un-school

Many of you have asked how this week has gone for Jonah and Noah. 

I will be completely honest with you and tell that it's been very strange having two go off to school everyday and for the other two to stay home.  Even stranger than that is the fact that Monday we did not have school (un-school, I guess I should say). 

Tuesday we had a half day.  All it was, was a "meet the teacher" event.  Yes, I said "teacher".  They are not being home-schooled, in the traditional sense of the word.  They are enrolled in an online school...Tennessee Virtual Academy (TNVA).  In this program, they will have teachers assigned to them.   

(The difference between this program and tradition home-school programs is that this is a state-mandated curriculum.  They are doing the same things their friends are doing in their public school.  Should they re-enter a brick and mortar public school next year, they would just slip right back in.  Also, this program keeps track of attendance and grades so I don't have to.) 

Their "homeroom" teacher is a Christian lady, whose last name just so happens to be Bible.

Those of you who know me, know that I am always looking for and finding God-things.  This is one of them.  The fact that she is a Christian lady who went to a university where we know people.  Crazy!  Well, not really...not in the eyes of God.

Anyway, we attended that event online, which took about 45 minutes.  They spent an hour doing a reading assessment test, and they played outside.  We also went to see my Mom at her new job (the cutie-patootie little shop on The Ville's square, called Cottage on Main), and Jonah and Noah got to "help" her make a floral arrangement.  After our visit we grocery shopped, and they were in charge.  I let them push the basket and find the items we needed. 

Today we didn't have any assignments, as K12 is considering this a teacher training day.  So we hung out at home, they played outside, we met my Dad for lunch and we swam for a couple hours.  And yes, that is so considered P.E.  :-) 

What happens in their (un) school is this: they participate in an event and I log in their attendance.  I assume they will attend their online class (called Class Connects), be taught something, and get their assignments for the rest of the day.  I would love to explain more, but I honestly don't know what happens.  And all of the above is assumed, as that has not been done by any of us yet.

My job is not "teacher".  I am called "learning coach".  I'm here to help if they need me, but they're encouraged to do it on their own as much as possible.

I will be honest and tell you that I've had a couple of days of doing some pretty serious freaking out.  Because, what if they are bored?  What if they miss their friends so much they can't see straight?  What if I harm them by removing them from their public school?  What if I hate it?  What if they don't learn as well at home as they would at school? 

I pray that none of this happens, but I have had some serious self-doubt.

The bottom line is this: this was not a decision that I took lightly.  I prayed and prayed and prayed (and prayed some more) about pulling them out of school, and I know without a doubt that God Himself has led me to this point.  There were too many things that just happened to think otherwise.  Things started falling into place, and I knew that this was the answer I prayed God would make clear for me. 

I know that I love having them at home.  I only wish I had them all at home!  But Graham and Drew truly love middle school, and I for that I am thankful.  Jonah and Noah loved their school, too, but this idea of un-school appealed to them as much as it did me.  When I noticed things taking a different kind of turn at the school they were in, that was the prompt I needed to make my decision. 

And I say "my" decision, but it was all of our decision.  Todd was all for it, and he totally supports me in this.  Graham and Drew were given the opportunity, but they opted to stay at CMS.  Jonah and Noah were given the opportunity and they took it.

I keep on asking them if they wish they were at their old school.  They keep saying no, that they love being at home.  As of this moment, they don't miss their friends too much, because they see them at church and have them over.  I pray that I don't do them harm by removing them from the care of people that don't know them as well as I do, but even if their grades aren't as good, I seriously doubt that 4th grade ever broke the bank.  I don't think I'm going to hate it, I really don't.  I will need to remind myself that I need to be patient and kind and gentle and full of all the other fruits of the Spirit.  And I'm pretty sure they learn well at home.  At least they always did before they started school, so I don't know why now would be any different.

I need to rest in God's peace.  And yesterday's devotion with Jonah and Noah told me just that.  It was a good reminder. 

If I get overwhelmed, all I have to do is take a deep breath and pray. 

How's all this for honesty?  You got an eye full.  (Ear full?)

Love to all.

the Monday blue's

Today was the first day of school for Graham and Drew.  They had a good day, and they got right up. 

I, on the other hand, over slept.  Yikes.  I'm praying that doesn't happen again in the morning.  Thankfully, for no reason other than it was just a God-thing, I woke up.  My alarm didn't go off or anything...I just woke up all of a sudden.

The first words I uttered this morning were, "Thank You, Lord", for just that reason.

Graham and Drew like their teachers (for the most part) and things went smoothly.  I enjoyed being home today and took advantage of the fact that I could pray for them on and off all day.  I love that feeling. 

Aren't they sweet?

Today was a free day for Jonah and Noah.  We are doing a half day tomorrow, nothing on Wednesday, then we start full time on Thursday. 

