Summer Reading

My previous blog posts have been way too serious, due to a pretty serious anniversary week.  I think it is time to lighten things up a bit with some summer fun pictures of the kids.

In the heat of the afternoon, we are enjoying some indoor reading time.

The kids are participating in a summer reading program at the public library, where they get a new prize each week for reading books and keep track of them on a card.

One week, they received stuffed puppies...

We are having fun visiting the library each week.  In addition to receiving a cool prize, the kids get to check out books.  2 books each.  

Jersey #2 and Jersey #3 have been reading every Arthur book the library has on its shelf.  They really like those stories and characters.  They enjoy them so much that they read the ones they checked out right away, and then read the ones their sibling checked out as well.

Recently, we visited a pizza place that is also running a reading program.  Theirs started in the Spring, and is almost over now.  But, we managed to take in the cards showing all the books read, and the kids picked up their prizes.  The prizes were all contained in a nice string backpack.  Their cousins were in town to participate in this reading program too.

The most recent day that I had planned to take the kids to the library, I was running around crazy-like trying to get all the library books gathered, and their reading charts gathered, and get everyone out the door and buckled in the van.  In the parking lot, I double checked that each child had their 2 books to return, and their reading card to show.  All was accounted for, so we started toward the library door.

And, then it dawned on me that I had forgotten MY BOOK!  I left my own library book at my bedside and forgot to bring it with me to return it.

The kids had a good laugh about that.  

There was a sweet lady walking by who overheard our conversation as I realized I forgot my book, and she could not contain her own laughter.  We made her day.

She later approached me in the library to encourage me.  She said that she also brought all of her kids to the library when they were young.  Now, they were all grown.  They all went to college.  They were all successful in their jobs.  And, they were all readers.  She said they developed a love for lifetime learning. She encouraged me to keep doing what I was doing with my own kids.  I thought that was sweet of her to speak such positive things to me like that.  

As she got me thinking about the kids and visits to the library, it dawned on me that the kids were much more excited about reading over this summer, than they had been during the school year.  I think I may be on to something here.  

They think they are getting a summer off from schoolwork.  

Actually, they are spending quite a lot of studious time, reading.

Distance Learning

I took the plunge and returned to college to complete the pre-requisite coursework for a Nursing program.

This summer, I am taking 1 class:  Human Nutrition.

The class is online.  Thankfully, I managed to get into the class on the first day of the term.  I had been on the waiting list for weeks.  

This is my very first online class.

This is only the 4th week of classes, and I am already a big fan of distance learning!  I had no idea online classes were so awesome.   

I suspect that one of the reasons this online class is so nice is that the instructor is a pro at online teaching.  She is simultaneously teaching 2 or 3 sections of this class online, and she is extremely organized with the syllabus, links, notes, discussions, and assignments.  She is very clear on what is expected for this course, and how to succeed.  The assignments for the first week were so simple, that they really seemed to just be a lesson in how to follow instructions and pay attention to details.

One of the things I like most is the way that the class is organized.  The syllabus lists the assignments and tests, on a weekly schedule.  Each course week runs from Monday morning to Sunday night.  Each weekly assignment or exam is due by Sunday at midnight.  I really like having a full week to complete assignments like that.  It is not that I want to wait to the last minute.  What I like most is picking which day of the week I can sit down without interruption and complete the assignment or exam. 

I tend to do the reading early in the week, and work on the assignments on Wednesdays or Thursdays.  I ended up taking the first exam just before midnight on a Friday night.  Some weeks are busier for me, so I end up working on schoolwork Friday or Saturday afternoon.  I am just in awe of that kind of flexibility.

I am also a huge fan of not having to find childcare in order to take a class.  That is a big deal for me.  I get to be home with the kids, and I don't have to stress about care.  I can study and work on coursework while they are playing in the backyard, or after they are asleep at night.  They can be ill or grumpy or tired, and it won't affect my ability to complete assignments, since I am not having to show up on a certain day at a certain time.

