Way to go Rod!

Last night, we stayed up late once again to get Rod's work done for school. I spent time proofing papers and websites - donning some encouragement when needed. You'd think that for the last day of school - and knowing it's the last day - that somehow it would be easier... but it wasn't. Somehow, it seemed harder. The last day of the quarter - and there was so much to do. He spent almost every waking moment Sat. & Sun. in front of a computer getting his work done. He did take a break here or there, to run to the store, play with the kids and eat - but really that was about all!

I can't say enough, how proud of him I am for seeing this all the way through. When he signed up for it eons ago, at least it seems that way now... he signed up because he was struggling finding jobs to turn in for unemployment. Honest. So, he thought he would try retraining. In the midst of it, he got a job - he told the college counselor he'd like permission to do both work/school. Now, if his current job doesn't pan out, I guess he has a new skills set.

Yesterday, he got a certificate in the mail from SVC - he made the honor roll! Gosh, it's been so long (esp. with homeschooling) since I've thought about modern schooling conventions like the Honor Roll! Flashback! What was your GPA??

So, in the next few weeks, you may not catch us home in the evenings. *see Zindra doing a little jig* We have some serious summer time fun catching up to do with Dad. Boating, lake, fishing, bike rides, walks, pool time and maybe even a trip to the zoo. Hopefully, I'll have the energy for it!

Way, to go Rod! I so look forward today, to seeing you tell the kids - that you're done!

New Friday School Directors

A couple of months ago, Traci, our Director of Friday school here in Skagit County, decided to step down. Rod & I considered doing it ~ but we are so involved in so many friday school things! It would mean there are things that we would need to give up. Would someone want to take up the things that we need to let go??

About a two weeks ago, I emailed the leadership team to see if anyone had stepped up. Not yet. A few interested. Finally we sat down with Polli & Randy to see what it all entails. After much discussion, we believe that it is something that Rod and I are cut out to do. We are leaders, we can handle tough situations and we have a strong vision for our co-op and for First Class Homeschool Ministries.

After some thought & prayer, Rod & I decided to do it - because it would just seem unfair to someone new who wasn't already part of the leadership team - there is so much to learn... And because we really understand the vision, the ministry and the heart of being a part of a co-op.

We had a Leadership Team (Board Meeting) on July 21st and we were voted in. Traci stepped down officially yesterday, Aug. 1st, 2009. So here we are, the newest Directors of First Class Skagit County!

Things that we will need to change our involvement in:
*We are going to need help with the teen group.
*I need someone to print the newsletter for me.
*I'm planning on looking for someone to do the newsletter.
*We need to find a replacement for me in Coffee Corner.
*We're hoping that we will have the time for Rod to still teach classes at Friday School.
I guess those are the things that us becoming the Directors, will really affect.

If you would have asked me a few years ago - if this was where I planned on being Aug 2009 - I would have told you "get out". Not as in get out of my house, but the expression "get out!" Would never have thought that I had the self confidence, the leadership skills, the ability to talk with people or the ability to resolve conflict back then. The Lord has made some big changes in our lives & has been preparing us for this for quite some time.

What are we hoping to do as the Directors? Continue to encourage a sense of community in our co-op. Build relationships with homeschooling families. Show God's love. Encourage others to step up into leadership roles. Support those homeschool families that need support. Encourage more of a relationship between the "local" FCHM co-ops. Give our vision for our co-op and FCHM to the families in our co-op. Encourage parents to homeschool high school. Encourage those in our co-op to support FCHM.

So, buckle up, here we go, off on another Adventure!

Happy 4th Birthday Julia!!!

Miss Julia turned four today. Hmmm, it's hard for me to believe that now we are beyond toddlerhood in our home. Every which way I turn I see signs that I, personally, am not done having kids. I do not know what the Lord has in store, but I do know, that I don't think I'm done seeing little feet & little toes - smiles with nonsense words. Another discussion for another day. I suppose at some point, physically, I will be done having children. We aren't there yet - but we are also waiting to see when and if the Lord blesses us again.

Funny, normally, in August, when it's warm - you choose to do things outside. Birthday parties, bbq's, walks, bikerides etc. Here, it was a warm 80 plus day and we went to Chuck E Cheese. Why? Because a little girl requested it. She's seen others celebrate their birthday there & she thought it was her turn. But for me, it was so that I could sit in an air conditioned room with friends and family and chat. (I also thought it would be nice to get my Dad with his bloodsugar issues - out of the heat! It affects him so!)