I'm a little overwhelmed, I think.  I'm trying to pray my way through it and just take things one step at a time.  I don't completely understand what is going to happen tomorrow.  There is an online conference that Jonah, Noah and I have to participate in, and after that is over, they can get started.  I think it's just not knowing every little detail that bothers me.  I am a detail freak.  I need to know every little step.  Like I said, I'm trying to just pray my way through it.

I don't know why I get overwhelmed so easily.  Sometimes I think I am my own worse enemy.  My husband has this calming effect on me...when he's here, all I have to do sometimes is just say aloud what it is I'm freaking out about.  Just telling him about my day automatically calms me down.  And boy, did the poor man get an ear full when he got home.

The puppy drove me INSANE today.  He's been very naughty and my nerves were more than just a little frayed when he walked in the back door.

Anyway, I'm better now.  For whatever reason, writing helps me, too.

So how was the first day for your kids?  I prayed for all the teachers and administrators, too...and for all my sweet elementary babies that I won't be there for this year.  I'm missing them!

Well, the Olympics are on and beach volleyball is calling my name.

Love to all!

~life~

I have started and deleted many posts over the last seven days.  I figure that's God's way of telling me to keep my mouth shut.  Over big issues like the Chick Fil A thing and Facebook pet peeves. 

Anyway.

Today I concentrated on getting ready for our upcoming first week of school.  We rearranged some bookshelves around, I washed loads and loads of laundry, and we had a sneak peak at Graham's and Drew's new middle school.  I wish I'd gotten a picture, but I didn't.  I'll try and get one next week at some point so I can show you what their new school looks like...it's beautiful!

We had dinner at my Mom's and step dad's tonight (yummy, as usual), and I wanted to leave early so that I could come home and finish up my main project of the day. 

This is our new "school" room!  On this desk is one of the three computers we have in our living room.  I know that technically, a school room should never be in the living room, but this is where we always are.  I could have transformed a corner of the room they call their man cave, but I didn't want to take away space from the older boys. 

So, this, in our living room, is our new "school" room!  These book shelves hold all their curriculum for their fourth grade year of school.  I wanted them to have an area all to themselves that would hold everything they need.  The only thing not on these shelves is their head phones for the computer and pens and pencils.  Those are in the desk drawers.

Isn't it beautiful?!  My heart is all happy and excited over this upcoming school year.  I can't wait to start!

So that's what I've been up to.  And enjoying the heck out of our last week of Summer vacation 2012.  I still don't have things to write about, but I've also just been trying to enjoy my kids.  They've had lots of friends over this past week, and we've had something to do almost every day.  It was a great last week of Summer.
 I am in complete denial that my kids will be in 8th, 7th and 4th grades.  There is no way I am old enough to have kids that old!  ;-)

If I don't write before Monday, I pray that your week gets off to a smooth, great start!

Love to all.

weekend & such

I think I'm officially out of things to write.  That makes me sad.  I go in spurts of having some sort of block, and then inspiration strikes and I'll post a lot.

So, in the chance that this might bore you, I apologize.  Sometimes life is that way...and trust me, I am very blessed to be able to say that life right now is uneventful.

We had some friends over Friday night.  I invited them over under the pretense of watching the Opening Ceremonies, but darned if we didn't watch a single second.  Not that I mind.  We congregated in the kitchen over tacos and Skipbo.  It was a lot of fun.  Our friends David and Sunny came over, along with a new couple we've gotten to know lately, Matt and Bryna.  Their kids are all around Jonah's and Noah's ages, so it was fun for everyone.

Saturday I read.  Imagine that.  Almost all day, except for the breaks I took to do laundry, eat and clean up the kitchen.  Heaven!  I finished my thirteenth book of the Summer.

Saturday night we took the kids to my mom's and stepdad's house and we went to a couple's shower.  Todd's best friend, Bob, is getting married in October to the sweetest girl, Kensie.  It was fun, but we had to leave early.  We didn't eat dinner until after eight, and I didn't want to stay past nine.  It was still fun.

Today we went to church.  I cried in First Kids' church...today was the fifth grader's last day up there with us.  I know I've said this before, but I am so honored to go to a church that loves our kids so much.  Beth and Craig Bracewell, our leaders in First Kids' church really love each and every kid, and they form these amazing bonds with them over the years.  So does our kids' pastor, Austin and his sweet wife, Amy.  Anyway, today as Beth and Craig said goodbye to the fifth graders, they were also commissioning them for middle school.  They were both extremely choked up...and needless to say, so was I.  You know I don't let anyone cry alone in my presence.

So, it was an emotional day.

Before I even walked in church this morning, I had already cried once over Matt Redman's "10,000 Reasons".  Now, every time I think of that song, I cry.  That is the song that was playing when Trey Erwin met his Maker.  At the end of the song, he let go of his earthly body and gained his perfect one in Heaven.  I cannot listen to this song anymore without bawling my eyes out.  Even before that I knew that was the song that was playing in his room before he passed away, the lyrics to this song just get me.  Every single time.  We have thousands (millions!) of reasons to praise our Heavenly Father.  He alone is worthy.

