Sunday, June 8, 2008

Broke The News To The Kids

4:30 this afternoon we broke the news to the kids over cherry pie and ice cream. I can honestly say I was not sure what their reactions would be. Especially Lilo and Superkid. I had a feeling Princess would be excited since she is a social bug. Lilo surprised me the most. She was not only excited, she wanted to know how long it was till the first day of school, what her schedule would be, and how to spell her teachers name. We are very excited about all their teachers but Lilo's is perfect for her. Her classroom theme is Monarch's, and for any of you who know my Lilo, you know that is right up her bug lovin' alley. This teacher has actually been there since I was there years ago and I think may be retiring soon.
Princess had lots of questions. I don't remember them all. She couldn't stop grinning. She said at one point that she felt a little sick but it was excitement. She asked a lot about what her teacher was like. We told her our impressions from meeting her and let her look at the text books the teacher had loaned us for math, science, and American History.
Superkid was not sure what to think. I don't think he knew exactly what we were talking about at first. It was nothing tangible to him. Homeschooling has been all he has been around. He had never set foot on a school campus! He said he did not want to go there because they did not have play-doh. That told me he was uncertain. Precious little guy. We talked about what they do in Kindergarten. How they learn to read but they also play a bit. There are hot wheels, a huge pretend house, desks, stories, and possible even play-doh.... we will have to ask.
There were so into it but the little ones were having a harder time picturing where this would be. So, we threw on our shoes and hopped into the van. It was time to see what we were talking about.
We got up there and a teacher walked out. I recognized her. She was my homeschool teacher through the school when my mom homeschooled me many years ago. I remember her bringing me art samples to look at. She is a very sweet christian lady and it was amazing that I was talking to her here with my kids 20 years later! She was very happy to let us on into the campus and meet us all. She did homeschool when her kids were young but is one of the first grade teachers now on site at the school. She said it is amazing to be there right now because there are so many christian teachers they actually feel the freedom to walk by each other and ask for prayer for things. It was very encouraging to talk to her. I knew that God would do this whether the obstacles were big or small but he sure seems to be blessing us with some postive people up there.
From there we found the rooms the kids would be in. They were locked and the windows dark and hard to see in, but they were determined to try. So daddy picked up one kidlet after another so they could peer in as best they could. Lilo was very excited to see monarch's plastered everywhere in the classroom of the second grade teacher we want her to have. They played on the different playgrounds and drank from the drinking fountains. It was a joyful time. They did not want to go home. We tried to remind them that being up there was not playing all day outside. :)
So, we are encouraged. The journey is one step further and we walk on in faith.

Isaiah 48 :

17 This is what the LORD says—
your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
"I am the LORD your God,
who teaches you what is best for you,
who directs you in the way you should go.

18 If only you had paid attention to my commands,
your peace would have been like a river,
your righteousness like the waves of the sea.

7 comments:

Tami Lynn said...

Isaiah 58:11
The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.

Jeremiah 17: 7 "But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
whose confidence is in him. 8 He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit."


Yea God! Tami

Tricia said...

I am so happy it went so well for you. I love to see how God is holding you in his hand and walking your through this decision.

IW was bugging me all day after we talked as I was leaving church. He has come up with some crazy guesses. I told him, he had to wait until I heard back from you.

I agree with Tami Yea God!!

Karen said...

Alicia, Lilo is sooo blessed to have Mrs. Monarch as her teacher. A few years ago my daughter, struggling greatly with school at the time, desperately needed a teacher that would reach out to her in a special way to rekindle a love of learning...and the year she spent in Mrs. Monarch's class was a miracle! Mrs. Monarch will do just that with your bug loving Lilo!

And tell Mrs. Kindergarden that Karen said make sure there's some play-doh time for Superkid ;). I know you've homeschooled two thru K already, but if you want me to pull together a list of the basics that K goes over at that school to have a sort of "fun summer cirriculum" I can. I know I was surprised on a few things that were required in K that were beyond the basics of ABC and 123 that I'd worked on with my first daughter before she started school.

I'm glad the news went over well in general with all of your kiddos and I look forward to the rest of your journey!

I am Katy, said...

It sounds like you're all so excited about this new journey. I remember the anticipation of each upcoming school year with fondness. Finding out who my teacher(s)b would be, who my classmates would be and riding my bike to the school during the Summer break just to peak in the windows at what would be my new classroom. So fun!

Kristen Borland said...

what was it like, way back when, when you dropped princess off at school for the first time (was it kindergarten)? that thought breaks my heart!! :( but it's not a reason to homeschool.

Alicia said...

kristen,
actually, I was very excited for Princess the day she started kindergarten. She had a pic standing with her bacpack and all, it was a fun day for her. I do remember crying as I walked to my car and being anxious to pick her up. She has always loved a social setting and was rearin' and ready to go.
We had many problems as the months went by... you know, I just realized I should share that story too! So, thanks for more blog material!:)

Zimms Zoo said...

I am so glad they are so excited. I know my 9 yo would love the school setting too as she is also a social butterfly.
When does school start there?