With the online assessments, the instructor can input all the questions and answers in multiple choice format so that the tests and quizzes are graded immediately.  It was a really neat feature to take the exam near midnight, and get the results immediately!  (I got an A).  I was able to see exactly which questions I missed on the exam right away, which I think actually improves my learning.

For this class, books and notes are permitted for exams, but the exam is timed.  So, it would be very difficult to look up all the answers, if you haven't studied or familiarized yourself with the content.  I am suspicious that the instructor made the exam questions more difficult also.  

There is one question on the exam that has stuck with me because of how detailed it was.  I got the answer correct, because somewhere in my brain I remembered that detail from my previous anatomy coursework (many years ago).  Goblet cells produce mucous.  I could win that question in a trivia game, because I have random pieces of anatomy trivia in my brain.  It just seems to me that such a detail is way beyond the scope of an introductory nutrition class.  The chapter was about the digestive system.  I expected questions about saliva, the stomach, and the intestines.  But goblet cells?  When the exam was over, I actually went back to my textbook to look and see if there was mention of goblet cells.  They were there, in a small section, a minor mention in the paragraphs about the stomach and small intestine.  I am trying to decide if this is typical of college exam material....and maybe my study skills are not as good as they need to be.  Or, is this an example of the instructor picking a really minute detail out of a chapter, to use as an exam question?  Either way, this shows me that I am not retaining the material that I am reading as well as I thought.      

From this experience so far, I wish there was a way to take ALL of my coursework online.  Unfortunately, I do not see a way to have online laboratory classes, so I am going to have to go to campus for those.  But, now that I see how this opportunity works, I am going to keep my eyes open for more online classes to continue my education. 

One fun tidbit in the field of nutrition is that the "Food Pyramid" that I was taught in school as a child, has been replaced by the "My Plate" campaign.  First, the food pyramid was redesigned, making the outer edge look like stairs (to remind folks to keep active).  Apparently that awareness campaign did not improve the public's understanding of nutrition.  (I think the new design went in the wrong direction and did not provide the  simple visual that the original pyramid had).    The My Plate system seems more simple and logical to me, so I am curious if it is having a positive impact yet.  I am amused that these awareness measures are only focused on serving size (which is important), but my health conscious friends are discussing the changes in the food quality itself--genetic engineering, mass production techniques, and such things that have reduced the nutrition content of our food.  Is serving size awareness enough to overcome the poorer nutrition quality?  I doubt it.  Time will tell, I suppose.  I find awareness campaigns to be interesting, but not really informative enough to make an impact the size they are aiming for.

Another blessing in my Human Nutrition course this summer is the requirement to use a Diet Analysis software program.  The instructor is having us input data on a made-up subject, but we are also doing some assignments that are about our own diet habits.  Regardless of the assignments required for the class, I am able to use this software to analyse my own food intake, to see its size and nutrition quality both.  I am taking advantage of this opportunity this summer.  I have already been focusing on being active to improve overall fitness.  I am taking care of the medical side of my health by treating the thyroid issue.  So, the next logical step is to analyze and improve my overall diet and nutrition.  

What great timing for this specific class!     

                

Homeschool Highlights

We are wrapping up our school year.  Preschool, 1st grade, 3rd grade, and 5th grade are almost over.

I actually prefer to finish our school year by the start of May.  It is nice to have the month of May as one of our summer months.  The weather is great for outings.  Plus, most places for outings are not very packed, since the public school kids are still in school for most of the month.  This year, things did not go so well for that schedule.  We had to take quite a few unexpected breaks due to severe disruption to our family, pregnancy complications, and the death, premature delivery, and funeral for our beloved son Titus.  So, this school year, we are still schooling through the month of May.

It isn't so bad.  The kids are learning many things.  

Jersey #4 turned 5 in March and instantly decided it was time to learn to read.  She has been working through her preschool workbook with gusto!  She has so much enthusiasm for learning.  

