New Frontier Academy

Moon Marble

2009-04-23T11:13:00.000-07:00

This last Tuesday our homeschool group went and visited Moon Marble in Bonner Springs. It was so much fun and the kids really enjoyed themselves. The gentleman who was making the marbles spent so much time in explaining not only how to make the marbles and even gave them a small science lesson on how the color is made. It's by the chemistry of the glass and the temp of the heat that you use to melt the glass. Very interesting!!! The only complaint I would have is they need to work on the friendliness of the lady at the front check out. I just don't understand why some people have to be so rude. But the overall experience was great and we would and will go back and visit. The beauty of the marbles are amazing. Some of the larger marbles have a price tag of $265. I'm in the wrong business:)

This is the gentleman who was demonstrating how to make the marbles.

Bowling League

2009-04-22T14:21:00.001-07:00

This year I was looking for a more creative way to get PE into our routine, especially during the winter. Our local home school group, GAHN, brought to our attention a home school bowling league. Both boys were interested and we had a wonderful time. Last week finished up our 15 week league with both boys excited about continuing on with their bowling adventure. On the last week the bowling alley had a pizza party. They turned on the disco lights and had fun music playing. Not only did the kids have fun but the mom's did to!!!

This is how the alley looked with the disco lights on.

The trophies that the boys got. Andrew was for sportsmanship and Austin was for

most improved player.

Boys getting ready for Baseball

2009-04-10T11:20:00.000-07:00

Life in the Medlin house is still very busy. The boys are getting ready to play baseball by working out with their Dad. This is the year that the boys are on the same team. Thankfully. Running them around in two different directions is no fun. Here are a few pics of the boys lifting weights.

4 months?

2009-03-18T09:10:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it has been 4 months since I posted anything. Let's just say I started this year knowing it was going to be challenging and I have not been disappointed. But it hasn't been the boys it has been me. I have found myself struggling to keep motivated. 1st we had Thanksgiving break, then we were just getting back into a groove----Christmas break. Then John had to have eye surgery that ended up being a harder recovery than we expected. He was no more back to work and I ended up with bronchittis and have spent the last month trying to recover. The boys have been troopers trying to keep up with our hectic schedule sometimes working into the evening to get all their work done because they know how important it was to stay on top of lessons. Unfortunatly we haven't had time to do anything "fun". Which is why we do homeschooling was to make learning fun. So I am hoping after spring break everyone will be well and excited to finish up the school year. In between all of the drama we have had some exciting news...Austin got his first job. He will be working at the pool as a pool attendant. We were so proud of him 150+ applicants and only 32 chosen. I'm a little sad that we have hit this point in our life with him. It isn't easy watching your little boy grow up, he turned 14 in February and I still think of him as 4. I don't think that is something that will ever change.

Andrew is still a loving, caring 12 year old in an adult body. He is 5"9 and still growing. He too is finding it hard to knowing his brother is going on to do something that he won't be doing. They have always done EVERYTHING together. I'm so proud of both of my baby boys. I'm hoping that for the spring I will update more and show all the "fun" we are having.

Fun Fall Day

2008-11-20T11:03:00.000-08:00

Ok we all know that when you ask your kids to do work they usually find away to get out of it. They will eventually do the work but you have to hear about it. Well yesterday I told my boys to go out and rake leaves, I didn't hear anything which should've been my first clue. I look out the back window and this is what I see. They are raking but instead of doing what you would normally do make piles and then jump in them. They are raking and dumping them on the trampoline. They are using any and all means to accomplish their goal. What is more fun jumping in a pile of leaves on a hard ground or jumping on a pile of leaves with a bounce back? Leaves didn't get raked the way I would've wanted but the fun they had!!!

As you can see the wheels are already turning

When I say they used any and all means, this is a bulletin board they found in the garage

Notice all the "stuff" they drug out from the garage to help them rake

Now comes the reward of all their hard work. JUMP!!! and BOUNCE!!!!

