Over the weekend I got talking to some ladies about how I was trying to find “normality” for my life.  How was I going to do this they asked?  I announced I had stopped Homeschooling.  REALLY???  Yep!  I am keeping my kids at home and we are discipling them;  meaning, we are training them for whatever the rest of their life requires of them.

Mmmm…. Interesting.

It is easy to talk about because it is a fresh vision that God has put on our hearts.  It is exciting as I do see my life reaching some sense of normality.  But the real challenge comes Monday morning.  Can I balance my actions with my words?  Will I continue to disciple them or will I put pressure on myself to confirm to the school class room?

I had mentioned to Pete that Daniel was getting a little frustrated because he couldn’t read – it was definitely time for him and Nomi to have regular phonics/language arts lessons as a priority.    Later in the day Pete came back at me and asked what time I wanted to start lessons as he had some work that the boys could help him with on the farm.

Crunch time – this is when I have to make the decision – yes, I really do believe in every life opportunity having a learning value.

Today has been an amazing day.

The boys have been off with Dad working on the farm, tidying up our driveway.  I know Pete is encouraging the boys to stick with the task, to put in their every effort even though they may not be interested in it or they may be tired and the novelty worn off.  There are rewards too – Josh has got his first driving lesson and drove the car and trailer back for morning tea.  I know that Daniel will be a different boy come this afternoon because he has spent some of that male-energy plus he has had boy time with his dad.  Language lessons will come so much easier for him because of it.

The girls have been helping me inside the house.  We have done our Monday morning Homeblessing.  The house looks and feels very welcoming.   They have even spent a little time in the boys’ bedroom blessing them by tidying up and putting things straight.  Now they are working together cleaning the inside of the car.  I know that this will test their relationship so it is another great opportunity.

Over morning tea we continued our Read Aloud – Pooh Bear.  Daniel just loves this story.  The language of Pooh is starting to trickle into our family humour.  It is just great seeing Daniel “get it”.

I sit here in my quiet house, getting ready to tackle some long overdue office work, knowing that all my family is fitfully occupied; learning new skills, working through relational issues and seeing the benefits of hard work.