ready or not, here we come

My brood and I were off to Monday School today!  It was a fun whirlwind of a day, only a half day to ease us into it all.  I got to chat with some wonderful ladies and enjoy the fellowship of other families who have chosen this path.

We're so thankful for our co-op and for all the people who work so hard to make it happen.   The kids had a wonderful time, and so did I.   Here's to a great spring term!

*Gabriel was squeezing in a nap before we headed off.  One benefit to his very early morning today!

I won't be "Mother of the Year" in 2012.

This week already feels a little different.

Monday School finished up this week.  Henceforth Mondays will be our own again, and I fully plan to crack down and get a lot done on those mornings.   History, Bible, Math, Language Arts, laundry, you name it.  I can hardly wait to get going.

This Friday night is our homeschool co-op's Showcase Night.  Three of my children will be taking part in presentations.  There will be Spanish recitations.  Owen's class will be singing.   There will be tables displaying class work - such as a board game my son helped create. Their teachers will be present.  There may be a video montage.  It will be a chance for the to show off what they've been doing and learning this term.

And I will not be there.

My husband will be taking the kids by himself, hopefully taking videos of what I'm missing.  He'll be navigating the crowd with our brood in tow, tending to bathroom emergencies, finding seats, reminding them to listen quietly, c lapping for them, and then taking the lot home and getting them into bed - without me.  Did I mention I won't be there?

Nope.  Instead, I will be resting in a cozy beach house at the coast.  I'm taking the baby (who would apparently starve if I wasn't around to nurse him regularly) and heading west with a group of friends for a weekend of relaxation and encouragement.

I'm excited, looking forward to it, anticipating...and feeling a little guilty.  I don't like the idea of missing their presentations.  I feel bad that Jeff will be playing the single parent while I'm away (though I know he's more than capable; he is such a great dad).  Still I am choosing to go.  I want to go.

I want to bask in the wisdom and perspective of these mamas - did I mention they're all homeschoolers?   I want to get away for a few days, to have an adventure, to enjoy the company and fellowship of other women.    And I want to soak up the encouragement which I'm sure will slow.  The reminder of why we do what we do.  The reason(s) we're on this crazy journey.

And I think it'll be worth it.

So I'm taking the leap, going out on a limb, stepping out of my comfort zone.  And yes, I'll be missing Showcase Night.  Still, my kids know I love them and am praying for them.  And when we get back I will snuggle up with them and watch the videos of the presentations I missed - hopefully a more relaxed and even happier mama.

Here I go...to the salty sea air, the sound of the waves, the murmur of women's voices and the pleasure of being away from home.  Here I go...to conversation, laughter, food, and most of all, encouragement.

Worth it?  Yes...

homeschooling: make new friends & keep the old

This morning marked our third week of Monday School with our local homeschool co-op.  With the glaring exception of little Gabriel essentially imploding before the end of the last class period, it's been really good. So good.

I'm seeing so many new faces, in addition to many that I've known for several years now.  It is such a pleasure to feel a little more seasoned and to know what to expect a bit better.  I feel as though I'm finding some kind of groove with the whole mother-of-five thing.  It helps tremendously to have such amazing helpers.  The little ones are being very obedient as well.   It's easier to maneuver my brood around outside of the house.  The big trip had a lot to do with that - and I'm sure it will be a little more difficult once Oregon's rainy season begins in a month or two.  But still.

I'm a little overcome by the authenticity of the ladies who gather their families each Monday.  It is decidedly a joint effort to make something like this happen, and the encouragement and kindness I've encountered is beautiful to behold.

While I help with (and learn) the First Aid stuff, my kids are building friendships.  When I play games with a group of elementary kids, my baby is being cuddled by other mothers.  My children see kids raising their voices in worship during chapel time, while the mamas lift their hands.   They see, and I see, other families who live this crazy life - and we are all encouraged.

We're not the only ones walking this amazing, challenging road.  The life of math at the dining table, history snuggled up by the fireplace while we read about ancient times.  Of pausing the grammar lesson to deal with a runny nose or taking the play dough away from the toddler who found it so tasty.   The path that is filled with intensely difficult days and exquisitely exciting ones, with tears and laughter and hugs.

What a blessing.

And what a gift to know that regardless of what happens, the Lord'shomes mercies are new every morning.  This is just one of the evidences of the kindness He shows us.

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
    for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.
             ~Lamentations 3:22-23

 

first day of (monday) school

Today was the much-anticipated beginning of Monday school for our homeschooling co-op.  The older boys had chosen their classes carefully.  My pre-k (!) son was looking forward to another Monday school experience, and my daughter was excited about her "big girl" class.

Here they are, all bright and shiny and breakfasted.

my four "big kids"

The baby and I went, too.  I get to help in a First Aid class this term, and I am very excited about that.  I've forgotten everything I learned when I was certified way back when (before I had children!).  Not knowing what to do in various emergency situation has always left me feeling anxious, especially with a crawling baby prowling around the house in search of choking hazards.

Me and Gabe at in the chapel

In addition to helping in the First Aid class, I'll be a floater.  I've never been a floater before, and aside from the lack of predictability (will I have 2nd period off or 3rd period?  what to wear that would work for any and all classes I might help in?  when will I be able to go nurse my baby?), I'm looking forward to experiencing other classes and meeting even more people.

It was a short day today, more of a practice run than a regular, full morning.  But we went, we saw, we did it.  We had a great time, and we're really looking forward to the rest of the fall term!

10 things about Monday School

Yes, it's that time of year again. Today marked the first (full) day of Monday School through our homeschool co-op. In honor of the beginning of the spring term, a few notes.



10 Things About Monday School

1) A little boy looks so much more grown up when entering a preschool classroom, than he did entering a toddler one.

2) My 8-year-old has a new best friend. His surname is the same as the title of a certain "caped crusader." Awesome.

3) Putting my 5-year-old in with the 1st graders is a little freaky, even if his reading ability is astounding.

4) Agreeing to teach two Lego classes is not a gentle way to segue into being an official teacher.

5) If I want my Lego pupils to construct a building, I must take all of the wheels away. Building a vehicle is just too tempting.

6) Teaching in a classroom is hard. Way harder than natural childbirth.

7) If I have to lay down the law with a child, it's nice to know that I have his mother's support.

8) Encouragement in the homeschooling community is vitally important. I value the friendships I've made in this co-op, so much.

9) Boys and girls behave very differently in a classroom setting.

10) I may well teach again for some term in the future. But I think I will have to watch a birth video or two before I decide...