Fall, first day of school and other ramblings

I'm struggling a little bit. Many of you know, I homeschooled Kristopher (who has PDD)  last year.  I had to pull him out of an inappropriate program.  It just was not for him.   So we jumped in feet first.  And he came LEAPS and bounds from where he was.  It was something both of us needed.   Him to catch up per say and for me, it really taught me his learning style.   If anything, it has made me a better advocate because I know what he is capable of, academically speaking.  Which I could only guess before, but now I know.  What a good feeling. 

This is Kris getting on the bus the first day...

  However, homeschooling a child with a disability isn't just days of teaching and being by yourselves.   We had twelve (yes 12!) therapy sessions four days a week.   I had twelve people in and out of my house every week and had to keep my then-almost- 2 yr old out of their hair for every one of them.
  
   Now with all that said, I would homeschool him again in a heartbeat. Kristopher is a VERY social boy and seems to really love his class so far.  I met his teacher last year and insisted he go on a few visits in the classroom to make sure it was a good fit.  And he really enjoyed it.  And I had a VERY good feeling when I met the teacher.  He seems like a wonderful teacher and really "gets" these kids.    I'm not sure if it's a blessing or a curse, but my "gut" feelings always turn out to be right.  When I have a bad feeling, it usually always ends in disaster.   So I'm praying that my gut is right again. 

Johnny ready for his bus to come on his first day

Johnny has started school at the private school I visited last year and he is really enjoying his new school as well!  It's extremely small and just what I was looking for.  And the perk is, if Kris's current placement doesn't work out, I can homeschool him again and send him to the PIE (partners in education) program, which is a homeschool program,  at the private school Johnny is attending.   So I am hoping and praying that having these plans in place works out for the best.




   I was in almost a full blown panic the week before school started.  I couldn't sleep, eat and was basically a nervous wreck worrying about everything.  Which did absolutely no good at all.   Let's just say I'm glad the first few days of school are over and I'm calm again.  AMEN!

I started out feeling very guilty about this, but I am choosing joy.    Choosing to be happy about my decision instead of dread.  Nothing is set in stone.  And I had to keep reminding myself of that.  And then it all came together.


The positive here is that it's FALL!  My FAVORITE time of year!!!!  And my wonderful Aunt Mary baked my husband a DELICIOUS apple pie!  And we enjoyed it with vanilla ice cream last night! YUM!!!!!

Fall ball is in full effect.  And my little catcher and batter (#22)  is a good one!  Johnny sure is a natural.  We don't know where he gets it from!  Certainly NOT us! :)   Kris and Johnny both are going to start swim team in a few weeks.  Cub scouts starts up again (twice a month) and of course piano (which we do year round).    However in the midst of all this I am a HUGE believer in DOWN TIME, which is why I almost didn't let them join the swim team.  3 times a week seems like a lot to me.  But they will try it the first day and then decide whether they want to commit or stay in their Saturday morning stroke refinement class.  Either is fine with me!     Kids need time to be KIDS!  I know they thrive on structure.  But their own "free" time is when they truly grow and learn, in my humble opinion.  

Now last but not least, I get to spend my days with this lil one!  She is loving being a mama to her dolls and "mom read a book" is her favorite thing to ask me these days.   I sure am blessed to be these kids Mama.  I pray I am doing the right things with them and asking God to lead the way!

I am linking up with Tuesdays Unwrapped at Chatting at the sky, come and join us!

XOXO