Our First Day of School

Today was the first day of homeschool at our house and to make sure we all got off to a great start I chose a special breakfast that met all of our needs.  Experts say that in order for children to do their best in school they should begin the day with a nutritious, filling breakfast.

However, I opted for the "bribery"/"drug-of-choice" breakfast for our first day.

 No one can get off to a bad start after eating a Boston Kreme doughnut!!! (And even if they do, they are quickly reminded by their teacher that they were given doughnuts for breakfast so they'd better shape up if they ever want that surprise again--I told you bribery works!)

Even Josi, (who started her day spending a few moments of reflection in time-out), was all smiles after her dose of sugar and cholesterol. :)

Of course the teacher needs her caffeine--especially since she just got back from working out and didn't have time to shower OR put on any make-up. Woo Hooey!

I think a little girl is realizing that her breakfast of oatmeal and bananas is a far cry from those yummy round things she sees her brothers and sister eating.

Our day got off to a great start with Nadia enjoying her first few moments in her "Preschool Pen",

Michael plowing through his math and spelling,

Josi staying focused and not being distracted (yet) by wanting to play with her little sister,

 And the eldest beginning his first year of high school and tackling Algebra II without any tears and gnashing of teeth... Ahh...the teacher is lulled into a false sense of security as she surveys her students in their harmonious and relaxed learning environment.

Even the dog is momentarily fooled by the calm surroundings and decides to take a snooze with both eyes closed.

 Then the tide starts to turn.  Little one is starting to go from gate to gate in her corral shaking it and looking for any weak points where she might be able to force her way out.  I'm tempted to get her a tin cup to bang back and forth along the gates at this point. :)

High School student has already resorted to the prone position to read his history book.

"Psst.  Hey you! Furry thing that licks me and lets me play in your water bowl.  Come spring me from this kiddie jail.  I'll make sure to drop more food from my high chair if you get me out!!!"

"Waaaahhh!  I'm all done in here!"

 Time for Plan B.  Let's see how well Nadia does in an inclusive setting.

The teacher wisely removes all writing implements and other sharp objects from within the preschooler's reach and is able to continue instruction time with her students.

 "Mom, how am I supposed to find the major rivers and mountain ranges in South America if Nadia's sitting on them?"  Um, ok, I guess Plan B may need a little tweaking as the year goes along.

 The preschooler is relegated to the high schooler's care while the other 2 students "embalm" an apple. 

"Whew!  School is tiring!" "I'm sure glad naptime is one of my assignments."

Me too, sweet girl...me too!  May I join you???

My prayer for this school year is not so much that my children will receive stellar grades in all of their subjects (although the standards will be high and we'll all be working hard).  Moreso, I'd like to see growth in their love for God and for each other, in their character--especially in the areas of serving one another and being kind to each other. 

 For myself, I'd like to respond to the many "glitches" in our day with patience and gentle words.  Ironically, I heard this verse on the radio as I was coming home from the gym this morning.  It is from Proverbs 16:23,24

"A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction.  Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."

I already missed the mark many times this first school day but I'm thankful I have a Heavenly Father who isn't grading me on my behavior, but who gently takes me aside and reminds me that He's here to give me everything that I need to be the kind of homeschooling mom He's made me to be.

His mercies are new every morning and so I can go to bed tonight looking forward to how He's going to show up tomorrow instead of hanging my head in shame for the many times I messed up today.

Now it's time to go to the teacher's lounge and have a bowl of ice cream!