Simply

So much has been happening lately that it is hard to get it together to write about it.

First, school is almost out for Cameron and Trent. I'm looking forward to sleeping in, camping, boating and hanging out with them for a couple weeks before they start the year round school again. I'm NOT looking forward to referee-ing all the issues that seem to come up while they are all together. These last two weeks of school has been tough for me to swallow. It's all play really--they watch movies, play outside, go on field trips (I don't mind those)--where is the school work? Because it's summer, I'm happy they don't have a lot to do but at the same time I can't help feeling like they are wasting their time. I'll be glad when this year is over next week.

Our family took a little breather last weekend (fathers day one) to head up to Powder Ridge and hang out with Shawn's family at his dad's time share condo. They had a swimming pool, a few arcade games and TV there to keep the kids entertained. The younger three had a REALLY good time--they didn't want to leave. Cameron thought it was fun, but well he is getting older and who knows how to please him. I got some time to myself here at home-after I drove back to take care of our dogs. Now before you go telling me that I could have just gotten a sitter for them and so on--I enjoy taking care of them so it was no big deal for me to drive back and forth. And I was worried about Kia. (I admit it ok?) Shawn was able to spend some time with his dad and sister and had a great time.

Now onto the other thing. My neighbor has been in a fight against breast cancer (then bone, brain,and lymph cancer) for the past 8 years. Her body could only take so much and she passed away last Friday. She left behind a 5 year old daughter and a wonderful husband. In light of my Grandpa passing to the other side last month, this is another reminder about how fragile life is, and what really matters in this life. Did Shauna or Grandpa take with them cars, clothes, make-up, couches, boats, jewelry,etc.? These events have driven me to tears and some re-evaluations of my own life. Am I living simply? Am I doing what really matters? What do I want people to say about me and my life at my funeral? I feel deeply for this neighbor family. And I am most grateful for the gospel in my life and for the plan of salvation. I know its real. Its comforting in times of distress and trials. I hope I can keep the right perspective in life so that I can make the best of the times I do have with my family.
While times are hard, or fun, or complicated, I'm thankful for a loving husband who listens and a loving Heavenly Father who comforts (and listens too.).

"Dance like no one is watching--Sing, like no one is listening--Love, like you've never been hurt before--Live, like heaven begins tomorrow."

To an end

School is coming to an end. For Kimball, it will be sooner than the two others still in public school. He has done really well these last six months in homeschool. I can see a difference in his willingness to learn. He isn't as frustrated as he was six months ago either. I think this homeschooling thing is working so far. The only problem I have is now Trent wants to stay home and school too! I'm not sure how I would manage that yet but we will keep an open mind and do what we feel is right for Trent.
I was quizzing Kimball on what he has retained and it surprised me. I guess it shouldn't have but--we aren't doing testing so there isn't pressure to teach to the test. He remembered learning about the Aztecs, the old people who built their homes right out of the rocks, the story of Moses (down to the plagues and stuff)as well as some American History. That's not ALL. But we have reviewed some of that stuff as well as some things that are interesting to him personally. For example, Kimball loves anything about Egypt. So anytime there is anything about Egypt in the news-or something archeological he is drawn to it. I'm sure Kimball thinks he is going to be "done" with school for the summer--ha ha==I'm going to keep him going on the educational stuff anyway. The non-book work. Like gardening, outdoor adventure and so on. This has been a fun learning experience for me-and I'm happy to keep homeschooling throughout the next year too. [And even Sam is catching onto things too--I asked "Where do you live Kimball?" Sam yells, "Utah!" I was actually talking about something different but glad to know that Sam is listening in.]
Homeschooling Kimball has been a challenge to me regarding balance of mom duties vs. teacher duties--but I think I'm getting the hang of it little by little. I talked to a friend who homeschools her children and I mentioned I'm having a hard time getting all the standards in. We keep wandering to other subjects with questions that Kimball asks. She told me that was where the real learning is taking place--when they get interested in a subject-then they just suck it up like a sponge. I have definitely noticed this. I'm thankful for this opportunity and grateful I have a great son who doesn't mind me "learning" on him.