Second Annual Back to Homeschool Celebration!

Last year several friends and I started a new tradition, making it a priority to gather together with our children in the beginning of the year to celebrate, play, eat, and pray... pretty much in that order. This year we were blessed to add a few new families to the celebration. We met the last Monday in August and cheered the beginning of the new year for an adorable group of preschoolers, kindergartners, first graders, third graders, and fourth graders.

Our Preschoolers...

Mr. Sam Smith, my handsome four year old.

Mr. Max Smith, my handsome four year old.

The First Graders...

The lovely Chloe Smith, my sweet seven year old...

                                                                     Delicious food...




                                                                             Great fun...

                                                                     and sweet fellowship.

Last year it rained, but this year we were blessed with a beautiful day, so after too many donuts and muffins and cups of lemonade, our sugar-fueled kids raced outside while the moms sat down around the kitchen table. We talked curriculum, attitude problems, handwriting websites, and the like...some of us were excited and some of us were heavyhearted. Some of us were confident about the year to come, and some of us were nervous. It was nice to be in a place where we could be honest and encouraging with one another, not only as mothers on the same journey but as fellow sisters in Christ.

I can't wait to see how this group grows and changes over the years.

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
   where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD,
   the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip—
   he who watches over you will not slumber;
 indeed, he who watches over Israel
   will neither slumber nor sleep.

  The LORD watches over you—
   the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
 the sun will not harm you by day,
   nor the moon by night.

  The LORD will keep you from all harm—
   he will watch over your life;
the LORD will watch over your coming and going
   both now and forevermore. 

Psalm 121