This was a response that I got from a text that I thought was from my son. I know I have to back up the truck so you can jump in to follow my line of thinking here…

My son is out of the country serving as a missionary in Eastern Germany. I was really missing him the other day so I sent him a text to the  telephone number that I haven’t used in over 3 months. Not because I don’t communicate with him, I just don’t use the text feature very often since we skype every week. Anyway, the message I sent him said, “I was thinking of you today. I love you!”

Approximately three hours later I get a message that said, “Who is this?”

I quickly typed, “Your mama!” as this is what Malcolm fondly calls me. I thought that was strange since he knows my telephone number and who else would leave him a message like that? Hmm?!

The reply that was quickly returned stated, “You are NOT my mom!”

“This is becoming even stranger”, I thought to myself. I fired off a retort, “Of course I am!”

“No, you aren’t.”

By this time an idea was forming in my head that maybe, just maybe, I had the wrong number.

“Is this Malcolm’s cell phone?” I asked rather hastily.

“No ma’am.” Were the words that blazed upon the screen in front of me.

Right then I realized that I was conversing with a stranger. My face flamed a brilliant shade of  red as I was thinking how embarrassing this was for not only me, but the other person on the other side of this conversation. I typed furiously, “I am so sorry! I thought you were my son! I bet this was really weird then!”

The reply I received stated, “Yes, it was a bit weird, no biggie.” And  the next thing the person typed made me laugh and not feel so bad was, “There for a minute I actually thought I had a secret admirer !” Bless that person and their sense of humor!

What does this have to do with home schooling? Very little other than to say “I love you!” to your children today at some point when you are having school. Be sure it is face-to-face or if you text them, make sure you have the right number. 🙂

Another year has gone by and I can hardly believe that January is already half over! I have a hard time sitting still and reflecting over the past year, but this blog is going to make me do it. 🙂 I will share my reflections, add comments, and challenge you to consider things this year as we start 2012.

1. I started something new; this is it- a blog. I realized that if I don’t start, then it will never happen. What have you been wanting to do that you have not yet attempted? Why not make this the year you try.

2. I started to de-clutter my house. I am one of those kinds of home school moms that keeps curriculum, trade books, and educational magazines and resources thinking that I will use it at some time. I decided that if I have not even looked at the “stuff” over the past 3 years I am going to get rid of it. I took several boxes to the co-op I used to attend so that someone else can be blessed. How about you? What are you keeping that you can give away or throw away?

3. I found time to spend with my husband. I am incredibly busy (aren’t you?). I teach 11 different classes and find myself only seeing Dale when we get up in the morning and when he first gets home. I have really tried to get my schoolwork done by 7:00 a few days a week so I can spend evenings with him. It  has not been an easy thing to do, but I know that school will always be there and  lessons can always be improved, but I want to honor Dale and let him know I love him by spending time with him.  I heard a gal say she and her husband put the kids to bed early one night a week so they can have a date night, which is their downstairs. 🙂 Will you consider setting aside couple  time for you and your husband if not once a week, what about once a month? I think you will notice a difference in your home- you, your husband, your children and your attitude.

4. This was a hard one, but I have decided to cut down on my schedule for this upcoming year. I love everything I do, but I also realize that if I have to text Dale from another part of the house (which I have done) to say hello, I am doing too much. Take a look at your schedule. Are you doing too much? Is there something you can give you up this year?

5. I made “friend dates”. Time flies by, and before I know it, another month has passed and I still have not seen my girlfriends. Who have you not seen in a while? Can you catch a quick dessert for an evening? If not, try calling them and setting a timer so that you don’t feel guilty for catching up and leaving other duties. There are always dishes to wash and laundry to do, but friends are for a season and when all is said and done, people matter, NOT household duties. You can quote me on that!

6. I did some things for “me”. I bought a pair of running shoes with my Christmas money instead of spending it on things for the family or house. It was a splurge, but I am walking 6 days a week and felt that I needed to get fitted for a pair of shoes. After 2 failed attempts and having to go back each time to the running store, I finally found a pair that I like. What is that you want to do? Make the time or set aside a little money each week to pamper yourself. You deserve it!

Have a great year and remember to have fun and make time for yourself. You’ll be glad you did.