Peela Posted December 15, 2010 Share Posted December 15, 2010 after 7.5 years. My kids have gone from little kids to almost adults. Not that we have been doing much the last couple of weeks. Dd16 finished her online course. The books I wanted them both to finish are ...well, mostly finished. Bits and pieces we were finishing up are done. And we havent really been doing much school for a few weeks.....but today was the last official day. (end of school year here- summer holidays). I was thinking to take them somewhere special to mark our last day- a movie, lunch... But my rather extremely socialised teens are too busy with their friends...they would be doing it just for me and I don't want to do that. Instead I am thinking of making a scrap book of our homeschooling years. I think I am getting sentimental. Partly its because...now what am I? I have been "a homeschooling mum" for all these years. It's such a strong identity. WHen people ask "what do you do?" I have had an answer...an interesting answer that provokes interesting conversation. I am enjoying the freedom and time to myself already since my kids are out so much. But the next passion hasnt come yet...I am very lucky...many things I could do...but I dont know what, yet. So, I am taking holidays and ...probably decluttering the house and going to the beach regularly and seeing my friends a bit more. My kids are growing up. But they still need feeding and hugs and ...boundaries! I will hang around here though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted December 15, 2010 Share Posted December 15, 2010 Welcome to the next stage of your (our) life. Laura Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosie_0801 Posted December 15, 2010 Share Posted December 15, 2010 I have nothing to say. I just wanted you to know I read your post. :) Rosie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sebastian (a lady) Posted December 15, 2010 Share Posted December 15, 2010 One way or another, that day is going to come for all of us. Here's to a happy and problem free transition for all of you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommee & Baba Posted December 15, 2010 Share Posted December 15, 2010 :grouphug: What a wonderful accomplishment your family has done! I felt my heart strings tugging as I read your post...because I know this day will come for me and I'm sure for a little while I'll enjoy the "freedom" but I will long for something to keep me busy when we'd usually start schooling. I have many many years to go before I'm there but I wanted you to know I read your post and my heart ached for you.....a bitter-sweet ache though :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RegularMom Posted December 15, 2010 Share Posted December 15, 2010 Here's to your next wonderful adventure. *raising my coffee mug* :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
radiobrain Posted December 15, 2010 Share Posted December 15, 2010 Here's to your next wonderful adventure. *raising my coffee mug* :) :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NanceXToo Posted December 15, 2010 Share Posted December 15, 2010 Congrats on an amazing accomplishment! Don't worry...I can only imagine how you feel right now, but that next passion WILL come! I look forward to hearing what it is. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harriet Vane Posted December 15, 2010 Share Posted December 15, 2010 I'm glad you'll still be here--I enjoy your wisdom. May God bless you and guide you in this new stage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unicorn. Posted December 15, 2010 Share Posted December 15, 2010 I have nothing to say. I just wanted you to know I read your post. :) Rosie :lol::lol::lol: Peela, glad you are going to hang around and offer wisdom to those of us still plugging away. I'll be at that point in about 2 1/2 yrs, so I'll be following your "after" adventures closely! :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FaithManor Posted December 15, 2010 Share Posted December 15, 2010 Peela, Congratulations and well done! It must be an exciting time and yet a little disconcerting. I'll be 52 when the last one is done. I like the idea of a scrapbook. I hope you hang around here Peela. You have been such a wealth of wisdom here and I LOVE YOUR POSTS! Faith Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FO4UR Posted December 15, 2010 Share Posted December 15, 2010 Congratulations on finishing the race! :party: Take them out to celebrate...their "adult selves" will look back and remember and cherish the moment.:001_smile: Enjoy the next step, and *thank you* for sticking around and sharing your wisdom here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kathleen in VA Posted December 15, 2010 Share Posted December 15, 2010 Just wanted to give you a hug.:grouphug: How about writing a book about your adventure? You could complie all your WTM posts - that would be an interesting way to convey all you've learned along the way - kind of like an epistolary novel, only instead of letters it could be exchanges on an internet message board. So many people would benefit from your insights, Peela. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparrow Posted December 15, 2010 Share Posted December 15, 2010 Here's to your next wonderful adventure. *raising my coffee mug* :) :iagree: Glad to hear you'll still be around here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C_l_e_0..Q_c Posted December 15, 2010 Share Posted December 15, 2010 Congrats! I'm dreading that day myself (but still have many years before I face it) Got a question though, how did you manage to get both of them to graduate the same year? I know it can be done, but how did the kids react when they realised the youngest would graduate with the oldest? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted December 15, 2010 Share Posted December 15, 2010 Congratulations! May the next season of your life bloom as brightly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mejane Posted December 15, 2010 Share Posted December 15, 2010 I know it's bittersweet, so congrats and :grouphug:. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garga Posted December 15, 2010 Share Posted December 15, 2010 Wow. What a jumble of feelings you must have. An ending and a beginning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HRAAB Posted December 15, 2010 Share Posted December 15, 2010 Congratulations! One thing I found when my older two graduated was that I had more time to focus on our friendship/relationship without having to be the teacher (did you finish your assignment, why aren't you reading your book, do you really think you should be on the computer when your math isn't finished....) In a way, it was a relief to let that go, and a pleasure to just be a mom and friend. Anyway, you've done a great job, and now you get to start on the next season of your life. