NOT Back to School

It happens sometimes.

I was sitting at Lincoln's soccer practice last night, listening to some moms talk about how excited they were for their kids to be starting school the next day. About how nice it would be to wave goodbye and do the happy dance as the bus pulled out of the neighborhood. Listening to all the things they planned to do with their free time.

And I thought, "How nice would that be?"

Don't get me wrong, I love homeschool. And I know why I homeschool. But man, sometimes when you're in the thick of things, an eight-hour vacation every day sounds REALLY nice. So I was feeling a little bit down, and a little bit shackled-in to this life I've created for myself.

And then this morning I got a text from my cute friend, and fellow homeschool mom, Brenda, "In honor of the first day of school for the neighborhood kids I'm taking my kids to the reservoir. Do you want to come?"

Heck yes, I do! Get me out of my house, and out of this downer mood.

So we spent the morning with Brenda and her kids, and Brenda's friend Crystal and her kids. And it was glorious. I love the homeschool moms I know. There is something inherently good, and wonderful, and true about each and every one of them. High caliber women, all. Some day, I hope to be just like them.

And while I sat on the beach with Brenda and Crystal, I was reminded about why I love homeschooling, and about how grateful I am for the gift of time I have with my kids. I was reminded about the joy it brings me to watch them learn something, or accomplish a goal, or to see how they are best pals with their siblings.

I have always loved the way older homeschool kids treat the younger ones. Today a 15 year old boy let my eight year old tag along with him around the lake. And a 10 year old girl took Adelia under her wing just as if she was her big sister. I LOVE that! I love it.

So today I love homeschool. Today I'm glad that we've decided to do things differently. Today I'm proud to watch my kids be themselves, and to follow their own interests, and to let them do what they love.

Not to mention that now that everyone is back in school, we have all of our favorite places practically to ourselves. Homeschooling perks, my friends, homeschooling perks. :)