She also appears to be super smart too.  She is grasping phonics easily, and is reading 3-letter words.  Tonight, she completed this page of her workbook, entirely on her own, reading each of these words by herself.  Even though I have taught her 3 older siblings to read....and I understand the progression in this skill....it always amazes me when they really start to "get" it.

Part-way through our school year, Jersey #2 and Jersey #1 made very convincing arguments as to why I should switch their math from the ABeka workbooks we had been using, to the Teaching Textbooks computer program.  They both found the computer program to be a fun way to learn their math lessons.  They like the instant feedback on their scores, and the cheerful graphics that praise them along the way.  Jersey #2 had such a strong desire to be independent while learning math.  She is a math whiz, but grew frustrated when I had to teach her a new concept.  She wanted to get it on her own.  No amount of discussion from me or The Referee, convinced her that math needed to be learned by having someone else show you how to do it.  Teaching Textbooks has solved that struggle, and now she loves math again.  Since ABeka runs a year (to a year and a half) ahead of the standard school curriculum, I had to order her the 4th grade Teaching Textbooks math program.  (The TT 4th grade program had the same content as the ABeka 3rd grade workbook).  Jersey #2 loves that she is a 3rd-grader, working on 4th grade math.    

I require her to view the lecture for each lesson, work the practice problems, and then work the problem set.  If she scores lower than a 90% on any lesson, she has to come to me and we sit down and go through the missed problems together, so I can see what concept she is lacking understanding.  Regardless of her grade, I have her go through and view the explanation of how to work the problems that she misses.  It took 1 session of me sitting next to her to go over a lesson before she decided that she was going to pay better attention to detail.  She has not scored less than a 90% since.

The Enrichment Studies program we have Jersey #1 enrolled in covers her History, Literature, and Science coursework.  She completes math and language arts (English grammar) at home.  It was a learning curve to figure out how to succeed in that program this first year, but Jersey #1 rose to the challenge.  Her grades improved each quarter.  By the end of the school year, her assignments were becoming a family event.  When she needed to test some household items to see if they were conductors or insulators, her siblings were thrilled to help her find items to test.  

Jersey #3 took time away from the Wii to see if the banana was a conductor.  (It is not.)  His interest in food continues to run strong.  His 1st grade work is mostly workbooks and reading out loud with Mom.  He can't wait until he can do his math on the computer too.

Jersey #5 makes a point to remind me that he does not have to do schoolwork right now, because he is only 3.  We do not push preschool, but have preschool workbooks on hand if the kids show an interest. The girls were eager to work through preschool workbooks.  Jersey #3 was not.  He did not show an interest in schooling until kindergarten.  Jersey #5 started out like his brother, but has come around to the idea of learning his letters and coloring in workbooks.  He still gets to start and stop his studies on his own schedule though.  That is the fun of being "only" 3.

Annular Eclipse

The Annular Solar Eclipse tonight was AWESOME!

The kids and I got to enjoy it in the midst of an ice cream social at our church.  We had fantastic viewing right from the church yard.  We were surrounded by friends, and sugar in many different forms.  It was a blast.  

The kids brought their scooters.  Since the eclipse took close to an hour to go from start to full "ring of fire," the kids played and took random breaks to peak at the sky with their solar shades.

We had the official solar shades that were "certified" by the British Standards Institute.  Even though they looked like cheap, old style 3-D glasses, the lens was really effective.  We could not see anything through those shades, unless we were looking at the sun.

Other folks brought cool toys to aide in the solar viewing.  My friend brought a homemade pin-hole box, that could be worn on the head.  This is the type of eclipse viewing we remember as kids, before those fancy "eclipse shades" came out.  I had Jersey #1 try it out...

Another man brought his telescope and set it up to project the eclipse on a dry erase board for all to see. he really captured some good images.

I was able to get a few pictures with my camera, by placing my solar shades across the lens.  It is not quality photography, but it sure captured the excitement of the evening.

