We saw this spider on our field trip to the zoo. 
Patrick finished his Creation lapbook.
View inside his Creation lapbook.
"Looking back over your homeschooling experiences, what would you do differently? Enjoy these reflections gleaned from other homeschooling parents just like you.
If I had known that teaching my children would be so much fun, I would have started homeschooling sooner.
If I had known my children were going to grow as fast as older women said they would, I would have treasured our time together even more.
If I had known that my son was going to become an archeologist and dig in the dirt for a profession, I would have never worried about removing the stains when washing his clothes.
If I had known that all my children would go on to receive college degrees, I would have never second guessed my curriculum choices and teaching abilities.
If I had known how unimportant it was to keep a spotless house, I would have gone to bed on time instead of spending countless hours cleaning, organizing, and tidying up for the next day.
If I had known how living on one income would build a solid faith in God, I would have gladly lived with less without all the complaining.
If I could only experience the thrill of one job to last an entire lifetime, I would homeschool my children all over again.
Whatever lessons you've learned from homeschooling so far, you're incredibly blessed to teach your children. Praise God for the wonderful opportunity to be both your child's parent and teacher!
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." (Jeremiah 29:11)
Lord, I lift up a grateful heart of praise and thank You for all my homeschooling joys. As we begin a new school year, please help me appreciate the benefits of homeschooling even more. In Jesus' name, Amen.
When P first saw our school space, he said, "Whoa! Cool!"
Abby wanted to get in on the fun for a few minutes.
I discovered Play Doh will keep Sarah occupied quietly a long time!
Sweet relief! As I am writing this, Patrick is finishing up his last bit of work for the day. It has been a wonderful day- far exceeding my expectations. Thanks to all of you who prayed for this day. I really couldn't have asked for more. I guess I had examined all the possibilities so much in my mind that I was ready for almost anything. I knew it was a possibility that Abby would be fussy or Sarah would be bored or cranky (and both happened a few times!) but all in all it was amazing. Most of this is due to Patrick's thirst for knowledge , his determination, and his beautiful, sweet spirit. I am also incredibly thankful that Patrick can read so well already as this makes my job that much easier.
Aaahh. What an incredible start to our first year. But what will happen tomorrow??? One thing I have learned for sure is that life really is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get. But hey, it's all sweet. Even those weird ones that have the orange cream in them. So I am thankful that I get chocolates & not lima beans. Am I making sense here? I hope you get my drift. Because every day is an incredible gift God is giving us.
