The Js have settled-in in Bay St. Louis, just a few blocks from the beach. Doesn’t that sound like fun? Young, newlywed and living on the coast. Yum.

We celebrated Halloween with the whole gang at home.   It was great fun! The Js drove up from the coast and New Mom and her little fam came, too. So everyone was under one roof for a little fellowship, good food and fun.

We had a campfire for roasting wieners and marshmallows as our traditional Halloween celebration. A little frisbee and yackleball. Some old-school Nintendo, but the big hit was the five-way game of  Halo. Yes, the video game freaks had a blast.

Obligatory pic of the campfire

The Newlyweds

The Oldy-weds

New Mom & New Dad

Real Estate Mogul

Obligatory pic of food...see it...the wiener on the fork.

Ahh, Good Old Nintendo

Five-Way Halo!!!!! Woo Hoo!

Old Aunt and Nephew...just 8 years apart. Funny, huh?

We had a new-to-the-group mom visiting with us. All the rest of us were veteran homeschoolers. I won the prize for the oldest…no wait, the one with the longest homeschool history….yes, that sounds better and keeps us off that subject!

And the sweet new mom has not even started her adventure yet! Isn’t she wise to come and learn all she can before she starts?  Her oldest is only 3 and she came to learn about homeschooling before it is time for her to start the awesome task of teaching her children at home. But wait! She already is teaching them. This is what we reminded her…the all wise and knowing ones….she has been their teacher since they were born and nothing changes when they become school-age. She does not suddenly become inept, ignorant or inadequate just because they turn 5 or 6!

We also talked about the new Homeschool Study that has come out. Wow! Can I just say that again? Wow! This research shows the results of homeschooling and public schools and we are proving that we can do a really good job.

Now, let me just go on the record that we are NOT anti-public school.  I have two wonderful sisters-in-law and many friends that are teachers at our local public schools. These ladies are very dedicated, wonderful teachers. I think their job is complicated by the system and so many other factors. They really do have one of the toughest jobs around.

And let me go on record with this; they have a job that I don’t think I have the mental stamina to do. I mean, teaching my own kids is one thing. But teaching all those other children…well I couldn’t commit to doing that. They are strong women!

Now, back to the study. In short, where the public schools are only able to hit about the 50th percentile on testing in most all subjects, homeschoolers hit 85-90th percentile. Now this is regardless of parents level of education, family income, size of family, etc. This is really a strong, strong affirmation of all the hard work that parents have committed to each child for as long as 18 years each.

Because you know, homeschool moms have a tough job too. And I have heard many school teachers say it is a job that they wouldn’t take on for themselves. Why you ask? One reason is because it is 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. You know, no summer break, holidays, weekends off.

We take on full responsibility for how the kids’ education will turn out.  No chance to share the responsibility with the school system or teachers that they encounter. Can’t blame anyone but ourselves.

But, you  know what? We also don’t have to share the credit! Yippee! That is right. Our children’s educational successes are a direct correlation to our daily commitment to educate them in all things. Now, don’t feel lowly if your child does not score in the 90th percentile. Not everyone is created to be an academic whiz.  In our family we have the bookworm-academic-types and the entrepreneur-let’s-get-on-with-real-life types and the artistic and musical types.

Remember it is just an average. But, yeah. The affirmation of this study is great. You know, since we don’t get affirmed with a paycheck and all.

Everybody loves a giveaway! Be sure to check this one out. Yes, we are the stars of this giveaway; Out of the Toy Box.

Go forth and sign up for $50 worth of toys…your choice. As Prudence Penny says: “adorable back to the basics on-line toy company. They have just the kind of high-quality, inventive, and creative toys that every parent dreams of owning.” Aww Shucks! Thanks for the kind words.

Want to double your chances of winning the prize? Link back to the giveaway post on your blog and leave a second comment stating that you did! That’s all there is to it. But hurry! The toy giveaway ends on Thursday at midnight.

Good Luck everybody!

No petting zoo, clowns or herds of sugar hyped unruly toddlers…. just mommy, daddy and birthday boy… and the [cup]cake! Although to be truthful, we had at least planned to celebrate with other family members, but our schedules just wouldn’t allow.

I don’t know which Aiden enjoyed more, fixing things with his new tool set, or the [cup]CAAAKE!!!

-new mom