Twas the night before homeschooling . . .

Months of preparation - researching, buying curriculum, finding the right community group, curriculum training, buying supplies, writing lesson plans, laminating and more laminating - and HERE I AM.

The night before it begins.

Will this totally flop?
Will I love it?
Will my kids excel in this environment?
I wonder.
I am going into this with the expectation that this is our new way of life - with no end in sight.  But maybe God just has us doing this for a year.

I really do hope it goes well.

This place is CRAZY Big

Hubby and I are at the Florida Homeschool convention in Orlando.  (Oh, our 10th wedding anniversary is this weekend, too.)  The convention is at the Gaylord Palms - a hotel I've not been to previously.

I am in shock!!!!  The number of Florida homeschool families is mind boggling.  I had NO idea there were this many homeschoolers - and quite a few look normal.  Again, shock!!!

The sessions have been very informative - actually, inspiring.

Brad and I have split up - he's going to the sessions focused on the legal issues behind homeschooling and why families need to educate their children on US history.  I'm going to the sessions focused on how to educate your children at home.

The EXPO hall with all the curriculum vendors has to be 20,000 square feet.  No joke.  Quite overwhelming.  I'm glad I've come with an idea of the curriculum I want to purchase.  Otherwise, I'd fall at the threshold of the EXPO hall - end up in the fetal position, crying, sucking my thumb.

I've been advised prior to coming to this convention to take up the motto, "Don't overbuy."  Yea - cause I NEVER do that.

This is truly a wonderful experience.

Picture of me and my mister relaxing at the pool after 2 very long days at "Convention" . . .

Tomorrow - Happy Tenth Wedding Anniversary!!!!!!!

Now, I know why

I often wonder why God laid it on my heart to homeschool.

Simply because I told Him, "Never"?  Maybe.

Because He knew that today our beloved Classical school would close?  Maybe.

It really doesn't matter to me.  I'm going to choose the path He calls me to take.

But that said, I am sad.  The sweet school that my son has been a part of has closed its doors today.  

His sweet friends.  His amazing teachers.  His outstanding educational experience.  His wise Headmaster.  The kind relationships I've been afforded the opportunity to make.  The hope of a place to send my daughter.  All no more.

I am grateful for these 2 years he has had in a Classical school.

I am also grateful that God laid it on my heart to homeschool.

I've got a Nagging Feeling

The tune to "You've got that Lovin' Feelin" is playing in my head.  The lyrics are much different.  More like, "I've got a Naggin' Feelin".

For several weeks - I've had this increasing loud voice in my head (known as God the Spirit).

At first it was a quiet thought . . . "homeschool".

It increased . . . "homeschool".

Then I entertained the thought and spoke the thought out loud.  My husband, to whom I spoke the crazy thought to, did not freak.  In fact, I would describe his reaction as 'interested'.

Then that thought turned to a voice that began keeping me awake at night . . . "homeschool".

Then that voice was waking me up from a perfectly good sleep . . . "HOMESCHOOL".
       Now, for me . . . that's where I draw the line.

Once I got it through my thick skull that God was leading our family down a path that I SWORE I would never take - then submitted to His path - then, and only then, did the 'Naggin Feelin' subside.

And now . . . I sleep.

Because I am certain that the journey ahead will be full of plenty of sleepless nights.