crossrhodes

His school’s foundational academics may suck but HIS MARCHING BAND KICKS BUTT!!! We watched James’ competition last night. His band won second place. I was soooo proud of him! It’s amazing what kids can do! Their moves were sharp and elegant, and he looked all swanky in formal uniform.

I wish I’d done music or chorus in high school. We got private piano lessons, which was beneficial too, but a large music ensemble is a different experience.

This was the first competition Don and I attended. There were tons of parents there from his school. Next time, Don and I are getting decked up and painted in school colors. I miss the school spirit!

They’re gone! I’m done crying… at least until the holidays. But really, I’m okay with my sister and family moving halfway across the globe because I know God won’t take them where He can’t keep them. She committed her art to the Lord and He opened all kinds of doors for her. If only the world was smaller :) On the bright side, we have free room and board in Hawaii. I have a feeling we’ll be in touch more through the internet than we were living in the same state. “See you on the webcam!” were my niece’s last words before she boarded the plane. (Guess I’m not giving up broadband any time soon :)

It’s the end of week 2 in high school. I asked James to bring me his graded papers thus far. One of his English assignments answered several questions in brief essay form. I could tell it was one of those papers he whipped up at the last minute without giving it a second look. Nearly every sentence has grammatical, mechanical, and spelling errors. (I used a pretty green pen to correct it because, apparently, teachers aren’t allowed to use red pens anymore as it upsets the kids.) What’s even more astounding is that his HONORS English teacher gave him a perfect score on this sloppy piece of work! I couldn’t believe it, especially since it’s supposed to be an ACCELERATED class! Granted, the teacher was probably evaluating reading comprehension over writing skills, which makes me eager to see his grades on the 2 essays he was assigned during the summer.

Here’s another disturbing fact. He has 2 music classes, study hall, and gym throughout the school year, but Math and English are only taught on ALTERNATE semesters. What’s wrong with that picture? Is it just this school? It’s not some rinky dink school house on the prairie. It happens to be one of the largest high schools in the area. I’ve been hearing about the decline of public education in America but now it’s touched close to home and I am very concerned!

I would love nothing more than to have had James from the beginning of time and homeschooled him from the start. (BTW, my resolve to homeschool my next child is even stronger!) But he was already a 7-year product of public schooling when I came into his life and I don’t think he’ll do well if I pull him out now. I suppose all Don and I can do at this point is to remain involved in his education, maybe supplement his studies at home.

I could use some feedback and suggestions from teachers and homeschoolers. (Lori? Grace? KT? Anyone? Beuller?)

My brother announced last month that he and his wife are expecting their second child. Today, my sister announced she may have a second one on the way too! Aaaahhhh… I gotta catch up! Or do I??? I’m still 50/50 on this issue. I want more kids but I don’t. I don’t want pregnancy or delivery but I do enjoy parenting. I don’t want additional responsibilities but I do want to use my God-given gifts. Don wants to have children soon but I’m so well-adjusted just raising James. Oh well… I guess when it’s time, it’s time.

The Army is sending my brother-in-law to Iraq for a year. The family is naturally in a somber mood. I wanted to share w/ you the poignant close to his email announcement below

“I am proud to have the opportunity to serve you all and defend the liberties that you and I live and experience everyday like the air we breath. I trust I will be able to make you proud of me as well. Whatever you think of the politics of the Iraqi war, a basic truth holds true: we�re fighting overseas so that we don�t have to fight here in America.”

Via con Dios, Mark!!! I am proud of you.

An old family friend in California recently had a death in the family. Her sister was missing for nearly two weeks until her body was found in the trunk of her car. You hear such news but never think it would happen to someone you know. The investigation continues for cause of death. Her family created an informational website at www.sharonsantos.com.