Phew, we did it

The house is quiet. The kids fell asleep in record time, and as soon as my head hits the pillow, I will too. It was a very busy day, but what day isn't? We had a very good first day of school. In the words of our principal, "This just might be our best first day of school ever! Good job everybody!" I'm so beyond ready to go to bed, but I promised pictures. Enjoy.

I'm pretty proud of the schoolroom this year. I'm especially thrilled that I now have my own workspace to prepare and work with the kids one on one. I even used the board today which I usually avoid. Elizabeth said I was like a real teacher; it felt good, natural.

Cecila's main job was to be happy and content today, accomplished. She even learned a thing or two; she learned that she can not only climb the oven but can do the splits as well. She also learned to climb the stairs; this I did not teach her- what mother would? The culprit shall remain nameless. We are trying to go green, so we encourage her to play with the recycling before we put it out; just doing our part.

 

George wants to take over as teacher I think. He had and awesome day of letters and numbers and there was a crash course in creative play.

All tuckered out.Gabriella has been begging to start school, not that she really knew what that meant, but she wanted her new books. Darn those colorful, fun looking workbooks. She seems like she has natural talent. She has been counting to 100 over and over again and is so proud of herself.

Pauly and I went for orientation today at the Elementary School. He will going half days again. He will be shared between the special ed teachers and a second grade teacher. I'm pretty sure he's ready to get back to his "ladies" and of course gym class.

 

Here's a proud mama moment caught on film; just one of the many reasons we homeschool. Olivia was a huge help with the little ones during her off time, and she did great with her studies-no worries or meltdowns. Maybe this is the year is all clicks.

Elizabeth was so ready to be back to a routine; she seems almost giddy to have a set schedule and would probably like it if I planned things out on paper down to the minute. Our current phrase to encourage flexibility and going with the flow is "Don't anticipate, just participate." She is our super studious one and just wants to do things right. Takes all kinds to make the world go around.

Teacher's Prayer

(author unknown)

I want to teach my children how

 To live this life on earth

To face its struggles and its strife

And to improve their worth

Not just the lessons in a book

Or how the rivers flow

But how to choose the proper path

Wherever they may go

To understand eternal truth

And know the right from wrong

And gather all the beautyof

A flower and a song

For if I help the world to grow

In wisdom and in grace

Then I shall feel that I have won

And I have filled my place

And so I ask Your guidance, Lord

That I may do my part

For character and confidence

And happiness of heart.