The World According to Leslie

Junior Gold National Tournament, 2021 Indianapolis, IN In 2019, we went to Detroit, MI, for almost two weeks so that Chasity could compete in the Junior Gold National Championships. She qualified in May of that year, we we took off to Michigan in July.  This year, 2021, we took off on July 8 to Indiana. We drove through a few states to get there. On the way back, we stopped in Kentucky (to see Church Hill Downs) and Pigeon Forge (just because).  On the way to Indiana, we saw a lot of rain, but we saw some beautiful clouds after it.  After one of Chasity's practice sessions, we went to downtown Indianapolis. We found Lucas Oil Stadium where the Indianapolis Colts play. We did not go for a tour, but we did drive around and take a lot of pictures. Chasity took pictures on my phone. I used my camera.  Between her 2nd and 3rd practice sessions, we went to the Indianapolis State Fairgrounds . That place is H.U.G.E! We had to do registration so she could get her badge and b...

As Chasity's high school and homeschool days are coming to an end, May 2021, I find myself reflecting on the things we have done and how they worked, or did not work for us.  One thing that we had to adjust quite often in the beginning was the schedule. It has changed a lot over the years.  When Chasity was in 9th grade, we had to play around with her schedule to get it just right for her and us. I was working part-time, and we were new to homeschooling. Oh yeah....and it was HIGH SCHOOL!!   Typically, I worked 3-5 hours a day at the daycare where my mom was the director. It was normally 10am-12:30pm (or 2:30pm), depending on the day. If I was going in as a substitute teacher in the school system, I would work longer days.  At the beginning of October 2017, I was called to cover a maternity leave from October 16th to December 1st. Then the teacher decided to stay out until Christmas break. Then, the week before Christmas, she decided she wanted a week AFTER brea...

Every year about this time, I realize that it's almost Thanksgiving. Then I notice that Christmas is only a month later with the new year following that. You would think that I would have figured out that time was flying by, but I haven't. I keep getting blind-sided by it every year... hoping that I will eventually catch up and not be so surprised. I have actually done a lot this year, but it still seems like I haven't. At the beginning of 2019, I was back in the classroom teaching. I started a job in September teaching English (all 9th grade classes, all day!) at the biggest rival to my alma mater. Anyone who knows me knows where I was, and they will understand the degree of difficulty! The students were typical high school students...some good days, some bad days. The demographics were different than my previous school, by my love of  teaching and love for my students was the same! In June (long story), but I ended up not being in the classroom any more. Like I sa...

How in the world is it possible that it's MEMORIAL DAY already?  This weekend, we aren't doing a lot. Just hanging out.  Doing laundry.  Resting. We have done so much since I posted on April 1st!  (Be ready for PICTURE overload!) We did the 30 days of positive thoughts/affirmations challenge for Paparazzi.  (Some days we forgot or ran out of time.  So we just caught up the following day!)  #PaparazziRocks  #IAmPaparazzi             We also had fun at the park during Spring Break with a Photo Shoot (on my phone!)!!!  This is MY FAVORITE!! Isn't she GORGEOUS?  I'm totally biased, but she's adorable!  Chasity was in a bowling tournament individually and with her team in April. Her team took 1st. She and her doubles partner (not pictured in trophy pic) took 1st. She took 1st place over all all eve...