They are so handsome

2008-11-06T09:26:00.001-08:00

This school year is going so fast. One thing I've noticed this year is that with them getting older we aren't doing as much "artsy" stuff that I can take pictures of and share what we are doing. We are spending a lot of time doing the 3 R's. But today both boys have asked if they can do their own art project. So maybe they aren't to old to still make things.
This last week we went and had family pictures done. My boys are growing up way to fast and they are so handsome. Yes I'm the Mom and I am biased. Here are a sampling of pics. If you would like to see the website of the Tonya who took these amazing pictures feel free to drop by and visit her. http://www.tvernon.blogspot.com/

Trip to Oklahoma

2008-10-27T14:38:00.000-07:00

I know it has been FOREVER since I posted. Things here have just been running, running. I look forward to the days that I have no where to go. This last week we travelled to Oklahoma to help my Mom move into a new apartment. I was so proud of my boys. They worked as hard as their Dad and I did. I also got one of the nicest compliments, that John and I are doing something right because of the work ethic that our boys have. That made my heart smile. While we were there we got to spend some time with my brother and his wife and their new baby.
Here are a few pictures of the boys holding their new cousin. They just love him. He is so cute!!!
My boys are cute too!!

Jolly Good Fun!!!!

2008-09-04T15:37:00.000-07:00

Today we should've had playing the song from Wizard of Oz..."We get up at 12 and start to work at 1. Take an hour for lunch and then at 2 we're done...Jolly good fun! Ha Ha Ha Ho HO HO and a couple of fa la la's, that's how we start the day in the merry ole land of Oz." Or in the Medlin household on a rainy day.
We stayed up last night to watch Vice Presidential canidate Sarah Palin speak. We have been learning about the Election process and how this is a historical election year. No matter who wins it will be historical. So we thought we should let them stay up and watch the speech. They were so bored, I had to sympathize I remember as a kid I hated when stuff like that was on. This was before cable and you had nothing else you could watch. So we stayed up past bedtime and then when we did get to bed I was up for the longest time with scratchy mosquito bites. I got attacked this last weekend. All that said to say we overslept. But the amazing thing is we were about and 1 1/2 off schedule and we were still able to get everything but science done. I'm posting a few pictures of how we do our work when we are being lazy:)

First Week Completed

2008-08-30T08:33:00.000-07:00

Our first week of the school has been completed. I must say I'm very impressed with my boys. I'm starting to see a maturity level in them that just makes me smile. I'm very excited to see what the year brings. Yesterday we spent at the library and practiced looking up different kinds of genre of books. They didn't have as much fun as I did. But then I love the library. I'm trying very hard to stir some excitement in them to read and find adventures in books. It is a work in progress. This next week I'm determined to take more pictures so you can see all we are doing.

Say it isn't So!!!

2008-08-24T15:17:00.000-07:00

We officially start school tomorrow. I can't believe how fast the summer sped by. Let's recap....we started the summer by vacationing in Branson. The week we returned from vacation we celebrate my husbands graduating from college with a huge party over 80 attended. We had no idea that we had so many wonderful friends. We then spend the next two months being swamped by BASEBALL, kinda sad that it is over (not really). Then we had the boys gone visiting grandparents, AHH take a few minutes to remember the quiet. I say that but I could hardly wait to see my babies back home. The start of August saw us not slowing down, we first had a party and saw off a dear friend of ours who is actually like family. Her name is Corianne Wells and she is in Germany as a foreign exchange student. If you would like to follow her adventure please check out her blog at www.corkysadventures@blogspot.com. We then travelled to Oklahoma for the wedding of my brother in law to his new bride Vicki who is from China. My husband and I stood up with them and it was an honor to do so. I then travelled to Missouri to celebrate the birthday of my new nephew. That brings us to today....exhausted. I believe that everyone is ready to get into some sort of routine again. I looking forward to sharing with you all that we accomplish throughout the school year. 7th grade is going to be huge adjustment for both student and teacher but I'm sure we have many fun times.

Jr. Lifeguard

2008-08-07T11:18:00.000-07:00

Austin going in for the save.

Andrew going in for the save.

