Not Your Average Education

Can You Find Joy.......

2012-01-28T23:28:00.000-08:00

while spending almost every waking minute with your kids? You can!!! There is no powerful formula or special uniform to wear but there is one special book that can give you the strength to find it even when you are least likely to expect it. Picking up the Word before you jump head long into your school day will give you the strength and the ability to find joy, even when you think it just can't be.

Homeschooling moms face a very unique challenge. They are with their children pretty much all the time. Visiting with others that don't have your name on their birth certificate is a welcomed treat and we homeschooling moms sometimes go long stretches without a much needed visit. There are days when it feels that all of your conversations have ended with, "because I said so!" and all that you really wanted was to accomplish one subject without having to ask three or four times and have a clean bathroom! Making time in an already busy day isn't always easy but it is so necessary not just for our sanity but for our hearts.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:29)

Jesus has already provided a way for us to not only make it through our day but to find joy in doing so. We learn from the many stories in the Word that even though Jesus gave continuously of himself, He found joy in His calling and by spending time with Him, we too can find that rest that will help us see the joy in even the most messy situations.

Spending time in the Word doesn't have to mean hours of reading and studying. There are days when I feel like God has shown me what He wants to show me in the first three verses I have read. I find on these days that these scriptures are played over and over again in my mind and are making an imprint on my heart that God really wants me to get. Other days I spend more time reading, learning, and listening to God's voice in my Bible time. Don't not read the Word because you are afraid that your 5 minutes won't be enough or that God will be displeased. Five minutes is better than nothing and you just never know, that 5 minutes may be what helps you to see the joy when your children have all abandoned their school work, have headed out the door and are caught up in a game acting out their history lesson (and you thought nothing could go wrong while you were in the bathroom for 3 minutes!).

Joyfully educating our children,
Judy

A New Year, A New Commitment

2012-01-01T21:44:00.000-08:00

We are committed to educating our children. We are committed to doing this at home, in the car, at church, at homeschool group, anywhere our journey takes us, we are committed to the education our children.

Homeschooling takes commitment. It takes dedication. It takes guts. Yes, guts! It isn't easy being the odd man out in society or going against the grain but when you are called, called by the Creator of this universe, you listen. You may take a few different detours to get it right and you may cause yourself and others much heartache in this process, but when you eventually do get it right your level of commitment is strengthened and your resolve is stronger. The Waitleys are committed.

If you are considering homeschooling, pray, seek, and make a commitment. I know people that have homeschooled for a month or two and said, oh, I can't do this and quit. A month or two isn't going to give you a good "feel" for what you are undertaking and more than likely, you are going to have a lot of rough days as you work out the kinks. Don't quit, commit. Make a commitment to see it through the bad days because you KNOW what the benefits are otherwise you wouldn't have ever started homeschooling in the first place. :-)

If you are already homeschooling, I encourage you to pray about your commitment to educate your children. Seek God, trust Him to help you on the bad days, and know that His plan for families is truly the best plan out there. His book is the best parent help book on the planet! Even on bad days when a five minute break in the bathroom is needed every ten minutes, it is still His perfect plan! The stronger your commitment is to educating your children at home, the easier it will be to get through those days that just seem like they will never end.

Homeschooling is an amazing journey that we are so grateful for. Our family is strengthened and more connected because of this journey. The New Year has brought not only a fresh start but an even greater commitment. The Waitleys are committed to educating their children at home through the strength and wisdom of Jesus Christ.

Committed,
Judy

Food, fellowship and fun - Make sure you find it

2011-12-13T18:41:00.000-08:00

Today we had the privilege of fellowshipping with other homeschool families that we have known for years but haven't gotten to see in months. I cannot tell you how wonderful the fellowship was, how great the snacks were and how much fun we all had. To be in the company of women that will support and encourage you in the same beliefs is awesome. I have so missed this and so look forward to next week when we do it all again!

I cannot say it enough, find like minded fellowship. If you don't, you will find yourself burnt out, down and out, and literally out of steam. Having others that understand your struggles, know exactly what your needs are, and have been there and done that is so wonderful. You walk away feeling like wow, I just really spent time not just with my dear friends but with sisters in Christ.

