Another first day of school is in the books!

Derek 12th grade
Peter 9th grade
Jeremy 7th grade
Ruth 3rd grade
Jake (1000 miles away) College Junior

With Peter starting his freshman year at WA, we are doubly thankful for our proximity to the school. The boys have been walking together every morning.

Peter’s attendance at WA also means that our homeschool numbers are down this year. I’d say we are adjusting well, however.

This week, we worked on Geography and did a paper mache project.

We’re also studying physics and chemistry in science.

In the first week alone, we had several experiments, including this one on density.

We occasionally have neighbor kids come over to pet our menagerie of animals, and I’ve jokingly thought about charging admission to our personal petting zoo.

The guinea pigs continue to amuse us with their squeaks and chirps. They’re also showing an interest in sports, both football

and softball.

Not only that, but they are learning to read,

and have helped Ruth occasionally with English work.

On the canine front, we discovered that poor Molly had two abscessed molars. She had surgery to have them extracted last week. She was still a little loopy when we picked her up from the vet after the surgery, but she was definitely eager to get home.

The vet said that after they wake up from the anesthesia, most dogs lie down and sleep. Not Molly. She refused to close her eyes completely and watched through droopy lids as the technicians walked about the room. I diagnosed her as having FOMO (fear of missing out).

She finally gave in to sleep once she got home, and has been recovering well since.

August was a big month for Jake. After returning to school, he marched in the Acceptance Day parade. Only this time, instead of being the one accepted, he was the one accepting the doolies into the cadet wing, pinning shoulder boards onto their shoulders.

A few days later, he attended the Commitment Dinner, where he committed to remaining at USAFA for the next two years, and serving after that. It’s official!

We celebrated with him from afar, thankful for the way God led Jake on this path and continually walks with him. Jake sent a couple pictures from the night of the dinner.

The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him (Psalm 37:23)

The football team decided to serve brunch to all the moms a few weeks ago. Someone (ahem) had the idea to do a crepe bar because he knew someone who knows a thing or two about making delicious crepes.

The night before their scrimmage, Peter was up late making 200 crepes. And those crepes did not disappoint, especially when filled with fresh fruit and cream cheese filling; and served up by the senior boys.

The senior boys also taught the moms a few things about football. We learned about A gap and B gap, gap defense, and trips right, among other things.

Ruth joined the fun.

Over the past three years, Derek has benefitted from wonderful coaches. They have helped him grow not only in the sport, but also as a young man. I am thankful for their influence in his life. Here are some of them:

On another note, I found this picture of Derek being interviewed about the season ahead. Ever since last October, he has been counting the days until the start of his senior season. He intends to savor every moment of it.