It is back to school season, and our social media is flooded with all of the precious “first day” photos. We join in the fun and take photos on the porch with our current grade signs every year. I don’t know that my children have ever really wanted to do those photos, but they did it for their sentimental mama and over the years became faster at holding the sign, smiling, and getting it over with! And at each child’s graduation the centerpiece of our table is a framed collection of all of those photos.

One thing I started doing many years ago was having them snap a photo of me on the porch too. I am definitely growing and learning through this homeschool journey, and it is good for me to reflect on these photos and remember each season.

Back to school preparation can seem to come quickly. It feels like summer just started and now it’s time to print out the supply list and stock up on pencils and notebooks. As moms we spend considerable time in researching and planning all the things…backpacks, lunchboxes, safe food storage, school clothes and shoes, signing up for activities and lessons, arranging car pools, and meal planning.

In the midst of all of the practical preparing, I hope to inspire you to consider also preparing your heart for a new school year.

I’m sharing my binder with you. I pray it is an encouragement and a helpful resource for your journey too.