Decisions...

Well, it has been quite a week here and I have some updating to do. I have been plagued with a cold for the past week and it turned into a nasty sinus infection but am finally feeling better!

Last Thursday, Caitlin and I traveled to Winston-Salem for the weekend. I attended the NC Homeschooler's Conference (yes, we are going to homeschool next year--more later on that) and Caitlin attended Piedmont Baptist College's Music Festival. She took a 3 day crash course in French horn. She did extremely well and her teacher feels like she will be able to learn the horn over the summer in time to play for marching band in August. She made great progress in 3 days and we are very excited for her! She even had a solo part in the concert at the conclusion of music festival.

As I mentioned, I attended the homeschooler's conference. Overwhelmed doesn't begin to describe it. So many people, so many workshops to attend and so many vendors. My cold was at its peak so I felt miserable during it all. I found some excellent math and language curriculum and got some great ideas for science and history.

So why are we homeschooling? Good question...I don't know if I have enough time for all the answers...

First, I have felt a strong call from the Lord that he had a ministry for me out there. Over the year of praying, it was like a light bulb came on about 6 weeks ago. During a drive home from work, I was talking to Him and I said, "Lord, are you telling me that homeschool is my ministry?" and just like that the lightbulb came on and I said "Homeschool IS my ministry." And then I said, "You know I've always wanted to send my children to a Christian school" and He said, "You are"!! Clear as day! Ever since, I've had total peace and confidence about the situation and I know this is HIS WILL and calling for our family.

There are many other reasons, too. Ashley and Jaclyn continue to struggle in math but keep getting pushed to the next thing without mastering anything. They are both several grade levels behind. For example, this year Ashley learned multiplication and then they went to GEOMETRY! GEOMETRY?!? In third grade? By the time they started reviewing for EOG's she was in tears because she'd forgotten all of her times tables. She is still counting on her fingers. Jaclyn struggles in math and has been classified "learning disabled". I think this is due to her inability to write. It is hard to figure out the math when you can't write it out on paper and are trying to do it on computer or telling someone what to write.

After reading about the history of public schools and why they were started (to provide a minimal education for all students) and the attempt to "dumb us down", I am convinced that we can do a better job educating them. I spent alot of time in their class rooms last year observing and volunteering...the teachers spend so much time trying to control the class that very little instruction time is spent actually teaching. There were kids in 3rd grade who couldn't read on the kindergarten level. Kids were being bullied in second grade. It is heartbreaking.

So, that's just a few things in a nutshell.

We are excited about getting started. The girls can't wait! They want to start the day after they get out of school! So wish us luck on our new adventure and say a prayer for us when you think about us!!

Have a good night!