The Decision

Shawn Jr. will stay homeschooled for another year.

If you read this blog you know that Misty and I homeschool all of our children - except for Brittany. Brittany was homeschooled until 2 years ago. Brittany started public school in the 7th grade and will be a Freshman at Rockwall-Heath High School this year. Given that we started Brittany in 7th grade we had considered having Shawn Jr. start public school in the 7th grade as well. After careful consideration, prayer and much debate, we have decided that Shawn Jr. will stay homeschooled this year and we will plan on him entering public school next year - in the 8th grade.

I have had many people ask me why we homeschool. Some people have a preconceived (negative) notions about homeschooled kids. Many people question if our children get enough "socialization" or are too sheltered. All reasonable questions. Others have a more informed view, because they know us or our kids, but are simply curious how we came to the point of deciding to homeschool. Misty and I have many reasons why we believe homeschooling has many serious advantages over any other type of education. But we also know that homeschooling is certainly not an option for every family. To confuse the matter even more, I believe that it is best to only homeschool in the early years. (Let me make a caveat here - this blog is from my (Shawn Sr.'s) perspective. Most of the time, when it involves our children, I feel like I can speak for both Misty and I. Maybe not on this point . . . ) Why is homeschooling good early and not in the high school years. Let me explain.

First, my goal for my children's education is to (1) learn information and, more importantly, (2) learn to understand that information given a certain worldview. School is a means to the ends of getting a good education and living a full life. This is, of course, different from spiritual and moral development. Spiritual development is a goal that is more important than getting a "good education." It is ultimately and immediately more important.

I believe that good homeschooling allows parents to do both of these things - great education and spiritual development. In my view homeschooling is certainly better at spiritual development - particularly at an early age. It allows children to spend more time with their parents and keeps them away from the negative influences of children (and adults) that do not share the same worldview.

However, a some point children need two additional things, from an educational perspective, that homeschooling can not provide:

1. A competitive academic environment where a student is challenged by those other students around them.
2. A real GPA.

Why do they need these? A person is in a better position to achieve whatever their desired occupation or goal in life is if they go to a top university. I now understand the huge power-curve in academia and life. Getting into the "right" school can have huge advantages. This is a lesson I did not learn until applying to top law schools. If a goal for our children from an educational perspective is to get into the best university possible, then this requires three things (in order of priority) - (1) top SAT/ACT scores, (2) high GPA and (3) extracurricular activities.

A private or public school is the only way to get a GPA that schools will accept. Assuming that the other 2 factors are equal (SAT score and extracurricular activities) then GPA is the only advantage. Another aspect of this is, in the state of Texas, a top GPA/class rank will get you automatically admitted into a state school (Like UT or Texas A&M). However, unless you are particularly dedicated, traditional school may also help a student get a better SAT score - because schools have SAT prep classes. In addition, because the SAT is scored on a curve, if a student is pushed by those around them and know where they are at academically, it can help the student understand what they need to do to improve. All that being said, I think the only real advantage for getting into college, is the GPA. But this is a big advantage (likely more than 1/3 of the equation).

So what about top schools that hold spots for homeschool kids? It is like the lottery. You would need to get an outrageous SAT score and then beat out all the other homeschool kids for that spot. Very hard.

If public or private schools provide some advantage for getting into college, then parents (that believe my line of thinking) should have their kids in school from the very beginning unless there are offsetting considerations. Well, there are. First, and foremost, spiritual development. As I said above, I believe that homeschooling is a better platform for spiritual development. Therefore, why sacrifice this for educational goals? The answer is, there is no need to sacrifice if parents are in a position to homeschool. Fundamental spiritual development is (often) formed at a fairly early age - prior to high school. Homeschooling while you are building that spiritual foundation is a terrific advantage. Certainly spiritual development does not stop at a certain age but that foundation is basically established early on. Furthermore, parents can continue to have a substantial influence on that spiritual development throughout the school age years. In fact, it is also good to let children experience temptation and the challenges of the "real world" while still living at home with the positive parental influence.

Therefore, the best of both worlds is to homeschool in the more formative years and have children attend school when they can gain an advantage. Now, this is really only in high school. The GPA and other "advantages" only kick in at the high school level. However, there is an important adjustment period. Brittany and others will tell you it is hard to make the switch from homeschooling to tranditional public/private school. The schedule is different, the distractions are different, everything is different. So is this necessarily a 2 year adjustment period (entering in the 7th grade)? I don’t think so. Based on Brittany’s experience, I think it can be done in 1 year (entering in 8th grade) – but that needs to be evaluated with each child.

While this analysis and philosophy could certainly apply to all of our children. We, of course, consider each of our kids individually.

So will Noelle go to public school? That is a discussion for a different day.

iPad & Color Splash

Because I am a total geek - I purchased the iPad the very first day it came out. The genius of the iPad is not really the speed, power, form factor or software interface of the device (all of which are great), but the really incredible thing is the multitude third party software applications available through the App Store. Apple has tapped into the creative energy of developers around the world who are now creating some really useful and creative applications for the iPad.

