Homeschool

If asked a few years ago, I would have confidently said we would never be a homeschool family. I've encountered many homeschool families that didn't seem to do much school. I really looked down upon them and felt bad for the kids. And as a former teacher, I didn't feel that most parents could really TEACH their children.

Then as life tends to do, I learned a few things as I got older. More and more family and friends around me seemed to be homeschool families. And their kids were smart. And educated. And well behaved. And learning. And I began to view it differently. I saw that it COULD be a good thing, and the kids could really benefit from it.

I homeschooled Nathan for half of his kindergarten year. We weren't happy with his teacher and saw his reading level recede. We pulled him out in December of that year and absolutely loved it. I loved the time with Nathan each day. He learned kindergarten stuff, and I learned that homeschool could definitely be a positive way to educate your child.

Fast forward to our move to Vegas. We learned two things very quickly. 1) the middle school was nearly as big as the town where I grew up. and 2) the elementary school wouldn't be able to help Katelyn as she learns english or give her 1 on 1 help.

Then we learned about the implementation of the Common Core Standards. I could talk about that for days and the many reasons that we so strongly oppose them, but they are driving the curriculum here in Nevada. That was the nail in the coffin.

So I researched (and researched, and decided, and researched some more, and re-decided) curricula. I made myself crazy but finally chose to use Sonlight for our homeschool.

When those boxes arrived, I felt like it was Christmas morning. We are having SO much fun! Matt does a lot of independent work. His placement test in math said he was ready for Algebra. I decided to go with pre-algebra. He just doesn't need to push it and if it mostly review, that's okay. He's reading novels that match the time in history that he's studying (World History from beginning of time). He's studying Bible, science, and language arts..all 6th grade level. And he loves it!

The littles as I call them, are doing 2nd grade math, Bible, and handwriting together. Nathan does 2nd grade language arts, and Katelyn is doing kindergarten language arts. We work for 3-4 hours a day straight through and generally we're all done by lunch.

It's amazing when you don't have to stop for specials, or announcements, or discipline, or bathroom breaks for the whole class. My kids grab a snack when they want it,  read curled up on the couch or sitting on my lap, take breaks when needed, talk about God and the Bible freely, master material and move on at their pace, don't have any homework, and can devote time to things that they need to work on more. We have the freedom to do field trips to the nature preserve and the children's museum. We read novels like Charlotte's Web and then watch the movie together.

It's just plain fun and I literally look forward to it each day. I know there will probably be some days where I'd like to drop them all off on the front steps of the school, but we're moving right along and I'm really proud of us. Shanahan Academy is in session and it's awesome!

First Post-Placement visit

After you complete an adoption, it's typical that you have several post-placement visits from a social worker. For us we have to do these visits at 3, 6, and 12 months. The social worker's job is to make sure the child and the family are doing okay, offer help and guidance if there are any issues that need attention, and they send a report to the placement agency.

Before the social worker N arrived, we explained to Katelyn that a visitor would be coming by, that she would talk with all of us, ask some questions, and maybe walk around the house, etc.. We told her that the social worker just wants to make sure everyone is doing well and see where we live. Of course we also told the boys. We didn't prep them in any way (and oh my word, we should have), but we just reminded them of the home study and the questions and told them to be polite and well behaved.

Next time I'm giving them a script.

N arrived and was very nice and easy to talk to. She asked the boys about changes in the family since Katelyn arrived, their likes and dislikes of having a sister...all pretty benign and expected questions. She asked similar questions of Katelyn. But as the visit went on, I realized that all of their responses (all 3 of them) had something to do with wrestling.

"So what's the best part of having a new sister?" and Nathan replied "Well, when I fight and wrestle Matt, she's here to help me defeat him."

"So do you like having brothers Katelyn?" and she said "Yes because I can wrestle with them and together we get Matt."

"Matt is there anything you don't like about having a sister or how things have changed?" to which Matt of course said "Well, it's hard now because when we wrestle they work together...but I can still get them down."

