Evaluation Day

Today is the day I see if my 1st and 3rd grader get to advance to 2nd and 4th grade. Well, it really isn't all that serious, I guess, because they advance if I say so - ha, ha ;) But, we do have an evaluator come in every year and check their progress. It is for peace of mind and part of the law we need to follow as homeschoolers. There is a choice, be evaluated or get tested. We have always been evaluated.

The evaluator is very laid back and really interested in the kids and what their individual strengths and weaknesses are. Because she has taught in public schools, I always have questions to ask her, just to keep me on track. Satisfy my curiosity. Or whatever you want to call it.

Anyway, she goes through our 6 binders (3 for each girl) and looks at samples of their work. She asks me questions if she needs to. Then she has each girl read for her. Lastly, she asks questions such as, what was their favorite part of a certain field trip we took. Or what subject they like best.

It is kind of funny because we don't really talk about school in "subjects", per se. We sit down and read Our Island Story (history) or Burgess Bird Book (science). So, I sometimes get a little nervous to see how they will answer, like "Gee, we don't do history." Or something like that.

Our evaluator happens to be a friend. So, I know, if there are any concerns or something she really doesn't understand, she would give me an opportunity to explain. I also see her on occasion throughout the year and the topic of homeschooling always comes up. So, she sees us and hears about our progression throughout the year.

I know of a family that really stresses before the evaluator comes. It is like someone coming in to critique your job. And the end product is what your child either knows or doesn't know. So, I understand why that may be daunting. But, I guess, I have just always felt, so far, pretty confident in what we have been doing. I know they are progressing. I see that they have interests and knowledge. I am always very pleased with their work.

In fact, I think I am going to nominate me teacher of the year! Ha, ha . . . .

Refrigerator vs. Tuition

And I am sad to say the refrigerator won. My tuition for my first semester at Liberty is due. I am taking (was taking) two 8 week classes. I think Old Testament and New Testament Survey. I was psyched but nervous. How on earth was I going to do it all?

But, as of this past Sunday, I don't have to worry about it anymore. Our fridge is on its last legs. Barely keeping stuff frozen and cool. It is 17 years old, SO we are due for a new one. Doesn't make sense to call someone out to look at it and fix it, ya know.

So, the inevitable had to be excepted. Oh sure, I am disappointed. I was excited to go back to school. To learn all I can about the bible and Christianity. In all honesty, I can probably learn the stuff myself. But, unless I am held accountable, my personal edification, most times, gets lost in the shuffle.

I know God has a plan for me. And right now it seems to be a refrigerator instead of being a theology student. I am OK with that. I will try again for next semester. And, maybe in the meantime, I will search around for some scholarships for stay-at-home moms who want to go back to school.

I will just have to be patient. A recurring theme in my life. Hmmm . . .

Strong Willed Child

As we were shopping for refrigerators yesterday (another blog post I am sure) my littlest angel was showing her true persona. (As my sister's friend called it this weekend "a big personality.") My mom mentioned on the ride home how she sure was strong willed.

I have used that term before with my oldest child. Very willful. Wanting to do what she is wanting to do. My oldest child had a mild case compared to angel number four. But, my mom's comment led to a discussion about "strong willed" children which has been on my mind, as of late.

I am currently receiving e-mails from Simply Charlotte Mason, a website I use to help guide me in the Charlotte Mason ways for educating my children. And, this particular series of e-mails just happens to be discussing the nuances of "willful" children.

The premise behind the e-mails I have been receiving is this (all based on what Charlotte Mason wrote over a hundred years ago) that strong willed children are not really strong willed after all. They are, in all actuality, weak willed. (Now I am paraphrasing in my own words as I comprehend what the articles have been saying.)

It does not take a will or strength or much thought or fortitude to give in to one's desires. To have one's way. It takes a strong will to curb, to master, to control one's desires. A true strong will, will not give into selfish wants or immediate, perceived needs. (All paraphrasing. The website will have all of the articles, in their entirety.)

A strengthening of the will comes with maturity and learning to control those desires. To be unselfish, to put the needs of others before our selves. And for most of us, these are things we have to learn and want them for ourselves.

Does my youngest have a big personality? Oh yes! Just ask her Grandma. Do I buy into the fact that she needs to develop a strong will? Yes, I think so. It kind of makes sense to me. So, I think, I will be praying for my littlest angel to develop a strong will . . .

