Wednesday, September 4, 2013

First day of homeschooling

"School pictures"
Second grade!
I love that she put ribbons in her hair for school.
My classroom of two! 
Our classroom.....our first day, August 20, 2013
I had the table ready with new markers and each a new book
to surprise them.  And coffee for me! 
I was meant to do this.
I don't know for how long but for right now, I know it
is right and that feels so good.  I have not felt this
conviction to do something or feel this kind of a fit
for awhile.  It is giving me that singular purpose I was
looking for in my mothering.
I entered the day with some trepidation for this new role,
even though I homeschooled Deveraux for preschool this definitely
feels different.  Both because of her age and I think because she
was in school for almost 2 years.
I felt the day was a success.  I loves being present for them.
I thought about how I really need Christ for this as it can easily tap into
 my feeling overwhelmed, desiring mastery, not wanting to leave anything
 out, and my sense of insecurity at times. 
Yet, as challenging as it may feel, I know I want to be spending out
days like this, I just feel that deeply.  I want to try this....and it
just fits in with my convictions and beliefs at this juncture in mothering.
I took this picture and Bobo looked at me and said,
"First quiet time alone."
Oh they are used to my marking of moments!
Deveraux always had a quiet time.  Once Bobo stopped
taking naps and Deveraux was in school, Bobo would
watch a video while I had my quiet time.  Honestly, I thought
it would take too much work to keep Bobo in his room.
Well freshly inspired by another homeschooling mom, we are now
having quiet times and it is a highlight of the day.
Bobo will come "visiting me" several times and I have
to keep reminding him that this is quiet time.  But it is a
good practice and I would say it is working.
Deveraux loves quiet time!
This was taken that evening.
He came out of his bed and laid like this on the couch.
I just still cannot get over some of his sleeping positions.
In a strange way it fits out he lives life.
The part I don't want to squelch, just cultivate and smooth
some of the rough edges that are not always so good.
I am not joking, he was asleep!
I thanked Bobo for playing so well outside while Deveraux and I were working
together. He said, I appreciate you saying that."
The day had a flow to it.  It had a lot of intention, but we all fell
quickly into a rhythm. 
We had outside time with Bible stories to start the day, our candle was lit as we worked,
poetry was created, Bobo and I had some time working on sounds.  Some play time
while I got lunch together.....intentional and thought out thanks to those moms who
have gone before me with such wonderful ideas and inspire me greatly!
I always loved playing teacher when I was growing up.  As the education manager
at Hope Communities, the non profit where I worked I always enjoyed getting teaching
supplies and setting up areas for learning to happen, and as a school counselor programming, scheduling, and organization in my days were areas of satisfaction.
  It just all fits.
And here I am.
A school for the two I love the best.
I thought at the end of the day.....and I get to do it all again tomorrow.
Which is good and yet also a reminder for the journey that it is....not a sprint, but a marathon.
And I desire for homeschooling to become more of a way of life that fits into our family then just looking at it as those hours in the day we have our books out at the table.
Day by day.
and.....we are off!  Yeahoooo!

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