10 Year Anniversary....2 months early

Earlier this year we were trying to decide where to go for our anniversary.  I wanted to do something really big, like go to the Dominican Republic.  Then Jonathan found out he had to prepare curriculum for two new classes over the summer.  We would have to celebrate in Texas and be back home so he could work.  The first week in May was when the stars aligned, Jonathan had a week between semesters, so no students, and the kids were covered by our parents - so thankful for that.

I spent a week researching, thinking maybe Galveston or South Padre, but that would mean most of our trip would be driving.

Jonathan came across this wonderful resort in Wimberley, Texas called Serenity and we could have not been more pleased with our decision.

Serenity was the perfect name for it - the state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled.  We were 8 miles from the town of Wimberley.

Our garden "hut" was an old water tower.  We had a full kitchen, huge bathroom and nice, comfy bed.  The resort had a swimming pool and a hot tub.  It was still a little chilly to swim.  We enjoyed walking the grounds and only seeing a few other people out on their porches.  It wasn't crowded or noisy, so peaceful!

We did have a TV in our room so we finally got to watch the show Fixer Upper that is videoed around Waco.  My in-laws former neighbors are on the show.  They go around and fix up a house after a couple purchases it.  I sure wish we had the deposit to even be considered for the show.

We also watched the Indiana Jones marathon, okay, not all of it.  It was nice to relax and talk without interruption.

We developed an addiction for ZIPLINING!!!  That was the only activity we had planned.  It was exhilarating, a little scary but a lot of fun.  I prayed before every line. The view was gorgeous.  We would love to go again!

 

After ziplining we headed to a place that was suggested to us for supper - JoBelle's - and we immediately found out why.  It was excellent, service and food, and one that you go to just once a year because when you get quality food you pay for what you get.  Worth every penny...err dollar!

Sunday we woke up and had an amazing breakfast in bed delivered to us. WOW!  I am a huge breakfast person and I did not want it to end.  We then realized why they didn't serve lunch at the resort, because you don't need it!  The breakfast kept us filled until supper time.

Sunday evening we had a nice dinner at a Mexican restaurant.  We enjoyed another morning of sleeping in, another breakfast in bed, then our first ever couple's massage!

We then headed back home, but were thankful we could take our time.  We enjoyed the rest of the week at home with a stay-cation.  I tried to relax but of course also did some cleaning and Jonathan went to work.

It was a wonderful time celebrating an amazing 10 years with my loving, servant hearted hubby!  We hope to make it back to Wimberley some day (if it isn't damaged too much by flooding) and we look forward to what God has in store the next 10 years!

Spring Break 2015

A friend of mine has a Zoo Annual Pass.  She and her husband went out of town and asked if I would keep the kids for a little while to give her mother in law a break.  In return she gave us free passes to the Zoo.

We had a great time.  It was our first trip as a family to Cameron Park Zoo, which I think is one of the best in Texas.

The kids got to feed a giraffe!  Liberty's favorite animal is the elephant, which is neat because that was my favorite as well growing up.  I liked it because it started with the same letter as my name.  I am not sure why she likes them. :)

Homeschool Take 2

This past December I was telling me friend how worn out I was from homeschool.  She reminded me Kindergarten isn't even required in Texas and that I shouldn't stress out about doing everything.  She shared with me how her son does homeschool online.  It was called ReadingEggs.com. It made learning fun with games plus they had Math Seeds.  We decided to give the free trial a try and Hall loved it!

So in January we switched to Reading Eggs, still reading though in our books.  I even added Preston on there to do preschool.

Around March we were trying to decide what to do in the Fall for school.  Although Reading Eggs was working better for us I wanted Hall to be more social.  He is such a talker and I love him, but his constant talking, plus his sister, made me exhausted.  We decided to look into private school.  Yes we still have a huge public school next to us but we just aren't ready for his innocence to be exposed to so much of the world.  I think it is just so different with boys. They aren't programmed to be able to sit still 7 hours a day 5 days a week. Perhaps one day if we move the kids will attend a smaller public school.

Thus began our journey of coming across Valor....

Valor Preparatory Academy is a Christian, classical, University-Model School, serving Kindergarten through 6th grade students and their families.

What does university model mean?  When we went to the interest meeting they started to explain it like this.....most students attend a public school 25+ hours a week for their whole education.  Then when they go off to college and cut back to 12-18 hours a week of school they don't know how to manage their time.  At Valor you go to school M,W,F 8:15-3:15pm, on Tuesday and Thursday the student is homeschooled.  The teacher sends home what to go over so the parent doesn't have to come up with the curriculum.

So the school and parents partner together to educate the child.  It isn't all on the school and not all on the parent.

The classical method of education is a three-stage approach to instruction with the goal of producing graduates who have mastered the art of learning so that they may skillfully acquire and apply knowledge, reason critically, and articulate persuasively.  The students don't just memorize facts and get tested they figure out why the answer is what it is.

After the interest meeting Jonathan and I both felt peaceful about the school.  Plus Hallister's best friend would be attending we later found out.  The classes are so small, maybe 10-12 students, and there is only one class per grade, so 1 K class, 1 1st grade class, etc.  I am excited about the one-on-one attention Hall will receive and this will allow his leadership skills to shine through.  In addition to the normal reading, writing and math he will be taught Spanish, Science, Bible, Geography, Music and Art!

Of course the word "private" school usually means a cost is involved, and there is. We have to purchase books and uniforms plus pay for school.  I believe the education he will receive is worth the cost. We have just been believing that all things will work out since we really felt led to do this.  To help pay for his school I am continuing to work my Jamberry business with online parties and managing my team, plus I recently got a weekend job, but more to come with that in another post.

We decided Preston is not yet ready for Kindergarten.  He has some maturing to do plus there is no way we could afford to start both boys off at Valor.  I will continue to do Reading Eggs with Preston at home. We are focusing on one year at a time!

Book Boogie

In April I decided to challenge myself and finally enter a 5K.  Our local library was raising money for books.  I gave up caffeine in preparation and really went back to my low card high protein lifestyle. 

Two days I trained actually running a 5K.  It was difficult but not as hard as I thought.  Race day came and I placed 5th out of 55 runners.  My goal was top 10 so I was pleased.

Jonathan was amazing walking the kids over to the park where the race started.  Hall rode his bike and Preston his scooter.  As I heard the kids' voices nearing the end of the race I gave it all I had left in me.

I look forward to another race perhaps later this year!