Hi Ho Hi Ho ..It's off to school we go..

We made it to Florida. It was a fun trip with Taylor across the country. For my first time driving that distance, I was a bit nervous. Thank goodness for modern technology. The GPS gets me everywhere.

I got here in time to register Shelby for classes at the local High School. We were careful in picking the location we rented in. Florida ranks their school A,B,C,D, and F. We were told to stay out of Duval county, and we did. We moved to an area where the schools are ranked A.

I was nervous going to the high school. I was ready for them to give us a hard time. But they were very nice. The counselor went out of his way to help Shelby out. She was able to register for
1. Drama I
2. childhood Development (college credit)
3. Trigonomitry/analytical Geometry
4. Honors Chemistry
5. AP English
6. Spanish I

Because I am unfamiliar with Florida and what is available here for homeschoolers I got Taylor and Ricky registered for Connections Academy. It is an online school here. K12 (curriculum we have used before) requires that you have attended Florida public school prior to enrollment. I was happy to find out Connections Academy doesn't have that requirement for 6-12 grade.

Ricky has already started football practice and is doing great. He really likes his coach. He is a really fair man. Yells at everyone equally. wink.

Shelby has also started cheerleading and is on a level 4 team. She landed her tuck on her own with out a spotter the other night. So proud.

Taylor will be swimming with Bowles swim team. They sent 4 swimmers to Shanghai this year to compete in the World Games. She starts today.

We will be going to our first Homeschool activity this Thursday. We look forward to meeting new friends.

Unpacking will take some time. We are going to a house that is 1/3 the size of our old house. Finding places to put things will be tricky.

We look forward to the new adventures.

Amazing Independence Day

This 4th was bitter sweet for me. Rick, Shelby, and Ricky headed to my moms on the first leg of our move to Florida. Why the kids went is for another post. This post is about missing them terribly. Taylor and I were alone for the first time.

I love modern technology that allowed us to see pictures of each others activities, phone calls wherever were were, and TV to watch amazing fireworks, and our favorite movies. We are so blessed to be able to look for work wherever it might be, and to have the freedom to move. We can drive from state to state and enjoy this great country.

A friend of mine posted this amazing quote on her Facebook page and I have to share it!

" It will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more." ........John Adams July 2, 1776

As a homeschooling mom I get so excited when I find the origination of things. My 15 year old daughter asked once who's idea was it to have fireworks on the 4th.

I am a bit emotional. We try very hard to let our children know just how blessed they are to live in such an amazing country. To have FREEDOM. Freedom is unique. It fits into our Heavenly Father's plan for us. To be able to choose who and what we become. To make choices, and live with the consequences.

Our great nation is doing that very thing right now. The country as a whole elected someone who promised to "take care of things for us". We wanted to give our freedoms away. Now we are paying the price for those choices.

God Bless America!

Way down south upon the Swannee River....

Well, after 4 years our Utah experience is coming to a close. Rick accepted a job in Jacksonville, Florida and starts there July 5.

Some of the things we enjoyed while we were here..

1) Our homeschool community. I really loved the classes families shared. The opportunity for my kids to learn such a wide variety of lessons is priceless.

2) Skiing in January. We made great friends on the mountain and really enjoyed the experience and opportunity to learn to ski well.

3) Great swim team for Taylor. She went from learning the butterfly to earning a state qualifying time in the event.

4) The opportunity for Ricky to take lessons with college players in football and baseball.

5) Miss Utah Outstanding Teens

6) EFY

7) Going Salt Lake City and enjoying the Christmas Devotional given by the first Presidency of the Church.

8) Watching conference in our PJ's in front of the TV.

And of course family and friends that have been there

I have been busy looking into homeschool groups, high schools, swimming clubs, football leagues, etc. Two homeschool groups have already reached out to us. I'm excited to meet them. Two high schools in the area we will be in have A rankings. Shelby will be attending one of them and participating in their Dual enrollment program. Football is through Pop Warner leagues. We are happy to be doing that again. I still am looking into swimming clubs for Taylor. One of those things on the list to get done.

Stuck?

Life is such a big puzzle. And as an adult I am seeing for the first time just how big the puzzle is. The puzzle can have tiny pieces or gigantic ones. It really depends on how wide your perspective is.

I am now looking at life through my teenagers eyes. To them everything is major. But to me I see it really isn't. All my 11 year old can see is today. It is very hard for him to see beyond. But I can see their talents and I can see opportunities and point them in the right direction.

I have also lived in one place for a very long time growing up. I remember as a kid feeling like I was "stuck" there. The only choice in life was what was there in that one community. The only people available to make friends with were those in my area. The only school choice was the local public school. The classes they offered were it. The teachers were it. As a convert to my church, the leaders were it. What they planned and taught were it. I hated being "stuck".

