Zoo Day

Grace has been suffering from seasonal allergies, but she was feeling better, so I took her and Kie to the zoo!  It was a perfect day…sunny and warm.  They had so much fun!  Grace paid for it later after being outside in the pollen and around animals for several hours, but they were so sweet and had a blast!
 

I don’t think I had to tell them once to take turns or share.  They made sure each other could see the exhibits and obeyed me when it was time to move on or leave.  So precious!

We rode the train around later in the day when we were tired. 

I am really going to miss Kie next year when he starts school!  What a blessing he and his sister have been to our family over the past two years!  Grace will miss him horribly!

Preschooler Story of the Day

The other day, I was driving home with Grace and the little boy I babysit, Kie.  It was a beautiful day….blue skies, warm breeze.  All of the sudden, literally out of nowhere, it started hailing.  It was so weird.  At first, I thought someone was throwing rocks at our car.  No rain, just hail.

The kids got a little scared, but I calmed them down and told them it was just a crazy Texas storm that would soon pass.  This is the conversation I heard between them while I was driving:

Kie:  “Grace, we’ve GOT to pray.  This is terrible.  Pray with me.”

Grace:  “Okay, let’s pray.”

Kie:  “Dear God, PLEASE stop this hell (i.e. hail).  Please make it a beautiful day again so we can play outside.  We don’t like hell (i.e. hail), so please make it go away.  Amen.”

Grace:  (looking out the window at the worsening hail)  “Well, that didn’t work.”

New Cake Blog

Check out my new cake blog! It's called Cakes By Joanna. Original, huh? I decided to dedicate a separate space to my cakes so I can organize my pictures and refer people easily who want to look at my work.

I created this cake for our Easter luncheon with the sweet Thompson family. Since we don't have any family in Texas, they always include us as part of theirs if we aren't traveling during a holiday! This cake has a subtle peach flavor with peach buttercream filling and cream cheese icing. Grace had fun helping me cut out fondant flowers and butterflies!

As I fulfill cake orders, I'll take pictures and add them to my new cake blog! If you live in the D/FW area, feel free to contact me if I can make a special creation for you!

Thoughts on Learning Styles

Many thanks to Mama Angie at Molding a Masterpiece for recommending Cathy Duffy’s book 100 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum a few weeks ago in my comment section!

I’ve spent the last few days reading this book and pondering my plan for home school.  There are some very helpful worksheets and charts that I spent time completing which allowed me to think through my philosophy of education.  The great thing about this book is that it has helped me understand my learning style and Grace’s learning style and how we are going to make this endeavor work!

Thankfully, we are similar in many ways.  We both meet the criteria for “Perfect Paula” as described in the book…planners, organizers, neat, scheduled, rule-oriented.  I’ve got a healthy dose of “Competent Carl”…logical, controlled, impatient, math/science-minded.  Grace has a moderate dose of “Wiggly Willy”, partly due to her age and developmental level…impulsive, activity-loving, kinesthetic.  We both have some “Social Sue”…enjoying friendships and emotionally connected to others.

“Carl” and “Willy” don’t necessarily mix, so I will need to stretch outside my comfort zone to include lots of multisensory techniques and activities for Grace’s benefit.  I was the kid in school that hated group work and anything out of the “norm” of bookwork and study.  Boring, I know.  But I’m excited about the challenge!

This book has helped me determine that we will both benefit from a routine-based schedule.  This will most likely look like morning instructional times in a consistent schoolroom-type setting in our home.  We can use the afternoons for activities, experiences, reinforcement, and homemaking instruction (cooking, keeping house, sewing, shopping, etc.). 

The BEST thing about this book is the Top 100 Picks Chart.  Cathy scores each curriculum on a set of criteria, specifically related to the child’s learning style.  It is SO helpful.  I can just look at the chart and easily see where to start looking to find the best fit for us. 

