Ya ya sisterhood

The last few days have been such a mix of emotions, (talk about needing chocolate!) I'm not sure even where to start or how I will possibly express myself to the level that I want to and the depth of the gratitude I wish I could convey to this group of ladies... I know that writing it on a blog probably isn't the most personal way to do it but I don't think I could stand to say it their faces...I'm not that strong right now...I would melt...but for now I'll try to say it here...

Being a homeschooling mom, I think sometimes that having other moms as friends is even a little bit more important than most (hear me out)....there is a level of respect and support that we need to do what we do and still preserve our sanity and some days, those friends can make the difference between giving up entirely .... and going on...

Last night was my last MNO with this group of ladies and I can't begin to tell you how wonderful it was, even if it did involve my own tears from time to time when it sunk in just how much I am going to miss them....

We met for dinner and then went on to Hastings (our usual stopping place on MNO) where we got coffee and then went to hang out in the kids section! As if we don't get enough time around children's books right? lol There is something to be said for getting to go the book store without children tho, and getting to just hangout there without feeling rushed or having to yell at little ones to behave...the times I have spent with these moms in that store have been priceless and some of the personal jokes we have will surely get me thru on days that I am terribly homesick for them in the future.... Sometimes moms just have to get out and act like kids too! lol Oh the treasures you can find if only you take the time to look and Brandy is queen of finding must have books! It's all her fault... really! :)

After the bookstore tour, we headed over to a friend's house that couldn't come out that night and she was such a dear to have these waiting for us....

There were eight of us in the end last night. Some moms had to leave earlier than others, but there were eight that remained for the soul searching discussions that we had...the topics ranging from every spectrum...lots of different opinions...some stronger than others but all wrapped in love and respect. I think that is what hit me the most last night. At times, I just sat back and listened, trying to soak it all in and remember the feeling of being surround by these women that I love so much and respect with every ounce of my being...we can all be so different, come from so many different backgrounds, chose so many different paths for our lifestyles and children and yet we are friends and come together to support each other and have this common bond that we know as homeschoolers.....

A few of the moms don't care to have their pictures taken, which if you know me at all is just a dare for me! My camera is like a part of my very being and especially with us leaving I have been trying to capture as much as I can for us to have to look back on...last night at dinner...it was made into a joke that we could only photograph someones "good side" so tonight at my last chance for goodbyes, while trying to get a group picture...this is what I finally got taken....there were a lot of tears tonight but it was equaled only by laughter....

After hating it here with a passion for over 3 years, I finally feel like I belong....so to all the moms that helped to make this place a home for us, that welcomed us into this community of home educators...for these ladies and so many more that pushed me to be better and loved me even when I wasn't...I thankyou for your friendship...and you know you will always have a place to stay when your field trips lead you west... I love you all so much!

Until we meet again....