This happened a few days ago, but I've been so busy lately that I have not been able to blog:
I woke up one day wondering if homeschooling really was for our family. I was wondering if the words I've heard so many times from the nay sayers were true about harming my dc socially. That day we decided to go the Museum of History. They were having a huge display on our Native Indians. We had the whole museum to ourselves. My dc decided to take clip boards and paper just in case they saw something interesting. For some reason when we walked in my two older children gravitated to either side of the museum. There was no one else there so I let them thinking we are here to have fun. I wanted them to enjoy themselves and not think about "school". I stayed with my little one who surprised me with his interest and hunger for knowledge. I had to read every plaque that described what was in the different displays. If he did not understand what a word meant he would stop me and ask me to explain. My 11 yr old ds was sitting on the floor in the middle of some displays drawing everything he saw. He would then read the plaques and in his own words write a small discription underneath his drawing. When he finished with one section, he would get up and find another spot and do the same thing. My 15 yr old was also reading every plaque and taking notes of what she read.
Then a field trip arrived of High Schoolers. They were very loud and rumbustious. You could see my dc getting real upset. Especially my dd. She could not believe how they were acting. Not listening to anyone. My dc asked if we could leave as they could no longer concentrate and were feeling uncomfortable. I mean these kids were cursing and being nasty. We started to walk out and at that moment the Museum director came up to me and asked if I homeschooled my dc. When I stated "Yes", he told me what a great job I was doing. He stated he was watching them and was really impressed how they handled themselves and how they took the initiative to learn by themselves. He stated how rare that is in this day and age (he was an older man).
When we got home, my dc took it upon themselves to take their notes and each did a paper on what they learned and put it in their history notebooks. All of this without me even asking! I was impressed to state the least. My dd then told me how thankful she was that I pulled her out of PS. She stated she had forgoten how kids act when they are all bunched up together like that. She stated she would not have learned anything if she was on that field trip.
When dh got home my little one gave him a play by play of everything he saw. How did he remember all that?!? He even used the words he did not know when we were there and then explained to daddy what they meant incase daddy did not know...LOL . The other dc then read daddy their papers. They were so excited about the things they learned. My dh had a smile from ear to ear. You could tell he was proud.
I went to bed thanking God once again for reminding me why I homeschool and reassuring me that I am doing a good job. We serve such an Awesome God!
BTW.....I have an appt tomorrow and another one on Saturday with two different doctors who will be checking my medical records to see if they can approve me for a VBAC. Please keep us in your prayers! This is something dh and I really want. It is very important to us.
What a wonderful way to show you that you ARE DOING THE RIGHT THING, AND YOUR KIDS ARE LEARNING!!!!!! And learning so much more than if they were in public school. Isn't it nice to be reminded of that from time to time..... as for your appointments, I'll keep you in my prayers. And thank you for the kind comments concerning my surgery, I am still in recovery, but doing very well.
Blessings!!
The beginning of our academic year got off to a very slow start, as we had lots of opportunity to help some friends move.
Today I was at a birthday party of their 3 year old, and my friend's mother came up to me, and said "I've been meaning to tell you, I was really impressed at how much work your boys did to help J & C move this year. They were such hard workers." You know.. homeschooling is only about 15% about academics - the rest is about relationships and character building.
Your kids showed great character - as they were learning a little something.
I was browsing and I saw your great post. As a public high school teacher, I know exactly what you are talking about. Most of the kids at school miss the opportunity to learn something new and appreciate what they have. I'm so impressed with what your children accomplished on their own. I hope that when my children get to be that age they will also have that drive to be independent learners.
so how is 26 weeks for you? I'm struggling at 23 weeks.. wishing to give birth next week lol!! I'm so tired and the belly aches along the muscles whether I hold it in, or let it hang.. WHOSE Idea was it for me to get pregnant at 40?!?! lol oh ya.. mine!! lol
Talk about confirmation, huh? God is amazing in how he gives us just what we need. I'll admit I was just a tad jealous when reading about the note taking and report writing unsolicited--mine wouldn't do that unless it was a full moon. However, I do notice that even when they see other school groups at a homeschool function, they'll say, "Whew! I'm glad I'm not with those kids!"
We are truly blessed in ways that are difficult to articulate to those who don't homeschool, but don't doubt that, all things considered, we have the better end of the proverbial stick. God bless you, Jen. Write when you can.
Just checking in wondering how your doing? Hope all is well, and your just to busy to blog! By the way; any luck on picking a name for the baby?? Just wanted to drop by and let you know I was thinking of ya!
Blessings,
Heather
I am trying to decide if I should homeschool my 3 boys. Your post is very inspiring!
I saw your link from the ICAN list. I hope you are able to have your VBAC. :)
http://enjoybirth.wordpress.com
~ I Started this Blog March 25, 2007 ~
When my youngest son, Xander 3, became ill I decided to quit my job to stay home with him. I never would have imagined the journey our Lord would take us on since then. We have decided to keep our two older children home and homeschool all of them. Our children are AnaMaria 14, Wizdom 11, and Xander 3. I invite you to join us on our journey in our first year of homeschooling. I will be sharing our ups and downs and hopefully receive some advice along the way.
~With Love in Christ~
JEN
- Get Your Own
