In honor of finishing first grade!

Dear Kaylee,

We just finished our first official year of homeschooling! Yay!! Since we did a pre-k/kindergarten curriculum (unknowingly) that would prepare you for first grade, we decided to skip kindergarten and just start on first grade. While we were shopping for curriculum, we found that we had already covered everything in the kindergarten curriculum, and that we would just need to improve on reading a bit to be on track, so we bought the book "Teach your child to read in 100 easy lessons". You've done exceedingly well, very rarely struggling to learn anything. I'm amazed at how easily you grasp things, and how quickly you learn. You'll say you hate school, but something tells me that isn't entirely true. You don't see the way your face lights up when you get almost all of the answers right, or how fascinated you are by learning new things. If you struggle, even a little bit, you're ready to give up and walk away. That is your biggest downfall, and that is what makes you hate it. You learn the most in the middle of the struggle-that is a life lesson that is applicable in a lot of situations. I know it seems difficult, and sometimes easier to just walk away, but struggles are the way we grow. You'll use that advice in school, and in life, I promise. This year has by far been one of the hardest years for me. You are strong willed (much like your momma) and you gave me a lot of difficult days. On most days, we could finish school in 2 1/2 to 3 hours. On good days, it would be 1 1/2 or 2. On really bad days, it would be 4 or more. This year has not come and gone without yelling, tears (from both of us!), spankings, groundings, and losing toys. We also had countless smiles, giggles, field trips, rewards, prayers, and hands on teaching moments. You've learned how to add, subtract, fractions, homonyms, synonyms, antonyms, a LOT of spelling, and so much more! You've also taught me a lot about myself. You've shown me how unloving and impatient I can be. You've shown me that I am often selfish, and I am in great need of grace. While I wouldn't admit it in those moments, I am thankful for that. I am thankful that by the grace of God, I'm not who I was when we started this year. Second grade, Lord willing, will be better. I'm so thankful for the opportunity to be your mom and teacher. It isn't always pretty. Homeschooling is a difficult task at times, but so very worth it. I love seeing you learn, I love teaching you, and I love spending so much time together. I love you, sweet girl. More than you'll ever know.

Love,

Mom