My Life Chronicles as a Christian Woman, Wife, Mother, Homeschooler, Aspiring Musician. My very own central creative outlet, to share with whoever is interested.
It is really getting to the end of the year when it seems so many things come up, and school gets shoved in here and there. I really begin to fail at the consistency in the last leg of the homeschool race. The end of the year seems to be prolonged just to finish those last pages of work that need to get done… to officially move to the next grade.
Where does that time go? Oh wait I remember… housework, laundry, husbands, activities, babies (if you have one), road trips, vacations. The list could probably go on for a few lines.
I am currently on a road trip, every one is in a sweet slumber on the beds in the hotel/motel while I click away at the keys. A very nice sound for me I might add. Last night I woke up to my six year old throwing up all over his bed. 
So sad… I am right now just hoping he ate too much or swallowed too much pool water, so we can finish our 4-5 hours on the road with out the poor guy having to feel really bad. It would be nice if none of that ‘smell’ has to get near our car too.
Any way I went to bed just thinking that I should of brought school work for them. So in their down time they could be doing productive work, instead of playing with their cousins expensive digital game toys, which they will not own as long as I am their mother.
I am not sure if that would teach them a ‘good work ethic’ or not to bring their school on a vacation. It would seem if I did that all the time, consistency is their…would that not teach them to work where ever they are. There are the types that can’t stop working even when they are suppose to be on vacation.
Obviously I am not one of those due to the fact that we didn’t bring their school work, but the thought is still their lingering in the back of my mind. I am responsible for their education. I am sure their is a happy medium that I am not the best at finding.
I tend to be an all or nothing type. I guess obsessive compulsive but only in certain areas. With 4 kids it is hard to be that way… because even when you try really hard and even when your patience has left you… your kids just can’t hang with the ridiculousness of the concept.
Anyway…I do teach them any opportunity that comes up during the day…my oldest is map reading, learning signs and directions, driving techniques. The two younger ones are also interested in the map, reading signs… mostly either arguing or so excited they are making me crazy… wait that is not education. 
Okay I have decided it is the happy medium road…is that always the answer? Too much of any good thing is too much.
So I guess I will keep using teaching opportunities when they arise and enjoys my road trip with them!
You’re so cool to be honest about your challenges. I know the challenges are never far away.
I think your idea about teachable moments is very valuable. Thanks.
Morning Jen, Last night I was protoring a final exam for a young engineer finishing his Masters degree so I was here at the computer going through my favorite emails and pictures and I decided to check out your site which I haven’t done in a while. After looking at pictures for quite a while I began reading your postings. I wanted to just sit here and cry because I miss you so much. I want to be with all my kids and grandkids. I love the way you express yourself in writing and music and just the way you do things. I beleive I let too many “things” get in the way of my life and now that I am closer to the end instead of the beginning I am realizing how much important stuff I have missed with my wife and children. I just wanted to let you know I am proud to be your father and grandfather of your wonderful children. Papa
Hi Jenna,
I have a 7 year old, 3 year old, and one on the way, and have decided to try homeschooling for my oldest going into 2nd grade next year. She now goes to a private Christian school which we are very happy with but the drive is far and we end up living in the car 2 hours per day just to get to school and back. It’s especially not fun in the winter and with a new baby on the way, I’m looking for other schooling options. I always thought of homeschooling as taking opportunities away from my children (as most public school believers tell you) but the more I research the subject, the more I’m getting a new perspective on the whole thing. I’m glad I found a link for Alpha Omega on your page because I have been very confused by all the options out there. It is also very important to continue to incorporate a Christian education which I’ve been having trouble finding online. The ones I have found are very pricey. Which program do you use through them and what would you recommend for a first timer mom teaching 2nd grade? Any advice you have would be very appriciated. I am still pretty confused at this point 
Thanks!!
I ran across your blog while researching homeschooling online. Your honest and candid info and Christian values caught my eye
Hi Jennifer!
First of all just take a breath. It is a true blessing that you are starting at 2nd grade. This is a great grade to just relax and get to know your daughter as a student. This is where they are just learning the basics. So you and her can start the journey together. I actually took my oldest son who is 12 out of his first grade class, that is when I started my homeschool journey.
It is totally understandable for you to be confused…it is overwhelming at first. What I would suggest is buying a curriculum set for your 2nd grader so you have everything you need for a year. After that…as years go by, you will figure out what works best for you. That is what I did.
It is also important to remember that the criteria of the public school system does not have to be a thorn in your side. Your child will have her own learning style and ability…some things will come easier than others. Don’t feel pressure to make sure it is all accomplished by the end of one year. It took me a while to get over that concept.
It is all trial and error, and remember what works good for one person, might not work for another. My sister bought the whole computer CD program for her 7th grader last year from Alpha Omega. So this year I am going to try that out with my son who will be a 7th grader. I will post more after we begin, and let you know what my son and I think.
I congratulate you on your decision…please keep me posted or if you need any more help…I will do what I can for you! I am so happy for you and your children! It is going to be a road filled with all sorts of emotions…good and bad. Just don’t give up and know God is gracious and just wants us to “raise our children in the way they should go, so when they are older they do not depart from it”
Leave the rest to God and he will guide you!
God Bless
Jenna