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.

My LASIK experience

As of 6.13.19, I have new eyes.My -6.75 vision is no more! I wanted to write out my experience with LASIK so I remember and can describe in full detail in case one of my daughters or loved ones wants to have it done someday.

I arrived to the surgery center at 9:30am. The night before, I had two eye drop prescriptions filled. One of those drops was to be installed the evening before, and another set the next morning prior to surgery. The TLC eye center office is extremely comfortable and calm. They have a set up of coffee and a basket of snacks. The waiting room was almost completely full of naked-faced, glasses-wearing, foot-tapping people.

When they finally called me back around 10:30 (ugh, I know), I was put into an exam room where they looked at my eyes again. The nurse gave me a wipe for my eyelids. I had some stubborn mascara that I didn't realize was hanging on. Next they talk to you about what you're having done and ask if you have any questions. Several of my family members have had LASIK done, so I knew a lot of things, but one thing I HAD to have answered, is if my vision will ever go black during surgery. The nurse said that it might, but for just a second. She said some people go black, some go white, and others even different.

Then the doctor came in, Louise Doyle. She is a petite older woman, who has a very calming voice. She again asks you to state what you're having done, you sign a release form, and all that.

Then I was left in the very dim exam room to wait....for what seemed like another 30 minutes.

Finally the nurse came to get me. She set me in a set of chairs right outside the surgery room. She gave me shoe covers and a hairnet, wiped my eyes with an iodine solution, stuck a label that had my name on it on the top of my hat, and administered my numbing eye drops. The numbness was almost immediate, which pleased me. Suddenly, a nurse comes out of the surgery room and beckons my nurse, because the patient before me was feeling light headed and dizzy. Oh great....  So they walk her out like a baby learning to walk. Another employee asked the girl if it was amazing (lightheartedly). The girl swiftly replied, "NO!" So this is a great last view for me as it was my turn next!

They led me into a very cool room, that was also very loud. The sounds reminded me of what I imagine a submarine deep in the ocean sounds like. There was a bed that resembled a massage table, surrounded by many contraptions and machines. I laid down facing up with my head in the "donut" hole of the table. The nurse offered me a blanket, which I gladly took. I was warned it would be chilly in the room, so I was wearing leggings and a light sweatshirt. She placed a solid block beneath my knees, and it was ultra comfortable.

The procedure itself was like a blur, literally. First, they cut your flaps. The doctor placed an eye lid opener contraption into my right eye (not painful, just some pressure). I was told to look directly at the ring of light. It was difficult, because your natural instinct when presented with a harsh light is to close your eye, but I couldn't. I could tell my eyes were watering, but I looked at the light. She told me when the laser was starting, and I felt nothing. I did see little bursts of tiny white dots, but I could always stay fixated on that ring of light. The flap cut took just a couple seconds. She then removed the eyelid holder, put some gauze and tape on my eye, and then started on my left eye with the same process.

After the flap was done, she said "the worst part is over!" and I was again pleased. Now what I didn't know, is that the worst part was to come. She twisted the bed over (I assume to another laser machine), and proceeded to place the eyelid holder back in my right eye. Now this time, I was to stay fixated on a green light in the machine. When it started, I knew when she was lifting my flap, because my vision got very cloudy (not black). The laser began, and my main concern was staying fixated on that green light. It was my only focus. My vision went very cloudy white. The smell was like burning hair (I was prepared for that), and the sound was like a woodshop project. After the laser was done, they flushed my eye out. Again, I felt nothing except the cold drops of excess solution hitting my face. Then she used some sort of squeegee/brush to remove any debris from my eye. Then more rinsing. Finally, she was done and placed taped gauze on my eye. The same process for the left eye. I cannot describe to you how strange this experience actually was. I told someone it was what I imagine it's like to die. Seeing a light at the end of a tunnel, so many little bursts of light, cloudy vision, hearing people but not being able to speak. With that being said, it lasts only for a few minutes! I can imagine that someone that was not emotionally or mentally mature would have a very hard time with that part of the process.

The entire time, Dr. Doyle was talking me through each step, a nurse was rubbing my shoulder in comfort, and the rest of my body was extremely relaxed. When complete, I was told to sit up, swing my legs over, and stand up. My vision was cloudy, like I was wearing glasses rubbed with vaseline.
I was taken to an exam room where another doctor checked my flap and said it looked great. He put some more drops in my eyes and I was told to sit with my eyes closed for about 20 minutes. He then came back, checked the flap again, told me to go home and take a long nap, and then I was free to go!

