Friday, May 10, 2013

{take 2} Our dream comes to an end

chalkboard at PWS PWS St. Francis in the 2nd grade at  PWS K's knitted lamb (on the left) K's classroom 008 Story by K's class 029 K's classroom K's classroom 025 116 115 123 042 050

Some of you may have seen the unedited version of this post last week. I apologize for alarming any of you, but thank you so much for your e-mails voicing your concern. They really touched me. I felt the post was too doom and gloom so I thought I should just come back to it. Of course, when I went to hit the "save" button, I hit the "publish" one instead. *Sigh* Have I mentioned how computer savvy I am? I was also hoping to break the news to our children before posting it here, but I don't want to keep everyone in the dark any longer. While I am planning to tell them this week, I just please ask that anyone who knows us locally, to not say a word in front of them about it.

"...We live in a time of hard tests for humanity, of hard tests which must become still harder. We live in a time in which a whole host of old forms of civilization to which men still erroneously cling, are sinking into the abyss, a time in which the claim insistently arises that man must find his way to something new." - Rudolf Steiner

Hello everyone. I have been a bit out of touch lately, I know. My normal sanguine self has become very melancholic. I am not sure how to share recent news that we have received. I was hoping to have had an epiphany by now and be able to share it all with grace (instead of self pity), maybe even seeing the bright side to it all.  But, in all honesty, I will be happy to just get through typing this up with out sobbing.

Kevin recently received orders that we are to move to Idaho this September. We had just finished up a date night watching Colonial House together and were getting ready for bed when the news came. My heart sank as I let out a loud cry upon hearing the news. Our dream finally came true of living in a community of like-minded people and having our children in a Waldorf school, and now that dream is coming to an end. Not to mention my newly found church community that my family and I are so very fond of. I always knew there was a possibility of having to move from here but I pushed it so far back in my head so that I wouldn't have to face it. I guess I thought that if we did move maybe we'd be closer to family or at least near another school. Idaho doesn't have either of these.

I have been a bit of a gypsy for most of my life - even before I met Kevin. Every time I would move from one state (or country) to another I would be thrilled at the thought, no matter how much I loved my current location. Always a fun new adventure to look forward to! This is the first time in my life that I am incredibly depressed, feeling hopeless, and just down right unhappy about the thought of moving. It's very unlike me.

I am anxious about trying to sell this house of ours in such a short amount of time, too. I won't lie. It's pretty much a disaster. We bought it as a "fixer-upper" but never were able to afford to do anything to it, thanks to the bank messing up our mortgage. I don't know what we are going to do about that. A short sale is a possibility but that would damage our credit for three years and we need to be able to buy a house in Idaho. It's hard to find a rental that will accept three children and seven pets.

There actually is a Waldorf school in Idaho but it's much too far away from where we will be (somewhere near Boise) so I will be homeschooling all of my children. This prospect excites me and scares me to death at the same time (mostly the latter). I love the general idea of homeschooling, but I just don't know if it is something that I personally can do.  Teaching Waldorf kindergarten at home is so very different from the actual grades. Not to mention that I have spent the past seven years studying Waldorf early childhood education, but haven't even begun digging into the grades. I know that they say Waldorf homeschooling is very different from attending an actual school but I need to find some way to make it as close as possible...for K's sake. She is thriving beyond imagination at her school. I just can't see how I could. I don't feel qualified. Never mind the fact that I don't know how to speak German, how to do eurythmy, how to play the recorder amongst many other things. I do, however, remember a bit of Spanish. That's a plus, right?!

We haven't said a word to our little ones yet. We are just trying to find the right time. I know my K will be just as devastated as I am and I don't want to ruin her last few weeks of school. It breaks my heart to think of telling her.

Kevin will go back to his old job and that is a very good thing. No longer will we have to go all week without seeing him, but instead he'll be working a normal 9-5 job. He also wants to help with the homeschooling. I am pretty thrilled over that!

Ugh, I am sorry. I know venting and complaining is so unattractive but I just need to get this all out there. Then maybe I can move forward to acceptance. I know there is a greater plan for my family and I, and that we will be able to understand it more once we are on the other side of all this, but it's hard to wrap my head around right now. We have been so very blessed to have had the chance to live out our dream for these past four years. I am eternally grateful for that and will hold every moment deep in my heart. And who knows, maybe after these next four years maybe we will be able to come back. For now I just want to relish what little time we have left.

