Big Decision

There is something that Nick and I have talked about before. Something that would be life altering for us. It would take a lot of hard work, dedication, and self-sacrifice to accomplish. It's something that many people won't agree with, but that's only because they aren't aware of the resources and support out there for it. So, what am I talking about? Homeschooling. One word which has many negative connotations attached to it. "Weird." "Anti-social." "Neglect." However, those misconceptions overshadow the positive aspects to is, such as, individualized attention, spiritual growth, and great support communities.

Homeschooling is and idea that Nick and I have toyed with in the past, but never seriously considered until now because Emma is preparing to start Kindergarten, and when she attended their Summer School program here, we saw and heard some thing that we were not happy about, and thought that if we could afford to lose my income so that I could homeschool, then it would be selfish and greedy not to, especially since I have a teaching certificate and feel as though this is why God pushed me to get it in the first place.  Our school year will be starting October 3rd, instead of mid August, because we need my job for a few more months in order to save the money needed for a building here at our house for storage.  Our finished basement will be our school room/canvas, and I have begun acquiring the supplies necessary, including a curriculum from the accredited school Our Lady of Victory.  It is a predominately Catholic curriculum that covers every area done in a public school setting, which I will be supplementing with my own art, music, library, and technology classes once a week, along with daily physical education time, and a time each day where I teach the girls how to perform a new thing around the house including dusting, loading/unloading a dishwasher, feeding the cat, etc. 

I am fortunate to have a great support community here in Plattsburg and north Kansas City, called Saint Margaret's.  I have recently learned that most of the families in our parish homeschool and the church is having a "Back to School Night" on August 27th with a special mass, as well as a potluck dinner afterwards, which will allow us to meet all of the other families we have been conversing with via email.  Something else exciting that we learned was that this school year many activities and parties and such will take place here at our church, St. Ann's!  This co-op group gets together for holiday parties, field days, and other times throughout the year, which I think is really going to benefit us.

I know that we will face criticism, questions, and negativity in this endeavor.  However, we know that it is the right thing for our family, and by keeping that at the forefront of our thought, we will be able to focus on all of the positive aspects!  I also know that there will be days that are H.A.R.D., but isn't that the way it is with any job?  Speaking of jobs...I think I am going to find it hard to leave the preschool scene that I have been a part of for the past four years.  This group that I am teaching now is especially dear to me, as I have been with them for quite a while.  It will also be hard leaving my coworkers, especially the woman that I work with 10 hours a day, 4 days a week!  We have really developed a great friendship and it will be strange not seeing and talking with her on a daily basis.  Therefore, I think a few lunch dates each month will be in order!  Overall,  I am extremely excited to begin this new chapter in my life!  Prayers for us (and my sanity!) are much appreciated :)