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Back to School Blues [This seems like yesterday]
It's that time of year.  It's back to school time.  This is my fifth year home schooling my kids.  Even as I write that, I can hardly believe it.  Has it really been that long?  Graham and Asher will begin 4th grade in a couple of weeks.  Samuel will begin first grade.  This year I expected it.  The back to school blues.  Passing moms at the Costco with their workout clothes, all fit and peaceful looking, while I am slightly frazzled with my 5 in tow, trying to get through the store quickly, so we can get home in time to finish up what we need to in school.  We live right across the street from our elementary school, like I can hear the bell inside my house.  It's a daily reminder of the freedom I could have.  This morning on my jog, I passed the moms walking home alone, cup of coffee in hand.  Is bad to say, as much as I really do love home schooling, that I am slightly jealous of the other side at times.  The grass is always greener, and for just a couple of short weeks at the end of August, I really want to put my oldest 3 in navy and white and drop them off.  This feeling does wear off.  I've come to expect it now.  The back to school blues.

We actually just finished 3rd grade and kindergarten on Friday. So we won't begin up again until the day after Labor Day.  Today we had a fun day... free breakfast at Chick Fil A, bought some school supplies for this year in the now quiet school supply section at Target, and then had lunch with Daddy before we headed home for naps and quiet play time.  As I write this, Asher is making his own word find, Samuel is playing Bananagrams, and Graham is playing quietly in a chair while the littles nap.  Very peaceful.  It's all coming back to me now.  I love these unhurried days with my kids.  Just yesterday, when I was packing up our school stuff to make room for the new stuff, Graham came up to me out of the blue, gave me a hug, and said, "Thanks, Mom, for teaching us all that stuff last year.  It was really great."  For that alone, it was all worth it.
Posted by Sarah at 12:07 PM Labels: Home Schooling. 
Needed to read this today, Sarah! I thought I was the only one who had to hold back a groan when I hear the school bus go past my house. The payoff is beautiful and real, but sometimes it seems nebulous compared to the manicured masses enjoying their kid-free days! I love that we are doing this together! :) Here's to Year Five of investing in the education of our tribes!

August 23, 2011 at 7:52 AM 
Oh wow. That's something I never expected or thought about. My sisters and I were homeschooled and I plan on homeschooling, so it's good to know. One, so I can be prepared for it and two so I can hug my mom and thank her like your son did. So sweet!

August 23, 2011 at 11:30 PM 
That Graham-- love him.
I so relate. I always have the jealous twinge-- sort of pale, light green shade.

August 24, 2011 at 5:03 AM 
Keep up the good work! You will be their best teacher ever!

August 24, 2011 at 7:28 PM HeidiP said...

Thank you, Sarah, for so eloquently describing how I've been feeling this week too. This path we've chosen is not easy but is soooooo worth it! Enjoy the next couple weeks of "vacation" before you begin your schoolyear. Miss you guys!

August 24, 2011 at 10:48 PM 
awww- graham...such a sweetie. your boys wear the fruit of your choices-and it's really special to see.

August 29, 2011 at 7:44 PM lnelson said...

Hey there friend, I know these homeschooling posts were posted a long time ago but I just read all your favorite'd ones just now. This one got me teary! It is a great reminder of what I will experience once we start homeschooling through the middle school years. Especially since Lee teaches and I've been subbing these past few years. Thanks for your blog...you write beautifully.

June 4, 2012 at 10:33 AM