Crossing the Finish Line...

I started homeschooling in 1998 doing pre-school lessons with Marisa and Eli. Today, May 28, 2015, is my last day of homeschooling. I am so glad I had the opportunity to do it. Thank you, Kelly, for making that decision all those years ago. It hasn’t been easy, nor was it always fun, but I got to spend a lot of precious time and years with my children and I have no regrets about that.

Truly, I learned more than my girls probably did. I was a better student when I was teaching! haha I think back to our PIT STOPS (Princess in Training) which turned into Chic Chats- times we just would talk about what really matters or what was on our minds. I remember making a little Nile River with them, spending time in Mexico on a mission’s trip and the whole household would gather each day for readings about the life of a missionary in history; such precious moments in my heart. Thoughts of the season we did school as we traveled up and down I-5 during my dad’s liver transplant- the freedom to do it and the discipline to not give up on it. I remember the excitement each year of choosing new curriculum and the even greater excitement this time each year as books were getting put up for the summer.

It is the sharing life day in and day out that I will miss the most. It is the time around the table in pjs with books stacked up and watching my girls grow and learn that brings tears to my eyes in this moment. Just doing the mundane together is what I treasure most.

The past couple of years have been harder with homeschooling. I was down to just schooling Keira and was working part time in the midst of it. Her being disciplined and driven has made these years successful. So today as I sat with her at the table- for our last day of homeschool- we celebrated with Dutch Bros and donuts and I realized that I had crossed the finish line. It feels more like I limped across the finish line. I didn’t finish as strong as I would have liked, and I could make a lot of excuses as to why that is, but I will not do that. I will instead rejoice that we did it. I will give thanks for the accomplishments and know that God will take care of the gaps that maybe didn’t get covered.

The most important thing in all these years is that I believe my girls know that following Jesus is the one thing needed. Yes education matters a lot, and being a contributing member of society is important, but above all else they know that God is truth and love and we are here for His glory and purpose. 

Though Marisa graduated 2 years ago, Shyla graduates next week, and Keira has four years of public school to go, today I feel like I am graduating. I intend to enjoy the next 4 years before Keira is an adult, but I am also looking forward to whatever the next adventure holds. God has been good to me and I am truly blessed and full of gratitude for all He has done.

The beginning homeschool years...

My girls today...