As a young adult I tried many things. I wanted to "get out". So I did. It was fascinating to me. I really enjoyed meeting new people. Finding out that there was more than one way to live and do things was amazing to me. I knew it. I loved the adventure.

When I had my kids I didn't want them to feel "stuck". When we faced our first obstacle, my first instinct was to say "no way". It was when my daughter was in kindergarten.

The school administration told me they knew what was best for my child. I refused to accept that. I knew what was best for her and was motivated to find another option for education. I prayed hard for a different opportunity. At first I thought I had to move. But not so. That is when I discovered homeschooling. My husband's attitude was "we can try it. If it doesn't work we can always send her back." Well it did work. And so many other doors and opportunities opened for her and us. Also that year she was faced with being "stuck" with the same friends. When we brought her home she met new people. Kids who had families that had values became her new friends. We met a great Methodist family who became our best friends. We had the opportunity to teach them what "Mormons" really believe. Their dad was a minister and had a different perspective about our church now. He stopped the anti-Mormon rhetoric around him. He even took an Easter CD we gave him and told us that our church WAS a christian church after all.

When we moved from Florida I thought it might be hard to homeschool somewhere else. But in Colorado we had more opportunities. They had a state homeschool program called K12. We signed up. It didn't require jumping through any hoops with the state. I felt we could do that until we found our footing and discovered "how it is done" there. Through K12 we found a local coop. We started going there. We made friends quickly and enjoyed the classes. We also were able to leave a good impression with the families there. Again we had missionary opportunities. Now conversions, but we were able to change the way other denominations looked at us "Mormons". We were able to convince them that we are Christians. We were able to stop locals from "hating" our religion and the people who are members. We showed them we aren't teaching false doctrine that is against the bible. On the contrary, we embrace those teachings and have another testament of Jesus Christ we teach from as well.

We also found out that homeschoolers could take classes from the local school. My kids loved going to classes twice a week for a few hours. Shelby was placed a grade ahead and did very well. Her confidence in education and her ability to learn really soared. Again my circle opened. Now I found out there was even more for my kids out there.

I was really nervous to be moving again. This time to Utah. But little did I know the opportunities that waiting for us there. So many coops. So many classes. So many places to visit on field trips. So many friends. No friends in our neighborhood. But we weren't "stuck" there. Our best friends were but a short drive away. Park days were where I learned about all the opportunities around us. Long story short..My oldest was able to be one of the first students to participate in an online high school that gave her the experience to become a great leader. My youngest kids have taken classes parents only dream about.

Now as my husband is looking for another job it is easy for me to look outside and feel confident in what lies ahead for us. I know to look for other opportunities. My family isn't "stuck".

Heavenly Father knew what we needed. I just needed to be patient and learn. I know that our family has great adventures ahead of us. We can do anything.

Spring is finally here. Each year I look forward to Spring for many reasons. Warmer weather for sure. Sunny days are also on the list. But mostly because the school year is about over. We are finishing up the math assignment, going on fun fieldtrips, and signing up for fun summer activities. This year I added preparing for next year on the list.

I'm a bit nervous. Shelby will start taking college classes in May. And I think I might be sending Taylor to an accelerated 8th grade program where she will be taking Algebra and English classes at a local Charter High School 2-3 mornings a week.

It has gotten a little challenging to keep Ricky busy. School is so easy for him. He finishes with his days assignments early and is ready to "play". (He is 11 but still a little boy who wants to play). wink I am glad he will be old enough to participate in a lot of the TJed classes next year. He is ready.

I feel blessed to be able to spend so much time with my kids. It is such a joy to see them grow.

Raising Children - The great adventure!

Lately, I have heard other families ask "how do we spend so much time with our kids". Okay maybe that shouldn't be a direct quote. However, I do get people saying "I don't know how you do it". I translate it as the first quote.

A few Sundays ago at church they were discussing working on the girls Personal Progress in the Young Women Program. It is goals they set and work on from age 12-18. Shelby finished at 14. Taylor has 1/2 done at nearly 13. The girls got comments like "you are home all day. You have more time to do it." Which is funny. I'm not sure what they think we are doing all day. Our curriculum isn't just Personal Progress and we call it good. The kids do school work just like most kids. We have grammar, reading, typing, scripture study, math, writing, science, history, Shakespeare, book club, piano, violin, art...and other activities the kids decide to participate in. We also have swim team every day, baseball practice, cheer practice, scouts and YW to go to as well.

What the key is we make it a priority. Anyone can choose a day or night dedicated to working on their goals. Just like you dedicate time for homework or practice. That is what my girls do. Every week some designated time is spent on working on their Personal Progress goals.

Sports take up a majority of our time at night and on weekends. I hear people say "you shouldn't spend all your time away from the house". I wonder if they are trying to justify what they are doing. They say this and yet send their children away to be taught by strangers most of the day. I find the statement a little hypocritical.

