The scoop

I just wanted to briefly post about some of the reasons we are sending the younger boys to Elementary school. Since we lost our income in January, and have yet to recover any portion of it, our entire way of life has shifted. I am physically not able to homeschool the 4 children on the levels that they are in. Luke is not reading, Amanda is behind, and her assignments and tests have to be tweaked to fit her learning style and level. These 2 are incredibly time consuming. Luke on a minute by minute basis, and Amanda in the prep dept. Then you throw in the other 2, and add trying to acclimate Dania, it is too much. With the loss of income and my tutor giving birth in a month, it seems the road we traveled this past year is closed.

The other tricky thing is that, technically homeschooling has really worked for the majority of the people in our family, but one. While Ev has seemed to progressed nicely with reading and math, he has really struggled to find his place in the mayhem. He as a person is not thriving in the home environment. This has been so difficult to see and comprehend, it seems like a no-brain er that a child should thrive in a loving home, but he isn't. I can no longer do what is best for the family as a whole without compromising his well being. I have to start treating the children on an individual basis and not just a family unit basis. Homeschooling can be great and work beautifully, but the truth is, that is not true for our family. It has been quite a struggle for us the past 2 years, and with the new addition it became even more evident that we had some big problems. I'm not putting all my eggs of hope in the ps basket, but it is one tool that hasn't been used. I am hoping that it will make a difference, and our house will be more unified, but my fingers are crossed. I didn't want to single him out and just send him, so we decided to send Luke as well, he is struggling academically under my tutelage and I think the discipline of public school will be very good for him. Although he doesn't NEED this, I think it has it's place and will be beneficial.

Finally, we may be starting over from a business standpoint, and Nate has needed me and the kids to help him. I will probably be taking on some part time work with him, as well as Amanda. Ideally, if we get money any time soon, I would be sending Austin to the private christian school nearby. He would be in 7th or 8th grade and then could continue there through high school. It has always been my desire that they go to school (private) for high school, so I am hoping that we will be in a position to send just him next year.

I am not trying to justify my decision, just clarifying for the curious. I feel that it is important to tell the truth, and not paint a picture that isn't reality. It is so easy in blogworld to convey an ideal that doesn't live up to the reality. I never want to cause anyone to feel discontent about their circumstances, so it is important to me to show the inside and outside of my cup.

Big Shocker!!!!

The youngest 2 are headed off to public school next year. We've known this for several weeks now, but I have delayed posting it.

The good news is, Luke is really excited about it, the bad news is, he is reading on a low first grade level and he will be eight in June. The good news is, the school is going to help us try and catch him up before school starts so that he can be in 2nd grade.

The good news is, Evan tested on a 5th grade level, the bad news is, he could care less. The good news is, I am putting him in 4th so that he will be a little ahead of the game in some areas, the bad news is, his writing ability is lacking. The other bad news is, Evan DOES NOT want to go.

The school was pretty impressive. Nate and I met with the principal, then we took the kids in to be tested and meet some staff. The good news is, the principal and vp pray over the school every morning, the bad news is, it is a 7 hour day for little boys. The good news is, Ga is one of the 7 states not required to teach evolution as fact or in depth. The bad news is, change is very scary.

The good news is, Luke will do very well with the change and make the best out of it. The bad news is, I'm scared for Evan.

Evan is a big kid now

Evan, my sweet boy turned 10 on April 14th. He elected not to have a party, and took the money instead. Whew! My parents took him out for a birthday lunch and shopping trip, which is a standing tradition for all the kids, and something that they look forward to. Nate's folks dropped by in the evening with a card and some cash, so he was all set. We even skipped a b-day cake, instead he opted for chocolate pudding with whipping cream. Little Ceasars was his dinner of choice. I have to say that I was very grateful for a low key b-day this year.

Of all my children, Evan is the one that I find myself wondering about the most. His strengths and weaknesses are the most evident of all my children, and my heart is always turned towards him as a result. From the moment that I held him in the hospital, we had an instantaneous bond that was not there with other kids. I was in shock after Austin, with a touch of post partum, and I was very sick and uncomfortable after my c-section with Luke, but Evan was my easiest birth and I was elated right from the start.

So happy birthday to my son, whom I can no longer refer to as a little boy. Once they hit the double digits they are big kids in my book.

Easter 09

We skipped most things traditional this year and ventured out on our own. Normally we have family over or go to their house, but this year we were pooped and decided that a change was in order. We went to church, came home and had leftover hotdogs from the night before, hid the kids baskets on our property, and then watched The Masters all afternoon. We even bypassed coloring eggs for the first time in my life. All in all in was a relaxing day and we enjoyed it, but it felt weird to have ditched everyone, so I don't know if we will do a repeat of this or not.


This is how my kids have to look for their easter baskets

Austin taking a rest after he discovers his basket near this giant beech tree.

The family photos were done with a self timer, hence the close up of the bushes.

Isn't the creek beautiful? I just love coming down here.

Amanda helps Evan find his basket.

I don't think this one is any better, but we only had battery life left for 2 shots at a family photo.