Senior Year

So my youngest is entering his senior year at Calvary Christian Academy in Philadelphia.  He will be the last of my children that will graduate from this school. 
He asked me yesterday if I was sad.  I am not.  I am excited to see what God has for our family as we end an era and begin a new one.
Seasons come and go all the time.  And while it is great to remember moments from them, we must not look back too long or we will miss what is right in front of us. 
This is going to be epic.  I cannot wait to see how the Lord will work.

New School Year

And so begins Jr year for Abs and Freshman year for Josh. 

Award

Abigail is my child they said should be left behind. Every year she has received an academic excellence award for at least one of her classes. That requires an average of 97 or better for 3 out of 4 marking periods. So to those of you who have been told something about your child that goes against your knowledge of your child, I say Fight!  You are your child's biggest advocate. 

New Year

First day of school for my young ones. Bittersweet 

Culinary Arts

Abs has culinary arts for her elective. This year the teacher decided to have the children do some cooking at home. We are reaping the benefits. Val came over and they made chocolate chocolate mint cookies. 

Outdoors

It is so good to be out of the house today!   We decided to do some schooling in the backyard.  The bees were not cooperating so we did not stay too long but enjoyed the time that we were there.

What is that taste...?

I tasted bitterness today.  It actually consumed my entire thoughts.  It went down to my very soul.  I didn't like it.  But thankfully the Lord allowed me to taste humble pie.  While also not my favorite, it was much better than the bitterness.

It all comes from applying my Abs to school.  My very character and parenting felt at question.  This annoyed me, angered me, and even had me questioning what God was doing.

But some time later.  After praying, after listening, and after calming down, I realized I had committed a grave sin.  I needed to seek forgiveness.  And I did just that.  Afterwards, I felt lighter, freer.

I still would love prayer for Abs and the future.  Don't know what is going to happen but know that she is His and He has her best interest at heart!!!

Toughest Critics

These last two days were doctor visits.  Yes, we finally made it to the doctor for their well visits that are suppose to occur prior to school beginning.  But due to the move and that they couldn't book any new patients when we needed we had to wait 3 months from the initial phone call.  

Tuesday brought me driving around like crazy.  Since Abi and Josh were finishing their class at the farm, I dropped them off to their grandparents early.  Helene was great and fed them lunch and took them to class, then picked them up and drove them back home.  (She really saved me some time.)  I left straight from Bordentown, NJ and drove to Phila, PA to pick up Stephen to take him back to Yardley for a doctor visit.  (I'm tired all over again.)

So far I give the office a thumbs up in regards to timing of appointments and not making you wait.  We have not waited more than 5 minutes. AMAZING!  We were a little early which was okay.  The doctor was great.  She really got a big kick out of Stephen and they way he spoke about his siblings.  She thoroughly enjoyed how tough he was on himself in regards to physical activity and his eating habits.  (Now just a  reminder he has been doing football since the first week in August.  And not to forget that he injured his heel thereby preventing him from doing physical activity.)  But when she asked him about his activity he said he needed to start getting in shape as he had been lazy.  Then when asked if he felt he was a good eater by eating healthy, he was again tough on himself.  Last week was his birthday and since then he has partaken of more sweets than normal but trust me, he eats healthy.  His weight and BMI and were they should be. 

So on Wednesday morning/early afternoon round 2 and 3 occur with the young ones.  This time we have a different doctor than yesterday.  I did not care for her drilling questions to Abigail once she heard she was homeschooled.  You would have thought that I locked her in the basement the way she was asking her about friends, and activities outside the home, was it her choice to homeschool and did she like it.  (I was just thankful that my daughter was not aware of the tension in the doctor's voice and she answered superbly.  By superbly I mean truthfully.  Anyone who knows us knows that we get out and about.  It is so disappointing to see the same old concerns about homeschooling.   They really believe the children do not get any social activity whatsoever.  So I was abundantly glad when my kids could rattle off all that we do.)  But when asked about her eating habits she too felt she should be eating better.  Know some of you have seen my kids eat (especially Abs) and know that they eat and eat a healthy variety.  So once again the laughter about how tough they were on themselves.  (One week Abi's lunches were her making sub sandwiches - complete with lettuce and tomato, salad for her and her brother,  organic ranch dressing with carrot chips and cucumber slices.)  They eat fruit every single day and yet are still hard on themselves when they have a piece of candy.  So funny!!!

After she saw Abs, she went over to Josh asked most of the same questions and all went well.  He loves homeschooling and it shows so she moved on to eating habits and he said that sometimes he eats good.  Once again, she and I were both laughing.   Yes, my kids like their sweets and yes they probably get sweets 5 times a week but they are usually small in number, homemade, and organic in nature. 
We seldom eat out anymore, very rarely buy processed foods, and almost never buy prepared foods.  So trust me when I say they have a very healthy diet and fabulous eating habits. 

