Our Homeschool Journey Begins

 
Today we started something new! It was our first official day of homeschool. As we are all painfully aware, 2020 has been unlike any other year in our lives! So much uncertainty. So much dissension. So much apprehension. One thing that came fairly easily to Tim and me, was our decision to homeschool our girls. We absolutely loved our experience in the Hilliard school district. Both Violet and Juliet's teachers were incredible, sweet, amazing women. We are grateful for the experiences they got to have in "regular" school, even if just for a year or two. That being said, Tim and I are responsible for the raising of our girls. Their physical safety, their emotional health, their spiritual development, and their intellectual pursuits. We easily concluded that there are no two people more invested in their development than us! The homeschool community truly is astounding. So many parents willing and able to offer advice, lend an ear, retell experiences. I have been so encouraged at the amount of resources available to homeschooling families. We are so excited to be diving in and learning about it all. I'm certain this will be an evolving process in which we are always learning what works and what doesn't. But that's the beauty of homeschooling, isn't it?

I am very at peace with our choice. I've done the research, I've read the books, I've listened to the podcasts. I can take the ideas and information that best fits our family. The Lord will equip me to teach them. He will provide the grace when my patience has run out. He will give us the sweetest gift all - which is time together. On days that I question if I can do this, I already know the answer. After all, I have been their teacher since the moment they were born.

Violet Marie - 1st Grade

Juliet Elise - Pre-K (second year preschool)

Scarlet Hope - Preschool

All three little ladies (didn't even notice Juliet had her sign backwards from last year's last day)


Teacher mama and her pupils

Our school room

First day donuts with Dad!

First day Bible lesson

Violet was the most excited - she didn't want to stop!

Sweet Juliet

Proud Scarlet

Lunch outside on the patio

First day of school celebration dinner at Cracker Barrel per Violet's request
(she loves the games and the gift shop!)

Violet Marie at 6 years

Six years ago our world changed drastically. I was due on Christmas day with a little baby girl, who remained unnamed until we met her in the hospital. I truly had no idea what I was doing. Sure, I have 20 nieces and nephews, at the time a 6 year old step daughter, tons of experience with kids. But as much as I love those kids, none of them are mine. When Violet was born, it was just me. I was it. Her source of life, her source of nutrition, safety, and endless love. Not to say that Tim didn't help me tremendously, but when push came to shove, it was all on me.

I will never forget our first night in the hospital. Tim had gone home to get some rest because the only option for him in my hospital room was a very short pleather chair that reclined, but reclined awkwardly. There we were, sitting together alone in the dim lights of the hospital room. I remember introducing myself as her mama, and that I promised to love her and take care of her forever. I prayed that she would love Jesus and always be kind and brave. At that point in time, I had zero clue what her personality would be like, (although I guessed it might be spirited due to her constant crying), and just no idea how the future would unfold. Out of all of our girls, I remember our time together most vividly, which is to be expected. I didn't have little ones at home to think about. I used to sit and stare at her, getting lost in her hazel eyes as big as saucers. 

The years have been sweet with Violet. I didn't see it until the past couple years, but the girl is so much like me that it's actually a bit scary. We think the same ways, enjoy the same activities, even have the same favorite color (purple, of course!). Her actually being SIX years old is surreal to me. I always tell people that I came alive when I became a mom, and I still believe that. She threw me into a world of constant self sacrifice. I love her more with each passing day. 

Thank you, Lord, for our sweet Violet Marie.