I love to commemorate the milestones in my children’s lives and so when my kids graduate from high school I like to give them a very special party.

It was only a few days before the party that my son who we were celebrating, accidentally burned our barn down. He was one disheartened young man looking at the destruction caused by the fire. I am so thankful that he wasn’t hurt, nor his sister who was trying to help!

All of our tables and chairs were burnt in the fire and we had to go buy more tables. We rented the chairs. I was prepared with rectangular tablecloths but when replacing the tables, we ended up purchasing more rounds, so I made do with the tablecloths I had by making table runners for the round tables.

What a beautiful evening September 11 was with perfect weather. I had so much fun and it was an honor to have friends and family join us for the celebration. I can hardly believe that my 5th child has graduated from our homeschool!

Justus determined, when I asked him what he would like for food at his graduation, that he wanted Greek gyros. I was a little surprised but was quite intrigued with such an unusual request. Usually it’s American, Italian or Mexican. Anyone else hear me on that?

My son-in-law built me this wonderful buffet server that you can see in the photo above. We get a fair bit of breezes where we live and so having a place for my plates and napkins is so nice! I can never set the tables ahead with plates because the slightest breeze will cause them to go flying.

In the terra cotta pots that you see on the top of the server, I planted some Vinca flowers (They are a great flower that bloom and bloom!) with oregano and basil in the other two pots.

Justus doesn’t really enjoy coffee, so I asked him what special drink he would like. He said, “Arnold Palmer”. I had actually never heard of that but it’s super easy to make. There are recipes online for it but basically it is 1/2 tea and 1/2 lemonade mixed together and served over ice.

A Mezza platter is different Mediterranean appetizers, like a charcuterie board but with a different type of assortment. We had pita chips, feta cheese, red bell pepper, figs, pistachios cucumber slices, radishes, Greek olives, Spanish olives, dried apricots, hummus and a flat bread from Trader Joe’s that I cannot remember its name.

The menu consisted of:

Gyros with Greek Chicken (recipe can be found here)

Tzatziki Sauce

Mediterranean Bean Salad

Herbed Greek Roasted Potatoes with Feta Cheese

The dessert table…

Dessert:

Baklava

Greek Butter Cookies

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies (Justus’ favorite cookie)

Vanilla Ice Cream

After supper it was time to start the program!

My husband said a few words and then we played a little game. It was “How well does Justus know his friends?” We had asked 10 people ahead of time to give a memory of Justus. We then had Wesley come up, along with Justus, to the platform. The idea was to read the memory and then have each of them answer who they thought had submitted the memory. Russell told the boys the names of the 10 friends they could choose from.

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I had thought to play the game a bit different but Russ misunderstood and so we ended up playing it this way. If I was to do it again, I would have the friends not just give any memory but a funny one.

Our pastor said a few inspiring words followed by Audrey, Wesley and Justus…

I actually slipped in a speech too. I knew I would be a nervous wreck and say my speech all wrong if I did it live, so I cheated a little and prerecorded my message. It was such a relief to not have to think about it that evening!

Of course we had to have a slide show. They are a lot of work to put together and I spend days upon days doing it but I’m so glad I’ve persevered once I’m done.

And for the culmination of the evening and the reason we came together…. Justus’ b-i-g moment!

Walking up to the song Pomp and Circumstance we then presented Justus his diploma.

Justus with his younger sister. These two are the only ones still at home so they’re pretty close. I’m really thankful they have each other.

I had to share this picture of our adorable coffee trailer and the sweetest little girl that faithfully served drinks all evening.

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What an absolutely delightful evening we had! There was a happy lighthearted air all around and everybody seemed to have such a good time. That makes me feel so good as a hostess when that happens!

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I only have one more homeschool student and she is in 10th grade. I might have to have a celebration for myself when I’m done, right? It really is a privilege to homeschool and I’m so thankful we have the opportunity.

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Do you homeschool through highschool? Have you found it to be hard or easy?

This book has NOT been an inspiration, nor a favorite.  Zachary, my 16yos’s, assignment a few weeks ago was this:

"… choose a piece of fruit to eat (not an orange).  Write a journal entry of your own, describing the experience.  Use sensory details and words full of suggestion."

This did not excite his imagination.  We had a peach in our fruit basket that he chose to write about.  Or tried to. 

He sat there staring at the peach for some while.  Finally he said, "You know, mom.  It’s kind of hard to write about a peach when you’re feeling like I do."  Sniff, Sniff.  Having a cold presented an even bigger challenge.

No budding poets in my family thus far.

Copyright 2008 Treasuring the Moments

Much to Zachary’s delight who had already collected a few discarded bee hive boxes. 