So, so, proud.

And if it wasn't wrestling, it was video games. These three little people play at the park, walk the dogs, build extravagant lego creations, have dart gun wars and target practice, play board games, play hide-and-seek, ride bikes and scooters, play soccer, etc... but you'd never know. It's as if we're running World Wrestling Federation or a video game headquarters.

"So what kinds of things do you do during the day?" and Nathan says "oh, play video games, and Wii, and Minecraft, and etc...

Oh. My. Word.

The crowning moment was this little gem. She asked Katelyn if she liked having brothers and Katelyn replied "Yes because boys drool, and girls rule."

And Nathan very adamantly added "oh yeah, well boys go to college to get more knowledge and girls go to Jupiter to get more stupider."

Seriously, either they get a script to follow or we're employing duct tape next time.

Thank the Lord N has a sense of humor. She did keep asking lots of questions and eventually got some answers that were more accurate and appropriate. But you can imagine Andy and I giving each other the oh-my-word-please-Lord-make-them-stop-talking looks.

N was really sweet and we are so happy to have found her agency to do our post-placement visits. We are very confident that Katelyn is really adjusting well and that we haven't seen any big issues that can be common with international or older child adoption. But it's always nice to have an outsider lay eyes on the situation and offer guidance if needed.

I'm off to hide the XBox and talk about sunshine and rainbows with our three lovely children.

Three and a half months later...

Wow, I'm not sure what just happened, but I haven't blogged since June. Well, I guess I do know what happened, we added a 7 year old Mandarin speaking girl to our family and moved from Alabama to Las Vegas, NV.

So much has happened and I'll come back and fill in the gaps but, here's a general update on everyone.

Andy's job is awesome. His boss is a great, Christian, family man and he and Andy get along very well. Andy respects him a lot and we're both very thankful that we ended up in Las Vegas again.

I am homeschooling all 3 kids. I absolutely love it and it's one of the best decisions we've made. It's definitely a challenge, but I'm incredibly thankful we have this choice and that I'm physically able to do it. I keep telling Andy it's great except that they never leave during the day. Ha!

Matt is playing soccer and his skills have definitely improved. It's awesome to watch! I love his sense of humor. I kind of am okay with his longish, Beiber hair. Andy is not. He plays with and torments Katelyn like any good big brother. He's adapted really well and we're both very proud of him. He's just a nice kid and I love him dearly.

Nathan is playing soccer as well. We're not so impressed with the coaching, but he's having a blast and that's what matters. He's sort of a beast on the soccer field and it's pretty fun to watch. Games start in a few weeks and I predict at least one yellow card this season. He too has adjusted well to his new sister. He has a really sweet heart and I see it nearly every day when he's helping her with something. He's also hilarious and I can't keep from smiling at his big front teeth and little giggle. It gets me in trouble. I  do think at times it's difficult since N and K are the same age and both of them are naturally competitive. I knew we were in trouble when I found them racing to finish their milk and both of them almost got sick. Ah..siblings.

Katelyn is playing soccer as well (yes we live at the soccer fields). She talks smack on the field and races anyone and everyone, and usually wins. We haven't used a translator tool in well over a month. She understands nearly everything, except when she's being funny and she very seriously asks "what's that?" to every. thing. I. say. She's funny, competitive, sweet, and very smart. There are a million things to update on her but you get the idea for now. She's very, very girly and loves to clean...it's obvious we aren't genetically related.

Vegas is treating us well. We found a great (though very large) church. Matt is enjoying the middle school youth group, and we've joined a small group that meets once a week. We're just dipping our feet in the water but so far so good. The people have been very welcoming and they all seem great. And I really, really miss my Alabama peeps. It's hard to walk away from what we had there.

