Simple is a Good Thing

This week we began a new homeschooling adventure. We left the homeschool coop we were involved with, and went out on our own. Was this because we didn't like it? Or we were unhappy with the curriculum? No. Quite the contrary! We loved it, we were happy with the curriculum, we loved the people. What we were missing, though, was simplicity.

Every Monday we would hit the ground running. However, the running for Monday really began on Saturday, overshadowed my Sabbath, and wore me out requiring a two day recovery!!! I found myself crabby, stressed out and struggling to be the happy homeschooler I wanted to be!

Much of this has to do with physical problems I am having. Much of it has to do with having a toddler, a baby, and 3 older kids that require my attention. But most of it has to do with a longing for a simpler way of life. I long for peace and calm. If the truth be told, this longing for calm could become an idol in my life if I let it. With 5 kids and a small house, calm is not easily found!!

So this Monday, we stayed home. I noticed the difference on Saturday night. No rush to begin making breakfast to put in the freezer for Monday. Then on Sunday when I was working in our nursery, I felt peace knowing that the next day, I would be at home with my kids, rather than spending 8 hours in the same nursery again. (I loved that by the way. It just wore me out.)

Sunday night, my husband and I settled down together and relaxed. I planned school, we watched TV, we talked. No hustle to lay out clothes for the next morning, no packing lunches, just calm. Calm. I know I sighed contentedly a lot that night!

Here I sit, and it is Saturday, the end of our first week alone. Looking back, I see we made absolutely the right decision. We have played games together, I have baked goodies for the family, and for the most part, I have been a happy mommy this week. Even though we covered a lot of topics in school this week, part of me feels like we went on vacation! We had an extra day at our disposal, and we used it well! This extra day, plus a schedule we are following created an ordered, unhurried life that I loved and am now addicted to!!!

My boys loved everything we did this week. They had a ball at home, attended all their evening activities, and had a family night last night that was long overdue. Lots of blankets, movies, pillows and fun were had by all!!!! I'm happy, and full of peace knowing we made the right choice. We will sure miss our classes, classmates and teachers, but we have traded in a good thing for another really good thing. Simplicity, family and peace. (Contented sigh!!!)