It's Allergy Season!

I have wrapped up our school year early! It's only April, and we got Jacob's California Achievement Test results back (he did awesome!) and my friend evaluated him. I need a copy of her Florida's teacher's certificate before I can mail the evaluation to the county school board. I hope I don't forget to send it! I also have to create a Jacob yearbook page for our homeschool group. We make homemade yearbooks every year, and they're just precious.

My computer crashed, and my wonderful husband has been working hard to find our pictures that were on the old hard drive. If worst comes to worst, I'll create a yearbook scrapbook page with photo prints, and take it to a color copier. I did that in 2008 when my computer crashed. 2008 was even worse because I was also creating homemade graduation invitations for Brent, and had to go to my parents and use their computer to make them. It was a real hassle and very time consuming, but they turned out beautifully. Still, this kind of deja vu I could do without!

My digital camera started taking streaky red photos after I deleted pictures off the memory card, so we bought a new memory card and it seems to be okay. I'm so relieved I don't have to replace the camera! I know how to work this one.

Jacob turned 12 on April 13. We had a fun little family party (12 of us) at my parents house. One of Jacob's friends was able to celebrate with us, and they jumped on the trampoline, drove the golf cart and went swimming. The following weekend we had a small sleepover with two of Jacob's friends. The boys were noisy and energetic and didn't want to sleep, but they were good kids. They were respectful, obedient, and got along with each other. Conrad did a lot! He cooked supper and breakfast, took them for a long walk in the dark, and stayed up with them long after I conked out at 10:00. We took them to my parents for the trampoline, golf cart and pool. It was a lot of fun.

Jacob and Conrad are spending the summer hiking the Appalachian Trail. I have a hole in my heart when I think of how much I will miss them! We want to replace our old van with something newer. I hoped to find something that they could drive to Atlanta, but since Conrad doesn't seem interested enough to actually go look at anything, I guess it'll wait until they get back. They were supposed to leave Thursday, but Wednesday afternoon Jacob's allergies kicked off a severe asthma attack and we had to rush him to the emergency room. It was very scary, but we are grateful they weren't on the Appalachian Trail when it happened. They will be carrying meds and Conrad bought SPOT, which is a GPS locator with a 911 button. I will be tracking them every day.

Conrad suffered from allergies and asthma for several weeks, but is finally better. Even I'm taking Zyrtec because I've been so miserable the past couple of weeks. I feel so much better today that I think I'll do some treadmill. I'm a little stir crazy--bored and energetic. Here it is, absolutely gorgeous outside, but the more time we spend outside, the more miserable we are. I want to go swimming at my parents! I want to ride bikes! I want to go to the beach! Instead, I'm staying inside with Jacob today. I'm telling myself to be patient and enjoy my time with him.

Home School Is Winding Down

The balmy March breezes; Spring Break; Easter; homeschool book sales; standardized testing; evaluations; they all mean one thing: the school year will be over soon! Automatically I start thinking ahead to next year. Hmmm, what grade will he be in? What, that can't be right! But it's true. My baby will be in 7th grade. I wonder what I'm going to do with him? My mind starts to plan. We'll continue the Jacob's Algebra. We had a rocky start, but now he's doing really well with it (we both are). He definitely needs to continue handwriting because it's not good. He'll start Learning Language Arts Through Literature (LLATL). It didn't work for us in his younger years, but I loved it when his brothers were in 7th grade and up. Daddy is going to teach science. He'll read a variety of books; whatever interests him. That just leaves Bible (easy), history and fun electives (continue piano, band, art). Well, that was easy! 7th grade is just about planned already.

March Happenings

Now that it is March, the weather has become mild. I love being able to spend more time outdoors and feel the sun on my skin!

Conrad and the other parents took the Pathfinders to north Georgia to backpack on the Appalachian Trail. It was below freezing, and the bus driver, Steve Wolcott, one of the kids, and Conrad got very sick. Jacob was devastated that he couldn't go. He was all packed, but developed a fever of over 104 and had terrible asthma. I was so glad he got sick at home rather than on the trail! The good news is that they all survived.

We went to Sea World shortly after a trainer there was killed by one of the killer whales. That was so shocking and tragic. When the older boys were younger, we used to go to Sea World all the time, up until Jacob turned 3 and needed a pass. I took Jacob for free one last time before his birthday. The older boys were not interested in Sea World anymore, and I was too busy running them around to social engagements and classes, and was teaching piano students every afternoon. I didn't bother getting tickets, because I didn't have time to go. It is almost 9 years later, but I was glad to fulfill my promise to Jacob and take him back. Conrad, Jacob and I had so much fun. It wasn't crowded and the weather was perfect.