Tonight we had dinner with our precious neighbors and dearest friends.  Their nephews have been out of town all week, so we were so glad to welcome them back home tonight.  My boys (and we) missed them.  We got all caught up with each other again, since it's been over a week since we've really seen them.  Moments like that are awesome...I love that dear couple more than I can even express, and we are extremely blessed to have them in our lives.

I'm leaving you with the lyrics and video to "10,000 Reasons".  I hope you enjoy.  Love to all.

"10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord)"

[Chorus]
Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name

The sun comes up, it's a new day dawning
It's time to sing Your song again
Whatever may pass, and whatever lies before me
Let me be singing when the evening comes

[Chorus]
Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name

You're rich in love, and You're slow to anger
Your name is great, and Your heart is kind
For all Your goodness I will keep on singing
Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find

[Chorus]
Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name

And on that day when my strength is failing
The end draws near and my time has come
Still my soul will sing Your praise unending
Ten thousand years and then forevermore

[Chorus x2]
Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name

Jesus, I'll worship Your holy name
Lord, I'll worship Your holy name

Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name
Jesus, I'll worship Your holy name
I'll worship Your holy name 

random

Yesterday all the boys and I went to our dentist and had our teeth cleaned.  None of us had cavities (YAY!), but I need to schedule an orthodontist appointment for Jonah.  He needs a palate-expander.  :-(

I read so much this weekend it's not even funny.  I finished three books.  Well, the third one, I finished yesterday morning before our appointment.

I am so excited about tonight...my sister and I have a "date" to watch the season finale of The Bachelorette. She's also spending the night.

My best friend and I finally got to see each other!  It's been way too long.  We had dinner Friday night, then perused the aisles of Target afterwards.  I bought the movie Dear John.  And came home and watched it.  Then proceeded to (not) fall asleep until three a.m.  (Todd was working.)

I have no idea what we're having for dinner tonight.  I do know that I need to go buy the fixings for it, though.  I'm craving taco soup, though...not sure if anyone else is, but it sounds yummy to me!

Graham and Drew keep sleeping until eleven.  Two weeks from now is going to be a rude awakening...for all of us, I'm afraid.

Jonah and Noah are sad because their best little buddies (Myles and Zander) are out of town until Sunday.  I'm sure Katie and Travis are glad for the break, but little guys are sad.

Well.  I need a refill on my coffee.

Love to all!

#1105

I was shocked to wake up this morning to the devastating news of the shooting in the Aurora, Colorado movie theater.  My niece works in Aurora, and lives with my sister Debi and her family in Denver.  That is a little close to home.  I cannot imagine what these poor families are going through this morning...my heart goes out to them, and my prayers are with them. 

It's sad that we live in this kind of world today.  It's sad that flying is such a hassle, that our kids know what metal detectors are and that we might think twice before stepping into the doors of another movie theater. 

Just yesterday I had a conversation with my kids about the importance of being aware of their surroundings.  I had just read about an alleged kidnapping attempt in Cordova, a town that is about thirty minutes away from The Ville.

It's just the kind of world that we live in today.  I don't know about you, but in the midst of all the news of tragedy and crime, I need some reassurance. 

This morning in my quiet time (and time of catching up on my Chronological Bible reading plan), I came across a passage in Isaiah that gave me just that: reassurance. 

"He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is key to this treasure."  Isaiah 33:6

He will be our sure foundation...though our days might be unsteady, He will be steady.
He will be our salvation, our wisdom, our knowledge...though we might be unsure.
He will be our treasure...and knowing Him and serving Him is the key.

Are you in need of comfort this morning?  I hope His word brings peace to you.  I know it does to me.

Love to all. 

God is good...

(...all the time!  All the time, God is good!)

I always say those words back whenever I read the phrase, "God is good".  He is, though, right?

Even in death...He is good to quickly take those home who might be suffering.  (Trey Erwin and my Uncle Wayne, who died on the same day last week and whose funerals were at the exact same time on Saturday, but in very different locations.)

Even when Todd's Grandma Rena suddenly passes away Monday night/early Tuesday morning...He is so good to have never let her suffer with a physical illness (though she had Alzheimer's disease, nothing else was physically wrong). 

Even when our air goes out.  For the second week in a row.  (Last week it was the upstairs unit, this week it's the downstairs unit.)  Thank the good Lord that we have Total Protect...a large appliance insurance.  And thank the good Lord that as I type this it's only 74 degrees outside!  Just last week it was in the lower one-hundred's. 

He is so good and faithful to watch over our affairs.  Every little detail, He knows and He takes care of. 

I refuse to let our circumstances get me down...instead, I choose to focus on the blessings God turns them into.

How do you look at life?

Love to all.