Happy Homeschool Day!

That's what Jacob was singing over the balcony upstairs this morning.

Our first day - had to still get pictures

Jacob took a picture of his workstation.
He was SO excited.
Check out those freshly sharpened pencils.

We had a lovely time and were finished by 10 a.m. (A short morning to start off with.)
The boys were amazing workers. So cheerful and cooperative. Amelia was great as well! She painted while the boys worked, and then was "eraser girl" while I worked with Andrew on the white board.
I even found time to fold and put away a load of laundry while the boys did some writing.

So even though there will be days I will wonder why we made this decision, I am incredibly happy that it wasn't the first day!!!!

Wonderful children. I hope I can do great things for them.

Back 2 Skool

The boys started school bright and early today! Jake started off third grade with confidence and excitement. Andrew tightened his grip on my hand as we approached the front door of the school. He told me he felt a little nervous. I told him that was normal, and that there were four whole kindergarten classes full of kids starting just like him, and that the teachers were there to help him. Jacob spoke up and reassured Andrew that everyone felt a bit nervous today, because everyone had a new class in a new grade, so for Andrew not to worry at all.



As we walked in to the cafeteria and split up into grade sections, there were 5 other kindergarteners there so far. Three of them were silent with tears pouring down their cheeks. I'm guessing their parents had to leave for work already. As soon as Andrew saw them, his eyes got red and began welling up. Of course this made me almost lose it. I gained control, though, and quickly began introducing all the little kids to one another, and asking what teachers they had (most of them told me they couldn't remember) and then we found some things to laugh about. After a few minutes Andrew's teacher came striding up waving both arms high in the air and calling out Andrew's name. He gave her a little wave and a big smile. She was so sweet! She came right over and said, "Andrew! I have a TON of pencils that need to be sharpened. Would you like to come with me to the classroom and help me sharpen them?!" Oh boy, would he. He gave me a kiss and was off.

At the end of today Jake reported that his class was "Great! My teacher has excellent control of the classroom. It was so quiet. And I really like the kids in my desk group."

Andrew told me that an "Emily girl" was driving him crazy. "She kept getting up and running all around and out into the hall and was just so loud. I kept looking at her like 'what are you doing?'"

Conclusion: they are both excited to go back tomorrow. And Millie and I look forward to all the time we have to read books together, dance, and work on our popsicle weaning! (; Good times!

School's In Session!

 

I just got back from dropping off my sweet Jacob for his first day of SECOND GRADE! i can't believe we are already at that point. His teacher is Mrs. Tyler. She is new to the school and seems very nice. We had a great visit with her yesterday - it was the day to drop off school supplies and see your classroom.

He has 14 kids in his class. How fantastic is that?! I love this small school. It was so fun to walk over this morning and have everyone calling all the kids by name, giving hugs, asking about their summer. I came home all energized and wanting to go myself!

Instead I guess I'll have to settle for quiet, while Andrew and Amelia continue to snooze. (tough life, but somebody has to put up with it.)

Have a wonderful day, Jacob!

(He chose and laid out his clothes last night. Remember doing that? He just got his new shoes yesterday, and ran up and down numerous aisles at Target "to make sure they're fast enough for P.E." He also was worried that his new jeans look a touch on the feminine side, so he decided wearing his camouflage belt "would help make sure that people know they're boy jeans.")

______________________________

I went upstairs after putting up this post and Andrew was showing signs of movement. I sat down next to him and proceeded to have this conversation:

A: Mom, where's Jacob? (said Jay-ub, very quickly. almost sounds like Jub.)

Me: He's already at school!

A: why didn't you wake me up? i wanted to say goodbye!

M: I tried and tried, but you didn't even move. I even told you he was leaving and you didn't hear me.

A: well Mo-om, I had my ear lids on and they were locked up. why didn't you open them?

M: I guess I don't know how.

A: You just reach into my pocket and turn and "CLICK!" they unlock!

**I wonder if that would work on Mike on Sunday mornings?