Life at a "Swell's" pace

Today was a special day for us. Skylar graduated from the Rain Valley Red Snails homeschool classroom and is now a high school graduate. Jeff and I are so proud of how far we have come in our homeschooling. I taught him so many great things that he can now take with him in the next steps he needs to continue his education. He is focused on paleontology and oceanography. In our homeschool classroom we focused on a Waldorf approach to learning with Montessori days of education, and a little bit of Reggio Emilia on certain days. These learning approaches are purposeful and inspired learning techniques, with a Holistic focus that allows the child to lead where they take their own learning. It also allows for independence, self-motivation, and learning in a way where they discover the solutions over being forced to find the solution. Public schools have a certain curriculum to follow without allowing the student to progress on their own terms, which leads to children feeling like they are never good enough, or can't "make it" in the "real world," outside the classroom. Our homeschool took all of those barriers away, and allowed Skylar to progress on his own learning terms. This approach allowed him to be ahead of the curve and learn a lot more about subjects, topics, and life over a student that graduated at the same time. You can see more about our classroom approach here, or at the top of the blog in the page navigation.

I ordered him a cap and gown, with honor cords, and tassel to allow him to have the graduation experience as a public high school graduate would have. We did a private walking ceremony for him and allowed him to plan the day, where he wanted pictures and how he wanted to create his graduation. Jeff and I both were beaming with pride as we watched him and enjoyed so much of his personality. Sometimes I wonder how we got so luck to have a great kid with a great life. We love him so much!

Congratulations, Skylar! We are so proud of you and how far you have come!

Skylar officially graduated from the Rain Valley Homeschool Classroom on November 11, 2022.

Hello.

Here are five things this week.

1. These Lights.

I've had these for quite sometime now, but I always love the different shadows and glow they let create.

2. This Kitty.

She's very loving when she wants to be and being sick with Coronavirus these last two weeks, she's been extra attentive and a great "nurse."

3. This Costume.

Skylar dressed up like Emperor Palpatine for Halloween this year and I helped create the look of his face with makeup. He had a great time and I always tell people, you're never too old to dress up each year and celebrate. You can see other images of him all dressed up on my Instagram page. And, did you get a glimpse of the Demon Star on October 31?

4. This Heart.

When Skylar was little he would draw little hearts on my fingernails, and now that he is older he lets me return the favor from time to time. I am so happy that I have such a close bond with him. He is my buddy and always will be.

5. This Snack.

Even though they aren't in season I am still enjoying watermelon when I can find it.

One last thing:

We have started pumping these humidifiers nonstop since the winter season has started. This dry winter air is definitely causing a lot of dry skin and dry coughing lately. If you are dealing with the same, I highly recommend Pure humidifiers and air purifiers.

Positive affirmations this week:

Eight Dimensions of wellness:

How can you optimize your mental and physical health? First developed by Dr. Margaret "Peggy" Swarbrick, the eight dimensions of wellness is an interconnected model used by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, among others, to show the framework for mind, body, and self health. (Source)

•Emotional

•Spiritual

•Intellectual

•Physical

•Environmental

•Financial

•Occupational

•Social