Today I thought I would share a life update. It’s been a while and I frequently get questions regarding our future plans. I know I’ve eluded to a few things, so today is a good day to elaborate. Sorry, in advance, for all the words!

Preston| Preston is doing very well in school. He reads on grade level and excels in writing. I work with two groups of first graders every day and I’ve not seen anyone with handwriting as nice. I know I’m biased, but it’s 100% the truth. I’m so proud of him. He is good at ALL sports, but we think he belongs in baseball. He’s playing in a local league. They play twice a week. His favorite television show (believe it or not) is MONK! He loves to dress in costumes and morphs into whatever he watches on television. He wears a suit and tie to church every Sunday – in fact, he’d wear a suit/tie every day of the week if we’d let him. He eats like a horse and weighs maybe three pounds soaking wet. He doesn’t stop moving until his head hits the pillow.

JP| Oh boy. Where do I begin? JP is the complete opposite of everything you just read. He still shows zero interest in anything related to sports. You couldn’t pay him to wear a suit and tie to church, or anywhere else for that matter. He is happiest in t’shirts and boxer shorts. JP is the textbook definition of a homebody. He is doing an excellent job in school – landing on the A/B Honor Roll all year. His favorite subject is Science. He enjoys Coding and will resume Coding Club this summer at Sylvan Learning Center. This makes his mom happy because several of the local Universities have Coding programs for students. He is a CRAZY picky eater (it’s very psychological). He would live off McDonald’s chicken nuggets and pizza – as long as the pizza is shaped like a triangle (insert eye rolls). JP is a really happy person with a contagious laugh. He is interested in scary movies. I’m having to get creative and come up with alternatives for the 2018 horror films. I love scary movies too, so I don’t want to ban them. But the ones out now are so inappropriate. We compromised and watched The Sixth Sense a few weeks ago. He loved it.  *I will share more about JP in my personal update*

JP and Preston fight with one another (almost constantly), but are respectful and kind to others. It’s really sweet how they protect each other. They’re shaping up to be nice young men.

I am not going to update you on Jack, Faye and my sister. They would kill me. Just know that everyone is well and coasting through life pretty smoothly at the moment (knock on wood).

ME| Here’s where it gets a little tricky. Things are getting ready to drastically change in my world. If you follow my Instagram Stories, this will come as no surprise. I’m quitting my teaching job to write/blog full-time! As I type this, it doesn’t seem real. I am completely freaked out. I’ve prayed about this all year and God continues to confirm the decision. Jobs are becoming more consistent as  new opportunities arise.  I’ve found myself at a cross roads. I cannot physically and/or mentally devote myself to writing and continue to teach well. It’s too much – I had to make a choice. Those of you who know me best, know that writing is my passion. A dream. I have thanked God every day for allowing me to chase it.

In addition to this change, I am going to homeschool JP through middle school (at least). This is the part that I am having trouble wrapping my brain around. I’ve worked in the public school system for almost twenty years. If you told me I would EVER homeschool my child, I would have called you crazy. It’s, without a doubt, the best thing for him at this time in his life.

It took JP a while to get on board with the idea but he seems pretty excited now. I’ve found a local Co-op group and am currently researching curriculum. If it weren’t for good friends helping to guide me, I would be completely lost. And truthfully, I’ll probably always feel lost. I mean, what parent ever feels like they’re doing the right thing?! If you know of one, I’d love an interview!

I’m looking forward to the blog content homeschooling will provide. I’ll definitely share our adventures and tips along the way. I know I say this in every post, but if you’re not already following us on Instagram, head over now and search for @acbeam.

I guess that’s all for today. As you’re reading this, we are traveling up the road into the mountains of Tennessee for a quick day trip.

Have a wonderful weekend!