When we first started homeschooling I was pretty scheduled, and used a textbook curriculum. We used Rod and Staff Math, and their reading program the first couple of years. That was a lot of workbook pages for my little 4 year old boy, but he did well with it and seemed to enjoy the lessons. I know I loved spending that intentional time with him!
Through the years we added more children to our family and changed our curriculum a few times. The textbook approach was not for us and we took more of a Charlotte Mason approach. Our favorite part of the day was reading good books together, learning about the bible and history, spending time together as a family playing games, going hiking, playing hide and seek in the dark... inside and out, and definitely attending church activities together. I would say that as I look back... It really wasn't about the teaching method we chose, but the time spent together.
Spend your time wisely... You don't get a second chance to make lasting memories with the ones God has entrusted you with!
I know in the midst of all that needs to be done and many little ones needing your attention, there are some moments you wonder how you're going to get through it all, but I wouldn't trade spending all those hours with my children. Such precious memories!
I really did take time to enjoy those moments... God impressed on my heart, even in the early years, how fleeting this time would be, and to capture these special days in my memory. They do grow up, they do move on with their own lives, they are no longer at your side, asking you to read and play games with them or just to spend time with them.
It is hard to let them go... Even though the objective is to raise them to be followers of Christ and to chase after Him... It would be a lot easier on my heart, if that were only as far as a few miles down the road. I really don't think they know how much we love them and not sure they can even comprehend this... At least until years down the road when they are in these same shoes with their own child.
Below is what I posted on Facebook the summer of 2017.
"This summer our family will be scattered...because of God's leading, and the fact that my children have chosen to chase after Him... we will be in Oklahoma, Romania, Indiana, South Carolina, New York, Ohio, Canada, Illinois, Maryland, Washington DC, Louisiana, Tennessee, Montana & Michigan. Okay, so physically "I" am only going to be in 2 of these locations, but where my children are... a piece of my heart will be also. Many prayers for fruitfulness, safety, and guidance this summer!! W/ Souled Out International & Bible Memory Ministries."
Because of the love we have for God and each other, the roots of their lives go deep into my heart...and though miles may separate us... they will always be a big part of who I am.