Interestingly, the programs that I was already leaning towards matched up as a good fit:  Sonlight and Saxon Math. 

I’ve also developed a new interest in the concept of unit studies.  I like the idea of studying one topic and applying it towards all disciplines…I believe this would fit Grace’s learning style very well and result in better comprehension and retention for her.  There are lots of great resources out there, and this is definitely something I will explore in the future.  However, in my first year of homeschool, I prefer to stick with a pre-planned curriculum.  I need to build my confidence as her teacher!

The next book on my reading list is The Well-Trained Mind, due to the recommendation of my readers and fellow homeschool parents.  I’ve got it on reserve in my library…it’s a VERY popular book.  Hopefully I’ll get it soon!

As always, thanks to everyone for the overwhelming support and good wishes I received since we made the decision to homeschool.  Todd and I are both excited to see what the future holds for Grace!

Spring Break

Normally, we travel as often as we can during vacation time to visit family.   However, this year we decided to stay home during Todd’s Spring Break and plan a “staycation” of sorts!  We tried to do something fun and different every day.  It ended up being the best week we’ve had together in a long time!

On Monday, we played golf.  Actually, Todd played golf while I drove the cart and tried to explain to a 5-yr-old why we had to be silent when players were teeing off.  It was a gorgeous day and so nice to be outside in the sunshine!  Grace was the official “flag mover.”  It was hilarious watching her try to lift and maneuver the awkward pole while daddy putted.

On Tuesday, we went to see “Alice In Wonderland” in 3D.  I know, I know.  Probably not the best choice for a 5-yr-old.  There were some pretty intense scenes.  I took her out to the bathroom during one particularly scary part.  She loved it, though!  All the animals and creatures delighted her.  Thankfully, we haven’t heard word one about the scary dragon or river with decapitated heads.  She’s been sleeping as well as usual and talks about the movie happily.  Just sayin’….

On Wednesday, we rode the Trinity Railway Express to the Dallas Mavericks game.  Grace loved the train ride more than the basketball game!  It’s a double-decker train, so we sat on top and enjoyed the view!

 

The Mavs game was tons of fun!  At first Grace was overwhelmed by the loudness, the height of the nose-bleed section, and the screaming fans.

But she soon warmed up and ended up dancing and entertaining everyone around us when the music played.  She also informed me that she wanted to dance “just like those girls.”  (The Mavs Dancers).  Um…..no.

On Thursday we went to Six Flags, along with every other human being in the D/FW area.  I’m not kidding when I say it took us 2 1/2 hours to go one mile on the interstate, park, and walk into the park.  We waited in line for about an hour for each ride we rode.  Good times.

On Friday, Todd took Grace on a daddy date.  Anytime Todd takes her out, you just never know what they’ll come home with.  After a couple of hours, she proudly arrived home with this:

Her first bicycle.  And daddy succumbed to the “Snow White” model because, of course, the most important thing about a new bike is the princess purse that is attached to the front, which conveniently holds lip gloss.  That’s my girl!

And what was I doing while Todd and Grace were painting the town?

I was painting my kitchen!!!

And re-upholstering my breakfast room chairs!!!

And sewing new draperies!!!

  

In addition to painting my walls, I sanded and painted our cabinetry white.  It was a LOT of work, but totally worth it.   It really brightens up the room and makes me feel happy when I cook!

We thoroughly enjoyed the week together, and Grace was sad to see daddy go back to work on Monday.  Back to reality!

Kindergarten Decision

Todd and I have been spending time over the last few months researching and praying about different directions we could go with kindergarten next year for our Grace.  You can read about our options and thoughts in my previous posts, Kindergarten Contemplations Part I and Part II. 

I’m so thankful that I wrote about it on my blog, because I received  lots of great feedback and access to resources as a result!  I appreciate that tremendously!

And the decision is….drumroll….I WILL HOMESCHOOL!

There, I said it.  It’s official.  Whew.  I’m glad to have a decision, and I’m still trying to wrap my brain around what it means for our little family.

