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I apologize for my absence from blogging, it is an incredibly busy time for our family. We are in the midst, and now only weeks away, from the wedding of our oldest child. It is a time of wonderful memories, and a bit of intrepidation as I let go of my first baby...and of course, she'll always be my baby.
At 22, 1G22, will marry a young man of 25, who is already serving his country in the service, and currently completing his degree in Aerospace Engineering, just like her. They have much in common while being really fantastic individuals and make a truly wonderful couple. I am praying for God to bless their union, as I am sure you will join with me in praying for as well.
We continue work on book two in her series and you can still check out book one on her site (www.jessicalynncampos.com) or at amazon under the title "The Risen, the Chosen, and the Dark: The Dawn of It All" or her name. The editing process is slow as we are certainly more focused on her wedding right now. We've also put on a few activities at her site if you go and check out the "Book One" tab and find at the top of that page "Available Activities Corresponding to Book One." I'd really love any opinions about the activities. I hope to work out an entire little unit study of some sort, I just don't have the time right now. But soon.
Homeschooling is forging ahead and 3B10 continues his work with reading. My Reading Coach continues to be a tremendous blessing for him, I don't know what I would have done had we not reviewed that program. He still complains at times, but then, some days I can't blame him. A lot of learning is work for him, I don't know if it is the autism or just him, but it is work. We make it as fun as possible and the Workbox system continues to yield wonderful blessings in that area as well. I can hardly believe 2G17 begins her final year next month officially. They truly do grow up too fast.
We began mounting 3B10's artwork for "grading" by other family members and his drawing is improving. I wasn't sure how well he would take to the idea, but he jumped on it, and has taken to heart the tips and advice offered by his older sisters. Anyone can do the same using sticky notes at the bottom or around a picture with whatever grading scale suits their family. The activity really does depend on the child because I would never use it with a child not interested in the idea, then you might do more harm than good, and we'd never want that. But for him, it is working wonders. He just posts a new picture and lets everyone know, or when we notice it we'll "grade" it appropriately, and then he checks out his grade. He has even gone to some of us to ask why we graded a particular way, wanting to know how he could improve, which was a HUGE thing for him. Having any consideration about what other people think of his work, or anything else for that matter, is one of the big drawbacks with autism, these kids just don't have it--they very literally couldn't care less. But this has really drawn him out as he has discovered that he can make improvements by considering other people's opinions. A new thing!! And a really great way to introduce it.
As usual, 2G17 is remaining very busy with summer activities. This year she has worked as a counselor at a camp for the middle schoolers in her youth group, has attended for the second time a leadership training camp, and just last week was out for the standard week long summer camp with her youth group. We have missed her as at times I feel she is just a blur I watch run in and out of the house!! We also enjoy quite a few evenings with all of the kids over at our house to watch movies, which I really love! It is nice to know they have a safe place to go and hang out together, and I really appreciate that they feel comfortable in our home. Stocking pizza rolls, taquitos and popcorn probably hasn't hurt either. ;-)
Wedding plans are crazy! We are so close now, less than three weeks. We are knocking out the little annoying details at this point. Decorations for the reception, plans for a bridal shower this weekend, going through her things to determine what she wants to keep/give away/or have us store indefinitely for her. I am so thankful we really do have the space to do so, I only wish we were more organized about it. And my mind seems to be reeling almost constantly. There really are so many aspects to a wedding. And my 2G17 is busily making plans for her "some day" ceremony and all that she may want to have take place. I pray God brings her the right young man in His time, and that he will be a wonderful leader for his family.
I will post our curriculum plans after the wedding has passed and life quiets down again. For now, things are good. 4B4 is into everything and will begin more little activities this year. 5B2 is as adorable as ever and really does think he is "all that and a bag of chips" and regularly cracks us up. And as I said, 3B10 continues to work through his schoolwork fairly well and is enjoying summer afternoons in the little blow up pool their uncle gave them last year. We are blessed this summer, I hope that you are too!
Tell me what you are up to??? I'd really love to hear it.
Copyright 2009 Donna Campos |
