I apologize for the sporadic way posts have been put up lately... I'm not sure what's going on with my blog, but it's been extremely difficult to post.

Anyway, we recently made the leap from homeschool to "big" school as the kids call it:o). Here are a few pictures of our first days...







After finishing Kindergarten with Elie in December we decided to go a different route for January. Both kids have been enrolled at Countryside Elementary and are just loving it! Jadon is in school twice a week for two hours at a time, and I have to admit, I really enjoy the break:o). He absolutely loves being a big kid, and his teacher is amazing with her class. Both kids have excellent teacher that we feel so grateful to have them with.
Elie is thoroughly loving her time too! She is at the top of her class and whips out homework in no time. She's made several friends already and begs to be aloud to take the bus:o) - however, we live literally two minutes from school, so mom drives. We may even walk when the weather gets warmer.
We're in our 3rd week, and still adjusting to the new schedule. The kids have been pretty tired out at the end of each day. Getting up before the sun makes them feel like they are up in the middle of the night:o)... even though it's only 7am! Elie's class starts at 8:25 each morning, which means that with all the gear (snow pants, boots, indoor shoes, gym shoes (not to be confused with the indoor ones), hat, mittens, backpack and homework) she needs to be there by 8:15 to change and unload. Jadon's class doesn't require so much, as they don't go out on recess, and he doesn't start until 9am. The extra time with him has been a treat. I am enjoying this chance to focus so much attention on him alone.
We feel extremely blessed to be where we are. The school is very conservative, and while it's a public school and has to adhere to State standards regarding religion and prayer, the teachers open talk of praying for students and encourage them to share what they're learning in church if it's brought up. It seems like everyone here goes to church, so I guess that makes sense! They are very big on expecting and teaching Biblical principles regarding behavior and conduct, even in they can't spell out where it comes from.
This change was a huge one for us, but we feel like God led the way and opened doors for each step. It's been wonderful!

Oh, and yes! I would still homeschool!!! It was an excellent experience and we feel it gave the kids a head start. We are very open to homeschooling in the future as well. We feel pretty privileged to live in a place that has ample positive resources for both choices of schooling.