Embracing the Beauty of the Non-Traditional

When we started on this homeschool journey last year, I remember thinking over and over how easy it would be if our home was bigger. If we had a room specifically for our table and chairs and walls lined with bookshelves for all our books. I thought it would be easier to get more creative and have more fun learning if our learning space was larger.

I was completely missing the big picture. I just wasn't getting it!


I once again had the little light bulb go on while reading Educating the WholeHearted Child . {i cannot recommend this book highly enough!} I began to realize that the beauty of homeschooling is that school happens anywhere and everywhere. There is no need for tables and chairs, chalkboards or bulletin boards, although they are fun! Our learning space can be large or small - both are just as effective! We can even have our "school room" be the great outdoors...where no walls are necessary whatsoever!

This year, we are thinking outside the box and view of traditional school and learning in the spaces and places where we feel the most comfortable. Our big, comfy, couch. At the dining room table. At the little table that is cleary "the kids table"! Outside - at the park, the library, the zoo, museum, wherever learning and creativity are able to take place!

This is the season we are in. When the season happens to change, and if space allows for us to have all our books and chairs in one space,  well then Ikea, watch out!

Until then, we are choosing to embrace our homeschool experience by taking full advantage of the freedom of learning that comes with it! For that is the true beauty that comes with homeschooling in the first place!  

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. ~ Ephesians 5:1-2

Being Thankful for the Here and Now

The summer is passing by a little too quickly. School will be starting soon for us and I need to get myself started on getting organized. Since the baby has yet to make her appearance, I have been taking every opportunity to start cleaning things out, making room for the fun new things we have purchased for this year!

We are still waiting on 4 more books to arrive, then it will be time to start planning!

Throughout this process of reorganizing and finding room for all the new, it is easy for me to let my mind wander to what I wish I had - a house with an extra room to use as our "school room". Unlimited homeschool funds to buy whatever we wanted. Pretty shelves and desks and chairs. Yep, my mind wandered about all that today while I sorted, threw out, and re-organized all of our supplies.

But, not long after, I was brought back to reality and reminded that I need to be thankful for the here and now. Not the if only.

Thankful for the freedom to choose where and how my children are educated.
Thankful for the fact that I get to be their teacher.
Thankful for the money we do have to buy the books and supplies that are needed for our preferred method of homeschooling.
Thankful for wonderful homeschool curriculum available to teach my children His Truths.
Thankful for websites like this one {and this one} where I was able to purchase a few of our textbooks for more than half-off!
Thankful for a supportive husband.
Thankful for a supportive family.
Thankful for the wonderful homeschool support and community I have found through social media.
Thankful for children who are eager to learn and are making this whole experience all the greater.
Thankful for the guidance from my Heavenly Father.
Thankful for the step of faith I was not scared to take.

I am going to go into this new school year being thankful for the here and now and not let greed and envy steal my joy out of this wonderful journey!

Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy! ~ Psalm 47:1