It's finally getting warmer which means more pictures and outdoor adventures are coming soon. The winter has been particularly interesting since we experienced an amazing snow storm that managed to shut down the Chicagoland for two days. The season also brought a time of change in our family as we decided to stop the adoption process. The decision was made around Christmas when Tom and I both felt that God was steering our family in a different direction. The message was so clear, but it still took me most of four months to fully accept. Our social worker always talked about how peaceful our family was; where she never verbalized her reluctance for the adoption, I could feel it from her. She tried to politely tell me that she didn't want possible disruption to come to a family as close are ours. We took the rest of the winter to pray and really look at the priorities of our family, even when we already knew God's answer. Tom finally mailed in the paperwork to surrender our DCFS liscence and life is moving forward. It was a hard journey to take, but many relationships were healed in the process. God works in wonderful and mysterious ways!
This first video is of our first snow early in the season followed by the big storm aftermath in February.
This winter also brought a life change for me. Once I finished my Master's Degree almost 10 years ago, I vowed to never work again! I wanted to have children and perform; something that definitely puzzled the professors on my Master's defense when they asked what my goals were following graduation. I thought I had learned to never say "never", and God, once again, had other plans for me. I wouldn't actually call it work since I REALLY enjoy what I'm doing and it allows Stephen and I (hopefully Rhea in the future) to participate in an activity where we grow together. God knows I still need growing in so many areas, and Stephen has also blossomed. Soooo...
After Stephen started martial arts about two years ago, I wanted to get involved so I could be effective in teaching him at home. We stopped lessons with his current school when we found out that our church had a dojo. We thought it would be a great opportunity to involve the whole family since it was financially possible. After about eight months, another opportunity came my way. Stephen was taking an archery class when I heard of a Christian homeschool mom that owned an amazing Taekwondo school. Divine intervention had me in her school in less than a week; on a road that I never pictured taking with my family. My first interactions with her opened doors for our family that I didn't see possible anywhere else; so the journey began. Let's just say I've learned a lot and still have pleanty of room to grow, while LOVING my work with kids and adults alike! Stephen is making new friends, learning self control, and definitly growing in perseverance. Rhea is also coming back around to the idea of being involved again and will be a true warrior when and if she decides to join us. I'm still performing musically, but my heart has been more into growing stronger as a martial artist and teacher these days. In the end, I've taken what I've learned, and feel like I'm a better mom, wife and friend as a result of this new endevor. I look forward to what God has planned for all of us!
Taekwondo has been such a blessing to our family. Stephen's interested has only increased since we have been with our current school and continues to grow. The first video is of him competing with his form during a tournament in Nebraska and the second is at testing back home. He is SOOOO awesome!!! Congratulations big guy!!!
We had so much fun at Pinewood Derby this year. I made sure we had a two week window to complete our cars this year and we made it to the finish line!! Tom made the initial cuts and then it was time to carve, sand and paint. I might have gone a little over board on Rhea's since it clearly was done by mom and not a 5 year old. She at least picked out the design, paint color and decals while participating a little in the sanding process. Tom also helped me with the weights in the end and was perfectly at 5 ounces for both cars. Way to go dad and awesome job to the whole family since each car made it down the track!! Stephen also won a speed award and I didn't manage to get a picture of his busy body that day. I at least have video if I can ever manage to get my computer to behave long enough to post them....lol
Our homeschool is still going strong with a trip through time. We started with astronomy this year along side creation. Next was a study of the ocean, birds, dragons (hey, it's somewhat like a reptile), and we have finally made it to dinosaurs. The human body will be next along side the stories of Adam and Eve, and then onto Egypt! The sad news for me in all of this is that Stephen is venturing onto second grade by next week. How did that happen?? Rhea is plugging along and will start Kindergarten soon and constantly keeps us on our toes!! Praise God for our little ones....that aren't so little these days!
The videos were taken at our homeschool group at Calvary called Impressions. The mission of this group is not as much about academics, but rather on relational development through organized activities. I think I can speak for everyone that one of our favorite class is art, taught by Pastor Michael Grove. He can take a simple art concept and turn it into a life lesson like I've never seen! Amazing!! Tom has been teaching the upper level bible class and helping me with our Physical Education activites too!! I've really enjoyed working with these women this year and look forward to what God has planned for us in the future. The kids present book reports twice a month and these videos were taken on our first attempt. Stephen and Rhea both did an incredible job and set everyone at ease by volunteering to go first. Rhea had to be bribed a little with letting her wear a costume; but hey, whatever works...right? I'm so very proud of their vigor and inspired by their fearless confidence!
