You Can Do It!

Let's just be honest, I did not set out to homeschool. In fact, I was quite the opposite. I didn't think very highly of homeschool. I didn't want those weird, socially awkward kids. But, when we hit this time last year, Beemer's teacher did not recommend we send him on to Kinder. I wasn't expecting this. At all. It hadn't even crossed my mind. (Read: I didn't have it in the budget for one more year of preschool).

So, I started asking around. I talked to teachers from elementary up to high school who told me that the young boys are almost always at a disadvantage in their class. I talked to friends who homeschool. I did my research. The more I learned, the more I liked. Then, my former teaching friend, told me she was going to homeschool because of her husband's schedule (he's a pilot). This really sealed the deal for me and I decided to give it a shot.

Alas we had a plan. Homeschool a year of kinder and send him to kinder in public the next year, can't mess that up right? A plan that seems to have changed as quickly as my plan to not homeschool. As soon as I started at home I loved it. I love that it works for our crazy ever-changing schedule at the police department. I love that I get to stop and pray with my 5 year old when he needs some help with his attitude. I love that I have taught my child the beginning steps of reading and he learned it the right way instead of rushing through it. I love that we can focus all that extra time into things he's interested in. I just love it and until God really leads me differently I'm going to keep pursuing it.

But, here is what I really want you to read...
You can do it too if you want to.

I can't tell you how often people say these kinds of things to me: "Oh, I admire you for doing that, there's no way I ever could." It takes different forms, but the message is the same: "I can't do that." I cringe every time I hear it.

Don't get me wrong, I don't believe that one route of school is right for every child. Not public. Not private. Not homeschool. It makes me cringe because these sweet mamas don't believe in themselves. More importantly, they're not believing in God. (And by the way, let's just hold off on admiring this mama until I have at least finished one whole year of this!)

I wasn't the perfect candidate for homeschool, and I doubt you are either.
- I'm highly dysfunctional when it comes to putting myself on a schedule. Seriously, I suck at it.
- I work part time, and mostly from home.
- I'm not the most patient person in the world.
- I don't have unlimited funds for curriculum, extra activities, etc.
- I have had a serious overcommitment issue.
- I have a very small house, with four people, two dogs and no school room.

But, here's the cool part. Where I am weak, He is strong. 

Maybe you don't think you're patient enough to homeschool, but wouldn't you like to grow in that patience only God can give you? Maybe you suck at schedules and you're over committed. Maybe you don't have money or time. None of that is too big for God.

The past 8 months have changed me. I no longer have a calendar that is bursting at the seams. I'm home long enough to take care of school, work and cook almost every night. I am happier than I have ever been as a mom. I have grown in patience. I have successfully taught my child and have seen him learn with leaps and bounds. I have purchased curriculum and have a free hand-me-down 1st grade promised to me next year. I have put myself, successfully, on a decent schedule.

Maybe it's not homeschool, but whatever God is calling you to or whatever it is you're wanting to change in your life don't sell yourself God short.

Go Make a Mess!

Milk bubbles spilling out onto the table = Cleanup time for mama

The truth is, the messiest play makes for the most fun and they learn in the process. Sometimes it's hard for us mamas to let them make a mess. Often the mess we're so afraid of takes only minutes to clean up. Minutes compared to an hour of play is a success in my book! Especially when I get smiles like this in the process. So let go of your inner control freak today and go make a mess!

 

 

When the bubbles quit blowing he had to diagnose the problem. This turned into quite the little experiment that he pretty much led himself!  He tried out water and milk in multiple sized cups.

 

Can't leave Sister out completely!

 

I found these Super Sipperz Straws on nomorerack.com for $2.50 a box around Christmas.
I've read mostly awful reviews about their website, though I didn't have any problems.
I'm quite impressed with these straws They came with a little baggy that
I can throw in the dishwasher for easy cleanup and they are great for learning.