Well, hello again. It is time to put my Sabbatical aside and start blogging again. So much has happened in the last six months – all good things, which have lead to many, many learning and growth opportunities. Not just for the children, but also for me.

Before I catch you up with our homeschool, let me announce that I will be speaking at the Smoky Mountain Home Education Association Event on February 22, 2025. If you can make it, you can meet and greet different co-ops in the area.

I will be speaking on the power of words to shape our lives.

To recap the last six months, let us start with academics:

1. My son took the PSAT in October, as it is his Junior Year, and obtained a really high score. We are grateful to the local high school where he took it and their wonderful counselor, who helped him get registered in their office. Note to all parents interested in the National Merit Scholarship: you cannot sign up for the PSAT through the College Board website, as you do for the SAT. You have to go through the local high school where your junior homeschooler will be testing.
2. I signed up the children for the March SAT and this just might be the last SAT my son will take. If his score is above a certain level, he will not have to test in his senior year. Colleges will accept his SAT score from his junior year. This helps him focus on college applications during his senior year.
3. I signed up my daughter for a two-year subscription to PrepScholar.com. She has been preparing for several months now and is ready to improve her score from last year. As a freshman in high school this year, my daughter is still beefing up her algebra and geometry knowledge, and PrepScholar helps with that, while giving her specific instruction for the SAT. However, she and I are still going through her Algebra I book faithfully, making sure she gets all the skills in the right order.

Physical Education:

1. My son has switched from taekwondo to jiu jitsu and is driving himself to work outs and lessons. This leaves me with more time to devote to either my daughter or my businesses. So neat!
2. My daughter decided to take up roller blading and ice skating. Consequently, I have ordered my own pair of roller blades so I can accompany her at the park where we skate together. Additionally, she and I signed up for ice skating classes at the Ice Chalet. We love it and are making great progress toward the test at the end of the 10-week period.

Co-op:

1. We love our co-op experience. The children are making friends and learning to interact with teachers other than mom and dad.
2. It takes us an entire day, so we must plan the other days of the week ever so carefully.
3. I organized our Spelling Bee for the last time in January 2025. It is time for me to pass the baton to another mom and focus my energy on other adventures. It has been a blast. I will always be a Spelling Bee devotee.

Extra curriculars

1. TeenPact will happen for us again this year, possibly for the last time for both children.
2. I signed up both children for their summer camps, which cleared the way for the calendar to show us exactly when we will take our family vacation. They learn arts and crafts, outdoors survival skills, and they have fun with friends in a Christian atmosphere.
3. My daughter continues to take harp lessons and sewing.
4. My son has been building a computer board at a college level and beyond. I have no idea what he is doing. My husband is guiding him along.

I am so grateful for all the progress made in the last six months and am here, ready to serve you and your homeschool again.

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