Above is a pic of my youngest daughter and me.
My Husband, My brother in Christ
So... What's up...
It has been a hard year transitioning from full-time homeschooling for 6 years to part-time homeschooling. Three of our six children entered a classical Christian academy for 2007-2008. They would go to the school 2 days a week and I would homeschool them 3 days a week. Next year we will have all six of the kids there. The upper level grades will start going to the school 3 days a week instead of just two.
Even though it was a challenging year, not only did we survive, but we fell in love with the school, the teachers, the staff, the families involved. The challenges brought us closer as a family. Though at times there were some rifts, I got to witness my children grow spiritually and academically.
As a homeschooler for so many years, I was honestly intimidated to have my children tested to enter this school. They did just fine and I am so glad I got over my fears of thinking my teaching skills, or lack thereof, would be exposed. By the grace of God and the skill of the teachers and diligence of the kids, it appears they ended the year with each accomplishing a 4.0 accumulative average. To us, it isn't about academics. Though that is nice, it is more the character issues that concerned us.
Their history & English teacher, Mrs. Brinson, wrote the following to Josh, my 14 year old:
Joshua, you not only made the transition into Providence, but you made it quite successfully! I appreciate your interest in discussion, as well as your willingness to hear others. You are very diplomatic; yet stand firm in your convictions. That shows the kind of maturity that I think is important, not only for you, but for those around you.
...and she wrote the following about Brandon, my 13 year old:
Brandon, this has been a hard, yet very productive year for you. Hard in that you simply had many demands placed on you, productive in that you stepped up to the plate and tackled some difficult work as well as making HUGE advances in your writing skills. I look forward to next year-- without the monkeys-- as we continue with your favorite subjects ever: English and History!
Hmmm... need to ask about the monkeys. Brandon was challenged in that he was taking the same level courses as his older brother except for math... and it was tough!
I was encouraged to hear of the character awards the boys received. I also just found out my daughter received the character award for "faithfulness." I look at that and know that it is truly by the grace of God ALONE!!! And can only give HIM glory. I am a sinner saved by grace and these kids are growing, not because of our parenting skills, or lack thereof, but because of God's mercy. This has all brought me to my knees as I reflect on the hardships of my own childhood... as I think about the fact that I have a husband that LOVES the Lord in heart and life. Just as I cannot comprehend why the Lord would draw me to Himself, I cannot comprehend why He has blessed us so abundantly. It causes me to reverence the Lord... to fear Him with a Godly fear, knowing this is HIS work. All the blessings, the trials and afflictions in this life pale in comparison to the eternal weight of glory. The thought of being allowed to praise my Lord for eternity... humbling.
The boys band played for the school yesterday. Again, I cannot describe what it is like to have my children involved in a band that sings songs that bring praises to the Lord. There seemed to be over 200 people there yesterday and they asked for an encore. I am trying to figure out how to upload some pictures and some video clips right now. Once I get done, I will post them, but I have a few things to accomplish today... like a dentist appointment. Ugh.
Have a blessed weekend with your families.
Comments
What a wonderful encouragement it must be to hear how well your kids have done this year! We are preparing for our first homeschool graduate this year (you will get an announcement soon) and it seems like just yesterday that we sat at that dining room table and opened up the ABeka Kindergarten curriculum...
May God continue to bless you as you seek to serve Him through your parenting.
Blessings
Ramona
Posted by: sheshe | May 10, 2008 05:06 PM
God has blessed you abundantly! :)
Happy Mother's Day!
Posted by: jen elslager | May 10, 2008 11:28 PM
Thank you for taking the time to leave such sweet comments Ramona and Jen. They do grow so fast. Josh is several inches taller than me now and Brandon is getting there. {*BLINK*}
May the Lord bless you guys abundantly,
Lisa
Posted by: Lisa Nunley | May 12, 2008 09:12 AM