Operation Organization & our Homeschool Experiment

It's still a work in progress, but I've been in the midst of what I'm calling Operation Organization - aka trying to get my house in order.

My main motivation? (Besides the fact that the clutter is driving me crazy?)

A little something I am calling our Homeschool Experiment.

After much thought (probably too much thought) and prayer (lots of prayer), going through my teacher stash of materials (I didn't realize I had so much stuff), talking to other homeschool moms, searching out homeschool groups, organizing closets, bookshelves, and cabinets,visiting our local education store a half a dozen times, and doing a few test run activities with the kids...





...We've are excited to test the waters of homeschooling for first grade!!! I secretly fantasized about the idea while Abby was at school seven and a half hours a day, five days a week last year. I missed her, and Noah did too. I would mention the idea from time to time that if she ever wanted to do school at home with me and Noah to just say the word. But I didn't ever think that she would. She LOVED school. She had a great year and really learned a lot.

When Abby came to me back in June and said, "Mom, I have something to tell you that is going to make you very happy..." Never in my wildest dreams did I think she was going to say "I want to do homeschool with you this year!" I had to hold back the tears. I was overjoyed.

I'm not sure what did it - maybe having more time together this summer, or that we know quite a few kids who homeschool, or that I was going through some of my teaching boxes in the garage and it finally clicked for Abby that "Hey! Maybe Mom could really teach me something." :) Whatever it was, I am grateful for the opportunity to have more time with her and be more involved in her education this year.

Noah is excited about doing ""preschool homeschool" -as he calls it - too. Who knows? Like I said, we're experimenting this year, but it may end up that this really works for our family. I have high hopes!