Before I got married 10 yrs ago...............I thought that I had it all figured out. Get married, wait a few years and have 2 to 5 kids, then buy a home, and live happily ever after. That is still very much my goal...however, it's not as easy as I had previously thought. For One, the "kids" came much sooner than we'd originally planned. Two, the "home" has come much later than expected...........and Lastly - as for the "happily ever after" part - well, let's just say that we're still working on that ending!!

I have (2) beautiful kids - a 10 yr. old son, and an 8 yr. old daughter that I homeschool. They are 4th and 3rd graders. They keep me busy and active - and that's putting it mildly. Elijah, our son - keeps us on our toes by being a typical boy. He is very outspoken and full of energy. Each day he reminds us, why we named him ELIJAH, which means "brave messenger"........we just have to work on his delivery. "It's not only what we say - but it's how we say it, Elijah" - a lesson taught daily in our household on his behalf. Nayya, our beautiful and graceful 8 yr. old. is not quite as vocal as her brother, however she is really inquisitive. I call her my who, what, when, where, and how come girl. I thank God that I homeschool to give her that one-on-one attention that her questions often require. I just don't see how - for the life of me, any teacher would manage their time to get through the day..........and get all of the answers to her questions.

In the morning, when I wake up (generally around 5:30am), I hit the floor running. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are sometimes prepared all at the same time - not to mention a few snack ideas in-between. I then, review the lesson plan for today's class and sometimes grade papers that I didn't get to - from the day before. Then we began our class which generally lasts approx. 4 to 6 hours. Definitely, 6 hours if Nayya requires those answers to who, what, when, where and don't forget - how come. In the midst of homeschool, we also incorporate group PE (physical education) and field trips with our local homeschool network group (S.H.A.R.E). I honestly don't think that I could make it without this group. They are a constant support and my backbone. I encourage any mother who is homeschooling or considering it, to join a support group. They really help me to balance out my day, week, and year. The group includes other homeshcooling mothers (fathers also) that face some of the same day to day challenges as I do. I find, that it helps - when I have someone to relate to or even contact when I need support.

I also like blogging and reading other blogs like "Because I said so" by Dawn (another stay-at-home mom), who was just featured on ABC World News tonight and Trish Berg.com who offers great tips on "how to simply and survive motherhood." I find that reading and blogging helps me to share with others and release the tension that accumulates from the normal stresses of a day. I also find encouragement from others who share with me, their experiences of also wearing multiple MOM, TEACHER, and WIFE hats.

Most important for me is staying spiritually grounded. I usually begin and end each day by reading my Bible and listening to great teachers and speakers like Joel Olsteen a successful Pastor and Author from Texas. His latest book is appropriately titled "Become A Better You", which can be purchased everywhere books are sold (ie. Amazon, Walmart, Borders, Barnes & Noble, Christianbook.com, Family Christian Stores, Books a Million, etc.).

So, for all of you moms, teachers, and wives who think that you can't make it. I just want to say that YOU CAN.........................and YOU WILL. Just don't give up!!!!!