Day 2

Yesterday was such a fun day!  We celebrated an 8th birthday with one of Mia's friends from school.  I really wanted to take the time when she was at the party to run errands but Mia had a different opinion.  I am so glad i stayed.  The majority of the people were parents and children from our school (Urban Oak School) or family and a few neighbors.  The theme was Karaoke and Art party.  What an amazing idea!  They chose the theme to honor their daughter and the things that she loved.  This was NO cookie cutter party.  Along with the karaoke and art was a table and kitchen full of food  and drinks.   We talked and laughed , shared a meal and reminded the occasional child to walk on the stairs while in their socks. I looked around and saw parents and children laughing , talking, singing, dancing and crafting.  Every  person adult and child alike, was smiling and/or laughing.  I had found the one thing that i had been searching for , forever -  A community.

 Many people questioned me about my choice to send Mia to Urban Oak because it was not a public school therefore required tuition.  The  people in my life know that i am parenting my children alone with very little help and sending Mia there is a huge sacrifice.  It requires juggling two jobs outside the home, homeschooling a teenager, traveling 15 miles there and 15 miles home, packing lunches, buying rain pants , rain boots , rain coats and all sorts of outdoor clothing.  It also provides my daughter with an amazing, loving  and respectful education.  She has a wonderful teacher who takes the time to know each child individually and truly treats them as individuals.

 What i learned last night was that Urban Oak provides my family with SO much more than an education  It provided us with community. This is something that I never imagined would ever happen.  Suddenly it makes all those mornings that i throw a sleeping 5 year old in her carseat (often in pajamas still) seem like a simple compromise for what i receive back from her education. I am so thankful to be a part of such an amazing community and cannot wait to get together for another evening of fun!

Thank you to the very special hosts of this party. It was an unforgettable night!