Homeschooling a Junior

My favorite time of day is the evening. Homeschooling a high school junior has been difficult. I honestly don't know how I'm going to get Kirsten to graduation day. Completing all of her required subjects is taking all day. At this phase in the older boys' education, they had graduated early and were taking courses at West Valley. So, this is a new adventure for me.  By evening, both Kirsten and I are spent. It's refreshing to sit outside and enjoy some downtime. Here's to quiet evenings!

Dance in Costumes

 Kirsten and her friends had a fun evening getting dressed up for a church Halloween dance. Each of them made their own costume. I'm impressed with their creativity. 

First Date

Kirsten went on her first date. 

Surprisingly I am calm.

 For years, I was dreading this day. However, now that it has arrived I am at peace. Kirsten has grown into a very confident and trustworthy young woman who knows her divine nature and worth. Plus, she knows self defense. Milo, who was her date, is a great young man who I trust completely. The two, went on a double date to Golfland with their friends. Kirsten had a great evening and had high praise for Milo being a gentleman. 

Hair and Makeup

Most of my "mom years" have been spent sword fighting, going to sporting events, breaking up fights, etc. I love my four boys, but's it's a nice change of pace doing hair and makeup with my girl. 

Wrap Skirt

 Kirsten's final project for the school year is this adorable wrap skirt. We found the fabric during our stay in Twain Heart back in March. Sascha had recommended us checking out an old fashioned Pharmacy store there in town. The fabric selection was overwhelming. I wanted to buy it all, but Kirsten and I only ended up buying two different kinds. Why didn't I get more? We'll have to take another trip up there. I love this wrap skirt! I want one for myself. Kirsten looks beautiful in it.

End of the School Year

 School is officially out for us. Kirsten has been super busy completing final projects for three subjects. One that she had the most fun was designing and building a playground for Geometry. She measured all of the shapes in the playground and wrote a report about the theorems used and how she solved them. After showing it to our ES, she unselfishly gave it to Loni, who is beyond thrilled to have a place for her toys to play on.

Biology Lab

Today is Kirsten's last Biology Lab. Honestly, I was dreading her taking this class because it is all the way in Morgan Hill. However, Daveo, Loni, and I have had fun exploring for the two hours she is at her class. We typically go to a grocery store first to get some snacks (usually Pepperidge Farm cookies) and then hang out at a park. Kirsten has loved the class. She has no problem dissecting squid, frogs, grasshoppers, a pig fetus, etc. I will miss our Wednesday routine.

Decidedly Purple

 Kirsten is now a Purple Belt Decided! So proud of her hard work. She even chose a hard board kick for belt testing. Her instructor, Mr. Moore, asked her if she was sure. Kirsten was ready and succeeded.

Green Belt

Kirsten is now a green belt. She did great testing for it, scoring a 10 out of 10. we are so proud of her.

A Good Witch

Kirsten finished sewing a hooded jacket for her Halloween costume. We bought the wrong size pattern (size 14). I thought it was a 14 in children's, but it was and adult 14. This was a good learning moment for her as her teacher, Mrs. Rumsby taught her how to size down from a patter. Kirsten is excited at how it turned out and is already rummaging through the house (mainly my closet) to find pieces to finish off the outfit. She is intending to be a witch; not and ugly evil kind, but a nice pretty one. 

Mermaids

Kirsten and her friend Robin love taking underwater photos.

Family Birthday Celebration

We were finally able to get together with Mom and Dad Zinn to celebrate Kirsten's birthday. We met at San Bourne Park to have a picnic lunch and goof off. There was a tree nearby that almost everyone got a photo op on. My climb didn't go very well. I got a boost up the tree, but couldn't turn around. Hence, you'll see the following picture of my backside. We all had a lot of fun. 

Farmers Market

 Kirsten and I met up with some friends at the local Farmer's Market. We bought lots of fruit, fresh kettle corn, and Kirsten and Robin found a necklace at a jewelry stand. Just another reason why I love summer.

A Fifteen Year Old

 I can't give my birthday girl a hug. Or a kiss. I can't cook her favorite food. It feels like any other day. But it's not. Kirsten turns 15 today at Girl's Camp. 

She is such a joy to have in our home. Kirsten gets along with everyone. She loves everyone and is genuinely concerned about the people who are blessed to cross paths with her. This teenager is growing into a confident and beautiful young woman. I love this girl so much. 

I miss her. 

Can't wait until Saturday.