My Thoughts

Today felt different. It felt a little more settled than any other day here so far. I enjoyed my cup of coffee as I graded Jonny's spelling, I got excited when the head psychologist offered services for Dennis that I didn't even have to fight for-- that exceeded my expectations, and I marveled at how many wonderful books we checked out at the library. Yes, today was different.

It would be a lie to say that our life here has been easy getting used to because it hasn't. Our mornings start earlier as I pull out of the garage a little after 7 am to get Adam and Caleb to the highschool a good fifteen minutes away. As I cross the busy freeway, I am in awe at the beautiful mountains and gorgeous views before me. We are not in Oz anymore. The time change brought with it a need to remember to close the windows before I go to bed for the night. I don't remember it being so cold up North.

I hurry home to be with my homeschoolers and get Alex off to school. I am always pleasantly surprised to see that everything I had assigned them before I left was already done. As they continue with their lessons, I sneak upstairs to begin a load of laundry. Did I mention how much I love my washer and dryer? They are absolutely fabulous, everything about them-- they have made washing clothes so not a chore anymore.

Anna is enjoying her online math called Teaching Textbooks, but not as much as I am. What a wonderful way to learn math! All three homeschoolers are learning to type and as we take the time to try out various online resources, I realize that their is so much out there for our kids to do-- all for free-- and all educational in some way! Even my other kids are able to use them when they get home.

I love the flexibility that homeschooling affords me, yet I also love the accountability that I get from the kids' teacher. She has been a wonderful resource, a big encouragement, and I am actually considering homeschooling more of the kids beginning after Christmas break. The other day we walked over a mile to the park and back, and today the kids played basketball. I read to them everyday, they take verbal tests and written tests to reinforce what they have learned, we do art together, make lunch together, and the best part is that we have grown closer.

In return, I have given up my alone time but in all honesty I was not using that time wisely anyways. I was afraid that I would miss my freedom, but instead I realized how much I was missing out on. The road to homeschooling has not been an easy one, but it is one that I am so very glad that I chose to go down.

As three o'clock approaches, I set off once more to pick up the kids from school. Even though it feels like a rat race to pick up my junior highers, I do enjoy the drive home as I hear about their day. Now that Caleb has made the basketball team, I drive back out in the evening to pick him up-- no more luxury of having friends drop him off. But even that drive home is enjoyable as I get some one on one time with him.

Dennis has began speech twice a week, and afterwards we will make a stop at the library. Since we don't have cable television anymore, we appreciate all the movies that can also be checked out. As a homeschooling Mom I am excited at the thought of coordinating a book that the kids first read with the movie afterwards. How cool is that?

Everyday I try to hang up a few more pictures, unpack one more box, go through one more pile, and everyday it is beginning to feel more and more like home. Now all I have to do is have someone over for coffee.

That would be nice.

P.S. Adam got his driver's ed certificate. Soon he will be driving!