As I left the church today with a smile on my face and joy in my heart, I sat for a minute in the car while our oldest drove us to our next destination and just reflected on the conversation I had just had with one of my very dearest friends. Awwwww, this is what fellowship is about. THIS is what God meant by encouraging one another. This is what I have been missing!

Joyously resting in Him,
Judy

Home At Last

2011-11-26T21:45:00.000-08:00

The kids spent their last day in the public education system on November 22nd. Their last day ever. Really, seriously for all eternity! All of our children are now officially homeschooled again.

I have championed the positives of public school (reneged on the majority!). I have ranted about the things I just don't understand in public schools (check out my hubpages on that!). I've decided, the public education system really isn't worth my breath or my time (please do not read/think I mean the kids or the people, it's the messed up system!). So no more of that! On to better things!

With prayer and guidance, Ryan has made the choice to begin working on his GED after the first of the year. Jason and I are actually VERY excited about this idea. Some think we are silly or even have low standards for our son but this is where the "not your average education" thinking comes in. We tend to be out of the box thinkers and education is no different. Education isn't about "school", it is about life. Mark Twain summed up "schooling" very well:

I have never let my schooling interfere with my education.

We firmly believe that God has a path chosen for each of our children and that path may not be what others think it should be. It may not even be what we think it should be. We also firmly believe that God knows best and we fully put our trust in His wisdom. When we can put our trust in Him for everything, including the education of our children, we can step outside of what is consider the norm and really do what is best for our children.

So many people say, I could never homeschool. I could never spend that much time with my children. I am not smart enough to teach my children. What those people often forget is that with Jesus, all things are possible. Our ways are not His ways. He will never give us more than we can handle.

For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
(2 Timothy 1:7)

The next time you are disgruntled with your school system or feel like you are losing your children to a godless society, truly consider, what is best for them. Take self out of the equation and focus your thoughts on Him. He will give you answers. They may not be answers you have ever considered or that you think you are capable of but His answers work.

Home At Last,

Judy

Can't wait, can't wait, can't wait

2011-11-13T21:09:00.000-08:00

The title says it all. I can't wait until our kids are home. I can't wait until I am home. I can't wait until we are able to be the Waitleys every single day, again! Most of all, I can't wait until I can make our announcement!

Still not your average education, never will be! Can't wait until it can once again be OUR ideas about a not so average education. Any clues yet as to what is coming down the pipeline for the Waitleys?

Stay tuned!

Feeling like a kid in a candy store,
Judy

Let's Just Say....

2011-10-11T21:40:00.000-07:00

...won't even go there right now. Just had to write a paper on the threat that homeschooling poses to the public education system and then refute that with the pros that homeschooling offers. Let's just set one thing straight. Anyone that calls homeschoolers selfish has never homeschooled before! They haven't a clue the amount of selflessness it takes to homeschool your children. They haven't experienced the moments when five minutes in the bathroom all alone sitting on the side of the tub just breathing is like going to a spa. They have never stood in pouring rain and freezing cold to give their kids really great field trips. They haven't put their dreams and career goals on hold to ensure their children get a better foundation. Need I say more? Onto that threat thing. Anyone who says that you should leave your kids in school because it is not fair to the others that need your well mannered children for peer tutoring or your extra fundraising money or your involvement in the school system that is supposedly the glue that holds community together hasn't really taken a look at what has gone on in the past to make people want to pull their children out. Not only that but when did it become my kiddos responsibility to make sure other kids have good manners, social service programs, extra activities, and a great PTO??

Why do I say all of this when our kids currently attend public school and I currently work full-time in the system? Because the more time we spend there, the more time we realize that this isn't long term for us, this is a pit stop on the bumpy road of choices and other things we like to call "I think it's God". Don't get me wrong, there are some AMAZING people in the schools and I am so thankful that they are there. There are children who would never benefit from homeschooling and there are children that would never have a chance without the public school system but as for our family, it isn't the best we can offer.

So what does this mean for us? We will finish out our year and we will do it with joy. The kids are enjoying parts of their experience, as am I, but it is about more than just the experience. We will continue to seek God in earnest about what He would have us do and we will continue to pray God's wisdom be loud and clear when it is time to make decisions. God has never failed us, we have failed to listen. Why wouldn't we want to lean on God instead of self to work things out? Our track record proves that...well...He is just way better at this than we are!

