Our 1st Day

Today is the day.  It is our first day of homeschooling. 

Scared?  Yep. 

Apprehensive?  Yep.

Nervous? Yep.

Any idea about what I’m doing?  Nope. 

Ok. That is a self-bash.  I have plans.  I have curriculum.  I just feel clueless.

I watched the 4th grade bus roll away this morning.  I could not believe that I was actually doing this.  I am actually putting the entire education of my 4th grader on my shoulders!

That all being said, I have peace.

I know this is the path I am to walk this year.  It is a path I suspect I should have walked before, but I’m a fighter, a rebel, and a doubter. 

The reasons?

Selfishness

Doubt

Fear

Approval

I feel pressed to share my story.  My journey into our decision to homeschool.  That is my plan over the next few months. (Months. Not days or weeks.  My goals are not lofty.)

Until then I will focus on the verse I read this morning: 

For I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.  Philippians 4:13

And strengthen me He must. 

Fall Focus...my new Journey

I've had folks mention their observation that I've been very sporadic in blogger world as of late. It is true. I have taken a step back from writing and even reading. I have discovered that I am an "all or nothing" person. When I blog, I often get consumed. Not always, but often. Right now, I can not afford to be consumed. There are many other things to do:

• Go to the pool. Seriously. Isn't that what summer vacation is for?

• Choose paint colors. I have 5 rooms I want to repaint. I guess that is that all or nothing "thing" re-emerging. Again.

• Read. Books.

• Projects. So many ideas. So little time.

• Pictures and videos. Will I ever get caught up?

There is something else that has been really taking my mental focus. I am preparing for a very new role this fall. We have decided to homeschool The Ringleader. Yep. I am now a homeschool mama. Though I can assure you that denim jumpers are not in my future. Promise.

Our other 3 children will be attending public school. We will have 2 in (all day) kindergarten and one in second. The Ringleader will be in 4th grade.

So, this is where my mind has been in regards to homeschool:

Curriculum. I am a curriculum junkie. There. I said it. I admit I have a problem.

Planning. A lot of my curriculum is "self planned". However, I still have much to do. I have written a schedule. We will see how that goes. You all know how I feel about them.

Organizing. I am creating a school room. Though I have no idea how much we will use it. I need somewhere to store everything. Plus that sounds luxurious, "a school room".

Mental focus. I am itching to get started. I am a nerd. I love books. I love learning. I love everything that goes with it. However, my student may not share the same enthusiasm. I am prepping myself for this. Before you ask, the Ringleader is 1000% behind this decision. He is excited. Now. Before it all begins.

In my utopian plans, I actually hope to have more time to write this fall. There are reasons I have elusioned this hope. Yes, I will be overwhelmed and busy. However, I still think writing will interweave it's self well into our day. Utopia people. Go with me on this for a little.

There is only a little more than 1 month of summer left. Now go. Embrace it.

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Succinct Blessings

I suspect that God did not create children to be cute incidentally, but instead he had a succinct plan. 

Their infallible “cuteness”  forces us to forget how close to the brink we have often teetered.

It may conjure up ideas for more procreated cuteness.  Even if it is a fleeting thought for only days hours minutes seconds.

Blessings they are. 

Exhausting blessings.

Ballerina

Summer.  It is the essence of my persona.  Spontaneous, schedule free and no alarm.   Since our summer “vacation” began, I have pulled myself out of the blogging arena.  I wanted a sabbatical.  It is freeing.  There are so many projects I’m sifting through.  Amazingly, I’ve even completed some.  Shocking.  I know.

I am getting “caught up” on picture organization.  Although I refuse to commit to a blogging promise, I may share a few with you along the way. Lucky you.  Lucky me.

I’m starting in April.  You know. The month that was 3 months ago.  I barely remember what happened yesterday, so it is a nice surprise  to see what happened  then.

Apparently, I have a prima ballerina in training.     

I hope your summer is filled with dancing, smiling and dreaming.

Happy’s Mother Day

I looked at the clock.  It was 8pm. I realized that the only thing I wanted for Mother’s Day was a picture with my kids.  Yes, I’m a bit procrastinative with these decisions.

So, they all trudged down the stairs somewhat disgruntled.  The Rockstar Nurse gently, but firmly reminded them that this was Mother’s Day.  Surprisingly, the Ringleader was pleasantly cooperative. 

Just like any other picture session with the Flamingo’s, disasters abounded.  Dogs running through pictures, children distracted by birds and camera malfunctions.

They are all looking so it feels like a mild victory.  Score 1 for mom. 

After the children’s  torture picture session, the Rockstar Nurse and I decided to pose.  We are mildly pathetic at having our photo taken together. 

I wanted to be photographed with my “mountain” man.  Each spring, the Rockstar Nurse ceases to be a nurse or a rocker.  Instead he becomes the “hunter”.   The beard is his tribute to the wild.   I endearingly call him Jeremiah Johnson.  (It’s an old 70’s film.  Google it.)   So, with a click of a camera, my Mothers Day was complete. 

Oh and of course my children were rewarded with their favorite.  The “silly” pose. Happy Mother’s Day to every mom or mom “to be”.

Lil’ Rocker is growing up…

I am still here.  Wallowing in my tears.  My baby boy turned 5 last week.  My BABY is 5.

I am ok with that.  Until I drive by a place that brings nostalgia to my mind like a freight train. 

And then I get teary eyed.  I grab my BABY boy.

Snuggling him I whisper, “you will always be my baby.”

Usually he squirms away.

But there are those times he indulges my mama spirit.  He cuddles closer.

 If there was a way to breathe in time I would.

A precious gift this child is to me.

Happy 5th Birthday Lil’ Rocker.

Boys.....

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