Homeschooling

You heard me!  Homeschooling.

That's what I've been doing lately!

I say it in an exclamatory way because this is something that I never ever ever thought I would be doing.  Ever.

Here's a little backstory---
As soon as we moved to the Philadelphia area, the idea of homeschooling started popping into my thoughts at random.  For the first little while, I would immediately shoo the thought away, knowing this was something I could never handle.  But the thought kept coming back to me. I started spending a minute or two considering it as it would come to my mind.  But then I would lose my patience with my kids and quickly realize I wasn't cut out for that lifestyle.  No way, no how.

But it kept. coming. back. to me.  I even started spending a few days, even, weeks, at a time considering this option.  But then a bad day or two or three would come along- either with my energy levels or my patience level, and I would snap out of it.  I would stomp the idea right out of my head.  No. Way.
But eventually... the idea would creep it's way back into my head.  I finally started genuinely considering the option.  I even got to the point of fasting and going to the temple with this option.  Wouldn't you know it!  There was no doubt in my mind that homeschooling was what the Lord wanted me to do for my children this coming year.  So I decided to do it!  I even told my kids about it.

But then... a few weeks of butting heads with Sam went by and I decided I was crazy for even considering homeschooling him.  Nope.  Not gonna do it.  Completely put the idea out of my head.  There was NO. WAY. I was going to do it.

We were planning for them to start another year at their local public elementary.
 
But!  A few weeks before school was to start, there was that thought again! This time with full force.  After a few days of hemming and hawing, I couldn't deny it anymore.  This is what I was supposed to do for my children this upcoming year.
 
I then took the leap!  It was truly a "leap of faith."  Stepping out into the dark, holding only to the hope that the Lord would catch me and help me to make this work.  It was a scary leap.  Probably one of the scariest leaps I have ever taken.  But as soon as I took it (by going through the major enrollment process), I felt very excited about it.  (Which I took as a good sign!)

We are doing an online charter (public) school.  Doing it this way has it's benefits.  The curriculum is excellent and all laid out for me.  We have teachers to help whenever we need it.  They even teach a subject or two in an online classroom each day.  The school provides each child with a computer, printer, and all of their books and supplies.  They even pay for our internet access!

Since it was kindof a last minute decision, I have been extremely busy trying to get things set up, organized, planned, and figured out.  I have honestly been working around the clock with minimal sleep for two weeks trying to get things figured out.  I have had no time for emails, phone calls, showers, etc.  I am so behind in the rest of my life, that it's a bit overwhelming.  But!  I am getting very close to having a handle on this homeschooling/online schooling so hopefully I can start getting some more sleep.  And spend some more time with my hubby.

So far, I am shocked to be able to tell you that it is going really well.  Seriously.  It's a lot of fun.  The kids are enjoying it, too.  They get to spend more time playing with friends than they did before since they don't have "homework" so the socializing is not missed.  They pretty much run outside at 4pm and play until dark.  (I love it.)

We have had a happier home and I have somehow felt more patient and in control than I ever did before. I love knowing what my kids are learning and being such an integral part of the day.  I feel so much closer to them and this makes us all happier.  I am seeing benefits that I never would've guessed and I feel so blessed to have been led to this decision.

I hope it continues to be a success.  I will keep you posted.