Happy Graduation, Salem!

Graduation looks a bit different for seniors these days! With the world in lock-down while waiting for the Corona pandemic to pass, we are all sheltering at home and secluded from friends and family.  Graduation ceremonies and parties are being cancelled, and all over the world people are getting creative to find ways to honor their children's' graduations.

We had no party planned because we had determined to give Salem the once in a life time opportunity to travel to Israel for 10 days with friends of ours who tour the Holy Land every few years.  Like Salem, they are lovers of history and are amazing Pastors/Bible teachers, and we knew this was the BEST way for Salem to experience Israel.

Of course, due to travel restrictions, those plans have since been cancelled.  To say we are disappointed is an understatement, but we are trusting God's sovereign plan and His timing. (and planning to try again for his college graduation!)

Yep, that is about the look on his face when he heard the trip was off!  ;)  It was also one of the outtakes of his photo session, which ended up being done by his oldest sister!

Luckily we got some good ones as well!

Salem has been homeschooled all of his school career!  I remember thinking after schooling the two girls first, how will I ever do this with a boy?  Praise the Lord, he made it fairly easy.  While the days of tears with the girls were replaced by the rough and tumble of our first born boy, we did manage to rein him in enough to get the basics done as well as a few fun classes like aviation and architecture.  Salem would tell you his favorite classes are anything history related and he keeps us all up on the latest and greatest history trivia daily!

Like his sisters, he has spent his senior year dual crediting college classes and is just two classes shy of being done with all of his general college requirements.

He will be attending Yavapai College in the fall where he will study Gunsmithing.  Not quite sure yet where it will take him, but it is exciting to see him pursuing a much loved hobby and passion that will hopefully turn into a dream career in a few years. 

What a priviledge it has been to raise this young man and watch him grow and mature into a sweet child of God!  We are super proud of all he has accomplished and cannot wait to see where the Lord leads him next!

HAPPY GRADUATION!
Soar high, Salem!  YOU ARE LOVED!

Hiding behind the camera- Ashton!

A Graduation, A Trip to Texas, and What's Next!

I promised an update today and though it is later in the day than I had intended, I am determined to get this posted.  I know other than 34 Weeks of Clean, it has been pretty silent on the blog lately.  Like crickets chirping quiet, I know!  Not that lots hasn't been going on, but ya'll I have been tired and not very motivated.

That's it.  No other excuses.

After years of reviewing for Schoolhouse Review Crew and being on staff with them, I resigned and now only will be doing a few independent reviews here and there.  It was such a hard decision as I LOVED what I did and the people I worked for but as this family is moving into some new seasons of life I felt worn out by the demand and knew I needed to refocus and put my family first.

So yes, less reviews and more family time.  Which means you get more of just US!  Lucky you!  We are still on the homeschooling journey, but starting next month I will be down to just Colby and 7th grade.  Salem, our 17 year old, is taking online college classes and is pretty much mom free.  (shhh, don't tell him that!)

The thing that took up most of of brain cells last month was this girl!

After just three years away at college, she graduated with a BFA in Musical Theatre.  Since we did get the privilege of seeing her senior showcase, as well as her final college production, we were unable to attend graduation.  I will be forever thankful to the many sweet families that supplied us with lots of pictures and loved on her in our place.  She is now home for the summer with BIG plans for the fall.  More on that adventure to come!

We also just returned from an amazing retirement of one of our dearest friends and his family after 30 years of Air Force service.  Not only was it a special time to celebrate them, but it also allowed us to catch up with old military friends, some of which we had not seen in years!  It was a time of many surprises, lots of laughter, and a million memories.  My heart is full.  Since it was not my event and not every cares for their face to be seen all over the internet, I won't post pictures other than this one I got permission to share.  These friends have stuck with us through thick and thin for over 26 years and we love them dearly.

Since I never ask my kids permission to post pictures of them, however, I will leave you with these.

 

These two were born in Florida just three weeks apart and have been best friends since!  Our resident models and entertainers.

That's all I have got for you now.  If you want to find us, we can usually be found pool side, learning to embrace this new Arizona life.  So far, it's not too bad!

Blessings,

Cracking the ACT

It is that time of year again when many college bound high schoolers are working on transcripts and taking the ACT and/or SAT to try to get into the college of their choice.  The race is on and the stress is real.

