Hey friends and followers :) I've had a number of people curious about what next year is bringing for my kiddos and schooling. It was a hard choice that I battled with A LOT, but I have decided not to homeschool again. The kids' emotional response to the decision at first was sure hard on me. They wanted me to continue. Clara quickly told me her plan was to lock herself in her room and STAY homeschooled :) The decision was hard because I truly cherish the time, memories, the learning, and the HUGE challenges that taught me so much. But, I told myself I would try it for one year and if I didn't feel at peace about continuing, or that it wasn't best for the kids, then I wouldn't. I care a lot (often too much---a work in progress) about what people think...so the decision was also hard because I felt like a failure. I wanted to WANT to love the heck out of this and continue on. I felt that other passionate homeschoolers would look down on my decision. The truth is, I know that in order to be the BEST me, the best mom to these four loves, this is what I needed to do. A very dear girlfriend, who is also a teacher, said these words: "Even if they learn not one thing, which I know isn't the case, you will have had the time with them and the memories together. Emotional IQ is so important." I'm so thankful for those words. September is going to be hard HARD to not be with them every day...my mama heart is SO not prepared yet. They HAVE come around and are now excited about the schools they will be attending....which took A LOT of searching. They all have familiar faces and/or great friends that will be at their schools.
Addie will also be doing preschool three days a week. I will have time by myself!! That will be weird, but I'm also very excited about some of the new adventures I am pursuing.
So, here it is, mid August with school just a few weeks away. I hope my kids know that I am honored that I got the opportunity to try homeschooling, and hope that they will look back on this year with fond memories. I can't even put into words how deeply I love them.
I also cannot thank you enough for the love, support and encouragement that so many of you have shown me. I'm so grateful.
So, cheers... to summer, to new chapters, to kids being resilient and oh so full of grace, forgiveness, and unconditional love♥
A card Kyla gave to me. If I taught them anything, I guess I can be proud I taught them to "give it a try"....her heart amazes me so much.
Farmers Market...one of my favorite summer things!
lotsa time spent with amazing (retired) grandparents
♥♥♥
Elm Creek beach...free ice cream & we even go to be on TV! :)
playing detectives
My most frequent running buddy...rain or shine :)
VBS!
HOURS of chalking (and making chalk paint...for our feet? :)
Kyla's first time away at camp
Many hours spent at the pool this summer!!
Ty's first summer of baseball. SO fun to watch!!
we made some time for a few science experiments and schoolwork....between all the swimming :)
COUSIN TIME!!
7 lil swimmers!
Swimming lessons...Kyla is almost on the swim team! They LOVE it!
