Adventures in schooling: why we are doing Blended this year.

This year we started the Blended model at our school.  The boys go to school on Monday and Wednesday each week, then are home on Tuesday and Thursday for school.  The model is designed not to have scheduled work on Fridays! This makes for a nice long weekend most weeks.  Only a few of those Friday's have included leftover or take-a-break-until-tomorrow work.  The curriculum is already chosen to be in line with the traditional five-day-model, so we order what we are told and work with the teacher who assigns the weeks work.

I never thought I would be a homeschool mom.  I like my time and I like being spontaneous and as schedule free as I can, usually. Although, being a mom in general makes me live on a more structured schedule. But over the last three years, God has been softening my heart and leading me to ask questions. Patrick had a lot of questions and concerns, so it wasn't something we pursued much until last year.

Benjamin had struggled so much in First grade with keeping up in class and bringing home so much homework. In FIRST grade. That school year brought so many discouraging questions and a steady flow of tears -- from him and me each afternoon. Two things to note, in hindsight: That was also the year that Caleb was born and had skull surgery {and everyone in our family felt the weight of that!} and we now know that Kindergarten was somewhat of a disadvantage to him as he was quiet and obedient and didn't require much pushing. So while we thought he was doing 100%, it was probably more so his compliance and less of his comprehension. AND we didn't do anything during the summer before First grade, except reading.

Maybe we should have held him back at some point, maybe we were right in not.  I suppose it doesn't matter now, but it was something we considered a few times and never took action. But he's doing fine and I think that we did what seemed best at the time and the Lord has been gracious in this journey for us.  We want our children to love learning and growing.  That doesn't always look like being in a classroom, but it can and proves effective! We want our children to be pushed and see their potential, but also have the freedom to figure out things in their own ways and in their own time.

Fast forward to August 2016.  We were driving to visit some friends and had hours to talk.  After a few casual mentions of doing blended or homeschooling, I threw it at Patrick with great conviction and a desire to share the depths of my heart. I truly wanted to be more involved with our children's school days, I felt saddened and convicted that over the course of 13 years there would be 13 other people {at least} teaching my children and seeing them more than me or Patrick, and I didn't want any of our children to grow to hate school or be apathetic toward learning and working hard. The Lord was moving in my heart and it felt a little overwhelming to be saying such bold statements about schooling our children and changing the path our family seemed to be on.  Looking back, that was just the beginning of paths shifting and hearts changing.

Patrick was truly against homeschooling. He had some legit concerns and had heard of some unfortunate cases of homeschooling gone bad. He was worried about me doing something like school at home, when I can barely keep up with the house some days! Add having four kids to that and I'm inconsistent at best in doing all that needs to be done. {A weak area that the Lord continually works in, through and around me in! PS, with all of that said: I'm a great meal planner. haha}

So right then and there, I committed to learning as much as I could about the Blended model and homeschooling in general. I bought an hour-by-hour planner and spent the Fall semester keeping track of myself and setting pseudo-schedules for our home. I met with, called and asked a thousand questions to friends who did Blended or homeschooled. I prayed constantly for direction and unity and for my conviction to be from the Lord, and not from a selfish or proud motive.  The more I talked with other moms, the more I felt ready to do this! We met with the principal and teachers at the school to talk with them. I felt so prepared and educated on something that seemed so out of character for me to pursue.

And then three months later when we had to consider the next school year, Patrick and I talked again. I came to our conversation prepared and ready to defend my conviction.  But I didn't need to because the Lord had softened Patrick's heart and gave him a desire to see what Blended would look like for our family. My heart flipped and praised Jesus for answering this prayer. Within days of making this decision together, I felt so free and light from this burden.  I felt like we were walking in obedience and stepping out in faith toward something that seemed equally terrifying and perfect for our family.

We talked with the boys over and over about this decision and their biggest concern was missing their friends. We prayed for them and encouraged them.  And since school has began, they are seeing their old friends and making new ones. More so, though, it's brought up some incredible life lessons that we've been able to teach them about friendships!

