It is officially unofficial!

Today we officially ushered in the unofficial start to summer! And what a great start it was. We spent the middle of the day at the grand opening of the YMCA's outdoor pool. Everyone was excited, but none at much at Isaac. Today marked at turning point in my boy's young life. It finally happened...Isaac is tall enough to go down the big blue slide!!! Woohoo!!!

Isaac wasn't the only person to experience a "first" in their life. Tonight I built my first fire all by myself! It was wonderful and smelled so good. The fire pit is perfect for roasting marsh mellows and making smores. So that is just what we did.

Don't worry, I didn't forget what today was really about. We spent our afternoon doing a mini unit study on the significance of Memorial Day. And we did it as only homeschoolers can. It was complete with worksheets, games, vocabulary, artwork, music and journal writing. Grace's rendition of The Battle Hymn of the Republic on piano was outstanding. Elijah's drawing of a Soldier with a bloody sword was a sight to behold. And Isaac's moving performance of The Caisson Song was moving, to say the least. I can't tell you how much I love seeing my children learn. It is such a blessing to know that I get to be a part of that process. What a privilege it is to have the freedom to homeschool.

So today, on this very special day. I choose to remember those who have fought for my freedom. It is because of them I can homeschool. It is because of them today was possible. It is by the Grace and Mercy of my God that I was born in this country. I AM SO VERY DEEPLY THANKFUL for those who feel that this country and the freedom it holds so precious is worth fighting for.

"There's a hair in it!"

Went to the movies with the Klouda's tonight. We saw "Diary of a Wimpy Kid.?" Although it wasn't the best movie I have ever seen, it was definitely very cute. It's sort of a "Wonder Years" without the charm. I am willing to concede that this movie doesn't have any award winning performances. Nor would I go so far as to say it has any wholesome or inspiring moments. What it does have is a twelve-year-old who does his math homework, and actually shows up for school. His supposedly sadistic brother likewise has no problems with schoolwork, girls or drugs and never actually does anything to Greg (main character). His Mom’s not on prozac. His Dad isn’t having an affair. And not a single person in the entire film mentions the "S" word (sex). If you are looking for a movie that will strike an emotional cord, move you to tears, inspire you to greatness, or make you laugh till you pee your pants, then this movie is not for you. If you want to take you kids to see a movie where you don't have to cover their ears, explain the plot, or leave during the middle, then I highly recommend this one.

I Spy With My Little Eye!

Elijah gets the privilege of baring the title "First Durham Kid in Glasses." Who knew he would be so excited? He loves his glasses and is so happy to be able to see clearly! I am thrilled for him. Doesn't he look cute?

We have spent two years telling the kid not to back out of the batters box in baseball. Bless his heart the entire time he wasn't able to judge the distance of the ball and thought it was going to hit him. Yes, a better parent would have suspected that their child was having problems with his vision. But I never claimed to be a better parent, just the best one that I know how to be. And some days it is evidently not enough. But, yesterday I took my child for an eye exam and today I took him to get his new glasses. Although, that doesn't qualify me for mom of the year it does make me way better than the mom who yelled at her kid for not staying inside the batters box.

The Road Less Traveled

Had a blast today. Spent the morning at the Children's Museum in Oak Ridge. We absolutely love going as often as possible. There is so much to see and do. If you have never been, I strongly recommend taking time to visit. It is inexpensive, informative, interesting, hands on, and best of all FUN!!

I think the best part of the trip today was hanging out with other homeschool families. I always feel that homeschoolers share a certain bond between the parents and kids as well as between families. Sort of a kindred spirit, if you will. We all appreciate the freedom that we have to choose homeschooling as an alternative for our children’s education. When our children are homeschooled, we all gain our freedom. We gain emotional freedom for our children. Homeschooled, your child is free from bullies, bad teachers, boredom, as well an inadequate education. As a family we gain the physical freedom of not being locked into the hours and schedules imposed and dictated by the school system. Another freedom that is gained by homeschooling is religious freedom. I personally consider religious and spiritual beliefs to be an integral part of my children's education, that is something you just can not get in public school.

These freedoms unite us together. We appreciate each other for taking the road less traveled. We admire the God given gifts and talents in each others children. We care and love each other. And I feel privileged to have these families in my life.

Really? What was there no trash in the ditch along the side of the road?

Headed to the sprinklers in Powell after a morning of piano and laundry. The weather was perfect. An occasional cloud would pass over the sun, just long enough to allow everyone to cool down for a minute. The kids loved it and enjoyed playing with all the other kiddos.

As with most things in my life there is a BUT. A big BUT (pun intended) no doubt. We arrived at the park just in time to see the Sheriff's truck park. And what proceeds to come out, you ask? Convicts, I tell you. Like clowns piling out of the VW at the Shriner's Circus.

Really? I am all for prisoners working for their keep. Or those who drive drunk making restitution for their crime. But is the park an appropriate place for this? Do we need prisoners picking up trash at the park where our children play? Are the roadsides and lake banks so clean that they have no where else to go? Are we so lazy that we need prisoners to pick up after our children? Can our children not do this for themselves?

I mean REALLY!

Liza Moz

What a great day! We headed out to West Town Mall this morning to meet up with friends. We met at Liza Moz to do some pottery painting. If you haven't tried it out, you really should. They have pieces of pottery to paint starting at $5. That price includes your chosen piece of pottery,4 colors of paint, glazing and firing. I thought Grace would enjoy the project but I wasn't sure about the boys. Much to my surprise the boys loved it and they did a fantastic job.

We had lunch in the mall. Eating the teriyaki chicken from Sakio's has become sort of a family tradition. My kids have it down to a science. They all order the chicken double meat with fried rice, no veggies, and extra sauce. Of course we order our drinks from Chic-fil-a because they are better there and they have free refills. So when I say we have this whole eating at the mall thing down I MEAN IT!

Now I am home with my family listening to it storm. I LOVE a good thunderstorm! I am so thankful for this day and that God gave me such great friends and family to share it with!