it's a pretty big deal

Today was the first day of school!  Public school. Earlier in the summer we made the decision to send the girls to school this year. This may come as a surprise because I've been shared such positive thoughts on homeschooling.  These thoughts and memories remain, but the needs of our family have changed.  Primarily, my need for some sanity.  Ugh, I hate saying it like that because my children don't drive me insane...the grocery shopping/dishes/laundry/toilets/floors/etc drive me insane!  I have a "full-time-nursing" and 'yet-to-fall-into-a-napping-routine" baby, an "eager-to-learn-to-read" Laurel, two older girls in need of something more socially, a husband who likes clean clothes and an occasional meal, and the desire to have 5 minutes each day (okay maybe more) when I can do- well- whatever I want to do. There just doesn't seem to be enough of me to go around.  I'm trying not to feel guilty about that.  I can only do so many thing AND do them well. Right? Right. I am blessed to have all of the above, I don't wish for any of it to go away. We just needed to restructure.

So, we bought backpacks, lunchboxes, and LOADS AND LOADS of school supplies (I had no idea!). We got haircuts, a few chosen vaccines, and new shoes. We had ice-cream with their teachers, saw their classrooms, and today...they waved goodbye to me in front of their school (kisses and hugs were taken care of at home- out of sight :).  And you know what?  I have peace about it. Alright, so I had dark sunglasses on and mascara all over my face by the time I got home, but really I think it was the right choice.  The girls are super excited and I too am expecting good things. 

Comments

[briar]

am totally hearing you - the fourth - (very sweet and welcome)bubby totally kiicked my butt and tipped the finely tuned balance into chaos (not him, just all the other stuff needed to be done)...good on you for restructing to make it work for your family...your girls have a wonderful solid ground to spring from and will do just great.

[nicole i]

sometimes the best thing we can do as moms is to be flexible and be willing to change as change is needed. nothing stays the same year after year.

[Aja]

I too homeschooled and my kids returned to public school. It was a very hard choice to make, but our family is better off for it. We just put our youngest in the pre-k program and he is doing so great. Fortunately, the school our kids go to is wonderful and they are so happy there. They're actually ahead in most areas b/c of homeschooling, but they are still thriving in many other areas. I'm still all for homeschooling and we may return to it one day, but at least I had some "extra" time with my babies that I night have otherwise missed out on :) Enjoy your "me" time b/c it is well deserved!

[grace]

I want to give you a hug. I"m so glad to hear after everything homeschool the past two years, that you were able to stand back, have a look and choose something for your family. For them. Job well done. Wishing you a good year!

[kathleen]

hey there, just wanted to send a few "dittos" off to you. I did the same exact thing last year. My little fella (who turned 1 today-I can't believe it), who was born last fall,obviously :), is what made us make the decision. And it was so hard to make. He was number six, and I was so overwhelmed thinking about homeschooling the bigger kids. I was scared either way, scared to homeschool and scared to send them off. But my 2nd, 4th, and 5th grader all went to school for the first time last year, and it was a very good break, very good. And they loved it. We are all homeschooling again this year because we are in the process of a move, and I have to say that it again is really hard. I love it, and I don't love it. Sweet parts and really humbling parts. So anyway, y'all take care, and many, many blessing to you for a wonderful year and sweet adventures!

[Alicia]

I got teary eyed reading this post. They will do amazing!!

[Jux]

Darling!
This will be an great and exciting challenge for the whole clan - and since the bonds of trust and love you've built are so strong, this experience will empower the meaning of home - and home is that loving safe place where we always come back, right?
Have a fantastic time!

[Mary Beth]

Happy school year to _all_ of you. We too are in the situation of public school being a good fit for our family at this point in time (I have secret fantasies of Ken homeschooling the boys in the future, when he retires). I honestly believe that attitude has so much to do with education in any setting and public school has worked out well for so many, especially those with loving parents at home.

[Lisa]

I totally understand your reasons. We are still at it homeschooling, but public school always remains an option here too. I will miss your homeschooling posts though cause you were always inspiring!

[julie]

What a cute picture! Wishing you all a wonderful school year! School starts next week here in NY. Our oldest is starting middle school and our youngest is heading off to Kindergarten! Where does the time go?

[Roxanne]

Oh Libby! This post had me in tears. I have so much respect for the decisions you make for your children, and realizing its okay to change things up as the needs of your family change. I am fearful for what I'm in for with #4 come April though!

[Brandie]

I am so happy you are at peace with sending them to school. Home schooling is so wonderful, but you hit the nail on the head, there is only some much that one person can do! I have been so impressed with all the things you did with the girls before and after Ian came along. I can't imagine doing 4 children. I am sure it takes a ton of time, engergy and effort EVERY day! I know the girls will do awesome at school and now Laurel and Ian can have more time with you. Wishing you and your family all the best! Good Luck!

[leslie]

libby! i am sure you made the right choice... and look at those smiles!!! xx

[christina]

This post made me all teary eyed..hormones of course, I always blame it on the hormones! Anyway, we are just beginning our homeschooling journey this year... Life is about balance, and recognizing when things are not in balance and making the changes needed to bring about balance.
What Nicole said up above is very much spot on. We must be willing to change. Good luck to you all!!

[Jaye Jaye]

I totally understand the sanity saving! Last year was the most difficult we've faced in our schooling adventure (and I only had 1 to actively plan for). This year is so much calmer! Yay for new adventures!