Doing Blended has been a hard adjustment.  It's meant taking four kids a lot of places, rescheduling, rearranging and being home a lot.  It's meant looking for the best way for the boys to learn and where they are struggling.  It looks like walking through things that don't make sense and talking through why we need to learn math and grammar.  It looks like learning Latin with my Third grader so we can not fail Latin! It looks like "off campus lunch" when we need to get out of the house or when we've worked really hard to be done by 11:30am.  It looks like taking a break to go to the Science Museum or the Zoo because we can.  It looks like Free Funday Friday's and making the most of this beautiful schooling option.

There have been tears and threats and words spoken harshly.  There have been sibling fights and disagreements. BUT there are such sweet moments and goodness swirled up with the hard -- isn't that just life, though? There have been days, especially as we find our rhythm and figure some things out, that I wish we were exclusively homeschooling. When maybe we don't need to rush through somethings on Tuesday to make sure they are ready for Wednesday. Those "crunch days" can feel overwhelming. Or when I would want to consider doing a different book for literature or having a say in the curriculum choices. But for now, this is working and it feels like the Lord has us here for such a time as this. Maybe I was created for this purpose all along? I'm so glad the Lord lead us and pushed us to see what He had for us in this chapter.

Even more, when Patrick and I are talking about what's next for our family or what adventures we want to take, places we want to explore, potential moves we may make, homeschooling frees us up to do them and it's become a desired part of what our family looks like right now. It may be a pretty hard 180 degree shift, full of constant sanctification and change, but I couldn't be more delighted in what the Lord has done and how He is moving and growing us and allowing us this opportunity.

I don't know what's next or how long we will homeschool, but I pray often that we would be better for it and I already see the Lord meeting us there.

First day of school // 2016-2017

 Benjamin is in 2nd grade!!! Time has gone by so fast -- it feels like we were just getting ready to start preK and now, he's a big kid! He was mostly ready for school to start, but wasn't super excited about not being able to play and do whatever he wanted all day {hahahahaha!}.  He was ready and antsy to leave 15 minutes before we had to leave.

 Age: 7
Teacher: Ms. Wagner
Favorite food: pizza
Favorite color: black
Favorite friend: Alexander
Favorite subject: science and recess
Least favorite subject: Math. With a hearty grunt and huff.
When he grows up, he wants to be: A scientist/astronaut -- working for NASA

Benjamin was underwhelmed with my desire to take several pictures. He didn't last long with this tradition! 

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Andrew is in half day preK this year. I don't regret in the slightest holding him back a year.  It was perfect for him and for me! :) He was a little hesitant this morning, but ready to go.  He was so brave and did so well in class!

Andrew, though, loved taking pictures and asked me to take several of him doing different poses.

 Age: 5
Teacher: Mrs. Chan
Favorite food: pizza and spaghetti {as he says skabetty}
Favorite color: dark, dark black
Favorite friend: Micah and Ben {neighbors}
Favorite subject: being friendly and writing
Least favorite subject: uh, math? {because that is Benjamin's answer. ha!}
When he grows up, he wants to be: a ninja

I love this picture of Andrew! Such a true picture of this boy!

A favorite skill: touching his nose with his tongue!

A few pictures of my big boys together!!! I love days with Benjamin and Andrew and I'm pretty sad that school has started. Even on hard days, I like that we are together.  I like being the main influence in their lives during the formative years of their childhood.  A schedule and structure will be nice, but I would rather hang out with these guys than send them to school! :)

First day of school -- 2015-2016

I cannot believe I have TWO children in school.  Where did the time go? How are they big enough to not be home with me all day long?

It's such a bittersweet thing -- growing up.

This year Benjamin starts FIRST grade at the Academy.  He was mostly excited, but a little nervous because he knew there would be a lot of hard work.  He was glad that this year he was able to play on the big playground.  Plus, his best friend is in his class! His favorite color is blue.  His favorite thing to do is play with Alexander and he wants to be a scientist when he grows up. His teacher is Mrs. Rinner.

Andrew is starting pre-K this year! He is going half day, so I pick him up at noon. I was super sad to see this kid go.  He is such a helper to me and I have enjoyed my time with him so much.  He was pretty hesitant about going to school, but warmed up once he saw his desk AND all of his best friends in his class!  He was not excited about starting school when I asked.  He was sad and nervous.  And he said he would miss me. {cue tears}  Andrew's favorite color is green and his favorite thing to play is ninjas.  He is excited to play on the playground and eat lunch at school. His teacher is Mrs. Chan.

