Back to school

Today was officially the first day back to school for the Honey Grove folk. No big deal right? 

I completely feel confident in home schooling but for some reason today was a little jittery for me. I kept thinking, wow this is really it, we are definitely not putting our kids through public school. I was reflecting back on the summer and how it felt great to be teaching the girls at home. 

I guess my uneasiness is starting because now is the time Charly would officially have been enrolled in school, basically "point of no return". As I was pondering this thought for some time today I kept reassuring myself that I KNEW this was the right thing for our family.  Just to have confirmation is in itself enough reassurance, but I still have to remind myself that this CAN and SHOULD be done. 

So while the rest of HG was fussing over "what to wear", Charly, Piper and I were snug as a bug in bed. Charly and I got up at 8 and read for an hour while Piper slept. It was a chilly 72 degrees in the house so of course we read while cuddling with a blanket...*gasp*. We had breakfast and went on with activities to keep us busy, prepared for FHE, made a cake, made a sheet tent etc...

At about 2pm when I was craving some quiet time I noticed that the girls were playing together and I had a thought,  Piper and Charly will never get this time back to be with each other and then I started feeling all warm and fuzzy inside thinking of the sisters they are and potentially will be to one another. I thought how this kind of learning environment could never happen in a school setting. I thought about how wonderful it is for kids to be around children of all different ages to learn experiences from them. It already amazes me at how much Piper is picking up from Charly. Piper already knows what we do when its school time and she just makes herself blend right in, she does the crafts, listens to stories, says prayer, and yes, even makes messes with us.

I can't really describe it in words the feelings that overcame me while watching them imagine and create together, but I do know this, despite all the challenges that may come from jumping off the conveyor belt of education, I sure am grateful every day that we are  indeed taking this jump. Together.

Home schooling for me is recognizing the issues that really matter and focusing on them. This is a new journey for all of us and I must add that while today was kind of an "explosion in my brain" , I feel more reassured about our decisions than I ever have before. It's only when my believes are tested that they seem to get stronger. I am also realizing that I am stronger than I thought I was.

I am learning every day something new. Perhaps I too am tagging along with Charly and getting the education along the way that I crave, amazing how much your kids teach you when you are willing to be taught. 

Being in charge of our family is such a great thing for Nate and I. You'd be surprised at how empowering it is to research and make decisions for your kids based on your knowledge and not what others tell you to do.  Life is good!