Both boys wanted to do the Jr. Lifeguard program through the park and rec department this summer. They started and finished it this last week and they LOVED it. They both want to continue to do this every summer and then when old enough be a lifeguard. We were told today that Austin will be old enough next year to work at the pool, not as a lifeguard but as a "helper". He is so excited and can't wait to have a real job. It is hard to think of my baby getting ready to go to work. I was afraid this was my last summer. We are getting ready to start school in the next few weeks, next week is testing and then on the 25th we will start OFFICIALLY.

Hope everyone has had a fantastic summer. I know we have and we are even a little sad that it is coming to an end. The fair is in town so that means that summer is almost over. BUMMER!!!

How we are spending our summer.

2008-07-07T13:29:00.000-07:00

Besides spending most of our evenings at the ball field, which will be over this week...YIPPEE!!! Can you tell I'm just about done with baseball? The boys have been spending any day that isn't a ball game night at the pool. I swear they are part fish. They always have been since they were little. Austin was about 4 months old when we first put him in his little speedo and dipped him in the pool. Andrew was even younger maybe 7-8 weeks old. He was a May baby so as soon as it was warm enough we were out there swimming. The boys love to be in the water. We spent a weekend at my Mom's who lives on the lake in a gated community with a pool so the boys spent the whole weekend swimming. Here are a few of the pics that we took.

More Baseball!!!

2008-07-01T12:38:00.001-07:00

Last post was all about Andrew....Well here are the pictures of Austin. I'm so very proud of my boys. They've turned into quite the ball players.

Take Me out to the Ball Game!!!

2008-06-25T20:57:00.000-07:00

Lately I've been living at the baseball field. For the next couple of weeks any ways. We play every Tuesday and Thursday and with all the rain we've had we been rained out quite frequently. So now we are playing almost every night of the week. Austin and Andrew are on separate teams with John coaching both teams. At times we've had both boys playing at the same time, at times in different towns. Tuesday night one of the parents showed up with his camera and took some amazing shots of Andrew's team playing. I emailed him and asked if he would be willing to stay a little after Andrew's game the next night and take some of Austin. I haven't received those yet but here are a few of Andrew AKA Lil Papi. As you can tell by the pictures I've been using lots of Shout this season to get the pants cleaned.

Andrew listening intently to his Dad.

Dad giving him a pep talk on the mound.

Winding up for the pitch!!

Swing batter batter Swing!!

Mother Nature in all her beauty.

2008-06-18T10:50:00.000-07:00

Even though there were scary storms coming through our neighborhood. As usual I run outside to watch things coming in. I love to watch a storm coming in. So with this storm the boys and I were out and these are the pictures that we took. Isn't mother nature amazing!!!

One of my boys pointed out that the clouds looks like butt cheeks LOL!! Only a boy would come up with that kind of observation.

20 Reasons to Homeschool

2008-06-14T08:16:00.001-07:00

Vacation Pictures

2008-05-23T14:23:00.000-07:00

Andrew is tired!!!!!

Game Night

Austin riding Go Carts

Andrew riding Go Carts

School is out

2008-05-23T13:59:00.000-07:00

Well we have officially finished the boys 6th grade year. We had a fabulous year with ups and downs that come with a pre teen and teenager BOYS. But I survived and they survived so I think all is good. We finished up with our middle ages unit just in time for vacation in Branson.
Which was so much fun. We were there before all of the other schools were out and the crowds were next to nothing. We got back from Branson and celebrated Daddy graduating from college. We then had a huge graduation party where almost 80 of our closest friends showed up. I wish that John's vacation couldv'e lasted for another week. I will be posting throughout the summer just because we are out of school doesn't mean we quit learning!!!!

Battle Shields

2008-05-02T14:19:00.000-07:00

We are still working on our Middle Age unit. Today we worked on making our battle shields. It was very interesting discovering what the different colors,animals and designs meant. When a knight was in battle they had to be able to distinguish whether another knight was friend or foe. You had to be able to tell all of that from their shield. The colors had to be very bright so that you could see the shields from far away. The boys thought the most interesting thing was if you had an animal that the tongues, claws, eyes were bright red. This stood for courage and fierceness. Very Interesting!!!