A big year begins again.  The Lord has been kind and we seek Him for guidance as our boys grow and learn and become young men.  These guys are precious and sweet and rowdy!  Each with their own strengths and weaknesses that make them their own people.  I love watching them grow and change and become who they are! It truly is an honor and privilege to be there momma.

Here's to a new year, to school days and learning new things!

Oh, the things he knows...

It's amazing to me that Benjamin has learned so much in the last year {plus} of school.  We really do love the school he goes to and are more than grateful for teachers who love what they do and care so well for my child's heart and mind.

As a way to remember where he is now, I am going to write down the things he knows and have a place to look back:

Pre-K and some of Kindergarten --
*Catechisms 1-50
*About 30 bible verses memorized
*Can count to 100
*Can count by 2's and 5's
*Can do simple addition and subtraction
*Can recognize and recite all phonograms
*Can recite most of the counties of Oklahoma
*Can recite most of the governors of Oklahoma
*Knows the books of the bible
*Knows the days of the week
*Knows the months of the year
*Knows the states, by song
*Knows several state capitals
*Know the continents and oceans
*Knows and can recite the 21 rules of the school {which also happen to be the 21 rules of our house!}

Bonus information: His favorite part of almost every day is recess.  And he loves that there is an art table in his classroom this year.

As one more added bonus: Benjamin is fairly good about using "sir" and "ma'am" and holding doors and letting ladies go first.  Little manners go a long way in my book.  And I believe it's a lost art anymore.

It is so humbling to realize how much his mind has learned.  I think we take the minds of little people for granted -- they can learn and retain so much information!  Please don't hear me boasting or bragging on my child.  I am very proud of him, yes, but I don't think this is because he is a genius.  I also don't think my sweet child is better than your sweet child.  Although, he is a great kid ;)
I do think that he has been taught well and learned those things well.  And I look forward to seeing him grow and learn more!

First day of Kindergarten and Pre-school

Incase you thought I forgot about blogging, I have not.  Having three kiddos keeps me busier than I ever thought it would.  And, let's be honest, there are not many people reading my blog :)

Anyways.  I have two children in school.  Bleh. I mean, I'm glad for them.  They get to learn and be with other kids and learn.  But I want them nearer to me. Forever.  Really, though -- I'm letting go and loosening these tiny strings that have slowly tightened around my heart for the last five and a half year.  I'm fine, I promise.  As a side note: Being a mom is the pits sometimes. {end pity party}

Last year, Benjamin was anxious and didn't really want to go to school.  This year, he was bouncing up and down and couldn't have been more excited.  He LOVES kindergarten! He is loving his teacher, having new school supplies and having PE twice a week.  It has to help that he goes to a small school and knows so many people this year. For a minute, I thought my quiet introvert was actually an extrovert! Going all day hasn't bothered him a bit, yet.  It is only the second day. AND he has already been writing and sounding things out and reading a little.  I tried to get him to do all these things over the summer. Fail. I suppose this is another reason why we aren't homeschooling.

Andrew started preschool today.  He was so excited to be at school with Benjamin that he was in his uniform by 6:28am.  But come 7:52am, he was singing a new song called: tantrum.  When he realized that he was definitely NOT going to class with Benjamin, he threw himself on the ground.  I convinced him to get up.  And right in front of his classroom door, he threw himself down there too.  I handed Elise to a  friend and put him inside the class {forever to be scarred, I'm sure}.  He did not enjoy me taking a picture of him with his teacher.  She's so great.  I think he'll be glad I did that in a few months.

When I picked him up {this afternoon} he had just got up from his nap.  He was grumpy and frowny and not happy to chit chat at all.  I asked if he liked school and he scowled at me and said, "NO!".  So the happiest kid ever turned into a monster.  Not awesome.  I took him home, fed him goldfish crackers, covered him with a blankie while he sat in a chair -- and twenty  minutes later my sweet Andrew was normal again.

Good news: He did like school and thinks it's okay that he will go two days a week.  His favorite part of the day was sleeping on his mat.  Of all the things.  That's what he chose. To each his own.

