School

Well, this is a post I will admit I've put off a few times.  I am sure everyone has heard me mention the twins going to school in the fall, but I also talk about homeschool a lot too.  I figured I needed to clear up all of the confusion.    The topic of school is quite controversial, from many angles.  Our local paper is constantly having articles about teacher's pay, SOL test scores, etc. etc.  When you talk to people in person, there is definitely a divide between those who choose to homeschool, utilize the public school system, or prefer private school. 
First and foremost, I must say that my opinions are just that, MY opinions.  I respect other people's opinions and choices as well, because you must do what is right for your own family, and really for each child individually within the family.  

As a background, I will start by saying that Dustin went to public school for all of his school years.  He also went to a special school specifically for lineman.  I went to private school for all of my school years.  Then I went to a very large public university for my college years.  Like 25,000 people large.  I wanted to be a number, and I was. 

For our children, we began homeschool last fall because they were ready.  They needed to start their education.  I was very excited and the kids did great with learning and listening to me (I wasn't sure how that would go).  It was very rewarding to see how much they learned and how eager they were to learn.  I use the past tense because we are no longer homeschooling.  After the first "semester" if you will....Dustin and I talked about the next year's schooling.  I enjoyed homeschooling and was willing to keep trying it.  Dustin really wanted the children in a more traditional school setting with other children.  We decided to tour a few schools and make a decision from there.  After much prayer and discussion, we have chosen a small, private school for our children.  It is not the private school I went to, although we did tour that one.  I have to say I wrestled with our decision for months, and now that we have made the decision, I am at peace.  I know it is the right decision for our family at this time.  Am I saying it won't change in the future?  Nope, I'm not.  We will take it year by year and I know that things change, seasons change.  If we need to make changes, we are open to that as well.  I know homeschool worked and that I can do it, so that is always an option.  I worry more about Carson at school than Emilynn, so we will see how that goes.  As for the homeschool, I stopped at the end of last year because I really wanted the kids to just get to be kids since they would be starting school this fall and have at least 14 years of school ahead, not counting college!  Of course, we still do their preschool workbooks when they ask, and we do little craft projects and other science-y stuff like our butterfly experiment.  I truly believe education can happen anywhere, and should happen everywhere....so that is our motto around here!  The difference has been I have let them kind of lead the process since the beginning of the year.  They will ask to do their workbooks, so we do them.  Other days they don't ask and just play all day.  It works for now. 
Now, how do the twins feel about school?  They are excited for sure!  Carson has even gotten excited, and I am really looking forward to it for them.  It will definitely be different, having just Henry home with me during the day.  It will also be different getting up early!!!  Today, the first child woke up at 9:06.  School starts at 8, promptly!  Yes, we have some adjustments to make for sure!!! 
I have found that the kids' schooling is something I am asked about ALL the time....so here are a few of the most frequently asked questions. 

1.  Where are the kids going to school?
As I have said, we have chosen a small, private school.  It is 15 minutes from the house.

2.  Why are they not going to the public school? 
Well, this is probably the most controversial part of school discussions.  Public versus private.  My husband really wanted the kids in private school.  I did as well.  Mainly, we wanted a religious based school, where Christianity is not only allowed, but taught.  I have a real issue with God not being allowed at school.  I am not thrilled about sending the kids somewhere he's not allowed.  I know some say that the children can be a good influence and show others Christ.  I know my 4 year olds are just learning about Christ and are not secure enough to witness to others.  They are very easily influenced and so I want them in an environment that supports our beliefs.   Dustin and I both feel strongly about this, but again, it is OUR beliefs.  I respect everyone's decisions as far as what is right for them. 
Also, we really wanted small numbers for our kids.  The class they will be in for next year has 8 in it right now.  I think it is super-important for my kids' personalities.  Emilynn requires a lot of attention and she WILL get it, in a positive or negative way.  It's just her make-up.  I prefer a small class where she can hopefully get the attention she needs.  Carson is quiet and reserved and in large situations he retreats.  It is my hope a smaller class will help bring him out a bit and allow him to thrive in a nurturing environment where he feels safe.

3. Are they riding the bus?
Nope, I am taking them.  The bus comes through our way super-early...like in the 6 o'clock hour.  Too early in our opinion!  Also, we are a tad bit funny about others driving our kids.  I may or may not have followed my father-in-law to the next town when he drove Carson for the first time.  Yep, I have relaxed a bit since then!  In fact, my cousin works right near the school, and lives 5 minutes from us.  She may end up taking the kids some mornings once we get a routine established which would thrill the kids to no end!  They love her. 

4.  They are just in preschool???!!!???
Yes, they are.  They just turned 4 in December.  Although they may seem ready for Kindergarten, they do not qualify to go until next year.  In fact, we are starting preschool with a 3 day program to get us transitioned into school.  I think mostly I need the help with this.  I am quite nervous about leaving my babies all day!!! 

5.   So it's all day?
It is an all day program.  8 am to 2:50 pm.  They will have a nap at school as well.  The school does not do a half day program.   It actually will work better I think because I can come home and get stuff done around the house in the meantime. 

6.  Isn't that super-expensive?  
Yes, private school is expensive, but not unaffordable in my opinion.  We are willing to pay for the benefits right now.  I say, don't assume you can't afford it until you check into it.  The school we have chosen will let you pay monthly, or all at once.  Some private schools also offer scholarships to help families pay.  I feel like it is all about priorities and where you choose to spend your money.  This is something we are choosing to invest in because it's important to us.  I don't know what else to say on this except it's a personal choice.

7.   Will they be in the same class? 
Yes, they will.  Especially now with it being their first school experience.  In the future, who knows?  We may split, we may not.  I've heard lots of opinions from both sides from different twin moms.  I feel like with a girl and boy they will have different friends within the same class anyway, so it probably won't be as big of an issue but we will certainly take it year by year. 

And for the most asked question I've gotten lately......

8.  Are you going back to work when the twins start school?
This question baffles me a bit because I'm not sure why the sudden interest in my employment.  I'm not sure if people are concerned about our finances, or just nosey...?  I honestly think I'm going to start asking, "Why did you need to know?"  I mean, maybe they have a job prospect for me or something in mind???  At any rate, the answer for now is no.  It is not in the plan for the upcoming year.  I can't speak for too far in the future, but I will at least be home until Henry is in school.  We feel like he deserves having Momma at home just like Carson and Emilynn have had Momma at home the past 4 years.  Also, our plan is for me to go on any field trips that pop up and I will be the one that needs to pick them up if they get sick at school or anything like that.  Soooo.....If I ever DO go back to work, it will have to be something extremely flexible that Dustin and I decide will work for our family.  Our family and kids will have to come first always. 

I think that is all of the questions about school and the twins.  If I missed anything, I'm sure someone will ask-ha! 
I also forgot to mention that Cousin Morgan will be in preschool at the same school.  Emilynn, especially, is VERY excited about this!!! 

As for now, we are excited and nervous about the start of school.  It will definitely be harder on this Momma than the kids I'm sure.  I am excited about having some individual time with Henry though and also getting more done around the house that constantly is neglected with 3 kids underfoot.  I also sometimes drive my grandparents to doctor's visits, so there is plenty to keep me busy and keep my mind off the fact that my babies are growing up.  :-)  It is a new season we are entering that's for sure!