Gutenburg Printing Press

2008-04-28T14:45:00.000-07:00

Andrew cutting his stamp on the potato

Austin cutting his stamp. Sample of work.

Today we studied about Johann Gutenberg and the printing of the first bible. We did a project with potatoes and cutting out the image that you want on the potato like a stamp. This was a lot more difficult than we thought it was going to be. We also quickly realized how difficult it must have been for Johann to do this, of course he was using blocks of wood. This was one of those times that because of the activity that we put with the lesson that I saw the boys get "it". Very fun. But a note to any of those who might be considering doing this, potatoes are wet and slimy. They also start to turn brown very quickly. Which at that point they start to smell funny:)

Medieval Weapons

2008-04-23T14:06:00.000-07:00

We have been studying the middle ages. Today we finally got to the weapons that were used during that time period. Austin was surprised that other things beside swords. We made mini catapults that will later go in our miniature castles . So we spent all afternoon reading the very easy instructions that with both boys weren't very easy. After 2 hours we finally completed our catapults, to our amazment they worked. So now I have little paper balls throughout my house. We have enjoyed studying the middle ages and look forward to the next couple of weeks finishing up. We still have a castle,knight shields a family coat of arms and a grand finale of a feast. It should be fun and exciting.

Day of Baseball

2008-04-20T19:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we took the boys to the batting cages. They had so much fun spending time doing what they love with Dad. I however sat on the sidelines and watched. I still can't believe how much the boys have grown up in the last few years. Here they were in the batting cages with the balls flying at them at 70MPH, I still remember them trying to hit the ball off the tee.

Ear Candles?

2008-04-14T16:57:00.000-07:00

Have you ever heard of such a thing? Well I had heard of it but never done it. Today I made a phone call to our pastor's wife who just happens to be a nurse. Austin was has had an ear ache the last couple of days and I wasn't for sure if there was something I could do over the counter instead of having to have a doctors appointment. She suggested a couple of things and then suggested that we try ear candling. So we went to the health food store and picked up our "candles". Both boys were so interested and wanted to learn more. So the lady at the health food store was so nice and showed them a book showing them what the ear canal looks like and where the waxbuild up was and how the candle would work. So we got home and went to work. Both of the boys and myself did this. Can I just say GROSS!!!! I couldn't believe the yucky wax that came out. I also can't believe how much better I'm hearing. Since it was gross both boys were very interested. I also was able to throw in a lesson on the human body, they don't realize that they had a lesson which was why it was so much fun. I was going to take pictures of what we got out of our ears, but I couldn't bring myself to do this. That is how incredibly gross it was.

Stormy Whether

2008-04-11T13:41:00.001-07:00

We were out and about yesterday evening running errands and the clouds starting looking very grim. The boys pointed out the window and said that cloud looks like a tornado. Sure enough it did. I had to try and find whether on the radio to make sure that is wasn't . As soon as I knew that we were safe I thought I should take a picture. As usual I never have my camera when I need it. But thanks to camera phones I was able to snap a picture. Mother Nature is truely amazing. Shortly after we took this picture it started raining big drops and we also had pea size hail. I was very glad to get home.

Spring Fever

2008-04-06T20:13:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to post more frequently. Time just flies by so fast. We are trying to push strong for the next month then we will start summer break. The boys are ready and so is Mom. We started a Middle age unit last week and the boys, especially Austin are so excited. I look forward to the next couple of weeks and some of the projects that we are going to do. The boys are going to make their own shields, build a model of a castle and we will finish up with a large feast costumes optional.

Both boys are also starting baseball. They are on different teams this year. John is coaching both teams so the next few months are going to be keeping the road hot.

Last week the boys went to a 70's party at our church so I'm posting a couple pictures of the costumes that they came up with. I promise they aren't making gang symbols this is just their version of a peace sign.

Nuts and Bolts

2008-03-29T07:18:00.000-07:00

This last week we went to our homeschool group and we did a project of making a chess set out of nuts and bolts. Austin lost interest very quickly because there were computers nearby that he could go play on. But Andrew who loves to play chess , he perservered and made a wonderful chess set. He also couldn't wait until Dad got home so that they could play. Mom doesn't understand as well as dad.

