Assignment: This would be a good week to tell about your worst struggles with a lifestyle of homeschooling.  Tell about something you’ve struggled with and how God’s mercies gave us the strength to get past it.  Also, share any curriculum/homeschool methods that have been a relief to you, i.e., a particular Teacher’s Manual or Homeschooling method that’s been easier for your family.  Talk about how you felt when the burden was lifted and Oh, What a Relief it is!

Well, being so new to this I don’t really have much to tell yet. However, I am excited to read all the seasoned mommies assignments to gather much inspiration and encouragement.

 A verse I find encouraging is Psalm 119:33,34 “Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yeah, I shall observe it with my whole heart.” _(KJV)

So far though, albeit into my 4^th week here, my biggest struggle is what to do with my nearly two year-old while we try to do work at the table. Unfortunately, she has been sick this week and last with a painful cold and has been quite irritable and time-consuming. I also know I am going to struggle with the creativity I need to make sure my kids are having fun. I am so far from being innovative and fun that I need to let loose and just relax here!

I read on Nancy's Nook that it is important to be sure to let go and let God control our homeschooling. Oh I need to get there completely! Thank you for the reminder.

I also intend to fix this closet this weekend. Friday I will be buying a new orgnizer drawer system for our winter hats, gloves, etc and our homeschool drawer system will go back in here too. This closet is a task I've been avoiding but will help out tremendously once I tackle it. I hope to be able to store some homeschool supplies in there once it's in order.

 Left Side & Right Side. It's a mess

Assignment: Take time this week to write about YOU and your feelings of trials and triumphs with homeschooling.  Touch on when you first heard about the concept of home schooling and whether you tip-toed into the idea or just jumped in and never looked back.  Share your schooling as a child and how you compare it to what your goals are for your children.

Well, I am really new to homeschooling. I attempted to start my 5 year-old in a kindergarten curriculum last fall but I really didn't like it and the girls and I spent our entire winter sick sick sick. So, today actually marks the beginning of our 4th week this year. We are trying out My Father's World for kindergarten. So far I'm finding that it's a little easy for my oldest and too hard for my middle daughter who is joining along when she can.

I feel completely unqualified, out-of-control, and unsure of what I am doing but I know with time and prayer I will find our way on this road. I really don't see any other options for us. So I guess we pretty much just jumped in head first to this and I have never looked back. I cannot imagine sending my girls to a public school and we just simply cannot afford a private school for them. It turns my stomach into knots thinking about them being in a public school for 8 hours a day.

I went to a private Christian school from preschool through 6th grade and then I switched to a public school. I loved my Christian school and remember every teacher I ever had there. I have many fond memories of my time there and I know that it had a lot to do with who I am today. But, having also spent so many years in a public school I knew I didn't want my children educated that way.

I am really interested in Charlotte Mason and her study ideas and that is a major factor in why we are trying My Father's World this year. I hope to follow the path of a relaxed homeschool but this year I am going to do a lot of networking with my fellow homeschool moms from our co-op and get a lot of information and ideas!

My favorite scripture is John 15:16-17 "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. These things I command you, that you love one another."

This is a picture my 5 year-old took of me yesterday. It's fun to see yourself from their vantage point

I have decided to try something new to get my blog out there a little more in a circle of fellow homeschooling moms and to learn from them as well. I am joining Blogger Friend School 2008-2009. I am unsure of what to expect but I hear I will be challeneged spiritually and have the opportunity to build friendships and journal memories together.

To learn how you can participate in school and the Back to School Giveaway go HERE.

Won't you come join me and others in the fun!