Over the past month....I have been feeling extra thankful, specifically in the area of homeschool(ing). When people ask me how it's going....I say it's going pretty well, that it's a lot of work, that I do meet some daily opposition (not namin' any names), and that it is challenging....but I always follow that up with...."But I know- without a doubt- that this is where the Lord has our family right now!" And that, my friends- is the truth!
As I get more used to my "new job"...I see how blessed I am to be able to do this. Not everyone has the opportunity to homeschool (for various reasons). Many say...."Oh, I could never do that".....and many say...."Oh, I'll pray for you!" Well, I welcome the prayers and I must say that there have been days I could 'feel' them! (So, if you are one who has prayed for us- I thank you!)
The boys are doing really well and I will even say that they're thriving. Hudson is flying through his Kindergarten work, and will probably be doing first grade curriculum soon. I am thankful that, so far, he has no trouble grasping concepts. Hudson loves to learn and he usually welcomes the daily paperwork. Hudson likes to please....and he is creative and loves to draw and write.
Bryson is so smart....and is working at a steady pace. Bryson has recently found some books that he loves, and he has spent hours reading! Nothing makes me happier!! I love to see my boy choosing to read....on his own....without me "making" him! There are a few subjects that are not on B's 'favorites' list...but he continues to do well in all areas. He loves to draw...and he loves science....and he is often a good helper to/for his brother.
I am so blessed to be able to see my kids' daily progress. I am blessed to be the boys' primary influence...and I do not take my job lightly. I love going to bed each night...next to Josh...who thanks the Lord that we have this opportunity to homeschool. I didn't think I would enjoy it this much! Now that we are getting into the groove, I am feeling more secure in our decision. I definitely have days where I begin to feel totally overwhelmed...and I feel the weight of being the one responsible for all that my kids learn- or don't learn. I feel worried that I won't teach them some very important essentials that they need. I feel inadequate at times...especially when I compare myself to other homeschooling moms. But- I know that those feelings and worries aren't from the Lord!
I am thankful that Josh and I came by this decision prayerfully. Part of me wonders why we didn't make it sooner. However, our kids have been so blessed by ALL of their teachers over the past several years....and we wouldn't trade that, or those experiences, for anything!! I know that this is God's perfect timing....and that He has allowed all of our past experiences- and our present ones as well.
Over the past few months, we have been able to get annual passes to the Discovery Science Center....and we have gotten to go to Sea World and the San Diego Safari Park. The prices have been super cheap (...and I mean....super cheap! Sea World cost less than $20 for me and the boys!) and we have been able to spend some incredibly fun days with friends, enjoying God's amazing creations!! I have been able to school the boys at the park, and as I write- we are at Starbucks....! Hey, don't judge me and I won't judge you! :) Bryson is loving his art classes and Hudson has enjoyed football (somewhat...ha ha!). We haven't had to rush out the door in the mornings and school can last all day, if need be. Yesterday, the boys wanted to have breakfast on our trampoline, in their jammies. I love that we are afforded these privileges and these joys. Not every day is "fun" and not every moment is "joyful"....but even in those not-so-fun moments, there is a deep satisfaction and joy in knowing that this is where the Lord has placed our family..."for such a time as this."
I am blessed and I am thankful.
