Hot and exhausting...must be summertime!

It is June 19th and I am wondering where the summer is going.  We finally finished up school earlier this month and have been keeping busy since then...but I am wondering how to slow time down so we can actually enjoy this time without school.

Last week we visited my sister in Oldham County and went swimming in her pool.  It was a fun time spent with cousins, swimming and bar-b-queing...but I was completely exhausted when we returned.  This week, we have a few park dates planned, but Big J has Twilight Camp with Cub Scouts each evening.  This makes for a tiring, hot, exhausting week.  Did I mention tiring...and exhausting?!?! 

So, how to keep cool in the extreme heat with lots of activities?  I'm thinking about investing in a pool...you know, one of those plastic kiddie type pools that eventually gets a crack in it and no longer holds water.  But, oh the bliss of having some cool water to dunk my feet in while the kids pour water on my legs!  We sat outside for a total of 10 minutes earlier today and had to come in to escape the heat.  It could definitely be worse out there, but we lack what some people would refer to as "shade" in our backyard.  We would have to go into the side yard or front yard for shade and that is much too close to a major road for my liking.

Chillin' in last year's pool

How are you keeping cool this summer?  We have had the sprinkler out and filled water bombs already.  Anything fun or exciting you do to keep it cool?

What to do...what to do...

I've been dealing with something lately.  Something that I do not talk about that much.  I've been praying TONS over this thing and it has been driving me crazy.

As I've posted before, we've been dealing with learning issues with Boo.  I have taken her to 2 separate "testers" to figure out what is going on in that cute, little brain of hers.  After much prayer, deliberation and chatting with her pediatrician, we have decided to postpone starting her on any meds at this point.  Speaking with several moms at the homeschool convention has made me realize that there is something else going on with her.  Am I saying that she definitely does not have ADHD...absolutely not.  This might be something she's dealing with in conjunction with whatever else is happening.  Am I saying that I know what is going on...absolutely not. 

So, what to do?!?!  We are currently researching Neurodevelopmentalists (a few moms recommended this to me at convention).  We've found a cool website that recommends Christian Neurodevelopmentalists.  They will evaluate her for any processing disorders as well as social issues.  I am hoping and fervently praying that we get answers that are real answers from these experts.  Watching her struggle every single day and not knowing exactly what is happening is frustrating for both of us.

So, if you are reading this and are a pray-er, please pray fro my little Boo...and for her crazy mommy!  I feel that this is the direction God is leading us to so I just need some peace about it all.

Thanks and love!

It has been toooooo long...

I have not posted on here in forever.  Life has been crazy...with 4 kids, differing health issues in our home and outside of it, and just a whirlwind of issues that comes with marriage, children and homeschooling.

Well, J Sr. is on a business trip this week and I am just trying to stay sane.  He just left after church yesterday and I'm already losing it!  Why is it that I can't even handle 1 night with him away? 

On to other things...we are about finished with our 2nd year of HSing.  The kids have done a marvelous job this year and it has been alot of fun adding KK into the mix.  She is like a sponge, soaking up everything I've taught her like it is the most natural thing in the world.  She really amazes me!  She's also loving dance class and has a recital in May.  The whole family is excited!  I truly LOVE her dance teacher and the fact that it is a Christian dance studio.  All of the music is Christian music...and the girls are so sweet and wonderful there.  I have not one single complaint.




KK smiling pretty for the camera

Boo is struggling with school this year.  We have had her tested for ADHD and the signs point to that condition.  We are hoping that her brain can start focusing once we get her on medication.  I know what many are thinking...why medicate?  Well, we've been struggling with learning for quite some time.  She is barely at a Kindergarten level at the end of her 1st grade year (agewise).  She truly struggles.  School is not fun for her, she is way behind KK and her self-esteem is started to take a hit.  Why wouldn't we medicate, at this point?  If the meds do not work, we'll know it and know to look further into Learning Disabilities for her.  We've had her tested through a local professor of education, but he found nothing to indicate a certain LD.  If ADHD meds do not work, we will then visit with a neuropsychologist to determine exactly what we are dealing with here.  She is also passionate about horses now and will start riding lessons this spring/summer.  We love this little girl so much and only want the best for her!

Boo and her boots

Big J is learning and learning...except for spelling.  I tell ya, that is one subject that he'll never get.  Of course, J Sr. struggled immensely with it too.  I, on the other hand, have always done well with that subject.  Everyone's different, I suppose.  Big J also hopes to grow up to become a Ninja.  Hey, I'm sure there are new ninjas learning the art all the time...and who am I to squelch his dream?  I do think it will be extremely difficult for my hyper boy to be quiet and stealth-like...but maybe these can be learned behaviors?!?!

Big J with "Who Dey" from the Bengals

Little J is growing like a weed...a very large, overpowering weed!  He will be 3 in July and he is the same size as most 5 year olds.  He recently suffered from hand foot and mouth disease and carrying him around nearly broke my back!  He is a cutie tho and does tend to put a smile on my face.  He loves Superman and anything superhero-ish.  He's also into Lego Ninjago.  Does he sound like a little Big J, or what?! 



Super Little J!

Well, overall we are doing well.  We've had a rough past year...but we are looking ahead and trusting that God will deliver us on the other side anew.  Praying for you and yours this Easter season!