Conversations with Ryan

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Today when I was giving Ryan a haircut, he was talking about what "style" he wanted his hair.  :) I responded that it's either long or short.  That started the topic of discussion on his "little" ear. (Ryan has a birth defect called microtia..."little ear") He likes his hair a little long, so that his ear is not the first thing people notice.  He told me that only 3 people noticed (at least that said anything) at R.A. camp.  One that he told me about was hilarious. --He had been in the pool and was standing in line again for the slide, wet hair plastered to his head.  A "kid" he didn't know said, "Dude, when you jumped in the pool, your ear folded up." Later the same "kid" asked if it did that often.  Ryan responded, "Pretty much."  We were talking about how embarrassed the boy would have been if he'd known it was a birth defect. I thought he showed great maturity by just playing along.  He says it doesn't bother him when kids ask about his ear.  He just says, "I was born with a little ear."  When we talk about the surgery he could have to make it "big" he says it's convenient to have one little ear sometimes.  He had no problem going to sleep at camp even when all the boys were talking.  He just laid his head with his big ear on the pillow.  Problem solved. ;)

First Day of School 2010

Today marks my 12th year of homeschooling! Jamie was in in 7th, Robin-5th, Kimberly-1st and Jonathan-PreK and Kaitlin was 2. 

First day of school 1997

Now Jamie is 25, starting her 4th year of teaching. Robin has graduated from college and working as a graphic designer. Kimberly is beginning her Sophomore year in college, getting her degree in Math Education. Jonathan is a Senior and Kaitlin is a Sophomore in high school. Ryan, last but not least, is the last one at home homeschooling. He was excited about the first day of school and day one was a success. We pray the year will continue in the same manner of great attitudes and a desire to learn! :) We will be partnering up with another homeschool family. Two days a week, Ryan will school with them and two days a week, Gunter will school with us. We have done this for 3 years and the boys love it. This gives the moms an opportunity to work part-time, keeps us on a schedule, and the boys will enjoy doing History, Science and Language together (and of course, "recess").

Ryan-nine years old!

Mom is ready with laptop, lesson plans and my CUP OF COFFEE!

Our visitor in the classroom (Chloe is Robin's dog).