Just of a few of the many emotions/adjectives that are running rampant through my brain are:

excited, scared, crazy, relieved, curious, happy, confident, hesitant

Anyone that has faced the possibility of homeschool has probably felt many of the same things.  The first two emotions are the most pronounced at the moment.

I’m excited because:

• I get to spend time with my little girl instead of sending her off to school every day!
• I truly believe that Grace will enjoy it.  She loves to do school at home and always asks me to do it more often. 
• It’s a new challenge.  And I love new challenges.
• I can tailor my program to exactly what she needs considering her learning style, abilities, interests, etc.
• There is a whole new world of homeschool families and resources that we will meet and grow to love.
• Grace will be a part of the Travis Academy of Fine Arts.
• I feel that God will bless our efforts to educate our daughter at home.

I’m scared because:

• I want to do a good job, but I don’t always feel confident.
• What if I forget to teach her something?
• The responsibility of homeschool lessens opportunities for earning money through sewing, cake decorating, etc. and increases expenses for curriculum, TAFA, organized sports, membership expenses, etc.
• I’m a procrastinator by nature, and I just CAN’T be that way and be an effective home educator.

All things considered, the promise I am holding close to my heart through this decision comes from Proverbs 22:6:

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

Our prayer is that we are making a decision that will bless our daughter, our family, and give honor to our Lord.  I also take comfort in the fact that the decision to homeschool for kindergarten next year does not mean we are stuck on that path for the next 13 years.  Thankfully, public school and other charter schools are options that we feel comfortable considering if homeschool does not work out for whatever reason.

I haven’t made any solid decisions yet about curriculum, but I’m leaning toward Saxon for math.  When I worked at the elementary school level, I remember our math teachers complementing Saxon very highly.  It is very systematic, building concepts and reinforcing learning along the way.  There are lots of hands-on activities with manipulatives and practice.  I also like that there are frequent assessments to measure learning.

For language arts/reading, I’m looking at Sonlight, Saxon, Lifepac, and Horizons.  I’ve still got a lot of research to do on this.

I’ll probably use supplements from my local Mardel homeschool supply store for resources relating to science, history, and geography. 

Now that we’ve made the decision to homeschool, I’d appreciate any recommendations on curriculum from any homeschool moms out there!  Positive recommendations or concerns through your experience…

Thanks for the continued prayers as I prepare for this exciting new journey!

Hello Old Friends

Greetings, everyone!  First, let me apologize about my extended absence.  Several of you have asked or e-mailed to find out where I’ve been, and I don’t really have a good explanation other than being busy!  In the past, I’ve been convicted that I spent time blogging when it would have been better spent doing something else (exercising, reading, teaching Grace, cleaning, etc.)  So, I’m really trying to prioritize and be responsible.  I’ve got several things stored in my head that I’ve been wanting to write about and hopefully I’ll have the time to do it soon.

This season in my life has been very full, and for that I am so thankful.  God has opened up several opportunities for me to contribute to the family income, and so I’ve spent a lot of time lately in the kitchen baking and decorating cakes.  Here’s my latest cake creation for a special baby shower:

Also, two friends have hired me to design and create draperies for their new homes!  I got so excited over these projects, that it inspired me to redecorate my family room and kitchen!  So, when I can find time, I’m sewing new curtains for all my windows and repainting my downstairs.  I’ll be sure to post pictures when I’m done.

Next week is Spring Break, and Todd and I are planning a “staycation!”  We’re going to use our season passes to Six Flags Over Texas and the science museum, go to a Dallas Mavericks basketball game, and visit the local parks, zoo, and botanical gardens.  There are so many great things to do in the D/FW area…many of them free or almost free!  I’m also going to use Spring Break as an opportunity to re-paint my kitchen and family room…including the kitchen cabinets.  Eeek!  I have a feeling it’s going to be a much bigger job than I’m anticipating. 

