1st day of school

No expectations.  That's how I had decided to start the new school year today.  I have made the mistake, in the past, of trying to plan out exactly how the school year is going to go, only to be disappointed and frustrated when my plan doesn't pan out the way I had imagined.  But then I end up looking back and realizing that there was and  is purpose in the chaos, and it is always during those unplanned situations,  that we learn and grow the most. So I've learned to let go of my expectations, and leave plenty of  room for God to work.  At least, I thought I had learned. 

Now don't get me wrong, homeschooling three with a baby in the mix takes some planning (a BIG thanks to my AMAZING mom, who has been helping me organize and get all my school work together for the last few weeks).  But as far as where each day takes us, I've been trying to keep an open mind...especially when it comes to the preschooler and kindergartner.

So as I climbed the stairs ready to crawl into bed last night, my only expectation was a good nights sleep. (Wait, didn't I say NO expectations?)  Then I opened my bedroom door and heard the same sound coming from our 11 month old daughter that I heard the night we ended up in the ER.  Fast forward to about midnight and I'm standing in a hot steamy shower, trying to comfort Erin, and praying her breathing would ease up.  Eventually it did, and I was able to put her back to bed and crash myself.  Fast forward a few more hours and something else is waking me up.  (Oh, it's my alarm...wait, no, some one's calling me. Whispering.  Maybe it's both. I reach over to turn off the alarm.  I can't even open my eyes.  How can I get out of this bed?  I feel like I just laid down.  And it's so warm...and wet.  Why do I feel wet?  "Mommy"  There's that whisper again.  All of the sudden I realize Ella is in bed with me.  AND I suddenly recall her telling me last night she did not want to wear a pull-up to bed. "I think I may have tee tee'd just a little bit in your bed, Mommy"  Welcome to the first day of school.

So the rest of the morning was spent washing sheets, cleaning up the 3 year old and myself, and feeding the baby, who consequently woke up early herself.  Needless to say, I did not start off the morning with the best attitude.  That is, until the oldest three came bounding into the kitchen, eager to help with breakfast and "start school".  At that point, they pretty much took over the day. 

As I was about to leave the kitchen, I glanced back and saw the flowers Donnie had bought me a week ago, looking pretty sad on the table.  I immediately thought, "that's a pretty good picture of how I feel this morning"  The thought had barely entered my mind as Ella says, "Hey Mommy, will you read this to me again?"

She was pointing to the verse we had all just learned over breakfast and that she had helped put up on the fridge.  "Sure honey...All men are like grass, and their glory like the flowers of the field.  The grass withers, and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever"

Wow.  She had no idea the truth the Lord just spoke directly through her, straight into her Mommy's heart.

Our lives may not be all that glorious, especially when we're standing in a steamy shower with a sick baby or washing urine soaked bed sheets.  But there is One who is always faithful, always loving, whose word endures forever.  And he has given us these beautiful, eternal souls, to raise & love & nurture & teach.  And I am so, undeniably grateful.

So the rest of the day we colored, played games, learned some letters, did some chores, danced in the kitchen, read some books, did some math, vacuumed the floors, practiced handwriting and typing, ate Popsicles, read some more, went on a scavenger hunt, took a break to eat Daddy's homemade (from scratch) cookies, played outside, practiced guitar, played outside some more, ate dinner, took dinner to some friends, spent time with Daddy, and went to bed.  Which is where I'm on my way to now...with NO expectations. :)