That was the best eclipse viewing I have ever experienced.  I am so thrilled at the opportunity to share it with my kids.  

I found it fascinating that this eclipse was an "annular" eclipse, meaning it was "circular," or like a ring.  Jersey #2 used to have a "trans-annular" patch, which meant that the patch went over the ring of her heart valve.  I am sure it is not normal to look at a solar eclipse and think of a heart valve, but these are the things that go through my mind...

AWANA awards

We have completed another year of AWANA.

I love the AWANA program so much!  It has the same feel as Scouts, only without the political turmoil (such as how Girl Scouts is affiliated with Planned Parenthood, the largest abortion provider---Ew!)  The kids wear AWANA uniforms, usually shirts or vests, to hold all of the patch and pin awards they earn through out the club year.  Each level of the club has a new book to complete each school year.  In those books are various Bible verses to memorize, Bible study activities to complete, and service projects to work on.  It starts with a foundation of Christian faith, and builds toward applying that faith and those principles.  In addition to the scripture knowledge that I find so helpful in our children's education, the AWANA club we attend offers a slew of games and activities.  Each week the kids have a devotion in their classes, they play PE style games, eat snacks, and some make crafts.  There is usually a theme to each club night, so the kids can dress up with crazy hair, or wear their PJs and things like that.  Outside of the weekly meeting, there are occasional weekend activities like the Grand Prix boxcar race, Bible Quizzing competition, and AWANA Games competition.  The club we attend is a very complete program.  The church who hosts it has the amenities to host a large program.  The Commander and his wife who direct the program have an incredible amount of experience and organization to make this particular club a great success each year.  

Our children thrive in this AWANA club.  There are so many themes and activities to get excited about, that it is not all academic for them.  Plus, many of the rewards involve candy, treats, or outings, and the kids like that.  

My requirement for the kids is that they complete the 1 designated book for each club year.  The kids usually complete 2-3 books or extra credit options instead, because they want to keep up with the over-achieving pace of their siblings.  They also want those extra patches and awards that go on their vests.  

Memorization comes easy to them, especially once they learn to read well and can practice on their own.  Jersey #2 really liked the verses set to music, so that helped her forge ahead, when she could memorize scripture with a tune.  I don't mind if they work hard to achieve more, but I do set some parameters for them.  Their work has to be thorough and with a happy heart.  They are to memorize their verses fully, so that they can recite them without assistance.  They cannot set such a high goal for themselves that they become overwhelmed and start crying about it.  Well, they can set such a goal, but I intervene as soon as the crying begins, and set a limit on them for that night until their attitude turns brighter.  I will allow them to choose to take a week or two off from working in their books, if life has gotten tough.  

No matter which way I turn, I am faced with challenge many of the weeks during the AWANA year.  Some of the challenge is over a child pressuring himself/herself to do more, to the point that they become overwhelmed.  Some of the challenge is encouraging a sluggish child to be more thorough in their efforts.  Some of the challenges come from the AWANA leaders themselves, who each have a different opinion of how many verses a child should learn each week.  I have had a few leaders repeatedly suggest that I am pressuring my children to do too much.  I am always amused by this, considering the pressure is not coming from me.  I have also had a leader question why I am "forcing" my kids to memorize the King James Version of the Bible.  (It is written in King's English, at an 8th grade reading level).  Most weeks I am having to explain to someone that the child in question is pushing their own limit.  The King James translation of the Bible is what we use at home and at church, so I am seeking consistency for my children.  The kids do not know any different, and are not bothered by this.  When they hear our Pastor read from his Bible during a sermon, they recognize the verses they have already memorized.  We are seeing benefit to that version, because the higher reading level introduces many more vocabulary words that improves their reading skills.  The sound of the spoken words is stranger than we speak, but it is still very similar to having them memorize Shakespeare.  I find the King's English to better explain the grammar.  Thee and thy let us know which person is being addressed much more accurately than the general "you."  It is certainly not appealing to everyone, but it works for us.  It is a good week at AWANA when all of the children have learned their verses well, are satisfied with their own efforts and accomplishments, and the leaders (and competitive parents) don't mention it!  I especially appreciate the leaders who accept kids as having different personalities and styles.  They seem to "get" the quirks in my kids too, and encourage us all.  

