Home Schooling Days Are Over

When we started homeschooling nine years ago I always thought I'd just take it one year at a time. In the back of my mind, my goal was to homeschool all the way until the kids finished high school.

It became clear to me about a year or so ago that we wouldn't be able to homeschool until twelfth grade because the math was getting harder and more out of our comfort zones (my hubby & me). We would need a tutor to teach them, so what would be the point?

This year, correcting all of the writing assignments was driving me crazy. My head was spinning every time I had to read, revise, re-read, revise, re-read...another paper. My language arts skills are not up to snuff either apparently. Or I'm just not much of an editor.

When I realized that we were struggling financially more than I had thought, it became evident that I should probably find a job. School is out and I've been working on getting a job in one of the school districts as a paraeducator, otherwise known as a teacher's aid. Similar to homeschooling in many ways, but maybe I can keep it on the elementary level.

This leads to a lot of changing and re-arranging. This also means I have a lot of books to send back to the warehouse. And many other books to take to the second hand bookstore or get rid of some way or another if they are out dated.

This is what we have had on shelves and in totes for about 4 or 5 years. Different books every year of course, but the same amount. I will have shelf space and floor space I haven't had in several years.

There has to be some good that comes from all of this. I have let the Lord keep all of this in His care. I will do my best to keep the ball rolling on the job hunt and getting the kids prepared for going to school, but I have peace about it.

It's just sad to see a chapter of our lives close. Homeschooling is a lifestyle. You live it. Your schedule is just as you would like it to be, very structured or relaxed. There are some expectations from the state, but it hasn't been hard to meet those. It was my job, my life, my choice, my daily routine, my time with my kids.

As a new chapter begins, I hope to have the time to blog and share the joys and struggles of my new life. I am excited and sad at the same time. I guess that's okay.