2015 Updates

 Caleb turned 15 this year and is now a freshman. He gets his driver's permit in a few weeks! Gulp. He has a challenging schedule academically at school this year- two honors classes and one class for college credit. Caleb had a bit of a  rough start, particularly in English, but he has made some adjustments and is doing great. I just received a very nice email from his English teacher praising his latest essay.

Caleb decided to play football instead of running cross country this fall. He didn't get much playing time as he was a freshman on a varsity team, but they did play a few scrimmages and he played quarterback pretty well. He is looking forward to the start of baseball in a few months.

Caleb continues to play the guitar and is working on his last few merit badges for scouts so that he can start on his Eagle project (although he seems in no particular hurry to get this underway).

Caleb's quiet confidence continues to be one of his greatest strengths. His football coach referred to it as his "poise and calm demeanor".

 Ethan turned 13 this year and is currently in 7th grade. He takes two classes on campus- Language Arts and Algebra. He takes his other classes at home either with me (Bible and World Histoy) or online (Life Science and Spanish). He also takes art lessons with Mimi and is learning the basics of architectural drawing.

Ethan had a great baseball season this past spring and led his team in pitching. He did not  have the opportunity to play any fall sports so he is looking forward to baseball again this spring. Caleb and Ethan will get to play on the same team for the first time.

Ethan continues to take piano lessons and is a very skilled pianist. He is working on his requirements for First Class in scouts.

I have been very pleased with Ethan's responsibility regarding his school work. He is a very hard worker and is detailed oriented. He has a high standard for himself.

Abigail turned 9 this year and is in the 4th grade. She continues to love to create things. She also loves science so this year she is learning about "tinkering" for her independent study. Tinkering is the intersection of art and engineering. She loves Design Squad on PBSkids.org so this has been a good fit for her. Abigail has also just recently fallen in love with the Amelia books by Marissa Moss which are the first books that she has read voraciously. So, Mama is happy about that.

Abigail continues to blossom on the piano and this fall begged to begin the cello. Her teacher is thrilled with her progress.

Abigail also takes karate and is working toward her yellow belt 3. She is a Junior Girl scout as well.

Abigail's greatest trait, I believe, is her joy. She spreads sunshine everywhere, particularly to younger children. She is also very nurturing and loves to help with the littles.

Adam turned 12 in November and is in the 6th grade. Math is his favorite subject and he is currently working through Pre-algebra. He also has become quite a reader and loves his books. For independent study this year, Adam is working through a book called, "The Science of Cooking". He loves to cook and I can tell him the process of preparing food gives him a great deal of joy.

Adam asked to play football this fall and played center for his football team. He continues to be tall so that was a good fit for him. He received a trophy for his team's best lineman. He is also looking forward to baseball in the spring.

Adam continues to play the piano. I love listening to him- he plays with a great deal of feeling. He also takes drum lessons and plays percussion during worship in church.. Adam is also working on his second class requirements for scouts.

Tenderheartedness is one of Adam's strengths. He is great with younger kids and is naturally just very kind. He loves everyone and everyone loves him.