This summer, I’m participating in the 10 in 10 Blog Hop from iHomeschool Network!  I thought it would be a good opportunity for me to write about things I don’t normally write about–and to give you a chance to know a little more about our family.  Also, I started a little late, so I’ll share two posts this week!

The theme for this week is “10 Things Homeschooling Has Taught Me About Myself.”  In no particular order, here they are:

1)  I love teaching my girls to read.

Back when I was a school teacher, I enjoyed teaching reading, and I actually thought I would one day pursue a reading specialist certificate.  Teaching my own girls to read has been even more amazing.  There is just something about watching them move from non-readers…to devouring huge books.  It’s a blessing for me!

2)  I am less patient than I thought.

When I became a mom, I realized I was much less patient than I thought.  Homeschooling has revealed that character lack of mine even more profoundly.  The best {and worst} part is that I have plenty of room for improvement.  Thankful for grace!

3)  I don’t have to make things so “school-y”.

I struggled at first with this.  I wanted to set up a miniature classroom–just like my first kindergarten classroom.  Over the past few years, I’ve gotten a little more relaxed.  We do school everywhere–in the car, outside, at the kitchen table, and every once in a while in our actual school room!

4)  It’s okay to call a snow day…or spring day…or an autumn day.

Sometimes we all just need a break.  And I’m learning not to be so rigid.  The great outdoors is a wonderful classroom!

5)  It’s okay for my house to look lived in.

We are home…a lot.  Our house gets messy.  I’ve often felt embarrassed if someone stops by and it’s a mess, but I’m learning to let go (a little).  I figure we work hard all morning, and then we have various projects and craziness in the afternoon, so it’s okay for my house to be a little messy, right?!!

6)  I’m a curriculum junkie.

I love looking at curriculum.  I love trying new curriculum.  I love making my own!  There are so many fun projects we may never get to….

7)  Homeschooling is harder than I thought.

I thought teaching a classroom of kids was pretty challenging, but it’s a breeze compared to teaching my own!  I’m often second-guessing myself on what we’re doing.  I’m often in a battle of wills with one of my children.  My heart is often breaking for the shyness of one of my children.  My temper is often flared up at the antics of one of my children.

Those are rough days.  But, then again, there are rough days no matter where you are at in life.

8)  On the other hand, homeschooling is easier than I thought.

There is so much information to help along this path.  There are wonderful support groups out there.  I love spending days reading, making projects together, and building memories.  My teachers were all fairly good when I went to school, but I don’t have fond memories of baking together, building stuff, and being loved on all day.

I  hope those are some of the memories my girls have once we finish this journey.

9)  Sometimes I get burnt-out.

There are good reasons we are choosing to homeschool, but some moments I don’t always feel like it.  And, I think it’s okay to feel that way–as long as I take time to step away and get some perspective and process how I’m feeling.  I’ve made it a requirement that if I start to get burnt-out, we pull a #4.

That’s usually all it takes!  That, and a little group of encouraging moms around me!

10)  I’ve learned that I still have a ton to learn.  

Enough said.  🙂