I’m still enjoying babysitting part-time, and I’m REALLY going to miss Kie when he starts kindergarten next year! 

Grace will go through withdrawal.  They play so well together, and I rarely have to mediate or intervene.  Since Kie is part of a family that loves musicals as much as me, he often asks to sing or watch my favorite movies.  The other day, he asked me if I owned “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.”  Um…YES!!  It’s only my favorite movie EVER!   I truly wish I had taken pictures of Grace and Kie trying to imitate the barn-raising dance scene.  It was priceless. 

 

We’ve made a decision about kindergarten for Grace next year, and it warrants an entire post, so my plan is to get that written later today.  Blessings to you all!

Home Again

Grace and I thoroughly enjoyed our trip down to Louisiana to visit my family.  It was so good to see my sis-in-law and nieces before they traveled back to Hawaii.  Grace and the girls played together the whole time they were together!  And time with Mimi and Granddaddy is always exciting for us!

Unfortunately, when my sis-in-law arrived home to Hawaii after a long plane flight over the Pacific with two little ones, she discovered that her home had been infested by rats.  Several things were eaten up and ruined including:  a leather couch, mattress box springs, kitchen cabinetry, toys, shoes, and many other things.  Apparently, paradise has it’s drawbacks.  After Terminex, a cleaning company, and several nights in a hotel, they are safely back in their home…sans creepy critters.

The 9-hour drive back to Texas was uneventful, and I came to realize that long periods of time spent alone can be beneficial.  (Grace was virtually invisible and stayed quiet with her movies and books).   In addition to counting all the dead animals on the side of the road…109 to be exact…, I had time to ponder and think on things.  Some of eternal significance, some petty.  One of things I thought about was the direction I want to go with this blog.  In addition to being a written scrapbook of sorts for my family, I’d like to do another book study or series of some kind…something about family, home, and/or parenting.  I’m still trying to decide what to pick!  Suggestions are welcome!

It took me several days to unpack and get back in the swing of things.  I’m taking a Wilton cake decorating course right now which requires a lot of homework.  Ironically, I’ve also gotten a sudden influx of cake requests.  As we speak, I’ve got a cake the oven for a church anniversary party on Sunday.  It’s the biggest order I’ve gotten…a sheet cake to feed 100 people!  Next week I’m making a fancy baby shower cake and a 3-tier fondant cake!  It’s a lot of work, and I’m not sure yet if this cake decorating endeavor will be worth the money, but it sure is fun!  I’ll post pics as I finish.

Grace is under the weather.  She woke up today with a nasty cough, fever, and vomiting.  She also literally fell on her face yesterday while pretending to be a kitty cat and injured her front tooth.  There was so much blood that the boy I babysit turned white and ran in the next room!  After I got her cleaned up,  Barbie and the Three Musketeers took her mind off the trauma while I called the dentist.  Basically there’s nothing to do.  Since the tooth is now pretty loose, it will probably fall out soon.  She’ll get an x-ray in a couple of weeks at her next check-up to make sure there’s no damage to the permanent tooth underneath.  I’m really looking forward to the sideways glances in the McDonald’s playground, “Don’t you take care of your kid’s teeth?”  Ahh, parenthood.

This morning, despite the coughing, fever, vomiting, sore tooth, and swollen lips, she was the most dramatic about a hangnail.  A hangnail.  After she threw up for the third time in an hour, I asked her how she was feeling, and she said, “My finger still hurts, mama.”  Bless. Her. Heart.

Visit With Cousins

My sister-in-law Jaimie and her two girls flew from Hawaii to Louisiana to spend several weeks with her family while my brother is serving in Afghanistan.  I was able to arrange my schedule to drive down to see them and stay with my parents!  We picked an interesting weekend to visit…right in the middle of Mardi Gras and Saints Super Bowl festivities.  I have never seen such commotion in mom and dad’s little town of Clinton!

