One of the things I looked forward to when I started out homeschooling was "time". Time to do whatever it was that I either "needed" to do or "wanted" to do for my family and for myself. When my children were very young and were in 4 different schools, getting them up, dressed and fed at 5:45 in the morning was some kind of challenging. I would have to get my oldest child onto a bus that would take her to another bus that would get her to school because she went to a Magnet school that was clear across town. Many times my children would complain of not being able to go out for recess for one reason or other or we'd be up until 11 pm which was well past their bedtime, doing projects or homework, it was crazy! One day I went on a personal boycott of homework. I informed my son's teacher that he would not be doing any more homework assignments if it meant he would be losing sleep just to get them completed. I also boycotted the various fundraisers they wanted the kids (me) to do. I told them that we can barely find time for family endeavors let alone running around soliciting for the school, it was crazy! Sitting in long lines to pick them up, and scurrying over to another school to pick up another child, drive like a "bat-outta-hell" to the daycare to pick up my toddler...pregnant, frazzled, fatigued, and hormonal it was crazy, and I felt crazy!
I recall one particularly "stressful" day, I was sitting on the doctor's table for a prenatal visit, stripped down to my undies on a sheet of cold paper with a paper gown wrapped around me waiting for either the nurse or doctor to walk in. Finally, the nurse walks in, asks me how was my day, and what did she ask me that for? The water works began! I literally started crying (which I have never done before in my life) and telling the nurse that "I can't seem to catch up with my life". She did her best to comfort me with some kind words, but that was basically what my life was like...a fast moving train with one had on the rail while running frantically parallel to the train! The doctor was running late too, so I began putting my clothes back on because I couldn't afford to stay any longer. It was the first time I was ever present and ready to be checked, and missed my prenatal appointment. It couldn't be helped, my 6 year old had to be picked up from the bus, and I couldn't wait. It was a very trying time for me as a mother because it was just me, my husband Greg, and at the time 7 children and (pregnant) against the world, and the world was relentless and unapologetic. It was crazy!
I thank Yahweh for saving me, and to have what I have now because it's more than I've ever had. It humbles me to know that merciful God Most High allowed me to be a wife and mother, and to also live in a country that allows freedom of "choice" when it comes to education. I realize that homeschooling, choosing to stay on the home front and be a full-time-hands-on mother and wife may not be a "one-size-fits-all", but it does fit me perfectly. Don't get me wrong, it has it's challenges but the challenges are worth the change. It has allowed me, my husband, and my children the opportunity to have plenty of time to connect, smell the roses and to enjoy the fruit of my womb and his labor. If your life is in "crazy" mode, ask God to show you a right fit for your life that would allow you the time needed to do what you "need" to do, and to also do what you "want" to do...ask Him for a "custom tailored life"!
Be blessed!
