I truly believe that things happen for a reason. The way the old lady in the car in front of you drives so slow and there is no passing lane may save you from speeding into a 5 car accident just up ahead. The way the weather turns foul and you end up staying home and catching an important phone call. The stranger you meet at the store ends up sharing information that you needed to know. Sometimes, you don't see the reason right away and bang your head in frustration when you are stuck driving so slowly behind the old lady, but when you pass the accident, you become grateful and breathe a sigh of relief.
Something positive happened to me today. On my way back home from the food store, I passed a little thrift shop that had "Free Stuff" signs in front. I quickly made a u-turn, because you know me, I can't resist free stuff! As I got out of the car, a woman told me that I could help myself to anything I might want, she was closing shop because she was too busy with her kids and home schooling and her farm..... Wait! Did she say home schooling? I asked her about home schooling and turns out, yes, she home schools her kids! Yay! I finally meet someone that home schools around here!
I must admit that I felt like I was floundering a bit when it came to home schooling. I mean, we have the stuff: the books, the desks, the space; but I felt at a loss at how to go about teaching stuff. Oldest can read a bit and she can write a few words, basic math and she understands the concept of certain subjects, but I always felt like I was depriving her of something else, not quite sure what. Hubby and I actually discussed putting her in school for the second semester in January. Are we doing the right thing? Is she really learning? Are we being fair to her?
Then I meet a fellow home schooler and this lady is experienced! She has 7 children (or maybe 6) and she home schools all of them. Her oldest is already out on her own, but she schools the younger ones. She has a 4 year old, 2 year old and 7 month old and some older kids, too. She also has pygmy goats! I'm so excited! We stood outside there in the 40 degree cold weather and talked, talked and talked! It seems we have much in common and she even said she had planned to take her kids to the local Deaf school to learn sign language. Well how about that! I happen to know sign language and I could teach her kids how to sign and she'll help me out. We exchanged email addresses and I already heard from her and we agreed to get together after the holidays.
I came home after talking for over an hour with my new friend and poor Hubby was so worried thinking I was in an accident when I didn't come home when I should have. I shared the good news and it has given me so much encouragement for home schooling Oldest. Things happen for a reason, and meeting this woman was a blessing for me! Wouldn't you know, I didn't pick up any free stuff because I was having such a good time talking. I did pick up a new friend, though!
haha that's incredible... i admire you - homeschooling is something i'd like to do for my nephew... we'll see! :)
ReplyDeletesomeday i should go out and visit you, mountain mama! miss u & hugs!
raychelle
That is a great way to meet someone! I get hubby worried sometimes when I start gabbing too!
ReplyDeleteYour post caught my attention. I just had this conversation with my husband earlier today. Isn't funny how things work out!
ReplyDeleteI love it when things unfold like that. :) Happy Homeschooling! I have a friend who writes a homeschool newsletter-- if you'd like to connect with her, shoot me an email at: w s k i e r 22 at a o l dot com.
ReplyDeleteI firmly believe that all things happen for a reason and this is a really good example. I'm so impressed that you're homeschooling by the way - it's a really good idea.
ReplyDeleteLove the recipes and the santas too - AND!!!! And, I've commented on your announcement... am absolutely glowing for you, congratulations again.
I know I won't get it in time for Christmas but I'd love one of your Santas if there are any left over. Not sure what postage would be to the UK, can you let me know?
How cool is that?! I am so glad you found someone to look to for some support!
ReplyDeleteBarefoot-- Thanks! I think so too!
ReplyDeleteRaychelle!-- Nice to see you over here on my side of the blogosphere! The door is always open for you to come and visit.. Maybe during the break? Would be great to see you again! :o)
Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Kelly-- I've done it more than a few times, but it happens so rarely up here in the mountains. I'm just thrilled to have met her and I hope we continue to talk and that this wasn't a fluke.
Dj-- It sure is!! Just like knowing you is a gift!
mz j-- How true! You never know what will happen when you head out or even when you wake up. The trick is to be flexible enough to work with what you get!
ReplyDeleteKaren-- Oh! Absolutely! I'll be sending you an email soon! Thanks!
Sparx-- I love that we have decided to home school, and I guess it is normal to start feeling doubtful when there is no encouragement and I start to wonder if I'm doing the right thing. After meeting Miss Lady, and hearing what she had to say, it has done me a world of good in only a short time!
Thanks for your comments on the baby announcement! I didn't realize you had a home birth too! I am leaning heavily to doing it at home again, as long as the pregnancy goes smoothly, which so far, it is.
Santa #4 is yours! :o)
Dana-- Too cool! It's always good to meet someone new and even better when you find there is much in common. Let's hope the friendship grows!
ReplyDeleteVery cool! I agree - things happen for a reason. Once I forgot that, and I ended up getting a $135 speeding ticket (my first and only to date ;). That's what I get for being impatient, and I remind myself of that when I get behind the little old lady who wants to do 35 mph in a 45 mph speed zone ;).
ReplyDeleteCongrats on meeting a new friend!