Summer 'N' Motion Wk. #11

The last week of summer is here. 

We thrived this summer thanks to the true winner being the $97 pool from Walmart. It kept us cool, kids busy and gave all of us plenty of entertainment watching the swimming techniques from all the kids... even Millie enjoyed the pool too! 

The week began with me still traveling in Nashville at the Christian Product Expo meeting hundreds of bookstore owners and promoting the newly released book. 

I was sad to miss Charlie's first day of school, but confident Tim nailed his first day along with Myriam's meet and greet at her school. 

Tim continues to encourage the kids with their golf skills and often is asked to get up at the crack of dawn to putz around before the day gets going. Charlie and Addison are really enjoying this sport which leads me to believe we'll have golfers before I have a child runner by my side. 

With most of the summer trips behind me, I was able to find time to begin the summer purge which still is happening. There have been multiple trips to Goodwill, the dump and consignment stores as things simply don't need to be here anymore. It feels so good to clear house... and closets of stuff!

Addison had her first day of high school which made Mom and Dad somewhat teary eyed but excited for the next few years for our oldest. She nailed her first day and found every classroom without fail!

Go Lions!

Myriam also had her first day of school seeing friends and some of her favorite teachers.

We pray this is a year of growth for all the kids. 

Here's more from our last week of summer...

{ New bike. New ride. Pup approval. }

{ Ran into Bill & Evie at CPE, local Connections Bookstore owners. }

{ Homestead golf lessons for the oldies. }

Shhh... She's Off to High School!

 

How did this even happen? 

My Mama heart is still walking our oldest to preschool with her hand tightly laced between mine. 

Her voice not yet confident then to share with others, yet friendships grew, play dates existed and then Addison's first graduation from preschool. From there we began our journey with Meridian Parent Partnership School (Mp3) as we home schooled for seven years before entering Ebenezer Christian School in grade seven. 

Jeff Caraco was our SLPC (Student Learning Plan Coordinator) for all but six months of our time at Mp3. We started as an off campus student where each week Teacher Jeff would call and check in with Addison. The first year was rough - usually the call was Jeff talking and myself in the background encouraging any conversation. Over the course of years having weekly phone calls, Addison eventually started to share more about her week at home telling Teacher Jeff what she had learned and answering any other questions he asked. We spent countless hours with Explode the Code, Spelling Workout, Daily Grams and Math-U-See along with many other text books that spread across our dining table and homeschool corner at home. 

Launching Success knew us by first name as we often came in for more supplies. 

For the last couple years of homeschooling, Addison (and Charlie too) transferred into campus students attending the Mp3 campus twice a week. A brief break for me but also a challenge for the kids to interact with other students and teachers. This is when we began to see the incredible change burst from our sweet Addi as one of her favorite memories from mp3 was giving her TED Talk. 

From not speaking a word in two years of preschool to giving class speeches, we as parents could not have been more proud of the many accomplishments. 

Ah Chew... Bless You

The symphony of sneezes are in full swing in our home. The itchy nose where you just can't seem to reach, watery eyes and repeat sneezes are the first indicator things are ready to burst into color and sounds of lawn mowers becoming the normal outside back ground noises. 

It appears all of us, to some extent, have been fighting seasonal allergies and getting 

worse with every year passing. 

Even with the annoying symptoms of allergies, we still find time to play. 

The ladies have had a few days of fun together exploring Boulevard Park, feeding the ducks at Whatcom Falls, catching up on homework while the younger two burn energy off at Perch & Play, rolling down hills at the "Red Park" and meeting the needs of our taste buds with gelato and bread sticks. There's also been fitting room fashion shows which is quite comical I may add. One of those years where Addison has shot up resulting in nothing working for summer attire, Myriam not quite tall enough to fit Addi's hand-me-downs and Baylee on her own needing a few fill-in items to prepare these princesses for summer. Thank goodness not all will be teenagers at one time or we'd need to find some money tree seeds somewhere. I love watching each relationship grow, challenge and inspire the other. 