Austin is 13!!!

2008-02-16T18:38:00.000-08:00

Say it isn't so...I'm the mother of a teenager. It seems just like yesterday that Austin was telling me to mowey mowey, which was him telling me he wanted to mow. Now he is asking me "How much longer till I get to drive?" I also remember him asking for a hat rack. It took us forever to figure out he was asking for a hot dog. But they have to grow up sometime and it doesn't matter how old he gets he will always be my Aussie.

WOW the time has flown by!!!

2008-02-06T07:54:00.001-08:00

I can't believe it has been over a month since I've posted anything. Our lives seem to be so busy. We are once again covered over with snow, Monday it was 65 and today we have 3-4 inches of snow. Only in the mid- west. Every school in our area is out of school for a snow day and though I usually go ahead and have classes I decided that today is going to be a snow day for us also. The boys were very excited.
Our new year of school is already starting to get the blahs, you know when you start new and fresh in August and you go full steam ahead then about mid September everyone gets in a rut and you have to revamp to try and get through until Christmas break. Then by the time Christmas break is over and the new year starts you have renewed interest in making things so exciting. Then you hit February and all you can think about is SPRING!!! That is where we are at. Usually it is just the boys that need extra coaching to keep them going but this time it is ME. If mom gets the BLAH'S what hope do we have. So today I'm using the snow day to reevalute where we are at and where I what us to finish up. My problem is I put way to much pressure on myself to make everything perfect. So I'm learning as I go to try and just relax and enjoy the journey that we are on. Just the other day Austin made me step back and realize that this journey is all worth it. He told me and his Dad that when he was in public school he never really felt close to God because he was just to distracted by all he was trying to deal with in school that he did't feel close to God at all. Since home schooling he says that he feels so close to God. WOW that makes it all worth it. So my advice to any moms who may be reading this today and thinking that you aren't making any progress or making a difference in your childs life. Don't give up you just never know when your child will knock you off your rocker by telling you in their own way that "It's All Good".

HOLIDAY'S ARE OVER!!!!!

2008-01-06T14:28:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful holiday season but I am so ready to get back to some normal. If there is such a thing. We did some travelling to get to all of the Grandparents but on Christmas day we were in our own home with just our family which was nice. The boys got guitar hero and Singstar 80's style. The boys really enjoy the guitar hero and mom and dad get to go back in time with the singstar. It was like being 16 again. Tomorrow we start back classes and as usual after having a break I'm excited about starting our fresh again. Both boys would like to continue to just be lazy but mom won't allow it. Such a bummer!!!

Austin and Andrew Rocking out

to "We're not gonna Take It"

BRRR!!! Winter Iceland

2007-12-12T11:07:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pictures of the ice storm that swept through our area. We've been iced in for a few days now and we are starting to go stir crazy. This power line is actually for our cable I've been watching the branch that is resting on it hoping that it doesn't break. If I lost cable while being stuck in I might just lose what is left of my mind. LOL

2007-11-21T14:23:00.000-08:00

GOBBLE GOBBLE!!! The boys and I made these turkey cookies today for Thanksgiving. Andrew didn't want his to look like everybody elses so he made an Indian.

2007-11-21T14:20:00.000-08:00

This was a project we did as a family. Everyday we added a leaf to our Blessing Tree of something we were thankful for.

This is our Blessing Tree the day before Thanksgiving. It was really interesting some of the items everybody came up with.

Happy Thanksgiving

2007-11-21T14:07:00.000-08:00

Our Medlin Blessing Tree When we first started.

HALLOWEEN

2007-11-03T15:58:00.000-07:00

It was a spooky Halloween in Kansas. The boys had so much fun going trick or treating by themselves this year. This was a very hard decision for Mom and Dad to make, it isn't easy knowing your kids don't really "need" you as much as they use to. This year the boys had to come up with their own costume which was very interesting. Austin wanted the least amount of work he just wanted candy. Andrew on the other hand wanted hair, makeup and painted up clothing. But it was so neat to see their individual personalities coming out. I do believe we are all still on a sugar high.