The drive down was pretty rough.  We experienced the most extensive rainstorm ever…in nine hours of driving, I turned my wipers OFF for about 5 minutes.  Grace kept asking me, “Mama, is our car going to get stuck on the side of the road and will we stay in a hotel?”  She, of course, was referring to The Tire Blowout on our last trip down at Thanksgiving. 

Grace was so excited to see her cousins!  They played so well together the whole time!  Here are our precious girls Lila, Grace, and Emma:

We heard about the Mardi Gras parade on Saturday morning in the town square, so we bundled up and walked downtown.  (Which in Clinton is at most a five minute walk from any given location).  We arrived just in time to see the local motorcycle club ride in all their glory.  Grace didn’t like the noise, and I didn’t like the exhaust, but it was quite entertaining.  The festivities were late getting started and we were FREEZING cold, so we ended up going home before the parade.

However, Mimi had a great idea, and we had our own parade in the living room when we got back.  We even opened the door so we could hear the Clinton High Marching Band in the background.  The girls took turns throwing candy and plastic jewelry at each other while riding on a little car!  They loved it and begged to do it the rest of the day.  Grace is STILL talking about it (and asking me to do it with her).  Good idea Mimi!

Jaimie and the girls are flying back to Hawaii today, so prayers are appreciated for their safe travel.  Jaimie is due with their little girl Keira at the end of May, and Jon should (Lord willing) be home sometime in April.

Grace and I are going to stay a few more days and take advantage of some Mimi/Granddaddy time while daddy slaves away at work and school in Texas.  (We miss you, Todd!)  We’ve got some fun stuff planned for this week including a daytrip to Natchez, MS, church parties, and good cookin’. 

And despite the fact that I cheered for the Colts and my boy Peyton last night, I am happy for the Saints.  The loss was rubbed in when I had to endure celebratory fireworks while I was trying to go to sleep, but their win is an inspirational story.  And New Orleans really needed one more reason to party this week.  :)

Kindergarten Contemplations Part II

Wow.  I’ve had a lot of feedback since I posted our thoughts on kindergarten.  I appreciate all the comments, e-mails, and words of wisdom from other moms out there!  I enjoy hearing the experiences of other families who have faced similar decisions.

Here is where we are:

We will find out if Grace is accepted to the fine arts charter school in another month.  The chances are pretty slim.  It’s based on a lottery system, and there are a lot of families vying for a mere 14 open spots.  If she is offered a spot, we will seriously consider allowing her to attend.  My recent tour with the principal was very impressive, and we feel that Grace would be served well in the environment.

At this time, our hearts are leaning towards homeschool.  I am feeling more comfortable with accepting this challenge, especially after hearing the testimonies of other families who have chosen this for their children.  I’m reading books, doing lots of research on curriculum, and connecting with homeschool moms who are willing to share wisdom. 

In preparation for the strong possibility of homeschool, I’m becoming more faithful about structured times of learning.  I reorganized our supplies (workbooks, manipulatives, art and craft items) so everything is within easy reach.  Grace is enjoying our “school-time” and begs to do it more often then I am able. 

It’s comforting to know that we have two good options.  We’ll make a decision next month after we find out if the charter school spot is available.  Thanks for the prayers and thoughtful feedback!

R.I.P. Gateway J., 2006-2010

Gateway J., the beloved laptop computer of Joanna J., died suddenly on January 30, 2010.  She was only 3 1/2 years old.  

Adopted from the local Best Buy store, Gateway J. grew up in a loving home.  She was not the fastest and most technically advanced of her peers, but she faithfully tackled every job given to her.  Her lifetime accomplishments include record-keeping for growing Avon and EBay businesses, family photo storage, and protection of an extensive recipe collection.  Even at the end of a hard workday, Gateway J. was always willing to play a friendly game of Spider Solitaire.  It is because of Gateway J. that this blog, Grace In The Home, came into existence.

