End of the year recognition: Jackson, 9th grade

This is my version of Awards Day since we homeschool. First up...Jackson. This amazing kid earned all A's this year as a freshman. He took 3 honors classes and scored 92,95, & 97 on those. His final average in Biology was 101! He ended the year with a 4.18 GPA.
In addition to his consistent study habits, he woke up every single morning and spent 20 minutes working on ACT prep, and he is only a freshman! He scored a 27, no doubt a result of his dedication! We were absolutely overjoyed!
He earned around 40 service hours this year, some through involvement in Key Club, and others through church involvement. He ran cross country and slashed nearly 5 minutes off his personal record over the course of the season.
He has been a joy to teach. I never have to tell him to get started or work harder. One of his most valuable assets to our family is his kindness and compassion. And when things get difficult or chaotic he reminds us, "It will be ok. God is in this with us." May God receive EVERY OUNCE OF THE GLORY for this sweet soul! We are so proud of our SOPHOMORE!

Puberty cliff notes

Fifteen year old Jack said after shuffling through the Bible, "You know what the Bible doesn't address? Testosterone. It would have been nice if Jesus's teenage years were recorded." Bless. He just wants cliff notes for these puberty years. Sorry, buddy. I feel your pain!

Logic love

I just heard, "Ok, it's all making sense!" from my 9th grader. He is studying the "false cause fallacy" in logic. He said, "Mom, they use this fallacy all the time with the debates on owning hand guns." I really do wish all high school students were required to take logic. He has learned to think well and listen well. And from those two invaluable skills he is forming his own opinions. And I am learning with him!

Jack love

When you are folding laundry and your 15 year old comes in, hugs you, and says, "You're my favorite." Well, there are no words except thank you, Jesus!

Integrity in the little things

A math test is such a small, unimportant thing when looked at as an isolated event. But as a whole, it symbolizes this kid's determination and hard work this year. He puts in A LOT of time with numbers, even though they are NOT his language. And his grades are excellent. These are good lessons that I am enjoying seeing him learn. Integrity in the small things builds integrity in the big things of life. These children teach me so much more than I could ever teach them.

Jack's first high school dance: Homecoming

Jackson asked his friend to the Homecoming dance. Her mom is one of my dearest friends, so it was very exciting. They went just as friends, which is a relief to put off a first date for a while longer. But he did pay for dinner and treat her as a date since he asked her. That was a first. He did great. They went with Jack's new friend from homeschool co-op and another girl that has been friends with Jack's date since they were young. It worked out really well and I think they were all comfortable and had a great time.

And just like that...he's behind the wheel!

We both laughed at his picture. The lady snapped it before he had time to smile. And then he posed with it wearing a fake smile. :)

He passed his permit test and has begun learning to drive. We decided to go to my childhood neighborhood and give it a go on the same roads where I learned to drive. Crazy, life coming full circle!

Jackson is 15!

Annual family birthday dinner at Flip Burger again this year!

Proud sister. This time next year he will be driving her around!?

This year only three of our six cousins could make it. We missed the others. Summer is a busy time!

Poppy and Jack

Uncle Ben and Aunt Kim

Birthday breakfast

Sweet kiddo

Excited for gifts

He chose a group of friends, including his brother, to try out a new fun place. Essentially, you get locked in a room and have to find clues to solve a crime and break out. Great fun!

Afterwards, yogurt and endless chattering. This was a really fun night for Jack. I think he felt really loved and celebrated this year.

Awards day at school

Lydie Joy got the character award of "Most Hospitable", which I thought was darling.  She also earned all A honor roll, perfect attendance, and the Six Flags Reading Award. 

Jackson received awards for his score on the national Latin exam. He received a silver medal for a very exceptional score. He also received a Pro Merito award from his Composition teacher for his excellence in writing. Jack made the A and B honor roll this year. He worked so hard this year and we are so proud of him!

Joshua received Pro Merito awards in History, Grammar, Latin, Math, and Literature. He also received an award for his score on the AMC Math test and the national Latin exam. Joshua made the all A honor roll this year. We are so proud of how well he did in 6th grade!

Poppy was proud of his grandsons!

Our two wonderful boys!

Brawl at the Ball play

Fun play!

Jack played Pinochio in his school play. Great job, Jack!