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We are beginning the 4th unit in LHFHG tomorrow. DD is becoming accustomed to the format and is enjoying Bible and storytime and doing well with her reading and writing. I had concerns that she would struggle with the latter two. LHFHG is just the right fit for her and I can tell that she is moving forward, Maybe not in leaps and bounds, but I'm encouraged with what I am seeing in just the first three weeks. She is memorizing her verses and learning the rhymes! I've been so impressed! Homeschooling has been ALMOST stress free! (DD has her moods)

I said all that because HOD will need to prove itself in my defense. In another thread I shared that, if everything works out, we will be obtaining guardianship of a newborn within a month. I purposely did not share the news with extended family because I knew there would be negative feedback. I was going to surprise them. Well, dd didn't keep the secret. My dear sister took time to 'question' me to make sure I 'knew what I was getting myself into'. Anyway, one of her many questions was 'How are you going to homeschool with a baby, when you have one who has some special needs with her learning?' I do not feel the least bit concerned about dd not receiving what she needs with a baby around. HOD has taken away the stress of making sure everything is covered. Many of you are homeschooling MORE than one with infants and toddlers around. I really admire that. The Lord has opened the door for us to be involved in this prison ministry. He is also the One who has given us the opportunity to use HOD. So, together, we can enjoy homeschooling while giving our care and love to this baby girl. Carrie, because you have given us HOD, you are a very important part of this ministry that we have undertaken in adopting our dd and now in our ministering to the needs of this coming baby girl and her mother who is in prison. I know dd's skills will shine through as we continue the awesome path of learning you have laid out in LHFHG.

Psreit,
How wonderful! you are going to help that baby along!!! Don't forget your dd may regress hugely when the little one comes home. <3 <3
My advice is ease way way up on school, extended family and social demands. Getting the relations ship worked out with the kiddos is that important. Tho if it's important together time for you and her, do lots of school Also having a pre set "date" with her say on Saturday where baby stays home and the 2 of you go out worked wonders with my sibling came home and she regressed like mad child. Knowing she would have me all to her self for 2 hours a week changed everything.

And your sister Just loves you and cares about you, But she ain't got a clue... right... I've been there an done that. If I had 100$ for every time some one said "do you have any idea what you are getting yourself into" I would be Debt Free!!! LOL
Mommy huggles!
Tansy

Tansy,
Thanks for the advice. Although dd loves babies and is anxiously awaiting to help 'change diapers', I know that it will be a big adjustment for her as well. I'm sure we will experience some jealousy on her part. She likes to be center of attention, so in that way I hope it will be good for her. If the baby sleeps a good bit during the day, I will try to do school, just to keep us ahead in case we do run into some needed down time. HOD does not take a lot of time, which will make it possible to get it done during the baby's nap times, at least at the beginning. The date time sounds like a good idea. I have a 21 and 22 year old at home, so I will have in-home babysitters.

As far as my sister, she never showed a lot of support for homeschooling. She's not against it, but she is wrapped up in the 'system'. So, she worries if a niece or nephew is 'behind' when they are not in a structured school setting. That would fix it. I know she will be a help in obtaining necessary items for the baby and will enjoy the baby, but she and some other family members DON'T have a clue as to why we are doing this. I know what they are thinking....we're going to be tied down, I can't properly homeschool Angie with a baby to care for, the baby will cry a lot , we're too old, etc. I told my sister it would be nice to have positive support instead of the negative feedback. God has given dh and me good health and the desire to take on this ministry. He has worked things out that I can be home. He's blessed US. Why shouldn't we do something for HIM?

There will always be dissenters...as you well-know....even amongst well-meaning family members. I think people are afraid of and/or don't understand things that are not 'the norm'. We have had some of that, and it can be tough to deal with. I agree, the positive support would be so welcome! I just wanted to tell you that I think what you're doing is great. And though there will be challenges and adjustments, your dd is not going to stop learning just because you have a baby around. You may need to work around the baby's schedule, etc. but we learn all the time....so I think dd will be fine. People often have the idea that a certified teacher is the only one who can 'teach' which we know is not true, right? I used to be one of those who said "I could never do that" but I'm going into my 5th homeschooling year. God equips us....we may go through trials, confusion, self-doubt at times....and life happens too. But He equips those He calls...He will equip you in whatever way necessary. So, good for you and your husband for going ahead and pursuing this for His kingdom...who knows what kind of impact you will have on this child's life and the mom's as well? PTL for people like you!

Hi Pam...we are right there with you doing LHFHG, actually a few days behind, but isn't it wonderful how much they are learning? I am so well pleased with my son's progress. HOD is truly making our homeschool very close to stress free as well.

I was always worried, especially with my first, about bringing a new baby home. And although we were not trying to school during those times, (my 3 are fairly close in age) the children adjust so well. I understand that your circumstances are different than mine, but think of how much your dd will learn from helping with this baby. I would stay positive! You are giving her a tremendous blessing, not taking away from her. Sure, it will be an adjustment, but think of the love that she and the baby will share! HTH...

inHistiming,
Thanks for the 'positive support'. I know my family will be supportive once the baby is with us. I know there will be challenging times through this, but as you said, God equips us. After we adopted dd, we decided to pursue it again. We were chosen to be the adoptive parents for a 2 yo girl that had serious medical issues. Once we had her for 2 visits, I was overwhelmed. I knew that it was too much. We decided not to follow through with it. I believe with my whole heart we made the right decision, but after that I was a little scared about taking another child. So, after a year when another match was not made, we ended our adoption journey. That was two years ago. Now as we anticipate becoming guardians to a newborn, I have such a peace. I am not afraid. That is how I felt when I found HOD. I had tried homeschooling dd for kindergarten, but it didn't go well. I cried when I made the decision to put dd in school, but I knew at the time I had to do it. When I found HOD in February, it brought to me a confidence that has not left me. It was hard not pulling dd out of school. I was so anxious to begin homeschooling again. At this moment, I feel the same way about taking this baby. There was a time I would have hated the thought of night feedings. But it doesn't bother me now. It feels so good to have God's peace. I am looking forward to what he has in store.

mommadonna
DD is SO excited about the baby. She treats her baby dolls like they are real! I can only imagine how she will be with a real live baby. I can't believe the difference I have seen in her since we've been doing LHFHG. She came to me just now (I know she should be in bed ) and said all three of her verses from the first 3 weeks! I can only expect it to get better and better! Thanks for your support.

Pam,

Just a quote I thought you may find encouraging. I have it at the top of my blog, to remind me that I don't always have to bend to what others think, but that instead I should always seek His counsel...then stick to my 'course'.

Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising which tempt you to believe your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires...courage.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

InHistiming,
I know the quote was meant for Pam, but thanks for sharing. With some things I'm struggling with, I really needed to read that today.

Laurie

Yes, inHistiming,
Thanks for sharing that. When met with negativity, it can create doubts. I'm learning to rely more on God's peace and not on the opinion of someone else.