Years ago after my first child took both the ACT and SAT, both nationally recognized college admittance exams, we decided we preferred the ACT.  Thankfully for us, so did most of the schools she applied to and so that is what she concentrated on taking.  At the time, that concentration basically looked like eating a good breakfast and going in and doing her best on test day.  She was a natural test taker and it worked for her.

Now years later, it is her brother's turn, who consequently, is not a natural test taker.  He is a good student and loves anything history related, but spitting out facts he considers unimportant, ie ACT questions in general, is not something he excels in. 

His first attempt at the ACT was a solid score, but in my momma's heart, I KNEW he could do better.  Convincing him of that was a whole different ballgame.

Thant's where Cracking the ACT- 2018 Edition came into play!  Because I am a reviewer for the Timberdoodle Company, I often have the privilege of reviewing parts of their amazing curriculum line.  Seeing that Cracking the ACT was being offered, I knew the timing was perfect for our family.  

For the past four months my 17 year old has spent 20-30 minutes a day reviewing this resource in hopes to raise his original ACT score.  He took the test for a second time last weekend, and while the results are not in yet, I can tell you what we have seen by way of his practice test scores.

First things first!  Let me tell you about the book Cracking the ACT.

THINK BIG-  Remember the old fashioned phone books.  Well, they have nothing on this book!  It is a whopping 815 pages, softbound thank goodness.  And no, there are not a bunch of filler pages of silliness. 

THINK COMPLETE-  Did I mention there are a lot of pages?  11 Chapters to be precise! 

• Part 1- This is your orientation that talks about general strategies, score goals and how to actually take the ACT.
• Part 2- Cracking the English test
• Part 3- Cracking the Math test
• Part 4- Cracking the Reading test
• Part 5- Cracking the Science test
• Part 6- Cracking the Writing test
• Part 7- Answers and Explanations
• Part 8- 11 Practice Exams- This is where the rubber meets the road and you get to try out all of your knowledge.

In addition to the four practice tests included in the book, there are also two additional tests you can access online.  It is important to note that the sections that talk about "cracking" the tests are made up of a few different parts.  Some sections simply show you ways to quickly eliminate fluff answers and "best guess" the correct answer.  Other parts are quick reviews of basic skills you should have down pat before entering the test room.  Either way, all of the practice is just one more way to not only beef up one's skill's, but make your student more comfortable with the four hour long test.

One of the most helpful parts of the book, in my opinion, is the Answer and Explanation section.  Once your child has taken the practice tests and you have scored their answers, it truly behooves you to have them look at what they missed.  While it may not be possible to learn everything that will be on the ACT, there are some mistakes that can be quickly fixed with the simple explanations given.  Trust me, the process works!

THINK RESULTS-  This is what you have been waiting for, right?  After all, what is the use of a study book if you do not see any positive, measurable results?  Again, we do not have the official results of my son's last ACT, but I can share with you that we saw much improvement and a more confident test taker after using this program.  Our goal from the beginning was to improve his original score, but also to make him more confident in his ability to take the test again.  After taking the English portion of the ACT practice score his score was raised by 5 points!  We were thrilled as this is the area we felt he had done well on in the first place, so to see him improve the already strong score was a win for us!  In math, one of his harder areas, he increased by three points!  We did not have him do the grammar and science portions again because we were happy with his scores he had and wanted to concentrate on the other areas.  Better yet, since he was able to get immediate feedback after taking the practice test, he felt more confident in his ability and went into the actual test day with a great attitude and very little anxiety!

Based on the improvements we saw after using just ONE practice test, I would HIGHLY recommend this book!  The next time we use it, yes we have one more to go through this rite of passage, I will be even more deliberate in how we use it, beginning in 10th grade and working on it throughout the year.  My theory is, by the time a child has taken all six of the practice tests, they will be old pros at test taking and sure to score well.  Time will tell, right?!

Blessings,

 

Getting Ahead

Welcome back to the 5 Days of Homeschool Encouragement Blog Hop.  Hope you are having fun, I know I am!  I love reading about fellow homeschooler's lives, call me nosy! ;)  If you missed our first two days you can find them here-

Hey First-Timers!

