Yesterday was Allie & Jack's last day of school. It was a bittersweet day. Of course, we were ready - very ready - for summer break. Something about Spring just does that to us. But there was a little sadness sprinkled into our joy.
Allie started going to this school in kindergarten - 6 years ago - and Jack joined her there when he started kindergarten 3 years ago. We fell in love with it the first time we went to an information meeting. It is unusual in that it is a part-time school. We had never heard of such a thing - the kids go to school 2-3 days a week and are homeschooled the rest of the time. It seemed like a perfect match for us as we desired to remain the primary influence in our kids' lives. It is a Christian school, and that is highly important to us. We wanted our kids to learn from a Christian world-view, and that, they have. It is a rigorous school where the students are challenged. We were excited about that as we knew of the potential that all kids have. Our experience there has been full of love from the kids' teachers and our expectations have been far beyond met.
Some things occurred in the last couple of years that have made it clear to us that - at least for now - we needed to find a new place for Allie to learn. I was overwhelmed at the idea. Having a life in my hands to mold held more gravity than ever before. This was a huge decision for me. I was secure at our current school and trusted them to educate my kids well. As I looked at my options, I was certain that a 5 day a week school did not meet our family's needs. I contemplated homeschooling 100%, but that did not seem like a good option for us either. Thankfully, another part-time school was brought to my attention a little more than a year ago. It is for 6th though 12th graders, it is a Christian school, and the learning style seems like it might be a perfect match for Allie. In deciding to go there next year, I was very sad about not returning to the school, teachers, and friends that we love. I still am. But for now, I think that this is the best decision for our family. Next year, Allie will go to the "new school", and Jack will remain at the "old school".
So, yesterday was the closing of a chapter in our lives. The little ones that Allie started kindergarten with 6 years ago will start 6th grade without her. They are treasures, and I pray that we will stay in close touch... and maybe even be classmates again someday.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
A Bittersweet Day
Mother's Day Gifts
I've mentioned before that Mother's Day is my favorite Amy-holiday of the year. :) Somehow, birthdays seem to disappoint - because of me, not those around me. The other holidays are great, but they are not mine. I have to share them. Which is fine. Most of them revolve around the kids - which I love. But Mother's Day... That one is mine. Corey always does a super-great job of making it special for me, and the big kids are learning from him.
When we scheduled our trip to New Orleans, we were not looking at a calendar that had holidays marked on it. If we had, I probably would not have gone, and I certainly would not have asked my sister to spend her Mother's Day taking care of my kids. In retrospect, I am glad that I went on a trip with my man - in spite of the fact that we were gone part of the day on Mother's Day. I think that Sara was okay with it too. This entry is about my Mother's Day "gifts"... her friendship and open-heart and generosity and love for me and my family topped the list this year on Mother's Day.
When Corey and I were still at the hotel in New Orleans, I was sad that I was not with my kids. He went to a meeting, and I was alone - which had been great the previous days, but I was not a fan of it on Mother's Day. After his meeting, he came back to the room bearing a gift. He had taken a break from his meeting and gone to a store to get me a beautiful fleur de lis plaque. I love it!
When we arrived at the airport, I saw the smiles on my kids faces and felt their wonderful, welcoming hugs... those were wonderful gifts! While we were driving home, Cooper informed me that he had been to the "barn at Ikea" while I was gone and that "We got you a present." With those clues and the fact that Allie had asked me what I wanted for Mother's Day a few times before we left for our trip, I was not surprised (but was really, really happy) to be presented with a gift card for a headboard from Ikea that I like when I got home... along with some pretty silver fleur de lis jewelry from Corey. Jack also gave me a stepping stone with his hand print on it that he made at school. I LOVE it! My kids hand prints are really one of my favorite mommy-things ever! 
So, there you have it. My list of Mother's Day gifts... with those that I love (and that love me) being on the top of that list! 
So Many Blogs, So Little Time
The last few days have been very busy. I have at least 5 blog entries that are swimming in my head. The kids are all still asleep on this dark and rainy morning, so I think that I will make an attempt to get a few of them done right quick...
At any given moment, my little niece is going to decide to be born (we think), so if I fall off of the face of the world for a while... I will be in aunt-land. Smelling that newborn smell, swaddling little Chloe Grace, holding a sleeping baby on my chest... Oh! I can just hardly wait!
For now, I must blog a bit, pack a bag to get ready to jet when I get the call that she infact has decided to come, and unpack another box or two. (Yes, that project is still underway.)
Monday, May 12, 2008
Our Photos of New Orleans
~The boats and barges that we could see from our hotel window~
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Home Again
I arrived home this afternoon to our 3 babies running to us in the airport.
"Mommy!" "Daddy!"
The best thing ever.
So many blessings.
My children.
My sister, that spent her Mother's Day mothering mine.
My love, that surprised me all throughout the day with things that made this unordinary Mother's Day great.
My mom.
And so many more.
It was indeed a happy Mother's Day.
Mother's Day Morning
Today I am far far away from those that I am a mother to. In a hotel room. Alone. No little ones giggling on the other side of my bedroom door. No whispers saying, "Don't wake her up yet." as things bang around in the kitchen while they help their father make my breakfast to be served in bed. I am glad to be here... but I am anxious to be with them. Today, I long for them.