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On our morning drive to school the other day, we were all discussing our farm we dream of having someday. Totally out of the blue K said, "When we have our farm, I want to homeschool instead of going to a school away from home. That way I can spend more time taking care of the animals."
I cried when she said this, feeling so very grateful for the message that, no matter what, as long as we are together everything will be all right.

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Comments (47)

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Nicole, I am so sorry to hear of troubling times. This post brought tears to my eyes. As someone who is currently going through the process of bringing this kind of education to arms reach, I was completely moved, shaken to the core. For, in all my planning and dreaming, I never once thought that it could all be taken away. And I often looked to your blog as an example of someone who had successfully made the kind of life-altering move we are about to make. So, of course, I was naturally saddened and troubled. I know that, as many people will say, when one door closes, another opens. But, I say that where there's a will, there's a way. I know that you are passionate and determined. And I know that you will make this amazing life style and learning style possible for the ones you love. You are capable and intelligent and thoughtful. You can do this. Once the sting of the moment dissipates, you will see the promise and potential. And I will continue to support your blog because I am inspired by women who pioneer, and who make the world shine.
I wish you all the best. Even if where you move to doesn't work out, your current situation is proof that things do change. If it doesn't turn out where you go, there's always another door to go through. If it does work out , then you'll enjoy it and make it work. Change what you can, accept what you can't and find a way to smile regardless. Afterall, if you can change it, be happy, if you can't change it, be happy lol that's what I picked up somewhere the other day. Just do what you can x

PS I would be finding it really really really hard too... where we are isn't perfect but there is so much I wouldn't want to change and if there were no Steiner school if we had to move, I would face the prospect of homeschooling for K4, Class 2, Class 6 and Class 8... *gulp* yep. I think I am soooo not qualified and could not possibly find a way to give at home what the children receive at school... but maybe I would have to think well I can't give the SAME but what version of awesome CAN I give?
x
Wow, that is crazy. I would be devastated too. I do think that everything happens for a reason, though and I'm looking forward to following your homeschooling adventure.
I'm so sorry to hear your news, I won't say 'bad news' as I know that you will find joy in the new home and place and circumstance after the initial shock and stress has worn away.
Try not to be to sad, I know it's hard, but you will find beauty and adventure in your new home, it just might be hidden behind and under the sadness and feeling of leaving 'your place'. Allow time to grieve for what you're leaving, then pick up and look forward, your girls and family will be there with you, supporting, helping and comforting, as you do for them.

