I had the opportunity to attend the used curriculum sale that our state Christian homeschooling association(www.homeschoolersofmaine.org)  sponsors, this past weekend.  It was my first opportunity to attend a function for homeschoolers.  I enjoyed being amongst so many "kindred spirits".  I felt welcome and at home.  My hat goes off to Ed and Kathy Green, the organizations founders.  They homeschooled in the early '80s.  They blazed the trail for those of us in the present day, suporting homeschoolers and going to bat in the state legislature.  Thank you Homeshoolers of Maine for your hard work, sacrifice and support!

Introducing "Stripes"

In my ongoing effort to be the "purr-fect' mom of boys, I decided to get them a pet.  Everyone I know thinks I'm certifiable, to want to add anything else to this chaos of 4 boys (3 under 4) with an "organizationally challenged" mom. S(he) is a lot of fun (except when tromping on my bed in the middle  of he night).

Since I am new to homeschooling, I decided to enroll my son in The Royal Academy (www.HomeEducator.com). My husband, my son and I met with our supervisory teacher yesterday. It was great for me.  I know this is not for all home schoolers, it is very structured.  It took a huge load off my mind.  She met with us for 2&1/2 hours.  She helped us choose some curricula and gave us a "plan".  I have done so much research into homeschooling over the past few months that my head was swimming.  I set myself up with unrealistic expectations: I was going to be creative and organized and make "every" minute of the day enriching. Needless to say, I was worn out by the thought, and I haven't even started yet.  Anyway, she told me to take a deep breath, not worry about too much, and enjoy my child.  The outline of study she gave is right up my alley.  I don't know if this is something we will do every year, and I'm not necessarily endorsing the program, just giving my thoughts abut what it has done for me.

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As I stated in my first post, I am new to homeschooling.  Since making the decision to homeschool this coming September, I have tried to adjust my attitude daily.  I have begun to use the skills I acquired as an occupational therapist.  One of these is activity analysis.  I frequently find myself analyzing activities to find the educational aspects.  I went to the post office the other day with my 4 boys.  I normally would run in quickly, but I decided to take the time to point out the poster on the wall of the new stamps and to let them put the stamps on the envelope.  I also showed them in which slot to put the mail  (local vs. out of town).  I find it very fun to be on the lookout for educational opportunites.  Maybe I can really do this homeschooling thing!

I have wanted a blog for more than a year!  I am so happy to finally have one.  I am officially embarking on the homeschooling journey this fall, although I feel as though I have always homeschooled.  I wish to thank all you homeschooling bloggers out there, for giving me the inspiration to finally take the plunge.  I have 4 beautiful boys, Bubby (7), Bucky (4), Ba-baron (2) and Buddy (7months).  My dear husband Jeff is a minister.  We live on the coast of Maine.  I am trying to get organized for the fall (a task for which I am hopelessly unqualified).  OH well, no one said a homeschool has to be a "neat"one!