New Year, New Plan

Today's Blog Hop theme is Work it Wednesday and is all about options.  Trust me, there are many.  Everyone has their own way of doing things, each state has different requirements, and let's face it, homeschooling moms are the queens of change and options. (and opinions, don't forget opinions!)

Since we have people ask us often how our oldest two have graduated (or are going to, as is the case of our senior) early from college, I figure that is a good thing to quickly address today.  Keep in mind, this is what has worked for us so far.  We still have two boys to get through the process and it may look differently for them.

Begin High School Courses early-  This one is a no-brainer for us.  There are several classes that were required for our high school graduates that we felt they were ready to do in 8th grade. Think biology, American history, foreign languages, algebra, etc. As long as they are doing high school level courses, it counts as a high school credit.  This allowed our girls to have a more open schedule their junior and senior years which we then used for...

Dual Credit Classes- Beginning in their high school junior year, my daughters both began online dual credit classes from the college one daughter later attended.  Because that college worked off of 8 week classes, they were able to complete quite a large number of general college credits in their junior and senior years of high school.  In my newness to the system, I did continue to teach many of the subjects they were taking, so yes, they had pretty busy years and repeated a few things unnecessarily.  Oops!  Hindsight- I will make sure the boys only take things I have not already taught and those classes truly will count for their high school AND college credits.  

By working in this fashion both girls had most of their general college courses done by the time they went off to school, as well as a few electives taken care of.  Good thing, since both chose to attend private, Christian schools in different states.  Less time in the college equals less money paid.

I will be the first to admit this way of doing things does have a few downfalls.  When you are a freshman but not in freshmen classes it can be more difficult to make friends and for sure it will confuse you classmates.  Sometimes we pay a price for the choices we make, but these are ones we would choose again. 

There are so many other ways to get ahead, or just to "do" college.  One of our daughters actually finished her senior year online while at home developing and running her own business.  Others choose to go to trade schools or straight into the work force.  

Regardless of the choices you make, make them for YOU and YOUR family.  Stop comparing, and enjoy the freedom you have to do what you think is best for your family.

After all, isn't that one of the glories of homeschooling?

Blessings, 

 

The 9 Lies Every College Student Tells - A Guest Post

Hi friends! It’s Riley. Remember me? I did a lot of Mom’s blog graphics before moving to Mississippi for college. I’m majoring in musical theatre and am in my fourth semester. It's going really well :)

However, I was recently home for a break and while I was home I discovered that I was lying to people.  Innocently, of course!

You see, someone would ask me about college and before I even thought about it I would shoot off an answer, regardless if it was true or not.

So today I’ve compiled a list of some lies I’ve told people about college and some ones that I’m sure other college students have told. Consider it a cheat sheet for talking to the college student in your life. You’re welcome!

*Disclaimer: this is mostly tongue in cheek.

*Disclaimer 2: Mostly

1. “My semester was fantastic!”

As I tweeted once, I felt like I finished last semester with three pennies, 17 bruises, and a complete lack of confidence. By the time you make it through the finals and what not you feel like you’ve gotten run over by a Mac truck. No joke.

2. “The cafeteria food is really good!”

Yes, I know it was pretty fantastic when you visited for Parents’ Weekend, but it hasn't been good since then.

3. “I’m not spending all my money on Chick-fil-A!”

See lie number 2.

4. “I never skip classes!”

This one makes me laugh. Pro tip: don’t schedule classes at 8am because if you do you’ll want to skip them. Every. Single. Morning.

5. “I’m staying up late studying!”

I’m actually staying up watching Friends on Netflix, but sometimes I study while I do that. College is all about multitasking!

6. “I haven’t cried in such a long time!”

I cried like three days ago because I thought about the Crocodile Hunter for too long.

7. “I’m making tons of friends outside my major!”

This may be because I’m majoring in theatre, but the only other department I interact with is the music department and that’s just because we share a building.

8. “I’m becoming such an adult!”

Which is why I laid on my floor in a blanket burrito and watched The Lion King and ate cereal right out of the box!

(Note, I’ve never done this but it sounds like a good idea)

9. “I’m getting enough sleep!”

Is anyone ever getting enough sleep?!

