Just getting started

Today Mommy found Booksavers. Which needless to say was not a great thing, because mommy loves books, and there were so many great books for 50 cents, $1...Mommy got a little out of control. But we are very excited about all the learning which will take place! JD loves to read, just like his mommy and is so happy about al these cool new colorful adventures to explore! We bought our first homeschooling material the other day at the Home and the local homeschool store (which I adore). We bought a science experiment kit with 50 experiments! And also a hands on science book about Coming to know your Creator through the majesty of the nature He created, that looks like too much fun. We bought horizons Kindergarten math book 1, and a math centers activity packet--I think it is a little to school-ey though. I see why it was on clearance. JD enjoyed the first activity, but it will not be a lasting project that we come back to I don't think.

We borrowed a bunch of books from the library (as usual) and we found some really cool science books like Vicki Cobb's Science Experiments You Can Eat! And The Moon Seems to Change. Mommy was super excited about some knew teaching philosophy books she found. The freshness of the perspective and ideas were life altering! Dr. Raymond and Dorothy Moore have amazing books, especially The Successful Homeschool Family Handbook, and Better Late than Early. They have 60+ years of experience as homeschoolers and have continued their research and advocacy in the field. They break it down in simple terms and tell you how to teach your children the low-stress, low-cost way with great effectiveness. They help you know what your child needs and does not need in order to enjoy their education, and to be successful in life academically, emotionally, spiritually, socially...this is by far the best resource I have come across so far. After biting my nails over which curriculum to choose, I have decided to use The Moore Formula because it has been proven time and time again for over half a century.

I recommend anything by Bev Bos! I was fortunate enough to learn about Bev during my 90 hr course at MCCA when I was studying for my preschool teaching certification. Her ideas and philosophies about teaching children through art inspired child-led learning just blew me away! I have been in awe of her work ever since.

Also In Their Own Way by Thomas Armstrong--really insightful info about how to find your child's primary learning style, and how to teach to multiple intelligences. Dumbing us Down by John Taylor Gatto really opened my eyes about the underlying dangers that come with conventional schooling--things above and beyond my fears. Ruth Beechick's The Three R's is a classic as well as her Language and Thinking for Young Children. Homeschool Your Child For Free by LauraMaery Gold is an awesome collection of resources including internet, and others. It is jam packed with great ideas for every kind of learning style, every possible subject of study!

These books just further opened my eyes and breathed into me a new outlook about the untold possibilities that lay before us in our endeavor to spend our lives learning together, and loving one another in the way that I know God has intended it for our family.

That's not to say that I didn't have my doubts. I felt like a pendant hanging from your rear view mirror as much swinging back and forth I did on such a continual basis. I really just wanted what was best for JD. And I had a very hard time figuring out what that was. After 3 years of trying to find the answer, I just fell down at the feet of the Savior and cried out for His will to prevail. I was exhausted from searching and researching for opinions on what was best, information, expert advice, etc. And I finally realized that only HE had the answer. Only HE knew what my son needed most. As I knelt there at His feet, He softly reassured me that I already knew the answer. He told me that I doubted myself, but if I just trust in Him, and have faith to follow through with what he had placed on my heart so many years ago...even when I couldn't see the end result...if I put it in His hands that He would give me the tools, and the skills that I needed to be a great teacher for JD. And suddenly all my fears about JD being very social, and needing other kids, all my worries about not being able to meet his needs--they were all gone. Because after such a long time trying to find the right answer, I knew that God had spoken it to me directly in the very beginning. Every time I swung in the other direction, He always sent something along to realign myself with His will. I kept coming back, and everytime I looked into homeschooling, it just felt right. Everytime I spent time with other homeschool families, I just knew that this is what I wanted, and more importantly what God wanted for the health and happiness of my family.

Well I better get to bed as we have a field trip tomorrow with our homeschooling friends: Set, Ch, JD, and us moms and dads! We are going to Washington DC for the Cherry Blossom Festival, and the weather is warm and perfect!!!

A very special thank you to Chelita and Matt Lundell, and their beautiful homeschool boys, Elijah and Remy Gauge. Chelita-you were the first person I ever met that spoke to me about homeschooling. You planted the seed, girl! And seeing how passionate you are about teaching your boys, and how loving and precious your family is...I always had you all in the back of my head, and in my heart reminding me that Homeschool was God's plan for harmonious families who love to learn together! MWAH!! I LOVE YOU!!!

Lovieees!!
Jen