The Beginning of Our School Year

Here we go again. I saw a hilarious meme today that said:

(From @lexibridges instagram). I died laughing because I feel like that lady there on the right. Actually some days I feel more like the man, because he looks a little more haggard.
But really...I'm entering my fifth year and the excitement has worn off. I mean, not all the way. It was exciting looking at what we were going to do this year; planning it out, ordering books, buying school supplies...but I've done this for four years and I know what it looks like day to day. Our first whole year of Kindergarten with my oldest was a struggle. He hated it. I switched things up over and over and over again just trying to find something to help him enjoy learning.  Over the years things have improved, and I'm happy to report that tonight at dinner, my 1st grader said "I love school!" and my oldest chimed in "And I don't even mind it this year!". Learning the "normal" ways just don't work for him, and since he requires so much of my time and attention, it's a struggle to get everyone else's work done with my sanity in tact. Add a one year old into that mix and you get chaos. 
You know how people choose a word to be their "it word" for the year? I want to do that. I've been thinking about what it should be for our 2016-2017 school year, and I couldn't think of just one. I chose these: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self control. Oh do those sound familiar? ;) The fruit of the Spirit is what I want to be coursing through my mind, actions and reactions this year. Did you know that if you say something like, "Ugh! This day is NOT going as I planned it!", the kids will believe that and let it affect them negatively too? I've been noticing just how much power my words have. Today we were having a super crazy morning trying to get school work done while Milo threw wooden blocks at our heads, dumped everything within a one mile radius, and of course our house started dirtying itself up on its own (isn't it crazy how that happens? Where do the messes even come from?!) I was about to lose it when I decided to just start telling Milo how cute he is and how I can't imagine life without him, and the kids chimed in. Then I said how happy I was that we were getting any school done at all with Milo being such a stinker and they all agreed with me and we ended up having a great day! Yes, it took three times longer than it should have to finish school, but who really cares? I want my kids to remember their homeschool experience as a happy one. Not a stressed out one, which unfortunately has been a big part of our past four years.
We are starting a new bible study at my church on the book of Ephesians. I have needed this reminder. These verses from Ephesians 2:8-10


8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.




I want to do those good things he planned for me. And I can't take credit for them because it's His spirit who gives me that desire and drive and will ultimately enable me! So here's to a new school year. Hopefully a lot of learning, growing mentally and spiritually and fun.