It was a Merry Christmas indeed!!! The house was decorated and the excitment of our two darling children made this once again, the best Christmas ever. We enjoyed all of our usual traditions of finishing all the decorations by Thanksgiving day so we could enjoy the lights, trees and Christmas houses for the entire holiday season. Stephen and Rhea made their usual Christmas gift bags for the family and eagerly awaited their big Christmas morning. I think it's obvious that they had a GREAT Christmas and concluded with their usual "crash" by 5pm....
My baby is 7 years old today! How did that happen!?! Stephen had a GREAT day today at his Lego birthday party. Lego hasn't gotten around to making party decorations, so I improvised this one. He was happy, so that's all that matters!!
The apples are finally ripe and the kids are ready to go. We went back to our favorite orchard near NIU. The first stop is to always partake of a few apple doughnuts followed by an iced apple cider to wash everything down. For a family that eats as healthy as we do, we consider this living on the edge. Really....
It was then off to the orchard and to play. The kids did a great job this year of actually taking time to pose for pictures. Here are the videos with pictures soon to follow.
Stephen went to his first basketball camp this summer at Calvary. We are so grateful for our church with how many sports opportunities they offer the kids. Halo Hoops was no exception to the wonderful environments provided by these incredible people. They not only learn the sport, but continue their journey with Christ. Did I mention that I thank God every day for our church?
Click on the left bottom arrow, not the center arrow to view video to stay on this page.
The Bough Family started a Martial Arts class at our church this past March and it was time for us to compete. Tom conveniently had to work, so it was me and the kids with Stephen insisting that I compete. I opted out of Kumite (sparring) and decided that it was safe enough to enter the Kata (forms) competition. I was pleased that I did my forms clean and at the best possible, but knew that I wouldn't win since I didn't have a formal Kata yet. Stephen, on the other hand, did both Kata and Kumite. He won second in the Kata and first in Kumite. I included video his Kata and the first of his two sparring matches since he figured out an easy way to win towards the end. You will see him score his last two points by tapping the kid on the head. In the end, this is how he won his division since no one could reach their foot above his belt or compete with his 'wing span'. Clever kid!
Sorry, no video of me. I was lucky to get Stephen to his events and make it just in time for my own. I didn't trust Rhea with the video camera, so you'll have to wait until next time. Oh, this was taken in our church gym since it was our own tournament. Rhea helped at the trophy table the whole day!! We were very proud of her too and she received a ton of compliments on her helpfulness and behavior. Go GIRL and congrats to Stephen!!
Click on the lower left hand corner not the center of the frame to view video.
I would have to say that this spring has been our most exciting yet. We had many good times with a little bump in the road along the way.
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Our spring began with Stephen taking on another round of swim lessons. He learned how to float and has been perfecting basic strokes. This makes me feel better as he becomes safer in the water. Rhea will get her chance after the first of the year due to her sensitivity issues. Her confidence has improved greatly, but she's not quite ready for group lessons.
Once swim lessons were over, we all headed to church on Saturday mornings for soccer practice. The first three weeks are inside since it was WAY too cold outside. I was especially grateful for this decision. All of the coaches have a chance to get to know the players during this time before choosing teams. Stephen was off and running on the first day and has made many friends that are involved in all the Calvary activities that he attends. Rhea, on the other hand is still in preschool and was pretty much attached to my leg for the first three weeks. The coaches were great and assigned her the perfect coach for the season. Coach Joyce has been incredible with her. Rhea has not only improved with her soccer skills, but her confidence with who she is has improved. Loud sounds still bother her, but she works through the sensitivities with a little help from the people we put in her lives.
