Okay, so I visited the Montessori school in Athens today and loved it! I think it would be a great school for the boys. It is a tad cheaper than the options around here (you know we're talking a ton of money when $350 is a tad cheaper) but it is 23 miles away. That would be 92 miles per day. Roughly the same as Jeff's commute. That's a lot of driving.
So, I continue to lay out my options, each with pros and cons. In the spirit of looking at all of my options, I have decided to spend some actual effort in researching the homeschooling option. As it stands, I am no domestic goddess. The idea of taking care of a baby, teaching 2 five year olds, keeping my house clean, fixing dinner, and managing to stay sane while being with my kids all day while Jeff habitually works past 7:30 and having to take all of my kids with me to every doctor's appointment and Walmart trip sounds, well, impossible. I know there are Superwomen out there who could totally tackle all of that with a smile, hot meal and perfect hair... but this is not me. BUT, what if we took a percentage of the money that we would spend on private school and put it towards some help during the week? If I had a little help here and there with laundry, baby watching, cleaning up, and had someone to watch the kids while I went to the store... it MIGHT be a possibility. This might also allow us to continue violin, which we would surely have to quit if we were managing to somehow spend $1100+ per month on school. I also couldn't even attempt homeschooling without a good group. As it turns out, there is a big group in Monroe. According to the boys' teacher, there are also groups in Winder. There are field trips, dances, small groups that meet for certain classes, etc. Knowing this does help ease my mind a little. A LITTLE. The fear of being overwhelmed from being in a house with three kids all day every day with no adult interaction, a disaster of a house, and all of my hair pulled out into my clenched fists is the main thing that comes to mind when I think of this option.
Where oh where will we end up??
2 comments:
Hey Holly - we met years ago, but I work with Jeff at MATRA, and he gave me your blog a while back so I would know when you guys had your baby (I contract, and was not working then). Anyway, I enjoy reading your blog cause I can relate to so many things, and this whole schooling thing has me very interested, as we too have realized that private just isn't an option financially, but I wonder if I really can homeschool without going insane??? My oldest is only 3.5 so we have a bit more time, but we have our 3rd due in Jan (my 2nd is almost 2), so it will be a similar situation with a crazy household. Anyway, just wanted to say I enjoy your blog, and hope to see you at the MATRA Christmas party, if you guys will be there.
Amanda Desnoyers
Hey Holly, I think you should seriously think about homeschooling and getting a little help with the baby. The military community (especially overseas)does a lot of homeschooling because our school options are so limited. I have seen so many families do this and be really happy with the results. Although not a home school curriculum, I would strongly suggest the book "What Your Kindergartener Should Know" by Hirsch. Try reading some passages and doing the activities (the art activities are my favorite) and see how your kids respond. Good luck!
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