Some Changes I've Noticed

I've been pondering a few things the past week - the differences between my life just 18 months ago and now. Thought I would share. Homeschooling has changed our lives, that's for sure.

1. I used to have a very orderly, clean house. Now, it is a creative, well-lived in home.
2. The books used to be on shelves in the children's rooms in careful order based on type of book, etc... Now, books are EVERYWHERE. I swore I would never be a person who lived with piles, but never say never, right?
3. I used to get up at the same time every morning (5:45 a.m.) to get a little one up at 6:15, to be on the bus at 7:15. I was always showered and ready to go for the day (in cute outfits, I might add)by 8:30 a.m., when I took my little one to preschool. Now, I get up a little before the kids and make breakfast, some days getting a shower, other days waiting until later in the day. I don't look sloppy, but I think the cuteness factor has gone down.
4. The laundry used to be done and put away every evening. I did a load a day and had it all under control. Now, it is not uncommon for an unfolded load to be sitting in a basket in my bedroom for a few days (am I alone in this?). We all have clean clothes, but it's much more of a chore for me. I'd rather be learning with the kids.
5. I used to have several good adult girl friends who I could chat with on the telephone and meet for coffee or lunch. Now, I am more closely connected with my kids, and I found out who a couple of TRUE friends were because they stuck with me and want to do things with the kids and I.
6. I spent my free time scrapbooking, reading, and volunteering. Now, I have no free time! I do, however, have all the time in the world to help my children pursue their interests and to help shape them into the adults God wants them to be, and in turn I've been blessed with sharing their interests and desires. For example, I've learned to knit, thanks to my daughter wanting to learn, too. I'm sure there will be plenty of time for "me" when they are gone.

I could go on and on with this list. I envy moms who never put their children in school - the moms who had the courage and wisdom from the beginning to keep them home. God had to work on me for a bit longer, but I'm so glad I finally listened.

If you had children in traditional school before, what are some of the biggest changes you've seen in your lives since they've been at home? I'd love to know....

This post is linked to Friendly Fridays. I'm trying some blog hopping this afternoon for fun!

Comments

[Nicole]

I don't even recognize the person I am today versus who I was at the beginning of this school year when I started educating my two children. I agree with all of your points!

[Miller Moments]

This was a great post. I see myself a lot in what you described....

[Christi]

It's always so nice to sit back and take a minute to reflect on changes. I do that all the time when I think about what I was like before having children versus now, and it makes me realize even more what a blessing my kids are to my life!

Thanks for being a part of Friendly Friday, by the way! I'm following you back through GFC. Have a wonderful weekend!

[Mari]

I could have written this! Thanks for your transparency.

[Heather@Cultivated Lives]

As my dryer is currently beeping at my, I now have answers as to WHY my laundry seems to never get completely finished and put away... :sigh:

On the otherhand, your comment about the closeness you have with your children just melted my heart. What a gift you are not only giving to your children (time is a super hot commodity), but also one that blesses you both now and in the future. All three of my sisters are so close with my mom and I'm sure her years of sacrifice for us play an important role in that!

[Robin]

I can totally relate to this post. I would get up at 5:10, rush around and drop off DD, meet my friend at the gym for our morning workout. Then, be fully made up and in a suit, sitting at my desk by 7:30.

I always had my nails done and my hair NEVER went beyond 5 weeks without being cut and colored.

During her PS years when I didn't work..oh my, it was a silent competition of which Mom could look cutest in our workout wear, baseball caps, hoop earrings, and designer sunglasses during the morning drop off. You know, that "just crawled out of bed" look that actually took 45 minutes to achieve ;)

It's funny how I thought my house would be immaculate if I didn't work. Little did I know.
I think being a SAHM really gives you perspective on what's important in life. It's not the expensive clothes, the spotless home, and the fancy vehicles... it's all about family time:)