Why I Homeschool....

Thoughts of Homeschooling my children started when my oldest was only a year old. I was reading James Dobson's Bringing up Boys. In it he stated that he believed the best thing for boys was homeschooling at least the first couple years. I mentioned this to my husband, Big T, and he was constantly telling me about a program that he would hear on the way to work about homeschooling. He was listening to Focus on the Family and seemed to keep hearing positive things about homeschooling. I really struggled with committing to homeschooling initially. I really argued a little with God, but I truly felt that this is what God wanted me to do. This did not fit into what I had imagined for my life. Big T was really on board with homeschooling and encouraged me into it. He explained how much he would have loved being homeschooled as a child. So, I continued to research homeschooling and pray. The more I read about homeschooling the more convinced I was that this was what I wanted for my boys. Now we are into our first year and I love it. It is so much better than I ever expected. I'm so excited about all the fun things that we will learn about together. I love that my boys will be each other's best friend. I also feel that the best way to fulfill my God given purpose as a parent is to homeschool. "And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. "Deuteronomy 6:6-7 So, this is my #1 reason for homeschooling. I have seen many more reasons to homeschool since learning and reading more about homeschooling. But, I feel that God calling me to homeschool is the most important reason there is.

Amy

Lucky Number 7!

Happy Anniversary!!!!

Last Sunday we celebrated our 7th Anniversary. Actually, we didn't get to go out to celebrate until Friday night. We have enjoyed our 7 years together. I have definitely been very blessed with a wonderful husband. Each year we celebrate our anniversary we take a picture together and put it in a special photo album. This album tells the story of our marriage. I love to add a picture each year.

Amy

First "Official" Day of School

Today is T's first "official" day of school. We have been doing schoolwork since last April whenever we could fit it in. But, as of today we are truly Homeschooling. We have been using this curriculum. I am really enjoying the way it's laid out clearly and full of active fun ideas. We have actually done 8 weeks total since last spring. So, I decided to set a routine by starting with a prayer and saying the pledge. T held our flag today since it's really his first "official day" of school.

The boys have both been saying the pledge at Awana so they already know it.

This is Taylor doing some stringwork. He is stringing beads on a shoelace while T does his Math book. I found great ideas for what to do with Taylor while T is doing school here. This is also something T can't wait to do.

We did get off to a great start this morning. I even had time for P.E. for myself. I know it's supposed to be for the kids but I'm the one trying to get into shape! I am really looking forward to the adventure of learning together. Maybe one of these days I'll post why we have chosen to homeschool.

Amy

Works for me Wednesday: Parenting edition

Today Shannon is hosting a Parenting Edition of Works for me Wednesday. So, now is the time to throw my $.02 in. I found a website recently that has great parenting information. This lady is

the mom of 10 kids. You read right 10 kids. If I want advice I am going to ask someone who has alot of kids because they must know what works. So check out The Woodshed. This sight picks up where Shepherding a Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp leaves off. And if you don't like what you see then click the x at the top of the screen. Afterall, it is called Works for Me!

Amy