~Mentally Drained, yet Spiritually Charged~

Ok....most of you know about our decision to home-school Noah this year. More specifically, we're partnering with a local University Model school/institution that supports homeschoolers & their parents. Noah began his co-op classes this past Monday (the 16th). We're proud to say that our expectations...whatever they were or should have been, have been surpassed greatly. Although the curriculum we've chosen is difficult at this point..hence the title of this post....God has allowed me to imagine and see the benefits of teaching from a Christian perspective. The process is still very new to me, but I've already found a routine of sorts for instruction...thanks to all of you who have prayed, sent messages, texts, and emails. I have needed every ounce of support I've received...thank you! I'd like to ask you to please continue the prayers....as I know I will continue to need them. Anyway....just wanted to include a couple of pictures from Noah's 1st day of class. As you can see, he was more than proud to wear his special school shirt!

The backpack has since required a few adjustments to make it comfortable...lol. Too many books and a heavy lunch almost knocked Noah off his feet! Literally!

And....can't forget that my baby girl also began Preschool this past Tuesday...the 17th. If you're wondering how my heart was able to handle so many transitions in one week, I assure you...I'm still wondering how as well. But....she was a true big girl and didn't look back. She loves her teacher, Ms. Melissa, and has already made mommy 3 beautiful crafts this week. She is talking A LOT now, so we hear ALLLLL about everything from her these days. Such a fun stage!

Spunky little girl!

Even though she didn't have to bring lunch this week, she insisted on carrying her snail lunch bag. It, along with her black sequined Converse, are her favorites things right now...:)

Our bashful baby....

The Sailer Look...:)

The End! Thank you all again for prayers and encouragement this week! I've received the peace that I SOOOO needed and desired. Praise God! We made it!

The Time Has Come!!!

Well....hello! How 'bout 2 blog posts in one week? I think this may be a first...lol. Anyway, hope this week finds you all well and looking forward to the weekend! I know I am! But, first, I'm so excited to share with you all Noah's Study Space, as we like to call it. When Jason & I decided that we were going to home-school Noah, my first thought was....we really need a space for learning.....an environment where lessons can be taught without distractions. So, basically, we turned a small corner of our sunroom into a study space. It's taken me all summer long, and much research to decide what materials I would need.....for example, I am only teaching Noah K Math and K Social Studies/Map Skills. Noah will attend a private co-op institution (it's technically not a school) on Mondays/Wednesdays where he will be tutored in Language Arts, Science, and Chapel. He will be tutored with 5-7 other students in Kindergarten AND 1st grade (How about that for class size?). Then, on Tuesday/Thursday, I will supplement what he learned (via web postings) and teach my own Math & Social Studies lessons (via A Beka). It may sound a bit confusing...and, believe me, it's taken me awhile to wrap my brain around the process, but I am totally excited! And, Noah is too! Although...I must mention that Noah told me that I must dress like a teacher if I was going to teach him...lol. So, Noah, how exactly do teachers dress? Still waiting for an answer to that one...:) On another note, Noah told Jason this evening that he had the best teacher in the WORLD...me! Little does he know, there's a part of me that's scared to death, but, hearing him say that reminded me of why I am taking this challenge....I love Noah more than anything! And, I'm going to do the very best I can to provide a positive and fun Kindergarten experience for him!

Noah's Study Space!!!
The book displayed on top of the organizer is VERY special to me.....it was a Child's Quiet Time book that I bought for Noah when he was 9 months old. Now, he'll get to use it.....and, if you are wondering about our little doggy on the yard stick...his name is Sparky, and Noah will use him as a pointer during games, activities, etc. lol. Gotta keep things interesting, you know!
Counters.....and more counters...
Game Pieces....I am super excited about the Math Games I'll be using....there's a Big Bank game, Cheery Colors, Beside the Sea, Let's Go!, The Big Park, Hickory Dickory Dock, and the Old Apple Tree Game....:)
The Truth. Enough said.
Supplies...and more supplies....
And, last, but certainly not least, Noah's class pets.....frogs Princess (named for Sailer) and Chameleon....

~Our Family~Summer of 2010~

Hi Friends! Lots have happened since my last post....I entered an exclusive club...you may have heard of it....the 30 club??? Ha! Yep....I turned 30! And, it's great so far....just surreal. Of course, Jason planned some fun surprises, dinners, and relaxation for me....it certainly made turning 30 exciting...not depressing. :) The weeks since my b/day in late July have been L-O-N-G, though, and I've felt a bit out of the loop. We're preparing for many changes around here....home-schooling our first-born for the FIRST time, sending our baby girl to Preschool for the FIRST time, starting Noah's 3rd season of soccer, watching Sailer in her second round of gymnastics, attending open houses, registration meetings, orientations....and, not to mention, making what seems like a hundred outings for school supplies, organizational equipment, and clothes. Wow. Busy times! But, they've been good times too....Noah & Sailer are completely growing up before our eyes this summer! As you know, this is bittersweet. We love watching them grow & learn, but there are moments when I wish they would stay like this forever....they are at great ages & stages, and I truly LOVE being with them. So...although I have much to talk about & share, I want to make this post about family....our family. A few weeks ago, we had a special family photo session with Amber Castleberry. She is an outstanding photographer! We are so thankful for these photos....Jason rarely gets to be on this side of the camera with us. Surely....several of these photos will be up in our home soon! Enjoy!

~Thanks Amber for an amazing session! Can't wait until the next one!~