A new season of homeschooling

When we first started homeschooling, I was asked frequently, "how long are you planning to homeschool?" I always said I hoped through high school. I wasn't always sure we'd make it.

Here we are with our oldest a senior in high school and the youngest in 10th grade. Y'all. I blinked. How did we get here? So many math lessons and arguments about English (them not wanting to do it). And yet here we are. We are on the cusps of change.

The oldest has been accepted to the only university she applied to. She choose it because it is the only one in the state with the masters program she wants and she had no desire to leave the state. We are currently waiting to find out how much she is getting for a merit scholarship. Proud doesn't cover it, but I'll leave it at that.

Our youngest is currently studying for the PSAT and SAT for the next school year. She has yet to decide what she wants to do in life, but she is preparing in case she decides to go to college. This year she is taking two math courses to get caught up. Again, proud.

Our view on homeschooling may be unique. It may not be, but honestly, I'm not sure. It feels different. My initial reason for homeschooling was to protect my kids, not shelter. But for protection. There are some crazy people out there in the world and I didn't think a five-year-old is prepared for them. But that is my own opinion.

John and I have tried to teach our girls about the world. We talk about so many of the subjects that other parents (even those in public school) don't or won't talk about. I know college will still be a shock; it was for me and I graduated from a public school. But I am hoping our girls are strong minded enough to protect themselves once they are in college.

I'm working on letting go...somewhat. I am trying to not panic when they want to do something on their on. In a few months, I will have no idea what the oldest does or eats daily. It is so difficult after all this time to toss them into the world and see how the fly. But. {sigh} I'm working on it. I have no choice. Unless...does anyone have a time machine I could borrow?

A Year?!

Actually, it has been more than a year since my last post. Too many things have happened to even attempt to catch up.

Both girls have started high school now. Yes! Both of them. I can hardly believe it myself. Our school year has started a bit bumpy from this and that. My Mom breaking her hip was the biggest. I was not prepared for our new school year when it happened in June, so that set us back a bit. Then of course, there was the Battle of the Books at the library and all the rehearsals for "Anything Goes".

We went to our second Comic-Con this weekend. This one was here in Columbia and much smaller than our first (MegaCon in Orlando). But it was fun. The girls actually went in costumes for this one and we had fun seeing all the vendors and their wares.


Today, we had a family reunion. My Mom's Father's side of the family. As the years go by these reunions get smaller and smaller. My generation just does not seem as interested in knowing the extended family like our parents' generation. The best thing today was my Mom's cousin Brenda gave me her pie recipe. It is an egg custard, which I didn't think I'd like but tried it a few years ago anyway. It is so delicious! And today she shared the recipe with me. How lucky am I?

A mini-vacation and starting the school year

John has been home for a couple of weeks now. He decided at the last minute we would take a short (two-day) vacation to the beach the week he left work. It was a nice break from thinking about our school starting back the following week.

We had a great trip. John arranged everything, right down to an agenda. We usually just wind up doing nothing; this trip was filled with "firsts". We rode a banana boat for the time! We rode the Sky Wheel for the first time. And we ate Tai food for the first time. Of course there are the things we always do that had to be done: buying sweets at Wee R Sweet, walking along the beach, going to Donut Man, and shopping.

The following Monday, against the girls' wishes, we started back to school. I still find it difficult to believe Jesse is in 10th grade and will be able to get her driver's permit this summer. Chloe is in eighth grade and just as focused as ever. I think this year will be a good for both of them. We struggled at first with John being home, but I think we are finding a groove that works for all of us. He is kind of spoiling us. Yesterday, he prepared a picnic for us in the classroom. We had fried chicken, peas and mashed potatoes. I could get used to that! The girls and I worked on school and lunch was prepared at the same time. Awesome!

The girls are doing a play this summer, Shrek the Musical. And since you read the name of the show you know the girl's parts, while still principles, are smaller parts than what they have been getting lately. Singing is not one of their greatest talents. Rehearsals have started, but we are not at the crazy part where we are there all the time. At least not yet. But as always they are LOVING it.

Last night was our last taekwondo class until August. I am still amazed by the fact all the students have stayed since I have taken over the school. I was talking to a mom, whose daughter took taekwondo years ago, and she said I was running the classes then too; so there wasn't much change when I took over. I have heard that from current parents also. I am just glad they trust me enough to continue teaching their children and in some cases, themselves.

