3-13-14

Today was a big decision kind of day. We went for an interview at Ridgecrest for their k4 program--we have really wrestled with what to do to educate our children. I am so concerned/passionate about continuing to be the primary influence in our children's lives for a while longer---I (we) feel like when they start school and are gone from us all day every day that our influence is minimized and the peers start to take that role, way too soon. Add to that concern the fact that the schools here are horrendous and we can't afford private schooling for three children and you are left with one real option:homeschooling.

That being said, I still have harbored concerns about teaching Anna Claire the foundational stuff--reading and the like. Considering absolutely EVERYTHING builds on that, it is very very important to me that she learn to read well from the get go.

I was expressing these concerns to April Wilson a week or so ago after she had asked me if Anna Claire would start k4 this year. I didn't realize that k4 was half day and I was completely opposed to her being gone all day, five days a week....anyway April told me that both first Presbyterian and Ridgecrest have k4 and kindergarten programs. It's amazing, but I felt an almost immediate sense of rightness about the idea of sending her to Ridgecrest for k4 and kindergarten and then bringing her back home to homeschool starting in first grade. Andy agreed immediately and after meeting with the school administrator we accepted the very last open spot for the 2014-15 school year! I felt like that was a confirmation that this was the right decision.

Soooo....Anna Claire will go to big girl school starting August 11th....my baby is growing up way too fast. I love her so very much.

This is what she made at Mothers Morning Out today:

Sweet baby Eliza is getting more expressive every day! Dr. Morris put her on Zantac for reflux and it seems to be helping her be more comfortable...and helping me get more sleep. :-)

And the many sweet faces of Juliana! She's had strep throat this week but has been such a little trooper! What a darling girl she is!