They are going for away for 10 (and a half) days...

I know, for most people the thought of homeschooling can feel overwhelming. Just the thought of being home with your children all day creates a tired stressful feeling. Now add in your husband being home all day, too.

The thing is... my family lives, works and learns at home all day every day... and we love it!

I remember three years ago, when my kids were both in school and my husband was away at work for 10 hours a day, and I felt like I didn't get enough "me" time. When I began telling my friends that I was thinking about homeschooling, they all said the same thing.

"Wow, you're brave! I don't think I could be home all day with my kids."

The thought of being home all day together created fear in me and I wasn't sure if I could do it. At first, we went through a transitional period, where I didn't know what I was supposed to do, and the kids didn't either. It was a huge challenge to find our way together. However, strangely enough, when we all changed our definitions of life at home, we found our rhythm.

It was a whole other transition when my husband quit his corporate job. Another huge challenge to get used to him being home all day, every day, using MY kitchen, trying to be in charge of MY kids. When he quit his job, I didn't realize I had to quit my job as the homemaker, too. Again, we all had to relearn our understanding of life at home, adding in another person. I have to admit, this took a bit longer, but finally a rhythm was found, and as we have practiced over the last two years, the beat is smooth and beautiful.

The truth is, we love living our lives together. We are a living, working, learning unit of 4, who are interdependant on each other for fun, long talks, games, long walks, problem solving, and exploring the world.

Now, they are leaving...

Oh, I know, it's a great opportunity. I am in the middle of writing my first non-fiction book, and it is going to give me a fabulous opportunity to finish it without interruption. I can work all day and night, without worry of ignoring anyone, and finally finish some important thoughts and projects. I also have a couple of appointments, I never take time out for, plus I am going to see Byron Katie speak in the big city over two days.

Oh yes, I have BIG PLANS! Yet, yesterday was when it hit me... I am going to miss them being in my life, all day, every day. 10 and a half days apart from my best friend and my two precious boys. Our beautiful rhythm will slow down, it may even stop. That is when I realized something:

The more time you spend together with your family, the more you miss them when they are gone.

So (Oh MY!) I am going to miss them... and the next 10 and a half days will be a countdown to their return, while I try to focus on my big plans.