A rose by any other name

Our beloved new family member has been renamed. Chloe has now decided her name will be Winnie (from Winnie-the-Pooh). John and I like it so much better than Tuna. Jesse is really hoping Winnie does not stay an indoor cat. lol

Hank is doing...better. He is so funny. Whenever we take Winnie out of the crate, Hank is right there wanting to see her. He likes to tug at her fur with his teeth. He used to do that to Rosie, but she stands up to him so he has stopped. Now, he is doing it to Winnie. Last night the little two pound kitten hissed like a big cat when he did it. We are taking baby steps with Hank. I think he'll get there, but it is going to take awhile.

I have been slipping further and further behind with my side of schoolwork. I am hoping I will spend the next two days working on catching up with school; however, with this icky weather I just want to sleep!

Jesse is about to finish "The Last of the Mohicans" and I am about sixteen chapters behind her. I know. I know! That is ridiculous. I also have not created their October spreadsheets showing what work they will do each day. I have a stockpile of math, science, English, Spanish and papers to be graded. It is rather depressing just thinking about it. I WAS DOING SO WELL!

Last Monday we took Chloe's submission to the state fair. Jesse's is due to go this week. Chloe submitted another picture. This one is of a goat. When she turned it in, Mrs. Betsy laughed. She loved the picture. I hope Mrs. Betsy is there when we turn in Jesse's earrings. She should like those too. We did hear that because there were so many student submissions this year that only the finalist will be displayed.

We finally decorated for Halloween today. I had told Chloe we would do it on Thursday, but it didn't happen. And we'll have to decorate outside after all the hurricane rain passes.

It has been awhile

We've have been through quite a bit since my last post. However, I'm not ready yet to disclose to the world all the dirty details of our lives. We have to learn to deal with things first.

That being said, we'll move on.

This weekend was quite full for us. Saturday I had a Tupperware party. The first I've ever thrown, but I can tell you they have changed a lot since my Mom sold Tupperware. Now, you cook! We had eight adult women, two kids under 10, one tween and three teens! The dogs were happy...they were getting all kinds of attention. I think Hank was too excited (and hot); he tossed his cookies once on the floor right between Stephanie's feet and none of us noticed. Poor baby! He hasn't done that in awhile.

Sunday was another family reunion. It was good, but again people just like to eat then leave. I remember when I was little (younger than Chloe) it would be an entire day's event! You would eat. Talk. Eat again. No one wants to stop and smell the roses anymore...not even for family. I feel like I don't know most of them. Well, honestly, I don't. I think it is very sad.

This week should be a bit calmer. Last week was crazy. I didn't know John had asked off for last week (it wasn't on my calendar), so when he told me the middle of the week before I just looked at him. We have missed so many days for school. I told the girls we may have to make up a few weekend days. We are going to have to get used to doing our school work when John is actually home. Not sure how we'll manage that task, but we need to work on it.

Our schedule this week has been thrown off by other people. Master Mike decided to have taekwondo graduation on Wednesday (rather than Thursday) at the other location. And Thursday night we are having an instructor's training class. Yes, we'll be gone three nights this week for taekwondo.

Then the theatre contacted me about our homeschool group's viewing of the play this week. The theatre had other schools cancel and change their times, so our group was all that was remaining, less than twenty people. They wanted us to come another day. Fine. We changed days, but my cousin and her boys couldn't come that day. The boys were so excited about seeing the girls again, third time this week, that we are planning on still seeing them on Thursday though we have not worked it out yet as to who is going where.

We enrolled Jesse in Level 2 of her animation class last night. She'll start in January. Her final grade for Level 1 was an A. We were so proud. She learned so much and she was looking forward to being in class with a few of her former classmates in the spring. I'm glad we could work it out for her.

Now, I have papers to grade.

I need more time in a day!

There is always something around here that goes undone because of a lack of time.  This week I was reminded John is taking of Wednesday through Friday. Well. I did not get it into my calendar. I still had him down as taking off Monday (to get Jesse home from an appointment for animation class) and Wednesday (for Chloe's birthday). I had also already completed our school schedule until the end of the month. Dang it!

All the things I thought we would get accomplished this week will have to wait. I already knew nothing would be done on Chloe's birthday. I am hoping to be able to use this week "off" to get myself caught up with some school items I need to work on. Yes, I got behind. I have not been behind all year and I don't want this to continue.