A while back, the ladies were playing together and one made the remark, "Hey, we all have a different Tummy Mommy." Hearing that made my heart stumble a bit, but also soar, knowing God knew our family dynamics long before I was ready to step into this role as Mom to all three. There are frustrations, struggles, joys and lots of laughter with each one. Each daughter has something special about themselves making them unique in their own way. Having these special girl dates makes them that much more special simply because God saw each of them needing one another. 

{ Fairhaven Explorations }

 

{ Whatcom Falls & Cornwall Neighborhood Red Park}

{ Morning running buddy. }

First Day of School

 { 8th grade at Ebenezer Christian School }

The changes that have occurred from first grade to eighth grade can't be numbered. There are simply too many. Addison was enrolled at home for school with the support through Mp3 for seven years. They were good years. School years where she expanded her knowledge, but also found herself bored because her mind needed more challenge, more knowledge and socialization I was not capable of giving. This year marks Addison's second year at ECS ... I still view her with the adorable short bob, missing teeth and quiet spirit that held many in suspense to when she'd find her voice. She's found it. Addison continues to be organized, motivated, extremely artistic and thoroughly enjoying the friendships she's established. It also helps that she has little brother to pick on now that he's in the same middle school building.

 { 5th grade at Ebenezer Christian School }

Chuckles. You will always have your Mama's heart melting with every smile. God has given this Man Cub an incredibly compassionate, sensitive and tender heart for those he sees in need. There is never a night where he doesn't say "I love you" and still requests his parental's to tuck him in at night. I love that and pray it never changes. This year marks Charlie's third year at ECS with established friendships and schedules he has learned to love. Charlie is all boy watching wrestling, getting dirty, playing sports and the latest, following his Daddy's footsteps, has really taking a liking to barbershop. Kid can sing and play the guitar from his father's natural gifting's. Charlie tries to be as organized as his big sister but he's boy. Some things don't pass down in the line of siblings. As for pushing buttons, he does that best with Myriam.

{ 1st grade at Fisher Elementary School }

This girl. It's been a hard summer. I won't sugar coat the struggles we've been dealing with that have resulted in many days in tears. BUT, we have had an amazingly surprising, prayer-filled start to her first grade that has already earned rewards to Edaline Dairy for treats. Myriam works tirelessly to keep herself regulated, choosing good choices and remembering all that she needs to do in the classroom setting. She had no nerves going into this year. When she went to meet her teacher, her aide from last year was spotted making Myriam run into the ELRC with mega hugs for her favorite person, Mrs. Karb. The transition to school this year has gone without fuss (well, just once so far but compared to years past it's a wash) and we are beyond proud of Myriam for working this hard. Her favorite part of school so far have been the compliment circles at the end of the day: “I just wanted to compliment everyone for everything: everyone worked hard, played nicely at recess, lined up quietly, and I just think this is the best class at the best school.  
I’m happy to be here.”
Bug, if you can keep that attitude up throughout the year, you are going to leap miles ahead. Mommy and Daddy will prayerfully guide you through this year so you can have others say to you, 
"We are so happy YOU we're here in our classroom."

As for Baylee ... well, she'll be entering Mommy's School of Potty Training soon making this 
house a diaper free zone. 

Here's to a great year of education, packed lunches, homework and number two pencil zones. 

Pencils Down; Schools Out

Shoe Size 8                                    Shoes Size 8.5
7th Grade Completed.

Addison's first day of school was not what I had prayed for when we decided to send her to a "real" school. I waited anxiously at the end of the driveway somewhat confused as how to fill my day without teaching any child. First year in seven years not homeschooling had me wondering around for awhile figuring out how to make a new routine. I could sense the tension before she even got close to the house; frustration powered her steps and once inside the tears poured for a few hours.
Fast forward to the last day of school and Addison now has a tight bond of friendships with her classmates, a walk with confidence built into each step and a grown up attitude that can be seen in how she speaks, holds herself with others and interacts with friends. I teared up picking the kids up on their last day of school reflecting on all that our baby girl had accomplished this past year. Her maturity, wisdom, diligence and responsibility is of high importance to her and to top it off her deep love for her family, gentle faith and dimpled smile greet us daily. It was all of these qualities that allowed Addison to complete her first year at ECS. We are so grateful to her teachers and friends that were apart of helping our daughter blossom this past year!