As for the homeschooling, don't worry, take it a step at a time. You never know what you'll find when you get there.
Hugs
Smart girl you have there. I am a believer that change is always a good thing. To me, bad news is something like hearing that you or a loved one has cancer or heart disease. It will be different but you may love it more, you just can't know. I hope the move goes as smoothly as possible. Ya know, farms are more common out in Idaho, just sayin'!
As a former Air Force spouse, I understand your heartbreak. It's always hard to adjust your attitude and remember not to be angry at your spouse when orders come, be they PCS or deployment. It's not their fault and yet I always had to remind myself not to be angry and take it out on my husband. It's not like he WANTS to deploy and leave myself and the kids. It's not like he WANTS to PCS to a new area and start all over again, leaving friends behind. My heart goes out to you. I've loved following your blog in Oregon with all the beauty you found around you and I know that you will find the same beauty to share on your blog in Idaho. Things will work out because they have to. It's not an option for them not to work out. You are stronger than you feel at this point. *hugs*
As a mom of 4 who hubby worked an airplane ride away for 6 mo and having a failed moving attempt. I feel your pain. I do. We are in a school we LOVE. My hubby got his dream job tho 5 states away. We attempted a move. Almost uprooted the roost to have him get laid off. Luckily we only had packed boxes and only a week away from listing our home so we were able to pull the listing and stay put. And I am thankful. Except a new local position would rock - feeding 6 on no income is hard- I am planting my largest garden this year. But the message was clear from my kids. WE MUST BE TOGETHER. AND THE FATHER NEEDS TO BE PRESENT DAILY. You will find with these two things your family will be strong enough to conquer an challenge. A move or almost a year of unemployement. I found the blessing in him loosing his job by the way..... its that he is making up his lost time with our kids. He takes them to school, picks them up. He is here to kiss all the owies and see all their little triumphs during the day. The littlest (now 18 mo) recognizes him again and goes to him now over me. And their relationship has grown. And I love watching them every moment. You will find your blessing to in time. Its there.
I feel I have to comment now. I have been reading your blog for a long time now, since before I was a mother. Now I have a 10 month old daughter and I am an Air Force wife. Right now I live where there is absolutely no Waldorf community, and I have been dreaming of starting something, perhaps beginning with a playgroup and maybe a home school group in the future. We will be moving next year, and one of our possible locations (depending on what air frame my husband is assigned) is Mountain Home, ID. If we do move there, I will be in touch. I would love to have a Waldorf community for my daughter as she grows. :)
Idaho is lovely too I think. Transition is hard though. I feel for you. Moving has gotten very old for me too, although I live in a place I'm not that thrilled about, which is different. Still, I really want to settle in, and have a homestead for my child. One that she can return to when needed. Sending you good thoughts and peace and ease.
Oh, such news. I am so sorry that things are hard right now; news like that, when one is feeling low, can be tough to take, I know.
Deep breathe, hold your Little Ones close, and you're right - it will be alright, it will.
Have you thought of contacting Melisa Neilson of Waldorf Essentials? I know she lived in Idaho for years (Boise, I think) and I believe that she would be able to help with your transition. She is a wonderful person, homeschooler of five, supportive mama, and a great resource. Good luck with your move!
I have been thinking about you as you have been on your spiritual journey this year. I went through RCIA about ten years ago and have never been happier with ANY decision that I have made in my life. Take care and many blessings. Amy
I've been a lurker on your blog for a long time and I have never posted a comment. But, your sadness made me feel like reaching out. Our daughter attended a Waldorf kindergarten and it was wonderful. Sadly, there was no way we could afford to send her on to the grades. My heart was broken. She spent two years in public school, but by the end of second grade I knew that it was time to homeschool. I am not "qualified" and I can't give her what she would have gotten in a Waldorf classroom. But, I love her unconditionally, and these years when she is young will go by so fast...I can't offer her the perfect education, but I can fill her up with my love and be with her as she grows. It is frightening to think about, but someday our children must face the "real world." I know my love will prepare her for that better than any curriculum under the sun, and I think Rudolf Steiner would agree. I have seen you as a mother through your blog, and I know that you have the heart and the spirit to undertake the difficult task of homeschooling your three children. Do not be afraid that you will damage them or deprive them because you cannot recreate "school" at home. Your faith, your diligent study of Steiner's work, and your love for your children are more than enough preparation for this new adventure :)
So sorry for you, all the very best!
I don't really know what to say, except for being very sorry to read these sad news.
However, I have no doubt you'll do just great. Children are so wise, what your little K said is so true... best of luck for the future, will be sending lots of positive thoughts for you all.
Nicole,
My heart goes out to your family!!
Sending lots of love your way,
Taryn
I am new to your blog, just found it two days ago actually. I am sorry to hear about the move and leaving the fantastic community you have found and all the distress it is causing you. But I think K has it right. You say you want a farm. Why not look for that for this move to Idaho? Sounds like you will be moving in summer which should give you a little time to adjust before the homeschooling starts. And this is a wonderful site for Waldorf Homeschooling www.thewaldorfconnection.com.
I too am planning to homeschool due to moving away from our beloved school. I found this website and it has brought me some courage. http://thewaldorfconnection.com/
It WILL be okay, you will even thrive. Think of your experience in Portland as something to build on. Life will be beautiful, the kids will learn so much trying out different communities and homes. Lots of love.
Hi,

