I feel that I need to explain my "about me" spot.
We live near a small town and do all of our business and errands there. When we first began home schooling, we often ran into people who asked why the kids were out of school. When we said that we home school, we frequently got the reply, "Oh you home school, do you know the xxxxxxx?" The xxxxxxx are a lovely, Christian family. They are very nice, very real, and very accomplished. The kids all play an instrument, are talented in art or sports, and graduate early from high school and college. Did I mention that they are a very large family as well? I don't think that there is a month that goes by without one of the children being in the newspaper. Last month, the whole family was profiled in an article that was very pro-home schooling and pro-Christian. I am slightly acquainted with the mom of this family and have found her to be very down to earth and genuine.
My family is more run-of-the-mill than talk-of-the-town. While I do see talents in each of my children, we are more likely to be seen a the exceptional family with peculiar family members than the exceptional family with extra talented family members.
In my family, where the kids have more unusual challenges, we take great pride in accomplishments that will never see print (other than here).
For instance, Levi managed to open a package of sheet protectors and spread them all over the living room, mangled a magazine, and snapped his fingers this past week. When you have half your brain atrophied and have cerebral palsy, these are great feats!
In another odd example, Thomas, who has language issues, was quite rude to me today. He told me that he "can't want to" when I told him to do something. I replied that he could and he would. He thought a minute and came back with "I can't and I won't". This was the first time that he has shown the ability to really process a statement and then build on it. And, no it didn't save him for being corrected for disrespect.
Now when we go to town, people tend to remember us. After all, it's kind of hard to forget a group that contains me, four teens that do not look alike, an eight year old in a wheel chair, and the most adorable AA 3 yr. old boy. On the rare occasion that we get asked if we know the xxxxxx family, we just smile and say, "Yes we do and aren't they great!".
Today, I was reminded of one of the reasons that we school at home. It's not a fundamental, philosophical reason. It's just a practical reason. We home school so that our kids can enjoy the gifts that God gives us.
I awoke today to six inches of snow on the ground. Now, I hate snow. I don't like being cold, I don't like taking care of animals in it, and I certainly do not like driving in it. The only thing that I like about snow is watching my kids play in it.
Public school was not canceled today. With the high an expected 40 degrees, it is unlikely that the public school kids will get to enjoy the snow before it melts. Bummer!!
My kids, however, quickly did their morning routine and are outside enjoying sledding, snowballs, and snow angels. Later, they will have hot chocolate and snow ice cream. (That is their combination, not mine.) They will take a break from the snow by watching (educational) movies.
I love that they have this opportunity to really play together. Ivy (17), Shane (15), Sarann (14), Chris (12), and Thomas (3) are all enjoying each others company. Levi (8), gets too cold when outside and has a bad case of double pinkeye. He will still get to enjoy snow ice cream and hot chocolate.
Home schooling has allowed my children to enjoy other great opportunities. We have stayed up late watching a meteor shower. They have traveled across the country with my parents to see relatives that they wouldn't otherwise know. We also get to enjoy "field trips" without the crowds that are found in summer and on weekends.
Most importantly, we get to really enjoy the gift of family every day because we are home together. We get to laugh and cry together. We even get the opportunity to have intense "discussions". (I realize that "iron sharpens iron", but I sometimes wonder why it must be sharpened so often!)
I love having my kids home and can't imagine them not being here.
True confession for the day:
I wrote this at 11:00 in the morning and I am still in my jammies. Oh well, it IS a snow day!!
Since I finally set up a blog, I suppose that I should actually post an entry. I have no clue as to what is appropriate or customary for a first blog entry and I don't know much about blog etiquette so I am going to make it easy by introducing myself and my family.
My husband and I have been married for 20 years and have 7 children and one grandchild. Darryn works "in town" and I am at home managing the house and schooling the kids. We have a small farm, but hope to become a medium farm one day.
Six of our seven children were adopted by us. Of those six, one had a private adoption and the other five were through the state. Their past lives have made the kids very thoughtful, interesting, and sometimes challenging.
Our oldest is 22 and was placed with us at age 15. She has a nearly 2 year old daughter. She does not wish to be discussed, so I will honor her wishes.
Ivy is 17 and was born to us. She is a talented ballerina and hopes to one day use her talent in a Christian Ballet company. She plans to attend a nearby college next fall and major in Ballet.
Shane is 15 and came to us at 6. He is interested in radio announcing and theater. He is very into soccer and can't wait for the season to begin.
Sarann is nearly 15. She was placed with us at age 4. She loves animals and is very good with them. She hopes to volunteer at a local vet's this summer. Her future plans include working with animals.
Chris is nearly 13 and was placed with us at age 2. He loves horses and art. He has no idea what he wants to do in the future.
Levi is 8. He has cerebral palsy and is at about a 6 to 12 month level. He came to us at age 2. He enjoys Elmo, maracas, and plastic bags (safely tied).
Thomas will be 4 next month and is very much the baby of the family. He was placed with us at 5 weeks old. He likes baths, "little guys", books, and his train set.
Darryn is 40 and enjoys hanging out with the family, target shooting, and reading. He's a great father, a wonderful husband, and a very confident leader.
I am 39. I enjoy being with my family, scrapbooking, crocheting, and raising animals.
I think that I will wait for another time to discuss what we do for school, what I am doing in school, and where and why we are moving.