Our Homeschooling...an Origin Story

Why did you decide to start homeschooling? How did you get started?

Where are you in your homeschooling adventure?

We began our amazing journey back in 2006.  What was the reason?  Well, my two oldest did start off at our local public school.  They enjoyed it well enough.  The teachers were OK...some I liked better than the others.  I don't know how to exactly explain it, but every time they got on that bus to leave....it ached.  It ached deep down.  I missed them SO much it hurt.  There was an emptiness in our home when they were gone.  It was sad.  A sadness I just couldn't cope with.  So, yes...I wanted to homeschool my children because I missed them so much when they were away.

Our family started this new adventure with a state ran online school.  I would recommend this choice to anyone just starting out.  It is a great "bridge" to actual homeschooling on your own.  It worked great the first couple years for us.  Back when the virtual school still offered flexibility to their way of schooling the students.  We watched how each year it became less & less flexible.

During the time we were with the online school...we pretty much remained in our own little bubble.  I enjoyed it there!!  Just me & my little family!  We did a couple things...like Girl Scouts & Cub Scouts.  Everywhere we went, we pretty much went as a family.  We had each other...and it was great!  But, my two oldest kids were missing something.  So when I received an email from a fellow mom using the same virtual school as we did trying to connect with others...I jumped on it!   The timing was perfect!

Moving forward a little, the email system was just not the most efficient way to keep up communications with the other families.  I suggested we start a Yahoo Group...the original sender told me to go ahead with that idea if I wanted to.  I did...so I did.  Within the first week of starting the Yahoo Group, I had 10 families signed up!  I thought that was a great beginning...and couldn't wait to connect with them!

Through this, I did meet another mom who lived close by.  We quickly became friends, and we worked together coming up with outings & get togethers for all the families on the group.  I reached out to other families through our virtual school to help grow our new community, and also working with the online school to bring outings & field trips to others who may also need more of that socializing for their kiddos!  It was VERY exciting to watch more & more families join us!

Today, we are active on Facebook with our own local homeschool group.  We currently have 425 members!!  Our group continues to consistently grow...along with how many families are turning to the homeschooling life!  It has become this amazing hub of families with so much support, encouragement, & inspiration!

As for our family...and our method of homeschooling??  Well....I've learned over the years, that with the homeschooling lifestyle you are constantly involved in change.  You find things that work, things that don't....try this, try that...and what worked yesterday, may not work today!!  Currently...I have 2 homeschool graduates who are experiencing adult life, and trying to find themselves & their place in this crazy world! 

Unschooly'ish is our way of describing "what we do". There isn't much formal lessons going on around here. Life is our biggest {and sometimes harshest} teachers. But with that being said, we are finding that Zach & Liam have some definite gaps in their learning. With Zach turning 15, and Liam 13 this year...we need to fill those in as soon as we can!

I am hoping to share what we do during this part of our homeschooling journey to encourage others with older kids who may be in a similar situation as we find ourselves. I think homeschooling tweens/teens has it's own struggles, as is...but then adding in the fact that we have some catch up to do...well...deep sigh. It will be a challenge, I'm sure...

but WE CAN DO THIS!!

We have definitely had other ups & downs over the years, but I would NOT trade all of this awesome family time that we have racked up over the years.  So many great memories!!  We've gained some of the best friends EVER!!  Experiences...good & bad...but ALL were good life lessons for us.  I'm well over 1/2 way thru with homeschooling our children!  Only 7 more years until it will be time for Liam to graduate!!  WOW.  That is hard to believe!!

Homeschooling has really become quite a passion of mine!  I love everything about it!  I love what it has brought to my family.  I love learning about, talking about, and reading about homeschooling!!  I love meeting others who homeschool!  I love making connections for families in our homeschool community!! 

THIS...THIS IS MY PURPOSE!!

Jenn