Doctor's appointments and other news!

Sean had his doctor appointments on Friday and today to run some tests on his stomach. They had him drink several different types of drinks testing fructose, bacteria and today was lactose. After drinking the stuff he had to blow into a tube several times over a period of a few hours. All of the tests have come back negative. They also did a sonogram to make sure all his "insides" are functioning properly - they are ;). So all that means, basically, we still arent sure why he's been throwing up.

They wanted to do the MRI today. They sprung that on Dennis just as they were about to leave but we werent prepared for that to happen today. It has been rescheduled for next Monday (the 16th). UGH! I cant wait until all this is over with! I was secretly hoping they'd find something today, just so we'd know what was wrong and wouldnt have to do the MRI. I'm dreading that! I dont want him to be drugged, I dont want him to have to go into a big scary machine. (obviously I'm keeping the "big scary" part to myself and not telling him that)

(changes position in seat like a tv news reporter facing camera 2)

In other news, we have decided that we are going to give homeschooling a try for next year and there after. This decision has been weighing heavy on my mind lately. After all that we have been through with Sean, it's really caused me to consider homeschooling the boys. Trust me, I havent taken this matter lightly at all! Every school day the boys travel for a total of 2 hours to and from school. Right away, when they get home, I have to shuttle Ryan either outside or upstairs so that Sean can start his homework. By the time he gets his homework done, it's pretty much dinner time. After dinner, they're lucky to have an hour to play before we need to start getting ready for bed - which of course needs to be nice and early since they have to get up at the crack of dawn to catch the bus. There's barely any time for play, especially for Sean. Extra-curricular type activities are non-existant for us... there's just no time. Recently we've transferred Sean to a different cubscout den so he can start going again but those nights are even more hectic. Going to church on Weds nights? not even possible, and Sunday nights is extremely difficult. Their Biblical education is very little.

My biggest concerns about homeschooling have been:

• socialization - this is a big one, especially for Ryan. He can be very shy and going to school has helped him come out of his shell. Unfortunately some of the things that have come out of his "shell" lately are less than desirable.
• am I going to be able to teach them what they need to know? This is the scariest part for me, especially as hard as Sean and I butt heads sometimes.
• my own personal time - I have to admit, it was nice having the day to myself sometimes. Go to the store without kids in tow, etc

Thankfully, God has provided and has addressed my concerns.

• Socially, the boys will not be lacking. We have church, cubscouts (Ryan will be able to join with the next school year) and there's also a very large homeschool group here on base. They meet for P.E., field trips, get-togethers, etc. Plus homeschooling will free up time for us so that we can do more things. Sean has expressed interest in Soccer.
• Can I teach them? A friend at church also homeschools her children and she has been there for me to answer my millions of questions about the curriculum. The one that I'm leaning towards using looks really great! The parent's guides are simplified to the point that it even tells you what to teach and what questions to ask.
• My own time.... this has been probably the biggest struggle because basically it's an excuse. Do I really do all that much on my own? No, not really. Half the time I sit on my butt bored, waiting for the boys to come home. When I do go out, usually we are doing it as a family. I'm just being realistic.

The boys are actually excited - and yes, they are aware that homeschool does not mean they can play video games all day. lol Funny thing, the school sent home a paper for all the students saying they need to know by the 16th who will be enrolled next year and who will not. Sean pointed to the paper last night and said, "mom, make sure you check NO [he will not be in school] on this because we are going to be homeschooled, right?" LOL

I know I've blabbered quite on about this but I wanted to present our decision fully. I havent been very vocal about it because I wanted to be sure this is what we want to do before I said anything. I think homeschool will bring us closer as a family and to God and we'll be able to see more of Germany and Europe while we are here. :) Field trips are always fun! ;)

Now please pick your jaw up off the floor at the thought of me and the idea of homeschooling. HAHA!!!