A better explanation of our decision is warranted.
After lengthy, difficult conversations we decided that we would like to homeschool our girls. It is not something that I ever pictured myself doing. I remember back when we were dating, Chris mentioned that he would like to homeschool his children one day. I laughed at him. No way would I be the epitome of the conservative Christian cliche--a pastor's wife with lots of homeschooled kids. But here we are!
It finally dawned on us that there is no such thing as a "perfect" school (well, maybe Peace Lutheran Academy). Claire's school was the best you can get academically, but there were so many things that we didn't like (Muslims...Hindus...militant rules and schedules...sub-par music education...Hanna Montana induced "tween" peer pressure in kindergarten...all the driving). I will not be able to provide a "perfect homeschool" environment, but that's okay. We were not okay with sub-perfection before now because we erroneously thought that perfection was possible.
The most important thing is to go forward in the forgiveness and love that only a family can provide. I am excited about all the great things that I can do with my kids and our more flexible schedule. Claire is going to be doing lots of learning along side the sibling hair-pulling and tea parties. Martin Loopers here I come!
5 comments:
Did I tell you what Jane's friends said when the Caseys first met us? They came to church here one Sunday, and the kids promptly informed the parents that they were done church-shopping. Caseys came over for dinner after church, and we had the grandest time with them! It was like family we'd come home to, even though we'd never met them before.
Jane felt the same way. She went home and wrote to a bunch of homeschool friends how excited they were to have found a church. When she added that the pastor and his wife have six kids (nicely arranged in ages to go well with Casey kids) and homeschool, the response was hilarious. "Uh. Jane. Are you sure you want to get involved with THAT kind of person? You know what bread-baking homeschooling pastors' wives with large families are like." Thing is, they're right. If I heard about a homeschooling bread-baking pastor's wife with six kids, my shields would go up, expecting a holier-than-thou pietist.
But that doesn't mean we're all like that, does it? Some of us can be summer beer wenches. Or hang out with ex-cons. Or drink. Or [gasp] wear JEANS instead of denim jumpers. :-)
Or wear jeans under the denim jumpers...
Erin,
My daughter checked in on your blog today and saw the home schooling announcement...she was happy to hear the news, as was I. It is a great life and you already know people who have been there to help you along...although you already seem to have a good handle on things. You enjoy your little people and you will be amazed at how fast the time will go even staying home. Welcome and I hope our paths can cross a little more now. :)
BTW...I keep a list of LCMS home schoolers and we plan trips and gatherings from time to time. We are mostly confessional Lutherans...and we do not have perfect lives or children. If you want me to add your name, email me at ljkoch@juno.com and I will add your name.
Laura...and this news has really made my day!
Oh, dear, my daughter is giving a public demonstration of just how sassy a grown-up homeschooler can be. ;-)
I haven't been paying much attention to the announcements regarding the art museum fieldtrip in January since I have work on Wednesdays, but I thought I saw something about one family needing to cancel. So I wondered if there might be extra spaces for Erin & girls if they wanted to go.
This is exciting news, indeed. I am sure that you will be a fantastic homeschool mom!
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