The Homeschool Revelation

       Tonight, I had one of the most exciting, enlightening meetings of my life.  I got to see families from every background, with kids young and old, come together to pursue a good education and rich social life for their kids.  As a young mom and completely new to this homeschooling thing, I was a little anxious about the whole thing. 

But let me back up.

        I married a homeschooler.  You wouldn't know it to meet him, since he's so easy to get along with and not at all the shy, sheltered stereotype you've heard of.  I've also never met a smarter, more well-rounded person than Jon, and yet for more than half of his school years, his mother was his teacher.  That fact was my first clue that there might be something good in this homeschool idea after all.  The second was talking with and seeing all these families work together to make their kids' education a rich, full experience. 

       Let me just say, I was so wrong before.  There's no political or religious indoctrination going on (beyond common sense things like the Golden Rule), no isolation of any kind, and no parent "cliques" to make one feel excluded.  How easy it is for us young moms to become invisibly chained to our homes, not realizing that there's this whole community right in the same town!  To be fair, nobody in this homeschool group is perfect, and they don't pretend to be.  We're all doing our best for our kids, whatever that may mean.

      For now, it means Evie and I can go meet up with other parents and kids once a week at co-op, where she can frolic and play and I will be helping teach geography, and French in the spring.  Even though the kid isn't even potty trained yet, we're included.  There is no minimum age, no complicated grading system, just teaching and learning.  Besides this, there are a multitude of field trips, activities, choir, ect.  If you're worried about your kids not being socialized enough as homeschoolers, think again. 

       My favorite part of the evening was simply sitting and talking with other moms with young toddlers and babies, and realizing the very encouraging fact that I Am Not Alone.  And I fully intend to call these women later on in hopes of setting up a playdate/ teatime for our kids.  Not only is it good for the little ones, but for us Mommies who crave friendship and company in what is otherwise a somewhat lonely profession. 

       So to all you homeschooling families out there, you rock.  And I am proud to join the ranks.

Get A Grip, June Cleaver

             The place is a pigsty.

              It's not as bad as it could be, for sure, but keeping a pristine, tidy house with a toddler is a lost cause.  Sometimes while watching shows from the 50's, I marvel at how clean June Cleaver and Lucy Ricardo's homes appear to be.  Then I remember they're just freaking TV shows.  If there was one iota of real life in them, June would be shown at the end of the day with her feet up, sipping on some wine and praying the kids leave her alone for five minutes.

              That's where I am now.  The relaxing with a glass of wine part, not wishing the kids would leave me alone.  I've only got the one so far, and she's asleep (I hope!) in her crib.  Let me just say, I envy those ladies with husbands who have regular 9-5ish schedules and clockwork routines.  You see, I'm married to a railroader, and he's currently on call for the extra board, which plucks guys to fill any vacant positions.  Twice this week, he's gone on a 1-2 day trip, come home, gone to bed, maybe showered somewhere in there, and spent a little time with his doting wife and daughter.  Exhausting is an understatement, it's grueling sometimes.  I don't think I'd cut it as a military wife, with the husband away six months to a year.  That is way too long to be the lead parent. 

                Even still, we love each other like crazy.  He doesn't seem to mind that dishes pile up in the sink for a few days before I wash them, and I overlook his chainsaw-volume snoring.  As for the little one, she's an absolute doll, a Shirley-Temple type with blondish ringlets, blue eyes, and dimples to die for.  Would I rather play with her than scrub the toilet again? You betcha.

                That's really what it all comes down to, isn't it?  Would I rather have the magazine-perfect house, or some great memories with my baby?  I think I'll settle for imperfection and let some little things go.  Hence the title of this blog, "How to Succeed in Motherhood (Without Really Trying!)".  It's about trying the best we mothers can, without stressing over our shortcomings.

                 So consider this a beacon to all mothers out there, working or at home, single or married, rich or poor.  Take a deep breath, get a grip, and let go of the June Cleaver picture.  Just by trying to do right by our children, we've already succeeded.