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AuntieM Posted December 15, 2010 Share Posted December 15, 2010 Aw, Peela, every time I've seen your sig line in the past couple of months, I've wondered when the exact day would come! Of course it feels bittersweet. But all shall be well... So, you are now free to go on Jeopardy. After all those years providing an excellent education, you'd be a real contender! I truly look forward to hearing what's next for you. But do enjoy your summer as a Recovering Home School Mum. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kfamily Posted December 15, 2010 Share Posted December 15, 2010 :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PinkInTheBlue Posted December 15, 2010 Share Posted December 15, 2010 Wow! I can't imagine how you feel. Congratulations on doing a job so well done. :) I guess now it's on to whatever is next, huh? Life is such an adventure! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SonshineLearner Posted December 15, 2010 Share Posted December 15, 2010 Wow! Exciting!! And I'm a little jealous that you're visiting the beach... and we're getting rained on... and tornados in the area for the first time I can remember!! Enjoy the season... let us know what other activities and passions we'll be having the opportunity to partake in... once our children are in their new stages of life!! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sagira Posted December 15, 2010 Share Posted December 15, 2010 Congratulations! I'm so glad you decided to stick around here. I enjoy your posts as well :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chiguirre Posted December 15, 2010 Share Posted December 15, 2010 Congratulations and enjoy your summer! You can always buckle down and find your next step in the fall after a nice break. You're a great role model, so I'm glad to hear you'll stick around. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tullia Posted December 15, 2010 Share Posted December 15, 2010 Congratulations! I've spent a lot of time in the year and a half since my son graduated catching up on all the stuff I'd put aside because homeschooling kept us so busy. I'm enjoying the freedom to have coffee with friends more often, too, but can sympathize about the change in identity. --Martha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jen in PA Posted December 15, 2010 Share Posted December 15, 2010 I'm glad you'll be sticking around here -- I feel like we still have a lot to learn from you. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy in TX Posted December 15, 2010 Share Posted December 15, 2010 I'll add my congratulations to all the rest--and I'm glad you'll be staying around here. I've always appreciated your posts. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corraleno Posted December 15, 2010 Share Posted December 15, 2010 Just wanted to give you a hug.:grouphug: How about writing a book about your adventure? You could complie all your WTM posts - that would be an interesting way to convey all you've learned along the way - kind of like an epistolary novel, only instead of letters it could be exchanges on an internet message board. So many people would benefit from your insights, Peela. :iagree: Congratulations and :grouphug: to you, Peela. I'm so glad you'll be sticking around, I love the unique perspective and wisdom you bring to the boards. Jackie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3littlekeets Posted December 15, 2010 Share Posted December 15, 2010 Wow ... congratulations! I cannot image the sense of loss combined with such a wonderful sense of adventure. I will eagerly await your updates as you see what the Universe has in store! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remudamom Posted December 15, 2010 Share Posted December 15, 2010 Welcome to the club! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammyla Posted December 15, 2010 Share Posted December 15, 2010 I wish you all a happy transition, and I'm glad you'll still be around. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lizzie in Ma Posted December 15, 2010 Share Posted December 15, 2010 Bless your heart Peela, glad you have been a part of ours. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colleen in NS Posted December 15, 2010 Share Posted December 15, 2010 But the next passion hasnt come yet...I am very lucky...many things I could do...but I dont know what, yet. So, I am taking holidays and ...probably decluttering the house and going to the beach regularly and seeing my friends a bit more. I am sure you will figure something out - you seem to have your hand in many pots. And I'm glad you will be sticking around here, cuz I always like to read your perspectives. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosie_0801 Posted December 15, 2010 Share Posted December 15, 2010 Got a question though, how did you manage to get both of them to graduate the same year? I know it can be done, but how did the kids react when they realised the youngest would graduate with the oldest? The youngest isn't graduating, he's off to school. I'm not sure if eldest is 18 yet, but she'll be full time at TAFE (like your CC.) Rosie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deb in NZ Posted December 15, 2010 Share Posted December 15, 2010 :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peela Posted December 16, 2010 Author Share Posted December 16, 2010 Wow everyone...thanks so much for your well wishing! 4 pages of it when I got up this morning. I have been talking with dh about what's next. I was talking about how I would love to do something in service...to give ....and he berated me saying I have been giving and giving and giving for years now- to the kids, to him, to his work...I have been in service...give myself a break! :) He loves me. Got a question though, how did you manage to get both of them to graduate the same year? I know it can be done, but how did the kids react when they realised the youngest would graduate with the oldest? As Rosie says....they are not really graduating from their education, just from me. My oldest is going into a full time TAFE Diploma course in Mass Communications (journalism, film, photography)- I am not sure what the equivalent is in the U.S.