Taking the "plunge"

It was a decision that was made in my heart before my children were even born. I have always wanted to be a mom, always wanted to stay at home with them but never felt like I was up for the challenge of "schooling" them. However by the time they were born I knew that I didn't want to send them to traditional school ... that I wanted something different for them than what I was given - specifically in regards to public education.

I've watched my dear friends Debbie Sanders and Carrie Smyth take "the plunge" into homeschooling. I've also been greatly influenced by the Noce family, whom I met while working at a camp in Colorado 11 years ago. Through the Noce's I saw children that were well-adjusted, well-socialized and ahead of their game in terms of schooling. By watching them I saw that it was something that really could be done ... if done rightly!

Two years ago my friend, Janet, told me about a school in the area that I could be apart of (if accepted) and have access to a whole network of families doing the same thing. We looked into in this past Fall and in the first part of 2010 we interviewed with them and were accepted! It'll be 2 years before Elizabeth officially starts kindergarten but over these next two years I'll be able to connect with other pre-schooling moms AND be apart of any activities available for their age - concerts, field-trips, etc.

One of the moms I've already connected with has 3 children - the oldest two being 5 and 2. She is also new to our school and our kids have really hit it off! I'm looking forward to seeing how the Lord might lead us to do some of our schooling together (we have the same curriculum for kindergarten - which I'll address in another entry) and will both be starting it this Fall w/ our oldest children.