Homeschooling - In the Beginning

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I just found this blog today and decided I'd play along. It gives me something to post and keeps me from finishing my "moldy" post that is a continuation from the other day. I seem to be having a hard time getting my thoughts out there ... maybe next week.

Anyway! The question of the day is when did you 1st hear about homeschooling and what was your reaction?

I first heard of homeschooling before my middle one was even born. We lived in Bryan, TX (Gig 'Em Aggies) and the Lord had placed us in a church with families who all homeschooled. There was so much I could have gleaned from these women and I am sad to say that I didn't take advantage of it at all. I didn't want that path. I wanted to drop my children off at school and go grocery shopping and clean my house alone! I didn't consider homeschooling at all during that time, but some ideas were planted way deep down apparently, below conscious thought.

(Then the demanding one was born and my thoughts were more than ever focused on I.WANT.A.BREAK! Bless her sweet little heart, she is a very easy little girl, but OH ME OH MY, she was a difficult baby!)

Then we moved here and I met some people here and there who homeschooled. Adding to that was my early September born daughter who was well ready for kindergarten but would have had to go to prek due to her birthday, and at the time, prek was income based and we wouldn't have qualified. The middle one was still a handful and we were worried about the oldest going to school and bringing home sickness, so we kind of decided to try out homeschooling. It was a prek/kindergarten mix with every intention of public school for the next year.

So, here we are, and that oldest is now in seventh grade, and is still at home. And believe me - no one is more surprised by this fact than I am! ;) The middle one who now is only difficult if there is multiplication involved, is in fourth grade, and the little one will, Lord willing, be home for kindergarten next year. (Which means, if we stay on this path, there will be another child in my house for whom I am responsible for teaching multiplication facts. :::shudder::: Okay, clearing mind of THAT thought.)

It's been a fabulous journey, I have to say! We've changed curriculum many times, and there seems to be a constant tweaking. I've learned so much about my kids, though, and have enjoyed having them with me. Well, most days. Of course there are days when I'm sorely tempted to chase down the yellow bus. ;)

I don't know if this is a forever "I'm going to be making their diplomas" plan, we're still pretty much on the "one year at a time" plan, but for now, we're loving it and so thankful that the Lord led us on this path, and so thankful for the friends who have encouraged us through the years. Now I need one of you to step up and handle our multiplication issue. HAHA!! (Seriously - we have finally had a breakthrough there and I'm hoping there will soon be a post in which we rejoice and thank the Lord that a timed test was not only passed, but with an A!)