the return

My family- they bring a smile to my face! This was taken during Fermentation Fest in Reedsburg!

This fall has been full of traditions and memories in the making. And sadly, as Olivia has reminded me, traditions that will be different next year.  Olivia is in full swing planning for college and life after high school.  We did our obligatory college tour of some campuses in the Milwaukee area- baby in tow.  I’m still not quite sure how to feel about visiting colleges with our senior and her baby brother. Two different worlds.

  It has been a stressful fall for Olivia, retaking her ACT for a final try at a better score, applying to colleges and writing essays.  Thankfully, today Olivia was blessed with her first acceptance letter.  She was accepted into UW Madison.  She has always dreamed of UW Madison- but she was doubting her acceptance  and had come to terms with the fact that she might have to go elsewhere. This was a huge sigh of relief for her and a milestone in her education.  A milestone for her and a milestone for me.( If I am allowed to say that.)  I can breath a huge sigh of relief as well after all of the years of toiling and worrying if I was teaching the kids enough at home while being questioned by others if the kids were learning anything.  Why would I ever doubt that God would not equip us when we were homeschooling for Him?   Nine years of homeschooling Olivia and three years of public high school.  Praise God.

There are other schools she is still waiting to hear from.  Her other top pick is Marquette.  Unfortunately, we will not hear from them until February.  I am feeling like a little fish in a big pond trying to help her navigate these decisions, apply for scholarships and plan for her future.  I have to remind myself and her that God has a plan!  We need to pray and allow him to direct and guide her. Once again, I am reminded what a gift she has been to me, but one that I cannot keep.  I pray that she will remember her foundation in Christ and that she will allow Him to be the center of life and with that all good blessings will flow.