I love that they are willing to admit that there is always room for improvement but I pray they are not too obsessed about the way they eat because we all know how food habits can trigger eating disorders later in life. (Besides the fact that they were homeschooled at some point in their life will no doubt send alarms up all around them. LOL)   I know they have a good grasp on things but it is a slippery slope sometimes. 

I love my kids and that is a big part of why I do feed them healthy.  I really like to eat healthy.  You really do feel so much better.  I always know when I have been slacking on my fruit and veggie intake as my body is wiped out by end of day. 

I have been very fortunately lately, by way of  some conversations, to be reminded of what a joy and treasure it is to raise children.  As difficult as times can be, it is an honor and a blessing.  

Sewing Class

Abigail's home economics class is sewing.  She has been wanting to do this for some time now.  I am not a sewer, so I called upon my mom.  All my clothes were sewed by her when I was a kid.  My mom came over and took Abigail shopping to find some fabric.  Originally Abi wanted to make curtains for her room but that proved to be too expensive.  So we are starting with a cheaper project.  Throw pillows for her bed and room.  Here is the fabric of choice.  Just look at that smile!

Cooking 101

I decided to throw in some home economics classes for the kids.  Josh is cooking with me and today was our first class.  I allowed him to choose a recipe he wanted.  He, of course, chose dessert.  Home made chocolate chip cookies.  These cookies were like none other we had baked before.  They called for toasted rolled oats. 

Back to School (Night)

It has been several years since I had to go to back to school night let alone a middle school.  While it was great to "meet" all the teachers, it was waaay to long for this homeschool momma.  I like it much better sitting a home with a nice warm cup of tea and my jammies.

I did get the opportunity to see some friends of old and get reconnected.  It was equally nice meeting some new parents too.

There are a lot of advantages to a child going out of the home.  But I do miss him.  There is an element to his life that I am not aware of.  But thanks to last night I do feel slightly closer and connected.  What really struck me was the enthusiasm and excitement the teachers exhibited.  So wonderful and reassuring to know that my child is left in the hands of those that actually do care about his character as well as his gaining knowledge.  Truly a blessing.

First Field Trip

We attended our first field trip this school year.  We went to the NASTAR Center.  A place that trains people how to fly fighter jets and outer space stuff.  It was very short but pretty cool.  The upside being that this place was close by - 25 minutes away - and free!!!

Josh trying on helmet.

Abs with helmet on.

Barb tried on helmet as well.

The whole group.

Terrible horrible no good...

If you are familiar with the Alexander books by Judith Viorst you will recognize the title of this post.  Needless to say by 9 o'clock I was having a not so good day.  Some of what contributed to that are:

1. Letter from school district not accepting my affidavit to home school.  (No health records attached.)
2. The doctors office doesn't have all my kids records.   (WHAT?!)
3. $50.00 fine due to turnpike ez-pass.
4. Kids are not putting school books away and taking forever to find them.
5. Kids do not like new curriculum.
6. House is a mess.  I mean a dirty mess.

I think that gives you a good idea why my day started sour.   It did get better when I asked to be covered in prayer.

However by 5:15 pm got the call from Doctors office that they don't have Abs' records.  Let me back track and explain the letter from school district.  I knew I did not have them when I sent in the notice to homeschool but figured it would be better to let them know my intent and not have a police officer at my door some time in September.   Upon receiving my note back in August, they did call and tell me about health records.  I called over to new Doctors office and they said give a bit.   Before I knew it weeks had gone by.  And then the letter arrived.  I called and spoke with the assistant in the office and she was ever so grateful that I did call as they were just discussing our case.  Oh boy!!  What does that mean?!   She said to call her when I know anything.  After the doctors office called I left her a message.    

May I just say that I miss New Jersey.   Homeschooling there was soooooo much easier!   PA and their crazy laws!!!  

The 1st week

Okay so the 1st week (well half a week) of school is down.  And let me just say Friday was a day that I was not what one would call a good teacher.  I unfortunately said some mean things.  But the Lord is humbling and after prayer I was able to ask forgiveness.  We all righted ourselves.  Here's to a better next week.

Still getting used to this curriculum.  I think there are some positives and know that we can accomplish strides, I just need to settle down and relax.  Thanks Carla for that reminder of taking it easy.   Abigail has a lot of reading and we still haven't been able to get it all done.  We will be having some reading homework this weekend.   Josh too has fallen a bit behind with the reading.  I know for Josh he is used to me or the computer doing a lot so it is just a matter of his adjusting to the new format.  They both seem to really enjoy the math!!!  So far spelling has been great too!!!

Stephen is really enjoying school.  He really likes the pace of the day.  Although his day is longer he likes being able to have the information in smaller increments.  I am ever so happy about this decision.  We had an appointment on Friday at the dentist.  On the way back this momma wanted to stop at Starbucks and he was like, "You know I do have to get to school today."  

Ouch

Stephen had a great day of school.  He did not get to all his classes as they had an assembly with the principal.   He also could not get his locker open.  He even had the vp help him and she too was unable.  He said he didn't mind having his bookbag with books with him all day. 

