The First Day

(I told myself that when Eva started school I would start a public blog about it and our crazy family life.  I'm going to do my best to keep up.  I might post daily.  I might post weekly.  But I'll need to vent, so stay tuned...)

Today was Eva's first day of Classical Conversations (http://www.classicalconversations.com/).  So for me, even though she wasn't getting on a school bus and even though she wasn't out of my sight for more than 30 seconds at a time, it was a momentous occasion that marks the beginning of our efforts to officially educate her --homeschool style!

Yep, that's her school face.

The day was a bit trepidatious for a number of reasons.   First, I felt like I was running late.  (Turns out, EVERYONE was running late the first day.  Phew.)  Second, last Thursday was supposed to be her first day, but it was foiled by all the rain and flooding we got from Lee and today was oddly reminiscent of this time last week, especially when we noticed, as we were leaving, that a tree had fallen across the street and onto our elderly neighbor's car.  Instant detour! Fun times.  Third, I was terrified I would hate it.  I still have my doubts about my ability to teach Eva anything of lasting educational value (By the grace of God alone...) and I was worried I would feel intimidated by the obvious genius mothers surrounded by their gaggles of mini-geniuses. 

I needn't have worried.  We're all in this together and that was what drew me to CC in the first place (Well, that, and it's an AMAZING program!) and what will probably be what keeps me coming back year after year.  I'm not alone!  I'm surrounded by Godly women who are not only incredibly friendly, open and helpful, but who also have the same fears and desires for their own children. 

The day started with all of the kids of all different ages and grade levels in one room.  We prayed; would normally sing the national anthem, but the flag was missing for some odd reason; would do review, if there were any (there, of course, wasn't any this week); and one family does a presentation.  It's only a five minute stint (Praise the Lord for that!) and I've already convinced Eva that when it's our turn, we'll talk about living on the creek and show pictures of the differnt kinds of wildlife we frequently see in our backyard.  This week, a sweet boy of about the age of eight, who from where I was sitting seemed very brave and not at all uncomfortable in front of a large group, showed us all of the fun things he had constructed with Legos, Kinex and other such playsets.  It was quite remarkable and he was obviously very into his hobby. 

Then, we all dispersed into our separate classes.  The great thing about CC is that the moms get to stay with their kids.  It's harder, of course, when you have multiple children at different grade levels and you have to divide your time, but for me, right now, I get to sit in Eva's class of 4 and 5 year olds and it is a HOOT!  Those kids are super funny without even trying to be.  It was probably the most fun I've had in 2 and 1/2 hours in a LONG time.  The best part is that Eva LOVED it!  I had thought she would and was relieved I wasn't wrong.  And, as suspected, she wants to go back everyday.  I had to break it to her gently that most days of the week she'd be learning with me as her teacher.  I know.  I'd cry, too.  That is sad news, indeed.

After class time, we all headed to the cafeteria for lunch and that's when it got REALLY chaotic.  Imagine a room not quite large enough for all of the people who need to use it, jammed with moms who, typically, have at least two to three children with them each and many of them under the age of 10.  It was just nuts!  The noise volume alone was mind numbing!  Quinn could have benefited greatly from a booster seat, a situation I fully intend to remedy the next time we're there.  I think there was just so much going on that he was on stimulation overload.  It was all he could do to look at what he was eating, let alone stay in his seat.  Sully was having similar problems and Eva, who is usually quite focused at meal times, was under the table at one point, clearly fascinated by the boy who had lured her there with promises of magic tricks.  (He did not deliver.)

Then, after lunch, we let the wild minions run free in the gym.  Normally, they'd be playing outside on the playground equipment, but with the weather being what it was, everyone was stuck inside and it, too, was a scene from my worst nightmare.  Quinn kept chasing after balls that belonged to older children and would become completely furious when they would run away with the one he was currently enamored with.  Sully was just a loose cannon is his own right and Eva was upset because she hadn't immediately found some pals to play with.  I let this insanity continue for about exactly 10 minutes, at which point I rounded up my posse and heade for the car, thoroughly worn out. 

Don't get me wrong, the morning was invigorating and exciting, but lunch and playtime were enough to send even the healthiest, fittest, and most unpregnant of mothers running for her minivan for a break.  Currently everyone is upstairs, not napping necessarily (I cannot believe they aren't tired enough to sleep!), but being relatively quiet and waiting patiently for Mommy to call an end to their quiet time imprisonment. 

I think I can officially call Eva's first day of school a success.  Tomorrow is another story entirely!