Book Excitement!

The other day the UPS man pulled into our drive and I asked my Hurb, "Did you order something?" because I certainly wasn't expecting anything. Much to my surprise the order was for ME! It was our school books! My mom (who homeschooled us remember) happened to be here visiting, and was so happy that the books came while she was here. She remembered the excitement of book shipments when we kids were homeschooling. I didn't really remember all of that, but as we cracked open the box and delved into it amidst 3 pairs of excited little hands, some of it started to come back to me. We ooo'd and aaaa'd over flashcard sets, and arts/crafts books and phonics. It was a different perspective for me being a first time homeschool mom. But watching my lad as he parked himself by the box on the couch to slowly flip through the workbooks and ask questions about the contents made me inwardly resolve to make this a positive experience. I know there are going to be hard days along the homeschool road, but I don't want my kids to dread school. I want them to look forward to learning and the process of gaining new information. Even as I have been browsing my 'teacher's manual' for our curriculum it boggles my mind just how much they will learn. The lad is excited to start after seeing his books, and he asked several times if his videos had come and when they would arrive. :) I'm happy that he's looking forward to it and I hope to keep that enthusiasm going. Our other little lad felt a bit left out since none of these books were for him. Since he is 17 months younger than his big bro, but has an Oct birthday, he will actually be 2 years behind him in school. However, I know that he has always, since he was itty-bitty, strived to "catch up" to his brother, and has actually passed him in several ways. So he will be doing preschool for 2 years. I pulled out a preschool workbook and let him flip through that while his big bro was browsing his new books. It worked, and he sat there quietly, even passing on a popsicle! to look through his school book! Kids want to learn, that much is plain!