Tomorrow is the big day...the first day of school here at the B***** Christian Academy for Girls.    I spent a bit of time last week soliciting advice and ideas for keeping Betsie content as can be during the time I must do the three Rs with her sisters.  Then it was off to the thrift stores to load up on some cheap entertainment (pots and pans, toys, videos, etc.)  I have a list of ideas printed out in the front of my plan book.  Yes, Betsie does get into things, but our bigger issue is that she wants ME...all the time.  If I sit down to teach math or reading, she wants me.  And then of course she wants to grab the book or draw in it or whine or whatever. 

We are emphasizing to Rachel and Mary Evelyn that God's plan for them is to help, to serve.  If they marry, they will be a helpmate to their husbands.  But whether they marry or not, we are ALL called to serve.  We are going to drive this point home by having them be my assistant with Betsie this year.  I have to separate Rachel and Mary Evelyn for the three Rs, so while Rachel is being helped by me, Mary Evelyn will serve by playing with Betsie.  Rachel will be with Betsie while I work with Mary Evelyn.  We did this some last year too, but the emphasis this year is really on being helpful and serving because that is what God has called us to do!  And hopefully we'll be able to train Betsie to play alone a little more as well. 

I am not quite prepared with all the preschool and toddler materials so while we have good weather we will try letting Betsie and a big sister play outside in the backyard (fenced in).  But otherwise the general plan is to have special toys that we can rotate that ONLY come out during school time.  I may even be stupid brave enough to let Betsie paint with sister supervision.  Washable paints only of course!

So there ya go.  I am as ready and planned out as I can be.  But I know that just because I have plans, this doesn't mean we won't have to stop and correct bad attitudes (sometimes the teacher's!) or deal with other interruptions.  Homeschooling, along with the other major roles in my life, has been a reminder that I am unable to do anything in my own strength - no matter how detailed the plans are.  It was one thing 5 years ago when I was starting out with a bright and eager four year old to know that I could teach her what she needed to know.  It's quite another with a fourth grader and a second grader and the various struggles we have encountered the last few years.  After a little while, it's easy to question if I can do this or not.  But God is able.  Jason and I still believe homeschooling is His plan for us right now, which means He will equip us.  He will give wisdom as we ask for it.  And He will not leave us alone.  How exciting!  Another new year with my girls, my husband, and  my God.