The good stuff....

The good news is....

Matthew begins his home schooling adventure today.  We're starting with US History and the Civil War.  I'm excited as it's my favorite subject.  And the fact that today's lesson will take place fireside is that much more exciting.  Love this kid more than life itself!  He is truly a joy! 

Kathryn had an excellent gymnastic lesson last night.  I love when she comes away optimistic and accomplished.  In addition she made the semester honor roll!  Even though she missed several days she managed to stay on top of her lessons.  She's still on track for her Honors diploma!  She (as well as us) is so excited about that! 


The past week I've have been blessed to see Gods plan in action.  What a blessing and comfort to know He has a plan!  With clarity I was able to approach 2 very different situations involving my kids and respond in a manner that I can be proud of and make decisions with clarity that many view as brave, difficult, hard etc.... 

I said this would be a year of change and sure enough two short weeks in and we've dealt with quite a bit of change already.  And it's all been GOOD! 

I would ask for continued prayer for Kathryn as we meet with her pediatrician on Monday to go over tests that need ran before we meet with endocrinologist in Ft. Wayne.  Prayers for Matthew that he continues to heal emotionally and grow more confident.  He's a fine young man, strong in so many ways and already we've seen a huge difference in his personality!  Far less frustration and more of the happy go lucky Matthew we all love so much!  Even Kathryn has said how "nice he is to her".  (she was on the receiving end of his frustration)  Prayers for me too as I head down this path!  It's sure to be an adventure and I with out a doubt know that God has placed it on my heart to take this step. 

One final note...thank you for reading my silly little blog.  It's nothing special, serves no purpose rather than a place for me to speak my mind, say what's on my heart, and even a time or two shake things up.  Although you can happen upon my page by chance, many have expressed to receive notice when I blog, hence the blah blah blog group.  With that said, there have been visitors to my blog who are not a part of the group, but rather acquire the blog address from someone other than myself and who are not supportive.  And to them I say, leave and don't come back.  Odds are you don't like what I have to say, you don't like my opinion or point of view.  Bottom line is not all opinions are shared, mine included and it is OK to see things differently.  AND it is OK to have a voice. 

So there you have it.  This is again where I say what please, not always pleasing others with what I say. 
I am Kelly, I have an opinion & I have a voice.  I am woman hear me roar!  ;P  haha!

Follow your gut.....

...and when it's the size of mine you're sure to find your way. 

No kidding.

If there's one thing i've learned not to do that is to not second guess myself.  I knew going into a situation that it was not one i wanted to be in.  not one that felt good.  and not one that i wanted to last for long.  YAY i was granted my wish.  however the reasoning behind it all questionable, given the source - well, i'm not surprised.

I am now as i should be.  Home.  No longer employed .....

only concern...how to pay for nails & data plan!  lol 

I'll figure it out.

Van Ness Academy.....enrollment 1

Here at the Van Ness Academy we will start our day out with a hug.  We will learn and laugh and repeat the process.  We will discuss and debate.  We will motivate and challenge.  We will encourage one another. 

You see, the decision to open the Van Ness Academy wasn't really a hard one to make.  As a parent you want the best for your child.  And I for one feel that only the parent of that child can make that best decision.  Other parents, family and friends I'm sure might have you interest at heart, but ultimately only the parent can make the best decision. 

Choosing to not conform isn't a bad thing.  As a matter of fact it's a great thing! God has set us apart.  Has said to not be of this world.  Yet, this is the world we reside in.  With all it's beauty and good there is also ugly and bad.  And the ugly and bad will undoubtedly take it's toll over time.  To what extent varies with each individual. 

Matt's request to be home schooled isn't an escape route.  Rather it's one made so that he can be the BEST Matthew possible. And I thank God for allowing me to be able to clearly with out pause to be able to grant his wish.  In addition speaking through Pastor Walker Sunday morning casting out any doubts should they exist.  And he did so with these points :

• There is no fear in love....
• Do you feel like others are against you? ....Gods favor is upon you, therefore don't feel that way
• God will intercede in your life and bless you
• This is My commandment to love one another.

I love my son, and my God thus I have no fear in the path that is put before us.  When I asked Matt if he felt as though others were against him, he said at times.  Yet he knows he has purpose.  Given the chain of events that led up to our ultimate decision, I felt with great certainty that God interceded in our life, that moment and gave us reason & clarity.  And the final bullet point, ....ironically, it's what has confounded my son all along.  How do people just not love one another.  Really, is kindness all that difficult to muster? 

It's as though a breath from heaven has breathed new life into a young man who was caught up in a tide pool.  For that alone I praise the Lord. 

We certainly are not going with the grain here, no longer a part of the team, no longer a traditional student, but confident in who we are and what it is God would have us do. 

I've said many times on FB that this year would be full of change.  I've challenged others to be the change they want to see in others.  And I've been called to the task of being/doing just that.  The irony, hanging in the jr. high that my son attended is a banner that says "stand up for what's right even if you're standing alone", our twist...."standing up for what's right now has me standing at home."