One such application is Color Splash. The application allows you to take a picture, convert it to black and white and add color back in to selected areas of the picture by simply dragging your finger over those areas. The application was under $5 and creates some incredible pictures. The pictures below were created with Color Splash.

July 4th in Windsor, Missouri

Misty and I grew up in a small town in rural Missouri named Windsor - population of around 3,000 people. Each year Misty and I take the kids back to Windsor for the 4th of July celebration at Farrington Park put on by the Lion's Club of Windsor. This is a fun all-day event filled with games, food, music and fireworks. The events include:

• Frog Race
• Turtle Race
• Egg Race
• Sack Race
• Egg Toss
• Water Balloon Toss
• Softball Throw
• Cardboard Boat Race
• Local Music
• Fireworks Extravaganza (so to speak)

Our family enjoys participating in the various contests throughout the day. The kids generally do really well. This year we won 10 ribbons! Maybe our best year ever. Our results were as follows:

• Brittany - Third Place in Softball Throw (124 feet)
• Brittany - Third Place in 3 Legged Race
• Shawn Jr. - First Place in Softball Throw (156 feet)
• Shawn Jr. - First Place in Egg Race
• Shawn Jr. - Second Place in Egg Toss
• Noelle - Third Place in Softball Throw (92 feet)
• Noelle - First Place in Water Balloon Toss
• Noelle - Third Place in Egg Toss
• Triniti - Third Place in Softball Throw (36 feet)
• Triniti - Third Place in Water Balloon Toss

Triniti before the Egg Race.

Shawn Jr. before the Egg Race.

Triniti during the Sack Race.

Brittany and Bailey during the 3 Legged Race.

Triniti before the Water Balloon Toss.

Skylin having fun on the swing.

Noelle making another great catch of the water balloon.

Shawn throwing the water balloon.

Triniti throwing for distance in the softball throw.

Brittany sporting the "RHHS Freshman" t-shirt.

Skylin trying her best.

Shawn Jr.'s winning softball throw.

Josh played with his t-ball set for hours.

Triniti had a great time.

Josh eating a Starkiss.

Skylin playing in the sun.

The group after the shaving cream fight.

Crazy.

Bailey, Brittany and Noelle.

Brittany and Dad after the battle.

Brittany, Noelle and Sky

Skylin waving the flag

Sky and Coralynn

Big finally.

William Jewell McDonalds Commercial

This is a great commercial that was shot at William Jewell College - where Misty and I went to school. Watching this, I am reminded of what a beautiful place WJC is.

Mother's Day 2010

It is May 9, 2010 - Mother's Day.

Moms are incredible people. They are expected to do everything important in raising a family and never seem to be appreciated. In fact, mothers are more often criticized for not doing everything perfectly then they are praised for the things they do. With a big family and a crazy schedule, I certainly understand and appreciate the work that mothers do. In many ways, it is too bad that only one day a year is set aside to celebrate the work and influence of the mothers in our lives.

I have some incredible moms in my life - but let me tell you a little bit about my mother Sherry Helms. When I was growing up, I did not realize how great my mom was. She would read to me when I was young, she spent time playing games and always had food on the table for the family. These were (and still are) activities that moms are expected to do - but I now fully appreciate how hard it can be to do what is "expected." This means my mother (like most others) sacrificially took time away from herself to care for me, my brother and my father. I also now understand that what my Mom did was not normal but extraordinary. The fact is there are mother out there that are lazy, selfish or are simply not strong enough to dedicate the time and energy it takes to be a good mother. So for those that do make this sacrifice - thank you!

Growing up, my brother and I knew we were the most important thing to our mom. I can remember having a conversation with her when I was very young (maybe 5 or 6) asking her how much someone would have to pay her to give me up. I asked if $100 would do it? She said no. I said $1000? Again she said no. After several more guesses she finally said no amount of money would be enough because she loved me more than all the money in the world.

My mom was not only loving but she was also appropriately tough. She would discipline when we needed discipline. She gave me space to make mistakes but never too much leash to get into real trouble. She tried to influence my choice of friend, steering me toward the right crowd and keeping me in church. She knew how important these things were. Even though I did not always listen to her, I eventually gravitated toward friends and adult influences who were good people. Therefore, while I certainly made mistakes, I had a good support group helping me set goals and make right decisions.

Another thing about my mom - she is very smart. Despite not having a formal eduction past high school she knows a lot about a lot. I am not taking about just common sense or street smarts, my mom is a really smart person. Even as a kid I knew she had a skill for judging character, but as I got older I really appreciated her intellect. She even tries to hide it at times - which is kind of funny.

I know that I would not be the person I am today if it was not for my mom. She never pushed me too hard academically, but was always proud when I would achieve success. In addition, she and Dad were always my biggest fans. Telling me (and others) I could achieve anything I put my mind to. This gave me the confidence I needed to set my goals high.

So on this Mothers Day 2010 - I say "Thank You" Mom for all that you have done for me and my family!

My Mom with our youngest Josh

Speaking of Moms - in case you have not seen this - the "Mom Song" is a must watch.