Life After Homeschooling

In the end of spring last year, I went through a time of reassessing my life.  Having been a homeschooling stay at home mom for over 20 years, I was seeing the fruits of my labor come to a close.  Two of my four 'students' had graduated, another was right around the corner, and the fourth within 4 more years.  It really took a lot of introspection as I wrestled with what to do with the rest of my life. I'm only 43, and to some young pups out there it may seem old but it really is not.  I still have a lot let in life to do, and Lord willing I'll have time to do it! ;o) 

As I thought about what the next stage of my life would be, I was drawn into the presence of God like never before.  He graciously and lovingly revealed to me part of His plan for me. The plan that I always envisioned was heading back to college to finish my degree in education.  The plan that He had for me was different.  If you follow this blog at all, you know that I am currently enrolled as a college student and Liberty University Online. My major is Christian Counseling, but I think I'm going to change it to Psychology with a minor in Christian Counseling.  

That decision led to another door opening, one that I have been praying for but did not expect to open so soon. A couple of months ago I was hired as the Client Service Director for a local Care Net facility. I volunteered there for almost 2 years, so this was a natural progression. I can honestly say that I love my job! If someone told me last spring that this is where I be, less a year later I wouldn't of believed them. God is good! He knows what He has called us to and He knows how to get us there. 

I share this only to let other homeschool mothers know, there is life after homeschooling! :o)  Your life will look different then mine, and that's okay! I'm not totally done homeschooling, but yet God has opened other avenues along with that. Yes, it is hard at times. Yes, I'm very busy. Yes, I get little sleep. The greatest thing is that I know I'm exactly where God wants me to be. It certainly is an exciting time! :o)

College Update

Going back to college at age 43, is proving itself to be a very challenging thing.  Last semester I did pretty good, I actually made the Deans List!! :o) This semester is turning into something totally different, I highly doubt there will be any list for me. 

The classes I'm currently enrolled in are:

English 101 (I honestly should of taken English 100, even though I passed the proficiency exam.)

Math 100 (Even though this is the first Math a student can take, it is very difficult for me. I am truly finding out way M-A-T-H is a four-letter word!)

Introduction to Christian Counseling (This is the only class this semester that I am getting good grades in. I guess it's a good thing considering Counseling/Psychology is my major.)

Introduction to Sociology (I have not started this yet, but I'm hopeful that I will like it and do well in it.)

The homework this semester seems to be more then last semester and it also seems that the expectations of the professors is higher.  I will muddle through and Lord willing not fail the classes and have to do them all over again. 

Have you gone back to school? What classes have you taken? Did you find them easy or difficult? Did you have enough time to study, work, and have a semblance of a life? Please answer....this inquiring mind really wants to know! 

To Do List

My To Do List:

*English Test

* Start working on my first essay, which is due next week.

* Read a counseling book, I have a 6 page paper due in 2 weeks.

* Wash the pile of dishes currently sitting in my sink.

* Laundry, laundry, and in case you missed it...Laundry

* Make a sign up sheet for the Winer Carnival

* Make posters for the Winter Carnival (my son is going to make this on his computer and send me a file)

* Clean the cow barn, since the weather is pretty good.

* Go get hay and shavings for the animals.

Oceans From The Rain by Seventh Day Slumber

Schedule

Next week I start back up with school again. I'm excited to start another semester, but a little nervous due to the amount of work.  Last semester I had 4  classes, 2 at one time for 8 weeks. This semester I start off with 3 classes for 8 weeks, and then 2 for 8 weeks.  I also am working part time as well as homeschooling.  Things will be busy.  

I have been pondering my schedule and this is what I have come up with:

6:00 - 7:00 Get up, coffee, Bible reading and prayer (this is essential for the days I will be having), and possibly a shower. 

8:00 - 9:30  Work on my school assignments. 

9:30 - 10:30 Feed animals, have breakfast, get ready for the day, and head to work.

10:30 - 3:30 Work

3:30 - 4:00 Get home and take my daughter to her job.

4:00 - 4:30  Chill out a little 

4:30 - 5:45 School with my son.

5:45 - 6:00 Get my daughter from work and pick up animal needed animal feed.

6:00-7:00  School with my son and dinner time

7:00 - 8:00 Hopefully get to spend time with my hubby, chatting about the day over coffee.

8:00 - 8:30 Get school work ready for my son, for him to do during the day.

8:30 - 10:00 My school work or any work related reading or papers. 

10:00 Bed

I have off every Friday, so that will be a full day of homeschooling and I will work on any writing assignments that are due for Sunday.  Saturday will be spent cleaning, spending time with family, and finishing up school work.

Sunday will be a literal day of rest.  

If you think of me over the next 8 weeks in particular, please pray that Lord will give me strength. 

Review of 2010

2011 is already here!! I honestly cannot believe another year has come and gone. Where exactly does the time go? 2010 was an interesting year, but honestly I'm glad it is behind me. There was sickness , realizing that everyone has a story , kittens, calves , forgiveness, homeschool graduation , daughter headed to college , my son headed back to college , I started taking college classes , we had a visitor , engagement, and life changes.  

Looking over all the links has been an interesting experience. It made me realize  that 2010 was not such a bad year at all! There was some bad times, but there were also many good times!! :o) I look forward to 2011 and what the year will bring. 

I'm currently listening to Rush Limbaugh, and he is speaking about the Health Care Reform Bill. I just heard the President speaking to a lady whose 100 year old mother needed a pace maker, but the doctor thought her mother was too old. Not too out of shape, but too old. The woman asked the President what he thought about it, he basically said that she should not get the pace maker but instead "take a pill".  

Wow!!

I hope and pray that this massive government overhaul gets repelled.