Content until God moves,
Judy

Quilting Together

2011-01-14T22:34:00.000-08:00

As I was updating our blog I decided it was time for a new background. I truly loved my vintage book background but when I saw the quilt background with four different patterns, I knew this was the one.

As we sit around our dining room table each morning going over our daily lessons, we are creating a quilt of memories. A quilt with an intricate design and pattern that each child has a special part in. Without the many questions of a curious four year old, our quilt would be so much quieter. But, who would make us smile with delight as she breaks into her fourth chorus of Mighty to Save? Our quilt would certainly be tidier if we didn't have a budding artist at the table. But, who would fill up our fridge with posters proclaiming love for mommy and daddy if art girl wasn't around? A 15 year old is much wiser in his own eyes than in his parents. But, without the 15 year olds wisdom, who would make us belly laugh with his silly impressions and jokes? Our fourth patch is a very special patch and truly a miracle child, which is why I saved him for last (even though he is the third child). Our quilt would be just plain boring without him. Who would be the first to offer help, to offer hugs, and to warm our hearts in only the way he can if Wiggly Willy wasn't part of the quilt?

You see, each of our children plays an integral part in our family quilt. Not just because they are part of the family but because they each bring something different to the quilt that can be appreciated and loved. Their educational abilities and needs vary so dramatically and yet, they all seem to fit together in such a way that the quilt wouldn't be complete without them. We are so very blessed and proud of the patches that God has lent us and we pray daily that we can prayerfully and lovingly instill in them what God has asked us to.

Quilting Our Patches From Home,
Judy

Working and Homeschooling - It Can Happen!

2010-09-19T15:12:00.000-07:00

I work full-time at the store that God blessed Jason and I with. Check it out! Ok, got that out of the way! Anyway, I work 40+ hours a week at the store, am going to go to school again in a few weeks, and homeschool. There are times when I feel like I cannot do another day like this but God picks me up, dusts me off, and He reminds me that HE created me for a plan and a purpose. Each and every day I am slowly starting to see more and more about this plan. What is so very cool, God is showing my amazing man these things also. Talk about an amazing conversation in the car on the way to church this morning! Awwww, anyway, I digress!

Homeschooling shouldn't be limited to stay at home moms/dads only. Homeschooling should be something that all people see as a viable option for their family if they feel that leading. I am completely not saying that all people need to homeschool, totally not the stance in our home, I'm just saying I know people who work, like the idea of homeschooling but not sure how to get there. We are blessed to have a business that the kids are able to hang out in. The store is equipped for our little ones and it works out well. But, that isn't an option for everyone so you have to think outside the box.

Family is a major benefit in this area. Do you have family you can take your kiddos to during the day? What about a great friend who would be willing to watch your kid/s for some length of the day? Maybe even an older couple in your church would like to help out. This would be a benefit for your kiddos and for these people. There are many options, you just have to explore them and try to look at things that may not even make sense at first.

Don't' forget, school doesn't have to happen during school hours only. I have a habit of forgetting this. Education takes place all day long and book work education can take place any time of the day also. Most kids in public or private school are going to have homework to do. The bulk of a child's homeschool book work can be done in that same amount of time. Amazing isn't it!?!?!?! By not putting your homeschool experience in a box, you can open up a whole new world and lifestyle if you so choose.

Homeschooling and working is something that can be done and don't let anyone fool you, they can both be done well. I enjoy my job at the store helping others who love education, giving music lessons, and I even enjoy the inventory and book work part of the store. I like working and I love teaching. Why should I have to choose between the two when God gave me the desire for both?

Doing it all for His glory,
Judy

Every Moment

2010-06-01T13:16:00.000-07:00

Every moment of the day our children are learning. They are learning to share, to obey, to lead, to be responsible, and so on. Life teaches our children so many lessons but in a very neat way, our children teach others so many things.