Stephen's time with soccer took a different route. He played against his sister's team on the first game and scored five goals. He was pretty excited about that, but his luck turned there. It was a beautiful spring day, which is unusual since it's pretty cold here in the spring, and we decided to take a family bike ride. We thought it would be nice to take the children along in the bike trailers so Tom and I could get a nice ride, and then stop at a playground on the way home. The bike ride was wonderful, but Stephen ended up falling off of one of the playground platforms resulting in a badly broken arm. I spent the rest of the night with him in the emergency room since the break was so bad. The doctors had to wait for the right specialist in order for us to go home. He ended up breaking his arm just above the elbow in three different places and had surgery a few days later. He was such a trooper!! He was very excited about showing off his green cast and telling people that he had three pins in his arm. Surprisingly, the doctor cleared him to compete in the state Junior Bible Quiz (JBQ) finals just two days after the surgery. We proceeded to drive to Springfield, IL where Stephen took home first place in his division. We are all very proud of his hard work this year in JBQ and I was so happy that he was able to go since I didn't know what the outcome was going to be for the rest of his activities.
Stephen healed quickly and had his cast off just three weeks after the surgery. After another two weeks, he had full range of motion and mobility. An answer to many prayers that were requested! His speedy recovery allowed him to participate in his Royal Rangers (boys scouts at our church) program again AND play soccer. His coach was VERY excited to hear of his return. It has been fun watching both kids play soccer this year with only a few games left before finals. Calvary Church has offered so many wonderful opportunities for the kids, and soccer is one of many.
Click the lower left hand arrow and not the center of the frame to view video.
Stephen has had a GREAT time in Calvary Royal Rangers this year. One of the big activities was the Pinewood Derby. We had never been to one before, so there was a lot to learn while we were there. Stephen's car did very well and he even won a few races. He was disappointed to not win a ribbon, but I told him that he should be excited with all that we were going to get to learn this coming year about how to build a fast car. He finally came around to the idea after about a week when I ordered a few plan books and researched all of the cool tools for our next car. Santa will also be leaving Pinewood goodies in their stockings!!
The latest Calvary Church activity that the whole family has started has been the martial arts program. Stephen had been taking Karate through the home school co-op, but we decided Stephen needed more of a challenge. We contacted the dojo at our church and after giving it a trial run, we never stopped. It's great to have the whole family involved and it makes mom and dad work harder with the kiddos staring at you. I'll never forget being nervous about my first board break. The kids were very specific with us to break it on the first try without help. No pressure!! Tom and I were successful on our first attempt which really wowed the kids. It was cute to see. We are all challenged by our new endevour. Stephen excels and loves achieving the next level, while Rhea tested and learned the boundaries of her new environment. She has grown so much in all the Calvary programs, but it warms my heart to see her eyes twinkle when she is successful in Karate.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. The Bough Family Homeschool Blog has an overhauled look for 2009 and now 2010. I have discovered the world of digital scrapbooking and LOVE it!! I hope you will enjoy my new creations and the story of our year in 2009. Just click on 'older post' at the bottom right to see more or click on the month to the right.
This year has been a great one for the family. Tom now has tenure and we are almost done with round one of paperwork for the adoption. We hope to be done soon so grant writing and fundraising can begin for the international paperwork process. We are very excited and would love for you to keep those prayers coming in that area! Stephen and Rhea are progressing in school and are beginning to become more involved in activities outside of home. The both attend co-op on Friday's were Stephen does Karate and P.E., while Rhea does tumbling and a Dr. Suess class. Stephen will also start swimming lessons again next week!! Calvary church has provided us with many activities for the kids such as soccer, Royal Rangers and Junior Bible Quiz, while Tom and I have been involved in the Children's and Music Ministry. All in all, a great year and we are looking forward to the adventures of 2010!!
First up, Stephen's Star Wars birthday! Yep, the boy is now six!
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Welcome to our new curriculum, Animals and Cultures in God's World. Last year was my first year with a schedule that I bought, and this year is my first year with my own schedule. I was finding that I was spending more time than I wanted tweaking a purchased schedule, and then adding a ton of stuff due to our very busy kiddos. Stephen was also requiring more in depth studies that can't be found for his age level. So, I spent a few hours developing a program for him that he is loving. We will travel around the world this year visiting animals, people, music, dance, art food. Stephen has been especially interested in the geography portion and enjoys building his own replicas of monuments and animal habitats. I have included a few samples from his notebook as well.
Time to land on planet earth now and start exploring our world from the ground. We first started with introducing maps. I had already been working with Stephen on map skill for about six months, so he had an understanding of where continents and oceans were as well as general map reading skills. I was fortunate enough to end up with these incredible maps. Each day, Stephen locates the country on the big wall maps as well as his globe.
The kids made some puppet videos with the animals they created. Click on the lower left hand arrow, not the center of the frame.
