Falling Leaves and Football

As we stepped outside this morning, the 77 degree weather seemed perfect for our first day of school.  When I was young we always started school just before Labor Day.  The mornings were usually a little cool, as were the evenings, and during the school day it would get very warm.  But we could tell that Fall was just around the corner.

Growing up in Southern Illinois, Fall was always my favorite season.  I loved the crispness in the air, the beautiful colors of the leaves that would soon fall to the ground. Leaf houses were waiting to be made on the lawn by forming lines with small piles of leaves to represent the different rooms, and then quickly raked into large piles to jump in. Most importantly, leaves on the ground meant football season was well under way. 

Living in Georgia, I find it difficult to start school when it is 105 degrees outside.  I'm always torn by whether to wait until after Labor Day or starting the school year early.  So this morning we began and I was very grateful for the lower temperature which made it feel more like the first day of school for me.

Our morning began with our traditional "first day of school breakfast out" ... and this year we went to the new local Bojangles.  I even allowed the children to have sweet tea, because it's just not right to go to Bojangles and not drink the tea.  This allowance on my part has been revisited in my mind several times already today.  Just not so sure my kids really needed the sugar and caffeine, but I guess I can manage a little extra "energy" on this special occasion.

I was so blessed as we sat together eating breakfast and talking about the upcoming school year.  It is a joy to see all four personalities interacting.  There is something very special about educating at home and watching the special bonding that is taking place in our family.  My children really seem to enjoy being together and this blesses me more than I can express with words.   

Today we spent time going over schedules, organizing lockers and school supplies.  We are working on some projects to help us with time management and daily schedules.  It will take a little time to settle in to our new routine, but I am confident that we can handle all necessary adjustments to make our school days go as smoothly as possible.

My friend, Gina, made a comment in a recent Facebook post:

Reminding myself: Academic subjects are only tools to teach our children to articulate the truths of God. After all isn't that the purpose of life?

As I begin this new school year, I am reminding myself of my role in my children's education.  My prayer is that they will be excited about learning and catch the vision of being lifelong learners.  In addition, I pray that they will learn how to know God and will love Him and serve Him all their days.

Now that school has officially started it's time to set aside the lazy days of summer and jump into Fall.   I don't know about you, but I'm ready for the changing of the leaves, some cooler mornings and evenings ... and a little football on the side.