Actually, right now I should be typing a science test for Chloe. But instead I am going to say, "Happy belated birthday, Lawson!" I thought about posting it the morning of your birthday (we weren't home), then the following day (we weren't home). Seems like I would constantly remember when I was at a place I couldn't do anything about it. I'm sure you had a great birthday though.

And "Happy belated birthday, Alan" (brother-in-law, not cousin)!!! Your cards have been on the dining room table for more-than-a-week; we'll get them off tomorrow. :-)

My mother's mother's side of the family had a reunion yesterday. It was nice to see everyone who was there.

Lewis and Cynthia; they live around Columbia and we still don't see them often!

Two of the Mills Boys! Say "Cheese," Kevin!  lol

Another Mills Boy. Yes, he IS smiling. Oh, that Jon!

Yep, Chloe is behind those rabbit ears!

Coop!!!!  And of course, Dawn, love her!

The girls with Grandma Williams.

The Threatt Girls; they started this whole mess. ;-)

Cousin love!!

Then you have Randy. Well, that is enough on that subject.

Yes, I took more pictures than this. Most people, as usual, were not happy with having their pictures taken...like that ever stops me. I have one cousin I have to get at least fifty feet away and ZOOM in. I practice zooming everywhere. I am still working out the focusing problem, so...practice, practice, practice.

Lastly, our friends left today. They are somewhere between here and Texas. I hope they arrive safely in their new home and enjoy their new adventure.

School is out! Or is it?

We finished our school year Friday. I still need to finish grading a few tests and send in report cards. But we are done with last year; however, I still need to do some prep work for next year.

Today, Jesse had her orientation for animation class. It was our first experience with an on-line class. I found it fascinating. We could see Mr. Stewart, a list of all the participants, a chat box and other information we'll need in the future. Mr. Stewart could even make it to where we could see his computer screen. Totally interesting! We have her syllabus and she is already thinking about what she is going to do. Now, we just have to download the animation programs so she can start tinkering.

On and on

The debate continues between John and myself regarding fixing the truck. Do we go ahead and have it fixed? Or do we wait for the check from the government? We have yet to decide. Oma saw it this weekend. John had not told her about it and, by her reaction, I don't think anyone else had either. She was shocked. And angry. I appreciated the concern.

It will get fixed. The only question remaining...sooner or later?

Next Friday will be our last day of school. We have so many things to finish. I have so many papers to grade, final grades to input and preparing for our new school year. Our first year of high school for Jesse! Oh, my.

I think I have my feet firmly planted, but we won't know for sure until we start in mid-June. I just hope it all goes smoothly. Chloe's books are all waiting for her. I am still working on writing up tests, but I hope while they are on break I can get a good bit of work done in advance.

So much to tell!

I honestly don't remember what we did last Thursday and Friday, except school work. We also had school over the weekend (John worked).

Saturday the girls and I went to Charlotte. They hung out with Grandpa, pulled some weeds in the backyard for him and I believe they moved some leaves too. I pulled some weeds in the front and mowed...until the mower ran out of gas. Oh, well. I'll go back very soon and mow again. You'll never know I missed a section. lol

Sunday was another school day. Other than that I truly don't remember doing anything. Monday was the same.

Tuesday was very different. We had two doctors' appointments: one in Sumter and one in Columbia. Chloe has gained five pounds and grew almost two inches; however, her doctor wants her to gain a bit more weight. It is hard for her, but she is going to try. Her doctor also said she thinks she has started her growth spurt now. We'll see what happens in October when they go back. We also had a retirement party that afternoon.

Yes, another retirement party for another librarian. The library is truly nothing like it was when we moved to Columbia. I miss so many people. Some I see on Facebook, have lunch with, or bump into at library functions (they changed branches), but it is still not the same. Of course, I get more work done at the library now because I'm not talking as much as I used to. lol  Because of all of our running around school work was not finished until close to 5pm. I decided to have Master Mike teach our class and we took the night off from taekwondo.

Yesterday, the girls and I were leaving lunch at CFA when my friend Julia came up behind us. I haven't talked to her since they returned from Texas, so we sat for a bit to chit chat. I'm hoping we can find a time for us to meet up, for a longer chat, very soon.

The big news is for Jesse. Last night we signed her up for an animation class. I don't remember if I have posted anything about it on the blog yet. The class is being taught by Chad Stewart. He is an animator originally with Disney now with Sony. His list of work is quite remarkable. Jesse actually got the final spot in the summer classes for Animation I this summer. I think she is excited. She says she is but honestly (she's a teen) it is difficult to tell.

