Photo taken by my husband while kayaking a few mornings ago.
Our youngest daughter is quickly developing a love for kayaking. Here she is holding a modified 2x4 which will one day soon be a custom sized paddle. She saw it on the workbench, couldn't wait for it to be done, so she, the 2x4, the kayak and her daddy headed to the river.
Where I've been: Soaking up the last little bit of summer while it lasts, half willing cooler days to hurry up, half wishing the warm days will never end. The other thing I've been doing is prepping for a big school year undertaking...
Where I stand right now: Looking at this big stack of books. Not mine. My daughters. You see, I have a new title: Crazy Homeschool Mom. And that's about how I feel right now-- a little crazy and wondering if I really am smarter than a fifth grader. The jury is still out.
P.E. class at a nature center. Homeschool does have its perks. There was an 8-point buck watching from just off the trail.
From the sample of people who have found out that I now homeschool, I've received a wide assortment of reactions, some positive, some... not so much. I'm homeschooling for lots of reasons. I'll spare you the details. Let me just say this: my decision to homeschool is no more a condemnation of anyone who
doesn't homeschool any more than it is an endorsement that everyone should. It's not for everybody. What it does mean is this: I'm crazy busy and something had to give. The poor victim is my beloved blog. As much as I would love to be here running my mouth, sharing everything under my nose that I think you'll love, the lousy truth is that until I can channel some of that energy I see oozing from the pages of the blogs written by those high-energy, D-I-Y, homeschool moms (
I don't sound jealous, do I?), or until I work out a schedule that ensures nothing uber-important hits the fan, my posts here will be sporadic. But I promise I'm not going away. If you need/want to contact me between posts, please feel free to leave a comment or email me at ivycladblogger@gmail.com.
Until next time,
Cheers!
Keri
For anyone who is considering home schooling their children, the image of all of those books will give a reality check on just how serious an undertaking it is.
ReplyDeleteI applaud you for your decision. It takes dedication to commit to homeschooling. I do not homeschool but I am amazed by people who do.
ReplyDeleteHi Keri,
ReplyDeleteI congratualte you on making this big decision and am sure you will be a great success!
All best,
Phyllis
I'm always blown away by any parent who is willing to take on the work and dedication of a home-teacher. Good luck, I'm sure you'll be amazing.
ReplyDeleteKaren
P.S. I loved your sentiment about longing for cooler days while wishing summer could linger.
Looks so beautiful and relaxing! Kudos to you for this decision...I know it will require a tremendous amount of time and sacrifice but what better investment than your childs education. And might I say EVERY single kid I have met who was homeschooled (albeit have only known 3 or 4) were all supremely intelligent, far beyond their peers at the same grade level! Bravo to you and best of luck....
ReplyDeleteKeri, best wishes to you in making the commitment to homeschool. Investing in your children requires a great deal of sacrifice; and I commend you for taking on the challenge!! I know you will do an amazing job!!!
ReplyDeleteSpend as much time as you want and need with your children. Us big kids will happily wait out here on the playground until you're ready to come out and play. Good Luck! ;)
ReplyDeleteConnie*
God bless you!!! Cherish your children and the time you have with them.
ReplyDeleteI am a teacher in the public school system. And, I can tell you it is nothing like what I experienced in school.
If you are a Christian and want to instill good values in you children, home school them.
Also, many states offer free online public schooling. Here in South Carolina I believe only High School is online. But it is worth checking into.
Knowing what I know now, I would not put a child of mine in the public school system. Thank God mine are grown.
Donna
Thank you for your kind comment and the tips. I will definitely check them out.
DeleteKeri
I think it is wonderful... If I had young children I would do the same. My children are grown and after going through public school I wouldn't want to go through it again. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteTo home school or not to home school is your individual choice as a parent. We make that based on what we as parents know in our gut is best for our children. Nobody has the right to judge your decision or try to fault you for your choice. People exasperate me...If you don't have anything nice to say, keep it to yourself! I love that your daughter loves kayaking. She is going to grow up having such fond memories of time spent on the lake with her dad. xoxo
ReplyDeleteDEAREST HEART....I have missed you so much. I was in a rush yesterday and had seen RIGHT BEFORE I published my new post that you had visited my older post. THANK YOU! This has been a very busy summer for everyone and it has been a lovely time.
ReplyDeleteMy sister in law home-schools her children AND a wonderful friend has home-schooled all of her FIVE children and all I can say as a public school teacher is that I THINK IT IS A GREAT IDEA. One of the things that drove me to my decision to resign from my position was that I could not see how ONE TEACHER could manage and give a good education to so many kids (50). What you are doing is admirable, brave, WORTHY and will result in a bond that only can come from close collaboration with your children/students. I have never met such articulate children as those who are home-schooled!
Thank you for your wonderful words to me; my intention IS to take my blog posts (sans photos for they are not mine) and make a book. One of the things I look forward to doing this school year since I will be free as a substitute to decline jobs is to organize and HONE my better posts and get them ready for publication.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT MY DEAR And have a splendid Sunday! Anita
Wishing you all the very best. I am sure you will make a fabulous home teacher, after all, no-one has your child's interests at heart like you do! x Sharon
ReplyDeleteWell done, Keri! Whether home schooling is appropriate or not, I believe it is up to the parent and child. What I think is so wonderful are the options we have today. I don't remember home schooling being an option when I was growing up....maybe our family just didn't know about it. Enjoy the rest of summer, and post when you can :)
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Loi
No one should tell you whether you should home school or not - that makes me so mad. I'd never be able to do it, but have huge respect for you that you can!!
ReplyDeleteStacy
Hi Keri,
ReplyDeleteI wondered where you had been, so glad you have been having happy times with your family.
Good luck with the home schooling. I'm sure this was not a decision taken lightly, but I'm sure that having taken the decision, it's going to be the right one for you and your family.
Hope to keep in touch with your blog however infrequent.
Have a lovely day, and Good Luck,
great pics!
ReplyDeletexx
www.aroundlucia.com
www.aroundlucia.com
Dear Keri, this is a very serious decision and undertaking for you I am sure....from what I have seen from your carefully researched and beautifully presented posts, everything you do is carefully rhought out and executed.....give it a shot, nothing is etched in stone! There is no doubt in my mind that you are a Mom who only wants the very best for her children, they are your first priority....and I shall be looking for you, whenever that might be! N.xoxo
ReplyDeleteIt is always wise to follow your heart. I wish you much success and perseverance with your homeschooling adventure! And I will miss you so I will selfishly hope that now and then you still have a blog post to share or a chance to stop by and say hello :) Good luck, Keri! xo Karen PS the lovely river photos are so symbolic of your new journey....may it flow gently!
ReplyDeleteDear, lovely Keri,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading this post because I got a small glimpse of the real-life lady behind this wonderful blog. I would like to give you a big hug and wish you 'bon voyage' before you embark on a very exciting new school year. Good for you for following your instinct.
I too am holding on to the dwindling summer days. I'm not quite ready for autumn yet. Keri, thanks for your comment on my blog whilst I was away. I will be delighted to make a hare for you for Christmas. Let's stay in touch...
Stephanie
Good morning beautiful Keri! I thank you kindly for making the time to come visit me while in transition; I have lots to do to my blog before Debby installs the new template, but it will be fun. I hope your preparations for homeschooling are going well; my husband started teaching again on Monday and my sub jobs will start after Sept. 7....but the beauty is having the opportunity to say NO to a job! Ahh......take care my friend. Anita
ReplyDelete