He actually told me he prefers school to homeschooling.  (Ouch)  I keep thinking that will change once all the work is due but I must take it in stride and be thankful that he is happy and content with this decision to leave the nest. 


After feeling sorry for myself, I started thinking when I could get them all out!   Believe me I really do enjoy being with my kids and especially love watching them learn and being the one to guide that.  However, there are those moments that I think about how it would be without any.  I didn't really get to experience that all that much. 

So here's to another year of homeschooling and enjoying my young ones as much as I can as it happens all too fast and all too soon that they leave the nest.   Thank you, Lord for blessing me!

New Curriculum New Year

I decided to try yet another curriculum for homeschooling.  (What was I thinking in four years we will have tried out 4 different kinds.)   New Curriculum = Lots of Time Planning.  Now I knew when I chose the curriculum that it did require more planning time on my part.  The previous curriculum required minimal to none - at best.  I think I am in overkill mode.  I want to make the transition as easy and fluid as possible so I am going overboard to make sure the children find it understandable.  The biggest change for them is that only 1 subject is online.  Therefore, they will be referring to a paper schedule.  This year should be very interesting.  As I am going through it I am really excited about all that we will be accomplishing and learning this year.  I am very eager to see what schooling 2 children looks and feels like.  And for the first time ever I will be combining some subjects for the two!!!  They will also be taking a science lab and art class (again) outside the home.  

I am saddened by Stephen departing the home but also very excited for him as well.  I know he has been thinking about this for 3 years now.  Yes, I knew he always wanted to go back but had held out hope that he would just love it sooooo much that he would stay home.   But last week when we did the open house I could see the nervousness as well as the excitement in his eyes!!  He knows 2 kids that attend CCA and found out that they will both be in some of his classes!!  It will be fun to see what the Lord will teach him this year.  We still need to purchase all his school supplies.  We have plans to do that today.

Limerick Day

Today for school Joshua needed to write a Limerick.   He was having a bit of trouble keeping to the 5 line rule, so we were going around making up some to help him see, well hear, the pattern.  Here are two:

There was a boy who climbed the wall,
even though he was quite small.
He used his feet,
without a sheet.
And no one could stop him at all.

There was a Mom who sipped her tea.
She enjoyed it happily.
Touch her Chai,
and you shall die.
That will not be me.

There was a young lass,
who was too crass.
Put her outside,
and she will hide
among the tall grass.

Here is what Joshua did:

There was on old lion named Lou.
Who was walking in Timbuktu
upon the street,
he found a treat.
And met with Mr. Who.

Got any you care to share!?

Tears

Lots and lots of tears today.  It all began in the morning with Joshua.  Not quite sure what was up with him as he said he wasn't even too sure.  I do know he is not happy with his reading assignment.  I also noticed that his eyes were having some type of allergic reaction.  So after a dose of Benadryl and some rest, he was ready to get back to (some) school work. 
Since he is so far ahead, he just did Language Arts today.   I think that made his day a lot better.  He still didn't finish until after lunch though.

Abigail on the other hand was lucky she was not put to death by me.  She did not complete her work until 9:00 pm.  I AM NOT THRILLED!!!!  We will definitely change things around next week.  Not quite sure what went South this week.  I have been giving her more independence, per her request, and the last two weeks went good.  Smooth even.  This week... not so much.   I kept checking in and reminding so as to not be too much of a nag and appear as though I was trying to control.   But she just wouldn't listen to me.  When she found out that we have a day out planned for Saturday.  And if she was not done with her school work she would have to stay at home and complete the work.   Oh boy did the tears start then.  She was hoping that this lady would cave and say it was all okay.  FAT chance on that one.  While she did complete all the work, there are multiple areas that need to be revisited.  So not looking forward to next week.  She will have all new work plus these make ups!!!  Oh summer vacation, my long awaited friend, where art thou?

Would love to have any ideas and input as to what I can do to keep her on track. 

I would like to end with - Thank you, eldest for doing what you are suppose to do and for listening to a ranting mommy!!  I love you, son! (and thanks for not crying!)

Nobody told me there'd be days like this!

Okay so yesterday was a day that I would like to scratch off the face of this earth!!!   Suffice it to say it all stemmed from schooling and the choices that the kids were making.   I was really trying to be calm and patience but I was unable to sustain my patience all day long!  I not only cracked but completely broke!!!!  I was ugly!   Talk about the old self.   But I plan on having a good day today (Wednesday)!  Well I reckon nobody plans on having a bad day.

Ahh Breaktime!

Here in our household we are taking a mini spring break.  As of now I am officially on a little break.  Some of the kiddos said they are thinking of doing some school work to get ahead.  I advised them that I will not be available to help.  You see it has been quite a time that we have taken a break and this mama/teacher is in need of a serious mental break.  Yup!  So I plan on enjoying this extended weekend!!!!!!!  And the weather appears to be cooperating!