Now you probably will not believe this but, I am a homebody. Strange to believe eh? I find that I can stay at my home with my boys for weeks on end without leaving the drive way with just a trip or two to the grocery store for staples. Or major shopping trips for things like feed, stock piling, or dreaded clothes shopping. I have basically been the same all my life --- been a latch key kid. However, after a discussion with my husband; it is not fair to turn my son's into the same personality.
We bought the Volvo so, I can branch out with the boys and meet other homeschooling families in our area. I want to instill in my sons the wanderlust I felt in my twenties as a singleton. The reason for this desire and change is quite simple.
We took our sons out to eat the other night and I noticed something about Saenz; I had not before. He got tense when more people showed up to have dinner at the same time as we did. This is not a fair thing for my son to experience. My husband has always said I love to be the center of attention but; it is more than that. I love people; love being in a crowd (watching folks), and thoroughly enjoy meeting people. I love learning new things, seeing places, tasting new foods, traveling to hidden treasures of little towns, and just being alive in the world among others. I did not learn this from my up bringing. I learned this wonderful trait from being in the world alone and having no choice but to reach out and connect with others.
This coming week; our family will be attending our first homeschool family gathering. We need to branch out and connect with others who have similiar interests. We have a desire for our sons to learn how to show animals in FFA (Future Farmers of America). Just today, Zephyr witnessed some Boy Scouts at a resturant in San Antonio and asked us if he too could be come a 'ranger.' I firmly believe it is time for all of us to build a network in our local community. Think about this.........
If our sons are happy in our home, being with folks in our community perhaps they too will want to raise their future families near us. Sure I want each of our sons to experience the world, serve in the military, go away to college, get that job in the big city but more than that. I want them to have a firm set of family roots to come back to --- kinda like migratory animals. (Hope that makes sense.)
12 comments:
I thought you were already going to the homeschooling gatherings! Yes, they need that and scouts and whatever is available. I wouldn't plan on anything beyond the age of 18 or it could turn around and bite you in the butt.
Just saying..........
Ms. Sharon, I just know of the homeschoolers and have only met one up the road. Now I have the wheels to get out and explore. It was just so tough with Zephyr basically eating his knees in the farm truck. Are ya'll thawing out? It rained all day while we road tripped to San Antonio to fix the Volvo's paperwork.
Hugs,
Mal
Yes that makes a lot of sense!
In our family my wife is the social butterfly and I am the homebody. She drags me kicking and screaming to all the things she thinks I need attend. It's always the getting there that's the hard part. Once I'm there eating all the goodies and chit chatting with friends an relatives I'm fine :-)
~Ron
LOL Ron, I rarely have to drag the boys anywhere if I am at home alone with them. They know time with Mommie is an adventure and fun stuff awaits. Now that I have viable transportation; I am breaking my homebody tendancies and exploring. Was just plotting out excurions to small towns and festivals.
I want to take my boys to the Rattlesnake festival in Freer because, we have talked about animal rights and conservation so much. They must see for themselves what the event will mean for the snakes. Just an example....
Many blessings for a happy evening.
Mal
Mal,
I am the ultimate homebody... I love seeing my family and friends, but I hate crowds and really do NOT get into the hustle and bustle shopping the crowded sightseeing areas.... thankfully, my kids are grown and can explore to their hearts' content, and I can hang out where I am most comfortable.
Hope you and the boys thoroughly enjoy the branching out!
Branching out is a good thing;)
If not mistaken many counties have social programs for homeschoolers. I think you can check with your local libary about this. Other families of homeschooled children get together for social events and field trips.
I agree with the family place. Religion is a big one for us. Driving children to do Heavenly Father's work. Creating an eternal family.
Thanks for the post.
Melissa
I still have not mailed your winnings.I will aim to do it on Tuesday....
Makes PERFECT sense Mal! Too bad all kids can't have that. Such a good solid upbringing with secure and strong values.
Coming from a happy homebody, I'm proud of ya. :-)
I think letting the boys experience as much as possible is a wise move....
socialising give more confidence than anything else. once you are used to it!
Hey Judy, There are no plans to say go to an outlet mall yet. I do like visiting small towns though and will start there for the time being. I hate places like malls, amusement parks and so on just for the same reason you do -- the crowds.
Thanks Barbara, Just want to move beyond our four walls for a change of pace. Take Care :O)
Melissa, I love the idea of eternal family. Nice way to look at humanity. :O)
Joanna, It is time to expand their horizons and mine as well.
John, I just have to get into the routine of breaking the routine.
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