Sunday, December 15, 2013

::Sharing Some History and a Proud Moment ::


If  you’ve known me or read Corn for any amount of time…you probably know, that I homeschooled my children all their lives.
I must tell you—it was a joy for me to be able to do that.  It was also a challenge.

I dropped out of high-school to run away and get married.  I was not a poor student. Academically, I did pretty well.  I was however a poor student when it came to CONFORMING. Big Shock, right?!   I was NOT a joiner. I was a little bit on the stubborn side and a whole lot REBELLIOUS. (hence, the run away to get married bit)!  I walked to a different beat; and NO.  I was not in the band. ;)
I remember learning to read ,on the couch,with my mom.  I’d bring my weekly reader home in the manila envelope; and my mom would check off each days assignment, as I read it aloud to her. Later, after supper we’d read some classic piece of literature, Black Beauty, Heidi, or Gulliver’s Travels.  Much more interesting than that weekly reader.

One of my fondest and most vivid memories about books, were of my brother and myself…sitting in the hallway of our little tract house, in front of a small  “free with purchase” bookshelf of encyclopedias…perusing the pages all day while the rain poured down outside.  We did this lots of times and for many years.

The Book of Knowledge Encyclopedia set was to us… the GOOGLE of our time!
encyclopedia book of knowledge
Years later- I would classify myself as a Home-Schooled Public School Kid. (my own label for myself)

Much of the challenge to home-school our children came from the fact that were a single-income family.  Staying home with my children was important to both my husband and myself. A lot of the frugal tips and ideas I’ve implemented in my home and have often times shared here, come from having one income.Though at times it was a challenge, I consider ourselves blessed to be able to do this. It was all worth it to me.

Being a home-school mom gave me the incentive and push to go back and get my G.E.D.

I will tell you a story—within this story--
There was a day about, oh I don’t know… 15 years ago, maybe?  
I was driving to town. My youngest daughter, sitting in the backseat of our mini-van. We are on a Farm-to-Market road.
At some point in our journey, we catch up to a school bus.
It’s making it’s rounds, I think, dropping children off at their homes.
My daughter, who is then about 8 1/2 or 9 years old says to me – very matter of factly,
“When I grow up, I’m going to college.”   
 I've never pushed college—that is another post for another day.
So, I say to her, “Really?  Why do you want to go to college?”
Thinking she is going to tell me she wants to be a Doctor or something.
To which she replies, “So I can ride the bus!” 

She graduated from the Nursing Program Thursday, Phi-Theta-Kappa--
She has 2 little boys, a husband and is a great housekeeper; she cooks, cleans, is crafty …she has so much going for her…and she graduated college!

photo (6)
I have never forgotten that ride in the van and her telling me she was going to go to college.
~Class of 2013~
Our Daughter!
We are so proud of her!

She wants me to go back to school.  I’ve never given much thought to college.   Whenever I do, I dismiss it just as quickly as it comes. Another shocker, right? But lately, it’s been in the back of my mind a lot. I saw many a grey-headed graduate walk across the stage on Thursday.
Who knows, she is such an encouragement to me. One day I might! Lord willing.

But… what would I BE, when I grow up?

Til next time, Be Blessed!




Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, [and] being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. ~ Philippians 2: 5-8

14 comments:

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

What a great post! Congratulations to all!

Unknown said...

What a proud moment. Our daughter just graduated from college in May so I know the feeling. I swear some of the best moments of parenting happen in the car so your story about the bus and college gave me a good laugh. I really enjoyed this post. Thanks for sharing.
Traci

Angel said...

I'm so proud of her! She is an amazing woman. (Woman!! ???!!!)

Kathy Felsted Usher said...

Congratulations on everyone's accomplishments. What are you thinking about studying? Is there anything you are naturally drawn to? Maybe look at the ads to see what jobs are in abundance or what is missing from your community that you could fill.

My Repurposed Life said...

I'm so happy for your daughter and so proud of YOU! Our children become who they are because (or in spite) of us! :) What a wonderful day for your family.

I never went to college, never even wanted to. I did graduate HS, but I was so glad to get out of there, I never ever wanted to study again. When we raised jamie--from the time she was very small, we always said "when you go to college" never if. It was important to me to get her to like school, do well, and continue her education. She did and I'm so proud of her I could bust! (or is it burst? I'd probably know if I had gone to college)
In your writing, and grammar, one would never know you ran away and didn't graduate. Not to mention how smart you've become from the school of hard knocks.

Someday, you should go back to school if that's what you want. I think there's money out there to be had, and with the internet, it's easy to find those resources. hmmmm what WOULD you be?
gail

camp and cottage living said...

Pat
Geriatrics is a ver good field now. We are all living longer I hear!
I can tell you have compassion, which is what is needed in dealing with
the elderly.

Redecórate con Lola Godoy said...

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This is muy blog, see you: http://redecoratelg.blogspot.com.es/

The Boston Lady said...

I love this Pat!!! What a great story and congratulations to your daughter and to you, her teacher! What a joyous event! I think you should go to college! I can just picture you sitting in the lectures, asking hundred of questions and being the smartest one in the room! Or at least the most enthusiastic.

I stayed home too with my kids and it was the best decision (and sacrifice) we made.

Ann

Revi said...

What a sweet, lovely story. Your daughter sounds like an amazing woman. Kudos to you both!

A Daughter of the King said...

Congrats from a fellow, former-rebel and home-school mom , whose children made similar pronouncements and accomplished similar wonderful feats. And hats off to you for your years of service to our Lord. :)

Art and Sand said...

What a sweet story and I know you are proud of your daughter.

I graduated from college at 21, but did not go to school for my teaching credential until I was 38. I got my master's degree at 55. And, I always thought I would be the oldest one in the class, but that was far from the case.

I loved looking through our encyclopedias when I was a kid. I actually still have the wooden shelf that came with our set, but not the books.

Art and Sand said...

I thought it was interesting when I read Dawns blog at Creative Cain Cabin this morning.

Two of my blogging friends are thinking alike.

http://creativecaincabin.com/2013/12/empty-nester-turns-college-girl-part-2-2/

Anonymous said...

Pat,
Congrats to your daughter....and to you!! Great job, both of you.
I checked out your bathroom floor re-do. Wow. That's terrific! Love it.

Claudia said...

That is one wonderful story. Congratulations to your daughter and congratulations to you for doing such a great job of homeschooling your children.

Hmmm. Back to school? Go for it!

xo
Claudia