Last week, Steve Wolcott (with the blessing of the chaperone/teacher, Richard Knapp, and the camp) invited Jacob along with our church school to Camp Kulaqua for their Outdoor Education, so he was gone from Tues. to Fri. We scrambled to get the paperwork, get it notorized and get him packed. Jacob said he wanted everything to be last-minute from now on, because that way he doesn't get sick. It was hard not to hear from him and I missed him. Conrad and I planned on having a fun date-day on Wed., but it poured down rain all day and we didn't go anywhere. I was so happy to pick up Jacob Friday afternoon. He had such a rich experience! He loved Pastor Barry and learned all about beekeeping from Chappie McChesney. Now he is intensely interested in bees and wants to become a beekeeper. I'll have to find someone local who would be willing to mentor him.

That evening after picking up Jacob, I went to church to practice with the choir. They sang a beautiful song at the memorial of our friend Lillian Santana, who had passed away in her sleep the previous Sabbath morning after a long battle with cancer. The church was packed. It was very hard to get through the service. We had been such good friends, and her young son Tyler had been my piano student for several years. We didn't get the "desserts only" message, and Conrad made a huge amount of his famous hot macaroni for the reception. I don't think anyone minded.

Conrad spent a lot of time researching garage doors and getting quotes, and we finally had our garage door replaced. The house looks much more cared for!

Jacob's little parakeet died Sunday. When Jacob took it out to play Sabbath afternoon, he noticed it was subdued. He noticed its beak was really long, so he got his dad up from his nap and Conrad trimmed it. It did start eating and drinking, but I'm guessing it was too late. When Conrad and I got home from our church meeting yesterday, it was on the bottom of the cage. The other parakeet seems lonely but Jacob doesn't want another bird right now. I don't blame him. It's so sad when pets die.

We went to the beach on Sabbath afternoon, for the first time in months. It was just a perfect, beautiful day. There was a wedding on the beach. I wore a jacket and the water was chilly, but Jacob couldn't stand being so close to the water without going in, so after our walk, he changed and swam in the waves for awhile.

Last weekend my sister, her husband and daughter came over from the Florida west coast and came with my parents to our church. I appreciated that I didn't have to play the piano and could sit in the pew with my family. My mom made a huge meal, but Conrad and Jacob had to eat it cold and run off to Pathfinders. I lingered quite awhile before heading to choir practice. I've been trying to play the Easter cantata through every day. Some areas are challenging.

I love this spring weather! Every morning, a bird sings outside my window and sounds so joyful and happy. It's a nice way to wake up.

A Florida Winter Friday

When I started this blog, my goal was to catalog our "homeschool", but I've come to the realization that, for me, this is impossible (in case you haven't noticed!). Like my religion or my private struggle with my CMT disability, our homeschool is a constant part of our lives that I cannot separate and pick out, because we are learning all the time! So this blog is honestly and realistically a catalog of our lives that includes homeschooling.

One of my friends has called this winter bi-polar, which is right on! Yesterday we had everything opened up and enjoyed sun-warmed breezes, and today is cloudy and cold again. Those states north of us are expecting snowstorms, yet again. What a winter!

Now that Conrad has retired, he is doing almost all of the running around. He drives Jacob everywhere and does the grocery shopping! I don't miss any of that. I have been able to teach more piano students and still homeschool Jacob, so my life is fulfilling. We are so blessed!

Brandon and Brent are taking calc 2, technical writing and physics at the community college this semester. It's amazing they were able to get into the same classes, so they can ride together, study together, and only bought one set of books. I'm very worried about college students that get out owing thousands and thousands, and are unable to find a job. Thank goodness for the Florida Bright Futures scholarship! We've been able to pay whatever it doesn't cover. Brandon's scholarship is over and he borrowed money from his dad (interest-free), which is preferable to a loan from the banks!

I've been looking for a new sofa. I debated long and hard and listened to the preferences of my family. Brent and Jacob begged me not to get leather--just as I had decided to. So my next choice was slipcovered, but wasn't able to find the size I wanted at a price I was comfortable with. Finally, I found one on sale! So I replaced our recliner sofa with a sectional, which will be delivered today. We've been without a sofa for a couple of weeks now, and piano student moms have been scrounging seating. I hope I love it, because I bought it online based on all the great reviews from others. I take reviews into account when I buy something, and I hope I agree with them, but I'll have to wait until after the sofa is delivered to know. It's a pretty big deal for me.

I enter into this day with my outline the same as every other--homeschool, clean/laundry/cook, teach piano. It's amazing how, although that is my routine, each day is varied and interesting for me.

Happy New Year 2010!

It is now Sat., Jan. 2, 2010 and a chilly, sunny day outside in Florida. Our long Christmas break is coming to an end and my January calendar is looking typically hectic. I'm looking forward to getting back to our routine of homeschool, activities and piano lessons, but the break was refreshing. All signs of Christmas have been packed away into the attic.

I don't know how it happened, but this was the least stressful December I remember. I think we did all the usual activities, but somehow I was relaxed throughout. It must have something to do with Conrad's new retirement and having time to help me shop, cook and decorate. Last Christmas I hurt my back and could hardly move, and this year I hurt it again (probably moving the furniture), but thankfully it wasn't too bad and I quickly recovered.