Not having a bee suit presented little problem for Zachary.  In this outfit heat stroke was a greater threat than any bee sting could ever be.

 But then kind Uncle A loaned him a complete suit, along with some supplies.

But you know what?  Those ungrateful bees have absconded with their loaded honeybags.

Next time?  Well, Zachary has prepared himself and is quite ready for the little apis mellifera’s. (laughing, as we rub our hands together in anticipation)

Copyright 2008 Treasuring the Moments

I had to stand guard over the desserts till they were all placed on the table and then I had to beat them off until I got some pictures.  Seriously, there was a line stretching across the lawn.  I was surprised since it seems that people just usually wander over in small groups.  But not this night.  They were wantin’ to dig in!

Copyright 2008 Treasuring the Moments

My sister, Rebekah, was indispensable.  Instead of her coming and being my right hand man it was quite the opposite.  At least I hope I was helpful to her somewhat.  She was simply incredible.  She made 5 different cheesecakes, seafood fettuccine alfredo, two homemade salad dressings and a beautiful fruit tower.  All her efforts were certainly appreciated, not only by me but those in attendance.  People were ooohing and ahhing over the taste and presentation of the food.

Unfortunately, I didn’t get a picture of her with Seth until the day after, when she was in more casual attire.

We started the evening with supper.

After everyone’s bellies were full we moved on to the program.  

We have an African lady in our church that wanted to do an African tradition with Seth.  She presented Seth a lei with money pinned to it and then put a gray wig on his head to represent wisdom.  In the Congo they sprinkle powder on their hair but since Seth’s hair is already blonde this stood out a little better.

Then I spoke.  Yikes! I am no public speaker but I figured I should at least do it for my son’s sake.  I made it through and then my dh said a few words and introduced Seth.

Seth, the valedictorian and salutatorian of his class (ha!), gave a short but humorous speech.  I thought he did an excellent job.  He thanked me and even gave me flowers.  (Lest you wonder why your son doesn’t do this for you – Russell had to give him a few suggestions.)

My husband then sang a song to honor all the mothers there – "Maker of the Home" by Beverley Bradley.  If you haven’t heard her sing it, I would encourage you to get the recording.  It will bless you.

 My son played the cello, a niece the violin, and a friend on the classical guitar.

Since Seth has done quite a bit of memorization work, Russell thought it would be nice if he recited from memory the famous speech by Patrick Henry, "Give me liberty, or give me death!"  Seth did a fabulous job delivering all 7 minutes of it.

Seth’s grandpa (my dad) said a few words but Russell’s dad is in China at the present moment so unfortunately, he wasn’t able to be here.

Then various other people spoke, including our pastor.  My brother-in-law, nephew and a good friend from Pennsylvania that could not be here videoed a message and sent it with my sister, so we played that too.

Serenity & Justus gave a short speech about their big brother Seth.  They were so cute!

Then we had the slide show that I spent about 48 hours preparing.  Wow!  Those things are time consuming but worth it.  And it was only about 13 minutes long!   

After this we presented Seth a diploma from the Bradshaw Mountain Academy (the name of our homeschool). 

That concluded the program.  People then visited and played volleyball and walleyball.

Here Seth is wearing the "wig of wisdom" with his cousin beside him.

I can hardly believe one of my children has graduated.  I remember going to the homeschool convention before I ever had children because I was always interested in it and now I have one graduated.  Amazing!

What an exciting evening it was for our family.

Copyright 2008 Treasuring the Moments

My sis is a wonderful help and I’m so glad she’s here to bail me out!

Next week I’ll try and get some photos posted on here of our dinner.

See you then.

Copyright 2008 Treasuring the Moments

Chapter 3 – Faith, Purity, Character & Servanthood says this:

"If school can be polluting from kindergarten through twelfth grade, doesn’t it also have the potential to be harmful in college?

Therefore, as parents, we must seriously consider the possible harm to those still under our care if we should send them out of town to a college to sit under potentially godless mentors and commune in the constant companionship of fools."

The book covers the different tests you can take for credit such as the CLEP (College Level Examination Program) and how to prepare for exams.  If your child is considering college, get this book.  It will challenge you to look at things in a less traditional view and will inspire you in your family vision.

The second book that has been helpful is the CLEP Official Study Guide.  This book lists the tests that are offered for credit by examination as well as the topics for each examination.  It has sample tests, how to use CLEP credit and questions you should ask colleges concerning their acceptance of  CLEP credits.

Now why would you want to CLEP out on a test and try to finish college in less time? Besides the obvious reasons such as time and money, the sooner you can get to the classes that pertain to your major. 

