School's Out! (What's next?!)

Songs have been sung.

Reports have been presented.


Friendships have been sealed with BFF necklaces.



Teachers have been thanked.


NOW WHAT?!?!?

Now we get to enjoy several weeks of freedom from routine! There will be lots of bike rides to the park, Vacation Bible School, birthday parties, cherry picking, summer reading prizes, picnics, camping trips, splashing in the river, naps, movies, etc.

And then...
we will embark on a new adventure: the adventure of HOMESCHOOLING. Yes! After months of debating, we have finally made the official decision to keep Sierra home next year. There are several factors in that decision, which I will gladly share with you in just a moment. But first, I have to say that Sierra's experience at Ponderosa Elementary has been wonderful! She has been blessed with two great teachers and has made wonderful friendships. There have been many opportunities for her to be a testimony for the Lord. I really couldn't be happier with the facilities, the staff and the quality of education that she received there. *BUT!* But - it is a public school and it will never be a place where she will received a Bible-based education from God-honoring teachers. So, let me share with you what Marc and I believe are the top-ten Pros regarding our decision:

1. We get to choose a Bible curriculum to study along with and integrated into her regular academic subjects.


2. We will have more time for extras like field trips and piano lessons. (Do you know how much dead time there is on an average day in school?!)


3. We can pick and choose what materials we want to use and learn at Sierra's speed. Sierra is reading at a 3rd grade level, but needs work in other areas. I can focus on her weaknesses without worrying about 23 other students!


4. Sierra won't be around as many negative influences. (I have heard some astonishing things on the playground while I wait for the bell to ring.)


5. There are several families in our church who are already homeschooling who will be great resources for us and who we can team up with for field days, poetry recitations, holiday parties, etc.


6. We won't have to worry about what controversial material she might be exposed to through literature and videos.


7. We will have great flexibility to make our schedule fit around special events, illnesses, and outings without being concerned about tardies and absences.


8. I won't have to pack a lunch every morning. (Okay - that's not really a big deal, but you get the idea.)


9. I can teach Sierra some skills at home that she wouldn't get at school: cooking, sewing, cleaning, art, etc.


10. Sierra wants to be at home with her family - and we want to have her around!

We realize that this is a HUGE responsibility and time commitment. Believe me, it hasn't been an easy decision. I loved being in a classroom setting as a kid and I don't want Sierra to miss out on those kinds of experiences. BUT (again- the but) we know that God has given us the responsibility to raise our daughters in a way that pleases Him. We don't feel that sending Sierra off to a public school for 7 hours every day at this young age is accomplishing that goal. So, will you pray for us?! And, if you're a homeschooler who loves a certain textbook/workbook/system/idea will you leave a comment? Thanks.

*** I realize that I didn't mention Ally in this post. She will be starting Kindergarten in the fall. (Can you believe it?!?!?) We will also be homeschooling her, but at this point she is not very excited about it. After dropping Sierra off and picking her up every day for the last two years, Ally has grown fond of the idea of going to Ponderosa. I really think that once she sees our little at-home classroom coming together, she will want to be a part of it. Pray for her change of heart too, okay?