John is off the next few days, so it should be interesting around here. However, today we won't see much of him. We are heading out to meet my cousin and her boys for a play at CCT, then we'll have lunch together. We are usually gone until late afternoon. And tonight is taekwondo. I'm mid-terming in two weeks so I need to go practice. My butterfly kicks are still very sad. But overall I'm happy with the way may form is coming. I've had a great teacher. Jesse!

The end of the play and a beautiful day

The last play was yesterday. The girls had quite a group there to see their final performance: three great-aunts, two-great uncles, grandma, and John and myself (Grandpa is anxiously awaiting the DVD). I believe most of my aunts were amazed by her performance. I know Aunt Dian was because she talked to me about it. They went backstage to see the girls, and take some pictures. I headed backstage to help prepare all the costumes for their journey back to Columbia.

The girls had a great time in the theater, as always. They love seeing old friends and making new ones. They exchanged emails with a few new homeschool friends and made sure old friends are going to keep in touch. Jesse is looking forward to this fall when she starts doing the jr/high school productions, even though she doesn't know what they are going to be doing yet.

Jesse told me a few days ago, she felt she was doing a good job (with her role) if she scared kids or made them cry. She did both several nights. TJ (our "Oz") had her talk to one boy who was terrified of her. She reassured him she was not that evil and he was safe. She really enjoyed all the compliments from everyone; one even suggested she go into acting for a career. She said she is not going to do that. haha

Chloe enjoyed getting all the laughs! Her role was the "not so with it" storyteller. Some of her lines were just funny. Other times it was her "not paying attention" that got the laugh. She did great with role. And as always she loved being with Gabby for all the rehearsals. But this time she made a few new friends, who also homeschool. And I think she is really looking forward to talking to them more.

Today is one of those days when I am so thankful we homeschool. It has been beautiful all day! We started this morning doing some school work. However, after lunch, we decided outside was calling us. I had already planned a few chores for outside so we started on the list after lunch. We managed to get quite a few things done and the girls even had time for a water balloon fight.

I am hoping to get to Lowe's in the next couple of days to pick up a few things. I want to look for some tall plants to go in back of the azalea bed (in front of the fence). I also need another African Violet pot and some plant food. John always has a reason to be at Lowe's so I he may want to go too.

I am super excited about our plants this year. The azaleas are all covered with buds. The hostas are beginning to poke of our the ground. The two surviving irises are already about five inches tall. And, what I'm most excited over, is our blueberry plant is covered in blooms! It is going to be a grand year.

A week of firsts

School has been going remarkable well this week. I believe today will the first day this week they will not complete all of their work before lunch (11am). But they will finish shortly after lunch, so I'm happy with it.

Rehearsals went well. Tuesday night is always "costume night" and is always trying. This time I was asked to help with costumes. A job I've avoided all these years. But I was eager to learn as soon as I heard Ms. Donna was there. Woohoo! For those who do not know, Ms. Donna is THE Costume Lady (next to Mr. Jerry). She made most of the costumes herself and has been doing it for years. She is awesome. So learning from her put me at ease...until I found out she wouldn't be there the rest of the week. {Palm to forehead} But last night went well. I only had to put one hat in the freezer. :)  (If any part of a costume is left where it should not be, it goes in the freezer; that person never forgets.)

Tuesday was also the first night Jesse had her throne to practice "melting". (Ms. Donna's son created the chair.) Jesse loathes the chair. She says it is difficult. However, from the audience's perspective it  looks awesome! The only thing we won't have in Camden, that we had in Columbia, is the fog. Which really made it creepy.

Tonight is opening night. None of us can believe it is already here. The girls are excitedly nervous. I have my marching orders from Mr. Jerry now. Seems like when you are working with this many children there is always something coming up, so you just have to go with it. Hopefully, I won't forget my note for tonight.

So...On with the show!

A new stove

Saturday we went to Lowe's to pick out a new stove. Sunday morning we spent the morning cleaning, so they could deliver the new stove. Now you are wondering why we needed a new stove.

Honestly, we've talked about getting a new one for a couple of years. One of the burners sparked when you turned it on, for quite a few years now. Then last spring, or summer, John and the girls had to try an experiment with aluminum foil. It left melted aluminum foil on my favorite burner, even though I was told it would not do that.

