Pine Trees

It was that time of the year. Go into any store, drive down any street and you can’t help seeing “it”.

One day Asma so innocently and casually asked me, “Mommy why do they put lights on the pine trees?” It took me a moment to figure out what she was saying and when I finally did, I was secretly amused.

Isn’t it wonderful that to her it’s just a pine tree? I wish it had been that way for me too as a child…

Masha-Allah, may Allah preserve her innocence! Ameen.

Red or Blue Sea?

Me: Did you finish coloring the Red Sea?

Asmaa: Yes.

A’ishah: (to Asmaa) You’re supposed to color the sea red.

Asmaa: It’s called the Red Sea but the water’s still blue.

A’ishah: Oh…I was just joking.

Our Humble Beginnings

There are some moms who will tell you that they always knew they were going to homeschool their children. Maybe before their children were even conceived!

Well, I am definitely not one of those moms. Although I did promise myself that I would never, ever send my kids to secular, public schools. Alhamdulillah I was fortunate to marry someone who shares my views.

I had it all planned out. My kids were gong to attend Islamic schools, insha-Allah. I even had a particular school picked out for the girls. (chuckle)

But Allah, the Best of Planners had a different plan for me. When my first-born was 3, we moved to a small town, with baby No.2 in tow. And of course there were no Islamic schools in that small town.

It dawned on me that there was a big possibility that I might have to homeschool my child. All this while homeschooling was just another idea floating in my head, of which I hadn’t fully explored yet. With much dread and reluctance, I tried to prepare myself for the inevitable.

The way I see it, I just had no choice but to homeschool. It was either that or public school and the latter was definitely not an option in our case.

So that’s realy how it all began for me. I simply had no choice.

Another homeschooling mom I know shared an interesting take on homeschooling. She likened it to breasfeeding.

Mothers who deliberately choose not to breastfeed their babies won’t be able to understand why someone would willingly choose to breastfeed theirs. I suppose they see it as a chore and a hardship on their part. Yes, I can assure you that every woman who’s breastfed her child can testify that it’s not all warm and fuzzy like most lactation consultants would have you believe. Yes, it is a hardship. But it is a hardship that we are willing to bear, because it is only through experiencing that hardship that you get to experience the joy of breastfeeding; the special bond that develops between you and your child.

And especially in the light of Islam, I mean you’re really left with no choice (smiles) :-

 

And We have enjoined on man (to be dutiful and good) to his parents. His mother bore him in weakness and hardship upon weakness and hardship, and his weaning is in two years, give thanks to Me and to your parents, unto Me is the final destination. (Surah Luqman:14)

And that’s how our homeschooling journey began. We’ve certainly seen our fair share of bumps and rocks along the way. But then again, nothing truly valuable and wondrous comes easily. I mean, just think about jannah…