A year ago our the oldest of our second family asked me if we could home school her? At that time it was not an option or a possibility due to different guidelines. Now however many people have asked me and I have said "No. I couldn't do that." Then the other day I saw an event that came across my news feed about home schooling and was an event for current, just starting, and new home school parents. After talking to my other half and spouse, Donald, we thought why not and what can it hurt? Especially with some current behaviors and struggles that a couple of our little ones are having.

So that evening we went to the event held in Watertown and met with Meredith George who was so helpful. Meeting with Jena and Stephan was great because of their years of working at home schooling their own children. Both shared what we need to do. How to go about the forms. That an IHIP is not something that is as scary as it seems. Plus you are able to work your own schedule and all year long at school. It is more flexible then regular school.

We have been looking at the pros and cons as this is not an easy decision. I mean to be honest next year our last one goes to pre-k. On the other hand I am home, educated, and capable. What are the hold ups? I will start with the cons.

Cons:

• ​The children are home all day long.
• It is up to you to come up with a curriculum and lesson plan.
• There is no substitute teachers.
• Lots and lots of paperwork.
• Socialization
• Paying for our course work.
• No school sports, dances, drama club, etc.

Pros:

• Working on your own schedule.
• Using a curriculum that fits your child's strengths, needs, and interests.
• Not having an 8 plus hour a day learning schedule.
• Having more time to make memories together.
• Family vacations are learning skills.
• More time to teach them important life skills.
• Not learning all those not so great things on the bus.
• Joining support groups with others that home school and developing healthy bonds.
• Sharing your strengths and needs with others to help you on this journey.
• Re-learning material yourself as your child learns it.
• Seeing them beam when they take their placement tests.
• Less distractions for the child. 
• Being capable to revisit information learned by previous years if the child needs too.

This is not an easy decision or one that has been taken lightly. We have atypical children who need more time and more one on one. They are all amazing with their own minds. At first it was thought to just start with the boys. However, the girls could get jealous that the boys are home and the boys because the girls are in school. Then they might throw the routine off if we add the girls a half year later. Not an easy choice at all. The two youngest we would like to teach together.  Our "twins" that is.  The amazing thing is the support and amount of people that say "you can do it" and are there to help. Thank you so much. At this moment we are both excited and nervous.  Any tips, tricks, groups, or sites we are more than happy to listen to and take in. If it is "you are crazy", we will address that with "yes certified" but crazy for love of our children and we will work at what is in the best interest for them.  

Another one of those weird holidays that we have is National Popcorn Day. We love popcorn in our family, plain, extra butter, flavored toppings, and popcorn balls are all great. So for January 19th, we celebrated with some popped popcorn and made a cute craft together. The littles loved all of it. Keeping those little popped corn in the glue wasn't easy, though. Did you celebrate National Popcorn Day? If so what is your favorite popcorn recipe?

The craft idea came from www.nationalschoolsupply.com/blog/popcorn-art-craft-for-national-keep-kids-creative-week/ and it has some other great information there. 

My favorite popcorn recipe that is good and healthy. Pop up some plain popcorn kernels, add two tablespoons of coconut oil melted with 1 drop of lime essential oil from a trustworthy company, and sprinkle on some sea salt. Yummy goodness! 

On January 14th we celebrated National Rubber Ducky Day. The  kiddos love those little rubber duckies no matter the shape, size or color. They got a kick out of the Pirate duckies.But for rubber ducky day we didn't have time to relax in endless bubbles in the bath tub (that was bubble bath day on January 8th). Plus with five little ones that is a lot of suds and water. Which as we all know is going to happen when you get any little one near water no matter the age of said child. 

Instead of the bath time, we enjoyed some blue jello with our rubber duckies. Each little colored their own rubber ducky in a bath tub that looks just like ours. They love doing crafts no matter what they are. Of course the duckies went swimming in the "water" jello for a couple of the littles. They were singing "rubber ducky your the one". It brings a smile to my face and warms my heart.

There is a really good chance we are going to enjoy this year of silly, fun and educational little holidays. As I know we will be loving the moments that we are blessed to have together. If you celebrate any unique holidays, let us know. We might like to join in on the festivities. Good night all you, Duckies out there.