My Kids' Hard Work Pays Off!

Amidst the hustle and bustle of homeschooling my kids, we have many extra-curricular activities. My 15 year old son is involved in a Speech & Debate club. And my 8 year old daughter is a competitive gymnast.

In between coordinating field trips, planning holiday parties, escorting my kids to Chemistry or literature classes, I also make sure they get to their designated extra-curricular destination.

Wyatt spends countless hours preparing for his comedic speech duo and his team policy debate. The rewards are already turning out positively. This past weekend was his second tournament of the current competition season. Wyatt spent 5 days in Arkansas where 6 states were represented and there were 176 students competing. He ended up getting a second checkmark (it takes 2 to qualify for Nationals) in his Speech category and 4th place overall. He and his debate partner were able to secure a first checkmark and won 4 out of 6 rounds. I couldn't be prouder of him.
At his first tournament, Wyatt and his Speech partner won 1st place and proudly went home with some nice trophies.

This kid is amazing because in addition to his normal high school workload, Debate demands extra research for the ever-dry topic of "reforming revenue generating policies." He has weekly club meetings that last 5 1/2 hours and are spent practicing and being critiqued. There are also whole Saturdays spent at workshops trying to improve. In addition, he schedules time during the school week with each of his partners to iron out details and work on improvements.

Any victory he achieves, small or large, is well deserved!

As for my little Taty-bug, she just turned 8 and is a member of a gymnastics team at a local gym. She has been involved in gymnastics since she was two years old. She was asked to compete when she was four, almost five years old.

At her current gym, it is not "a given" to attend competition. The coaches ask gymnasts to compete per meet based on how they are doing at practice. Thankfully, Tatum was asked to compete at the first meet of the season in December. She was one of 5 girls on her team of 11 asked to compete at that State Invitational. She did a super job getting three silver and 1 gold, helping her team achieve "overall gold."

We had spent many Saturdays at various clinics for her to work on her back handspring and other tumbling techniques. She also spends more than 8 hours a week at her normal practices, conditioning and working on routines for bars, beam, floor and vault. Many nights Tatum comes home exhausted physically and mentally. But she loves it and can't wait to get back whenever there is a break.

I am so proud of my little Tatybug because she has been asked to compete this weekend as well as next month. Her hard work is paying off!!

As for Tatum's and Wyatt's little brother, Dallas, his only job right now is to be 4 years old and enjoy it. Though he is already planning his future by asking us all if we can make it to Ranger Stadium when he is playing his ball game. :) I'm so proud of them all!!!

Has It Been That Long?

It's hard to believe that a year has passed since I last posted. To say we've been busy is probably an understatement. I will best update rather than looking back at what I've missed.

I am expecting our fourth child and am very excited, though I wish my body would catch up with my mind. I am five months and still experiencing "morning sickness". So far the pregnancy has been an adventure with two trips to the ER. My first time was for hyperemesis (continuous vomiting to the point of not holding down water). That stint only lasted a weekend and the baby and I were just fine. My second trip was for what I thought was a heart attack. After an EKG and a chest X-ray, it turns out it was only an allergic reaction to an insect sting. Again, the baby and I were just fine. I'm looking forward to four more months of this pregnancy and hope that my body is able to catch up with the excitement.

While pregnant, I am still homeschooling my other three children: Wyatt (15, sophomore), Tatum (7, 2nd grade) and Dallas (3, preschool). We started our school year a few weeks later than others since we didn't have all our books in time. Not to fear, since starting, we haven't looked back. And, to say that teaching three children in three different stages is a challenge is fairly accurate. Though, that is a challenge I am up for.

Wyatt has been in the stage of teaching himself for quite some time. He is given his books and weekly assignments and left to get it done. I am there as back-up to help if needed. Although, at this point, the student has exceeded the master :o) He is taking Chemistry/Lab, Literature, AP Geography, and Economics outside the home. So, my job as his main teacher is to make sure he is managing time well to get assignments done as well as understanding material. He is also involved in a local weekly Speech and Debate Club. It very intense and requires a lot of extra time on his part. But, he is enjoying the fellowship with other hard-working students and challenged to learn more than he ever thought possible on government and tax laws. In addition to all that, he also volunteers at our church on the worship team playing keyboard and singing occasionally. He prepares by practicing the assigned songs and also practicing daily for his weekly piano lessons. Music is one of his passions and a true stress relief for him. He is a very busy boy and I'm really seeing a change in him becoming a young man.