At the end of year awards program, all that hard work pays off as the kids are brought forward to receive the awards they have earned.  Our children are usually so excited to receive these really cool awards.  Even though I am most pleased with the academic awards, that come from finishing a book, my kids get most excited about the Perfect Attendance ribbon.  It is a bright, flashy ribbon.  But, perfect attendance is not my goal.  It usually comes down to whether or not our family caught the flu (or some other highly contagious upper respiratory bug) that year.

This year, no one caught the flu, so the older 3 kids received the perfect attendance ribbon.  Their awards program this year was incredible.  Each of them completed 3 books.  

Jersey #1 completed the 4th and 5th grade books, so that she could be placed in the 5th grade class where she is academically, instead of being in the 4th grade class by age.  (oh yes, that was a new can of worms for the leaders and parents who think I push my kids too far!)  Even at the awards program, I was asked if I was really going to allow Jersey #1 to be in 6th grade next Fall?  Not just in AWANA, but also in the enrichment program we had her in this year?  Yes, and yes.  We let her advance a grade (She completed kindergarten and 1st grade in the same year).  She was ready, and prefers the challenge.  

Jersey #2 has a gift for memorization that is amazing, along with an attitude of assumption that everyone can learn the way she does.  She doesn't see it as any big deal.  I like the way that the director introduced her.  He said that Jersey #2 may be small, but she is mighty!  That is the truth.

Jersey #3 was so proud of himself for the work he did this year.  He tried to tell his sisters that he completed more books than they did, but they quickly shut him down.  That didn't stop him from being super excited to get his awards.

The Referee made it to the awards program, which was really nice.  The kids were excited to have him there to see them receive their awards, and to praise them for their efforts.  It is important that Mom and Dad are proud of you.

               

Our church is not big enough to be able to host an AWANA program of our own, so our kids attend a program at a different church.  As our church grows in children, those children are also joining us for AWANA.  It was really sweet that our Pastor's wife attended the award ceremony to support the kids.  Their own children attended that same AWANA program when they were young too.  (The club we attend meets on Thursdays, not the typical Wednesday or Sunday, so it doesn't conflict with the Wednesday and Sunday evening services at our own church).   

Living History Lesson

Jersey #1 has an assignment for her history class to interview a person who has lived through a major historical event in the recent 100 years.  I suggested to her that we could arrange a visit with a family in our church.  I have been meaning to visit them anyway, but I knew they would love to share stories of their lives with me and the kids.  It as an amazing afternoon.  History comes alive when it is told through the eyes of someone who has lived it.  

Mrs. J is 98 years old.  She is mostly home bound, and lives with her daughter and son-in-law.  Her grandfather was a slave as a child, and was freed by the time he was an adult.  She has amazing stories to share about her life.  A few years ago, I had an opportunity to sit and talk with her.  After hearing many of her stories, I asked her when did things get better for her.  I was asking what point in history did things improve.  Her answer was amazing.  She told me her life became better as soon as she knew Jesus!

Mrs. C is Mrs. J's daughter.  She is 74 years old.  She is the caregiver to her mother, as well as her husband.  Mr. C is 79 years old.  He suffers with Parkinson's disease.  In the prime of his youth, he was a tough marine.  He served 2 deployments to the Vietnam war.  He also served in Korea, in the "clean-up" part of the war's end.  Mr. C was stationed in Japan when President Kennedy was shot and killed.  He said it was scary to be overseas when your President and Commander in Chief of the military is killed.  

Mrs C did most of the talking, since her Mom's mind does not work the way it used to, and since her husband's voice is affected by the paralysis of Parkinson's.  I could listen to Mrs. C talk all day long.  She has such a sweet way to expressing herself.  I find her to be very inspiring.

