Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Springtime thoughts

Okay, so maybe this is turning into a once a quarter blog or something. Life in our home has been quite busy this year, and I haven't found much time to complete the discipline of catching, ironing and posting my thoughts much. They are pretty much a swirling mass of chaos. But, I'll try to catch one for ya right now.

For those of us who are into education, especially homeschooling, Spring is the time of year when we are looking forward to next Fall trying to figure out what the heck we'll do. I think that we've decided.

For my oldest (who just turned 8), we'll be enrolling her in that wonderful, local Classical and Christian school. I have agonized over which grade to put her in and have still not made a final decision. But, as for now, she'll be going to second grade. I haven't kept her on an advanced schedule at home, and they are very advanced at this particular school. She isn't sure that she wants to go. I am not sure that I want to let her go. Yet, my husband has led, and there is an overwhelming peace about the whole decision.

With my firstborn in school, I will have the luxury of focusing on a sweet Kinder year of homeschooling my five year old. I haven't decided exactly what we'll do yet. But, it will be very Charlotte Mason inspired while keeping up with the academic rigor of our local C&C school just in case we decide to put her in at some point.

All of these decisions lead my mind to wonder if I am doing what is best. I am far too much of an idealist and I have trouble accepting the good that exists over the perfect that is pretty much only in my head. Somehow, my vision of homeschooling is so far ahead of my reality that it's just pathetic. Call me a dreamer.

Happy Spring, I'll try to come around more often.

4 comments:

  1. "Somehow, my vision of homeschooling is so far ahead of my reality..."

    So well said!!!

    (And I think anyone who is honest would have to admit the same!)

    We made some changes this past year that have been wonderful for our family. We do not live close to any Christian school, but are w/ in walking distance of the local public school. Our oldest son (13) is taking one class there and also plays sports. We are so proud of him!! It was very hard for me to let him go...and I had to finally admit it was my fear. His being there has confirmed to my husband and me, (and our son) that full time is NOT an option...But accountability to another authority has been great, and we've been able to get to know some unsaved families pretty well.

    I didn't mean to write so much...just want you to know how much I enjoy your blog, and appreciate your honesty! I will pray that next school year is a wonderful one for your family!

    Maddie

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  2. Can't comment much about homeschooling as I haven't ventured down that road yet, but I wanted to tell you how great it was to have another post from you.

    When Ella is old enough to officially start school, your blog will be one of the ones I refer too.

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  3. Kendra,
    I know what a difficult decision this is, even when you feel that it's for the best. When I took my oldest to school in 8th grade, I came home and threw up. Remember that God is in control, and you are wise to follow your husband's leading. Praying for you.

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  4. Wow. There is a big tug-of-war in both my husband's and my heart about how to educate our children. I was homeschooled, my husband's father was a life-long high school teacher. We both had the best of both worlds, thank God. So, reading your blog was nice. It is a big decision and the choices are plentiful. God will guide as you allow your husband to and do your best to make it a smooth transition and stay involved. God bless it!

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