Anyway, that's us in a nutshell. We continue to see blessings in our life every day and time is flying by. :)

An update

We took the kids to LaFortune Park in Tulsa Wednesday night. They have some awesome playgrounds, lots of shade, families all around playing and walking their dogs. It was a beautiful night and all three kids loved it.

I suspected Katelyn would love the place. If she can climb it, she does. If she can hang from it, she does. If she can go across it, she does. The playground was perfect for her.

Love her sweet face.

Rarely catch the smile, but it was definitely easier at the playground. She just couldn't help herself!

Mooooooom!

Think she likes the slide? lol

My baby about to be 12.

My other monkey.

Everything is going pretty well. She gets overwhelmed if we do too much or see too many people at once. Andy and I are getting better at reading her and preventing her from being stressed. It makes it better for everyone. 

In my unprofessional opinion, she is exhibiting many things I read about in adoption books. But this sweet girl is so brave, and so good at just trusting us, and rolling with it, I'm really amazed by her. I swear that if I was her, I'd be in the corner rocking back and forth. lol But she is so smart and so courageous and we are thankful for her every. single. day. 

We prep her before every activity or visitor. We explain it all the best we can and sometimes she flat out tells us no, and sometimes she nods in agreement. She takes a bit to warm up, but once she does, it goes pretty well. I think she is doing a little "fake it 'til ya make it" and does what she thinks you are supposed to do. Meet a relative? Say hi and offer a hug. Going to bed? Give hugs and politely say goodnight. And I love her for it. She's trying and doing her very, very best. 

Other times, she says no to something, or shrugs her shoulders as if she really doesn't care to bother with it, and I get that. 

We've finally made it clear that she doesn't have to clean her plate. She knows to eat what is filling, and that she will always have access to a snack or drink later, and another meal when it's time. I am sure she was never denied food or made to eat everything, I just think it was one way she tried to do what is "expected" and what she thought would please us. I'm really glad she  understands it's okay to stop eating when she's full. :) It's the little things!

Family time

What a whirlwind!

Thanks to the generosity of my sister, we've been able to just hang out here at her house...she's gone almost all the time and we've been able to start this whole new family gig. It's hard to be in the middle of a move and be away from your own home and routine. But this is definitely the next best thing and we're very thankful.

Katelyn has met most of the extended family and it's gone well. She isn't shy. She is so trusting with us. We pack her up and take her places. We visit new people..and she just rolls with it. We try to tell her beforehand each time and she seems to nod and agree. But it still must be a little crazy from her viewpoint.

Most of the time, if we go anywhere around 4 or 5 in the afternoon, she ends up doing this while we're on the turnpike.

We went to OKC yesterday to get her enrolled in DEERS (the military database). She is officially a dependent in the family now. Fun to complete yet another piece of the puzzle. 

We also saw the amazing B. family. I love them so much. They will be moving soon and so I will no longer get my Wendy fix when we're in Oklahoma. Her youngest and Katelyn have become fast friends and they are pretty cute together. Just love it! It stinks they're leaving... :(

It's been fun discovering the things that are new to Katelyn. Yesterday she saw me put in my earrings. She was very curious so I took one out and showed her again. As I stuck the wire into the hole in my ear, she gasped out loud. lol Then immediately gestured that she wants to wear earrings too. Oh you will sweet girl, you will! 

She also insisted on using bobby pins to pin her bangs back. I do it a lot myself and use two bobby pins. I used one and fixed her hair as requested..then she said "No, mommy, no...two!" Yes ma'am!

And twice she has called Andy "Andy." She does it with a totally impish grin on her face. She's too smart for her own good! lol

Today, we've kept it low key and just hung around the house. They boys started a "war" with their plastic guns and soon, Katelyn joined in. The laughter and giggles are awesome. Sitting here while they run around, shooting, fake dying, and arguing about whether or not they got hit....heaven. 

The pre-battle conference.

Mom, I don't have time to stop for a picture!

She giggles when she fake dies.

And as a victor.