Gateway J. was often seen as a companion for Joanna J.  She loved to travel in a stylish bag and she enjoyed being seen at local Starbucks and Barnes & Noble stores.  Her cheery desktop backgrounds always made people feel happy.  She loved to entertain her big sister, Grace J., with preschool websites and activities.

Although her last year was spent in poorer health, Gateway J. had no interest in retiring.  Her last official duty was publishing the blog article Kindergarten Contemplations.  

A brief memorial service was held today in the Geek Squad waiting room, presided over by Gary, Senior Geek Squad Technician.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Gateway Motherboard Research Center.

Kindergarten Contemplations

It’s hard to believe that I’m even writing this post because I am having difficulty with the fact that my baby will soon be old enough for school.  It really doesn’t seem like five years since Todd and I held her in our arms and thanked God for her miraculous birth!  And I’ve heard it only gets faster…

We have some big decisions coming up in the next couple of months about Grace’s education.  There are so many things to consider.  Of course, each option has both pros and cons, and we are prayerfully seeking the best choice for us.

Side note:  This post is not meant to criticize any school or program.  A parent’s right to determine the best education for their child(ren) is a highly personal and subjective matter.  There is no right answer for everyone!

Todd and I have not made a final decision yet, but here are the options that are available and my thoughts on the matter:

1.  LOCAL PUBLIC SCHOOL

PROS:  I am a former employee of the current district in which we reside.  I know a lot of people and I have a high level of confidence in the kindergarten program in our neighborhood school.  This is obviously the easiest option for us to choose because it is FREE and CONVENIENT (a short walking distance from our home).  It would be quite easy for me to become involved in the school.  A few of Grace’s friends from church will be beginning this school in the fall, so she will see some familiar faces.  It would also be nice to be a part of the local community in which we live.

CONS:  The class size is large (up to 21) and Grace has a tendency to get lost in the crowd.  She is rather quiet and reserved (until you get to know her), and she doesn’t bring a lot of attention to herself.  I’m afraid that she might not get as much academic attention as she would in another option.  Also, I’ve been in a lot of kindergarten classes and I’ve seen a lot of shocking things.  Regardless of how excellent the teacher is, in a public classroom, Grace will be exposed to things I would rather her not see.  I have no desire for her to grow up in a bubble, completely shut off from reality, but Todd and I have a responsibility to protect her as best we can.

2.  LOCAL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

PROS:  Smaller class sizes and an emphasis on spiritual growth are the biggest advantages to this option.  The academic rigor is also well-known.  Many of our church friends attend and/or work in this school.  The location is convenient (about 2-3 miles), and the area is very safe.  Most of the families/employees in this school share similar values and I know it would be a great place for us to get involved and make new friends.

CONS:  The main problem is cost.  Private school is quite expensive, and in order for Grace to attend this school, I would need to go back to work.  This is something that we are considering, but it is not ideal.  When I resigned from public education three years ago to become a full-time homemaker, we realized that it was exactly what our family needed.  That topic warrants an entire post, but everyone is happier since I stepped out of the workforce.

3.  LOCAL FINE ARTS CHARTER SCHOOL

PROS:  This is a relatively new charter school with an excellent reputation.  The kindergarten class size is only 12, and there is an emphasis on fine arts:  ballet, music, and art.  This is right up Grace’s alley.  Instead of one ballet class per week, she would receive classical ballet four days per week.  The academic rigor is respectable as evidenced by high testing scores.  The convenience is good (about 5 miles away) in a safe area.  I have friends who have put their children in this school and are very happy.  I am looking forward to a tour with the principal next Tuesday where I can learn more about the curriculum and see the learning in action.  Another wonderful benefit is that this is a FREE option! 

