Before I became a mom I thought about homeschooling, thinking it would be a good alternative to private school if I were unhappy with the public school options.  Then I had a child.  Wow.  Hats off to all of the homeschooling families out there.  I don’t think I could do it!

If you’re considering a homeschool education I encourage you to join one of these groups to learn more.  I’ve always know homeschooling families to be very open to sharing information and wanting to support other families in their education decisions.

Homeschoolers of Memphis eclectic logo

Here are some local groups and activities available to homeschooling families.  Please add your reviews and additional information via a comment.

Support Groups and Classes

A mom is starting a new business offering consigned athletic apparel and equipment – yippee!  Round Robin Resale will hold their first sale on June 6th from 4-7pm at Sugar Plum Consignments. Want to sell your stuff?  Owner Kate Clinton is looking for LuluLemon, Gaiam, Athleta, Lole, Nike Dri-fit, Nike Tennis, Stella McCartney Adidas, Prana, North face, Patagonia, equipment, shoes and more.  Visit the Round Robin Facebook page or call Kate at 901-606-5088 to consign.

Looking for swim lessons?  The Memphis Jewish Community Center offers lessons for infants to adults.  Right now they are offering two free weeks of beginner or intermediate lessons to one EMM fan.  Enter the giveaway here.  Learn more about their swim school and awesome outdoor water park here.  You don’t have to be a member (or Jewish) to take swim lessons.  Check them out!

Are you annoyed with the cost and lack of options for airline travel from Memphis?  Take the Mid-South Air Service Task Force survey today.  Or maybe you’re a middle or high school parent ticked off about the 7am start time this fall?  Sign this petition to keep the 7:30am start time.

Concerned about autism?  Dad and film maker Darrell Cobbins is bringing his film United States of Autism to Memphis on June 1st.  More info and tickets here.

I’ve gotten a few requests recently for recommendations on tanning and spray tanning places.  I guess it’s that time of year again.  I’ve never done either of these things, so I’m totally relying on the moms to help out here.  Here’s what they had to say:

Spray Tanning

My mom sent this to my a couple of weeks ago and it really spoke to me.  I do not know who wrote it.  I hope you enjoy it as well. Here is my favorite part:

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we’re doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible mothers.

I hope you all have a wonderful Mother’s Day weekend.

My big kid and my mom

Invisible Mother

It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I’m on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I’m thinking, ‘Can’t you see I’m on the phone?’

Obviously not; no one can see if I’m on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I’m invisible. The invisible Mom. Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more! Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this??

Some days I’m not a pair of hands; I’m not even a human being. I’m a clock to ask, ‘What time is it?’ I’m a satellite guide to answer, ‘What number is the Disney Channel?’ I’m a car to order, ‘Right around 5:30, please.’

Did you see my quote on the front page of the paper this morning?  Only a mom blogger can get quoted saying “ughhh” – but I felt that best summed up how those affected feel about the change in school start times (here)!  Good thing I can laugh about myself.  Speaking of public schools – the new unified Shelby County School District has a new Facebook page and “facts first” website where you can sign up for weekly merger updates.

Some items at Erika’s Ladies Consignment Sale