The process has begun.  The discussions are proceeding as expected.
The effects on our family have already begun.

Homeschooling.

When Brandon was very young I heard of homeschooling and was so intrigued by the idea.  At the time I was a single mother and never imagined it was possible. 

Archie and I married shortly before Brandon started elementary school and I was working full-time.  Homeschooling seemed still something that wasn’t possible.  We needed the two incomes, we thought…and so it was only mentioned in passing by me. 

There was also the fact that I have little good self-discipline.  So often in the past I’ve not followed through on things.  Even Archie said to me just a few weeks ago that he didn’t think I had the discipline and I agreed with him whole-heartedly.

Then I got the thought under my skin.  I’ve been researching…I joined a state-wide homeschooling group.  I made the decision based on situations to pull Riley out – and because she’d be ticked if Angel kept going, decided to pull Angel out as well.

The wheels are in motion for those two – and we are in discussions of pulling out Brandon as well.  Those discussions are more intense, with more variables affecting our feelings and imaginings of the outcome.

But just in that time, during a week full of snow days, a change has come over our family.  We are spending more time together.  We are getting along better.  Brandon is talking to us a little more.  Riley is not beating up Angel as much, and her mood is vastly improved. 

It’s still scary and sometimes overwhelming to think about.  But I’ve made some choices about what we’ll do about curriculum, and found some great field trip places and ideas that cater directly to homeschoolers.

Riley’s last day of preschool will be Friday.  Angel’s will be next Thursday.  No matter what our choice, Brandon will finish out the school year.

Wish us luck as we figure out this new aspect of our lives…it’s going to be exciting, scary, fulfilling and overwhelming…a learning process for us all.