I had one of those moments just this morning. Actually, it has slowly happened over the last few days. And as the day has gone on and I've continued to be in total awe of what has happened, and the answer that I've been given. Intrigued? Please, read on!
Homeschooling. How many people do you know who home school their kids? Its becoming more common thats for sure. Is it for everyone? Absolutely not. Do you have to agree with those who do make the decision to keep their kids at home? No, but you could at least respect that certain people HAVE made that decision. I say that in defense of our decision to keep our kids at home rather than to send them to public schools.
EVERY single time that I am asked "Oh you home school?" And I answer "yes..." It goes one of two ways. The subject is changed or, whoever is asking, is really intrigued. They ask how long I've been doing it. THATS when the conversation leads to Colton's health. SO, before you read ANY further, make sure you understand that was just ONE of the reasons that we chose to home school.
My thinking back in 2000 when we learned of Colton's diabetes was, "I am NOT going to send him to a preschool where I have to rely on someone else to take care of my son a few hours a day. I am not going to go show someone else how to give him a shot and tell them what to look for. If I have to worrry about that, then Im going to keep him at home for school...."
I know that I was not the only mom to have a newly dx'd kid with diabetes at that time either. Hundreds of kids are dx'd with D every single day.
But, I am not most moms either. I was already a stay at home mom. I've been blessed since just a few months after Kyle and I got married, to be able to stay at home. And when I had Colton, being able to stay at home with him rather than working full time and putting him in daycare was one of the things that was SO important to me! And kicking around the idea of home schooling--I'd already started doing that before I ever found out I was pregnant with him. Learning of the diabetes was just a little bit of a confirmation almost, to me.
And of course, when I was pregnant with Tobi, I was asked, "Are you going to home school this baby too?" My answers: 1) Good grief, let me give birth first 2)Well why wouldn't I? Just because he/she may not have diabetes? Why would I keep one of my kids at home and send the other one to school?? I just didn't see the reason to think I'd send one and keep one home.
So, all of that being said..YES we are homeschooling and YES we are doing it with BOTH kids!!! Now..my 'coincidence' and 'wow' moment, is this. Ive been having some doubts about continuing to home school. I had the same doubts every other year that I home schooled. In 2007 I really struggled with it. I prayed and I prayed and I asked the Lord to show me what He wanted me to do. Did I need to keep trying to make it work with Colton, or did I need to just give in and send him to school. I felt that I needed a 'break' from Colton and from homeschooling. I had a 2 year old that I longed to have some time with--just her and I! I had days that I felt like that was being selfish, but then at the same time, I knew it wasn't. And then I told my mother I felt like I was being selfish and she just flat out told me, "No your not!"
So, back to wrestling with the do we keep homeschooling or not..well..then answer to that question is YES. At least thats the way that I see it. For a few reasons. Colton is already enrolled in a virtual school program starting in August. He will do most of his school online here at home and then there will be some days that I will actually drive him somewhere to do tests. And then there's Tobi. It hit me this weekend.."OMG--she's 5! She's going to be in kindergarten!! Im not ready for that!!"
And thus, the wrestling begins in my mind. Do I go ahead and put her in school? Do I keep her at home for school? Do I just hold off and keep her out of school one more year? After all, she is my last. She's my baby and I do not have to put her in Kindergarten for another year--if thats what I choose to do. Plus, that means worrying about how Im going to buy yet another full years worth of school stuff.
Yesterday I got a phone call from a long time friend of the family yesterday. He wanted to let me know that they had some home school books that I was welcome to if I wanted them. I was intrigued, but I didn't get to call them back until this morning. I hung up the phone and my reaction was, "OH MY GOSH!" Kyle said, "What?" I proceeded to tell him about them calling me yesterday, and what they said they had, if we were interested.
I now have in my possession, a full years worth of curriculum for FIRST through 8th grade--of Bob Jone's Curriculum. Thus, my reaction of "OH MY GOSH" when I got off the phone. The cost of curriculum is now not a problem, for Tobi. And as long as Colton likes the online virtual school, he's all set--they do this up to 12th grade.
Coincidence? I think not. What is it then? Its simply and purely an answer to my hearts desires for my children and an huge answer to my prayers that I laid before my heavenly Father. Thank you Jesus!!!
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