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"...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.

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.

lolocreatives 8p · 620 weeks ago
SeeMyFootprints · 620 weeks ago
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
Angela · 620 weeks ago
Aimee · 620 weeks ago
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
boatbaby2 85p · 620 weeks ago
Megan · 620 weeks ago
Tknight · 620 weeks ago
Haley · 620 weeks ago
Tara · 620 weeks ago
SimplyBurbs 29p · 620 weeks ago
Deep breathe, hold your Little Ones close, and you're right - it will be alright, it will.
Amy · 620 weeks ago
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
Kelli · 620 weeks ago
nanacathy2 27p · 620 weeks ago
Julia · 620 weeks ago
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.
Taryn Kae Wilson · 620 weeks ago
My heart goes out to your family!!
Sending lots of love your way,
Taryn
Jenn · 620 weeks ago
Samantha · 620 weeks ago
Sheila · 620 weeks ago
Heidi · 620 weeks ago
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?
Melanie · 620 weeks ago
songbirdsfamily 2p · 620 weeks ago
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
MamaAshGrove · 620 weeks ago
eidolons · 620 weeks ago
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.
Marlo · 620 weeks ago
Becca · 620 weeks ago
I look forward to reading about your journey.