The wheels on the bus go round and round....

round and round all through the town, and my children aren't on it!

 I have been enjoying all of the pictures of children dressed up in their new digs, with back packs slung over their shoulders and enthusiasm written all over their faces.  The various comments from parents who are sending their children off for the first day of school, for the first time, or the 10th, have also been fun for me to hear.  Some parents cry, and some parents sigh with relief when it's time to go 'back to school' shopping.  I do believe there is something fresh and exciting about starting all over again,  the air is vibrating with anticipation for what the new year will bring.

I remember watching my oldest child stand at the window on a frosty, dark, morning last school year.  She was gazing out at the flashing lights of the school bus that was stopped in front of our house.  She turned to me with a look of genuine empathy etched on her 7 year old brow.  "Mama, I'm glad I don't have to go stand out in the cold and wait for the bus.  I just got out of bed!"  It struck me at that moment that some small part of her felt fortunate to be staying home with me.  I know, however that I am, the real lucky one!!

I'm lucky enough to be the one to experience the thrill and frustration of learning new things with my children.  Watching the light go on when they've mastered a concept, or seeing the pride in their faces when they've done well at whatever they've put their hand/mind to is truly one of my life's greatest satisfactions.  Curling up on the couch with books, a cup of tea and an eager mind is pretty satisfying as well.

Home Schooling isn't for everyone.  It's hard.  It is filled with pits of angst and frustration.  There is monotony mixed in with the glorious-ness!  For now though, I can't imagine putting my children on a bus.  I'd be missing out on too much.  At some point I may send them out into the unknown, just not yet!   I'm going to be selfish and keep their preciousness, at home, with me for a little longer.

To all of you fellow parents, here's to a new school year, lunch boxes, the smell of erasers, brand spanking new shoes, and boundless opportunities for learning, for us as well as for our children.

Cheers!!