Well, ds finally got the rest of his books today.  Sadly, my dd and I were more excited that he was, but that's okay.  I've been away from A Beka for three years and it's been coming home week (or month?) for me.  I told my husband that working with this curriculum has changed my whole outlook about school, my kids, and homemaking.  I feel like "Holly Homemaker" again. 

Do you know how long it's been since I've felt this way?  A very long time.  I was so burnt out three years ago - homeschooling the three kids with A Beka had become my life's story and I was sick of it.  We then moved on to a Christian school, where I taught part-time and loved it.  Unfortunately, however, my kids did NOT get a good education.  In March, I found out that my dd was being sorely mistreated by the other girls in her class (3rd & 4th graders) and I pulled her out.  To say that I turned the school upside down is an understatement.

My son was happy there (8th grade), but his education was horrendous.  Because there were so many slower kids, they lowered everything to that level.  My son is quite bright and he got straight A's the whole year.  I knew it was just because he wasn't challenged at all. 

We moved from that situation to Ohio Virtual Academy (OHVA).  It's a home-based public school that is supposed to be the modern way to homeschool.  The kids had their own "teachers" and did alot of their work on the computers which were sent to us, free of charge.  DD did not do well on her state testing, however, and we both were dreading school again.  After I saw her test results, I called her teacher who told me that because of dd low test scores, she qualified for special classes in reading and math.  In addition to these special classes, she would also have to continue her regular classes.  I could not imagine adding two more classes to a curriculum that we already dreaded doing.

So, here we are.. back with A Beka Academy and Book - back to where I started about 16 years ago with son #1.  Like I said, I feel like making meals, cleaning, and being mommy to my kids.  I really don't know why except I feel like I have my kids back.  Everyone in our church who homeschools uses the OHVA program.  It seems that I'm always the one to be different, but I don't care.  The main reason that my own friends and family members don't do A Beka (or even look into it) is because of the cost.  It is more expensive than most curriculums, particularly if one does the DVD program or the direct traditional program.  But, it works for us and I have to do what is best for my kids.

Sorry for rambling.  I have had alot on my mind.  I'm trying to figure out why I feel so contented with this program.  I wonder if I missed the will of God for my family by changing curriculums.  I am even dropping the college classes that I had scheduled for this fall.  This is a big deal for me, as I was determined to get my degree in business.  Now, I want to stay home and take care of my family.  Isn't that awesome?