Twas the night before homeschooling . . .

Months of preparation - researching, buying curriculum, finding the right community group, curriculum training, buying supplies, writing lesson plans, laminating and more laminating - and HERE I AM.

The night before it begins.

Will this totally flop?
Will I love it?
Will my kids excel in this environment?
I wonder.
I am going into this with the expectation that this is our new way of life - with no end in sight.  But maybe God just has us doing this for a year.

I really do hope it goes well.

This place is CRAZY Big

Hubby and I are at the Florida Homeschool convention in Orlando.  (Oh, our 10th wedding anniversary is this weekend, too.)  The convention is at the Gaylord Palms - a hotel I've not been to previously.

I am in shock!!!!  The number of Florida homeschool families is mind boggling.  I had NO idea there were this many homeschoolers - and quite a few look normal.  Again, shock!!!

The sessions have been very informative - actually, inspiring.

Brad and I have split up - he's going to the sessions focused on the legal issues behind homeschooling and why families need to educate their children on US history.  I'm going to the sessions focused on how to educate your children at home.

The EXPO hall with all the curriculum vendors has to be 20,000 square feet.  No joke.  Quite overwhelming.  I'm glad I've come with an idea of the curriculum I want to purchase.  Otherwise, I'd fall at the threshold of the EXPO hall - end up in the fetal position, crying, sucking my thumb.

I've been advised prior to coming to this convention to take up the motto, "Don't overbuy."  Yea - cause I NEVER do that.

This is truly a wonderful experience.

Picture of me and my mister relaxing at the pool after 2 very long days at "Convention" . . .

Tomorrow - Happy Tenth Wedding Anniversary!!!!!!!

Now, I know why

I often wonder why God laid it on my heart to homeschool.

Simply because I told Him, "Never"?  Maybe.

Because He knew that today our beloved Classical school would close?  Maybe.

It really doesn't matter to me.  I'm going to choose the path He calls me to take.

But that said, I am sad.  The sweet school that my son has been a part of has closed its doors today.  

His sweet friends.  His amazing teachers.  His outstanding educational experience.  His wise Headmaster.  The kind relationships I've been afforded the opportunity to make.  The hope of a place to send my daughter.  All no more.

I am grateful for these 2 years he has had in a Classical school.

I am also grateful that God laid it on my heart to homeschool.

I've got a Nagging Feeling

The tune to "You've got that Lovin' Feelin" is playing in my head.  The lyrics are much different.  More like, "I've got a Naggin' Feelin".

For several weeks - I've had this increasing loud voice in my head (known as God the Spirit).

At first it was a quiet thought . . . "homeschool".

It increased . . . "homeschool".

Then I entertained the thought and spoke the thought out loud.  My husband, to whom I spoke the crazy thought to, did not freak.  In fact, I would describe his reaction as 'interested'.

Then that thought turned to a voice that began keeping me awake at night . . . "homeschool".

Then that voice was waking me up from a perfectly good sleep . . . "HOMESCHOOL".
       Now, for me . . . that's where I draw the line.

Once I got it through my thick skull that God was leading our family down a path that I SWORE I would never take - then submitted to His path - then, and only then, did the 'Naggin Feelin' subside.

And now . . . I sleep.

Because I am certain that the journey ahead will be full of plenty of sleepless nights.

New Phase of Life

We took Madelyn to school a couple weeks ago. It was weird to drop her off at preschool because she seems so young to me. Yes, she is. However, I'm comparing her to my memory of William when I took him to school. I remember feeling like he was a 'big boy'. But, now with my second, she doesn't seem to be a 'big girl' like I remember thinking William was. Why is that? Was he really more mature? Was it because he was in big boy underwear and she refuses to stop pottying in her pull ups? Maybe because she's our last? I don't know. It just seems like their maturity at the same age is drastically different.

Anyway . . . I thoroughly made the most out of my 'last days' with William before the dreaded beginning of Kindergarten. Before I turn my first born over to another adult to invest in him more waking hours - than me. Ugh. I gave William some choices on what we could do while Madelyn was in school. His choice . . . the Aquarium.

The Aquarium holds sweet memories for me and William. The countless 'play dates' with his buddies, his excitement when he touches the stingrays, his third birthday party on the outdoor spray ground, his eyes lighting up when he'd spot a moray eel. Many memories from his toddler/preschool years. It seems like an appropriate spot to mark the end of one phase as we look forward to a new phase . . . Kindergarten.

Some funny stuff.

Madelyn, "That's okay mommy, I didn't need it anyway." In response to me throwing away her play-doh b/c she wouldn't keep it on the table. Most importantly, off the red carpet. She began to scream and cry when I took it, but after I tossed it in the trash she quickly changed her tune. Age 2.

Madelyn, "Mommy, I like hot sauce." In response to me threatening hot sauce if she didn't quit screaming at the dinner table. Age 2.

William, "PopPop you get the food. I'll get the table." At McDonald's when PopPop and William walked in one morning for breakfast. circa Age 3.

William, "You've got to be kidding me!" In response to someone when he thinks they are pulling his leg. Age 5.

San Francisco today. Napa tomorrow.

Long time comin'

Since my last blog . . .
* Christmas came and went. I'll attach some highlights.
* Floors are finally finished. Yea! And we have our kitchen back.

William's first Christmas Tree Lot experience.
William trying to control Madelyn. Must come from the Hertenstein genes.
Brad with his kiddos shopping for a tree.

Found a tree and got it up.
Now it's time to decorate with lights.
Brad thought that should apply to Maximus too.
William making decorations to hang on the tree.
William methodically placing his hand crafted ornaments.
William and Santa. Unfortunately, this Santa blew up the week after Christmas, so our idea of seeing how William 'measures up' to Santa each year won't work.


Festival of Dancing Lights at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
"Snow" falls during the Dancing Lights. It's really soap bubbles, but for our Florida boy - he thinks it's really cool.
Maddie dancing in the street while the lights "dance".

Pajama party at Dan & Steph's. MiMi and PopPop bought the kids matching/coordinating Christmas pajamas. We decided to do a movie night and let the kids have popcorn in their PJs. We were hoping for a perfect picture. Hmmm. Not so much.


Christmas Eve service. The kids are invited on stage for the telling of the Christmas story. William was quite eager to answer Ms. Helen's question.
Kids' Christmas outfits.

Christmas Morning. William overwhelmed by the gifts.

Maddie new exactly what to do when she saw her baby accessories.
Sunglasses.

William loves his 'shooting' truck from Uncle Steve & Aunt Debbie.
Maddie and her blocks.

Family gift exchange on Christmas night. Uncle Dan and Maddie are hanging.

Cute Sofia.
MiMi and her boy.
Maddie.

Me with William, Sofia, and Madelyn.

Family photo.