A Great Day, but a sad day...

Last night we went to the final Lincoln Christian music concert. Jacob was in almost every group, as usual. The groups were very jazzed up and did a terrific job. The music leaders decided to hand out metals to all contest winners who recieved a superior rating during the year. Well, just at districts jake was 8 for 9 groups. He was loaded down, to say the least. Then they had certificates of participation for various things. Jacob had so many that he had an envelope. He lettered more than once, so he had an embroidered letter with a "Vocal" pin and a "Band" pin. He did not get one for orchestra because he wasn't in orchestra the whole year - being asked to help fill in in the percussion section before the Disney trip. He got a really cute pin for his participation in Disney contests also. Anyone know of a good display for all that stuff that would go on Jake's wall? Send me a link PLEASE!!

It was sad, too, because Jake is not returning to LCS next year and had to give up his spot in the Image group and all the others. Makes me want to cry. Mrs. Bond would like to give Jacob sax lessons and have him play with the band whenever he can. Not sure if that will work out. He has had such a wonderful year at LCS entirely due to the music programs. The leaders there are really wonderful, loving, accepting, supportive and gifted. There are definitely other wonderful things about LCS, but there is something about seeing Christian love and acceptance in action every single day- makes all the difference over the others who talk it or teach it, but really don't care to put any effort into doing it.

Jake has been wonderful about the decision. I know he is conflicted, but has been selfless in his immediate sacrifice when we sat him down and told him that we didn't think there was any way we could pay for LCS while paying for Matthew's college, mine and then Emma's next year. Unfortunely, when you have kids with learning difficulties you can just kiss scholarships goodbye - they will never "measure" up. We were very blessed with the Grace Scholarship Matthew received that covers his tuition and fees. We don't expect that for Emma.

Jake sat back and watched what happened at LCS when Emma was there. He learned very well the difference between an organization that is run and accepts what is truly "to the glory of God" and one that talks it, but is really controled by those who donate the money. At Norris the game is just different. Adults are much more accepting of differences, which can be good or bad depending on how well you are reaching your kids as a parent. But, the horrid judgemental, "My kids/family are more righteous than yours" is just not there. I doubt our family will be shunned because we have a daughter who is not mild or meek enough. I think Jake expects that none of his teachers at Norris will really give a hoot about him as a person. But, if he keeps his head down and ignores everything he can, he will be able to take advantages of the wider curriculum choices.

Jake is currently holding a 4.3 grade point average and has been 1/42 in class ranking. I think this is totally due to teachers who care about the whole child at LCS. They work with kids who are different, not just punish them for not fitting into the mold. They look for ways to help learning and growth of confidence and self-esteme. When Jacob has shown interest and excitement in areas like science, the teacher has let him run! I'm not sure Jake really knows how different Norris will be. I just hate the thought of seeing that confidence, excitement and vision of his future drop like a rock (as it did with the other kids at Norris).

But, seeing both sides of the fence really helped Matthew and Emma figure out who they want to be in life. Maybe God has a purpose in the things he has us go through - or maybe it just makes us feel better to hope that's true. Maybe some day we'll see an answer. Maybe not.

May

I don't know about anyone else, but we just don't plan anything in May anymore. The calandar still ends up filling up with all sorts of crazy things. Usually, it's school related for us.

Matthew had his Conticum Concert - the video should be out on the Sing Omaha website.
Jacob is having his concert this Thurseday. I believe he has been asked to do his sax solo and most of the other pieces that received Superior ratings at District Music (see clips on my facebook).
We had a Disney Party, where the kids got to share pictures and thoughts about the trip.
We rented a small U-Haul and moved most of Matthew's things out of the dorm. He is leaving right after finals for his South Dakota Mountain Climbing final. If they come home unbruised, they pass.
I am going to try and remember all the May birthdays with atleast cards. Today Ariana's needs to go out.
The dogs have to have their shots because we are leaving them at a kennel over Memorial Day weekend.
Oh, and then there are the grad parties that the kids want to go to. Jacob has a lot of seniors he knows from all the music groups he is in.
Emma had Prom !
Carol is buying her first home today (hopefully). After much tugging back and forth (owners were hoping the inspection didn't show that the furnace had a fatal crack in it since 2005! They did install a new one!)
Emma is job shadowing today.
We are moving Jacob to Norris next year. Unfortunately, we just can't afford to send him with the economy and tuition going up $1500! We are heartbroken that he has to give up his music. The teacher told him the other day that she ordered medals for all the Superior ratings at District and he has the most! He has just loved the music/band programs. Norris does have some advantages and it will be ok for him to try that school for a year and see what he thinks. Who knows where we will be in a year.
Alex is graduating on May 23 and we are going out for that. Jacob has school on Friday, but we'll work that out somehow.
I have 7 books so far that I would like to read before I start school on June 1. I have been reviewing math, computer and teaching subjects for months, but need to start on the textbooks.
We are giving up on bark in the front yard and have been hauling tons of rock in. The front is almost done and the rest of the rock will go out the back door. Eventually, we will rock around the back.
We replaced the 2 Ash trees that got cut down in their prime last year by straight line winds.
We are trying new edging materials to hold the rock and the grass back out of the beds.
Emma is trying to "modernize" me with a new hair style and, hopefully, some news clothes before I start school.
The kids are trying to line up jobs for the summer.
We are working on how the house will run when I'm gone for 14 hours each day! The practices are not going very well.
Need to work on something nice for Jacob. He has a 4.3 grade point average as of last semester and is ranked #1 in his class of 42 (mostly very serious, competative kids).
Emma has gotten most of her grades up nicely, but Spanish is still a nail-biter. We hope Emma will start deciding what she would like to do after High School so that we can start visiting schools.
Oh, I am working on putting all the audio and video together, atleast for the Image kids. I have had some other requests for copies.
Waiting to hear if Taylor is going to be performing in Lincoln ??

Well, that's all I can think of at the moment. So, when you wonder why you haven't heard from us, maybe that mess will help clarify it!!