Where do I even start? Four months have already come and gone on this homeschool journey! It has been so many things. It has been beautiful, special, memory-filled, amazing, rewarding and precious, but it has also been exhausting, frustrating, humbling (which is indeed a good thing!) and just plain hard. Capital H-A-R-D. One day as we were driving to the library (because we HAD to get out of the house!) we drove past a Redbull truck. I was exhausted in every fiber of my being. I actually took serious thought to whether or not I could follow him and beg for a tasty lil energy drink right on the spot. Surely he would see my haggard face, truck full of squirrely kids, and have pity on me. Then my thoughts were this: "I don't even like Red bull, unless it has a lil vodka in it! Maybe he has that too?!" As I write this today, I'm honestly not even sure I will continue next year. I have chosen, however, to trust the process and more than anything....trust God. He called me to it, so I know the blessings in it are from Him. When I feel like throwing in the towel, I am continuously humbled and refined. Honestly, I have struggled with the feelings that "if I don't continue with it, that means I am a failure". I have (mostly) worked through that, although it depends on the day. What has blessed my heart beyond measure is that I have had extra time with my kids to make memories and strengthen bonds. THAT is worth every challenging day. (note to self: re-read this post) I am also learning a lot right alongside them which has been so much fun!! It is so rewarding to teach them, watch them catch on and just run with it! We are done by about 1 o'clock every day, which has freed up time for games, field trips, cleaning the house together, playing outside and visiting dear friends. I really love this part of homeschooling. Although I highly value education, I want the kids to understanding the importance of taking time away from it when there's a chance to love on people. I don't know what the future holds for the Behnken bunch, but I guess that's ok. I will keep praying for wisdom and guidance. I will forever be grateful and humbled by the opportunity to be on this adventure with four of the people I love most in the whole wide world.
So, here are just a handful of little glimpses into life this year.
craft time. you know it's my favorite :)
While Addie is at speech, the older three and I often head to Dunn bros for math.
Clara reading to me....another absolute favorite part of my day.
We are able to go to Target when very few people are there. This is what we do.
Learning fractions never tasted so yummy! Plus, I'm hoping their love of being busy in the kitchen only grows!
Field trips with their cousins! SO much fun for all of us!!
I grew up on a farm. You better bet we have been to a few!!
Learning with them. Case in point. So far, my 1st grader knows every country North America, South America and Europe....I forget them :)
Reconnecting this year with a dear, old friend (and her hubby!), has blessed our hearts more than I can say. We have gotten to watch little George grow, and thoroughly enjoy every chance to snuggle!!
Addie has learned a TON this year and loves to soak it all in. Speech has also been such a great help!
Some field trips this year include: Fort Snelling, Heritage Lab, the zoo, nature centers, apple orchards, farms and visiting friends. I LOVE getting to experience these with them!!
I love this face.
And then there's the taking time to go fishing!! Can't wait for the warm sun on our faces to return.
happy sisters
backyard habitat exploration
apple tasting.
I do, in fact, drink my share of coffee :)
Thanks for being with me on this journey. Many of you have blown my socks off with the amount of support, love and encouragement you offer. I am beyond grateful.
♥A note to my kidders♥
You four make my heart so insanely full. I know that this isn't always easy for you either. Thank you for showing me grace and love along the way. I'm sorry for the times I'm not as patient as I should be. I'm humbled and honored to be a part of your learning....both in your smart little brains and in your precious hearts. It is such a gift to be your mama and also your teacher. I love the fact that each of you teach me something every single day. Thank you for that. Each day is a gift, and I love you more and more with everything in me. My cup runeth over.
love,
mama
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