Just around the corner is an outdoor educational program for kids that my youngest attends once a week. A day of campfire, exploring, nature journaling, smores and studying the beauty of creation with a small group, amazing! After dropping off my K, I decided to go grocery shopping and came home to a very quiet home (well dogs barking of course). It was very strange. As I drove up, parked and began to unload I couldn’t help but laugh at the memories that flooded my heart and mind, the competition that would take place between my boys when they were younger (actually they would still do this!). The one to make the trip to the house with ALL the groceries was the winner. They were determined to use their muscles to help mom.

I miss that.

There are many moments I look back on with laughter and joy. Of course there are many that were hard too. That is life at home. The ebb and flow of the homeschooling years was (and continues to be) moments that I am grateful for in ways that can only happen as you look back and well, get a bit older. At the beginning of our journey to homeschool, I clearly recall that I did not want to be 50 and look back with regret. I am not 50 (yet) getting close (even as I type I am in denial lol!). I don’t regret the choice, I am thankful for the opportunity. As my sister just recently reminded me, “We were not promised a life of ease.” Homeschooling is not easy! However, I embrace the looking back and hold onto the gift of moments I have had with my 5 and continue to be thankful for the days at hand. We all have unique families and experiences. The blessing of this variety is how we learn from one another in our differences and can still have a blessed unity. Whatever path your family has chosen, embrace the moments!

What I am embracing is the new routine of high school and middle school with my two youngest and university and working years with the older 3. I am embracing days with my youngest and watching a new pattern unfold that is meant just for her! We have our curriculum (will post about this shortly) and opportunities such as the outdoor education day, a day with another beautiful family (our own co-op!) going around the world every week (Africa is our first adventure) and the joy of dance, youth group beginnings.  

Some days I linger in the past full of emotion for what is now gone, but I am finding joy in the journey and embracing today. 

The beginning of the new memories!

Nails and Mystery Science

 

First day of school/Bible: The Fruit of the Spirit Banner (A Sweet Summer Study) – a free download from Risen Motherhood. You have to subscribe to have access to the free download and then you will be given a password into their vault. 

 

Stop Motion Movie