Her English is coming right along. She keeps saying "Ah-me" over and over. We don't know specifically what it means but she uses it to get our attention, show us something, go somewhere etc... we just keep saying telling her to say "Look" or "help please" or whatever the case may be. 

Once again I want to say how blessed we feel. God has been part of this process from the beginning. As it so often happens, we can look back and we see time and again how He worked things. It's humbling...and cool. It's just so awesome to be part of this. And we are very grateful. 

We've had a couple of busy, fun days. Katelyn has quite the personality and she makes it all so fun. She's had a few impetuous moments. She decided today she doesn't mind simply telling us "no." We also know that once we engage in that, we can't lose. Ever.

She will put her foot down, clearly say no, and occasionally throw in a few words of Mandarin. It tickles me each time because I'd bet money she's NOT saying something sweet and loving..I wish I knew what she's thinking!

But so far, we give her the stern look, and the stern voice, and she complies. She's just testing it all out and we expect it. But she's a little naughty and anyone who knows me, knows that this is EXACTLY how I like 'em! Her personality is pretty big and I am so thrilled to know we can watch her blossom as she grows up as our daughter. What an honor!

We try to give her choices each day on what to wear, which shoes to choose, what breakfast to eat, etc.. we want her to feel like she has some measure of control in this process. She's constantly putting things in order, straightening something that's crooked, moving Matt's hair out of his eyes, correcting me when I color with her, etc....lol. My sister pointed out that when you have no control over pretty much anything else in your life, it makes sense that she would try to maintain a sense of order in her surroundings.

Our baby girl is just so smart. She remembers things after seeing or talking about them once. She remembers the routes to and from places after going there just once. She remembers most words and phrases after hearing them once. Just in the 5 days we've had her, she's speaking more, asking more questions, and then reapplying what she's learned to similar situations. It's truly fascinating for the teacher inside me.

She's spent a great deal out on her scooter. Her knee has been introduced to the cement a time or two, but she toughs it out and a bandaid and some TLC makes it much better.

Not only have they all been riding scooters, we've colored, blown bubbles, put puzzles together, painted fingernails and toenails, played monkey-in-the-middle, and shot basketballs. 

She got to go shoe shopping yesterday and that was quite fun. She has definite opinions about what she likes. We wanted to get her some flip flops, sandals, tennis shoes, and slip on shoes. We'd suggest a certain sandal and she would only half try to put it on...then shrug her shoulders like "oh well." Then she'd spy a glittery, shiney, lights-up-if-you-look-at-it, high top shoe and no matter what size the display was, she'd jam her foot into it and exclaim "Mommy, YES! I like, I like!"

We eventually settled on 4 pairs of shoes and her daddy even came along to help. 

She's quite "bouncy" as my sister says. Katelyn doesn't just walk room to room..and it's not necessarily a run, she's just bouncy! She goes 90 miles an hour most of the time, but then there are those times when she'll sit still in your lap, let you paint her nails, replace her bandaids, etc.. and she's just so, so, so sweet. 

Ornery, sweet, funny, obstinate, bossy, giggly, brave, stoic, and dramatic. Our Katelyn.

OOOOOOklahoma where the wind comes sweepin' down the plain

We made it!

We are all so happy to be here. I cannot say enough wonderful things about all three of the kiddos. Flying from Taipei to Oklahoma is no easy feat. It's a long, long day and they were simply fabulous! They never complained, and the boys are so sweet and good to their new sister. We were continually told how well behaved they were. Flight attendants, people we ran into while out and about,  people at AIT when we went to get her Visa. They all commented on our boys. I was very proud of them.

And Katelyn...I mean, she knows what's happening and why, but to be thrown headlong into an overseas flight, with this American family, what a lot to process! But she never complained. She was obviously sick of the planes (just like the rest of us), but she did it.

We arrived in Tulsa about 5:00 and we were greeted by some of my most favorite people. My mom and dad, sister, her boyfriend and his kids, my nephew and his wife, and Wendy and her (almost) baseball team. They drove from OKC with impending storms and tornados and were part of the welcome wagon. Signs, balloons, hugs, and kisses.

