The end of OUR school year is nearing

3You can always tell when the end of a school year is approaching, mainly because of the assorted programs that you have to attend, or the increased level of responsibility of one's child as they are hurriedly trying to get all make-up work turned in.  This has been a year much different than others in the past.  Matthew has been 15, which in my children has always been THE year that they must be "becoming of age" or "feeling their oats", for it is when the grades slack off. 

For Matthew, his favorite classes are choir and band.  He has been in the choir since 7th grade, and is in his first year of band.  Music has been an incredible influence in his life.  I marvel at the fact that the public schools here have absolutely no problem singing spiritual songs in choir.  In fact, their best performances are of spiritual songs.  It has done my soul so much good to attend their concerts!! 

Something worth saying here, is that Matthew began his school years in  private Christian schools.  Because of the small size of the private schools, there was always a family atmosphere, and an air of familiarity with all the students.  Similarly, Matthew has found this sense of "family" in the music department of his High School.  Between band and choir, 120 of the 400 (more or less) that make up the student body, are part of the music program there.  Much of the positive environment is due to two wonderful, Christian men ... who love music, and love young people, and it shows!

So now we've had the Spring Choir concert . . . and the Spring Band concert . . . Matt has attended training this week, and tried out for Drum Major, and Memorial Day Weekend is here, and next week will be final exams.  Here we are ending the year . . . and Matt has brought all of his grades back up . . . and all is good with the world.  As of next Friday, my buddy will be home with me.  I like that.  We have good conversations . . . and he helps with tasks around the house more. 

But I can feel the summer coming and going in almost an instant.  Last day of school June 3, to Alaska June 12-22, Matt to Maryland for a couple weeks around July 4 . . . pre-weeks start August 2nd, which is intensive Marching Band practice for three weeks, Ron & Julie (my brother and sister-in-law) and family will come visit us for the first time for a few days in the first couple weeks of August, and first day of school August 23.

Hmmmm . . . hope we can find him a summer job! :0) Hope someone can be ultra flexible with him being there!!! :0)