As we sat in a restaurant last night eating dinner in Columbia, Missouri, we were pretty much appalled by the behavior of three sweet looking blond headed girls sitting behind us. The parents behavior wasn't much different unfortunately. In the course of an hour we saw one child get spanked at the table at least 10 times. It has been middle school since I heard so many "shut-up's" and they weren't coming from the kids. We heard name calling coming from both sides and a general dislike and almost disgust from both. Maxwell was just enthralled at their behavior as this isn't something he sees on a regular basis and we had to keep telling him to turn around in his seat because he was literally fascinated. I think fascinated that children could talk to parents like that and not have consequences! LOL

As we were getting ready to leave, the man and one of his children walked by. He stopped his little girl who was about 5 and said, look at her (meaning Emma), she is just a little kid still and she sat down at the table the whole time. Why can't you act like that? Emma grinned at the little girl, the little girl screamed, the daddy said see she never listens to me as the mama yelled shut-up yet once again. Our children were an example of the lessons that they learn on an every day basis. They proved that children can have manners in today's world. They exhibited self-control when they were told they couldn't have ice cream until they had ate dinner and then happily complied as they knew there would be an icy, delicious reward for their behavior. The lessons that we don't even realize we are teaching our children are sometimes the most important ones they can ever learn.

Our children need an education that will help them to become solid individuals striving to serve Christ. Let us not forget that life's lessons are sometimes the greatest ones of all!

Learning each day,
Judy

Schooling with life

2010-05-07T16:33:00.000-07:00

Aghhhhh, life has been crazy this week with Jason's therapy, homeschool group at our house, soccer, cleaning up the old property, working on the new, and just plain everyday life. We did one day of actual textbook work and the rest of the days, we schooled through life. I am thanking God daily for opening my eyes to the idea that school doesn't just have to take place at the table with a set of textbooks. Here is what went on at our house this week.

Math - lots of cooking and doubling recipes, figuring how many nails per pound, what angle is best to put the trailer to drive the mower up on

Science - how different materials react when mixed (cement, sand, rock, water), inclined planes (lawnmower ramps), identifying flowers to dry for candles, and so much more

History - reading Gladys Alward aloud as a family and learning about China, Bible history and more

Lang. arts - writing thank you notes and get well cards, reading good books, reading to the little ones and telling stories

Bible is interwoven into every single part of our day and we are all growing leaps and bounds spiritually. God can use any situation for His glory and He is doing just that. Although, the textbooks haven't been cracked open, the kids have learned so many principles and built character in ways that only faith testing situations can.

Education is happening at the Waitley home and knowledge is being stored in hearts and minds. It is knowledge that will strengthen and encourage the kids (and parents too!) and grow them into godly men and women to further the kingdom of Heaven!

Smiling,

Judy

Real Education

2010-04-25T19:34:00.001-07:00

Our homeschooling has happened in may places and many ways this past week. With Jason's accident we have spent many hours at the doctors and in the car. It doesn't look like that will change any time soon unless God does a miracle. Let's see, in this week we accomplished math and lang. arts 4 times and some of those times were sitting in the doctors office! We made homemade laundry soap. Ryan worked for his Grandpa learning valuable carpentry skills. We participated in a youth out-reach in our community. Dad has read the Bible to us first thing every morning for the majority of the week. We have learned to serve someone else even when it isn't easy or we feel we are "busy". We have enjoyed reading the book Gladys Alward aloud as a family (history, Bible, and missions all in one!). The list goes on and on. The best part in all of this is, the kids are learning and growing by leaps and bounds every day. They are gaining academic knowledge but more importantly, they are gaining spiritual knowledge.

Homeschoolers have many seasons in life. This happens to be a new season for us as we are facing things we have never faced before. We are going to have to walk things we haven't walked before. We are going to have to learn to wholly lean on Jesus' name as the song The Solid Rock declares. One thing I know for sure, during this season we will never have to face anything alone. God's Word states that He will never leave nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). This applies to every situation in life whether it is facing a family tragedy or just feeling burnout during your homeschooling journey. That is a promise I can stand on!

Homeschooling can take over your life. It can consume your thoughts (especially when it comes to choosing methods or curriculum or activities) and keep you pre-occupied when you really should be thinking of other things. I am learning not to worry about the small stuff. He will never leave us nor forsake us. I am realizing that my children really will succeed without sitting at the table everyday for their school work. He will never leave us nor forsake us. I have finally wrapped my brain around the fact that this road will not always be easy and may sometimes make me feel like I am losing my mind but He will never leave me nor forsake me.

Standing,
Judy