Compaan Christian School opening day and Ethan's first day of preschool

Today was THE day I've been planning for months. Excited about, anxious about, praying over, talking on and on to anyone who would listen.
Ethan's first day of preschool. Dakota's first day of second grade and homeschool.

I woke up feeling well rested. Reading my Bible, I felt spiritually fueled by the passage in Habakkuk which included these words from Habakkuk 3:19: 

"The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places."

At the appointed time (it was on the schedule I created after all!) I went in to get the boys up. Ethan would have none of it. This was NOT what I had pictured at all. He kept saying "I'm still sleepy" in his groggy little voice. I sat there and lovingly talked to him off and on for 15 minutes. Nothing doing. Finally, I started dressing him, against his will. Mark had to assist me. Ethan was in hysterics. He was too tired, he didn't want his clothes on. Ugh. Finally, he was dressed (shorts on backwards, yesterday's dirty socks, notwithstanding).  I sat in the chair with him until he was calmed down. After about 5 minutes of that, it was as though nothing had happened. He was fine. He was happy, he was ready to go to preschool.

After breakfast, we drove to his preschool. They don't even unlock the doors until 7:45 AM sharp (when preschool is scheduled to "start"). The 5 minutes we had to wait outside for the doors to open, I kept thinking, oh, man, the longer we drag this out, the harder it's going to be for Ethan when we have to separate. We walk in the big doors and Ethan is already saying "goodbye!" in a cheery, no nonsense, be on your way mom, voice. I couldn't believe it! As I took him to the classroom, he kept repeating his goodbyes in this dismissing, happy voice. I made him hug his brother. He had no time to hug me. Ha! Ethan walked straight into the classroom, took his place at a table occupied by other classmates and immediately began working with some blocks. Not looking back at me, leaving me to stare after my little boy, and leave with Dakota, for the next big adventure.

Dakota and I arrived home and began schooling right after a quick break. We prayed together about the day ahead, that was important. The curriculum included Bible, Math, Spelling and History for the first day. I debated about even doing the Math today, but before I could even decide against it, Dakota asked if we could. I hope he's that excited about Math a few months from now! I felt some nerves at the beginning, but those quickly subsided. Dakota was soaking everything in. His open demeanor made it easy to relax and teach. We worked for a good hour and 15 minutes when he asked for a break. Outside, he and I had fun shooting the basket, throwing the football, getting some fresh air for 15 minutes. Back inside, we had a "patriotic" snack of blueberries, yogurt and strawberries. (I'm not that creative, it was in the curriculum suggestions.) Back to work for a little over an hour, we continued to work well together. It was rather involved. I had already determined ahead of time, that I would not check my computer, or cook, and the time really went by quickly. While he worked on an art assignment (making an elephant out of construction paper and a paper plate), I started laundry. He had time to practice the piano about 5-10 minutes. 

We left to pick up Ethan. He was very busy brushing his teeth, then picking up some toys when we arrived, happy to see me. From scattered conversations with him, I was able to determine that he tried milk and liked it (ultimate shocker), didn't like broccoli, liked the hamburger, colored something, and didn't like going to the bathroom alone. They feed the children a breakfast and a lunch. I wasn't sure if he'd be hungry or not, so I prepared him lunch, but he said he wasn't hungry. He acted tired, but I let the boys play for a while until they started fighting. "Nap time!" I declared. Ethan wasn't too thrilled about going to bed without Dakota in the room with him, but he didn't protest too loudly. An hour and a half later, he woke up all smiles.

When Mark came home, he added to the schooling day by teaching Dakota music, then giving him a piano lesson. That seemed to make a positive impression on Dakota. Two of the highlights of homeschooling for Dakota, at least today, based on his comments; that he didn't have to wear a uniform (which for the past three years, was the norm) and that he didn't have to raise a flag to go to the bathroom. I'd say those are pretty important factors to a 7 year old. :)

I admit after the first day that it's going to be crucial that I start managing my time better. Sort of like having a part time job, no pay, but benefits. I struggled with not being able to start dinner in the morning. It was hard not knowing what to do with Dakota in the afternoon, when we had clearly already accomplished all of the day's schoolwork. He and I both rested a short bit during Ethan's nap, but that was stretching it for Dakota. He wasn't interested in resting much. He was a little bored this afternoon. I didn't want to be his event planner all day, but on the other hand, it is a little strange for him being in school in the morning, with less to do in the afternoon, while everyone else is at school, and even Ethan was unavailable during his nap.

All things considered, today was a super awesome, amazing experience. I FELT the prayers of those who lifted me up today. I know God was blessing it. Is every day going to be just as fulfilling, as satisfying? No, I do realize that. But I also know that I am doing the right thing as we have been impressed to do at this time. :)