Tatum is my surprise this year. I'm not sure why I am constantly being surprised by her. I know she is smart, but she keeps "wow-ing" me with how much she retains and her eager attitude. She has been beating me to the directions and starting and finishing her lesson before I ever explain it to her. She is whizzing along in Math, Spelling, Handwriting, Reading, and Science. My main opportunity to help her is in English and History which I love. We follow a "classical model" for school and that means we go in chronological order for History. It is so much fun to learn and re-learn along-side her. In addition to her studies, she is also on a competitive gymnastics team which calls for 8 hours at the gym as well as additional time at home conditioning. She is working hard.

Dallas, sweet Dallas is our mascot and rolls with all the punches. He doesn't have a daily school routine, yet, but he has a love of learning. So, whatever I put in front of him, he is eager to accomplish. Some days it may be play-doh and coloring pages, or painting and pegs, or puzzles and flash cards. He loves to play make-believe with just about anything (figurines, stuffed animals, kitchen, cars, swords, guns, etc.) He watches his fair share of t.v. and probably more than I would like. It's usually when I am helping one of the older kids or doing chores. And though he isn't involved in any extra-curricular activities yet, he is always pretending that he is "Guys, today at basketball practice my friend made a basket".

We are all enjoying time with friends when we attend Park Days or field trips. And, the little kids and I have been going to Fitness & Friends for kids ages 5-10. I have also been coordinating Moms' Night Outs and parties for other homeschool families.

So, after our strong start to this school year, I hope that the momentum sticks with us. And, hopefully, it won't be "that long" before the next time I post a blog :o)

Start to the School Year

It's been an interesting school year so far.  It's August and we've already started.  I am homeschooling all three of my children: Wyatt (14-freshman), Tatum (6-1st grade), and Dallas (2-preschool).  We started three weeks early because we will be going on vacation for three weeks in September.  Those three weeks have to come from somewhere.  So, either take next summer break three weeks late or start school early.  Hesitant as they were, they agreed and we started.

The start to the school year has been quite peaceful and smooth.  Wyatt is a joy to teach.  He is easy and is a very good learner.  At this point, he is also mainly self-taught.  Occasionally, he will need help with something (usually in Algebra).  Tatum has been my surprise.  I knew she was smart.  She's so intelligent.  But, she is also very excitable and high-energy.  She has been a joy to teach.  She is eager and very studious.  Though she can't hardly stay in her seat, she gets a lot of work done very quickly.  Lastly, my little angel, "D".  He is such a "third child".  He just goes with the flow.  Some days I give him lots to do and he loves it (crayons, peg boards, puzzles) and some days he just lays on the kitchen floor next to the dining table (aka school) playing with his toys.

It's hard to see the summer go.  I love swimming, time-off, and the sun.  I love not having an "agenda" with my kids.  We just hang out and see where the day takes us.  How I will miss summer!  School does offer many positive points.  We are more intentional and diligent with our time.  Our schedule actually lightens up (must make time for school now) and we spend more time at home together.  We will go on field trips.  We will visit the library.  We eat all three meals together.

This year I am adding more to my plate.  I accepted an invitation to take over my friends PE program.  There are about 60 students from 24 families.  It will be a great group of kids.  Once in the swing of things, I'm sure the program will run smoothly.  It has taken a lot of time putting the new school year together.  Some other things I'm doing are: church bible study (Precepts) on John, Marriage on the Rock (marriage small group study), BSF (Isaiah).  So, we'll see how that all pans out and if I'm crazy for attempting it.

I have a great feeling about this year. I have a peace and feel so blessed.

Fabulous February

What an interesting year 2009 turned out to be: separation, divorce, reconciliation, pregnancy, miscarriage, repossession, threat of eviction.  Lots of trials that's for sure.

But, how 2010 has started out... with such hope and much to be thankful for.

