Our Last Homeschool Year

8/13/2023

Indeed. It is our last year of homeschooling. We officially started in 1995 when our oldest was four. Wow, how time flies! It's been an amazing adventure, so much more than I would have ever dreamed.

I'm pretty sure I have learned much more in the past 28 years than the children remember of reading, writing, and arithmetic.

The biggest lessons I've learned are definitely:

Not to take myself too seriously.
My children are much smarter than me.
God always takes up the slack where I fail.
The opinions of others don't make a bit of difference.
Your children will always surprise you.
There is always more to learn.
Learning opportunities are ever present.

Each of our children has been absolutely unique. As soon as I thought I had things lined out, one of them would throw me a curveball. I'd be back to the drawing board, researching a new challenge. I'm immensely proud of each one. Are they all rocket scientists, doctors or lawyers? No, and that was never my goal.

My goal has always been for them to each reach their own personal potential. The fun thing about that is, the ones who've graduated are continuing to reach for that goal in their own unique ways.

Are there things I regret or wish we had done differently. Of course! Each of those instances has turned into a learning experience for us all that I'm sure they will take with them to improve the experience with their own families. I'm enjoying seeing the grandchildren growing a desire and love of learning of their own.

What will I do now?

Other than helping with grandchildren? I've been waiting for this time with a few "rewards" for myself.

One of those is to learn smocking. I'm quite excited and already have some books picked out to help me along.
Another is to start digging into our genealogy. This is something that has always fascinated me and I'm looking forward to mapping things out.

These are both things I knew would take a lot of my concentration and I didn't want them to become a distraction. I will also continue sewing, quilting, art & craft projects... Hopefully I can get back to riding horses again. Our youngest has been begging and it's time I do.

Tips and resources for starting the new year:

I recently posted these two videos to help get the new year off to a great start. If you know any homeschooling families, please pass them on.

How are we wrapping up our last year?

Our youngest has decided to take botany this year. She has taken over care of the Tower Garden and will hopefully be taking the Master Gardener Program. Of course, she will continue with her art, government, stewardship and more. It's no doubt going to be an interesting year!

2 Comments

Marie E Patestas

8/21/2023 01:12:11 pm

You are taking your last year of homeschooling very well. This is also my last year of homeschooling and I'm not taking it as well. My husband gently reminded me August 1st was going to be my last "first day of school" and it threw me for a loop. I started asking myself, "What is my purpose?", "what am I going to do now?" Like you, I want to work on family heritage too. I have many old photos handed down to me and I'd like to work on a scrapbook to include as much information as I can. My grandfather did a wonderful job of starting this project - I hope to add to it and finish it for future generations. Along with scrapbooking, I love arts and crafts - especially painting but I'm by no means an artist. I just enjoy doing artsy projects. I have included art for both my boys right up to graduation (for me, more than them - they don't/didn't mind though). I do, however, feel guilty being home while my husband is out working. Unfortunately, after being out of the workforce for so long, I don't know how "hirable" I actually am anymore and I honestly, don't want to work full-time. There don't seem to be any part-time jobs out there right now. Your article was very positive though and I'm going to try and incorporate it into my new way of thinking and looking at this next step. Thank you for sharing it.

Dawnita link

8/22/2023 08:44:11 pm

I understand the "thrown for a loop" feeling Maria. Part of me is ready to move on and part of me is missing the messy craft days and read-alouds... I haven't scrapbooked in years, so I'm really behind but I'm looking forward to it. I understand the issue with getting a part-time job. There is so much available remotely now. I pray the Lord blesses you with a wonderful year and guide you in your next steps.