Trying New Things in the New Year!

In light of my "Resolutions" post from a few weeks ago, I have been away from blogging and quite busy doing exactly what I set out to do.

I am happy to report to you that in spite of battles with tremendous anxiety, I have taken the kids to go skiing not once, but twice! This is a lesson in trying new things, which for me is always a challenge, but I forged ahead and did it. My question is "What part of homeschooling says we have to stay home and read books every day?"

our perfect powder day...

As I grow in our educational journey, I realize more and more how the particulars of their education will sort themselves out. I need them to be able to read, write, think critically and do essential math operations and higher math as needed. I feel deeply called to give them a strong foundation in history, faith, and freedom (and by that I don't mean flag-waving American rah-rah, but rather true, spiritual freedom). I want them to look back on their years of being in our house and think of school time as quality time with me and with each other that enriched them mentally and emotionally. I want them to look back and remember days skiing, sledding, boogie-boarding, beach combing, hiking and camping. I want them to consider political and financial positions that we take and think critically as to whether they are wise and fruitful. I want them to be problem-solvers in their lives and in the world around them. 

Trying new things is good for them, and it's good for me. It's good for me to model that even in one's grown-up years we can still be learners and can be willing to fall on our faces and feel foolish once in a while. I definitely have had my practice in falling lately, and had my share of snow in my face. So be it...I can't remember ever having more fun with my kiddos!