PUMPKIN PATCH

2007-10-31T09:31:00.000-07:00

Joseph, Zach, Austin and Andrew

Andrew firing the cannon

Austin firing the cannon.

We spent a fun filled day at the pumpkin patch. We went with 2 other homeschool boys in our area. All boys had a great time. They had a pumpkin and gourd cannon, which was a favorite of all

the boys. Anytime you can smash vegtables with parents

approval it is a good thing!

Building log cabins

2007-10-23T13:42:00.000-07:00

This week we are finishing up on our pioneer study and we built log cabins. Works of art? NO but we had fun . We built them out of grahmn crackers, pretzal rods, rice chex and lots of chocolate icing. It was ooey gooey messy fun. We had to take the pictures fast before they fell apart. By the time we finished no one wanted to see or taste anymore chocolate icing.

New Frontier Museum Independence, MO

2007-10-13T17:45:00.000-07:00

Today we took a family field trip to New Frontier Museum in Independence , MO. It was storming outside so we thought this was a good day to do something inside. Once again it was fun to watch the boys telling us about things that they have been learning about and now they are seeing it. Living History at its finest. They got to see a display about the Donner Party and how they left from Independence. They also got to see pictures of Independence and Chimney Rock. We also got to see covered wagons and items of "Trail Trash". All in all it was a very nice family day.

2007-09-28T17:34:00.000-07:00

Austin at the same car as Andrew but when he

got up to the have his picture taken the headlights went out.

He wasn't Happy!!!

2007-09-28T17:33:00.000-07:00

Andrew at one of the displays at the Old Shawnee Town museum.

He is such a nut!!!

Old Shawnee Town

2007-09-28T17:28:00.001-07:00

Today the boys and I went and visited Old Shawnee Town in Shawnee, KS. We got to see actual buildings of how things would've looked 100 years ago. It was very interesting and HOT. What started out as a cool autumn day turned extremely warm. So last week we were grateful to Henry Ford for the invention of the automobile and this week we appreciated our A/C.

Mahaffie Stagecoach

2007-09-21T14:49:00.000-07:00

The boys did ride in this stagecoach but it wasn't until after we had climbed out that I realized even though I didn't bring the camera I did have the camera in my phone. So we just got a picture of the stagecoach. Which was so much fun to ride in.
But we all were in agreement Thank Goodness for Henry Ford!!!!!

Hands on learning

2007-09-21T14:38:00.001-07:00

We spent a day at Mahaffie Stagecoach Station in Olathe, KS. The boys loved being able to see some of the things we have been learning.

2007-09-20T13:11:00.000-07:00

Andrew wants to go a little further than his
brother.

Wagons West!!!!

2007-09-20T13:00:00.000-07:00

Austin and his covered wagon
that we made while studying pioneer living

As you can tell he doesn't
want to travel far.

2007-09-06T13:56:00.000-07:00

Andrew and his "Treasure"

2007-09-06T13:54:00.000-07:00

Austin finally found his "Treasure" no
wonder it was so hard to find it is so
SMALL!!!!!!

2007-09-06T13:51:00.000-07:00

Andrew trying to give Austin
support.

2007-09-06T13:46:00.000-07:00

Austin getting very frustrated!!!!!

Andrew looking for his "Treasure"

Treasure Hunt

2007-09-06T13:34:00.001-07:00

Today we had a treasure hunt. We have been studying Pioneers. Todays lesson was mapping and how the pioneers couldn't just go buy a map or get on the computer and use mapquest they had to use the maps that had been made by those who went before. Their maps had to be good enough that you could tell what landmarks were, places to stop were, watering holes etc. So we made our own maps. Each of the boys picked a treasure that they would hide in our yard and then they had to make a map so that the other could find the treasure. When the maps were complete I made the comment that Andrew had the better map just because his was more in depth and had a lot of information where as Austin was pretty blunt and to the point. They traded maps and the hunt was on. Andrew within 5 minutes found the treasure his brother had hidden for him. It was his prized yo-yo. Austin however searched for what seemed like forever......Finally he found his treasure which was one of his favorite lego men. So our lesson had an interesting outcome the map that we all thought was the best was the most difficult to use. I told the boys that is what the pioneers needed a precise map that could get them exactly where they needed to go. I also realized the next time we do something outside it needs to be much cooler.....LOL

2007-09-04T14:32:00.000-07:00

Andrew's first day of 6th grade.

