I used to write newsletters that I mailed to the family every month. Before that, I wrote weekly newsletters that I shared with local family and people in my own house.

This would be the edition where I’d just go back through every month and see what was highlighted, month by month.

I found those articles extremely tiresome. I mean, I’d already told you what had happened throughout the year, and while this might organize it all into one space, did anyone really want to read it all in one sitting?

I was always disappointed in myself for such a calendar approach to summing up an entire year.

Certainly not like this scintillating post so far. *ahem*

So what really stands out to me about 2010 is the obvious. I graduated my first born. There is one thing to have your child matriculate from the local institution and her ranking, etc., and another thing altogether to have taken responsibility for what she learned or didn’t learn.

Just like everything else I’ve discovered about homeschooling, it was a huge learning experience for me. I am grateful to my girl for being the first, paving the way, and so on. She handles her guinea pig status as gracefully as she can.

2010 also ushered in the pageants. We had wondered what Ayanna would do with herself after having her lead in the local production downtown. Pageants just seemed a perfect fit for the girl who loves getting all dressed up and standing in front of crowds. Now she’s got two pageants under her belt, with a third in her sights. She has learned quite a bit in her quest for Miss Universe, and has even met the current Miss USA.

The other children were active this year as well. Xavier was an officer in Generation Joshua, and was one of the youngest members of HCYA, (Homeschool Christian Youth Association) which planned the Prom, among other things. This netted him a rare freshman invitation to the prom. He played basketball, and joined the Kalamazoo Gazette’s Young Editorial Staff, (YES).

Imani and Joy, who will soon no longer be referred to as a pair, both achieved level 4 in gymnastics before taking a break from the sport. Joy spent the year on a gymnastics team; Imani in recreational gymnastics. This fall, both girls participated in cheerleading with our church’s football team, followed by swim lessons. They may both train with the swim team when they return in the Spring. They also enjoyed ballet classes this fall.

Esteban started out the year in gymnastics and ended it in swimming. He is proud to announce that he did 100 bobs on the last day of swim class, and I am proud to announce that he is well on his way to becoming a swimmer! He recently got the best battle scar of all time by falling and hitting his chin to the tune of 7 stitches. Such a big man.

Chanya is only grown, picking out her own clothes, and putting them on herself (or there’s hell to pay), and taking control of her potty training. She loves stories, coloring, and mostly playing with “guys,” meaning the three siblings closest to her, whom we refer to as ‘the babies.’

We got a cat this year, and Sasha is the perfect addition to our family. She purrs and meows when she sees us in the morning, and doesn’t complain too much about being held. She’s had a few issues with allergies, heat, and her recent spaying, but she grows to trust us more everyday.

I could talk about what Curtis and I are doing, but who am I kidding? Nobody wants to hear about the parents in these family newsletter year end things. We’re doing great, and we’re happy to have such a wonderful family!

Have a Happy New Year, and I hope that 2011 is your best year yet!