Homeschool and soccer wrap up!

Logan finished up his soccer season this past Saturday.  He LOVED playing, and I was very proud of him.  I never thought I would be one of those parents, but I now truly understand why my dad was kicked out countless games.  Lyndon and I are going to have to start taping our mouths shut.  Honestly, I just wanted to offer encouragement and support while he was out there playing, but the coach started to get on us about "coaching" from the sidelines.  I guess it would have been better if I actually knew something about soccer.  I will say that our little team finished the season 8-0 (not that we were keeping track or anything)!  Logan contributed a few goals, but more importantly, he learned a new skill and was able to learn what it means to be part of a team.  I am actually a little bummed that it is over. 
We are also wrapping up home school for the year.  What an experience this has been.  I learned to respect Homeschooling while I was in Little Rock, but actually participating in the process has brought it to a new level.  We started out very strong with daily lesson plans.  The boys loved it and looked forward to it everyday.  But, as the spring approached and we were able to spend more time outside, it became more an more difficult to find the desire to sit inside and do work.  It is not like we worked all day, but I had designated times to work simply because attention and patience (for both parties) was better at certain times of the day.  There is just something to be said about teaching your own children.  There is a definite sense of accomplishment being able to say that you are the one to teach them to read or add.  I loved seeing those "light bulb" moments when they got something.  I loved that both boys wanted to work with me and they were willing to turn off the TV and listen to instructions.  I loved that they had fun with it and actually looked forward to the work.  And, I really enjoyed the co-op that we were able to join.  I learned so much from these wonderful families.  I took Logan in last week to register him for school, and I have to say that it was a very difficult thing for me to do.  While I know he will do so much better in a school environment, I have to say it made my heart sink.  I told him we were going to sign him up as we drove to the school, and he lit up.  Logan is just one of those kids that will love going to school and will thrive on the challenges.  His Sunday School teacher tells me he is a natural-born leader (takes after his daddy), and that he is always trying to run her class.  These are the qualities I prayed for when they were babies, but at the same time, I did not realize how hard it would to watch them not need me!  Don't misunderstand.  I am so grateful that they have developed skills that makes them more independent. But, after almost 6 years of doing everything for them, it is an adjustment for me.  Not to mention that Logan is just over 4 foot tall now which means in another year or two, I will be asking him to reach stuff for me...and while Luke is not quite as tall, soon enough he will be opening jars for me that I am too weak to open.  How did this happen? Ok, so I am being a bit dramatic, but I have really been thinking about all of this lately.  Needless to say, I have not regretted keeping them at home this year, but I know that it is time for Logan to move on.  While I understand home school is not for every family and every child, let me just say that it takes an enormous commitment and a lot of planning especially if you have multiple children. You rarely have time to yourself, and you really have to learn to say "no" to things if it means taking time away from what you have planned.  To all of my home school friends out there, thanks for including us in your co-op and for your support! 

A little time at the park with our home school group!

Logan's last soccer game for the season!

A small celebration afterwards!

The coach promised Ring Pops after the game.  That would explain the blue lips!

Logan was beside himself when he got his trophy!

Luke was the team's biggest fan!  He sat through all of the practices and games and never complained or whined about him not being out there.  Of course it helped that he got to eat the snacks and take part in the parties!  He loves his big brother and had fun watching him play.  We will see if he has interest in playing in the fall!