Should read a little first

Found this article after posting my own rambling jumble of thoughts on home schooling. Wonderful and beautiful and true. Doesn't answer all the questions but answers the big one -- shouldn't I do what's best for my own?

Pros and Cons to Homeschooling:Why We Do It

How to school

The problem not a problem because this doesn't require a solution. The situation no, too military-movie immediate The issue no too serious, doesn't need to be on CNN. The thing (that works). Let's do this...

The Thing: where should Jack begin his formal and official school process: in public school or at home?

Thingys no, that just sounds wrong... Things to consider (better):

1. We live in a great school district and are zoned to some of the best schools within that district. These people (I was one of them, remember...) are extremely qualified to teach Jack.
2. Jack is a summer birthday boy. He will be one of the youngest in his class and this could cause serious problems. Add to that the fact that Jack was a preemie and shouldn't have a birthday until late August. While he hasn't shown any developmental delays that are worth mentioning, the "watch-zone" can extend through age 5 for a preemie with minimal complications. We could still see areas where Jack is playing catch-up.
3. Public school (and most private schools for that matter) are not designed for little boys. Truthfully, they aren't designed for most big boys either. For the purposes of keeping order, schools have had to adopt organizational schemes that prevent little boys from exploring the world as God intended them. Inside, at a table, isn't what most little boys need. I'm sure there are exceptions to this but I guarantee Jack isn't one of them.
4. I'm a certified teacher. Surely I have the tools to teach my own child right? I know my parents, who paid for me to obtain those tools, hope so!!
5. I'm a certified HIGH SCHOOL teacher. How in the world am I going to be able to teach my kindergartener?? I don't even know what Kindergarten kids need to know!!
6. Jack thrives on social situations. It's uncanny really. To homeschool him would potentially deprive him of interaction that he not only wants but needs.
7. Based on what I've seen of Jack in other "teaching" situations, he seems to do better with the fewest distractions as possible. If a child acts out or has discipline problems, Jack has problems not watching (and sometimes interacting).
8. I have a toddler. How in the world am I supposed to have school at the kitchen table with little brother playing the role of destructor all day? And if God agrees, Sam won't be the last baby; then what am I going to do with multiple little ones running around?

The final decision: I have no clue. I've been doing research online and attempting to ask people that currently homeschool but I've run into a bit of a blockade. Online research is spotty at best with opinions ranging from a "non-school" approach to a public school at home approach. Some say to find ways to socialize; others say basically "socialization is over-rated". It's becoming difficult to weed out the crazies. Current homeschooling folks seem wary to share. I haven't figured this one out; if I had info that could help you can believe I'd be passing it out, requested or not. I'm seriously leaning to homeschool, just about ready to say "yes" to it BUT there are some big questions that have to be answered before I commit. Namely, education is one of the most important things a person can pursue and I have to ensure that whatever method I choose for Jack this concept is well instilled in him. I'm sure there are plenty of readers who disagree with that statement but he's my kid not yours, so there. Another "must" is I have to make sure that my very social child is stimulated the way he needs; right now church and playgroup are meeting that need, but playgroup will dissolve when his playmates start school. This question is actually easier for me to answer so I'm not as concerned; thanks to organizations like the YMCA and programs like Upward Basketball Jack should have plenty of places to socialize with others. One of the final questions I need answered is pacing; how fast should I go? how fast is too fast? too slow? Up to this point I have taught Jack things that he has shown interest in; sometimes it works, sometimes we have to revisit the idea a little later. I don't want to force Jack to work at a pace that isn't comfortable to him -- isn't that one of the points of homeschool, to be more personalized? But I wouldn't think it's a good thing to finish too early or too late. Hmmmm...still have things to think about. Can you tell I feel a little like Gideon right now? God I know your calling but I need some hard evidence...

Any ideas? Suggestions? Resources? Things I have forgotten or not noticed? It's a good thing I have a while to make this decision...

Which Rat are you?

I've done it! After a rousing viewing of Disney-Pixar's Ratatouille I have developed the next great facebook quiz ap: Which Rat Are You? The choices: Remmie, the soulful, artistic more-of-a-human-than-a-rat rat; Emile, Remmie's larger, somewhat dimwitted yet lovable brother; Remmie's Dad, slightly narrow-minded but possessing a good heart and a love for family; Big-Muscle-Used-For-Persuasion Rat, often an unruly fellow; and last but not least the Clan Rat, numbered in the hundreds yet nameless throughout, loyal, dependable, hardworking.

The ap will have a handful of painfully ambiguous questions like "what's your ideal work environment?" with answers that are so positive it is difficult for anyone to actually determine what's best for them. Each answer will be randomly assigned to one of these characters and after the quiz is completed the answer will pop on the screen. It's brilliance at it's finest.

My results? I'm pretty sure I'm Emile. I know, I know -- I should be Remmie. I mean, there must be something wrong with me if I choose NOT to be the main character right?? Nonethless I think I'd be Emile -- comfortable, a bit naive, loyal to family and authority figures, with the tastebuds of ... well of a rat. Seriously...I'll eat just about anything with no complaints. Of course I have things I prefer but I'm the girl who doesn't really complain about hospital and cafeteria food. I'd make a horrible restaurant critic. All the "end notes" for food and drinks that people talk about are like a foreign land to me. End notes? It's a grape...it barely has A note much less multiple notes!

I'd have this ap up in no time...except for my exceptional lack of knowledge of HTML. One small problem...I'll have to see about working on that -- in between solving the economic crisis and changing diapers.

So there you have it: Which Rat Are You???

Gratitude

Because I often lose sight of my reasons for thanksgiving...a visual list.

For baby roars flying around corners from a little who has found another piece of his voice, found another clue to his place

For small hands wrapped around weed flowers, presenting them with such pride to mama

For off key voices shouting loud in song to God for right teaching

For leader husband willing to go down on knees to comfort babies, scrub floors and teach classes full of waiting eyes that God is power and powerful.

For full and new and enough mercy each morning -- to conquer the battles that lay waiting in shadows. New each day so none has to be stored, none saved for "what-ifs" and "in-case".