We are at every practice and game/competition. We are there cheering them on, giving them encouragement, giving advice, etc. It is great time spent. My kids have great confidence in themselves. I have seen my daughter want to tumble and set out to learn. In 5 months time she went from just knowing how to do a standing backhandspring, to bounding across the floor at competitions doing multiple backhandsprings. She also learned to do an aerial and almost has a tuck. My second daughter started this swim season not doing the butterfly in swimming. At the final meet this year she won a metal in that event. She worked so hard. We are so proud of both. At home, I wouldn't have been able to teach them these skills.

My son wanted to be a pitcher in baseball. He has a rocket for an arm. He just needed to learn control. This winter he had the great privilege to work with Coach Noels from BYU baseball on his control. He has become a wonderful pitcher. In his first game this season he struck out 5 batters in 2 and 1/2 innings.

We love watching our kids progress in all they do. It is such a joy to see them grow. I truly love going to swimming, baseball and cheer, watching these wonderful kids progress. I love teaching them. Even the bad days I cherish. We learned it and experienced it together. No one else can say they know my kid better than I do. And they are growing up knowing they have us in their corner cheering them on in all they do.

Sure it takes up a lot of time. But what else would I be doing?

Here are a few of my favorite scriptures regarding our children

Psalm - Chapter 127:3

3. Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him.

Proverbs 22:6

Train up a child in the way he should go: and
when he is old, he will not depart from it.


1 Timothy 3:4

One that ruleth well his own house, having his
children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not
how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church
of God?)

Don't be afraid to try. Parents know what is best for their children. Know that you have the strength. Heavenly Father will help you.

Raising boys to serve missions

I heard a shocking number the other day. It pertained to the number of young men serving missions in our stake. 3 out of 60. Yeah I almost fell on the floor, too.

How can we help these young men become active again, is the question circulating throughout the church. I think we are forgetting to teach the primary kids that "holding the priesthood comes with the obligation for young men to carry the message of the Restoration to the world. "

Attitude is the key. Young people need to commit themselves early in life to the idea of a mission. That way, when they get older and begin to face some of the world’s temptations, those temptations will be less likely to penetrate their hearts or minds. They will resist the temptations because they are focused on becoming a servant of the Lord. It helps if they live in a gospel-sharing home. A missionary spirit is generated in a home where parents and children share the gospel with one another. I also recommend that youth study and follow the guidelines in For the Strength of Youth. Missionaries need to be morally clean and spiritually ready. If they live the principles in For the Strength of Youth, they will be spiritually prepared to be great missionaries. - M. Russell Ballard

I remember about 10 years ago the church leaders "Raised the bar" for the youth. Requirements to serve missions was also raised. It isn't enough to just attend church on Sunday and YM/YW during the week. These meetings are great and should be attended regularly, however, work on their own needs to be done. Living cleanly isn't a casual thing. It needs to be the most important. I really love Elder Ballards comment that "They need to avoid the mischief of the world."

I have heard adults give talks in church where they have said "It was alright that I didn't serve a mission because I got married". That is fine for them but that doesn't need to be taught from the pulpit that to forget serving a mission. Instead get married. I have also heard talks about parents who knew their kids were into "mischief". Yet, nothing was really done about it. The kids were still permitted to run around with the same kids they were getting in trouble with. Later, when serious offenses were committed they prayed to the Lord that he help their children return to the gospel.

I would like to share my story here of bad friends in my earlier life. I had a particular friend in Jr. High who was continually pulling me in the wrong direction. My mom and dad decided what to do about it. I was no longer aloud to have anything to do with this individual. It was a struggle for them. I resisted. Hard. But in the end they saved me from a dark path. I didn't make that many new friends. They kept me busy with sports, my mom stayed home with me so I wasn't able to "run around", later I got a job, and I was expected to keep an early curfew.

My husband had a similar situation in High School. He made friends with the wrong crowd and was getting into trouble. The difference in his story is that he removed himself from the situation. He disassociated himself with the group. And because he had a bad reputation it was hard for him to make new friends. He didn't care. He decided to choice the right path. He served a mission in Uruguay.

Hard decisions and choices need to be made is some cases. Sacrifices will need to be made.

Around the world members are sacrificing much for their membership in the church. Family members disown them, employers dismiss them, they aren't getting promotions because they refuse to break the word of wisdom, just to name a few I am personally aware of with friends I have met.

During a Relief Society meeting a lesson on Sacrifice was taught and time seemed to be the one thing most people said they were sacrificing. I think we are missing out on teaching our kids what it is to really sacrifice here.

This to me is the reason so few young men are serving missions in our stake. They aren't asked or required by family or friends to sacrifice immediate "joy" in order to serve a mission.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQIQA6s2_Hw

This is a great video.