Brenda Rose

Brandi,

I also lost a child in 1998 - our seventh, a precious boy named Joel. He
lived for two months, from May to July. I'm sorry about your loss that
year.

When I first took my three children from public school, I thought about only
taking the oldest out, as he was about to enter middle school. My dh and I
decided that it would be a lot better for the family to take all three
children out at the same time. This let us begin to live by family time, as
opposed to school times. It also enabled us to do things together, enjoy
each other, and let the three of them get to really know their new baby
brother. It seemed daunting - beginning to homeschool three children,
ages11, 9, and 8, with a six week old baby. On the other hand, I told
friends and family that this way if the baby kept me up all night, I
wouldn't be up at 6 screaming at everyone to "Hurry up, get dressed, eat
breakfast, find your homework, 'You need How much money, for What?', I need
to sign what?, Don't miss the bus cuz I'm not driving you 20 miles to
school, etc..." Instead, we slept in if we felt like it (that first year as
late as 8 am sometimes - lol). We relaxed. We had fun together as a
family. I'd recommend it to anyone who wants a completely different
lifestyle than the hectic rush that public schools seem to force. I'd
definitely encourage you to keep both children together - I think you'll be
happier setting their "schedules" (or lack thereof) than to try and live by
the school schedule for one child and not for the other.

Well, I haven't waited two weeks to jump in. I hope that's okay. More
about me later.

Brenda Rose