My Babies

I've been taking care of my babies for as long as I can remember.

If only my real babies would stay little a little longer.

It feels like I blinked and they grew up.

I'm so glad we spent the last 6 years together.

Because now this one has left the home school nest for high school.

 Eeek! When did that happen?

Wasn't I just in highschool? 

Please don't answer that.

This bird has flown the nest too.

And this one.

 

And this one.

It's a big change after 6 years all together under one roof.

I've had a few people ask ... and I know you're thinking it ...

 

Why?

Good question.  

I don't know why.  It's not burnout. It's not frustration. It's not a change of belief. All I know is that God calls us into things, and God calls us out of things. Six years ago, God led us to take our kids out of school and try home school.  For six years, that was clearly the best choice for our family.  That was my plan for this year too, but my plans are not always God's plans.  As the school year approached, it became surprisingly clear that we needed to follow God in a new direction. I don't know exactly why.  I've learned not to expect explanations from God.  But I do trust Him!

Even so, my head and heart are reeling. It's hard. Maybe that's why God made this change so sudden--because I would likely drive myself batty with a long and agonizing analysis. Sometimes, like taking off a band-aid, it's best to just brace yourself and go for it. I have shed many tears. I have lost some sleep. I have wrestled in prayer day and night. I don't like an empty house. I miss being together. I really believe in home schooling and have my concerns about this year.  But if I truly trust God is at work here, then I have to believe He knows what He's doing.

The kids are amazing.  They've made me so proud the way they have taken on this challenge. I have watched an organized and confident teen take on a new school, new classes, a new sport, and new friends like an old pro.  I have seen a young girl's courageous faith overcome her tween-age middle school insecurities with grace. I have witnessed a growing bravery build character in a little man's heart. And I have heard the delightfully random details of what is fun for a first grade social butterfly: recess, friends, recess, reading, friends, recess, caterpillars, recess, friends, art, recess, chrysalis, recess, music, friends, butterflies, recess, hot lunch, and...light-up twinkle-toe shoes are an absolute must.  Halleluiah! We finally learned how to tie our shoes with these beauties!

After today, we'll have our first full week at school under our belt. 

We have been warmly received and welcomed into the school family.

I know my kids are loved, appreciated, and cared for by their daytime teachers.

On Monday, Jacob didn't want to go. At all. But he did it.

And every day, with a lot of prayers and a little help from mom, 

he has gotten a little stronger and a little braver about his new daytime digs.

By Friday morning, it was Jacob who said to a tired and tearful Josie:

"Don't worry, Josie, 

Mom and Dad wouldn't bring you to school 

if they didn't think it was a good place to be."

Yep. I have a feeling we are going to be learning a lot this year.

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." ~ Proverbs 16:9