Quick Take Friday: back to school edition

1. On Tuesday we officially start year 2 of not-homeschooling. I have so many mixed feelings.  This is the blog where I attempt to work my way through those feelings.

2. As I think about things like sending my first born back into the world...and possibly via a big, scary school bus...all my confidences about school are replaced with thoughts about all the worst case scenarios that could happen to my precious 6 year old.  You simply can not protect them from everything.  That is scary.  That requires trust...and prayer.  

3. Today marks one month to go till D-day.  With an almost newborn, a 2 year old and a 3 year old - I am grateful that formal school will give our family a routine that I don't feel I could provide in this busy season of our life.  I do feel peace with our decision.  That decision, however, comes with a great cost. If the expense worth the routine?

4. Rosie is entering full day 5 day kindergarten at our parish school.  Augie is starting 3 year old two day half day pre-k at another church school.  Normally I would not send my 3 year old to school....but, in this case, I believe it will benefit us all in responding to his special needs.  Two private schools equates to adding a car payment to our monthly expenses.  Extra expenses...such as therapy and miscellaneous spending are not in the budget any longer.  I know the pastor uses the mantra you have to sacrifice to send your kids to Catholic school.  Catholic school....

5. Perhaps we are doing it from peer pressure.  The very large majority of our friends send their kids to the parish school.  Perhaps because if not homeschooling, it is the only other option for my husband.  Until recently I was not against public school.  But then....you realize....just how worldly even public elementary schools can become.  And recently, public school fell off my list of possibilities.  And so our options...teach or pay.

6. There are no homeschool co ops that exists within my parish community.  I am sure co ops exist...just none that I am aware of yet.  If I was surrounded by homeschooling families and a network of mentors, that would surely make a difference.  As it is, I am a public schooled mom married to my catholic schooled husband. No experience, no mentors, no homeschooling peer pressure...it is easier to take the path most traveled (here), in the midst of this stressful season.  I have a plethora of moms to help me navigate the parish school.

7. Year by year.  This year, this is the right decision for our family.  Rosie could not be MORE excited and as I snuggled Augie tonight...I started to reflect on what school would mean for him.  Being the middle child/second born...he takes a good amount of grief (not all undeserved ;-).  I had the thought "will I cry when I drop him off?"  A new challenge to my heart.  I am excited for the world before them...it is thrilling to watch the wide open eyes of my children.  Year by year, i will try my best to choose & provide what i feel is best for them.

First day pictures coming soon. 

Linking up with Jen: http://www.conversiondiary.com/2013/08/7-quick-takes-friday-vol-229.html

Quick Takes

1. Quick taking without underlying inspiration today, but up at 1:11am so thought I would try to get this on the books before I go to bed.  Hold on to your hats.

source

2. At what age is it safe to redecorate the room of a destructive toddler?   Augie's room was specially prepared for him two summers ago, when he officially joined our family.  Since then every surface has been written on (beyond magic erasers abilities to erase) and there are multiple holes in the wall.  Mainly from the cute things I hang up (like curtain rods and coat rack) being ripped out of the wall.  I picked up paint chips yet and am hoping by summer (age 3.5) we may be over a bit of the hump.  Too soon?

Here is my original pintersty inspiration.  I am dying to do a take 2!

3. While we are talking Pinterest, project uno is to finish our office.  It opens up into our family room, and this is my main inspiration idea:

the source site seems to not be accessible, it is from a site called sawdust and paper scraps

Does anyone have any idea where I can find reasonably priced wood file cabinets to serve as our base??  That is my current shopping challenge.  The pottery barn bedford collection is my dream, but I don't have $600 for those two base cabinets.  

4. So I managed to secure 60 minutes of uninterrupted kid-free shopping time this evening.  It was wonderful.  I did some E-basket shopping...and then came home to discuss the bunny with my husband.  I grew up with a bunny.  He grew up with no bunny.  It is hard to give him up, but he really has nothing to do with the resurrection story.  I think we are going to be a bunny-less family and the baskets are gifts from us. And for the record...we do Santa (justified with lots of talk about the real St Nick).  

5.  Catholic school.  Rosie will be returning to Catholic school in the Fall for Kindergarden.  We are going to have to just do this year by year.  I WISH I had the energy or patience to home school, but with little people at home, I am very grateful for the gift of our parish school.  When it comes down to it, I finally confessed there is no way I want her in public school.  I was raised in public school...but it is very different today than 30 years ago.  The rejection/disrespect of Christianity is one of the biggest issues.  She will not be a girl scout for the same reason.  Still debating about extraneous activities for the Fall.  I would love to enroll her in soccer, but with new baby coming at the same time...we may have to just wait another year.  It is so difficult to say no to so much, but I want to keep our lives as simple as possible in this chaotic world. 

6. Baby Update.  It was incredible to see Timber on ultrasound last Friday.  I only saw him/her briefly as the doctor looked EVERYWHERE inside of me for the fibroid that wasn't.  I wish I had a picture but any 13 week ultrasound image will do.  I am so back and forth about the gender surprise.  I want to know.  Hubby does not.  I am hoping I come around.  :)  

7. Have you been touched by an angel?  I am humbled and grateful for one that touched my life today.  To that angel: I am grateful for you.  I am grateful for the example, leader & mentor you have been in my life. You have always and will always hold a most special place in my heart.  As your babies left your nest, my nest was starting to fill.  Having been right where I am am....all I can say is thank you for knowing.  Thank you for caring.  Thank you for being so special. 

 

first day of pre-k

Yesterday my baby turned 5.  Today she started pre-k.  She walked in holding hands with a group of friends and didn't look back.  No goodbyes, no hugs, just three moms waving and saying "I love you" to our kids' backs. 

She is ready for this chapter.   It was teary for me, but I am ready too.  For today, for this year, she is in the right place.  She is surrounded by the children of my good friends and we are letting them go together.  Rosie, we love you.  We are so proud of you and so excited as you start this new journey!  xoxox love, papa and momma