The cake we made for her was a bit beyond what we should have tried making with Rod only having one week left in the quarter to get everything done. Sometimes though, I just crave doing something and schoolwork wasn't on the menu last night. We have eyed at Michaels the castle cake set for a few years, actually. Thinking one day, when she could appreciate a castle, that we would make one for her. It turned out beautifully. A bit over the top, the way that they have you decorate it. We decided to decorate it the "right" way the first time & then if it's too much - the next time we decide to use the castle set, we would know where to tone it down.

It was definitely over the top. Adorably so. It was quite complicated to make - not hard - just had so much involved. I'm glad to have done it. We have to make Josiah a cake - but I'm thinking that the next cake we make that's not a birthday one for our kids - I really want to pipe one. I really enjoy piping frosting.

Josiah's birthday is on thursday. We're going to do something with the family for his birthday & then probably next weekend, do something with his friends, after Garrett gets home from his dads. It just doesn't feel right not having Garrett around for things like this.

Julia loved her gifts. She got way too many gifts. Loved all of them. Got something with ponies - friends gave her barettes & makeup etc. and she loves that. I put together a blanket (not quilted) that is adorable. (Which gave me the itch to start quilting again. Yes, I have too many things I enjoy doing!) Oh & from the boys & grandparents, she got a three wheeled scooter - which was a hit! So, one more birthday down for 2009.

Julia, I love you. I love your name. I love your blue eyes. I love the way you smile, the way you laugh. I love the way you have perticularly Josiah wrapped around your little finger. I love your girlie shoes and your pretty dresses. I love - that you love - that you have many swimsuits. That you love pretty shoes. That you love dollies & horses and swinging in the front yard. But something else I love about you, is that having you has changed me. Having you has changed the way I think about and percieve myself. I'm thankful every day that the Lord gave you to us. You were worth the wait! You are a blessing! Happy Birthday to the sweetest little girl I know!

10 things... x4

A dear friend of mine, Steve Lambert, has a blog to encourage homeschooling families. He's so thoughtful and insightful & I love his stuff!!! He has such great perspective!

Today Steve challenged his blog readers, "Make a list of 10 things about each of your children that you feel good about or are proud of. Make a plan to tell them so. If you were raised in a negative, critical environment growing up you may need to “schedule” positive comments just as you might schedule dental appointments or dishwashing chores. Yes- it’s that important!" CLICK HERE to read the blogpost that inspired mine today!

Here goes~
Josiah(age 10 & 11.5/12 months):
1. You take such good care of your siblings.
2. You're respectful.
3. You are spontaneous.
4. You have a spirit that hears the Lord.
5. You are an encourager.
6. You will do something - the First time.
7. You have a fantastic relationship with Grandma & Granddaddy. You have earned Granddad's respect.
8. There is evidence in your life, that you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.
9. You are a member of the Skagit Men's Garden Club - and have earned the respect of all it's members. Young and old.
10. You honor your parents in your character.

Jedediah (age 8):
1. You know how to get things done.
2. You're good at almost everything you do.
3. You are consistent.
4. You remind me of your Granddaddy ~ and that's something I LOVE.
5. Schoolwork is easy for you - I admire that.
6. You are the youngest member of the Skagit Men's Garden Club!
7. You can beat Josiah at video games :D (something, I Cannot do!)
8. You have a soft heart & a sweet spirit.
9. You believe in Jesus.
10. You are kind to those around you. You give good, heartfelt, gifts.

Jaden (age 6):
1. I love all of your expressions - no one else, has that many!
2. I love your exhuberance!
3. I love the way you look out for your little sister, Julia.
4. You are amazing with a set of Legos.
5. You can unload the dishwasher!!! At age 6!!! Amazing!!!
6. You know how to push your brothers buttons (waterfight!)
7. You really know how to talk with people!
8. You believe in the Lord.
9. You like to talk about indepth things, like your older brothers.
10. Your smile ~ makes me smile.

Julia:
1. I love your blue eyes.
2. I love your girlyness.
3. It amazes me how much people respond to your kindness~ you are treasured.
4. You are always trying to keep up with the boys.
5. You do things that are much too hard, and don't even know it.
6. You have us all wrapped around your little finger. I admit it.
7. You sing all of the time.
8. I love the fact that you twirl.
9. You have such a soft heart.
10. Your brothers are the most important things in your life.