CONS:  It is still a public school venue, and many of the challenges would be the same as in our local public school option.  And, since Todd and I were both former fine arts teachers in a public school setting, I can say with some level of experience that artsy people are different.  World views, philosophies, values, etc. are not always going to be consistent with what we are teaching her in our home.  That’s not necessarily all bad, because it will provide opportunities for us to talk and teach her things from a biblical perspective.  But we also feel a responsibility to surround Grace with like-minded friends and teachers to give her a solid foundation before she spreads her wings and flies off into the world!

4.  HOMESCHOOL

This is the option that both excites and scares me the most.  There are moments when I think, “I can do this!  It’ll be fun!”  And there are other moments when I tell myself, “No way.  What if I do a terrible job?  What if I forget to teach her something?  What if …?  What if…?”  Anyway, here goes:

PROS:  I honestly believe this is what Todd wants.  For whatever reason, he thinks I will do a good job. I also believe that Grace would love it.  She enjoys our times of reading and learning that we do together now, and I think that it could naturally progress into a more structured homeschool setting.  The most obvious advantage to homeschooling is that Todd and I make the decisions about what and how to teach her: spiritually, educationally, etc.  There is great freedom in the homeschool classroom, and I could tailor our program to meet her needs exclusively.  There is a HUGE homeschool support system in our area, and many families that I esteem highly have chosen this path for their children.  There are programs that I could take advantage of like co-op groups and TAFA (Travis Academy of Fine Arts), which is a fabulous fine arts education program for homeschool children in our area.  There is also great flexibility in the homeschool schedule.  I could decide to take a day to explore the local children’s museum or observe animals at the zoo or learn about Texas history at the Cowgirl Museum.  In addition to standard kindergarten curriculum, I would have time to spend teaching her things that I love like cooking, sewing, music, etc. 

CONS:  My biggest fear is that I won’t do a good job.  But, I guess it’s kind of like parenting:  you seek God’s guidance through scripture and pray for the discipline to do what is right.  Although I have moments of fear, I have finally come to a peace that if I approach this with a heart that is willing and eager to train Grace “the way she should go” (Prov. 22:6) that God will bless that endeavor.  If we do choose to homeschool, then there will be the expense of curriculum, setting up a learning environment at home, and enrolling her in enrichment activities like athletics and/or dance.  We would also pay for TAFA and memberships to places like museums, the zoo, etc.  These expenses are minimal compared to the cost of private school, but they are expenses nonetheless.  We also have concerns that Grace is an only child.  She is naturally shy, although she seems to be gaining more confidence every day.  We would counter this challenge and provide her opportunities for socialization through church, homeschool groups, TAFA, sports teams, ballet classes, etc.

I do have the added comfort of knowing that even if we make the “wrong” decision and our situation doesn’t work out, it’s not the end of the world.  It’s not like we’re committing to one plan of education for the next 13 years!  We can always re-evaluate and follow a different path on a future date. 

As you can see, we have a lot to think and pray about.  I would appreciate any words of wisdom or guidance from folks out there who have faced similar decisions.  I realize that everyone’s situation is different, so please feel free to leave thoughts about your own experience!

A Lesson In Shoplifting

Yesterday I witnessed a creative shoplifting technique at my local dollar store.  Grace and I were in the back of the store perusing the Jet Dry Rinse Aids when a young man came over to look for an employee. 

The kid was nervous and awkward and he started babbling about a neighboring dollar store that had just been robbed.  We heard a detailed description of how the store had been closed and there were several cop cars in front.  He had been trying to go to the other store to buy a microwave.  (Yeah, right, the dollar store carries microwaves…) 

Anyway, because of the sensational story he was telling, the front two employees wandered to the back to hear what was going on.  The manager got out her cell phone and started trying to call the store that was (supposedly) being robbed. 

With all the employees in a huddle in the back, the kid made his way back to the front of the store.  I followed him and saw him walk up to the battery display and start stuffing his pockets.  Then he slipped quickly out the door and ran off.  I turned around to go back and tell the employees and I saw the manager walking up behind me.  She had seen him take off through the window.

