Update On The Kids...
Parker: So, the previous post told all of his Big news, but here I'll focus on more general information. Like, he's so stinkin' talented. Jeff said last year that he felt Parker was a better guitarist than he is. I don't know if that's true, but they're awful close. It's been amazing watching him grown in this area. For me, though, my heart sores when he sings. In non-musical related areas, he's doing so well, school wise, at college. First semester ended with him having right at a 3.0 GPA. He said it would have been higher if they had t had the Magi Tour take so much study time away. Doesn't matter to me if be's making straight A's, I'm just happy the transition was easy from homeschooling to regular classroom work. Score! :D
Peyton: The move to Virginia was hardest on Peyton. The thought of leaving the comfort of friends was overwhelming. But now that we're here, he says it's the best thing ever. He LOVES our neighborhood and the freedom to walk and bike at the waterfront or go to the corner store. And he ADORES his new youth group. He has come out of his shell a bit and is his own person, rather than Parker's little brother. This year, we discovered he was an artist. He has always doodled, but after taking art at co-op, the doodling turned into wonderful drawings! Reminds me so much of Maureen's high school work... actually, he may be better than she was at this age. He's also started playing acoustic bass and is really catching on well. He still plays piano a lot, and is trying to teach himself improvisation so that he can focus on jazz more. He approaches music more mathematically, to the ease of just throwing down isn't there yet. But be's getting close!
Mabry: She'll be eleven in a few weeks. It's hard to believe, but the hormonal swings leave us no doubt. I may not survive! She's still a loving, sweet, special girl that EVERYONE wants to be best friends with. But I'm struggling with the tears and the sensitivity that comes with her being pre-teen. Jesus help us both. On a lighter note, she could spend 24 hours a day doing art projects... and not clean up after herself. She's the child that tosses scrap paper on the floor when the trash can is two feet away. But she's so beautiful and sings like an angel, so we forgive her. :)
Fin: I don't know where to begin with this one. He turned five this month and is super smart. He does math in his sleep and is reading above age level. He can be the most cuddly, loving little boy in the world, and then he snaps and whacks you upside the head. He's FIERCE! Totally an all or nothing personality. He loves his stuffed animals and board games. He's awesome at chess and really enjoys going to tournaments. Though he's full of energy, somehow he can sit quietly and play a 90 minute round with another kid and never complain. I love him... but we've got our work cut out for us this year as we try to reign in his temper.
Peyton: The move to Virginia was hardest on Peyton. The thought of leaving the comfort of friends was overwhelming. But now that we're here, he says it's the best thing ever. He LOVES our neighborhood and the freedom to walk and bike at the waterfront or go to the corner store. And he ADORES his new youth group. He has come out of his shell a bit and is his own person, rather than Parker's little brother. This year, we discovered he was an artist. He has always doodled, but after taking art at co-op, the doodling turned into wonderful drawings! Reminds me so much of Maureen's high school work... actually, he may be better than she was at this age. He's also started playing acoustic bass and is really catching on well. He still plays piano a lot, and is trying to teach himself improvisation so that he can focus on jazz more. He approaches music more mathematically, to the ease of just throwing down isn't there yet. But be's getting close!
Mabry: She'll be eleven in a few weeks. It's hard to believe, but the hormonal swings leave us no doubt. I may not survive! She's still a loving, sweet, special girl that EVERYONE wants to be best friends with. But I'm struggling with the tears and the sensitivity that comes with her being pre-teen. Jesus help us both. On a lighter note, she could spend 24 hours a day doing art projects... and not clean up after herself. She's the child that tosses scrap paper on the floor when the trash can is two feet away. But she's so beautiful and sings like an angel, so we forgive her. :)
Fin: I don't know where to begin with this one. He turned five this month and is super smart. He does math in his sleep and is reading above age level. He can be the most cuddly, loving little boy in the world, and then he snaps and whacks you upside the head. He's FIERCE! Totally an all or nothing personality. He loves his stuffed animals and board games. He's awesome at chess and really enjoys going to tournaments. Though he's full of energy, somehow he can sit quietly and play a 90 minute round with another kid and never complain. I love him... but we've got our work cut out for us this year as we try to reign in his temper.