homeschooling: the promised update

After returning home from kindergarten, I could always be found scooping up my stuffed animals and dolls by the armful. We would make the trek, out of the toy cupboard or my bedroom, down the stairs and into the family room. There, rows of chairs and pillows awaited my toys. Only they weren't toys anymore; they were my students. And, armed with chalk and eraser, I taught them my day's lessons. My siblings had long since abandoned the idea of playing school with me, coming to the sad realization that the teacher's position was permanently occupied. This may have disappointed me for a moment, but I eventually found their replacements just as cute, and ever-more attentive.

My eventual decision to major in early childhood/elementary education came as no surprise to my family. And, to be honest, I was reluctant to seriously consider homeschooling our children in large part because I knew I would really enjoy it. I didn't want to make this huge decision , which would impact our children for better or worse, for any selfish reason. In the end, my love of teaching was not a factor when the actual decision-making happened. And, yet, I have to admit how truly naive I was...

The transition to homeschooling has been noteable. Those first few Friday nights, I eagerly flung myself on my bed soon after tucking in the kids(a complete exaggeration, since I had nowhere near the energy to be eager or the strength to fling anything! Plus, I am certain it was my blessed husband that did the tucking those nights.) I have shed countless tears over new curriculum, crazy daily schedules, and feelings of inadequacy. And, yet, somewhere along the way, this new lifestyle has become our lifestyle; this crazy new way of life, our life. And, even though we've only been at it 2 months and 10 days (who's counting??), some beautiful things are happening. Friendships are being rekindled (the best, sibling kind), little one is thriving, olders are learning to nurture, I've come closer to becoming a patient mama, and learning seems to be enjoyable (although no one's made that crazy admission yet!)

So, that's the general update. We're working, we're striving, we're not giving up. And sometime soon, I'll give you more details of this, our crazy wonderful new life. That is, if you haven't all been replaced by dolls....

Our First Decade

Yesterday marked exactly one DECADE since Clint and I were married. This makes me feel old, proud, grateful, loved, and retrospective all at once. I am grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who led us to each other, and has continued uniting us throughout our marriage. I'm thankful for this truly good & humble man, who is constantly serving me and our children. Clint has always had a calming influence on me. In fact, he was honestly the first guy I'd been around that I ever felt completely, 100% comfortable with. I never felt like I had to have my guard up, and we both never engaged in the "games" that normally go along with dating. I'm not saying we're perfect, or that our relationship is flawless, but it is so nice to feel safe in his love.

photo by Blue Lily Photography

Anyway, we celebrated last week, since Grandma & Grandpa are in CA this weekend. First, we dropped off the kidlets (who were sooo excited about having a sleepover with Grandma & Grandpa!). Then, we made our way to a nice Spanish restaurant in Salt Lake City. The food made me feel completely transported...their seafood & meat paella was seriously heavenly. And, while it would have been more authentic if I continued gorging myself until the plate was clean, i knew no one's feelings would be hurt if i didn't.

From there, we headed home...picking up a movie, some treats & breakfast ingredients on our way. It was nice just to take our time in the store, smooching along the way. A little freedom now and then is a nice treat!

The next day, we sleept in, then feasted on blueberry pancakes, sparkling cider, grapes and orange juice. We took our time getting ready, then dropped by the sporting goods store to rent cross-country skis for the day.


We had a lot of fun (including several crashes... a few of which ended with me laughing hysterically as I tried unsuccessfully to get up.) Clint continued to assure me that bears do indeed hibernate, so I was only on the look-out for wolves and foxes. (Paranoid? maybe a little.)



Anyhow, after a nice lunch, we made our way back to the kids. They had a wonderful time...thanks Grandma & Grandpa! And i always love spending one-on-one time with the love of my life! Here's to many more decades! (well, not too many...i'd really rather go before the dementia hits...)