It's official!

We've finished our first year of homeschooling! It continues to amaze me how well the transition has gone. I know that the credit for that belongs to the Lord. He's worked mightily in our midst this spring.

We really had some great, productive days. Writing year end progress reports and compiling portfolios was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on our time and bask in the glow of accomplishment. I know the kids learned a lot and I think this mommy may have learned even more. Truly this has been one of the hardest, but most rewarding tasks I've ever taken on. Aside from all of the academic knowledge gained, we're experiencing a greater sense of family unity and are relishing our freedom from the external schedules and pressures that used to control so much of our time. I feel so much more connected to each of the girls, so immersed in their lives. Perhaps the greatest joy has been training their hearts, not only teaching their minds.

We won't be formally schooling this summer, but all three girls will be reading and journaling. We'll also do a few bits of math here and there in preparation for next year. We've chosen courses of study for each child for next year and plans are underway to begin in the second week of August when dh heads back to school.

Today I thank the Lord for his unfailing love and perfect guidance. I thank Him for leading us to be more completely present in our children's lives and education. I thank Him for equipping us as parents for the job He's entrusted us with.

These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk upon the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.
~Deut. 6:6-9 NIV