A long over-due update...Back to school...

Week 3 of school starts tomorrow. The routine of life has started to settle in. I wish every weekend was 3 days. I kind of like that groove = 4 days of hard work - 3 days of play. Yes, I could do that!

So much to catch you up on. Let's start with the obvious. SCHOOL. We have had major changes in this arena in the Voth household. Let me also say that I can totally get on a soap box on this whole issue of school and school choice. Let me also say that I know have tried them all - private Christian school, public school, and home school. Let me also say that each family has to decide what is best for them - and their family. We always say (and mean) that each year we prayerfully consider what is best for each child and where that child is - academically, socially and spiritually. These are agonizing choices. It seems that Jeff and I spend a great deal of time praying and debating the "what is best?" question. I could argue eloquently for private school (and have). I could argue eloquently for homeschool (and have). I could argue eloquently for public school (and have).

Enter school year 2010-2011. No. Wait. Back up to last year. The older 3 were in private Christian school and Andrew was in public school. What I find ironic here is that public school "does" special needs kids and most private schools do not. Private schools argue that they do not have the funding, training and resources to deal with special needs kids. I argue that Jeff and I did not have the funding and training and resources to deal with a special needs kid either, but I don't want to climb too much on that soap box. In fairness, the law requires that the public school deal with my child. I would argue that God's law requires that the private school deal with my child as well, so I guess I did climb on that soap box. Anyway, the bottom line is we had 3 in private and 1 in public.

Last year was a fabulous year in the private school. All the boys had great teachers. They got a great education. They were learning the Bible as well as great academics. But, we felt our house was segregated. We were starting to answer questions like, "so, WHY can't Andrew come to school with us." And, the whole private school thing is expensive. I mean EXPENSIVE. So as last year drew to a close, Jeff and I felt God moving us in a different direction. I was working a million hours. We weren't spending time together as a family. We felt scattered as the school year drew to a close. It was time for a change.

So, for the first time EVER, all my kids are in public school. They have the same calendar of days off. They started on the same day and will end on the same day - same spring break - same Christmas holiday, etc. Jeffrey went to Middle School, so they aren't all at the same school, but they are all at the same type of school.

So, off they go. They were all excited about it. We were nervous, but trusting God for our children's direction. Jeff was going from a school with a total enrollment of 125 to one of over 1000 (in just middle school). Mama was nervous. But off they went. As we enter week 3, I have to tell you, I am pleasantly surprised. They are all doing awesome. Academically, they are being challenged (dare I say more than private school). Socially, they are being challenged. I had a friend once tell me that going to private school was buying your child's peer group. I think there is a lot more wisdom in that than I care to admit. It is easier to go to school when all the parents are shelling out the big bucks to be there. Your motivations are shared. Spiritually, they are being challenged. Or should I say, Jeff and I are being called to step up to the plate. We are having to guide and coach and pray more. That is not necessarily a bad thing.

We hit the first week of school with some new rules. On school nights (Sun - Thurs), there is "no screens" after 5:30 (and that is for mom and dad too - yes, no iphone email!). We are eating dinner together every night - and then there is no TV or media till bedtime. We are playing cards, reading books, doing the dishes, packing backpacks, etc. without rush. It has been a fabulous change for our family that was constantly checking email, working, watching TV, etc.

The biggest joy has been to see my 3 little ones bond. Blake and Brantley walk Andrew to class every morning. They did not let me get out of the car from day one. They get to see each other at lunch, etc. This environment seems much more natural to them. At this school, Andrew is not different. He is not a "special needs kid." He is just a student like everyone else. They can tell the difference. Andrew can tell the difference. Andrew has matured in the past two weeks. I will give you the full blown potty story in another post, but the changes in all of them have been good. The lack of financial stress and volunteer stress that comes with private school life is gone. That has been good for our family too. (i.e. - good for ME!).

Jeffrey (a.k.a. gangsta jeff) is getting a multi-cultural experience! LOL! The school he is going to seems to be a well oiled machine. He loves changing classes, buying lunch, etc. He is making friends and growing up in a good way. I'm a proud mama.

So, they are off to a new school year. My baby is in regular kindergarten. The twins are in 1st grade. Jeff is in middle school. The nest is QUIET during the day for 7 hours. Daddy Jeff and I have adjusted quite nicely to this, I can assure you of that! ;)