First Day of Homeschool, 2009-2010

Today is the first day of our 8th homeschool year! This year, I have a 7th grader, 5th grader, and 3rd grader! Time flies fast, as it seems like yesterday that Austin was starting Kindergarten. I pray I would be a diligent hard worker this year, teaching and training my boys not just in academics, but the things that truly matter in life- to walk with and fear the Lord. I am so thankful for this privilege and responsibility, and I truly enjoy each day I get to spend with my boys, even when things are difficult. I'm excited for what the coming year holds!



My third grader, Vance sitting at his desk.

Luke, my 5th grader!

Austin, my big 7th grade Junior High student, accomplishing much with his lollipop.

My three crazy monkeys. We truly get all spiffied up for each school day. Ahh. The beauty of homeschooling. I do require them to get dressed and comb their hair!!!!

Three boys, ready for another busy school year!

While the big one is away, the little ones will play.

On Friday, Austin went to his very first "Small Group Weekend" with the Junior High group at church. He spent the night at church, played games, ate food, then went to the Santa Monica Pier the next day with the whole group. He had an absolute blast! While he was away, the little mice played....at the shooting range with Daddy. I went as the official photographer (as terrible of one that I am), so I could document the fun. Dave grew up going to shooting ranges with his Dad and brothers, and Dave has passed that on to our boys. He has taught the boys a lot over the years about guns and gun safety, and has taken the boys various times to the range to try out different guns (some were their Papa Ed's guns and some are our own). Today, we took our three rifles out for some fun. It was the first time shooting the two new guns that Papa Ed gave us a few months ago.

Vance shooting the paper targets. He pretty much didn't leave this chair the whole time. Shoot. Reload. Shoot. Reload. Have some beef jerky. Shoot. Reload.

Dave and Luke shooting the paper targets.

Vance aiming at the metal targets. Little metal cowboys, ducks, cactuses (or is it cactii? I never know....)

Luke looking mighty serious, y'all.

Vance had a particular "squat" that he assumed each time he fired. It was quite comical!

Luke having a great time. What boy wouldn't love this, anyways?

Reloading the magazine.

Vance following Dave's rule: Always point it up or straight ahead when reloading.

Two boys having a great time with Dad at the range. You did a great job, boys.

Magic Mountain for $6.03

Lest you think I am kidding, it really is no joke. My three boys and I all spent the entire day at Magic Mountain yesterday for $6.03! The boys did the "Read to Succeed" program during the school year, where in exchange for 6 hours of reading per child, you get a free ticket to Magic Mountain, and the teacher gets a free ticket, too! Amazing! My dear friend Sabrina offered to drop me off and pick me up at the gate since she lives about 10 minutes from the park, to save the ***CHOKE*** $15 they charge you, rather rob you, to park there. We ate PB&J's right before entering the gate, I packed snacks and water bottles, and we got free cups of ice water all day long at various food stands. Now, you may be asking "What was $6.03?" Well, that was my reward, (a frozen lemonade), to one of my brave children, who without reserve decided to face his fears and attack Batman. Needless to say, the said child rode Batman about 4 more times after that! The crowd was SO light, and we literally walked onto every ride with the exception of about a 30 minute wait at the new ride, Terminator Salvation. Austin and I even got onto the very popular Tatsu ride in 15 minutes flat. It was so fun, as we were able to ride everything, and ride everything again! A lot of times, they just ran right back into line and rode things twice or three times. It was such a lovely day! I had every intention of leaving before dinner, but we ended up staying until closing time-10PM!!!!! I really enjoyed spending the day with my boys. They are truly fearless, and it's so fun to all enjoy the same rides together. Austin literally will ride anything in the park. No exceptions. Luke and Vance had a very short list of rides they just wouldn't attempt, like X and Tatsu. But they were fearless for the rest! It was such a fun day and a very huge blessing to be able to experience it at practically no cost.

In fact, most of our summer activities have been mostly little or no cost, and we have been kept busy all summer. What a blessing! We have had swim days at friends' pools, the free weekly movies at the Edwards Cinemas, a few Aquatic Center and beach days, trips to the library, serving at Children's Hunger Fund twice a month, and even a bike ride here and there when it cools off enough. I might add that my boys all put me to shame on the bike paths. I can hardly keep up. Dave teases me about being the only person in the house who regularly exercises, yet the last one to finish the trail! Hmffff.....I have no clue.

We're coming to the tail end of our leasurely fun-filled and relaxing summer. School books are now being purchased, and lesson plans are underway, as we plan to begin a new school year in a couple of weeks. I am so thankful for the rest from the school routine, but always anxiously await the order that it brings to our home each fall. I am looking forward to continuing my early morning routine that I have been doing for the last few months in the context of the school year. Early mornings for me mean my heart, mind, and body are prepared for the school day when it begins! Praise God for all He is doing in our family, and may we seek to glorify Him in all we do!