After a few initial questions and conversation, the history lesson turned toward growing up in a segregated United States.  Mrs. C knew nothing else.  She was expected to sit in the back of the bus, use the restroom labeled "colored," and ride a city bus across town to the "colored" school, even though there was a large school for white children, near their home.  She could purchase items in stores, but  if she purchased food, soda, or ice cream, she had to take it outside to eat it.  She said she learned what behavior was expected from her, by observing the modeling of her parents.  She explained that black parents could correct their children's behavior with just a look.  It was necessary for their children to obey.  If a black child disrespected a white person, the consequences could be dangerous.

Mrs. C explained that the segregated way of life was what she was born into and all she knew.  That was the way that life went outside the home.  In her home, she was taught that she was the same as everyone else.  She had confidence in herself, based on this value that was expressed in her home.  

Mr. C explained that the military was segregated too.  Things were different when the servicemen were sent overseas though.  He observed that his unit became very united and bonded, regardless of skin color, the further they got from home and the closer they got to war.  Then, as they were returning back to the USA, the divisions would continue, and the unit would segregate the closer they got to home. 

Segregation ended while Mrs. C was finishing high school.  She noticed the changes very slowly.  She said that even though opportunities were suppose to be equal by law, there were still schools and careers that were protected for white folks only.  To meet the legal requirements, they would admit 1 black person into the program.  The year that Mrs. C entered an x-ray tech school, she was that 1 single black student allowed into the program.  

Both Mr. & Mrs. C explained that when you are ignorant, you don't know any better.  But, as soon as your eyes are open to the truth, you know better than to act the way you previously acted.  Mrs. C said that as her classmates got to know her, they treated her well and did not discriminate against her.  She felt included as part of that group of students.  Later, she felt the same way with her group of coworkers.  She worked for a Catholic hospital for 30 years.  She said that even though her work environment was integrated and she was treated equally on the job, there were still situations where she was excluded based on skin color.  Each year, the head of the radiology department would host a Christmas party.  She was the only coworker not invited.  This went on for 10 years.  That boss retired, and held a party 4 years later.  This time, social times had changed enough that he included an invitation for Mrs. C.  She decided not to attend that party! 

One of the strongest memories that both Mr. & Mrs. C have is having to use hand-me-down textbooks from the "white" school.  When the "white" school received new textbooks, their used textbooks would be passed on to the "colored" school.  The other student's names were in the front cover, and the cover was worn and torn.  Mr. C had a teacher who explained to not judge a book by its cover.  Even though the cover was used and abused, the content inside the book was still intact.  This lesson applies to more than just textbooks.

Jersey #1 learned so much.  During the van ride home, she summed up her position on the matter.  She explained,

"It is really strange that some people choose to not like other people because their skin is black.  They are made by God in God's image.  So, if you hate black people, then you are saying you hate God too."   

Wow.  What a blessing to have such a learning opportunity! 

Typical of her sweet, encouraging personality, Mrs. C ended the conversation on a positive note.  She explained that life is so much different for her now, especially now that she is older.  Random strangers have gone out of their way to help her load her husband's wheelchair into the car.  One man stopped his truck in front of the grocery store, and jumped out, just to help her re-position her groceries that were falling out of the cart as she went down an incline.  She does not sense racial discrimination very often, anymore.    

A Good Report

I received Jersey #1's report card in the mail today, showing her progress for the 3rd quarter of this school year.

This report card was one of the biggest sources of encouragement to me.  It gave me feedback that the areas of educating my children, that I deem to be most important, are actually being achieved in our homeschool.  

Jersey #1 is in 5th grade this year.

We enrolled her in a program that offers enrichment classes to homeschoolers.  She takes History, Literature, and Science classes in this program.  She attends class 1 day a week.  The level of study is not too difficult, but the amount of work involved to complete those studies, has been a learning curve this year.  There are quizzes, tests, papers, discussions, presentations, note taking, and projects galore.  It was definitely an increase in workload and intensity, compared to how we homeschooled the younger grades.  5th grade seems like a good year to begin this level of academic demand.  I am pleased with the way Jersey #1 has progressed through this program and this school year.

