One Down Already!

One quarter down....already?

We have officially completed our first quarter of Homeschool!

Wow!

My first thought is.....that happened REALLY fast!

 

 

This journey was only just beginning for us 9 weeks ago.  Today, I can't imagine being on any other!  Being home hasn't made our life perfect, but it HAS made it complete.  I don't want to be in any other place than I am right now, with this man and these kids.  I thank God daily for the joys he's given us.  This being one of the greatest.  I LOVE this lifestyle!

 

I've really gone against the grain, been the 'rebel', and gone the completely opposite direction the majority of homeschool families have gone in regards to 'schooling method'....TRADITIONAL!!!

 

  We chose this curriculum route for reasons my husband and I both believe in and stand by.  That part of the decision process is based on our beliefs about academics, accountability, and responsibility.

 

  I still have complete freedom and flexibility with approaching each child's individual learning style, strengths, and weaknesses.  That in and of itself is reason enough to be the ones in charge of their education. 

 

But the books are just the beginning.  Our whole family has fallen into a natural rhythm of learning.  The lessons are just the basics, the rest comes out in daily life.  We teach, they learn.  I learn from them.  They learn from each other.  Our classroom has only been a small part of that.... 

 

 

The field trips have been so much fun!  Endless opportunities right in our own back yard....and across country as it was! :)

 

 

The kids are HAPPY, they are so much more settled than they were in our former "hurry out the door" lifestyle!

 

 

Contentment...for all of us!

 

 

Curiosity and discovery!

 

 

Our little caboose has fallen in love with learning....and his big sister seems to have enjoyed taking over teaching him the basics!  It's so fun to watch them!  They love it and in playing school, she really is teaching him!  He will be ready for Kindergarten next fall, but for now he still comes and goes as he pleases.  BUT, he's in the schoolroom, or asking questions, or singing his ABC's and such more and more every day!

 

 

My Mama heart melts and swells at the same time with the confidence I see growing in each of them!  They're still kids-which means we still have our challenges!  What's been the blessing is that each one can get the attention, love, and discipline needed at that moment from the ones who know and love them the most.  It works!

 

 

Our family can be a family again when Daddy's home!  Not just on our "off" hours.  That may be one of my favorite things!  So is watching him teach them.  Usually in the woods, skinning a fresh kill, talking about tracks, ect.  But, he's been caught taking over a lesson or two!  :)  The kids get both of us.  And we get time with Daddy.

 

 

They're each other's best friends.  That is something money can't buy.  That's something that will last much longer than their school days.  We actually have MORE time to spend with friends than we ever did before.  And it's good, quality time!  The whole 'socialization' argument is actually pretty silly.  It's quality relationships that are more important-not the quantity of them.  And my kids are socializing with all ages-not peers alone.  Last time I checked, that's actually how the real world works and my hope is that this will nurture a natural respect for their elders and interest in everyone.  The last thing I want to build is a belief that only they and their peers are what matter.  Can you say 'fertile ground for entitlement to grow'.  Yeah-not here!

 

 

Our life and our schedule revolve around our family.  Because it's the focus, for all of us.  The world is not raising these children entrusted to us.  I am so blessed to have the opportunity to live the life we have.  To have a husband that provides so selflessly to support us all.  My heart is at home and walking around in these 3 little people.  Because family is the center, we all have time to enjoy other friendships and activities on the side! 

 

 

He's here to hold his hand.  Not just today, but for the years to come.  Every little boy needs the strength of Daddy's hand. 

 

 

Memories are being made.

 

 

Guidance is being given.

 

 

Lessons are being taught.

 

 

Little ones are learning.

 

 

Footsteps are being followed.

 

 

Hearts are smiling.

 

 

All KIND of things are being learned! LOL!

 

 

Accomplishments are being made!

 

 

And life is being lived...together!