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Saturday, August 8, 2009

The Sum of All Parts

I seriously do not know how people find time to blog on a regular basis! I do find it sad that my track record is only one posting a year. I will try to remedy that this month. I thought our summer was going to be more restful but as happens every year, it's just whipping by and I am left wondering what the heck we've done for two months!

Our school year went very well. Tori went back to public high school for her senior year. She had wanted to be a police officer for the past three years. So, she enrolled in a law course and miracle beyond miracle landed a placement at our Ontario Provincial Police Detachment. She beat out 25 other students across our city. We were so proud and it was a real answer to prayer! She worked in the office and enjoyed the girls she worked with, and even got out in a cruiser with an officer for a ride along. But in talking to another policeman about her education in regards to being hired on there, he recommended she choose a secondary career as they would train her for policing. Well, that turned her in another direction completely and now she has abandoned her dream of being in law enforcement. For now, she doesn't know what she wants to do. She completed her school year with a short stint in summer school picking up her last math credit, and now is working an extremely part-time job at a local grocery store. She is hoping to pick up another job or two and work this next year before deciding about her post-secondary education. She also started dating a lovely Christian guy just before Christmas, and they are quite serious. Right now, we continue to struggle with her. She is a baby bird too big for the nest but still unable to fly on her own. She would not agree, of course, and therein lies the struggle. I continue to bathe her prayer!

As for Belle and Hunter, we all enjoyed our year homeschooling together! Belle did miss her friends from the academy but she joined the Friday Group and had a great time at their regional competition in May. The group also had music, art, and archery lessons. She was busy almost every night of the week. Monday was her small group Bible study, Tuesday she'd go to the movies or Awanas, Wednesday she was a junior leader helping with the Junior Youth Group, and Friday was Senior Youth Group. She also picked up some odd jobs babysitting and doing yard work. As for her school work, that proved to be a little more challenging when working in a new environment with a busy little brother! She had a harder time staying focused and didn't get as much accomplished as she would have in the academy. They were always good to get the best out of her. But she enjoyed being more relaxed at home and spending time with us!

With Hunter, I thought home schooling was going to be a complete failure! By the end of the first month, I was ready to send him back to school! He was unfocused and squirrely, and he couldn't get any work done unless I practically "sat" on him. By the end of October, I was at my wits' end and another home school mom had me convinced my son had ADHD, which I would never have considered before. I was praying for wisdom and asking God to show me what do, and He answered! I realized he had WAY too much sugar in his diet. When he was a baby, he had a lot of feeding issues which just spiraled into eating issues when he got older making him a very timid and picky eater. But, of course, all kids love sugar. I realized there were a lot of sugary drinks in the house as well. So, of course, the only plan of action was drastically cutting down his sugar intake. I arrived at this conclusion on Halloween Day of course!!! I decided on a two sugar treat a day max which included a granola bar, chocolate milk, etc. We took him to a Harvest Party instead of out trick or treating. And within a week, our boy had calmed down and was a different kid. He read better, had less temper tantrums, was more focused, and could actually get his school work done in a reasonable amount of time. So, the rest of the year went very well. I found a lovely tutor for him, taught him a little sign language, and we enjoyed reading together. He got a lot of work done and I was very pleased with his progress!

We also managed to do a lot of extras with home schooling. We went walking, biking, swimming, played games, did our devotions and prayed together, took some rain and snow days off, and enjoyed a little freedom! I loved the fact that on a gorgeous fall day, while other kids were stuck in a class room, we had the privilege of going for a walk and picking up pretty leaves! Thank you, Lord, for a good year!!!

As for myself, in September, I started selling Avon. It is very low on my priority list so I'm not making too much right now. I have also taken over the women's ministry at my church. That is a big job and has proved challenging! But it is kingdom work so hopefully the Lord will bless!

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About Me

Disclaimer: This blog is mostly a personal diary about our homeschooling adventures, my time with family and friends, and a record of my journey with GOD. If you want a peek into our lives, you are always welcome. But if you get bored, please feel free to move on to greener reading pastures! May the LORD bless you and keep you!!