I am a local mama and have seen you around at lots of PWS events and emailed a couple of times before. I guess I just want you to know that even though it doesn't seem like you want to leave right now, you will have great adventure and I know that you have the strength and talent to provide a wonderful education for your children. You have been an inspiration to me, since I have tried to provide a Waldorf-style home environment for my family as I am not able to afford the schools. Also, you sharing this difficulty has somehow made me feel that I have the strength to face what I am going through right now. I am not sure why, but it's somehow healing for me to know that we all have great struggles in our lives, just in different arenas, and that they ultimately exist for the purpose of soul growth. It is easy for me to see the potential in your situation, although I understand that it may be difficult for you. And I am excited for your new adventure and move to.... a farm?
Yes, life is full of change and change makes us stretch and grow in directions that you will not yet know. Oregon is lovely and we are blessed with so many Waldorf schools and communities in our state, but you will find you niche. Idaho is pretty groovy (this is coming from a native Montanan.;) and Sandpoint is probably the school you were looking at, but not close to (I would love to live there if not here). I'm sure you are a reader of Carrie's blog and this post might give you some courage http://theparentingpassageway.com/2013/05/04/am-i... in your transition to homeschooling, as well as looking at some of Christopherus material (yep, home is most definitely not school). After all these years, I too, feel a little nervous in juggling to kiddos in the grades, a Kindy, AND a toddler, but such is life in finding your path that speaks to you and your family. Blessing, Nicole, to you and your family!
Dear Nicole!
I am so sorry to hear your news and I can understand how you are feeling. I would like to give you a virtual hug from a far away place.

Maybe it will comfort you to look at God's greater plan. I am not very religious, but I do have faith that he wants the best for us. Doesn't always look like it, but if we are open and embrace what's to come there is a possibility to grow into the person he wants us to be.
Maybe homeschooling holds a great treasure for you and for your family, maybe great opportunities will arise from the new situation that will bring your family much closer together.
You know - my dream was always to homeschool my children. But in Germany it is not allowed. My situation doesn't allow me right now to move to a different country, and sometimes it frustrates me and makes me sad.
At the same time God has proven to be faithful and has provided for us so wonderfully. He brought us to a school that allows us to have a lot of freedom (It is a school where children are totally free; a bit like unschooling). It supports my idea of homeschooling - and right now we are doing part-time homeschooling, as a hand in hand with the school. It's a compromise - but not at all bad. I want to be grateful.
Also I am a single mother and am able to work from home - which I never thought to be possible.
But things will work out as long as we trust and follow the path He has intended for us.

I wish you all the best, Nicole! I am sure you will be a wonderful homeschooling mom! :-)
Love from Germany,
Isla
I'm so sorry to hear this, I know how devastating it must be! But there could be something even better ahead, as your little girl suggested when she said she'd want to be on a farm and homeschool. HUGS
I don't know how I missed this post. But I did.
It is never easy to embrace change when you're happy where you are. And children, oh, children. They adapt so easily but it hurts so much to know that they may be scared or upset along the way. The role of mother and caregiver isn't an easy one. I know that you and your family will make it through. Things may be rough, but the love you have for each other will light the way.
Oh Nicole! I audibly gasped when I read the title of your post. I'm so sorry that your plans have changed. We too were an Air Force family for awhile and had to move every 2 years! I feel your disappointment. I must say though, that from an outside perspective, I am interested to see your family's progression. I just know you are going to be a fantastic homeschooling mom, because you truly care about what your kids learn and no matter how the "schooling" part goes, they will feel your love for them. Also, I can already imagine you on a farm out in somewhat rural Idaho! Maybe this is the ticket for your own frontier dream. I see so many possibilities for your family there and can't wait to learn from your experiences! It sounds like you will be farther south, but up north by Couer d'Alene is absoultely beautiful. Your dogs will love it! But for the here and now, I will be over here mourning with you for the loss of your current dream. Thinking of you and sending love your way.
It will be sad to leave a beloved place but see it as an adventure! New house, new friends to be discovered. Homeschooling, it's all so new and exciting. You will be well cared for & guided wherever you go. There are so many benefits to home school. But I say see it as your own brand of Waldorf school, if you try to do Waldorf school at home, I'm afraid you will be disappointed. Your not a school, your a Mom. I've decided in my experience I need to make the family the center of our time here at home, I've taken all the lovely aspects of Waldorf & we do what we can. & the rest we learn as we go or we let go. I've given myself a hefty size breather on that score. Your daughter will not be disappointed, being at home is too much fun for that.

I look forward to reading about your journey.

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