Dear momma,

Thank you....

Thank you for sacrificing your wants to take me to girl scouts, gymnastics, dance, soccer, safety patrol...

For volunteering as classroom parent, as girl scout leader, coach, taxi driver...

Thank you for staying up late to help finish school projects, staying on me to start my homework early, for spending any and all extra money on my dance costumes, sports uniforms, pictures, private lessons.

Thank you for teaching me manners, making me clean up behind myself, staying on me about my room, standing by my side at each dance recital, beauty pageant, soccer game.

For believing in me. You took me to get my license, brushed and curled my hair, put on my make up. You gave me space when I was too stubborn to let you help me.

Thank you for enduring my attitude. You taught me to never leave people out, how to decorate my house, match clothes, and how to host a party.

You gave me the best birthday parties. You made sure I had everything I needed and most things I wanted. You worked long hours to support us. You took each phone call from us, although you had to referee over the phone.

Thank you for giving me a curfew, calling my friends parents. Thank you for not letting me hang around just anyone. For taking the phone away from me, and for giving me consequences.

Thank you for finding me when I wasn't where I was supposed to be, for setting rules and giving me boundaries, for not letting me call boys. I know you were only trying to protect me. You let me go when I thought I knew better, and you accepted be back in, when I was broken and torn.

Thank you for your constant love, even when I pushed you away. Your love always continued. I hurt you, I disobeyed you, and I'm truly sorry. I didn't understand, I only thought I did. Your love, Mom, is so deep for me. I wish I listened more. I wish I cherished the time I had at home with you.

It may have taken me 39 years and 8 children to realize the true sacrifice and love of a mother, but I want you to know that I honor, respect, and love you!

What I've learned (and am still learning) in the past 11 years of home educating

1st- It's not really school. School is a place you go. I know we say homeschool or home school, but we're really just teaching from home, or home educating.

2nd- I only assign my kids a grade because that's what the rest of America does. I could care less if they were in the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd grade.

3rd- I'm learning to NOT say, "They're behind in...." or "They're ahead in...." Once again this is just a way to compare our children to other children.

4th- Bible first, everything else second.

5th- Without God, I can't do it.

6th- I cannot let a curriculum, community, friends, or family become my idol. I work to please God, and Him alone.

7th- Sometimes the best way to encourage another family, is by not saying anything at all. Your ways, may not be their ways.

8th- It's exhausting!

9th- It's self revealing! Lord, how I need You!

10th- There's a lot of curriculum out there. Most of the time you need less of it, and instead more dedication to a couple of them.

11th- I will drive the curriculum, the curriculum will NOT drive me.

12th- My children's souls are more important than that math lesson.

13th- Playing is learning

14th- Character development is a subject

15th- It is imperative that my hubby and I are on the same page. Even if he doesn't understand every book or subject we've invested in, he still supports us.

16th- We're over socialized. Seriously, it's okay to not go anywhere, not meet up with anyone, lock your doors, cuddle on the couch, and just be together.

17th- My house is never going to look the way I imagine it.

18th- Home economics is ALSO a subject. (see #17)

19th- My goals have changed a little over the years. Besides wanting their affections to be towards Christ, I want them to be passionate about sharing God's Word, to be hard workers, responsible, self learners, lovers of books and information, able to argue well and respectfully, able to thrive in a crooked and depraved world.

20th- I can do it. Well, not me, but CHRIST who lives in me! Taylor is graduating next month. Her diploma, cap, and gown has been ordered. Some days I wonder if anyone will take us seriously. Other days I look to the heavens and thank God for what HE has done through our home education journey.