The final straw occurred last week. John told Chloe to store her bag of popcorn in the stove to protect it from the humidity in the house. Then he told her that may be a bad idea and she had to remember it was there. Well, no one informed me of any of this until after the fire. Yep. Small fire in the oven. Did I panic? You bet ya! Did Chloe? Not at all. She came right into the kitchen, grabbed the can (not an actual fire extinguisher, but easier to use), and put out the fire. Then she realized what was in the oven and fell apart. lol  I totally blamed John.

And that is why we have a new stove.

Today, I had to get a new military ID. I am the lucky one who only got six months before needing to get a new one when we had them made last year. But we had the chance to see John for a few minutes and that always makes my day.

We came home by way of our favorite RV place. They finally (after 1 1/2 year) have the floor plan we saw at the RV show two years ago. I wanted Jesse to get in it again. She keeps saying the ones we are looking at are too small. But that is what we want. I also found her complaints rather amusing considering we were all on our bed last night watching TV.

School was finished early today. We took an hour break, then headed up to the classroom to clean. So many things have been left out lately and it was driving me nutty. After cleaning, we had a foosball tournament. Chloe beat me, but just by one point. Then she and Jesse had it out. I'm not sure who won their match.

First week of rehearsals are complete!

I'm glad last week is over. lol  Chloe had her first rehearsal and her friend Gabby brought her some crutches to use. Gabby was laughing so hard while Chloe was trying to use crutches for the first time. It is always fun to watch those two together. I had the opportunity to catch up with Selena, Gabby's Mom.

Everyone missed Chloe at taekwondo last week. I think they will be happy to see her Tuesday; however, I believe that may be the girls' last day until graduation. I will have to teach all alone for the next couple of weeks. It is very sad. I really enjoy watching the girls interact with the students. Both of them do a great job teaching and encouraging the students. And I will miss their help greatly.

Friday was a long day. While Chloe did not volunteer (because of her ankle), we had Meet the Masters. The girls always enjoy that class. We also found out that day my cousin's husband died. And Jesse had her first rehearsal that night too. Like I said, it was a long, and emotional, day.

I believe my Mom and I are going to drive down to Georgia later this week for the funeral. We are still awaiting the finalized plans so I can make our arrangements. I don't think John is looking forward to everything he'll have to do in my absence, but I know he will do well.

I woke up yesterday with a pain in one of my toes, on my right foot. It had woke me up during the night, but I hoping it would go away. It didn't. When I stood up, I found I couldn't put pressure on that toe. When I went to touch it, I discovered I couldn't touch it. It felt like a nerve had been injured. But I was asleep when it happened, so I don't know what happened. Then when I was in the shower I fell. I mean I FELL! I had one foot in front and one behind me, and on the way down I'd hit the shower door with my back. I just had a five-inch red mark on my back, so I thought it was fine. However, last night when we went to bed, John was rubbing my back and got to my left shoulder blade. OUCH! There may not be a bruise but I whacked that place hard. I was wondering why my left shoulder started hurting yesterday afternoon. It happened so fast, I just couldn't remember what all I did hit on my body. So, be careful in the shower!

We are having school this weekend. John is working, so are we too. The girls hate these weekends. I don't like them either, but we need to do it. I really want them to finish by mid-May so they can have a few weeks off before we start back in June. I still can't get over Jesse will be in high school when we begin our next school year.

We have been homeschooling for nine years now. I just find that amazing. We have now finalized all of our books for next year, but I still need to work on a schedule for a few classes. Jesse will be doing American Literature and US History and Constitution. I am finding it very difficult to limit American Literature. I have, on our top shelf alone, enough great American books/authors to cover two years of AP Lit. How do you narrow that down? Anyway. I have a friend whose husband teaches history at USC and she said he may do a one-day intensive Constitution study with us. The only problem is Jesse is the only one I know studying American history next year. But at least I know who to go to with questions. lol

Never a dull moment

While I have been mulling things over for a few years now, I honestly had not written down any information (except a list of books to read) for high school for the girls. It dawned on me Sunday, Jesse will be starting high school when we start the new school year in June. Are you kidding?!

So, with that in mind, I called a "teacher work day" for Monday. I spent the morning grading papers, then doing research that afternoon for high school. I have a few things pinned down but not nearly everything that needs to be done. I did some more reading this morning while Jesse volunteered, but I'm not satisfied with what I found. I'll keep researching.

