AVID or NO AVID

Well, James made his decision and has decided not to do the AVID program at Cyprus for the next 3 years. Mike and I have done a good job (?) not pressuring him about doing this program, even though 1. the benefits at the end of his senior year would be much greater than those students who are not in AVID, 2. he's already used to taking honors classes; he can handle the work and still have a 3.75 -or higher- GPA consistantly for the last 3 years; and 3. he's got a mom (and Dad) who will do whatever it takes to help and support him in school.
We talked about the huge pluses for this program. I got input and advise from teachers and friends, half said to tell him to go for it - he'd do great; the other half - said it's his decision. We've talked about it, we've told him to think about it carefully but no matter what we'd support his decision. When he said "no AVID", we said okay. (Though this being said, I did tell Cheryl that it was "killing me" (like how dramatic that was) that he has decided not to do it...) Anyway, what it all comes down to, is IT'S HIS DECISION. IT'S HIS LIFE, and I can only give him as much information as I can so that he can make his OWN decision. I am proud of him for making this decision even though I'm sure he knows what WE'D-okay maybe it's more I'd-rather him do-knowing the advantages to this, and even the peer pressure from the close friends that he has that are doing this program and that have been "bugging" him to do it with them. Even though I don't agree with his decision, I am proud of him for sticking to the decision that he has made and not letting anyone- me, his Dad, or his friends - influence him to change his mind. I'm glad we have raised, and continue to raise, a strong young man.

Look Out! New Driver in the House!

It's official - James took and passed his learner's permit test today. The guy behind the counter wouldn't let me take a picture of James taking his test (you just have to scrapbook these moments, you know) but he offered to take one for me. So I gave him my camera, and he snapped his picture. My baby's starting to drive and I am feeling OLD! Where does all the time go? We at least have 10 months to get used to him driving with us in the car. Not sure about how calm we'll be when he's 16 and driving on his own though.....Congrats, James!

Gettin' Ready For Some Football!

Not that I enjoy watching football, AT ALL, but, come on! It's the Cardinals! From Arizona. Gotta support them!!! Mark made sure I took pictures of the paint session and wanted to make sure I was going to post them to the blog. (Here you go Mark!) While I'm home sick, - yes, I'm actually watching the game - I'm also working on my Early Steps papers, cleaning, doing laundry, and blogging! Life does not slow down just because I'm sick..... Regardless of the outcome of the game, and I do hope the Cardinals win, my favorite part of the whole Superbowl is the National Anthem. That song, no matter why or where it's being sung, always brings tears to my eyes. Today was no exception.