A few weeks ago I was chatting with a fellow homeschool mom as we took a nature walk with our sons. We talked about curriculums and why we chose to homeschool. We discussed how difficult it is to find your groove when you begin homeschooling. We both admitted we were still searching for groups to join; it can be hard to find your people when you homeschool. My new friend suggested I read a book called, Teaching From Rest. I realized the book had been sitting in the drawer of my nightstand for Continue Reading
The Day I Wanted To Throw In The Towel
One week ago I seriously wanted to quit homeschool. Last Monday I had no desire to be his teacher, I just wanted to be his mom. I didn't want to fight about math facts or go round and round about reading. I didn't want to feel guilty when I folded laundry because we should have been learning. I called a local private school and scheduled a tour. That's how serious I was. I was ready to throw in the towel. I didn't care how he received an education, but I was determined I Continue Reading
When Stepping Out Of Your Comfort Zone Sparks Hope
Jackson and I did something outside of our comfort zones yesterday. We joined our local Wild + Free group. We spent a fun morning tramping through the woods, enjoying nature and the crisp winter day. Joining new groups causes both of us a lot of anxiety. We've had too many bad experiences over the years - people who judge, people we aren't accepting of Jackson's differences. Having a child with differences can make it hard to connect. But connection is exactly what we've been lacking Continue Reading
Four Things I’m Saying Yes To This Year
I'm determined to take better care of myself this year. I feel like I spent the majority of 2018 in survival mode. There were the hellish months of being on edge every single day Jackson went to school. Would I get a phone call? Would he make it through the day? We spent some of the worst weeks of our lives dealing with the most challenging behaviors caused by his ADHD medicine. Then there was the big adjustment of becoming a full-time homeschooling family. During all these crazy Continue Reading
Will I Ever Feel Equipped?
A few nights ago I sat at the dinner table, head in my hands, and sobbed. The reality that our low-key holiday break was coming to an end and it was time to buckle down with homeschool once again, had me feeling completely overwhelmed. The dawning of a new year - 365 (give or take) days of homeschool - felt paralyzing. Suffocating thoughts swarmed through my head. Jackson's education is on my shoulders. Teaching him to read is my responsibility. Yes, God has called us to Continue Reading