heartofdakota.com

Just wanted to let you know how HOD has changed my life. I first must confess my addiction to all things school and curriculum related. My dh cringes at the site of the school supply aisle at the local wal-mart, as our buggy is automatically drawn there. My email account is always stuffed with countless messages from every homeschool website ever thought of. I make up reasons that I need to go the teacher's store in town.

With this background, I can tell you, when I ordered HOD, my dh thought it was just another curriculum. However, for the first time since I found out I was pregnant with the first child, I must tell you that I have actually deleted homeschool emails...yes actual advertisements....without even looking at them. For the first time, I have been able to be at complete peace that I know exactly what I am doing (in this one area), and that my kids are going to benefit from it.

Today I did enter a teacher's supply store (I do really love that place). Admittedly, I am still addicted, as was readily apparent by he rush I got upon entering. However, I was able to curb temptations for things that I normally buy. Such as the plan book. Oh the beautiful plan book. I love getting that new book at the beginning of the year. I spend hours looking at those clean clear boxes, and thinking of all I want to put in them. My heart skips a beat or two as I imagine that this year I might actually be organized. After a few weeks of planning, I find the plan book much less interesting. Oh, but when I looked at those empty plan books today, I was tempted...but I remembered...I did not need one. My plans are already written out for me. Waiting for me at home.

This may seem trivial to those who do not suffer the affliction I do, but I imagine there are some out there in HOD land, who know exactly what I am talking about. It is for you I write these words. Words of encouragement. Will I continue to find a reason for school supplies (and then never use them)-- probably. However, little by little I am finding a way to curb the overwhelming compulsion to buy certain things. You can too.

And so Carrie, I have yet one more thing to thank you for. (and my husband will thank you for all the money I save)

Now, if I can just figure out the rest of my messy life, I would be set.

Marty, I know for a fact that you aren't alone! I am exactly the same way! I had a huge curriculum addiction until HOD, now, I can finally relax!!! I do still love all things related to school... supplies, etc. , but don't have to try and figure out what curriculum will work for us.

LeAnna

Oh my! Your words have really pierced my heart this morning!

I've been on break with school work, as we've been on an extended vacation out West. During that time, I questioned my decision to stick with HOD, thinking I could plan it out better myself with all the books I've compiled over the last few years. Well, last night at bedtime, I asked for help and peace, and again this morning, I've received my message. Just as He directed me to HOD in the first place. Why am I questioning where I've been led to begin with???

Thanks so much for your honest, open-hearted post, Martha. It is really putting me in my place, and back on track with my plans for the future! Bless you!!

I too know what you mean about being attached to "everything homeschool" by the umbilical cord. Isn't it great when you finally find the area God was leading you to the whole time.

Oh Marty,

Your post brought a huge smile to my face! I totally agree and loved reading your testimony.

Carrie, I'm so sorry if what I wrote earlier implied that I could actually "do better" than what is in the plan for Bigger. I just simply meant that it has been on my heart that I have quite a library here in my home of books I've collected over the last couple of years, and I felt I should do something about it---possibly by making them "make do" for the lessons in Bigger when we get there.

I didn't mean anything to reflect on your hard work that is in the HOD manual. I am very blessed and appreciative of all you do! I just have been feeling guilty and convicted of having books here that we might not get to use for our studies in some way. KWIM? Sorry! I surely didn't mean to step on any toes or hurt anyone's feelings.

Oh, I know exactly what your are talking about. A few times already I've seen something educational that we could add to HOD. Each time, I realized that I didn't need it. Everything I need is covered and I am totally relaxed about the upcoming school year.

OK, I admit, I have a stockpile of curriculum books that I thought I could squeeze in here and there. I think it's time to Ebay them. I have no intention of leaving HOD until Carrie quits writing programs. HOD fits our theological beliefs to a T, and meets my needs of covering the important stuff while leaving time in our day for other interests.

As Goldilocks would say, it's just right.

Oh Vicki,

You are so sweet! I didn't take any offense at all. I know what you mean. I am always going to squeeze in this or that too! But, I usually end up with things exactly as is in the guide, and find I am relieved to do it that way too!

Thanks for being so thoughtful and gracious. God blessed us with each of you on this board!

P.S. Ladies, this thread just warmed my heart! I've been off the boards the last few days as we have been wrapping up Preparing. It is successfully off to the printer and the Introduction will be added to the web for you all to take a peek!

My sister and I are off to our planning meeting for the next book today and are so excited! We'll miss you all and will be back late, late Sunday night!

Blessings,
Carrie

Marty D wrote: This may seem trivial to those who do not suffer the affliction I do, but I imagine there are some out there in HOD land, who know exactly what I am talking about. It is for you I write these words. Words of encouragement. Will I continue to find a reason for school supplies (and then never use them)-- probably. However, little by little I am finding a way to curb the overwhelming compulsion to buy certain things. You can too.

Not trivial to me! I would have to stand up at the same 12 step program as you. And looking back I feel like some of it was just purely for the love of having stuff but some of it was deep down panic of how do I get this all covered and not have gaps. Ironically HOD has shown me if I had continued without it I would have had plenty of gaps. Sometimes trying to do it all means getting more of less done. Hehehe! I went from having to plan every second of the day for us to open and go with no planing.

It's a blessing. I think people call this contentment. At any rate my husband is glad I am not combing curriculum on the net until 2 AM anymore and that I stopped asking him "Hey what do you think of this."