Tatum was escorted by Papa to the 2010 Daddy/Daughter Dance in Keller, Texas.  "Candyland" was the theme.  Many colors and pictures made the Community Center come alive and transported the duo to another dimension filled with gumdrops and lollipops.  It was extra special that Tatum's good friend and classmate, Sara, was also attending with her dad.  Tatum donned a most precious blue tulle and black velvet dress, while Papa was gussied-up in his usual black suit. To conclude this most festive occasion, Papa treated Tatum to some ice cream on the way home.  They were all smiles as they walked through the front door.  What a fun evening!

Another blessing was returning to a way of life I thought had passed me by.  My eldest son, Wyatt, asked that I go back to homeschooling him and pull him out of public school.  I was quite shocked by his request.  Although he had been homeschooled for seven years and this was his first year in public school, he certainly was quick to acclimate.  He was doing well academically with an A+ average.  He had joined some sports teams and really enjoyed the Athletics program.  He had also made lots of friends and enjoyed the social aspect of his new adventure.  Lack of challenge, constant peer pressure and just the fact that the novelty had worn off was enough for him to be "done" with this little "experiment".  Wanting to oblige him, there was still a huge obstacle. I had no clue how we would be able to afford any curriculum.  To say that things were tight in our budget was a severe understatement.  But, God is so good to provide and He had a good friend offer me anything I wanted in her vast collection of books.  So, within a day, Daddy had delivered the letter that would withdraw Wyatt and we were back on the bandwagon.  It's been three weeks and it's going well.

Today was yet another blessing.  After being cynical about how truthful the weather forecasters were, I was pleasantly surprised to awaken this morning around 4am to a white blanket of powdery snow covering the lawn.  The snowflakes were large, plentiful and relentless.  I've been watching out my window all day and it won't stop.  Daddy stayed home and the kids were excused from school.  They all went outside to make a snowman and were gone for more than an hour.  Listening to giggles and watching the teamwork just made my heart smile.

So, with all the tragedy we have endured, we know that God works for the good of those who love Him.  And, we are certain He has our best in mind.  We are ever thankful for the blessings He gives to us so plentifully.  Thank you, God-- It's been a fabulous February!

Sisters

I was lucky enough to have my sister visit on her way back home to England.  Her travel is quite spontaneous and she doesn't mind so much since it's just her.  She has no "small people" to account for or soothe.  She can pass any waiting with a beverage from a local watering hole or even peruse through a periodical of some sort.

Two year had passed since her last visit to Texas.  Last time she came, her husband accompanied her.  This time she would be by herself.  I had no idea that I was in for a visit that would change our relationship.

Seeing her gave me a peace in my soul.  I felt an easiness just knowing she was physically in my presence.  We were able to have meaningless chats as well as heart-to-heart confessionals.  We ate together.  We shopped.  We went to the movies.  We picked up the kids and dropped them off at school.  We did everything and nothing.  She came and lived my life with me for a week. We even got to celebrate her birthday with her.

Originally, she was only supposed to visit for a couple days.  Her arrival had been delayed due to her bout with the flu.  Once she finally got here we were in the swing of our visit. Her flight back to England was cancelled due to snow.  I was so ecstatic to have her for just a few more days.  She even got to go to church with us.

Spending all that time with her and being able to have access to her whenever I wanted, made me realize how much I miss her when she's not here.  Since her departure, I can't stop thinking of her and missing her.  I love her and am so glad for this special visit.

Wonderful Winter

The end of fall brings many events.  Many of these events are highly anticipated by several of my children.  We have the ever indulgent Thanksgiving with all it's gluttony.  Then, of course is Dallas' birthday, not to be outdone by Tatum's birthday only two weeks later.


This autumn will certainly be one of the most memorable...to be continued

Super Son

My son, Dallas, loves superheroes. I had no idea this would happen. He happens to have a couple of t-shirts with Batman and other superheroes. He points to them and growls as if to know they are tough. We've acquired some stuffed, cuddly, baby-ish looking superheroes (sounds odd, I know) and walks around the house either cuddling them, or rocking them to sleep, or growling with them, making them fly. I see his wheels turning and it just makes me smile.