FIVE

Back in August (yes, August) this sweet girl turned 5.  It seems like just yesterday I was at my doctor's office hearing the words it's a girl! and now five years has come and gone in a blink.  

 I know I say this with each passing year but THIS really is my favorite age so far.  Five is a great age.  This girl is rocking homeschooling, she is loving tennis, and I have seen her blossom into a delightful little lady.

The morning of the 27th our birthday princess awoke to a decorated breakfast table full of "Frozen" goodies.

Elsa and Anna

She immediately put on the Elsa gown McClain picked out for her. 

Grandmother and Grandaddy sent the ultimate of all princess gifts! 

As well as a brand new scooter. 

Grandmother and Grandaddy had the brilliant idea to send McClain an early birthday present so that both children could enjoy their scooters together! 

I don't think a day has gone by that the kids haven't hopped on them!  

Later that afternoon we celebrated Lucy Mills with a "Frozen" themed party at the local frozen yogurt store.  Since she was turning 5 we told her she could invite 5 friends...she chose 4 girls and McClain.    It was a simple yet perfect gathering for her this year.  

So excited Suggie and Mr. Jim came to give her some birthday love! 

Friends arriving! 

Mr. Jim was so sweet helping the girls decorating their princess crafts. 

Sarah Ann came dressed as Elsa. 

 After doing their craft, everyone got to get in line to fix their frozen yogurt and topping cups.  McClain said this was the best party he had ever been to!! 

 Birthday cake time! 

Got 'em all!  

Next we played a little game - pin the carrot nose on Olaf.  

Then "Menchie" the frozen yogurt came out to tell the birthday girl hello! 

 Such a sweet group of friends ( plus a sweet brother ) to help Lucy Mills celebrate turning five. 

Sarah Ann, Evie, Evie, LM, and Caroline

Birthday presents! 

 Lucy Mills and Caroline - their mamas were best friends in preschool and I'm thankful these two are growing up together. 

 With Sarah Ann.  Three out of these four friends are also homeschooled so we are thankful to have them to do life with during this season. 

All in all, our sweet girl had a great 5th birthday and is already planing her 6th! 

Schooling with the best of 'em

As summer draws to a close, our family is embarking on a new chapter that has been years in the making.  Lucy Mills completed 4k at preschool last spring and Travis and I have prayerfully made the decision to homeschool her this year.  Sooooo much research, reading, observing schools, observing homeschool classes offered, devouring curriculum options, talking with trusted friends who have journeyed this route, wrestling with my own concerns -  all of it has played a role in where we stand today.  

Homeschooling is something I NEVER imagined doing.  I've had to examine the crevices of my heart as to why I feel lead in this direction.  Travis and I both had wonderful experiences with private schools growing up.  We live within a mile of a fantastic public school - one of the best in the state in fact.  One reason we are keeping our daughter home this year is because she has a late August birthday and would have still been four when school began, and the youngest in her class.  But something much larger than that won my heart for this path.  

When Lucy Mills was only two weeks old I was blessed to be a part of a dear friend's bible study where I was a part of the most wonderful group of mothers.  Women who encouraged me and helped me as a new {sleep-deprived!} mom.  We studied a book titled The Mission of Motherhood where the author opened my eyes that I have the power to influence my child's heart for eternal purposes.  At this young and impressionable age, I want to be able to help develop her character, I want to process life together, and to be a part of the "light-bulb moments" as she learns new things.  In the end, I want the time with my daughter.  

I don't think this is a "forever" path for us {goodness we may be enrolled in school by January!!}  But I know that now is the time to give it a shot.  To put our hands to the plow and Lord willing, reap a harvest.  And let me make it known that this child will not be unsocialized. 

She will have plenty of time away from mama and with friends and other adults.  We are excited to start science class at the zoo, tennis camp, AWANA, and Classical Conversation {a school for homeschooling students that meets one day a week} And of course plenty of time for field trips and adventures with fiends. 

I decided to get our feet wet with some structure to our school day the last week of July.  Basically it just gets too hot to be active outdoors this time of year, and I wanted time to see how things would look before adding in the extra activities this fall.  We love school!  Every morning {and I mean every!} Lucy Mills heads to the school room after breakfast and asks to do school work.  I am learning that her love language is quality time - so this is working out beautifully.  

She is learning to read, learning U.S geography, some math, and handwriting.  Once she begins her class on Thursdays she will add in more math, latin, science, history, Bible and music/art.  Whew! It's a lot for me much less a {soon to be} five year old! But she absolutely loves it.  Almost everyday in the middle of our school work she stops what she is doing and looks at me and says "you're just the best mommy ever." I'm thankful that God has inclined her heart to enjoy this journey so far.  I can only imagine how regretful I'd feel if it were a struggle to get our work completed and our attitudes in check.  

And where is Mr. McClain during all of our school shenanigans?  Right beside us...sometimes involved, but mostly playing or occupying himself with books or dinosaurs or something.  He starts preschool back after Labor Day and I think we all will be right where we belong for this season of life. 

Wish us luck!