Not Another Homeschool Blog

My daughter's show is in less than 2 weeks.  This week is the week before tech week, which means rehearsals, and sewing, sewing, sewing.  (I am in charge of costumes). This is the last show I will be costuming for my kid's homeschool program, but I am becoming really serious about working/interning for a local theater next year to get some more experience and maybe going into doing this full-ish time. Meanwhile, I will enjoy this last show for what it is, and enjoy working with the kids and parents one last time. I can't believe this school year is winding down so quickly! FREE HOME EDUCATION WEBSITE ahermitt.com

In preparation for having an empty nest, I have been organizing and cleaning out.  I tend to make a lot of purchases on clearance sales, and so I buy things pretty cheaply, in anticipation of need.  Of course, I haven't used everything I have purchased- not so much to be embarrassed about it, but enough to have surplus. So as I sort and eliminate, and clean, and organize, I have found Pinterest to be very useful.  Just browsing the pictures gives me plenty to brainstorm about, and helps me figure out how I will organize items so that I will know where everything is, and I can consume it before buying anything new. I have to say it has worked very well.  My linen closet (actually toiletry closet) is done. Under all sinks are done.  My school supplies organized. My daughter's room is done.  I just did our kitchen medicine cabinet. I am very happy. On the downside, Pinterest has also tempted me to start sewing, and to completely switch rooms in the ho...

It is so hard to focus on the final academics that need to be done before graduation.  There are almost 2 months before graduation, so there is plenty of time, but a lot of that time is accounted for with the SR. Project for her arts program.  She has had to write, design, and will need to rehearse and perform a show on graduation day.  So I want the academics done. Left to do: 2 Lifepac paces for Physical science 1 term paper for economics. 1 full .5 credit study on health. The college she is going to also wants her to take a math test, a writing test, and a spanish test online right away. Meanwhile, I am having problems pulling her attention from her SR. Project, as that is most exciting. Sigh. I'm just glad to know that I won't have to micro-manage her work anymore.  She responds much better to teachers (like the one who is mentoring her Sr. Project).  I'm not worried about college... just anxious to get 12th grade finished. FREE HOME EDUCATI...

I took my girl this morning to take the Analyzing and Interpreting Lit CLEP.  She passed the test my a good margin, and so I am pleased with her progress in Language arts for Grade 12.  She has also earned college credit for one class.  (Had she gone to another college, it would have been worth 6 credits. If find it interesting that she passed this test without any extra studying, and based on the wealth of her accrued knowledge alone.  It just reinforces to me that Language Arts / Literatures is definately her natural inclination, and also that a ton of reading will have big rewards later. As for the remaining 7 weeks of school, she has to complete 2 papers, finish 5 chapters of health, and 2 chapters of physical science. Then there's the senior project and performance. I can't believe the finish line is so close. FREE HOME EDUCATION WEBSITE ahermitt.com

So, daughter and I are on the prowl for a prom dress.  I found what we thought was the perfect one a couple weeks ago and snapped a photo of it.  Everyone fell in love with it immediately.  But when we went to try it on today, it was more of a miss than a hit. The dress is a sheath mini with a sweetheart neckline. It is embedded with gems, and it has a long sheer-ish overskirt.  I know.  Not very modest. It looked pretty modest on the mannequin though. But when you are dealing with real human pieces and parts, it doesn't cover up nearly as much. So now that we know EXACTLY the style she wants, we have to find a more modest version. I am looking at removable overskirts that tie on at the waist, this has become popular in wedding dresses so brides can take off the long skirt and have on a short dress.  For the main dress, we still want a sweetheart neckline, but with wide shoulder straps and a skirt that reaches the knee. I pray I find it.... soon. ...

As I try to figure out what I am going to do with my life, since my kids don't need me anymore, I have been taking time to really, really, look at what I love to do.  Here's my list: 1.  I love being at home.  I am not the best housekeeper, and I don't really like to cook, but I like being here, available for my family.  Not just my kids, but my in-laws, nieces and nephews.  Let's not forget hubby.  I like being needed.... by people I actually care about. 2.  I like being involved in education and helping kids make educational breakthroughs.  I still don't know how I can make any money doing this, but it is not something I want to give up. 3. I love theatre design work!  A. Whole. Lot.  It plays into my strengths as an artist, which is what I studied in school, and I love the temporary nature of it.  You plan a show, you design the clothes and set, it gets used, and it goes away.  It is very project based, and I excel in ...