Today is dress rehearsal for my daughter's dance recital. This is her 9th year of dance.

What started as a mom "do" has turned into a mom "sit and watch". Only one of many ways of seeing, the growth and maturation of a daughter.

My oldest, 19 will be graduating with a fine arts certificate before heading on to a 4 year college.

He will tell you the best thing home schooling taught him, was how to find information and learn on your own, because that is what you do in college.

My youngest, 13, was a late reader. After all the phonics books we went through, I was getting discouraged, but kept telling myself that God was in control and he would learn when God was ready. My husband is a computer nerd/geek and so are all the kids. At about 10 I started telling my son to "look it up" when he asked me a question. He's been searching and reading ever since.

Student Motivation

I am teaching 2 teens at the moment. One just turned 13 last week. That makes 4 teens for me right now.

The 19 & 18 both graduated a year early and have been attending a community college.

Funny how some kids just need the "you need to get this done before you go into the next grade" type of scenario to motivate them, while others, it seems you could threaten (or alternately promise) just about anything on earth and they will still look at you like you are crazy if you think they are going to do as you ask.

I've had two of each. LOL

What has helped me get through?

LOTS of prayer, good friends to listen to my, let's say...whining? complaining?...nooo...concerns?...nooo...DILEMA (yes that would sum it up). Those whose kids were much younger, had plenty of advice, on how they would handle things. Those who had been there had less. Now those that had given the advice (that I tried in vain) are asking me how I got through it.

I know this is not what you want to hear, but it really does depend on each child. The circumstances they are going through in their lives, how they feel about themselves, you, their friends,

homeschooling in general. Even what is going on in the world around them- fears, losses, family turmoil, even the economy.

And of course it depends on YOU. The mom, teacher, advisor, cook, confidant, chauffeur, bill payer, prayer warrior, person trying to make it through their own walk through life.

...Where was I? Oh yeah, so I guess that really leaves us with LOTS of prayer and the belief that we are doing what God wants us to do and He will see you BOTH through it.

My Review of PAC-MAN Belt

Originally submitted at 80sTees.com

This PAC-MAN belt features Inky, Pinky, Blinky and Clyde. The belt is black with blue trim, the ghosts alternate all around the 42 inch belt. This belt is adjustable to any size under 42 inches. STKSTF

PAC-MAN Belt

It's a hit!

By cotonmom from DeWitt,VA on 5/12/2010

 

5out of 5

Pros: Comfortable, Fun, Stylish, Durable, Fashionable, Everyone wants one, Versatile

Best Uses: School, Casual Wear

Describe Yourself: Casual Dresser

My son loves this belt. He has had so many complements on its unique style.

(legalese)