In The Beginning There Was a Decision...

Every journey has a beginning and this is mine - well our beginning.

Well actually - that's not true. Seven years ago, I never imagined that I would consider homeschooling any future children that Jon and I may have but sometime between "back then" and touring kindergartens the idea has planted itself in my heart.

My dad taught me how to make pros and cons lists when I was really young (I was a worrier back then too). I have lists all over my house with the pros and cons of homeschooling, private school, and public school. Jon and I have talked for hours - consulted our parents, friends, researched, and most importantly, prayed to God and have decided to homeschool Parker in the fall.

I have a million reasons for doing it and I also have several concerns that I am placing in God's hands because Jon and I both believe this is right for us.

There are days I am motivated by academics. There are days I am motivated by religion and the desire to preserve Parker's innocence as long as I can. I saw a sign yesterday that said "I have seen the village and I don't want it raising my child" ha ha. There are days I am motivated by finances. There are days I am motivated by how much I love to spend time with Parker and I am so excited to continue to have time with him when he is at his best - not the leftovers.

So that is that. Decision made. I'm on board. We're all on board. We are doing this thing. When I have moments of panic I think to myself - Kindergarten is not even mandatory in Texas so I can't really screw everything up.

Besides - this might be the best decision we ever made.

We decided to take education one year at a time and keep open minds and also the boy's best interests at the top of the priority list.

I love to write. I need to write. I am hoping to chronicle this year from the beginning and have it "out there" to remember. For better or worse - we will all be learning next year!

Making the decision was a huge step. It feels good and right. Next - I'm going to start to investigating some curriculum ideas. There are several "one stop" packages that include entire curriculums with teachers manuals and lesson plans - or we can pick and choose. Overwhelming? Yeah, to me too!

I also checked out "The Well Trained Mind", "Homeschooling. When is it Right for Your Family?" and "Homeschooling the Young Child" at the library.

I'm also finding some local homeschool groups to connect with so we can stay busy and social during the week. I am blessed to have a sister-in-law, aunt and a few friends who are homeschooling successfully.

Say some prayers for us and if you're up for it - follow us on this new journey. I expect good days and bad but I feel like it's going to be an incredible experience!