Shoes Size 7.5                                    Shoe Size 8
4th Grade Completed.

Our stud of a Man Cub did really well this past year. Charlie once again was ahead in math and always sought out extra credit each week. He loved recess first and socializing second. He didn't have the same love for reading, but that will come someday. It was so much fun to see how going from single to double digits changed the growth pattern of shoes, shorts and shirts that instantly became far too small. Charlie grew inches this past year and went through four pairs of shoes from all his activities. His favorite activities were flag football and basketball this past year with his current interest being guitar lessons. Charlie is a natural when it comes to music. We often catch him singing and rocking out to his favorite groups. He experienced his first concert this year watching Jordan Feliz; he was mesmerized by the lights and sound. Can't believe he'll be in middle school next year??? Addison and Charlie will now be in the same building...not sure that will be a good thing as this Man Cub loves to push his sisters buttons. 

Shoes Size 13                                     Shoe Size 1

Kindergarten Completed.

I honestly don't even know where to start with our Myriam. The beginning of the year was extremely rocky as plans that were made exiting preschool didn't mature into reality the first day of school. Different teacher, bus was a no show, and other programs not in place to support Myriam's school year. It was stressful to say the least. We continued to visit our friend Micah weekly which gave us a great tool to bridge the gap at school. It wasn't until after Christmas that Myriam finally achieved felt safety (a fairly important part of any kiddo working through anxiety, sensory, RAD and ADHD.) This was in main part due to Myriam's aid who became a new favorite person in our eyes. Mrs. Karb endured many attitudes, behaviors, emotions and even punishment following the days she missed at school. Myriam made such healthy attachment to this angel of an aid that she would get mad if she had to get a substitute instead of the real deal! 

The teachers at Fisher are all incredible and we give them so much gratitude for being apart of the progress made this last year. Some days were met with thumbs down or text messages stating she was coming in hot, but regardless, they made me feel supported as the parent and did a great job in reassuring me the day was going well post drop off. We are beyond proud and joyful of what our Myriam accomplished this year. Most days she worked so hard making the right choices and doing her best that she'd fall asleep on our two minute car ride home or crash on the couch once home.

When it came time for Myriam to walk into her Kindergarten graduation, the girl waved like a princess to every single parent until she landed eyes with Mom and Dad followed by cheerful delight.  No surprise to us when she started making multiple different faces, but thankfully had no other shenanigans on stage. Fisher was exactly where she needed to be this year and we are thankful for her amazing team of teachers and aids that walked this last year with Myriam. 

Now to secure Mrs. Karb for next year...

{ Class of 2030 }

Paper, Pens and School Books

Addison Jean: 7th Grade

Ebenezer Christian School

Shoe Size: 8 

This makes the first year, aside from two years in preschool, that Addi is attending traditional school. This comes with some level of curiosity with many unknowns and moments of being uncomfortable, but overall, the transition has been going okay. I would dare say the biggest change after seven years of homeschooling is the long days beginning with catching the bus at 7:30am. 

A Picture Glimpse to the Tail End of Spring

You know it's spring when the eyes are itching, house is sneezing and the allergy medication is all out. Many of us have been fighting extreme allergies this season, but we hate to complain as the outside comes to life with greenery, color and that dreaded hay bailing in farm country. 

The kids are now all out of school and LOVING IT! 

Our summer list of to do's are still being edited which is always a fun way to prepare for the one day trips and longer ones too.  Earlier in May, Addison went to the Mercy Me concert with her girlfriend Annie. We watched Baylee's 1/2 brother on a Saturday and have already had trips to Edaline Dairy for cones. (That soft serve craving still exists since the cruise...) Baylee had her first dentist appointment and Myriam has been preparing for her first ever tap dance recital. 

It's been busy, but satisfying watching memories being made. 

Here is a picture glimpse to the tail end of Spring...

Ski to Sea May 28th, 2017

It's a Wrap. School is Done.