My sister was waiting to drive me home, and I must say, my eyes were burning. Almost like a light acid burn. I closed my eyes the entire way home. Maybe it was the motion, but I was feeling a little carsick, and my eyes were burning. Not pleasant! When I got home, I was so relieved to see my girls' faces and they greeted me like I'd been gone for a month. I was able to take a 2.5 hour nap, and felt great afterwards. My vision was still cloudy, but again I was prepared for that. The fluids in my eyes would dissipate over the next few days.

Here we are on 6.14.19, and my vision is indeed better. At my post op checkup this morning, I was seeing 20/20 and things are nearing crystal clear. The thought of having such poor vision for my entire life, and being fixed in less than a few minutes under some lasers, blows my mind! I am that this technology not only exists, but is accessible! Grateful for the resources to make it happen, and the support from my loving husband.

Update 8.21.19:

20/20 vision and dryness is only at night and in the morning. I still fumble for my glasses on my nightstand in the morning. Can't believe I can see!

Violet Marie at 5 years

Our sweet Violet is 5 years old! This year has been so much fun in seeing her personality continue to develop, and her likes and interests showing so much more. Violet is such a thoughtful little girl. She expressed herself best through making cards and crafts for people. She is quite shy in face to face situations, but is wild and crazy at home. She loves organized activity, helping mom with anything, and ruling the roost over her sisters. She is super into anything unicorn, and loves to carry around a "little one" (stuffed animal) anywhere she goes. It could be any stuffed animal. Her favorite lovie, lambie (aka "real") stays in her bed to prolong her life through less wear and tear as much as possible.

 

Violet is in her second year of preschool, and flourishing. She loves coming home and telling us all about what they did that day. Her vocabulary is excellent, and is constantly asking questions that sometimes mommy has to google for the answers.

We love this girl so very much!

Stats:

44.5" tall

39 lbs

Juliet Elise at 3 years

And just like that, our middle little lady is three years old! (as of  9.15.18, yes I know I'm quite overdue!) Oh, sweet Juliet, how to even begin describing your personality? Your emotional stability is about as reliable as a game of jenga. You feel things deeply, and we always know what you're feeling. This is a good thing, little one! You are comfortable enough to be completely open and vulnerable. You are so good at being a big sister, and a little sister. When you're excited, you jump up and down like a pogo stick, curls bouncing and all.

This year, you got glasses! You were squinting all the time, so we took you in only to discover that you have astigmatism like mommy and daddy, and near sighted like mommy. You were so excited to pick out your glasses. Dad and I weren't sure how well you would keep them on, but you have done an incredible job! We are so proud of you!

You still have zero, and I mean zero, interest in the potty. Mommy is being very understanding, but really honey, it's time. Let's make that a short term goal, mmmkay?

Your favorite thing to do right now is pretend play with little dolls and characters. The voices you use for them is so high pitched, it almost sounds like your vocal cords are going to snap. But I love listening to you pretend, it's definitely one of my favorite things.

You and Violet started Awana at church this year, and we are amazed at your ability to memorize at such a young age. You love being around other kids and always enjoy going. I think you enjoy being grouped in with the "big kids" (aka Violet and Luke). We hope you remember these verses throughout your life; and use them for comfort and encouragement all your days.

Juliet, you are a very special little girl. You add love, joy, and warmth to our family. We love you so very much.

Love, Mommy and Daddy

Juliet and Gigi

Scarlet Hope at One Year

She's one! Our littlest baby is ONE! I am a little late in writing this #thirdkidprobs, but Scarlet made the transition into toddler-hood as sweetly as we expected. Scarlet is still our sweetest, most content baby. Over the past month, she has been exploring, testing her strength, and pushing the envelope when it comes to her physical abilities. The week of her first birthday, she started sleeping through the night consistently. She wakes up maybe once or twice a week now. It has been quite glorious for mommy! 

Scarlet LOVES her sisters and really just follows them around and watches or tries to wedge herself into whatever activity they're doing. She fits in so well and is just the perfect little book end to our trio of little girls. We love watching her personality develop and look forward to how much she will learn and grow in the next year!