Our Homeschool Journey

We have been homeschooling going on 4 years.  *WOW*  I didn't realize until just now that we have doing it that long.  It really doesn't seem like it's been that long.  We have had our failures, accomplishments, mistakes, miracles, ups and downs.  But I would honestly do it all again!  We love homeschooling.  It's probably been the best decision that we (God, my husband, and I) made, EVER!

When we first started I didn't have a clue what I was doing.  I was scared and totally intimidated!  It was a lot to take in.  My poor, oldest son had to be the guinea pig.  Bless him!  The first year I bought a complete kit....talk about OVERWHELMING!! WHOA!  We never did totally finish the curriculum.  But that's ok, because we learned that kits aren't for us.


It has taken me this long to figure out that fitting bits and pieces is a better fit for us.  I'll be doing another post soon on what I finally decided on for the coming year.


Now, you may be wondering what my point for this post is, since I tend to ramble most days =)  But I find lately more and more people have little snide remarks to make about homeschooling.

Let's see....I've heard:  
I could NEVER do that!  I need my "ME" time.
I would NEVER homeschool my children.  They need socialization.
I can't understand why anyone would want to be home with their kids all day.
Public school is much better than homeschooling.  They learn more.
I work because I don't want to be "stuck" at home all day.


You get the point, right?!  And every time I hear things like that my first reaction is to get really angry.  And at times I have even put people in their place.  I always felt like I had to justify my decision to homeschool.  Even today a situation came up and all I saw was red!  It made me so angry!  But after several deep breathes and taking the time to take it to my Father, I realize most people often reject what they don't understand.  Homeschooling isn't the "norm" (whatever normal is).  But God says do not conform to the ways of this world.

*“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” - Romans 12:2 *


So I accept that we are different.  That's ok, different is good.  

People will also condemn you when they are jealous.  I think that is probably the number one reason I get so many smart remarks.  And honestly I can understand that jealousy.  Most moms want to be home with their children (even if they say the don't!).  I was a SAHM for 7 years before I got a job.  I worked for about 4 years and when God finally released me from my job.  I was ecstatic!!!  I had missed my boys so badly!!  It wasn't that I didn't love my job, but I knew in my heart that my place was in my home with my family.  I was just one of those people that was born to serve my family.  I love that.  I love that God gave me a servants heart.  


Now, I understand that sometimes the comments cut.  And I understand that sometimes the person speaking those cutting comments make you want to lay hands on them and smack them,  I mean pray for them.  But in most cases they wished their circumstances were/had been different.  They wished they could see the smiles on their baby's face when they accomplished a task that seemed so far out of reach.  They long for the things that we sometimes take for granted.  


So, next time someone makes a rude, hurtful, ignorant comment....just smile.  Because we know what they really  mean.  They really mean, "Gosh I wish I could do that.", "Oh how I long to be home with my family", "What I wouldn't give to be apart of their learning".  


Blessings ~