- community college? TAFE stands for Technical and Further Education. This course leads into 2nd year university though, presuming she does ok. It's very hands on and practical (and expensive!). It's her equivalent of year 12, so yes, in a way she is graduating "school" early and going to the next level. Ds15...he is off to school- year 10, though he could technically be year 11 here, we held him back and still think that's a good idea. It is time to be taught by someone other than mum- he fights me too much and after several big incidents in the last few months where I was left a blubbering mess, I realised...he needs school. Stimulation, specialised teachers, other kids to bounce off....he has got into a top public school with a very high academic standard- equivalent to the top private schools here...he also needs to see how he will do in school because he left in grade 2 feeling like a failure and that sense of failing school has never really left him. Fingers crossed, he has a good enough foundation to alow him to thrive. And...I need him to realise that I am not such a monster having him do 4-5 hours of schoolwork a day at his age! School is much worse (particularly this school)- and he will have homework too....so there is a little bit of revenge in there too- I can't help it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liz CA Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 Same here. I still catch myself looking at Homeschool Catalogs now and then. :001_smile: Glad to hear you are sticking around! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosie_0801 Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 I've thought of something to say :D So, does this mean you are ready to sell your copy of Teaching the Classics? :Angel_anim: ;) Rosie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovemyboys Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 after 7.5 years. My kids have gone from little kids to almost adults. Not that we have been doing much the last couple of weeks. Dd16 finished her online course. The books I wanted them both to finish are ...well, mostly finished. Bits and pieces we were finishing up are done. And we havent really been doing much school for a few weeks.....but today was the last official day. (end of school year here- summer holidays). I was thinking to take them somewhere special to mark our last day- a movie, lunch... But my rather extremely socialised teens are too busy with their friends...they would be doing it just for me and I don't want to do that. Instead I am thinking of making a scrap book of our homeschooling years. I think I am getting sentimental. Partly its because...now what am I? I have been "a homeschooling mum" for all these years. It's such a strong identity. WHen people ask "what do you do?" I have had an answer...an interesting answer that provokes interesting conversation. I am enjoying the freedom and time to myself already since my kids are out so much. But the next passion hasnt come yet...I am very lucky...many things I could do...but I dont know what, yet. So, I am taking holidays and ...probably decluttering the house and going to the beach regularly and seeing my friends a bit more. My kids are growing up. But they still need feeding and hugs and ...boundaries! I will hang around here though. Congratulations!!! :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catalinakel Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 Yes, huge congrats. Way to go mum. Enjoy the beach, and whatever else comes along. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iona Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 congratulations! a scrapbook would be a nice way to reflect on these past years. enjoy the summer! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in Australia Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 you have always been an inspiration for me. all the best in the future Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ibbygirl Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 after 7.5 years. My kids have gone from little kids to almost adults. Not that we have been doing much the last couple of weeks. Dd16 finished her online course. The books I wanted them both to finish are ...well, mostly finished. Bits and pieces we were finishing up are done. And we havent really been doing much school for a few weeks.....but today was the last official day. (end of school year here- summer holidays). I was thinking to take them somewhere special to mark our last day- a movie, lunch... But my rather extremely socialised teens are too busy with their friends...they would be doing it just for me and I don't want to do that. Instead I am thinking of making a scrap book of our homeschooling years. I think I am getting sentimental. Partly its because...now what am I? I have been "a homeschooling mum" for all these years. It's such a strong identity. WHen people ask "what do you do?" I have had an answer...an interesting answer that provokes interesting conversation. I am enjoying the freedom and time to myself already since my kids are out so much. But the next passion hasnt come yet...I am very lucky...many things I could do...but I dont know what, yet. So, I am taking holidays and ...probably decluttering the house and going to the beach regularly and seeing my friends a bit more. My kids are growing up. But they still need feeding and hugs and ...boundaries! I will hang around here though. :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: I have had many things run through my mind to say but they all seem inadequate. Just lots of hugs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunshine State Sue Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 :grouphug: Peela, over the years I've watched your posts because our sons are the same age and we are of similar age (or at least going through the menopausal stage at the same time). I've noticed that you seem to have a myriad of interests and I wish you much joy in having the time to explore those interests. I can thoroughly relate with not knowing what I want to do next, and I've already got a paid job, though I'd like something different. I certainly don't feel CALLED to do anything else as I felt called to homeschool. I can thoroughly relate to wanting to turn ds's education over to someone else. I am extricating myself more and more. I wish you the best in your new endeavors. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susie in CA Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 Congratulations! I am glad we will still get to 'see' you on the boards. I always loved your input on discussions. Susie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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