Open the Gates and Seize the Day!

Seriously, Andrew prepped the children with beautiful Bible verses the night before their first day of public school to guide their thoughts and dreams before the big day. When I woke up Monday morning, instead of the inspired word of God greeting my mind, it was the inspired word of the Newsies set to music:

"Open the Gates and Seize the Day!"

I'm pretty sure it was God who spoke to the Newsies, too though.

I've told you a few of the reasons for this galactic lifestyle change we've made- Traditional Cabinetry and Dreams. Another reason is home schooling in April in Minnesota. Combined with giving birth to a baby in April in Minnesota, I see this as the perfect storm. Last spring we were so on edge, crawling the walls with 'I'm-sick-of-your-face-and-your-voice-and-your-breath-but-we-can't-go-outside-because-everything's-melting-and-mom-hates-messes' disease (also known as cabin fever). I know I should view this as a beautiful lesson in patience and togetherness and learning to love each other even when things aren't ideal. And sometimes we really can rally and make the best of things! But last April found me in a tough place mentally, and as I've had a bout with postpartum depression (after G, born in May), I panicked when I found out I was due with this baby cake late spring. How could I function as a mom, a teacher, a caregiver, housekeeper, and heal from the trauma of childbirth all at the same time? I had to come to terms with the fact that I don't think it would be best for anyone if we went into spring with our current lifestyle. And the more I thought about the change (which terrified me honestly), the more I thought about the things I could do with my time instead of teaching. The result of this reflection was surprised relief. You know it wasn't an easy decision and saying goodbye to that lifestyle (for now at least) brought so much mourning. But as of 3 o'clock Friday, I can tell you that everyone is doing well and adjusting fine (I had a breakdown at the end of the day, but that could have just as easily been triggered by the fact that my little troll baby, Oliver, turned 13 on that blessed day).

Therefore, the actual school part is another reason we're choosing to send them for this semester. We don't know what fall 2020 will bring, but we hold our expectations high, though loosely, knowing God will provide ways and windows and every other grace we need when we need it.