG one!) As one of my friends pointed out, do you send your children to school to learn, or get socialized? Yes, both are very important. But I want to be able to have some control over who my children socialize with. Often, especially in middle and high school, more time is spend "desocializing" your children when they come home. I want to control what my children are exposed to. Of course, I realize I can't do this completely, but I can to an extent, and I plan to. We have joined a homeschooling co-op, so there are still field trips and plenty of time for socialization
~But...I'm not a teacher! Well, sure you are. You just don't have a degree. Your children walked, talked, learned to feed themselves....how? There are just so many options for homeschooling curriculum now. In fact, when I interviewed a private school for Wyatt, I found that they were using a homeschooling curriculum. Well, why can't I do that?
~Time...How much time is actually spent, per day, on instruction in school? This is in no way meant to say teachers don't spend their time well...I've sat in many a classroom, and I think, for the most part, the teachers DO spent their time very well. But sometimes they have to explain something a couple of times, and time has to be spent waiting to go on until all the children are cought up. Wyatt gets bored when he has to wait. When Wyatt gets bored, he gets in trouble.
~Closeness with family...One of the things that really planted the homeschooling thing in my brain was that I noticed a lot of the teenagers in our church were very close with their families...and they weren't afraid to show it! Sons would lean on their dads during the service, and you could really see the love they all had for each other. When I commented on this to a friend of mine who attends our church, she said that most of the teenagers are homeschooled. I thought that one thing alone speaks volumes.
~Room to homeschool...I wondered, where will I ever make space, especially once we move (Which will cut our square footage in half) Well...there's the kitchen table. And why not there? We review the calendar in the morning over breakfast, and things just flow naturally after that. We don't need a special room or corner, although if you can have one, that's great too. I have a large bulletin board, that I take out and hang once the school day starts. I know a mom who covers hers up with another painting when it's not in use.

There is so much more I could write, but Wyatt wants to cuddle. My favorite thing!