The End of an Era

Today is a day that has been full of all the emotions. Today was the twins' last day of second grade. Today was our last day as a Catalayah family as we have officially made the decision that Brooke and Brecklyn will be homeschooled next year along with Brianna and Brenson. Today is the end of a season . . . of an era, if you will. 

Brecklyn and Brooke . . . the last day of second grade!

Brooke Ellie

Look how much her face has matured!

Brecklyn Sarah

Looking so much more grown up!

Yesterday, we went to Rise & Shine with the girls knowing it would be our last day attending Rise & Shine as a Catalayah family, and I can't even put into words the flood of emotions I felt. I remember so clearly going to Rise & Shine when Brianna was in Kindergarten (in 2015!) and feeling very emotional. Today - 7 1/2 years later - going into Rise & Shine was just as emotional for me. Catalayah has been a major part of our family during this season . . . so many relationships built, milestones reached, hours volunteered, and obstacles overcome. 

Brecklyn at Rise & Shine

Brooke at Rise & Shine

In so many ways, our family has grown up at Catalayah. While I'm excited, confident, and hopeful for the next season of life that Catalayah will not be part of, the feelings are very bittersweet today. 

The last day going through the morning drop-off line

Watching my babies walk into the building for the last time

I'm a different mom than I was 7.5 years ago, and I'm ready to embrace what that means for me and my children. However, in order to fully embrace it, I have to let go of what is comfortable for now. I have to walk away from a part of life that has been meaningful, impactful, and wonderful. I am confident that homeschooling all four children is going to be amazing and what is best for everyone, but that doesn't mean letting go of what was is easy. I am ready, but also a little sad. Somehow at the same time, though, today feels like a weight has been lifted. 

Brecklyn and Brooke have both done wonderful in second grade, but I feel that has more to do with who they are than with where they were. They each had 28 students in their class, so for two girls who are academically high and well behaved, being in such large classes meant they were essentially invisible. Brecklyn had an excellent teacher who we really loved - and she did her very best to meet Brecklyn's needs - but her hands were just too full. Brooke had a teacher that was good for her in many ways, but she also had a class full of rowdy boys who needed most of the teacher's time and attention. 

I'm so proud of the girls and how they handled the challenges of the year, but we are all very excited for them to be home with us next year. For a while, I really thought they would go back to Catalayah for third grade, but I feel so much peace knowing I get to teach them, pour into them, and really meet their needs academically starting earlier than we had initially planned. 

Both girls let their good character shine this year when there was a lot of chaos going on around them. I love the little awards Brecklyn received from her teacher because they really are so fitting for her!

She received the 'Ray of Sunshine' award for "shining your bright light in our classroom each and every day".

This one says, "for having a gentle and quiet spirit that is empathetic and compassionate to others". I hope to continue to foster these good traits in my girl!

Brecklyn's teacher has been sharing with me her plans to leave the classroom after this year and most likely homeschool her own kids. That tells me just about all I need to know about the challenges they faced at school. And Catalayah is one of the good ones!

Brooke's teacher did not do any sort of classroom awards (which was disappointing to me), but Brooke received several 'Character Counts' throughout the year. My smiley girl was always lending a helping hand to others!

Brecklyn also had a few 'Character Counts':

While my girls (and all of us) have many good memories from our time at Catalayah, it's time to close this book. Today, it feels little more bitter than sweet, but I know we are all ready for this change. I am truly so excited to have all my babies home for school, and I can't wait to get into a new routine. 

We all appreciate Catalayah for what it has given to us, and we all sincerely hope that we brought something valuable to the table, too. More than anything, we hope we let our lights shine for Jesus every day!