We did it!

I woke up at 6:30am so I could get time alone. First I took a bath to get myself awake. Then I got dressed and headed downstairs. Just me, my cup of coffee, Bible and journal. It was wonderful! I'm feeling like I need time in the morning to pray about the day. This was the best way to start the day, no doubt. I know I will look back on this day in my journal and cherish it forever.

Last night I got the table set up. I had a place for Ava Beth to work on coloring, cutting and some little Alphabet and numbers stuff. Then I set up all the stuff for Josiah. I'm so glad I did this because this morning, everything was ready!

After my time alone, it was time to make pancakes. This is Josiah's favorite breakfast! Before I knew it, I had all three at the table eating breakfast! The morning was beginning to fly! Breakfast was finished so we headed upstairs to make beds and brush teeth. We goofed around a little and then Ezekiel went into his room for some alone time and of course fell asleep. I'm so grateful for this boy continuing to take two naps. When he drops the morning nap, I am hoping to continue "room time" for him. It would be really hard with him downstairs with us while we do school but I know the day is coming. Just not yet!!

Now that baby Zeke is in bed, we can begin! So we went downstairs and started with a prayer. Josiah and Ava Beth both wanted to pray with me. It was a fantastic way to begin our learning time. Then it was time for the pledge to the U.S. Flag, the Texas flag and then a pledge to the Bible. The kids loved this and were very excited about it! Seeing them with their right hand over their chest just made me gush with joy.

Before Summer break came, Josiah was reading pretty well. I decided to take the Summer off completely and we did not work on any kind of formal reading lessons. I knew this morning would be quite the refresher but he did AMAZING! It was not perfect. He got frustrated a few times, I knew he would. This is why I chose to do the reading lesson first. This is what he read all by himself! "this little cat can run in sand. that little cat can sit on sand. see the feet." You should have seen his face when he realized he got it!

After reading, we worked on writing and the curriculum from A Beka. The curriculum was very, very easy but a perfect way to get started. Then it was time for some Math. Again, very basic but perfect for the 1st day.

For History we are focusing on the U.S. Flag this week. We discussed the colors of the flag and what each color meant. Josiah showed a lot of interest in this. Ava Beth was chiming in too! She loved being a part of what we did. Then came Science and this was Josiah's favorite! We are learning about Weather this week. More specifically, thunderstorms. We discussed the sounds of thunder and what lightening looks like. After our discussion we headed outside with our Nature journals. Josiah sat on the front porch looking at the clouds and drawing pictures of what he saw. This Nature journal is a hit! He is now carrying it with him everywhere he goes!!!

Tomorrow I am adding one more thing. We are beginning a fun study on the Fruits of the Spirit! I cannot wait!!

I must say, my cup is overflowing right now with so much joy. Around 6:30am (when I woke up), I had a text message. Instantly, I knew who it was. My sweet friend Frances telling me she has already prayed for us and telling me how proud she was of me. Then my friend Becky sent me one so I would know she was praying for me on this big day. Our Pastor's wife gave Josiah a precious card yesterday that she made herself. You will see the card on the memory board. It says "BIG DAY"! And yes, today was a BIG DAY! Then I got a text from my Dad, my best friend Kelly Ann and emails of encouragement! Thank you my sweet friends! You have made this day so special for me and for Josiah. Thank you for the emails I got last night and the phone calls. Many friends called to tell me they were praying for us and these are moms who also have brand new kindergartners and first graders starting school today. It's nice to be surrounded by incredible Moms. We all need each other, that's for sure!

The first day of school was great! The best thing about homeschool? Free afternoons!!! Love it!

Here is something I wrote in my journal.

"Thank you Lord for new pencils, new seasons, new beginnings and the first day of school."