free·dom
Pronunciation: 'frE-d&m
Function: noun
1 : the quality or state of being free: as a : the absence of necessity, coercion, or constraint in choice or action b : liberation from slavery or restraint or from the power of another : INDEPENDENCE c : the quality or state of being exempt or released usually from something onerous <freedom from care> d : EASE, FACILITY freedom> e : the quality of being frank, open, or outspoken freedom> f : improper familiarity g : boldness of conception or execution h : unrestricted use freedom of their home>
2 a : a political right b : FRANCHISE, PRIVILEGE

source: Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary

For me homeschooling = freedom, which is something that I cherish.  I love that we as a family are liberated from the power of another (namely, the govenrment schools).  We are independent and that allows us to make changes and choices which are best for us.  That being said, we've made some changes already for the coming year ...

• we dropped Prima Latina until next year ... it's really just a tad too difficult for 1st grade if I want my oldest Farmgirl to really comprehend it.  We'll pursue this next year becasue we both like it.

• we dropped Recorder for the Young Beginner until next year (maybe later this year) also.  Mainly because by the time we get to that everyday the baby is asleep and I don't want to wake her.  If I say we'll do it later in the day we won't, so we'll put that off until next year also, or until later this year when I feel like I have more of a handle on the schedule + the baby :-)

• we added a Bible notebook today.  Everyday Farmgirl1 gets a sheet that is divided into 4 sections and each section is labelled: Praise, Repent, Thanks, Ask ... She takes the sheet and while alone with the Lord writes or draws something for each section for which she wants/needs to praise Him, thanks Him, repent and ask Him (this morning she had nothing for repent ... go figure!!).  I have noticed that I really need to work with her on prayer and talking with the Lord, so this is a step in that direction.

Okay ... those are the changes for now!  I know that you can rest tonight after reading about these changes ...... go and sleep in peace!

Blessings!

~Heather