First day - pictures to come -

On the first day, Derek walked through the door of his kindergarten class and then back out to tell me the kids there were too big for him. Then after I reassured him it was fine, he walked back in, only to walk back out again. This time I held his hand and walked with him through that door and to his desk. He had been so excited and confident, but at the last minute a wave of being unsure hit him. I explained to him that his teacher was a very nice lady who would take care of him. I had to do the same today when he had a substitute. He is so sweet. I'm impressed with how he is paying attention to what is going on around him so he is always doing the right thing and informing me of important events. He even remembered to wear red on spirit day without me telling him to. He wants hot lunch next time it is his class's turn to stay at school and has commented that one of his teachers must be a builder because she comes in wearing a construction shirt. (The para-eds wear orange vests while on recess or cross-walk duty. :) ) I miss that guy when he is gone, but he is doing so well and tomorrow, (I guess it's actually today) he gets to stay home with me! I'll have to be sure to spend time with him even though there is so much to do with home school. I've been so busy but I know this is the time he needs extra hugs and reassurance that even though he is growing up he will always be my little boy. He also needs extra sleep! School can take a lot out of a little guy, especially when he is staying up late pondering such deep thoughts about his new academic life. The other day Lizzy kept saying she was older than him and he just didn't know what to do!

Derek's experience was so different from when I dropped the other kids off.  Before, I was always the hesitant one, while they were full of excitement that comes with the first taste of independence. It's hard to leave either way.

Eliza is enjoying the extra attention of being the oldest preschooler at home. I'm looking forward to doing more preschool activities with her when the home school stuff settles down. She loves doing preschool and I am ecstatic that my mom has agreed to teach her and Marcus once a week. I know it will be the best part of her day and she will be looking forward to it all week.

Marian is in Brennan's class! We take the Lewis kids to school each morning.  Kenna has reported that she loves riding the "Ahpa Express". I love watching her and Marian talk as they walk off to their classrooms. Last year she would keep hugging me goodbye and I was never sure if she wanted me to stay or go. Now we skip the hug and may or may not forget to wave and say goodbye as she is too busy in her conversation when we part ways. Reportedly, her signature good behavior is earning her privileges. Of course, it's those quiet ones you've got to look out for. When I went to tuck in the girls a few nights ago, Eliza had a look of terror on her face when she asked me if Santa Clause was a good guy or a bad guy. When I questioned why she would asked, Marian volunteered with a little embarrassed giggle how she had sang her the bad part of the song.  And then, without reserve, she brought her arms up with her fingers curled and in a spooky voice sang, "he sees you when your sleeping, he knows when your awake." She is the most lovable, sweet, pure, interesting girl. Aunt Tallia picks her up from school this year and I miss how she would run with all her might and the bulldoze me over with a hug at the end of the day.

The home school kids are working hard. We are working to get things to run smoother this year, which means we have three computers (thanks Phil and Erin) and they are all connected to the internet (thanks Dad!) and they even are on a network so they can all use the printer. (That is if our printer would stop breaking. Probably time to get a new one, with wireless capabilities.  Why did I stay up so late figuring out how to set up a network?)

I am impressed with their good working attitudes.  Megan's classes didn't start until this week and she was beside herself! She wanted to get started! She was a lot happier today and wants more work. Today I learned when a word is a preposition or an adverb. Ex: "Derek walked through." through is an adverb. Think of it as adding to the verb: walked. "Derek walked through the door." Through is a preposition because it is part of the prepositional phrase: "through the door". Grammar was never a focus in public school when I went. I am so glad I am learning it now. When I began this post I kept thinking about grammar. It's getting too late!

Megan had dreamed about being involved in Drama at the high school just five minutes away from our house, but we are in the boundaries for a high school 15 minutes away. Home school is a huge time commitment so I went through all the hoops to try to get an exception. Since she was only going to be in one class I would have had to stay at the school, with the little kids in the car, hoping the other kids were doing okay with their work, while she was in class. It turns out the school she is supposed to go to doesn't even have a drama class and doesn't produce plays. The school district is still unbending, even though it would mean additional funding for them, a happy voter, and only cost a space in one class that has openings. I've tried everything.  Everyone at both schools are supportive.  It's ridiculous! I feel frustrated because they won't meet with us, won't talk with us on the phone, and from their responses, I don't even think they are reading my e-mails.  In my most recent e-mail I merely asked for advice for how to proceed next year. I even said, "may I please." I received a very curt reply that said, "I've already told you there is nothing I can do, leave me alone." Not really, but that is how I felt.  She didn't even read my e-mail. If our school district is too big and too busy to serve their constituents and do what is best for every child, maybe it is time to divide the district.  That would show them.  Then our whole neighborhood could go to the school down the street.  Note: I had no problem with sending Megan to the other school. It's my Alma Mater and I think it is a fine school.  They just don't offer the class or plays and I find it ridiculous that no one is listening or understanding us. Am I unable to communicate clearly? Hmm...maybe Megan shouldn't go to that school if writers like me are the product. :)

Megan has been a good sport through it all.  Ultimately, we decided to try again next year.  (Which the superintendent would have known if she had read my e-mail! Yes, I'm bitter!) She has a summer birthday and after visiting the high school and seeing the other freshman, I wasn't ready for her to go anyway. We are considering options like hiring a lawyer or taking her to another city for that class and plays.  I shake my head in disbelief knowing that we are paying taxes to our district and I will have to leave during the school day to drive her over a half an hour away when there is an amazing program down the street.  I know I sound like a silly mom but Megan's dream is to be a drama teacher. She has put on several productions with her cousins and neighbor kids. I want her to be able to be a part of a group in high school like I was in band.  Enough ranting.  All will work out. Oh, one more thing: students who want to take shop are allowed to transfer. The injustice of it all just makes me want to scream! Okay, now I'm dramatic.

I'll write more about Emma's and Michael's partnership activities later.