It's been a really interesting past couple of months. I wrote a little bit about some things Carter was experiencing (although not in detail), and from there it's as if God just opened a door and asked us to walk through it.

Here's the deal.

Homeschooling has always been a part of my heart. I assumed I would home school my kids when we lived in an area where private school wasn't an option. I have nothing against public school personally but have never felt our family was called to that direction (although, if the Lord says, I will do so!).

When we moved back here, years ago, I was ecstatic to enroll my children in the school I was raised in. It was and is like family. I love that school. Both boys thrived there and were surrounded with the closest of friends who I trust and love whole heartily. It was an easy decision. Which made making the decision to home school difficult. God just plain asked us to. Looking back, I can say it was about a six month process of him preparing my heart to accept such a task, but for the moment, I felt a little shocked and side-swiped over the issue. I mean, nothing was wrong with our scenario... in fact, everything was great!!

But more and more he whispered and nudged. I will never forget the moment that I finally accepted His request. I wrote it down, because I am sure on this journey I will need to look back and be reminded of his purpose. He actually has many, but his purpose for ME.

He plainly told me that he wanted me at his feet. Every morning. Every day. At his feet, and this task, homeschooling my children, will be a definite way to keep me there. It doesn't sound encouraging, that conversation, but let me assure you. My heart. So open and woven with his in that moment. Intimate. I could just feel him holding me, asking me for this level of intimacy to stay, every day... and in order to do that, it would require a broken me. An offering of my life for him and by doing so, these children will be raised up to their calling the way He intended them to.

After that conversation, there was no turning back. While making such a quick and strange decision from the outside can be confusing, the inside was secure in the truth of it (and Jason has been and continues to be a part of this plan). I will cling to that. I do cling to it... when I sit at my computer reading opposing reviews on curriculum, thumb through a math workbook, and begin to adjust to the idea of my kitchen becoming a school room. I cling to it. Because it's overwhelming, yes. But oh, so promising!

Since then, I have entered the world of curriculum, learning different methods, school supplies, and a whole new social circle of very embracing homeschooling mothers.

It's been sweet. And hard. And exciting.

The children have been so enthusiastic about it! Carter especially as learning, discussing, analyzing, and discussing some more is totally his jam. To do it together has been really good for us. He's had a hand in a lot of our curriculum choices and my little sidekick in figuring out lesson plans and how our calendar should look. :)

On a side note, we've been nesting in this tiny space that has constantly evoloved since we moved here... it's now our school supply room and is just the perfect little spot for our books and supplies. The Lord blessed me by answering my specific prayer request for this mid century credenza via a yard sale for $20, which has a drawer for each child and ample space to organize supplies...don't be afraid to ask him for the little things! He really wants to bless you in the smallest of ways!

The Lord told both Jason and I that curriculum would not be a difficult decision, and you know what, he was right! There are so many methods and ideas out there... it can be very confusing, but as soon as we found what works for us, there was immediate peace.

I'm hesitant to share our system as it hasn't even been in place, but I would love to give some direction to all of you like-minded moms out there starting this journey yourselves!

We are going to be combining Classical with the Charlotte Mason approach. All of the kids' language arts is Classical-curriculum based...Both boys will be using Writing with Ease, First Language Lessons, and Everett in addition, will be using An Ordinary Parents Guide to Teaching Reading (Phonics, really). Spelling and Penmanship/Cursive will also be a part of our lesson plan. For History we are using Mystery of History on Audio and working with a Timeline by History Through the Ages. We'll be using Math-U-See for both boys... I really really enjoyed his approach to math--it's very "living". Science is strictly nature books, documenting in their journals, and nature days for now, also I'm approaching it as a "Unit Study", following the boys' interests and researching, observing, and discovering anything that peaks their interest.

Bible will be led by Jason and the curriculum is provided by my local CBS, which I attend. The cool thing is that we'll be learning the same things at the same time, they have a great home school program while I go to my own Bible Study!

There will be literature, some Latin, PE, and music woven throughout the day, but the goal is really to bust out our work in the morning so we can get out and explore and learn through nature in the afternoon. We will see how it goes.

Also, a few tips! Ebay has been a really great source for vamping up our literature collection as well as most of our curricula. Amazon's prices are usually better than the Curriculum's site itself... lots of cost comparing, but if you're on a budget, that's essential!

Ambleside Online has been a great source for literature suggestions by grade, also Beautiful Feet Books chooses lovely books as their supplements to their curriculum... I really like anything they have used or suggest. YWAM Publishing has great books on the heroes of Christianity... the kids and I have been enjoying their audio books and real books to read, they definitely stir up the need to defend our freedom of faith! If you are looking for traditional curriculum, as in original school house, academic, no bright pictures, etc... check out Rod and Staff... I didn't know anything about them until I attended a convention. I was so very impressed with everything they had and it covers K-12 (I believe it's created and published by the Mennonites?). It's very simple, highly academic, and so strong in faith and work ethic!

I'm excited to document this new journey and am hoping to be a source of encouragement for those out there doing the same or just curious/praying about it! I'll eventually get around to some of our favorite books...there are so many wonderfully written and illustrated books out there, it's important to share!

Let me know if you have any questions. I have had a few seasoned, amazing homeschooling mothers available to me through this process and I would love to pass on any of their wisdom!