About Time!

Can't believe it's been almost 5 years since my last entry! So much has changed in that time, some for the good, some for the not so.. A beautiful daughter has been born to us, and is now 4. We lost one of our beloved Border Collies Gus, at age 14, such a sad time it was to say goodbye to a dear and loyal friend.

 Life is busy with 2 kids, and Teo spent 2 yrs in public school, but I knew homeschool would be a better fit for our family, his learning style, and our lifestyle. We are now almost 3 yrs into homeschool and lovin' it. So much freedom, creativity, and unforced learning has seen Teo accelerate in amazing ways. Being able to personally teach him to read, tell time, tie his own shoes, fractions, spelling, and everything in between is so rewarding. Taking vacay when we want to, doing school in pjs, it's just the "cats meow." Socialization is actually better now as he is not segregated with the same age all day, this kid has learned to be a friend to all ages and can talk any adults ears off, and command a crowd. He is busy at hockey, club, playdates, outings and get togethers. No shortage of social here!! Evie does 2 trips a week to her kindergarten readiness and playgroup. I have started homeschool with her, such a quick and independent learner, just a joy to teach. A creative mind who flourishes at painting, and making interesting artworks.

  Patience is a daily struggle that I'm sure all homeschool teachers can attest to, the ups and downs, but the progress makes it worth it. So funny the feeling of "working" inside the home vs. outside. The constant question "Where do you work, what do you do??  *YAWN*  Years of post secondary and working in the field of journalism, video, photography, editing; And now...I'm home. When did the job people work to pay bills become such a defining moment to calculate their identity and selfworth?! At one time in history, it was celebrated for Women to raise kids and keep house, no one batted an eye. Have we come so "far" that it is now unacceptable for any Mother (or Father) to now make that choice? I made the consious choice to raise, mold, and teach our kids for the 7 hrs a day, 5 days a week they would have spent at school. What a privilege and responsibility it is to fulltime empart wisdom, morality, manners and grace into your very own children. I appreciate the fact that not everyone can make that choice, and I respect that it simply doesn't work for every family.

Tom and I often refer to the fact that we're raising our kids like it's the '80's. I love challenge for our kids, struggle, dirt, chores, minimal screen time, and plenty of hikes and good old fashioned fresh air. It just works for us.