Moving Up

3 years ago, we began a  journey that neither of us had any idea would have the magnificent impact that it has. Homeschooling has been the most wonderful, amazing, joy filled, challenge. And a couple weeks ago, the kids, Chris and I completed yet another year. It's been the best yet, I think! You begin to relax and find a better groove with each passing year. It's been awesome to have Grayson and Ada doing lots of their work together side by side. It's a great experience to see them growing in knowledge, faith and love alongside one another. There really was so few "bad" days this year, attitudes were fairly acceptable most of the time, there wasn't much fight going up about doing the work, and together we learned so so much...and it was FUN!

Ada, our Kindergartner, who turned 6 in February, currently says she wants to be a doctor when she grows up. And watching that girl and her eagerness to learn, this is so doable for her. She has blossomed into an incredible reader this year. She loves to write. And her little mind retains so much of the information presented to her. It's incredible! We have let her move at her own pace, as far as core content goes. I don't want to hold her back and certainly don't want to push her too far, so I just let her go, and go she does! She completed all first grade math and one semester of second grade math. She completed her first grade phonics this year and joined Grayson in Adventures in US History for all other subjects. She enjoys cursive and computer work, and as mentioned before LOVES to read! She checks out 4 or 5 chapter books at a time and reads every word of them by the second week...she definitely takes after her daddy with that one! :) She will continue moving through second grade math, spelling, and language, next year. She loves doing extra stuff here and there, and we let her go as quickly as her heart desires, and that's one of the many beauties of homeschool!

Grayson, our second grader, has completed all his second grade core subjects. He, as of now, is not totally decided on what he would like to be, and we constantly have to reassure him that it's okay not to know exactly what you want to be for the rest of your life, at 7 years old! ;) He loves hands on learning but was so much more compliant and willing to dive in to book work this year, as well.

We started Adventures in US History in January and it is so fun!! We are having a blast with it! The read alouds are great, the work keeps them busy and content, and together we are learning so much. We paused for our summer break at the beginning of the states review, because that seems like a fun place to start back. :) We were so fortunate to be able to step back in time a little and board a 17th century ship, as it passed by The States, it really was a wonderful way to finish up the discovery and establishment of America, portion of Adventures. They all had a blast and Chris and I thought it was pretty neat too! The El Galeon has sailed pretty much around the world the old fashioned way! Cool experience, and pretty magnificent to see!

The year over all was one of growth and maturity for them both. Ada continued not only progressing academically but also in her gymnastics. She very much enjoyed the opportunity to take an art class as well. That is one of her favorite subjects, for sure! Grayson really grew maturity wise and much more eager and excited about all areas of school, not just what he likes. He continued in the art class, was able to begin piano lessons...which he truly loves, and completed his wolf rank in Cub Scouts. It was a good, successful year for them both, and as I said an enjoyable one as well!

Next year is looking fun and exciting, full of change! Grady's new preschool material came and looks like he will have such fun learning alongside big brother and sister, and he also is anticipating a rank change, becoming a big brother this winter! ;) He starts T Ball this week, and is so excited. He's been practicing and we are all looking forward to cheering on that little cutie.

The big kids will continue in Adventures of US History and hope to complete that mid November before little brother/sister ("bruster", as they have named it) arrives. Our school year has gotten into a good little schedule that really works well for us. We are more year rounders, with a month off in May and December, and six weeks on and one off while in session. They typically, as of now "move up" a grade (Math, Language, Spelling) after May break, and begin new "extra" curriculum (History, Science, Bible) in January. This is really working well for us and hope this year will be as successful as last! :)

What an amazing year we had. I am so grateful for the opportunity to teach my children, not just academically, but really pour into their characters the way my heart desires. I would actually venture to say, homeschooling, for us, has so much less to do with academics than it does with raising good people, and helping them learn through experience. Watching them get their hands dirty, or just play. Pretend with one another, spend way too many hours outside before we do school, reading any book they want, as often as they want, taking a trip to see something we are learning about, it's all such a blessing and I worry so little over where they are according to the academic "standard", because I know that if I have raised good people, that will take them far, and God will equip them for their calling!

So, exhausted, joy-filled, and teary eyed, we have completed another year, and moving on to the next! I am so blessed. Truly truly blessed to call these children mine and maybe a tad bit of pride to know that I actually helped teach them what they know...a teacher! That's one thing I said I would NEVER do! Ha! Guess what I am doing....sitting here planning for next year! ;) Thank goodness God knows much better than we!