I'm Not That Kind of Girl

I know you formed an opinion of me as soon as I uttered these 2 little words: "We homeschool." I know what kind of woman you are picturing because it's the same woman I would have pictured just 2 years ago if I heard the word "homeschool." Correct me if I'm wrong here. You're picturing a woman with hair all the way down her back, no make-up on, very soft spoken, in a dress she made herself. Her children are in a line behind her not moving, speaking, or thinking any bad thoughts. They are all in homemade clothes as well and are munching on their homegrown veggies for lunch. Her family watches no t.v. except for the occassional family viewing of "The Sound of Music." Am I right?






Don't get me wrong--there is nothing, let me repeat, NOTHING wrong with women who do that. Let me just say it again, though--I'm NOT that kind of girl! I'm just an average, run of the mill gal who loves her kids and wants to provide the best life I can for them. In fact, I may homeschool, but I've compiled a list of things that seem to be common amongst many homeschoolers that I just don't see myself doing....ever:


1. I can not and do not want to sew or make clothes. I prefer rummage sales!


2. I do not can food, nor do I have the desire to learn how.


3. I could not make it a week without the t.v. and cable (the DVR is a huge plus)





Having said that, however, I have also realized that there are a few things we do that may let the mouse out of the bag that we are homeschoolers:


1. My kids are rarely found with shoes on (unless we're going to church or the grocery).


2. We have started gardening.


3. I recently made the switch to cloth diapers for my youngest.





So, maybe you could have picked me out and labeled me early on as one of those crazy homeschool moms, but I doubt it. I'm just an average woman trying to obey the command in Deutoronomy 6: 7 "You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up."



I believe God has called me to homeschool my children and I am being obedient. It's that simple. At just the mention of the word "homeschooling," most people immediately become experts and advocates of public school. It's as if they are truly concerned for my children and their "socialization." Those who know me well, however, know that I would never do anything except that which I think is best for my children. So, having said that, don't expect me to try to win a debate with you on homeschooling vs. public school. Believe me, I could go on and on, but I won't. I am simply doing that which God has called me to do. Period.