Yes, Virginia

The homeschooling journey has officially begun. And, as it turns out, I'm not nearly as un-prepared as I thought I was.  A few months ago, in a flurry of if-you-put-forth-an-investment-you're-less-likely-to-back-down-in-August, I purchased the Barbara Dewey "Waldorf Without Walls" curriculum and a decent amount of art supplies and main lesson books for Ezra to use. I re-stocked our playcloths  and led the garish Chinese toys (thanks, former in-laws) in another massive exodus from both my apartment and Jason's house.  I even managed to match up all the socks (not homeschooling related but brag-worthy nonetheless).

And, in my recent research, I've found that I actually have some of the "core materials" that everyone says are must-haves for beginning homeschooling with young children. I have "Seven Times the Sun" by Shea Darian, "Waldorf Education: A Family Guide" edited by Pamela Finner and Karen Rivers, a headful of fairy tales and myths (thanks to my study of ancient and classical history--- and people always asked me what I'd do with all that Latin, ha); and kudos to my friend Tiffeni Goesel of KinderHaus Toys in Williamsburg, VA, I recently acquired "Math Lessons for Elementary Grades" by Dorothy Harrer AND the fabulous and inspiring "Heaven on Earth: A Handbook for Parents of Young Children" by Sharifa Oppenheimer. When I stand back and assess, I almost almost almost feel like I can say to myself, "You can do this."

I haven't been posting nearly as much because the end of the semester had me spinning my wheels with last-minute projects and finals, and the rush into summer meant that, instead of having relaxing free time with the children, I was actually having to learn how to be a mom again. Okay, I'm still learning this. It's been so long since we've had this much time together that nobody knows what to do with each other. Sure, for a Saturday and Sunday I can keep my head on and everyone can flow in (mostly) one direction, but for weeks on end....? It's been A Process.

One of the better things that has come out of this sink-or-swim stay-at-momhood re-experience (how's that for hyphenation extravaganza? I'm blowing Dickinson out of the water) is that I've decided to try to finish my last semester as an undergrad doing online courses. I cannot envision a way in which I can establish the rhythm I want for Ezra and Isis in the midst of being shuffled back and forth between houses/tutors/caregivers.  If at all possible (meaning my department head and thesis advisor don't turn purple and implode with frustration). Having reviewed my academic transcript, I have to wonder if *I* won't implode with frustration at the prospect.

So. We are currently in Virginia Beach, VA while my husband goes through some civil affairs training with the Navy. We have been to the beach, in one form or another, every day for the past week. I'm beginning to feel a bit like that Joni Mitchell song "Carey," with dirty fingernails and beach tar under my feet.