Some Changes I've Noticed

I've been pondering a few things the past week - the differences between my life just 18 months ago and now. Thought I would share. Homeschooling has changed our lives, that's for sure.

1. I used to have a very orderly, clean house. Now, it is a creative, well-lived in home.
2. The books used to be on shelves in the children's rooms in careful order based on type of book, etc... Now, books are EVERYWHERE. I swore I would never be a person who lived with piles, but never say never, right?
3. I used to get up at the same time every morning (5:45 a.m.) to get a little one up at 6:15, to be on the bus at 7:15. I was always showered and ready to go for the day (in cute outfits, I might add)by 8:30 a.m., when I took my little one to preschool. Now, I get up a little before the kids and make breakfast, some days getting a shower, other days waiting until later in the day. I don't look sloppy, but I think the cuteness factor has gone down.
4. The laundry used to be done and put away every evening. I did a load a day and had it all under control. Now, it is not uncommon for an unfolded load to be sitting in a basket in my bedroom for a few days (am I alone in this?). We all have clean clothes, but it's much more of a chore for me. I'd rather be learning with the kids.
5. I used to have several good adult girl friends who I could chat with on the telephone and meet for coffee or lunch. Now, I am more closely connected with my kids, and I found out who a couple of TRUE friends were because they stuck with me and want to do things with the kids and I.
6. I spent my free time scrapbooking, reading, and volunteering. Now, I have no free time! I do, however, have all the time in the world to help my children pursue their interests and to help shape them into the adults God wants them to be, and in turn I've been blessed with sharing their interests and desires. For example, I've learned to knit, thanks to my daughter wanting to learn, too. I'm sure there will be plenty of time for "me" when they are gone.

I could go on and on with this list. I envy moms who never put their children in school - the moms who had the courage and wisdom from the beginning to keep them home. God had to work on me for a bit longer, but I'm so glad I finally listened.

If you had children in traditional school before, what are some of the biggest changes you've seen in your lives since they've been at home? I'd love to know....

This post is linked to Friendly Fridays. I'm trying some blog hopping this afternoon for fun!

Thursdays - Our Co-Op Day!

My children and I are blessed beyond measure to be involved in a large homeschool co-op. I've had several off-hand comments the past week about how "lonely" my kids must be because they are homeschooled, or that they don't get to exchange Valentines because they aren't in "school". I have to chuckle on the inside because nothing could be FURTHER from the truth. Thanks in large part to our wonderful co-op (Voyagers) and also being a part of a large homeschool association, we have so many opportunities for friendship, fellowship, and yes....... SOCIALIZATION.

PJ Day at Co-Op!

Our co-op consists of just over 200 children. It runs for 2 1/2 hours once a week. We have a general assembly time and then two hours of classes. For moms, one hour is spent in fellowship (conversation, sharing, eating yummy food) and the other hour is spent either teaching or assisting in a class. This semester I am teaching a music and movement class for Kindergarten and First Graders. What fun!

Miss B and GMan pick their classes (there are so many wonderful classes to choose from) and they each have two. Currently Miss B is taking New Sew Blanket Fun and Hands On Projects. GMan is taking I Want Candy (a math class - awesome!) and Music and Movement. I cannot begin to describe the caliber of teaching in these classes. The teachers are dedicated to children and learning, and there is at most 10 children in a class, most often with two adults and a teen helper in the room as well.

To say we look forward to Thursdays is an understatement. Last week was PJ Day, and this week there will be exchanging of Valentines. Most of all, I love that we gather with like minded families who share our goals, frustrations, and joys. I also am getting to know other homeschool moms who are a wealth of information, and a great inspiration to me. Compared to some in our group, we are new homeschoolers and I have so much to learn.

Do you participate in a co-op? What's it like? I'd love to know, because I just know about what WE do.

Happy Thursday!