Yesterday, on our way to a doctor's appointment in Sumter, we passed Shaw Air Force Base. One of the jet pilots was practicing maneuvers. Wow! We were early for our appointment, so we pulled over to watch for a bit. They are amazing and the sounds are incredible! The girls had a great time watching. I could still hear the jets, in the distance, while we were in the doctor's office. I really do love being this close to all the military facilities; there is just so much to see and do.

I have a taekwondo story. I always tell our students to practice with all their muscles, because, while I hope they never need to use their skills, they made need to defend themselves one day. During our break, one of students had to do just that. A pick-pocket had taken his wallet, but this 14 year knew just what to do to get the guy to the ground then get help. While I wish he had not had the experience, I'm grateful he knew what to do and was safe in the end.

Crazy life!

It has been two-and-a-half weeks since Jesse became ill and truthfully we have accomplished very little school work since then. We did a bit last week, but because John was home last Thursday and Friday (and he was off Monday)...well, you can see how getting anything done would be difficult.

In fact, I was behind in fixing their schedules for their work. Imagine my surprise last week when I went to add in times for Chloe's October schedule and there was not one! There was actually not a spreadsheet made yet for October! Really?! Oh, my, I do have much to do. So today became my "fix it" day. It took me about two hours to fix, and create, their October spreadsheets but they are finally done. I am now caught up to the 24th of this month, which I delights me to no end. It is truly the small things in life that make me happy. lol

All four of us went to Charlotte this weekend, so my folks could celebrate John's birthday with him. We had a good visit. And plenty of good food. My Dad taught the girls how to make chicken and dumplings. They did a great job. In fact, they cooked the entire lunch with directions from Grandpa and did a great job.

I took a break, after doing all that spreadsheet work, and was browsing Facebook. A friend of mine posed the question about chores and allowance. I have to say we do pay the girls an allowance for chores; however, things are not going as well I had hoped. I hoped the incentive of cash would help them do more around the house. It hasn't worked quite like I'd hoped.

The discussion on the post was chores are for those who live in the home and makes things run smoother for everyone. Something I've tried preaching for awhile, along with, "if you want Momma happier then clean up after yourself." That too has not worked so well. lol  What many of the moms said was their children earn money by doing extra things around the house that is not normally expected. I think I'm going to take this up with John to see if we can come up with something for our household. All I know is something needs to change. I really enjoy and clean organized home, but I feel like I rarely have one longer than a couple of days in a row, then it needs a total overhaul again. It aggravates me to no end. Don't get me wrong I love and adore my family, but I wish they were neater. lol

Last week Jesse was sick. So, last week there was no school, and no volunteering. Luckily, she was much better by Friday, so Chloe could volunteer and they could attend their "Meet the Masters'" class.

John had a PT test last Wednesday, so he could help grade the tests on Saturday. While he was working last weekend, the girls and I (and the dogs) went to visit my parents. We had a good visit.

This week school was put on hold, because John took the van Tuesday to work and someone left their books in the van. Let's face it, it is quite difficult to work on school work when your books are in a different county.

Today, we were finally back to school. I am glad we at least got one day accomplished since John is off until Tuesday.

We've been everywhere!

We went to Edgefield a couple of weeks ago to take Oma (John's Mom) out for lunch. We had a good time and way too many giggles. Grandma Morgan can be quite amusing! Of course what set her off the most was trying to climb into John's new truck.

Last week was a busy week with school. Both girls had geography presentations due on Friday, and they both did very well. They actually had to turn in a lapbook on a country of their choice and give an oral presentation to John and myself. Like I said, they both did very well.

Thursday we went back to CCT for "How I became a pirate". We actually met my cousin and her two boys. They all had so much fun; the play was wonderful! We all had lunch together afterward. The girls will confirm we had a three-hour lunch. Phoebe and I talked for quite awhile after we ate. We were waiting for the restaurant staff to kick us out, but they were very kind. They always are, which is why it is one of my favorite places to eat.

This past Sunday was the Autry family reunion. They are my mother's, mother's side of the family. I was not happy when we arrived and I realized I had left my camera at home. Dang it! My cousin, Phoebe again, and my cousin-in-law, Dawn, are going to send me some pictures when they get a moment. I'm looking forward to one in particular of Dawn's son and myself. He is adorable! We haven't seen him in quite awhile and he has grown so much!