And then it was just me and Elise. Having just ONE child is awesome. I could do whatever I wanted.  Kind of, she did need to nurse and nap and what not. But we did things! And it was so very quiet and a little to calm around here. Truly, I missed those crazy boys and was so excited to pick them up.

Here's to moving on and ushering in new seasons...even if it means shedding a few tears over what was left behind.  I'm going to be a mess every year for the next 21 years.  Sorry in advance. 

Recitation Day 2013

The Academy had their first recitation a couple of weeks ago.  It's always amazing to me to hear children recite, from memory, words upon words upon words.  And, quite frankly, it's very humbling.

Benjamin's class recited C.S. Lewis' "A letter to Sarah" and also "All things bright and beautiful".  He practiced at home a little, but we were mostly surprised at the content that the pre-K class shared.  And it was truly so special for B because my mom was there -- and it was grandparents day!  They had a reception afterwards and were able to show the grandparents around school and to the classrooms.  It was a sweet afternoon, for sure!

B definitely looks like he is going to pass out...

The whole pre-k class!

Gramma got to see Benjamin's classroom.  He was SO excited she was there for recitation and grandparents day!

A short video for your viewing pleasure!

First day of pre-k -- Benjamin

We started researching schools awhile ago.  After learning about the education and discipleship of The Academy of Classical Christian Studies -- we knew we had found a beautiful gem in a school.  I love that my children will be taught and educated to grow and love learning.  But not only will their minds be challenged, their souls will be discipled!  Our children will not only hear the gospel and learn godly character at home -- it will be reinforced at school! 

It's so hard for me to believe that Benjamin is big enough to be in Pre-K.  But he is and the school year has begun.  On Monday night we went to the House Sorting party at the Academy.  The house system is so encouraging to me and I love the design to grow the children together, not just academically but relationally.  They learn to love and care for on another and the big kids are so great at taking care of the little kids!!!

Benjamin's name was called and he popped his balloon to find that he was in the Augustine House!  The Houses are named for great fathers of the church.  We were pleased to know that we had so many friends in Augustine! But we would have loved any house {there are 5} because we know at least one family in all of them!

family picture!

 And as we geared up for today, Wednesday, my heart melted.  I knew we made the most of our summer and that this was the best thing for Benjamin.  But I also knew that this was just the beginning of my sweet boy being in school and away from me.  I treasure these guys so much and I simply LOVE having them around.  Truly, my days are better because of them.  Letting go and surrendering my child to be loved and taught in school has been a work in progress. I missed Benjamin SO much this morning. And so did Andrew!!!

Doing a little prayer/bible time before the first day of school.

Opening ceremonies were sweet and so encouraging.  We dropped Benjamin off at his class and he walked in with no fuss! Just a thumbs up and a smile -- what an answer to prayer!  Patrick, Andrew and I waited with the rest of the families until all the students were lead into the gymnasium -- a processional lead by a bag pipe player! At this point, I started crying and tried desperately to keep it together.  I gained composure to wave at B and then quietly listened to the excitement of the staff as this new school year started.

We all listened as Mr. Carr, the principle, prayed for the students, families and teachers. Scripture was read and the houses were awakened. After some final announcements and prayer, the students were dismissed to their classes and the parents were dismissed to leave.  {insert proud moment when I only teared up watching B leave and didn't cry again!}

A local coffee ship at a "mom's coffee" for all the moms after the ceremony.  It was nice to stop by and meet new friends and see so many faces that were in the same place I was!

Bag pipe player.  Point when I lost it.

Can you see B waving?!

 When I picked Benjamin up, he was all smiles! He was excited because he didn't get any clips taken away {a discipline system} and got a cookie since today was a students birthday! He got to play outside and ate lunch with his house {which he will do everyday}.  He liked listening to his teacher read a Curious George book and enjoyed working on a worksheet that involved following patterns and lines.

Now he's watching a show and resting on the couch.  Although, I can hear him creating and playing with a rocket ship we made yesterday as I type! I'm so proud of this little guy and I can't believe our mornings will be spent apart.  But that will make our afternoons so much sweeter! And I won't say that I'm not going to fight for a homeschooling ;)  Having these babes with me as long as possible would be IDEAL!

If you're interested, here is a video of a the opening processional with the pre-k and kindergarten classes -- the awakening of the houses -- and B's class walking out!