Grace and I heard all sorts of colorful descriptives from the infuriated manager…it was a classic “distract & rob” technique.  I’ll admit that part of me wanted to take off running after the kid and drag him back to the store by his ear…it’s the band director coming out in me…or my Nana.  Anyway, I just stood there and watched.

You have to admit the kid is pretty creative.

Quick Update

I’ve been pretty busy lately, but I wanted to give a quick update about what’s going on with me and our family these days.

My exercise and healthy eating plan has been going well.  I work out about an hour every day…treadmill, The Shred, or both.  It’s been good to get back into a routine.  My jeans were pretty tight at the end of our two-week Christmas vacation, and it’s nice to now be within two pounds of my lowest weight!  It makes me excited about keeping up my good habits and perhaps seeing my goal this spring!

I’ve also embarked on a plan to read the Bible in 90 days.  This challenge was given by our pastor, and many of my church friends are on this journey with me.  I’ll admit that I’m behind about three days at this point, but I catch up a little more every day. 

Grace is enjoying being back at home and going to her ballet class.  Next Monday I will register her for kindergarten.  Yikes!  I can’t believe our baby is that old.  We are attempting to get her into a local charter school of the arts.  They enroll based on a blind lottery system, so we’ll find out mid-March whether her number was drawn.  If not, there are many other options that we are continuing to explore.

Todd is back at work as a high school administrator.  He is preparing for the spring testing season as well as a huge career fair that he organizes.  His doctoral classes will begin again next week, so he stays pretty busy as well.

My blogging has taken a backseat among all our activities, but I will try to update at least once per week about family news, diet, and exercise goals.  And if anyone wants to join me in my goal to read the Bible in 90 days, let me know in the comment section!  It’s been a blessing so far, and I’d love to hear other people’s feedback about the journey!

Christmas Break

Hello blog world!  I’ve missed everyone.  The last couple of weeks have been filled with family, traveling, and spotty internet connections. 

Over the last two weeks, we have:

• driven 2435.7 miles across eight states
• celebrated Grace’s actual 5th birthday
• visited Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN
• spent Christmas with Todd’s mom and other relatives on his family farm in Bedford, VA
• rung in the New Year with my grandmother in Gadsden, AL
• celebrated my 35th birthday (gulp!)

We had a good trip, but I’ll admit there’s nothing like using your own shower and tumbling into your own bed when you get home after traveling.

I’m happy to report that Grace has reached “professional traveler” status…she was happy 99% of the time.  She watched Barbie in A Christmas Carol about 47 times, read books, played her Leapster, sang “Mary and Joseph” about 2549 times in every possible vocal range and key, and entertained us with stories. 

We are so thankful for God’s protection on the road during all our driving!  And our awesome 1996 Isuzu Oasis minivan is truckin’ along quite comfortably at 229,000 miles!  Gotta love it.

For my Christmas/birthday present, my sweet husband bought me an iPhone!  It is SO INCREDIBLE.  I am so comforted to know that I’LL NEVER BE LOST AGAIN.  And who knew there were so many opportunities in the day to catch a quick game of Bejeweled Blitz?  And imagine my delight when I discovered I can check the weather, pay a bill, or update my Facebook status in a matter of seconds?  Thank you, honey!

I wish I had some good pictures to post from our trip, but I haven’t figured out yet how to transfer pictures from my iPhone to my computer.  I’m still looking for the iPhone for Dummies book.

Life is slowing back down a little now, so I’m looking forward to getting back into a routine with housekeeping, babysitting, church, blogging, diet, exercise, etc.  My plan is to start The Shred again tomorrow (ouch).  My jeans got a little tighter during our trip, and I need to get back on track with my health goals.  Can I get an “amen?”

If I can lift my fingers enough to type tomorrow after Jillian Michaels kicks my you-know-what, I’ll share a few things about our vacation…which thankfully didn’t involve any roadside assistance or questionable hotel rooms this time.