March 2010

So much has changed since I wrote last. I no longer home school the kids, which is good and bad. I miss having my big kids around. Home schooling gave us such a close family, it takes more strategic planning to make that happen now. My oldest is in grade seven at the middle school in the neighbourhood. He has been exposed to many different types of characters and school experiences, most of which are not great. Kids routinely pick on others and use coarse language and have a certain pecking order. If you don't fit into their mold, look out! My second is in a public charter school. It is a much better school with a better handle on the kids and their character, although it is not without flaws. I do, however, appreciate that the schools are responsible for planning the learning that goes on in the day. That has been nice. It allows for me to focus on other things during the day, such as maybe getting my house clean. Although if you were to visit me I do not think you would notice! Because we are three quarters the way through the school year, I am now taking the time to look back and wonder if what we have gained is worth what we gave up. I don't fully know the answer. My kids still have the strongest friendship with those who they don not go to school with. The "Socialization" has been mostly negative. My kids have learned alot, but along with the "school subjects" they have learned how others can treat others and get away with it. My older kids still have strong character but I wonder if they will hold up in this kind of environment. Justin only has 5 1/2 years until he is a legal "adult". Do I want the schools to determine who he will be? I must admit, although, I do like not having to worry about what I will teach the kids day in and day out, and sometimes I like the break form the kids! But most of the time, the younger kids and I miss having them around and are adjusting to doing "field trips" without them. When I think about what I want for all of my kids, at the top of my list is that they are Christ Followers and that they can have good relationships with their family and others. Sure I want them to be able to support their families, but I am not completely convinced that "school" will set them up for this. I struggle with many things in this year of transition. Home schooling was so good for our family and for the kids character. But now a new season has sprung, with some free time for myself in the near future and the possibility of working to help out with the family finances. I pray that the Lord will lead our every step, because each day has enough worry of its own, without me worrying about the future too much! But I guess that is just what moms do sometimes!

I am happy to say that I have found my long-lost blog site. Hopefully now I will keep up dated on our progress, in life and in learning. This year has been a real eye-opener for me as I have been noticing our homeschooling really "paying off" for us. I am happy with the character of the kids, the closeness they share with each other and their academic abilities. This has been the first year we haven't followed what the school board has set up for the kids to learn in Social and Science. Instead, we have followed our own interests and have learned and explored so much already. Recently, we have been reading about Gladys Alyward and her life as a missionary in China. Earlier this year, we learned about the Underground Railroad, Harriet Tubman, China, Nate Saint and the Wadoni tribe. The kids and I have loved learning about history expecially. It is all very fascinating, as well as challenging to us, when we think of our own paths for life. The Lord has given us each challenges in our lives and we can learn alot about adversity and standing up for what is right through many of these stories. I could go on and on, but the bottom line is that learning this year has been a real adventure as we are freed more and more from the "right" way of doing things and just take joy in learning. It makes me wonder what God will have in store for the kids in their High School years. I desire for the kids to have many opportunities, yet to continue to have a strong faith, great relationships and more! I know that God will reveal these things to us bit by bit as he has thus far. We have been on this journey for four years and I am amazed at how it has been!

Something new has transpired for us just recently, in our home school life. I have started working part-time. Working has made me appreciate homeschooling my kids on a whole new level. Mostly, my shifts have been in the evening and I cant help but be thankful that I get to be with my kids during the day. Also, my hubby does not have to worry about homework with the kids, which would be alot for him after working a 12 hour day. I have heard many people ask or wonder if it is possible to work and home school. I would say to them, yes, it is possible. Superstore is not my dream job, but hopefully it will reiterate to my children the importance of working hard so they can eventually do a job they can love.

Today, I am thankful for my family and the opportunity to homeschool my kids and be the biggest influence on their lives. I only hope that as the kids continue to grow, they will continue to flourish spiritually, academically and relationally. I know that God has given us our cup every day, and I know he will in the future too. It is exciting to anticipate what is around the corner!

My first entry

Hi Everyone! I have a moment so I thought I would introduce myself and my family. To introduce myself, I am Michelle Gruszecki a mom to 4 wonderful children plus one in heaven. My kids are Justin ( 10), Megan ( 9), Evan ( 3) and Kaitlyn (14mths). I have been married to my husband for almost 12 years and we are very happy. I homeschool our kids and have for the past 3 years. The kids and I enjoy this experience of learning together. I hope that I can instill in the kids a love of learning, a love for the Lord and teach them how to be kids who think of the world and what they can do to contribute in a positive way.