When sending out report cards, the teacher gives the grade earned for each subject, along with a short note about the strengths and weaknesses of the student.  The mention of areas that needs improvement is always worded so graciously.  It helps me to see what areas of her studies need more parental oversight.

For the 3rd quarter, Jersey #1 earned an A in each subject, History, Literature, and Science.  

Of course we were proud of her academic achievement.  We do not require that our children earn all A's, but we do require that they give their best effort.  Jersey #1 was determined to be an A student.  I am proud of her for working at that level, and achieving her goal.

The note of feedback from the teacher was just as exciting.  

First, her teacher wrote that Jersey #1 reads very well.  This was actually the first thing we focused on when we began homeschooling.  Reading is such an important skill.  A person who can read well can learn anything.  Gaps in formal education can be filled by reading up on a subject of interest.  Reading enables a lifetime of learning.  I specifically work with my children to help them become strong readers....at their own pace, of course. 

Second, her teacher wrote that Jersey #1 has a good grasp of Scripture.  Praise God!   This is what matters most.  Teaching my children about God, and having them see me live out my faith, is the top priority.  I want my children to develop and grow in a relationship with God.  I specifically choose extra-curricular activities that will support and enhance what I am teaching my children at home.  Taking my children to church, playing Upward sports, participating in a Christian homeschool co-op, and AWANA are some of the resources that I seek to help reinforce the values that I am teaching.  AWANA is specifically important, because I utilize it as a sort of "Bible curriculum," for our homeschool.  (My requirement is that our children have to complete 1 AWANA book per school year.  They usually choose to do much more than that, because there are many prizes and incentives, within the club, for doing so).  The children memorize a ton of Bible verses in the AWANA program.  It is incredible.  It is also the best way I can see for helping my children navigate life.  The truth about what is right and what is wrong is written in the Bible.  As the children memorize scripture, they have the truth right there in front of them, in their minds.  As we discuss behaviors, attitudes, and choices, it becomes natural for them to pull those Bible verses forward and apply them to their lives.  It is a process that occurs over time, with dedicated study.  I am so pleased that Jersey #1 is growing in this process.  

It is gratifying to receive feedback that implies we are on the right track.  I am so proud of Jersey #1.  I am also so pleased to hear how she is achieving the academic goals we set for her.

This may be her report card, but it certainly provided me a progress report about the methods and goals we are pursuing in our homeschool journey.  The feedback was very encouraging!

          

Leap of Faith

I was originally thinking I would give myself a full year to grieve and heal and mend, before considering any other life changes.  

But, I continue to have a prompting to take another leap of faith right now.  

I am going to pursue that Nursing career that has been on the back burner for years.  

When Jersey #2 was born with a heart condition, I had to come to grips with the fact that my medical school dreams needed to be halted, so I could be home to provide her care.  (Ironically, I wanted to be a Cardiologist).  When we decided to homeschool our children, I had to entirely abandon the idea of becoming a Doctor.  I comforted myself with the idea that I could still work in the field of medicine one day, by becoming a Nurse Practitioner.  The plan in the back of my head was to go to the community college and get on the slow track, once my kids were old enough to be home alone or with each other.  The Associates of Nursing (RN) program is 4 semesters long.  A Bachelor of Nursing program can often be done online after that, at many universities.  By the time I would pursue the Master's training to be a Nurse Practitioner, the kids would be grown.  It wouldn't matter how old I was as I was pursing this "next" career, because my heart's desire is to go on medical mission trips.  I can do that as a Nurse, even when I am a grandmother!  

I have been considering the details of life as a single mother, and how to provide for my children.  My previous employment was in bio-medical research laboratories, and clinical testing laboratories.  It was interesting work, but very low pay.  