When you adopt, at least when I do, you imagine the homecoming. And then when you're in the middle of finalizing the plans, and then when you're there, you hope and imagine that it will be something special when you come back home, but you have no time or input on if that will happen. You want that memory for yourself, and for her. And my family and friends made that happen and it made my whole day! I am very thankful.

We got home and brought in all 67 suitcases (or so it seemed) and just let her explore. She loved the big yard, the house, and even the dogs. She loved that water comes directly out of the fridge door, and that the rocker/recliners rocked. We went out front to see the lightening show that was all around and she decided to run back into the house. That's how she learned there is a glass storm door. Poor girl ran smack into the thing, nose print and all. Welcome to America!

But all three kids got some good sleep and are enjoying just being here. Today she asked Andy about Mey-Fey? And Andy said "oh, you mean Murphy?" She smiled and nodded yes, Murphy...then rolled her eyes at herself and laughed and repeated "Mey-Fey" in an "oh geez" kind of way. So cute!

So, with hand gestures, Google Translate (that can be amazingly helpful, or totally interfere by not quite translating it right), and lots of repeating, we are managing.

I was helping her prepare for bed and I asked if she was happy. She smiled SO big and said "oh yes." And it melted me. Again.

Love her!!!

Go! Go! Lamigo!

As in, the Lamigo Monkeys. As in, the Taiwan professional baseball team located in Taoyuan just north of Taipei.

We headed to the game via High Speed Rail. Getting around this city is so easy and convenient. And cheap. We've really enjoyed that part of it.

Two peas in a pod. 

Brian, who we met at AIT yesterday (seems like a week ago), offered up some tickets to the baseball game. Super nice guy and great to talk to. He worked behind homeplate tonight and his only stipulation to the tickets was that we promised not to heckle the ump. ;)

He warned us that the crowds are crazy and there's nothing like it. He was right. We knew he was right when these two set up shop right in front of us.

Yes, those are trombones.

Then the drum arrived...and the big flags, and the trumpets, and...you get the idea.

And the bad, really bad cheerleaders. 

So me moved down a few sections (you can sit wherever you want once you're in the park). The kids got some noisemakers and we were off to a great start. 

While Brian worked hard running the game, 

We found ourselves on the big screen. Twice in the first inning. He told us ahead of time that they love to put foreigners on the screen..and it's nationally televised. We're stars!

The home team, the Lamigo Monkeys, had tons of fans. 

Now, you have to understand. Each side has a "band" of sorts, cheerleaders, a guy with a microphone, and sometimes fire and smoke. WHILE the game is being played, the announcer is introducing players and such, and each side is doing cheers and chants. Each side's band is playing, waving humongous flags, and it's being led by a guy with a microphone and his own sound system. The fans all have noisemakers and megaphones. You can hear both sides chanting, the ballpark announcer, and oh yeah, the game is being played. It's completely insane. 

My favorite was the microphone guy on the Lamigo side. He's a Psy wannabe and I think he's pretty big stuff in these here parts. 

It was so entertaining and fun to watch. We were so tired after the zoo that we almost didn't go. We're so glad we did! A big shout out to our new friend Brian and his wife Belle. We appreciate his generosity so much!

We are now preparing for tomorrow morning. It's an early trip to the airport and we'll begin our journey home. It's difficult because we are all ready to be back home, yet there are a million more things to do here in Taiwan. And I know tomorrow will be hard for Katelyn, whether she shows it or not. The definition of bittersweet. 

Taipei Zoo

We went to the zoo today and it's a beautiful, clean place.

We all had a great time except for the heat. By my calculations it was 120 degrees and 175% humidity (or 92 and 81% humidity). The place is clean and it only cost us $7 for admission for the whole family!

