I’m not naïve enough to think that my children attend the perfect school. It is not perfect, and I’m pretty sure most of the parents and teachers there know that too. In anything, there is always room for improvement, the ability to make changes for the better. However, I truly appreciate the teachers. They are relaxed and caring with the students. They learn their student’s strengths and weaknesses and encourage them in both areas. Our girls have not only survived the switch from homeschooling to institutional schooling, but have thrived. Bub also, is doing wonderfully at highschool. In his school too, the teachers seem to be genuinely interested in their students. I am very thankful that here in North America we have so many options for schooling our children. I truly believe that if your children are where God has called you to put them for learning, they will bloom. I feel blessed, very richly blessed. Looking back, I would not trade those five years of homeschooling for anything. It was a huge sacrifice, but at the same time there is something very special about knowing you taught your own child to read or do multiplication tables. Sure it didn't cost exorbitant amounts of money to homeschool them ( it wasn't free though either), but it does take many hours of time and commitment. Perhaps I'm selfish, but I truly enjoy, appreciate, and crave quiet time -- time for me. This past year I've been able to have some of that. It feels good. Funny thing is, now that I have that time, I miss having the kids home with me. A typical case of "the grass is always greener on the other side" :o).
I'm not sure what this year will bring, but one child has determined that she will be attending school again next fall. Our finances however, may not agree with her. We'll see what life is like with three more little ones underfoot, and where God is calling us in the matters of education. I see lots of prayer in our future :o).
Blessings!
So much. There are so many ideas to present, so many ways of thinking to share. School days = good days.
ReplyDeleteLearning is such rich and precious gift and all the choices and opportunities we have are such a treasure I am thankful for. The Lord sure has put us in pleasant times and places.
ReplyDeleteMy dad always pointed out, from Psalm 23, that God will lead us in paths of righteousness. Note the plural.
ReplyDeleteHe's not off on a nonsensical "all roads lead to God" tangent, but pointing out that there is not just one path for all Christians.
I'm glad your children are thriving in their schools! I'm sure that next year - at home or at school - they'll continue, because you're following God.
We're tossing around ideas for next year too...
Julie
I always miss my kids when they're at school, but sometimes when they're home for long stretches, I'm very ready for them to go back! Never satisfied ... sigh.
ReplyDeletefrances
Choices are a good thing, and surely, with God's guidance and grace, you'll determine the perfect one for next year and beyond! As a homeschooling mom, I, too, love that time (and milestones) with my little ones under foot, but boy oh boy-- there are days when 8 hours of quiet sounds like a wonderful thing!!
ReplyDeleteAnyhoo~ happy new year and blessings for a wonderful week ahead! Oh, and by the way... I love your new header!
Your words ring familiar with me. We have been through much the same here. Our children are doing very well in school. I am having a few problems with my son in middle school he is a handful but that is more his personality and could happen even if I was homeschooling. I do miss homeschooling but I am thankful that we have a choice. My son in highschool is able to do so many things we just could not do here at home. He is going to learn the saxophone and start with the jazz band, and he is really excited about this....I am glad to hear they are doing well at school. ~Love Heather
ReplyDeleteI'll be continuing to pray for your wisdom and for your sweet family to all be on the same page. God is always so good to give us exactly what we need.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear that it's going well for them in school. It's truly a blessing to have these options and to have the flexibility to do as God leads each year.
ReplyDeleteI only have 2 1/2 years of homeschooling left and I'm sure I'll miss it when we're done. It's hard to believe I'm getting this close to the end. It's gone fast.
Dear Sweet Deborah,
ReplyDeleteI will join you in prayer for those difficult decisions about schools for your children in the future. I also would like to comment that it is a tribute to your great teaching and love that has helped to make that transition from home to institution successful. God has truly blessed you with the ability to discern what is best for your kiddos and HE is blessing you with the fruits of your labor. I'm sure that it is not all roses and you all certainly have struggles but your transparency in writing about your daily life is completely inspiring!
Also, I just love, love, love your header. Have you ever thought of doing this as a business? Your photos and your creativity make for really beautiful work.
blessings
~a
I always enjoy reading your posts. I am glad everyone is doing well in school. Blessings to you!
ReplyDeletebtw, I love the new blog look :)
You know I am biased toward homeschooling. :) I know God will direct you on His perfect path for your family.
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