I am writing this to ask for prayer and to type up some options so I can see them in black and white. I also would so appreciate constructive ideas and thoughts. Maybe you guys have a better idea. But keep in mind my priority now is my boys, not work and making lots of money. 
God already knows what road we will travel. I just would like to know too.
I have some decisions to make about homeschooling, one of our co-op groups, and work.
First, I am committed to continue out the year homeschooling. So no changes will be made in that regard until Sept. But I am unsure what God's will is in Sept. And knowing that will help me as I need to find a job by then.
If kids are back in school I can work 9:15-2:15 (aren't I an employers dream?)
If we are still homeschooling I will either do daycare in my home again, do childcare in someones home (with my boys), or something else.
I have run the numbers and working full time (like 8-5) with boys in school full day is not an option. I would have to pay before and after care for Josh. Find somewhere for Jason to go as the school does not provide care for a child over 5th grade (and he is not ready to be home alone 1 hour in am and 3 in afternoon.) Plus I would need care all the days school is closed, and in summer. Also, I would have to take off for all sick days. Finding a job that would accommodate all that would be a miracle. Plus the pay would have to be really high. Unfortunately the most I could make would not cover child care and such.
The best job if kids go back to public school would be as an aid in the school, but since we are a small town this is hard to come by, plus the pay is not that great. They are paid hourly so do not get paid on holidays, and summer.
As of right now I am leaning towards continuing homeschooling. I love that my kids are bonding, and them being home, and having say about what and when they are learning.
If that is the case childcare is always an option, but would be alot to handle on top of homeschooling. But working a few nights a week or weekends elsewhere requires needing childcare. Both have pros and cons. AHHHHH!!!!
I know God will provide work for me. He always has. I just sometimes don't like not knowing. Plus I want to do what is best for my boys (the best I can do anyway.) I want to make sure what I think is best is aligned with God's will for our lives. Plus I want us all to be growing in Him daily.
I also have an immediate decision to make regarding the two groups we are participating in. They both have been great and have been a tremendous blessing. Both have filled a need at some point. But the one co-op I feel is no longer doing so for Jason. It has gotten so large it is more like a school. Once you have so many kids you have to have control of class, but it is harder to do the hands on stuff Jason learns so well from. And I am not that impressed with his History curriculum. The one they did last year was great.
I love all the people and they really try to help us so much; but we are there 10-3 Tues. & Thur. and I feel like almost that entire time is wasted for Jason (except for Science.) That is two whole days that are wasted. It is half hour away, so we leave at 9:30 and get home at 3:30, by then we don't want to do other schoolwork.
Josh does get alot from co-op. Plus I love teaching the preschoolers; so this is a really hard decision for me. I will say that it is more relaxing when co-op has a break or is called off for a snow day. I am not sure if that is my answer or not.
So those are some of the decisions weighing on my heart lately. I would ask you to please pray for me. And if you have any thoughts, I'd appreciate those as well.
-Becky
Monday, March 1, 2010
Decisions
Posted by Becky R at 9:30 AM
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7 comments:
Just a thought - I'm not even sure if this is a possibility, but in NY, some parents can qualify for assistance in paying for child care. Not sure what the case is in your state, if funds are available, whatever, but just thought I'd throw it out there in case you do decide that working full time is necessary. In NY it's done through the local dept. of social services - so, you might want to check with the equivalent agency in your state.
However it turns out, I wish you all the best!
Thanks for the comment. I am sure our state has some childcare assistance, but would not cover my oldest who would still need care but is considered too old for needing care.
I guess my real goal is being with my boys as much as possible.
I appreciate you reading my blog and leaving a comment. Thanks!
I think it's important that you're working. How will your boys understand the value of hard work otherwise? You could be providing for them better if you had a job with money coming in. Your kids should have everything in life, and it's very hard to provide that without money. I know you love them, and want to spend time with them, but I think it's just as important for them to go to school and be social, as it is for you to socialize with adults on a daily basis. I know that when my mom went back to work, it reduced my stress level tenfold, because I got some room to breathe.
I love you. And I am praying GOD shows you what to do. You are only accountable to HIM.
Dear Anonymous,
Hello! Thank you for reading my blog and taking the time to comment.
I wanted to clear up a few things.
First, I do work. I do part time childcare, cleaning, and other odd jobs. I also make and sell laundry soap.
I pay all my bills, have no debt, and am not on welfare (I do get health insurance from the state, but even when I worked full time I still qualified for that.)
Second, I work at keeping my home, raising my boys, writing and learning curriculum to teach them, as well as keeping homeschool records.
Third, I volunteer at my church teaching Wed. evenings, which requires lesson planning as well.
Fourth, I do volunteer foster care for dogs (which is alot of work.) Currently we have a mom and 5 puppies.
So, I think my boys know the value of hard work. I think even more so than if I went to work and they didn't actually see me working.
In regards to socialization. We spend two days a week at a homeschool group. It has 35 families and lots of kids. I am with 35 other moms (three in the classes I teach) and my boys are with 60 other kids. Wed. we go to art class with 3 other homeschooling families. In addition they are at church Wed. night for classes, Sunday am for Sunday school and church, and Sunday pm for youth (Jason) and children's choir (Joshua.)
They also go to basketball practice and games each week. Josh will start soccer again in spring and Jason will start guitar lessons.
My boys have everything they need and so much more. We have a home, food, clothes, lots of books and toys. They have a trampoline for fun exercise and a great yard to play in. God is so good to us!
The reason I posted this post was that I want to be doing God's will and was wondering if some changes needed to be made to accomplish that.
My boys actually want to continue to be homeschooled. They are praying about it as well.
I thank you for your opinion. But I wanted to address some of your comments.
Anon - I disagree with you. Children should not get "everything". That only produces selfishness and greed. Take a look around at our society. That attitude is exactly what we have breeded . Children need LOVE. Guidance, protection, and nurturing. All the things that Becky works so hard to provide them.
I for one commend her for wanting to give her children the best childhood possible. And for her willingness to sacrafice material possessions for the betterment of her boys.
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