We saw all sorts of animals and the kids ran ahead, lagged behind, bickered over space at the exhibits, begged for water, and complained about having to carry water. Just a normal day at the zoo. Ha!

First subway ride as a family. As soon as she heard the camera click, she whipped around and gave me the "No!" look. lol

Our picture to send to Eskimo Joe's wearing our shirts and traveling the world. ;)

Nathan glanced at this sign and thought it said "no make-up allowed." He tried to tell me I couldn't go see the koalas!

Waiting on the shuttle with my almost 12 year old.

Three in one.

The reptile house had an interesting section...on copulation, including close-ups! I saw it and took a photo. Then Matt rounded the corner and I pointed it out to him. "Oh my gosh mom." lol

If you can climb it, stand on it, or go across or over it, Katelyn does. 

Elephants!

Nathan's dramatic pose.

And our girl after carefully posing her cat.

We saw some very interesting exhibits...

The Panda House was the highlight for all of us. 

Hot but fun!

To prove we were both there. :)

Outside the zoo there were several peddlers selling knick knacks, fans, hats, etc.. What I couldn't comprehend was the layers and layers of clothes they were wearing! 2 to 3 shirts, gloves, long pants, socks, and full face masks and hats. I nearly fainted just looking at them. 

Getting subway tokens for the ride home. 

The subway stop near our apartment. Notice we finally have a smile from our girl..and now Nathan is throwing up the two fingers and not smiling. I can't win! 

We are headed to the baseball game after we cool off and have some snacks. The kids are such troopers and we're having so much fun!

Joe's shirts and a little Asian girl with an American family

And you get tons of curious looks, questions, and neat discussions.

We "relaxed" in the apartment for a couple of hours and it soon became clear to Andy and me that the kids needed to be OUT and about.

So we put on some Eskimo Joe's shirts and headed to the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall. Chiang ruled China for 22 years and Taiwan for 30. He is a very revered political figure here in Taiwan. His Memorial has amazing architecture and buildings. In the center is a large open square full of tourists, families, and joggers (like on the Mall in D.C.). It was the perfect place to let the kids run off some steam and see another economical (meaning "free") historical site.

I encountered a gentleman from Berkley, CA. He is a professor of Geographical Informational something. He was born in Canada and flew in the Royal Air Force. He noticed my shirt and we talked about my beloved O-State. He told me all about his son who his is traveling with, and that he plays NCAA hockey in Michigan. They are on this trip together and headed down to Tainan tomorrow to see some spotted, spoon-billed something or other that has appeared down on that part of the island for the first time in 37 years. Then, he saw Katelyn and started asking the typical questions. He was fascinated by the entire story and very kind about it all. It's always heartwarming to get such a positive response.

In the taxi on the way home, we freaked out the driver a little. When we piled into the cab I think he hardly glanced at the "American family." Then he heard this little Mandarin speaking girl and unbuckled his seatbelt and whipped around to see who owned that voice. We drove for about 20 minutes (traffic) and then as if he couldn't help himself, he began to speak to her. We caught a few words and realized she told him she was 7, that she was from Taiwan. Then we think he asked basically how she ended up with us. He replied a couple of times "good, good."

I have to say that was nerve racking. We didn't know what he was going to say or ask. And we didn't want him to say something negative or say something that isn't true. He was nice and I think it was fine, but it was an interesting situation that we hadn't thought about in advance.

Anyway, it was a fun afternoon. Our first full day as a family of 5. It was awesome!

Hailing a taxi. 

The Great Arch leading into the Memorial

Off and running!

National Memorial Hall

All three wanted to run up the stairs. Sure crazies, please do! Katelyn was leading the pack which seems to be a common occurrence.

In front of the Chiang Kai-Shek statue. Katelyn was mad she had to pose aGAIN for a picture. lol

The view from the Memorial towards the Arch.

Shanahan Family :)

And believe it or not, these are everywhere. I've seen people using them many times. Pretty interesting. :)