 

I can't believe Addison is moving into 7th grade next year. By the picture alone you are able to tell how much this sweet, compassionate, thoughtful and servant-minded daughter of ours has grown. She often will rummage through my closet and we almost wear the same size shoe (she grew two shoe sizes this past year). She essentially taught herself this past year with determination to conquer the hard stuff. (Math is neither of our favorites.) This was Addison's last year of homeschooling through Mp3 and we are both sad and excited for the next adventure. Teacher Jeff has been our Student Learning Plan Coordinator since Kindergarten. Our weekly contact started with phone calls of him talking and Addi listening, slowly graduating to her giving a non-verbal yes or no and then taking on full conversations in person and over the phone. Addi overcame many fears this year giving a stellar TED talk about fostering and adopting in front of her class and creating some fantastic friendships. 

She will be joining her little brother at Ebenezer next fall.

Move On Over Showers

The amount of rain we've had so far this spring is down right crazy. My fingers and toes are constantly in a state of looking like raisins from the dampness in the air. 

(Not really; possibly an over exaggeration.) 

You can walk anywhere on our lawn and the sounds of a wet sponge echo back at you.  There's really no point in washing your car because you know within a few hours nature will wash it again for you. This has been on record a wet season. 

Thankfully, we've managed to find a few bright spots during the wet weeks and I've found some moments to soak up with the kids during spring break. 

Here's a glimpse through the clouds of what's been going at our home...

ALMOST...Time for School

There is some panic, excitement and nerves all bundled together for this upcoming school year that is quickly approaching our family. 

We've made some pretty big changes that are quite different than any years past and once found, our routine and school schedules should be absolutely perfect for our kids. It has our three Little's in three different schools, but each one with their individual needs being perfectly met. 

It started last Spring when Charlie and I finally decided to make a huge change; time for me to be just Mommy and not teacher. Yes, I cried and he smiled with glee, but in the end it's what's best for him and his needs. We filled out registration forms for Fisher and talked about having to be up and out of PJ's by 7:30am. We stressed the longer days, potential bus rides and homework schedules that come home after the school hours are completed. Still...happiness. I know we made the right choice, but both Tim and I didn't have peace about it quite yet until we had the doors open up to explore Ebenezer Christian School. 

With the nudge of a few neighbors and friends we interviewed Mr. Buss then the roles reversed and we sat in the hot seats followed by Charlie taking an entrance test. Can I just say how terribly nervous I was for this??? If this kid bombs this test it not only reflects his poor learning abilities but MY ABILITY to teach him! Thankfully, Charlie did amazing impressing the principal and reading through the fourth grade sight words with ease. It only proved to me once again that he does so much better for others than myself. 

In two weeks, Charlie will step up on to his first bus ride to school (you bet I'll be taking pictures!) and will start a new journey of education in a "real" school. Tim and I are really excited for the friendships that he has with a few third grade buddies already and those that will bond over the years to come. 

Thank you Ebenezer Family for welcoming us and making this change for this Mommy an easy one!

Addison will be staying put exactly where she flourishes best: at home starting sixth grade. She will be continuing with Mp3 (Meridian Parent Partnership Program) and Teacher Jeff Caraco will be our go-to student coordinator for the sixth year in a row now. She plans to take three campus classes then four here at home. With just one student at home, writing student lesson plans was an easy afternoon task and all but one purchase order has already been made. Many of Addi's friends have started on newer education plans at different schools so she's a little sad that she won't be able to see them twice a week at school. I give it a year and she'll be stepping on the bus with Charlie.

Myriam is super happy to be starting school again at Lynden Middle School in the Intermediate Preschool Program. Just yesterday she told me she was ready to go to school! This year she will be going in the afternoon for a couple of hours four days a week. Her backpack is already to go and school clothes are washed and hanging for her to wear. Thanks for hand-me-downs I didn't have to purchase hardly anything besides shoes to get her ready for the fall. What I love most about Myriam's school program is the hands on, one to one teaching with all the aid, therapy and attention needed for her little mind to grow and learn. Both of us are ready for a routine for her to fall into soon!

So, with a small list of things needed we are almost ready to say...

TIME FOR SCHOOL!

Here's to the last full week before packed lunches, sharpened number two pencils get busy and first day of school begins!