The New Normal

About a month ago, when Sam was again complaining of an ache, pain, or other sickness, we decided it was time to home school.  He has been wanting us to homeschool since half way through 6th grade, but since most of his problems with school involved deadlines and organization, we figured being home wouldn't help that.  God has a way of making Himself very clear, however, and so three weeks ago we pulled Sam out of school and started the journey of homeschooling.

 I've done it before when Fred was in 4th, 5th and 6th grades.  It was good and hard.  I had 4 children at home, three of whom I was trying to teach, and one who just wanted his mama.  It's very different to have just Sam here.  He's in 7th grade and a very good reader--perfectly capable of reading for understanding and following instructions.  He has actually done very well, but this week the honeymoon is over.  There were more times of having to go back and do it again, more complaining, and less work done to the best of his ability.  I expected that, but it's still not fun.

We start each day with God's Word, which we were doing before, but for some reason it's different.  Maybe it's the time spent talking about it.  I can see the difference in Sam in just 3 short weeks.  He's happier, he's getting along with his brothers better, he's making better choices.  For that, it's worth it.  On  the down side, I may never see my husband alone again.  My day of school starts at 8:30 and finishes about 6 or 7.  After Sam is done, the others get home, and I am doing homework with them.  So those pictures represent the bulk of every day.  But they also represent the eternal souls that God has put in our care.