OK, OK, mom's turn here! ;)

Yes, I have heard my daughter say several of these things to people, but I can assure you she is not really trying to deceive!   It's kind of like that 'ole "How are you?" "I'm great!" response, when really you are not.  Sometimes it's just easier to give a simple answer and move on.  

Seems college kids are no different.

Except for apparently they do not eat or sleep well, go to the classes you are paying for, or study! 

Don't worry- she's coming home on Sunday for Spring Break- I will have a chat with her! ;)

Blessings, 

Where's Riley?

No worries, I DO know where she is! ;)  NOT HERE!  Excuse me while I pout some more.

That being said, we were spoiled by having her home for an entire month over Christmas break!  Yes, an entire month.  My heart was full having all my peeps under one roof again.  A mom could get used to that kind of bliss!

His favorite person is home!

THEIR favorite human is home!

We had family dinners, played games, sang songs, had dinner out, saw plays and movies, cooked together, decorated, celebrated her 19th birthday, and just snuggled in together for the holidays.  It was glorious!

 

 

Thanks to an ice storm (which was not as bad here as expected but disrupted travel none the less), she almost got an extra day at home, but we did finally get her on her flight and back to Mississippi.  She may never want to fly again after that excitement.  Oh wait, that's me!

So she is back at school- her second semester, but technically her sophomore year thanks to online duel crediting.  She has a busy semester planned.  She is soon headed to a theatre festival for a few days and landed a part in a play which performs in late March.

We will head down mid March to spend Spring Break with her (Navarre Beach here we come) and then she will be home early May.  I told her this semester will fly by!  And just like that she will be a junior in college.

As a dear friend of mine says, hug your babies!  Time flies and they take off on dreams of their own.

Blessings,

And then there is Riley...

I try hard to alternate what I write about, but really, much of this space is dedicated to my family, because, well, they are my family, and I like writing about them.  It is also an easy way to keep friends and family who really are interested in updates in the loop.

If that is not you, my apologies!

1 1/2 weeks ago, we dropped this kiddo off a million miles away from home.  Ok, it is only 845 miles, but it feels like a million when you are stuck in a car for 13 hours.  Especially when you have car rides like the one we had.  Don't even get me started.  I entertained drove my FB friends crazy for THAT car trip.  All million hours.  Starting to see a theme?

Anywho...

Back to Riley!

She is doing great.  We knew she would.

This is her lovely roommate whom she adores (and we do too!).  What a blessing to come back to a safe place with someone that you love and can share life with at the end of the day.

These lovelies have become her tribe and we are thrilled that she has found people that she loves!  Makes my momma's heart so happy!

On top of that I got a text one day from her that said I WAS CALLED BACK!  Theater groupies know that is a good thing.  As a freshman, a callback alone is a great way to start your college musical theater career!  She was cast as THE female understudy.  Yep, that means for all 6 female parts.  So she will learn all the female characters' songs and dialogue and be able to go on as any part if needed.  It is an amazing way to start and learn.  There is also a rumor that she is now the assistant stage manager.

We are thrilled and so is she.

As far as the rest of college life, I think it pales in comparison to the theater side of things, but she does actually go to a few other classes (haha) and is adjusting well.

Me?  Still working on it! ;)

Blessings,

Drop Off Day

Riley is now at school.  I think this is where some epic music should play, but well, not sure how to do that so just imagine.

Drop off was amazing.  And overwhelming.  And long.  And well, a lot of things.

Praise the Lord we will see her in about 7 weeks for Fall Break.  I can do anything for 7 weeks.

So can she, although I am slightly less worried about how she will do.  Me on the other hand...I will let you know!

And just for the record, no, this does not get easier with each child.  I know "they" tell you that.

"They" lie!




I will leave you with pictures for now.  Thoughts and stories will have to wait!

On the way-

A warm welcome-

Room-

The favorite spot-

And just because-

For those of you swimming this same current- here's a quote from one of Riley's favorite musicals, Finding Nemo, The Musical:

Marlin- But what if they're not ready? I mean how do you know?

Crush- Well, you never really know, but if they're ever gonna grow

Then you gotta let 'em go, you know!?
Just go with the flow...
Crush- When you're raising sons and daughters, it's like surfing the muddy waters, oh oh oh, go with the flow!

Blessings,

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