Farewell Christmas break

Its always a little bittersweet to me when Christmas break (or any other break) is over. I really really love having my kids all home. It can be stressful and at times, chaotic. But there's just something about having all your chicks under one roof. And its a little bit sad when they have to back to school.

The sweet part of the "bittersweet" is that I have the time needed to clean this place up again! I really need those hours when they are in school and I'm able to really keep cleaning with no distractions-- haha, well, fewer, I still have a 2 year old and a baby!!

I was in public school until 4th grade and then homeschooled until I graduated. I loved homeschooling. Jake was in private school until 6th and then homeschooled from there. And I really thought I would homeschool all of my children. But we know there is wisdom in seeking the right solution for each child, each year. And this is the way it needs to be for now.

School life is just so crazy. Its so stressful getting everybody up in the mornings (it breaks my heart having to wake up children who are so cozy in their beds), rushing around to get ready, making sure we don't forget anything, and then sending them off in the cold to be away from home for hours. :( Then I rush around as quick as I can cleaning, doing laundry and dishes, cooking (ahead of time for dinner), and taking care of the babies. On my end, the time goes by so fast because of all that needs to be done. By the time the kids get home, they have just a little playtime with their siblings before homework, dinner, baths and early to bed because they have to get up early the next day and start all over.

Sometimes I think homeschooling would be easier. Oh to have the time to teach all of my little women the things I long to teach them and they are eager to learn. Homekeeping skills, cooking, sewing... Then I have weeks like the last two (Christmas break) and realize, I'd have to be like 400% more organized to do all that, juggle little ones and actually give them a decent education as well! As for Micah and Abby, they get so many therapies as part of their school day. Things I couldn't provide here and if they homeschooled, I'd have to load everyone up to take them to therapy....*sigh* No thank you.

And I really do love the school Ashley and Emily are in. Our amazing church school. Riding to school with their daddy each day, learning in rooms they practically grew up in, with friends they've known forever and teachers who love the Lord and guide them in wisdom and truth. Memorizing scripture and hearing Gods word preached with freedom. I love it. And for this season, this is where the Lord has them.

But maybe someday I'll have all my chicks under one roof for the school day. We'll see.

For now, 2 have started back and 2 more start back tomorrow. And there's a huge pile of laundry that's threatening to take over my bonus room. Farewell Christmas break, hello housework catch-up.