4th of July

For the past 6 or so years we have celebrated with the same 2 or 3 families. Not intentionally. It just kind of happens. Our church puts on a family oriented fireworks display that rivals the big show across town. And we all just seem to gather, together, at the top of the hill. A tradition I guess you could say. My kind of tradition. No planning whatsoever!

There are jumpy things for the kids and concession sales of hamburgers, hot dogs, popcorn, snow cones, baked goods and sodas. The church is open so you can get cool or use the restroom. And they usually have a silent auction or garage sale going on inside.

So far, every year, we have been able to get a place right on the top of the hill, in the shade. And for as hot as it is in July, we were saying last night, that we have never been uncomfortably warm. Hubby usually goes up around 5 and sets out our chairs and blankets and umbrella. He comes home, we gather up every thing else and head out around 6:30ish.

This year I actually let the kids roam around. Big step for me. I am such a freak when it comes to events with TONS of people. But, early in the evening, it is mostly people from the church and the kids are responsible to each other and they were really good about checking in. Plus, from the top of the hill, you can see just about everything.

They had big fun cruising around with their friends. They would come back and tell me who they saw and talked with. The girls hung around with different friends and even Boop went and played Frisbee with our friend's son. When things got crowded and it started to get dark, they had to stay within eye sight. And they did great.

I even let EG go off with a friend to take a look around the place. Of course, EG was very entertaining. She would toddle around on the hill, loose her balance and fall down. Somebody was just waiting for her to roll all the way down the hill. She just kind of did her own thing. At one point, she put her goldfish crackers in a Frisbee and then added water. I guess she expected them to swim around!

Unfortunately, the fireworks got a late start, so daddy had to leave before they actually began. But, Little Mama cozied up to Grandma. Nature Girl sat with a friend and Boop and EG sat on the blanket with me. Of course the big girls loved the display. Boop was tired and laid down, almost like he was asleep through most of it. And EG, of course, thought they were the greatest thing since sliced bread! I would have loved to get a picture of her first expression. Her mouth opened in a big "O". She was amazed. Never once frightened.

We all had a great time. I think it is one of my favorite holidays. Family, good friends, minimal planning and lots and lots of fun . . .

A Dream Come True

I am so excited for my friend and family prayer warrior. She has had a dream come true. She has published her very first book! Confessions of a Prayer Slacker. It has taken her a long, long time to realize her dream. But with much persistence and prayer, it has finally come true. I just think it is soooo cool!

I have had an opportunity to read it and it really has changed my prayer life. It has helped me realize the priority of prayer in my life. I need to pray for a lot of reasons, but one of which is to grow my relationship with Christ. Prayer is such in integral part of that relationship.

I believe that some of the things going on in my life right now are a direct result of working on my priority of prayer time, quiet time with God. My prayer life is still a huge work in progress but I have been encouraged by Confessions to keep growing in that area.

If any of you are struggling with your prayer life or don't feel your relationship with Christ is at its fullest, I encourage you to check out Confessions of a Prayer Slacker on Amazon, Barnes and Noble or Christianbook.com. (Available the first week in August.)

Thank you Aunt Diane for being one of our family's prayer warriors. And thank you for passing on some of your wisdom in your book . . .

Today

We left the house at 8AM (cleaning lady came.)

Breakfast at Chick-fil-A. Have I mentioned I LOVE that place.

Got my phone fixed. Yay! I can text again!

Then to the grocery store for food for our fun family weekend. The kids did great!

Home, unloaded groceries, and showered.

Met Sissy at the mall, with the big girls, to do a little shopping.

Then a little lunch and met up with Grandma.

Shopped a little more.

Home by late afternoon to get ready for family dinner. Well, kinda get ready, daddy already had the ribs going.

Hung out with the fam and had a great summer holiday celebration dinner.

Now, kids in the tub and shower.

Ready for bed (me and the kids) . . .

Grandma is Coming Today

Gosh the summer is going by fast! Today Grandma comes for the holiday weekend. We have been vomit free for over 24 hours. But, in an abundance of caution, for tonight, Grandma will stay with Sissy to make sure we are cootie free!

Our agenda is something like this: breakfast tomorrow early (because the cleaning lady is coming), maybe see a friend in a musical mid-morning, tomorrow girls only afternoon (minus quarter pint as daddy calls EG), family dinner of ribs etc. either tomorrow night or Saturday, Saturday morning butterfly exhibit at a local nursery, Sunday church and fireworks, in the evening, at church for the 4th.

That is my agenda for the weekend. We will see what really happens . . .