Monday, we took Chloe to turn in her artwork to the State Fair. The whole way over she said she wanted me to do the talking for her. When we walked through the doors low and behold it was Ms. Betsy from CCT (we always do gift wrapping in December with her). I didn't have to say anything more...Chloe was off and running! lol

Yesterday the girls had their annual well visit with their doctor. Jesse is going to have to have a little test done and Chloe's cholesterol was way too high. And Chloe has fallen off the weight chart again and she is barely clinging to the height chart. So, she'll go back in four months to check her height, weight and cholesterol again. Personally, I think she is just wonderful where she is, chart or no chart.

A new direction

There are so many ways to homeschool these days. You can choose to stay home and do everything yourself (my personal favorite!). Or choose from several different homeschool schools (yes, there is such a thing) to take classes from science to sewing. You can even (gasp!) go through the public school system to take classes on-line. I know people who do all of the above. But this year. Well, this year we are trying a class outside the house.

We are gathering with about seven other families, twenty-four students participating, for "Meet the Masters" (an art class). We had our first class yesterday. I admit I am not an artsy person. Okay, I enjoy the occasional crochet project but that is about it. The girls have learned so much more than I ever knew thanks to YouTube. But while standing there listening to the instructions I was lost. Julia, who is running the class, laughed at me. She has known for awhile "I don't do art" but she is realizing I was not exaggerating. lol

I think the girls enjoyed it. They had to sit together to share the watercolor crayons because our other pack is on backorder. I thought it was rather funny. I think most of the moms thought the siblings would sit together to share their supplies. Instead, many of them were getting up and walking across the room to get a new crayon, then back to their sit.

I was wanting to take my camera for pictures of the first class; however, I forgot it. We had to take everything for art class, including lunch, to the library while Chloe volunteered. The camera slipped my mind while gathering school work, library books, snacks and lunch. I think you can see why it may have slipped my mind. I am hoping to be able to gather more things a day early for the next class. Fingers crossed!

Always something!

The Monday after the Battle of the Books, Chloe woke up with a sore throat. And since we were planning on visiting my parents that weekend, I didn't want to take any chances. She went to see the doctor that afternoon. She didn't have strep or anything infectious. No meds! That was good. We all figured it was her allergies and hoped she would be able to attend her first library volunteer ice cream social the following day.

At 1:30am, those hopes were dashed. Chloe had not slept well all night, but at 1:30 I thought I would go check on her. I suppose "mother's intuition" kicked in. I covered her then kissed her forehead. She was boiling! I woke her up to take some Motrin and kept my fingers crossed it would bring down the fever. It did thankfully. But there was no way we could take her to the party. She felt awful, for various reasons.

I spoke with Ms. Cathy before the party to inform her Jesse would be receiving Chloe's award for her. Chloe was one of only two to receive the Presidential Voluntary Award this year. Ms. Cathy made a point to explain Chloe was not well and Jesse, her sister, would receive it for her.

We didn't have school most of that week. She felt bad for a few days, then John felt bad. He had already taken a vacation day for Friday so the week was shot as far as school went. But we made it to my parents'. I wish I could say the visit was wonderful. It was, but I know my Dad was not feeling well. He didn't want to say anything. We left a little earlier than we planned so he could rest. He was starting chemo again this Monday and needed rest. I did talk to him later that night (after he had a nap, which he won't take while we are there even though we try to get him to) and he sounded much better.

This week has been better. We have worked on our school work every day. We are even getting ready to start a new art class...Meet the Masters. We are actually going to have class with other homeschoolers. This will be our first adventure, except for Book Buddies a few years ago, to have class outside our home. The girls are excited about it. Me? Well, I'm on the fence but I hope it goes well.

No one is perfect...right??

Okay, I've admitted it before but I will do it again...I am not perfect.

A couple of weeks ago I gave Chloe a science test. I was quite horrified when she failed the test (53). I talked to John about it, then we both talked to her about it. We had Jesse tutor her and give her pointers on how to study.

Today, she was suppose to take an alternate test. The girls and I had so many places to be today! When Chloe asked me where her test was I told her where I keep them. It wasn't until a couple of hours later I realized I needed to make a copy of the alternate test. So what test did she take??? I spent the next couple of hours fretting over it.

When we got home she gave me her test. Now, I was more confused. "Chloe can you get me the first test you took off my ottoman?"

Yep! I gave her the wrong test initially. I gave her the test for the book she hasn't even started yet and she still scored a 53! She is totally awesome. So what did she make on the correct test??? A one hundred! Of course. LOL