Hello.  Sorry for the pauses between blog entries, but I have been busy and haven't felt the same urge to write about our life of schooling lately.

Alex started piano lessons.  He is liking them, and we are considering saving up money to buy him a keyboard that is computer compatible.

Megan started flute lessons and she loves them.  I am so proud of how well she is doing with her practicing already.  I hope she sticks with it.  We found a cheap rental in the area, so that helps!

I am supposed to start auditing College Algebra this week.  I still don't have the textbook.  I just am having a hard time justifying spending almost $200 on a book for it!!  It kills me.  We are so badly in debt right now.  We really should take out a loan on our equity to consolidate our debt.  I am seriously considering doing just that.

Had my second and final review of this school year.  It went fine.  We have a very nice lady who does an umbrella school thing with us.  We are blessed by this.

Tonight was the dreaded Battle of the Books competition with our local library.  Alex was nervous, the team had been doing really crappy in practices, and the set-up turned out to be nothing like what we had planned and prepared them for.  Those of you with Asperger's kids know how important preparation is for things like this.

Alex was such a winner!  He was the team captain, which meant that he did all of the writing, directing of answers, and final say in answering.  One of the other kids with Autism and some other disorders thrown into the mix had a very difficult time, and Alex handled it so well.  He was quite the leader.  When this boy turned his chair away and refused to play anymore, Alex told him, "I miss you and I wish you would come back."  This made the kid feel very special.

Afterward, we all went to the local coffee shop for hot cocoa and unwind time.  The boys ran around like nuts playing superheroes, their cheeks rosy and their mouths full of laughter.  It was such a wonderful, happy experience.

The parents had been having doubts over the last month as to whether we should have the kids actually DO the competition.  We were worried about embarrassment, meltdowns, self-esteem, etc.  I am so glad we decided to let them all finish it out. 

I am so proud of them all!!

Alhumdullilah!

Good morning!  We spent yesterday staying busy.  I was on-call Saturday night, so I have advantage of being on daylight time this week...yay!!  We moved Megan's bookshelf to the dining room, which freed up a lot more space for books and games and things.  I no longer have two window radiator "shelves" full of books precariously waiting to fall over.  We are going to convert that corner in her room into a painting studio for her.  I can't wait!

Alex had his best friend over to spend the night.  They went down to the woods to play in their fort for about an hour, then we went to the local Chinese buffet, whereupon they stuffed themselves to the point of no ice cream needed.  We proceeded to Port City Java for their weekly chess night.  The boys played each other for about three games, and then Alex played this very kind gentleman who comes every week.  He seems to be a real enthusiast, and actually enjoyed playing with Alex.  I have trouble fathoming this, because I know how annoying Alex can be at times!  Dan played Alex's friend one game, and then he went to watch Alex's game.  Megan ended up drifting over and watching, too.  It was odd, but in a very happy, pleasant way.  Alex thanked the man, without prompting from Mom when it was time to go, and shook his hand.  I was so proud of him.  I thanked the man, and he shook my hand warmly.  He had a good handshake.  The kind that tells you how nice he is.  He said it had been his pleasure, he had greatly enjoyed it.  I just was tickled!  For those of you who have a child with Asperger's in your home, you know what I am talking about.  I can't wait for next week.

I am taking all three kids bowling this morning with our local homeschool group.  None of them slept well, so I am crossing my fingers that my luck doesn't run out!  Wish me well.