I realize that Nursing is a really good career for single motherhood.  A family can live on a Nursing salary.  There are many options for a flexible schedule, to work as few or as many shifts as are needed.  Even if our basic needs continue to be provided, I can work part-time to supplement the budget to allow for more schooling and extra-curricular opportunities.  Best of all, medical insurance is a benefit of most Nursing jobs.  

The prompting to look into it was so strong, that I stayed up way too late one night, researching the information on the computer.  I was really encouraged by the details.  My previous Biology degree gives me majority of the prerequisite courses already.  I have to repeat 3 lecture classes, and possibly 1 lab class,  because my coursework is considered too old and outdated.  There are 3 other prerequisite classes that I have also had previously, that may or may not transfer.  So, I would only need to take 3 to 6 classes to complete the prerequisites to apply to the program.  The wait list to enter the training is approximately 2 semesters to a full year after that. 

Add the detail that majority of those classes have an online option.  I could take the prerequisites now, while still being home with my kids.  I was really encouraged when a family at church offered to help me with the kids for the classes I need to take on site.  This family is going to teach enrichment classes, in their home, so that my children can be learning while I am at class, 2 afternoons a week.  

At age 11, children can stay home alone.  At age 12, children can take the Red Cross babysitting course and be responsible for the care of others. 

In the amount of time it will take me to complete the prerequisites and wait out the application process, my children will start turning 11 or 12 in succession.  That means we can get through the 4 semesters of Nursing school, without having to depend fully on others for childcare.  

It won't be easy, but it certainly seems possible.

When I started to mention the idea to friends, I received a lot of encouragement.  One friend commented that she thought I would do well with the academic distraction right now, instead of dwelling on the emotional challenges in my life.  I think that is a good point.  

I am thinking this is the time to embrace academics.  I am blessed to be able to homeschool the children still, so I will make education our top priority, and set the example myself.  

It is a big leap...

Ready.  Set.  Go!

  

School Days

When we went for family photos, I asked the photographer to also give me "school photos" of each of the kids.  I usually like individual photos with the number blocks, showing their ages.  This year, with more kids school-aged than not, our whole focus seems to have shift to more school-like themes.  I am quite pleased with the way these pictures turned out.  I love pictures of my kids anyway, but it is fun to see how they grow from grade to grade.

Jersey #1

5th Grade

9 years old

Jeresey #2
3rd Grade
8 years old

Jersey #3
1st Grade
6 years old

Jersey #4
Preschool
4 years old

Jersey #5
Preschool
3 years old

McCall's Pumpkin Patch

I took the younger 4 kids on a field trip to McCall's Pumpkin Patch.

We enjoyed a hayride out to the pumpkin patch.  (Well, mostly enjoyed it.  Jersey #3 has terrible hay fever, so his poor little nose runs yellow the minute he goes near the hay.  He doesn't complain a bit, though).

Out in the field, each kid was able to pick the largest pumpkin they could carry back to the tractor....

We dropped our pumpkins off at the van, and enjoyed the other exhibits.

It didn't take us long to break the rules.  I had barely closed the gate to the bunny exhibit, when I noticed Jersey #2 had picked up a rabbit and was holding it.  PawPaw raises rabbits, so Jersey #2 didn't think a thing of scooping one up.  Oops!  Some of the other kids thought it was great that she did that, because they got to pet the rabbit.

There were plenty of live animals to enjoy.  Goats, cows, sheep, oh my!

Jersey #5 found the tractor to be the most fascinating thing on the farm.  He rode it 3 times.

The other children spent the bulk of their time on the big slide...

(In an attempt to *help* his little brother go down the slide, Jersey #3 came down on top of Jersey #5's head.  All I saw were his little lets sticking out.  Thankfully, he was not hurt.  Instead, he was laughing and couldn't wait to go again.....on his own).

It didn't take Jersey #2 long to go down head first.  She has been this way since she was a baby.  The road less traveled....head first.