2007-09-04T14:30:00.000-07:00

Austin's Fist Day of 6th grade

BACK TO SCHOOL!!!!

2007-09-04T14:18:00.000-07:00

Well today was our first day of school. I'm exhausted! We got everything accomplished that I had planned. The boys even seemed to enjoy it. My only problem will be pacing us because some of the stuff we have planned will be so much fun that I want to do it all today. Patience!!!!
I wish there was a way to capture the new excitement of a school year, the first day with the clean workbooks, new sharpened pencils, binders with nothing sticky on them. But eventually we will get into a routine and the workbooks will get kool aid spilled on them, pencils will get broken, binders will be plastered with stickers that tomorrow will just have to come off and leave behind stickiness. But through it all I am so grateful that I am able to experience this with the boys. Every once in while I'm able to glance across the table and catch a glipse of the young men they are growing up to be....I'm glad I get to see it. Today in our bible studies we talked about doing our best for God. Doing things completely and to the best of our abilities. Going the extra mile in making whatever we do something that is our best. I hope that through the year I will be able to look at what we have done and see that I did my best, went the extra mile and we will see the wonderful things that God is doing.

Is it time for school already?

2007-08-21T16:32:00.001-07:00

Well summer is coming to a close for us and we are getting ready to start classes. I think I am the only one ready to start school. The boys are bored but when I tell them that we can start school earlier they tell me NO. Right now they are having one more trip to Oklahoma visiting my parents and they are having a wonderful time. When I don't hear from them that is always a good sign. As the school year starts we should have more posts and pictures to share.

The Medlins

Baseball is OVER!!!!

2007-07-15T18:49:00.000-07:00

Well finally our summer can get started the right way. This last weekend we finished up baseball season with the final tournament placing 3rd. We were very proud of our boys. But now it is time to have some summer fun doing other things. John is getting ready to take his vacation we are just going to stick around the house and do things in the area. Next week the boys will being heading to Oklahoma to spend a week with John's parents,My parents will get them in August since we won't be starting school until September. This will be our first full year of home schooling so it should be interesting and hopefully full of adventures. That I will be sure and share with everyone.

Trish Medlin

Hot and sticky

2007-06-25T17:38:00.000-07:00

Well summer is upon us and it is hot and sticky in the state of Kansas. The boys are loving being out of school. But little do they know that mom is already planning next school year. We have spent most of our time running from ball field to ball field. Any free time we have spent at the new Gardner aquatic center, which has been so much fun. There is nothing like a day of swimming and hot sun to totally wear the boys out and then we can have a quiet evening at home. I wish!!!! With 2 growing boys there is no such thing as a quiet night. In the coming weeks the boys will be traveling to Oklahoma to spend a couple weeks with grandparents, which means mom and dad will be in the house all alone. Then we will have all the peace and quiet we want. But then we will just wish that they were back home.

The Medlin Family

Almost Summer Thank Goodness!!!!

2007-05-12T11:48:00.000-07:00

Well our first year of homeschooling is almost complete. But do you ever stop learning? The boys have done better than I ever expected. We have concentrated mainly on math,writing and reading. I guess you could say we went back to the 3 r's of school. We also did a geography project where we collect postcards from other homeschooled children all over the USA and some over seas. We also did a baseball unit study during the spring. The boys really enjoyed it and it got them ready for baseball season, which is upon us. In the coming weeks we have one reading project due and a family night of fun and acknowledgement of all the boys hard work. I look forward to the summer and we will see how much "learning" we will do.

Mom of Austin and Andrew
Trish Medlin