A New Chapter...School.

I have known for a while that changes needed to be made with my children's schooling. It was so difficult to manage the needs of 6 children, from a high school age to Kindergarten. I felt so divided and spread thin. All mothers know when this happens, nothing gets done really well. I felt that I was short changing my children, which resulted in feeling like a failure. I was once wonder Mother who did fantastic projects, crafts, snacks, field trips, reading classical works to, cooking healthy meals for, gardening with, developing artistry and critiquing music for. We must not leave out, teaching the children to work, manage the house with, pay bills and budget for, run the errands. You know-it's life. For me, for some reason I always went the extra mile, wanting to provide the best for and achieve the most. I always felt-if anyone can educate these children-it's me. There's only 6. How can I not do just as good of a job. And for years I felt the spirit's confirmation of peace that what I was doing was right for the time. People would ask me, "how long are you going to Home School?" I would answer, "Until the Spirit directs me differently." Maybe it's the wipe out that unemployment naturally brings. Maybe it's the hardship of living in the bubble we did while in Arizona. Maybe moving 3 times in 3 states in 1 year did it. But I found myself drowning. Maybe all this drama our family has been through was what needed to happen to get me to throw in the towel-because I wouldn't have done it any other way. The Spirit whispered that something needed to change. I felt my stomach turn and the peace was gone so I knew Something had to be done. I began researching options for my children, all while feeling like it was because I couldn't do it anymore. Like I failed them. I felt guilt that the boys wouldn't get the quality time with me that the girls did. Then the spirit revealed to me the obvious. "Boys are wired differently. They are designed to want to be out in the world so that they can achieve, compete and succeed, and one day provide for a family." I of course felt devastated that I couldn't offer that to them, but I accepted the guidance.
So it started my path of finding a suitable school for my children. Let's face it. Nevada is the 49 out of 50 states in the public schools. This isn't happy valley, Cache Valley Utah...This is broken homes, strip families, morally questionable environments amongst the good families. This was not a decision to be taken lightly. So I turned to Charter schools-toured, asked many people and read websites. It was better than just a public school-but the waiting lists were long. With a lottery system, trying to get 6 children in would be improbable in a timely manner. I knew my children had needs in education that couldn't wait with a lottery. Something needed to be done now.
While researching I went to Trevor's work Christmas Party. While visiting with a middle aged woman there she told me about a great Christian, (Partial to LDS) Classical, Faith based-Patriotic private school, that her children attended Years ago. So I came home, looked at the fees times 6 and knew that my children wouldn't be able to go there and sadly gave up the idea. This liberal arts school was everything that I was trying to achieve for my children at home. The director has a degree in Law from BYU and completed studies at George Wythe-Everything I could ask for. As badly as I wanted it, it wasn't going to happen. Man! Six Children are expensive. At another Christmas party, my cousins wife was telling me her kids went there years ago and parents volunteered help to reduce the costs...this was my in!
I offered my services in whatever capacity and....We are in! The kids had their first week. I worked where was needed, from a Librarian, to cleaning walls and baseboards, to filing, to the front desk/secretary. There may come a time I will take a class and substitute. Can I just say...what a perfect arrangement! I am still there with my children and yet, I kind of have a job! I never wanted a job. I recognize that the most important work I can do is the work I do at home. However, this was the only way to get them in there. I consider myself fully devoted to my children and whatever is best for them. I always have.
It's crazy. The school is four days a week, because Monday is family day. So the days I work I have to have their uniforms ironed, washed and ready the night before. Lunch packed for 8 people-a healthy home made lunch at that. Dinner to prepare for each night and homework to oversee. Whew. It's a good tiring. Welcome to working momhood.
Kids are adjusting. The school is highly advanced and the kids will need to step up. It will be great to have someone else for them to answer to and impress with school work...maybe mom is too soft. The kids get to go to the math class of their level...so they don't feel frustrated amongst peers. This was a hardship for many people in school. This entire school adjusts by levels in math. Can I say, the spirit is so strong there. Patriotic pictures adorn the walls, with scripture quotes and pictures of Christ. Respect and reverence are accepted. I walk into a class and I hear "Good morning Mrs. Ericksen." in unisome while the children stand from their desks to greet me. I walk down the halls and the children address me the same. This place is incredible. I am privileged to be part of it and I am thankful for the like minded people I can work with. I honored and humbled that I can give my children the chance for an education of this magnitude. I am grateful for teachers who work harmoniously together to ensure proper principles and a love for learning are taught. I am grateful for Heavenly Father's direction...he always knows what is best for his children.