It's Been a While

 I don't even know where to begin this one.  It's been a journey and such an honor to have been a part of my children's education for this long.  My oldest just graduated from High School and while I am still very much involved and invested in his well-being and educational success, I am no longer his teacher.  I am so grateful for the wonderful educators turned friends whom he has learned from.  I am thankful for the countless memories and opportunities we had as a hybrid homeschooling family.  Our homeschool adventures took us to another State, and we navigated the new expectations and routines together.  Homeschooling in Florida was short lived, but we were blessed with the opportunity for my kiddos to attend a private Christian school.  I see God's hand in the lives of my children.  I can say that with so much confidence.  As this season is over with my first born, I want to reflect and thank the Lord for the following memories.

*  Homeschool Fridays and the many adventures it brought.  From museum visits, to play dates, co-op learning, beach going, art making and science experiments.  We did them all!  

*  Attending field trips together and getting to know other families and kids and building life long friendships with them.

*  All the school dances, shopping for them and planning for them and the fun stories I got to hear. 

*  Football games.  I loved watching my son play. 

*  Award ceremonies, although at times lengthy, I always felt grateful and proud that I could attend and be present for him.  

*  School projects and having a messy kitchen table full of paint supplies, paper and scaled models of various things in different times in history. 

* Packing school lunches.  I actually do miss it.  I had many days when it was a despised task but now, I miss it with fondness.  

I still have one more to get through High-School, but as the College adventures begin for my first-born, I want to make sure that I stop long enough to look back and smile at all that has passed.  I truly believe we grow with our children and this next level will unlock so many more special and cherished memories.  I cannot wait to drop off my kid at college, hug his neck, pray for him and let God use him for His glory.  

I will always remember his little face on the first day of kindergarten.  I cried the entire day he was gone.  I have a feeling that history will repeat itself on the first day when I have to drop off my son at college.  I will hug him, look at his face, smile at how proud I am of him and probably cry the whole way home.  It's okay though, because I know that the Lord will direct his steps, the same way he always has and he will hold my hand, the same way he always has.  His every day grace will wrap us both up and we will one day also look back on this college season fondly.