My son visited with several engineers, asking questions about what they liked and disliked about their jobs and leaning about their field of work.  One engineer said he learned more in the first day he worked than in the 4 years spent in school.

CLEP scores can be banked for 20 years until you decide exactly what college you want the scores transferred to.  They are a pass/fail test using multiple choice.  

A final thought – the less time they have to spend in an institution where God’s Word is not the absolute, the better.

Copyright 2008 Treasuring the Moments

Next, they took the students for their assessment exams.  There were 3:  reading critically, writing and math.  The exams were not the SAT; they were just to see what level of classes you should begin with.  Did I fret?  I was sweating bullets and my fingernails were chewed down to nothing.  No, of course not!  Why would I do something so useless as fretting?  Ha!  Okay, enough of that.  What do you think I thought about the most?  Reading, writing or math?

If you guessed writing you were absolutely 100% correct.  I think most homeschoolers feel that their weakest area is writing, and I’m no exception.  I did write a post about our approach to grammar here, if you would like to read it. 

None of my children have ever taken an achievement or assessment test in their life.  So even though I know they are knowledgeable about things, will it show on any tests they might have to take?  Worry!  It’s a mothers prerogative, right?

The 3 tests were taken and Seth did very well!  Reading critically – no remedial work needed, Math – he can start in Calculus I, and Writing – he placed in the English 101 class or he could choose to take Honors English 101.  I was so happy!  The personnel told him he had did very well.  I know we probably shouldn’t think we need these scores to validate us but can I be perfectly honest?  It really helped.

After the testing, the students were to go into another room to sign up for classes.  There were several people there to help everyone understand the process.  This was where we started to stand out in three areas. 

1.  He is under 18.

2. He doesn’t have a high school diploma. 

3.  Seth is planning to take CLEP exams to test out of some classes; 

Apparently Arizona changed the law this summer.  If you’re under 18 you have to pass 2 of the 3 assessment tests.  You cannot start at the remedial level unless you’re over 18.  The lady  saw he was under 18 and had to go get clarification on the new law before she could say he could be admitted.

Then another lady saw he had not checked off the box for the GED or high school diploma.  That kind of threw her for a loop and she gave us the suggestion that he really should take the GED just so he could check off that box in future situations!  Too funny!  This little problem is being taken care of since we are issuing him a diploma (from our very own private school ) at his graduation dinner.

I found it interesting that CLEP’s were never mentioned once as an option.  So when Seth said he wanted to try and CLEP out on certain classes they were kind of at a loss of what to say.  One lady didn’t even know much about them.

The one lady that was more knowledgeable than the other finally told him.  "You’re going about things differently then most people but what you’re wanting to do can be done." 

It certainly pays to do some research before you go in, otherwise, you have no idea there are other options besides the ones they tell you.

Since this post is too long already,  I’ll wait till next time to share about a book that has been helpful to us.

Copyright 2008 Treasuring the Moments

In weighing everything out, he came to the conclusion that college might be the best choice, naturally speaking.  But he also wanted to be sure it was the Lord’s will.  So he spent a few weeks thinking and praying about it; he wrote Scriptures down on paper.  He wanted to be sure that his motives and objectives for going to college were right. 

Here are a few of his notes.

"I am thinking about college and I want to make sure it is the perfect will of God, and that I have the right motives.

Psalm 106:14-15 – Israel lusted for meat in the wilderness and God gave it to them but ‘sent leanness into their soul.’  I need to make sure my motive is right.

Luke 12:31 – I need to make sure that I seek first the kingdom of God.

Daniel 6:7-11 – It is okay to be successful in this life, but we must keep our priorities straight.  Daniel prayed three times a day even though he ran a kingdom."

One evening he came to his dad and wanted to talk with him.  He gave him the notes he had written down and asked his dad to pray about him going to college.  Seth said he had been praying about God’s will but he knew that God could answer his prayer through his daddy too.  Seth had prayed about it and felt it would be okay if he went on to college but he wanted to lay a fleece before the Lord that however his daddy felt he would take that to be the will of the Lord.

Russell (dh) has always felt that when the boys got old enough we would have a family home-building business.  The boys found this appealing, too.  But the real estate market is so flat that now is not the time to start a construction business.  Russ has encouraged Seth to just continue researching college options as we try to find the mind of the Lord. 

We cherish the blessing of being able to educate our children at home so the thought of sending him to an institution where ungodliness prevails is difficult to accept.

So that’s where we’re at now. 

Seth has been moving forward with testing, etc. and I’ll share about that next time.

To be continued…

Copyright 2008 Treasuring the Moments