My dad called tonight. I was in the middle of telling him how we are moving into this townhouse that will be so much nicer than what we have now when he asks "How are the schools?". Well... I know where this is headed. I said I had not had a chance to really check into that yet and that we were opposed to putting the kids in school mid-year under any circumstances. He sounded upset and said that he hoped I would check into the schools more thoroughly so that hopefully I could send them back and be done with this "home schooling thing". Grrr. I told him, "Dad, the kids are doing really well. They are not behind. We will do what is best for them, I dont want you to worry about that." But I know that he really dissaproves of this decision.
The thing is, it was his daughter who has been in private Christian school since she was 3 who asked what state Belgium was in just this past week (4th grade). Not that my kids replied with the chief exports and national anthem of Belgium... but they knew enough to know that they didnt know where it was and when I corrected her that it was a country, not "in a state", she jumped in and interrupted with "Oh I know... its in Africa." like she had just convinced everyone of her intelligence.
Anyway... I was hurt and upset. Nothing like your own parents thinking you are screwing up your kids to really ruin your day.
THEN as if that wasn't enough - - we were further insulted and attacked by the other side of the family. My other sister (in law) who is the same age as my own kids called to talk to my daughter. After she (my daughter) was done telling all the things she received for Christmas, this little brat replies with "Is THAT ALL?!?" and a "Humph" sound, as if to say "thats nothing". Later in the same conversation my daughter explained that we are moving. Again, prideful, selfish, spoiled girl says "Oh, so you get your own room FINALLY!" and my daughter explained that, no, she is sharing with her sister. "OHhhhh.... sorry. When Jon moves out when he gets married I am going to get HIS room because its bigger." and made my daughter feel like we were second class citizens since she is sharing a room with her sister. I was so mad I could scream!! I nearly called my mother-in-law and had a little chat... but then I figured that this is the same little girl who can flat out lie to her parents face and follow it with "when have I ever lied to you?!?" and be believed by them - so she would probably just deny it and make my daughter look like the liar. Grrrr!! I swear! What is WRONG with kids today?!? And THIS is why I should put my kids back in public school!?? Because they need to absorb this kind of behavior?!
We WILL speak with the in laws about this one, but it will come from my hubby since they are his parents. Something has to be done. None of my kids want to go visit anymore because of this little brat. She is the youngest of the second group of kids (first 4 bio kids are all grown, then they adopted 4) and she is treated like the queen of the household AND she gets away with everything no matter how much proof there is against her.
Another SIL story... sorry... had to share!! This last time we were visiting there my girls and my other SIL and I had reservations at the American Girl place in NYC. We had made these reservations 6 months ago and they were booked solid for tea. Well, bratty SIL decides that she will make my daughters miserable about going since she wasn't invited! She proceeded to tell my daughter (that is the same age as her) that she didnt really WANT to go and that it would be MUCH more fun to stay home and What is the big deal... its just DOLLS anyway. My poor daughter was in tears by the time it was time to go... over just feeling sick about leaving her "friend" at home. I told her she was just jealous, spoiled and trying to ruin her time in the city because she wanted to do everything everyone gets to do - no matter what it was. I finally got a smile when I told her that if we all decided to eat poop, she would DEMAND she get some poop to eat, too!!
Anyway... going to go to bed now and try not to think about bratty siblings anymore tonight.
I just stumbled across your blog, and I couldn't help but keep reading once I'd started. (Hope you don't mind.)
My family is made up of educators (even have a sister that is an Assistant Superintendent in a district). I don't have to tell you that they aren't all that keen on the home school idea. My mom will ask questions that dance around the subject. "So, how long will you home school?" "Could the kids go into a public school if you needed them to?"
*sigh* I feel for you!
Just know that if God has called you to this, it is His will. You and your family members will be hugely blessed beyond measure. Your family may or may not choose it, but the good thing is, they don't have to. Sadly, the young girl you describe sounds like she has a rather sad life that might not improve without some serious attention to her issues.
At least you know how to pray for them. I pray for my family members all the time. I'll pray for you, too. I know how this feels...and how it all plays out.
Oh, I am so sorry. I understand and those kinds of things make me angry, too. Isn't it amazing how adults can't see the way kids are turning out?
On the one hand, they might comment on how bright your child is, but then say they need to go to school. They don't put 2 and 2 together that they are learning so much HSing. My dh likes to say "sheep alert" to me when we encounter things like that.
I'm sorry about the cousins-we've had to put much distance b/w our children and their cousins. Keep on keeping on-only you & dh are responsible to the Lord for your children-not your dad or in-laws, etc. You're doing a great job & keep it up! Holly
Hi Chrissy!
HUGS! Every time I read comments that other parents make about homeschooling, I am even more thankful for two sets (mine & Dh's) of supportive parents. My FIL does make comments sometimes but he's a pushover and I can "make him see things my way' in no time. LOL !:)
What a little stinker your SIL is! My gosh! Definitely sounds spoiled. That's okay, children who get to share a room with a sibling know how lucky they are. My children can't sleep in a room by themselves anymore. LOL! I bet she is jealous of your children but tries to elevate herself with her comments. Sad!
Just remember if you're doing what God's leading you to do, you can't go wrong- no matter what anyone else says!
Love, Alyssa
Trying not to take situations too seriously, living each day for the Lord, trying to figure out how to do this homeschool mom thing!
If you have trouble reading my page, try expanding this screen to "full screen". Sorry for the inconvenience... I am working on figuring out how to fix it!
You and dogs definitely have a lot in common.
You're both goofy, happy, and content with the small things in life.
However, you're definitely not as needy as the average dog. You need your down time occasionally.
At your darkest moments, you feel guilty.
At work and school, you do best when you're researching.
When you love someone, you tend to agree with them often.
In friendship, you are considerate and compromising.
Your ideal careers are: business, research, counseling, promotion, and speaking.
You will leave your mark on the world with discoveries, new information, and teaching people to dream.
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1.3.2008 - May I?
My family is made up of educators (even have a sister that is an Assistant Superintendent in a district). I don't have to tell you that they aren't all that keen on the home school idea. My mom will ask questions that dance around the subject. "So, how long will you home school?" "Could the kids go into a public school if you needed them to?"
*sigh* I feel for you!
Just know that if God has called you to this, it is His will. You and your family members will be hugely blessed beyond measure. Your family may or may not choose it, but the good thing is, they don't have to. Sadly, the young girl you describe sounds like she has a rather sad life that might not improve without some serious attention to her issues.
At least you know how to pray for them. I pray for my family members all the time. I'll pray for you, too. I know how this feels...and how it all plays out.