I know, you can't tell, I really do love my kids... they are amazing gifts that God has given me. And I am thankful every day for them!

All Stars Update

(Josiah on first as runner, Game 1, July 9, 09)
I can say that Mom (me) made it through the All Stars games. The kids practice mon-friday for three weeks or so to get ready for the tournament. Josiah liked his coach, Coach Mike. He was really good for Josiah. All this season, Josiah has had issues getting his bat on the ball. Rod's been trying to work with him, but hadn't been able to explain to Josiah how to correct his swing - something to do with his hips.

Somehow! Somehow, Coach Mike got Josiah to fix whatever issue it was that Rod was talking about. Ever since, Josiah's has done a much better job of making contact. Not that any of this was really an issue during the regular season, Jos got on base anyway, mostly because the other team walked him time after time. Must have something to do with his height - he's bigger than other kids his age, so the strike zone is different. You'd think that since he's bigger and obviously his strike zone is bigger, that he'd be easier to pitch to. Not so.

During the season, he pitched. During All Stars practice he started out Catching. Turns out they needed a first baseman. It's like he has velcro on the inside of his mit, he catches just about everything! First base is fun for me to watch, because he's so good & there's not the stress involved like when I watch him pitch. Not that he's not good at pitching, he is, it's just that the game is so dependent on the pitcher, that if he has a bad inning - it could lose the game. So~I enjoy watching him play 1st base. Rod got a couple of good shots with the ball in Josiah's mit during the games :D

(Jos playing 1st base, forced out & runner not even close to plate! 7/9/9)
So the first game was last thursday against North Whidbey. They lost 9 to 7. It was a pretty good game. You could tell out of the shoot though, that the kids were nervous. They bobbled the ball too much & it affected the game. At least in the beginning. Josiah was awesome though. He caught every stinking ball that they shot his way. I love the sound of the ball when it hits the mit. You would probably classify me as an over excited mom - he makes a fantastic play and we're all hooting and hollering and you could probably hear me over everyone! I really struggle though with the anticipation of tournament games. Rod handles it well, but he's played tons of sports. Me, it kills me to watch, knowing that if Jos doesn't catch the ball, literally it could be the end of it all... Yes, so dramatic!

The ump made a call that he thought was correct and the opposing coach literally had the ump or baseball president call the LL association in California, stopping the game, to try to get a reversal of the call. Talk about frustrating. It held up the game ~ the call wasn't a bad call to begin with. Everyone was frustrated and it was irritating and we all sort of left the game with a bad taste in our mouths. Feeling like we didn't really earn a loss.

Second game, Friday night, he went with the Waldes. Rod & I had had plans before the tournament was on the books - so we couldn't go. Bummer, they won against Burlington. A blowout of 28 to 8. It wore the kids out though, & you could tell the next day. I guess that in one inning that the kids went up to bat 3 times! Josiah then spent the night at the Waldes and had a fantastic time :D

(Josiah scores! Game 3, 7/11/9)
Third game, Saturday afternoon, the kids were stoked. They'd just won the night before & were excited to be playing. They lost this one 11 to 13 against South Whidbey. If I had a complaint about baseball it would be the umps. When they make a bad call, they should just admit it & retract. Game 3, a kid was safe on the thrid out, the ump called him out. Everyone, including the other team saw that the kid was safe & not tagged. Even second ump saw it ~ and they stayed the call. They had two runners on base. They could have tied up the game & the ump made a bad call & they are out of the tournament.

Tournaments are tough. You work real hard and then it's over fast or you go on to state. It would have been a stretch this year for us to go to state. I'm glad though that Josiah got to play. He became better friends with his bud Austin. Coach Mike also told a friend of ours that if Josiah wanted to play on his Majors team next year, that he'd have a spot on his team. I don't know what we'll have him play. He did show me this All Star season though, that he is ready to move up. I'm not sure if I'M ready for him to move up! It's a daily committment for about 3 months.
Anyway, that's for next year. Glad he got to play ~ glad he did so well.

Josiah, I love to watch you play baseball. You're awesome. You're enthusiastic. You energize everyone on your team. You're a leader and it shows. You are an encourager. You're the loudest guy on your team. You are MY son!!!