Goodbye Summer....

and homeschooling.At least for now.Today Alexandra & Blake headed back into the world of public school.We have homeschooled for two years there were so many great things about it...but there were some not so great.We have always said that we would take it year by yearand see what we felt we were lead to do with each new year as it came.We have also said that if it was causing more stress or harmto our lives as a family...then it was time to stop.With two little ones not in school, it was a constant worry for me that they were being pushed to the side. I have felt as if I was failing at everything at timesand the stress & worry that caused me wasn't healthy for me or my family.I know that I have four great kids who I want the best for,spiritually...emotionally...educationally...if it means that the last of those above has to handled by someone other than me,I am no less of a parent...mother...teacher.We prayed and asked that God give us peace about what to do,we have been reminded that if you teach your kids the right things, whether they are in school or at home,it doesn't make a difference.Each child will face situations as they get older,we can only teach them the truth during the time that we have themand pray that God will give them the courage to stand in those situations.~~~~~As we went to the schools to take care of getting them registered,We felt blessed and proud. In situation after situation, we were told what wonderful kids we haveand that the reputations that they had upon leaving therein the 1st and 3rd grades were something to be proud of.~~~~~Indeed, I do have some wonderful kids & as I told them,now is not the time in their lives to stop doing the right thingsbut to determine within themselves even more to do what's right.Please say a prayer for them...Alexandra is heading to middle school, that is usually intimidating enough without having been away for the last two years.Ol' Blake is headed to the fifth grade and thinks he is too cool for words.They were both nervous & excited today as they headed back.Me, well, I truly felt as if they were heading off to kindergarten again,so you may want to say a prayer for me too.!!~~~~~Anyway...here are a few photos from their first day.Goodbye Summer.......
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~~~Miss Middle SchoolerI would hate to admit it to her...but she doesn't look like my baby anymore.She really is growing up.lets keep that between us!
~~~ ~~~We love you, Sis...~~~

~~~and we are very proud of you.~~~
~~~ Mr. Fifth GraderI think he was most excited about his bag which he had organized to the hilt.In fact, he had it so full it looked bigger than him!~~~ ~~~We love you, buddy...~~~

~~~you make us so proud!~~~

~~~I know this year will be bring new challenges for all of us...but I also know...that as family....and with God's help...there's not anything we can't do! ~~~