I think most of you know what I'm going to talk about, but I know some don't (sorry, KC...I've been a chicken about telling you. ha ha). Plus, I'm not sure if most of you know the route that got us to this point.
We've decided to homeschool Emily next year. Eeek. It still kinda gives me a pang when I say it. I haven't quite decided if that 'pang' is nervousness, dread, or excitement. Let me tell you what brought us to this point.
Emily has been in a public school for Pre-K 3 and Pre-K 4. Before we put her there, I asked a lot of questions about what she would be taught, and knew that if for any reason, we thought she was being exposed to bad things, we would pull her out. Well, that didn't happen....per se. I took her to school one day several weeks ago, and while walking down the halls, I noticed all the kid's writings on the wall. Obviously, they were cute and good, but none of them had anything to do with God. Well, DUH, you say, she's in a public school. But it hit me.....shouldn't her education be Christ centered? Didn't I want my child writing about God's Wonderful World and not "What I think is at the end of a rainbow"? So, I had these feelings come up at me. I didn't say anything to Brian because I knew that we couldn't afford Christian school or even homeschooling at that point. So, I shoved them away and kept going.
Well, several weeks later, Emily came home all excited about her school program. She asked us about 20 times a day if we were coming. I asked her what she was doing in the program, and she replied, "Dancing and singing Twist and Shout." Ok, cute, I admit it was, but when I was not much older than she, my class got up for a school program and recited the entire chapter of Hebrews 11. So, here came those feelings again. I talked to Brian and we both agreed to start looking at our options.
So, our options were 3 things. Two Christian schools in the area and homeschooling. The Lord reminded me (through a Presidential newsconference, no less) that we had that tax stimulus coming soon, so that helped. And, my parents (just elated at the fact that we were taking Emily out of public school) offered to help in any way they could. So, I scheduled a tour at one of the schools, and e-mailed the other. We immediately disregarded one school because they couldn't assure me that Emily wouldn't be exposed to false doctrine (well, false in OUR opinion, not theirs, obviously). I visited the other school and LOVED it. I filled out applications and financial aid paperwork (Christian schools are EXPENSIVE) and we continued to pray. As I was driving home from the school, I realized it would be 40 miles a day to get her to school and back. Have you noticed gas prices lately? And in my "not so gas friendly, yet super cool" SUV, that would be approximately $200 a month in gas. Sigh...you know what that leaves, don't you?
So, here we are. I am going to homeschool Emily with ABeka videos. She is excited about it, but a little nervous in not being with kids every day. I am excited that I don't have to leave the house in the mornings at 7:45, but nervous about being responsible for teaching my kid to READ. The flexibility really sold me. We like to travel to my parents a lot, and I can do that now without the school yelling at me for Emily missing so much school. People can visit and I don't have to worry about their kids being bored because Emily is in school (hint hint all "you people").
I'll admit. I have said some not so nice things about homeschoolers in the past. AND, I stand by most of what I said because there are some FRUITY homeschoolers out there. But, I REFUSE to be one of them, and my daughter will be just as socially capable as anyone. I promise. I'm nervous about having her home all day after being so used to her being gone, but maybe I need a couple lessons in patience and love, too. Pray for us as we embark on this together. I'm going to a Homeschool Book Fair (man, that even sounds geeky) next weekend to see what I can get for extra curricular stuff. We'll see how it goes!!!!
That's my story! :)
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8 comments:
I have to ask...Am I one of those fruity homeschooled kids?
As the one mom of the one that asked about the "fruity homeschooled kid" I hope it goes well for you. Don't be worried about the socialization. You are social yourself and I am sure will get the kids out enough for them to get what they need. From observing kids around us most of the socialization skills they get even in some Christian schools has to be retaught when the child gets home. See if there is a Christian homeschool group in the area that will have field trips and/or a 4-H program. We will be praying for you. Enjoy it! (You'll relearn what you missed or forgot when you were in school!)
Thanks for the encouragement. No, the fruity one was Melanie. ;)
Jennifer! I am so proud of you for taking on this great responsibility. You will be glad that she is getting a Christian education and not going to the public school! Robyn homeschooled Kason (1st grade) this year and she had the same reservations you did, but she said the Abeka videos are great!!! Kason was done with school in about 3-4 hours a day and even doubled up on lessons. He finished a few weeks early. You will do a great job!!! Kristi :)
Okay, you really should be careful about what you admit in your blog. Just what have you been saying about us behind our backs? :) And are you calling me "geeky"? Well, if the shoe fits, I guess I'll have to wear it. But what a privilege and a blessing to teach our own kids. It is, after all, our calling as mothers. You will do great and the rewards are just awesome.
Brian and Jennifer,
We are SOOOO proud of your ‘big decision’. I know we have told you this privately on the phone, but we want your “bloggers” to know it as well. Your blog today is a great blessing and it proves the power of prayer. It also demonstrates your hearts are willing to do what is best for raising OUR grandchildren. (Your girls) Thank you for being sensitive to the Holy Spirit of God to allow Him to guide you. You make us PROUD!
With Love, Your DADDY and MOM
Love you, Jenn! I know this was a tough decision to make, but I'm so thankful to have a friend who is willing to obey His voice even when it doesn't immediately reconcile with what she wants it to say. :) I'm excited for you and your family in your new adventure and I'm praying for you...it's going to be great!
P.S.--tell me all about the book fair! I'm ever so slightly jealous...you know how I love "geek" things...haha.
Okay Jennifer, how dare you be afraid to talk to me about this!!!! You are a wonderful mother and I know that everything you do for the girls has been thought about and prayed about. You are my friend and I will support you in anything that you do and have every confidence in you. Now, I may subject you to some good natured ribbing (mostly from my lovely husbands mouth) but in all seriousness I am proud of you and love you!!!
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