First Day of School-2011

Ten years ago we sent our eldest off to kindergarten. We had 3 children ages 5 and under and were undergoing a major renovation while living in the house!  It was difficult letting him go and I missed him terribly but we knew this was the best plan for our family.

 However, throughout the course of that first school year, God used many circumstances and people to slowly point us toward homeschooling.  I say slowly because it took awhile for me to see that this was truly His plan for us. (Truth be told, whenever the topic came up I pretty much told God, "Ummm...no way, thank you very much!")  We ended up taking the plunge and have homeschooled all of our children for the last 9yrs.

(Here is our little kindergartner!)

 Ten years later and still trusting in God's plan for each of our children's schooling, we sent our eldest off this morning to 10th grade at the same Christian school he went to for kindergarten! 

(My, how he's grown!)



One of the really cool details of this transition is that not only does Allen have a bunch of soccer buddies who go to his school, but his cousin does too!

(I still say they could pass for twins!)



Meanwhile, back at the Ferguson Homeschool, two eager students are waiting to begin their first school day as well!

OK, so mostly they're eager for the traditional doughnut breakfast that accompanies the first day of school around here!

This one would eat doughnuts all day long if he lived by himself. :)

So this was a total surprise to me...guess who doesn't like doughnuts???

I mean she REALLY didn't like her doughnut! How is that even possible?  It boggles the mind!!!

 Oh well...that's one more for the teacher!



My favorite place to start the school day...out on the porch in what turned out to be a surprisingly cool morning!

Little missie got over her doughnut meltdown and settled in for devotions.

Anyone who has children at school or in homeschool knows there's no better way to start the day than with prayer!

Josi is our prayer warrior and will remember other's prayer requests better than anyone.

Time to hit the books!  Josi dove into her spelling with a fervor that I hope lasts all year long!

(Yes, I'm experiencing a hallucinogenic sugar high from that extra doughnut!)  

Another excited pupil beginning his new Math book.

"Oy Vey!  Is it that time of year again???

Not the preschool pen!!!"



"Guess I'd better make the best of it or she might try to make me eat another one of those nasty fried things filled with creme and topped with chocolate. Yuck-o!"

"See?  I'm learning too!  I know that brown bear sees a red bird and that the red bird sees a yellow duck!"

"I'm totally done with this pen thing now. Just put me in for a nap!"

I'm still waiting to hear how Allen's day went.  It's amazing how I can still miss him like I did ten years ago, but rest in complete faith in our Heavenly Father who hasn't taken his eyes off of him a moment of his life. :)