In December we went to Cracker Christmas, which is an outdoor craft festival and frontier demonstrations including making sugar syrup from sugar cane (Jacob always gets some sugar cane to eat), broom making, blacksmiths, basket weaving, rope making, spinning, quilting, lace making and wood carving. Conrad and Jacob love getting the homemade ice cream, and I look forward to the kettle corn. Conrad bought plenty this year to bring home and share. I had a birthday party at my parents'. Jacob had his band concert. He played the trumpet. His band played in Washington, D.C. for Christmas, but we didn't go. The older boys went to western N. Carolina to camp, and everyone up north--band and boys--got snowed in. It was quite exciting even from here, and I wish I had gone with the band and gotten snowed in too. My mom had Thanksgiving at her house and did all the cooking, but her allergy/lung/cough situation was bad then, and even worse by Christmas. She finally said she couldn't have it at her house, even if we brought all the food. Brandon said he was going to "kidnap" Grandma and Papa, and he did, so we had Christmas at our house. I liked it. Conrad and I had fun planning a menu and cooking. It was a good Christmas.

The Calm Before the Storm

It is November already! It's cooler even here in Florida, at last. I feel the holidays upon us.

We have been busy with Conrad's kidney stone business, going to Atlanta for a wedding, Brandon's birthday, Conrad's retirement party and Brent's violin recital.

We are having a piano recital this afternoon. It was not easy to find a time that most people could make it! I had to cancel our spring recital, because the majority couldn't come. It's a good thing we reserved this day well in advance, because other things have crowded into this day! I am looking forward to it. The kids' nervousness rubs off on me, and I hate getting up front and speaking, but it's worth it to all get together and play a little music for each other.

After the recital is over, we are planning my dad and Brent's birthdays. The party will be at my parent's house as usual, so my mom is anxious to get the details settled.

Conrad is having his kidney stent removed Monday, and hopefully he will bounce back to his normal self. He's been miserable, so we haven't gone out much lately. Thankfully, he's retired now, and is able to recover at home.

Thanksgiving will be upon us soon. I love spending time with all my family! December is a crazy month for everyone. All of Jacob's programs have something special for Christmas. His band is going to play in Washington, D.C. We might go. I have a birthday (even though I don't want to get any older) and am looking forward to the Cracker Christmas festival in Ft. Christmas.

As far as homeschooling, it's been very different since Conrad retired and I've been driving him to the hospital and doctor's offices. We haven't found a routine yet, but I know we will.

13 Years and Counting...

Con and I had our 13th wedding anniversary on July 14. I was nostalgic all day, remembering our wedding. How everything has changed since then, especially the kids! Baby-faced Brent was a small 6 year old, and was our "flower boy", Brandon, 9 years, and our "Bible boy", and Juddy and Josh, 12 and 13, were Conrad's Best Men. My sister was my matron of honor, and she put a huge white bow on the front of Dad's scooter, and he accompanied me up the aisle. All the guys matched in black suits with dark green ties. I wore my mom's wedding dress that my sister Margy had tea stained and embellished all over with tiny, pearl-like beads. Margy also curled and put up my long hair.

We were married in the Titusville church I grew up in. I was so touched that many of my friends drove 2 hours to be at my wedding. My brother-in-law, who is director of Food Services at the hospital, provided food and all the related dishes, so the food was amazing (I was too busy and stressed to actually eat). My sister, who is a brilliant decorator, made my gorgeous cake. I just wanted a help-yourself buffet, but my family wanted to be involved, so they served the guests. It was a nice touch. My mom and Con's mom made potato salad together, and we bought local famous hot wings. The Titusville pastor, James Rodrigues, married us, and his talented wife, Bonnie, played the keyboard...for a long time, since Con forgot his suit and had to run back home to get it! We spent our wedding night at a place Conrad arranged for, The Inn at Cocoa Beach. It was such a beautiful bed-and-breakfast that we went back there for two of our anniversaries.

It was ironic that when I moved over here a few months later from Zephyrhills, the Titusville pastor who married us moved to Zephyrhills to become their new pastor. It's also ironic that Con and I are now members of the church we were married in. Funny how life turns out.

My mind also ran over other notable anniversaries. We had one that still makes me laugh. We spent our anniversary working on the yard, and were so tired, hot and sweaty that at the end of the day that we didn't even feel like driving as far as Merritt Island to find a restaurant for our date. Conrad had eaten at a place in Titusville that he thought I'd love, so we got cleaned up and went up there, but it was closed. I think it was only opened for lunch during the week. So we spent the next hour driving around and around Titusville, and we finally ended up at a Perkins (or something like that). It wasn't the special place with special food that we were looking for, but I remember the food was actually good, and although it wasn't a romantic atmosphere, it was really wonderful just being alone on a date with my husband whom I love so deeply.