for the child of her womb?” (Is 49:15)
The following picture will tell you almost everything you need to know about my oldest child—easy-to-smile and easygoing, cheerful, helpful, outgoing, eager.
He is a homeschooling mom’s dream child.
And he left for school this morning.
(If you need me I’ll be weeping in my bedroom.)
(Not really.)
(Okay, really.)
We have been asked many times over why we are sending our 7th grader off to school. The answer is simple: we heard a voice in the night and suddenly it all became clear what we should do.
(Not really.)
(Though I would have loved that.)
The real answer is slightly more complicated. We have always been open to different options, and when asked, “How long are you going to homeschool?” we reply, “We’re taking it a year at a time.” One night, several years ago, we were invited for supper at the home of some friends. They spoke excitedly about the school their children were attending—a Christian Classical academy of sorts—and a seed was planted.
This little seed began to sprout when they rebuilt the academy—a beautiful new facility—and chose as their location a piece of land two miles away from us. The sprout began to flourish. We reviewed the curriculum and attended open houses; we spoke to friends who were there; we committed.
For now anyway. : )
Every year holds new surprises. None of us knows where we’ll be next year, though all of us will be letting go at some point. It hasn’t been easy, I’ll tell you that, but it helps to go slow and to hold fast to as many traditions as possible.
Like eating these cookies on the first day of school.
Like eating lots of cookies.
All for the greater glory of God,
God bless you today, Margaret, as you send your boy off to school. I hope that he has a wonderful day and that the Lord will give you peace, as you adjust to the newness of it all.
Blessings to all of you as you make new adjustments. Baby steps, baby steps.
Welcome him home with open arms and happy smiles and a delicious after-school treat! (although I like that before-school treat idea, too!)
Oh Margaret, you are so BRAVE!!! Are you sure you're not the Queen of Scotland replanted in Minnesota??? Hugs to you, and let me know if you run out of chocolate 🙂
Oh I can only imagine how you're feeling – anxious and excited at the same time. A new adventure. What fun.
Hugs. 🙂
I know a family who sent their oldest son to school because their son was such a big help to his mom around the house that the dad was afraid their boy was becoming "Mr. Mom."
Remember, schools are not "bad". There are some great ones out there and we should be supporting them. Where would all those graduates of small Catholic colleges find jobs? The Church has always supported Catholic education – in and out of the home.
I too wish there was a more booming voice letting me know what to do, but alas it's not the case. It was one of the hardest things for me to do when I sent Pauly to school for 1 hour of special ed, but he loved it. This summer my husband and I had to really discuss and discern what was best for him and the whole family. Not easy to consider things you've never let yourself consider, but it's another leap of faith. We'll be sending him for maybe half days this year; I'm not ready to let him go all day just yet. May God bless your faith, courage and fortitude to take a chance and trust Him. Prayers that your young man has a good day.
I am eating chocolate right along with ya Margaret! Mine might be due to other reasons…but…sounds like a new adventure for you, your son and family!
Best of luck to you all.
I tell everyone the same … we decide year by year. You never know what will be put in front of you from one year to the next, so it is good to remain open.
There are days when I have considered a boarding school, but that would be sooo far away from our home. How wonderful to have an option that is new, bright, and 'what you want' for your child so close to home.
I know this day is hard on you, but he will excel. Truthfully, if I still lived near you, based on their website, I'd seriously consider sending my kids there versus my alma-mater!
Blessings on your new journey and a household with one less during the day.
What a handsome young man you have raised and taught. You must be one proud mama!
I felt the same way when my oldest went off to CHAT for 2 classes one day and YEAH for 1 another. It was weird to have her around much less than she was.
Sounds like God passed on a lot of little hints for you. And, you really never know until you try it!
You know, he is one of the most centered, great kids I've ever met. He will do so well, no matter where he is and this will broaden his horizons. God bless you. Isn't parenthood all about letting go – from the moment of birth until one of us dies…and then the one left behind has to let go JUST until Heaven.
Hugs and kisses…
You know, ladies, we just returned from a MAMMOTH trip to the grocery store–$200.00 worth of food for the family–and it is such a joy to come home and read these encouraging remarks.
We did it, though! We made it through the store without my biggest kid there to help! 2nd Oldest is stepping up to the plate with gusto, thanks be to God.
(And thank you, too.)
Your Little School Boy is as handsome as can be. Better than any cookie version, even if they are French cookies!
Hello Margaret
Would you believe we have these yummy cookies (biscuits) in our local supermarket too! We love them…maybe too much!
As for your big boy, I'm sure he'll be fine.
Cheers – Joolz
PS September 1 Throw Down is approaching…so no mor elittle school boy cookies for me!
It is a big step, but we've been glad to have our children at one of the "sister" schools. The curriculum and atmosphere are wonderful.
If it's the right place for your family, you'll discern that with God's help. One of ours went 3 years before transferring to a Catholic high school (her choice for a variety of reasons), but it looks like the rest will go all the way. #2 graduates this year!
The time will fly, and while I miss the ones in school, I'm satisfied that we're doing the best for them.
Congratulations to you all!
So, how did he do? I'd imagine there was so much "extra" new to him for his first non-homeschool experience!
Prayers for a wonderful year for him and easy transition for you too!