New Year, New School

OK, I have been a little overwhelmed since Asher has gotten mobile. A majority of my time is NOT getting things done around the house, but instead is getting Asher away from . . . well, it seems just about everything. Asher is MOVING! And he's busy! He loves my container cupboard, and my rag drawer, and my nativity scene -- which is ceramic-- and my garbage, and the dishwasher!!! When a door, drawer or appliance door is opened anywhere in the kitchen, his radar goes off and he makes a beeline toward it. So . . .

I am burned out! I have decided that the best thing for my kids and myself is for them to go to school. Joshua will go to his old school. Joshua got to visit his class on the day of their Christmas party. A lot of his old friends are still there.

Hanna was a little tougher decision. I was 99% sure she was going to go to the small private school that her best friend and other friends from preschool attend. She had wanted to go to this school since Kindergarten. This was "her school". The 1% that remained was due to the fact that Mrs. Leitch, Joshua's 1st grade teacher was still teaching 1st grade at Lincoln Elementary and evidently has a wonderful group of girls in her class. She is familiar with Hanna and thought that this class might be perfect for her. More importantly, Hanna was familiar with Mrs. Leitch. Hanna agreed to visit both schools before deciding where she felt most comfortable.

Hanna's 1st visit was for only about 3 hours to Mrs. Leitch's class. I decided to go with her for support. I thought it was a disaster, cuz Asher was sick and I had to step out of the room for a while. I thought for sure that would fix Hanna for good. When I came back, she was relaxed and comfortable, and the girls in the class were being so kind to her. It went wonderful, and she said she really liked it. I thought she was just amusing me.

Two days later, she visited the private school. She spent the whole day there. When I picked her up, she told me she wanted to go to Lincoln and be in Mrs. Leitch's class. I was very shocked. I had even printed off my Christmas letter announcing that she was going to the private school. Oh well.

They both started their new school last Monday, the first day after Christmas break. Hanna had a great first day. It was like a slumber party with all your friends. I thought I was concerned about her for nothing. When I picked her up the next day, she announced that she didn't want to go to school anymore. A few bad experiences and a long day away from mom. Too much all at once for my little Hanna. Her "slumber party" went on too long. I had lunch with her the next 2 days, and Gramma Carol had lunch with her on Friday, and I think that helped get her thru the days. This week, Monday was called early due to an incoming blizzard, and Tuesday was 2 hours late due to below zero temps. Two short days were a blessing to help her get back into the swing of things. I had a bunch of people praying during Hanna's lunch break today that she would be blessed. When I picked her up, she had a smile on her face. I think she's getting used to it. Thank you, Jesus!

Joshua is pretty easy. I think the first day was a little bit of a shock for him. I saw him at lunch and he said he "sort of" misses homeschooling. He's making new friends, not a surprise. Joshua is so talented at making new friends. His homework is harder, longer. He's declared that if he's elected mayor, there will be no homework! ( . . . and Funyons will be free!) And he promised me all the coffee I want!

My uncle Bill died last week. He'd had pancreatic cancer. Hanna, Asher and I went to the funeral in Moorhead, MN. A lot of my cousins and relatives from around the country were there. It was a sad but very good weekend. Here are some photos from that. (top: Sophia, me Asher and Hanna; bottom: me, Ann, Scott, Aunt Clare, Shelene)

The following photos are of my Christmas with my family. No more time to write. It's getting late. Good night!