Ballet

My daughter is turning into a ballerina.  It seems to be a favorite activity of hers that she is really enjoying and showing strong talent in.  She started ballet in Virginia when she was 5 and 6 years old.  Then she took a break from dancing so she could try out other physical sports like soccer, basketball, baseball, kempo, swimming, gymnastics and such.  She did ballet for one short season in California but it was for only four months.  She kept wanting to do more but she was having fun learning new sports and I didn't want to limit her on options or experience.  So in Spain, we planned to have her dance again however, the on-base lessons weren't available for her age and she didn't want to pursue it in the Spanish culture.  I enrolled her in the closest ballet school right after her 13th birthday, this year.  She danced for five months while learning a choreographed ballet for the June dance recital.  This is what she looked like in the moments before dancing "Serenade of Strings."  Of course I was so proud of her but better than that, she's proud of what she's learning and performing.  She was also presented with a promotion to begin point ballet.  So, that's what is in her near future.  She just finished a two week dance camp and in another month her point ballet will begin.  :-) 

A cousins' vacation

Cecily is visiting us this week all the way from Illinois.  She's 10 years old and is from a family of 7 kids.   I think she is really liking the extra attention she's getting from all of us.  We all want her to have fun and be comfortable while she's away from her family.  All of my kids get along so well with her and are loving the one on one time with her.  Here's a glimpse of some of the fun things we've been doing with her.

The Little Mermaids

 my niece, Cecily

 Sloan

Camryn

Camryn, age 13

 She flies through the air (and life) with the greatest of ease (and poise).

 She's the best big sister ever.

 She's crazy fun!

 She loves to laugh (in the face of danger).

 She excels at all she does.

 She's determined to keep moving and learning.

She's an all around good girl.

Ethan, age 10

 He is happy and easy going.

He's handsome and intelligent.

He's inventive and creative.

 He's a soccer superstar.

 He's not afraid to reach new heights.

 He's a knight-in-shining-armor ready to protect and defend.

 He's cool.

 And the boy can swim!

He's the guy you want on your boat.

Sloan, age 8

 She's eggs-treamly wonderful.

 She loves nature...

 and new baby birds...

 and cuddly kitty-cats.

 She's adventurous and active.

 She's an award winning athlete.

 She's beautiful and smart.

 She can swim...very well.

 She's competitive.

She's loves to swing and loves being outdoors.

Isaac, age 2

 He's a happy, bouncy, boy.

 He's good looking and obedient.

 He's adventurous and active.

 He cheers his brother and sister during soccer games.

 He knows where his nose is.

 He's fun loving.

 He's joyful and playful.

He's curious.

An excerpt from "Homeschool Daily Devotions":

"Wanted:  Homeschool Teacher
Now accepting applications:

Family seeking fun-loving, godly homeschool teacher. Applicant will be responsible for providing total educational development and daily personal care for children of multiple ages. Applicant will assume the following roles: cook, housemaid, nurse, taxi driver, administrative assistant, accountant, athletic coach, social director, computer technician, household and automotive repairman, gardener, course instructor in multiple subject areas and grade levels, and various other responsibilities. This is a full-time position — approximately 120 hours or more per week. Qualified candidates must be able to work well under pressure, multi-task, and prioritize work loads while maintaining a friendly, enthusiastic attitude. Quick thinking, good memory, and a varied background in extensive subject matter are a must. Promising candidates will be resourceful, adjust easily to distractions, and display creative, hard-working leadership abilities. Organizational and problem solving skills are a plus. Previous teaching experience and/or college preferred, but is not required. If you're interested in working in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment, this is the position for you! For more information on this exciting opportunity to earn fulfilling, one-of-a-kind rewards, please apply in person today.

After reading these qualifications, no wonder many parents walk away from this employment opportunity. Who can measure up to these standards? Praise God, you can! As you step out in faith and yield your weaknesses to God's strength, you'll not only get the job, you'll also successfully homeschool and discover the fantastic benefits of teaching your children at home. "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might" (Ephesians 6:10).

Lord, homeschooling seems overwhelming, and there's so much to learn. Like the new guy on the job, teach me what I need to know to successfully homeschool with Your wisdom, strength, and power. In Jesus' name, Amen."