Traditionally I haven’t started school with the kids until after Labor Day, but this year, with the baby due in December, I think I will need a longer winter break, so I decided to start a couple of weeks early. Besides that, the kids were actually asking me, begging me, to start school. So even though I didn’t feel like getting into the groove of things yet, we plunged in in the middle of August.
I wanted our first day to be a little bit special, so I got up and made waffles. Can you picture it now? Me in my apron throwing the ingredients into a bowl… Wrong! These were of the bought variety, but they are a special treat around here, and the kids were thrilled to start the day with waffles!
The kids worked happily, for the most part, until lunch. I surprised them with a lunch out. They had each received a free kid’s meal at Jason’s Deli through the library reading program. Now, I don’t know how other families do it, but the only way my kids each get their own meal is if they are free; otherwise, we share, so it was a big deal. Their eyes just about popped out when they saw they could choose Horizon Organic chocolate milk with their meal.
Could their day get any better? Only after they ate their ice-cream cones, when I told them they could each have another one! Yep, we each enjoyed not one, but two ice-cream cones. They still haven’t gotten over that one!
Notice anything unusual about my first day of school post? Whereas other homeschooling moms post all manner of interesting academic activities they did with their children, my post is all about food!
So our school year has begun–ready or not! If you think about me, say a prayer will ya? Pregnancy mixed with homeschooling and everything else. . . . Well, it all just seems tougher than usual.
I’m linked to Women Living Well, Works for Me Wednesday and Raising Homemakers.

Seems like it’s one tough act gathered up all together. Wish you the best of luck! =) Make sure you’re extra careful w/ the baby bump.
Pace yourself, Esther! 🙂 Remember, God has your back and will give you everything you
need to succeed this year in homeschooling and having your new bundle of joy. I will
be praying for you this fall/winter, but you totally got this. 🙂
The free food sounds and looks like a lot of fun. And, yes, you have my prayers every day.
Sounds like you had a great first day, Esther! I love making the first day special for my kids, but this year, we kind of started in slow and worked our way up to full school time every day. Hope your year continues to be a good one! I’ve done school with littles and a new baby, and it takes a lot of patience!
Hi I found your blog through Raising Homemakers. It sounds like you all had a fun day. I didn’t post about the academic side of our return to homeschool either. Praying for a great rest of this pregnancy and an easy safe delivery!
What a nice way to start the year: ease the kids into it with some unexpected fun stuff. My kids would love this too.
As far as managing being pregnant and all, one of the best suggestions I’ve ever heard was, “don’t think so much!”
We spend our time worrying and obsessing about things that aren’t even in our control.
I try and remind myself that it is G-d who’s in charge, and He does quite fine without my help, thank you.
Hi Esther,
My daughter started homeschooling last year. I am interested in reading your blog and getting ideas to pass on. How long have you been doing this?
I think it is great that your first day back to school was such a treat for your children.
I’m pregnant with number 6 right now… with this many kids, pregnancy doesn’t mix well with much of anything! I’m trying to keep it together, but gah! I’m so flippin tired all the time! Food is an important part of my day most days… I love that you posted about your meals. 🙂
I LOVE that you blogged about food – and that you had TWO ice cream cones – and that you had a great morning 🙂
Hope you didn’t set a precedent with chocolate milk AND two ice creams ! LOL!
We always share food when we eat out too. It just gets so expensive otherwise!
Pregnancy makes everything tougher. Happy homeschooling 🙂
Another fun first day at school. I’ve been reading about a few of these in the blogosphere!
ohh Esther you have such a beautiful family, I just don’t know can you keep up with everthing…..
Two ice-cream cones for everyone? Yeah, you’re pregnant!
Aww.. That is SO sweet! I’ve written your name down in my notes to keep track of lifting you up in prayer.. May you blessed beyond measure. You’re a wonderful mom!
Two ice cream cones? My kids want to come to your house! Yep, I’m one of those moms who posted about the academics of our first official day, but I did mention our breakfast and dinner too! Looks like you guys had a fun day!
Well, this is about the best first day of school post I’ve read so far. What a fun thing to do. I hope you have not set a dangerous precedent for the rest of the year. 😉