One Year at a Time?

Five years ago, I did something I never thought I'd do - taught my first child at home.  It was crazy; I was crazy.  I loved it!

How long are you going to keep her home?  
I don't know.  One year at a time.
Two years later, I did what many said I shouldn't do - taught my second child, my BOY, my outgoing, social boy at home.  

He needs to be in school.  He's too sociable to stay home.  
He doesn't stay home.  One year at a time.
Two years after that, my boy wanted, insisted on seeing what school was like.  And we let him.  I'm glad that's over.  One year (at a time, remember?) was more than enough for this mom!  And now my social, outgoing boy is looking forward to staying home for school after all. 
This year we start our sixth year of home-school.  This year I am more ready than last year.  Maybe not as ready as others, or as ready as I'll be next year, but ready for this year.
This afternoon I read a short piece about missionary Amy Carmichael.  At the end the writer presented this thought:  "Sacrifice includes being willing to give up something for God"  in reference to the Indian Christian women who worked with Amy and who gave up their jewelry so that they would honor God, and not their status, with their appearance.  

What about me?  As much as I want our commitment to home education to honor God, sometimes I get caught up in the status of not belonging to the mainstream or to the social whirlwind of private schools in Montgomery.   What I want is to get caught up in a home education which is "only for God and pleasing to him, which is the spiritual way for you to worship."  Romans 12:1
With all I have, here is to year six! 

All the Livelong Day!

Recently, I listened to a lesson called "Laying Down the Rails" by Sonya Schafer.  It is an overview of her book by the same name which summarizes Charlotte Mason's series for educators.  I listened to it on the 3 hour drive from Warner-Robins, Georgia to Montgomery with my kids.  


It's about building good habits in your kids.  Not just any habits - character habits.  The three biggies?  Attention, Obedience, and Truthfulness.  Whamo!  
As to my own truthfulness, let me say that I have been feeling like an utter failure as a parent lately.  There are days I'm sorry I ever took one or both of my kids out in public.  There are days I wish I could lock them in their rooms and go somewhere, nowhere in particular, by myself.  Where did these kids come from?

Haven't I been trying to teach them to obey?  Haven't I read them the scriptures on obeying your parents!  Haven't I instilled consequences for disobeying?  Haven't I yelled loudly enough?  For crying out loud!  
In her lecture, Sonya says we can take 6-8 weeks working on a new habit.  How about 6-8 years?  
Maybe I should read the whole book now.  When my kids are locked in their rooms.