My Report on President George W. Bush By Joel Green

President George W. Bush

  President George Walker Bush was born July 6,1946 in New Haven, Connecticut to the 41st president George H. W. Bush and Barbara Bush (who recently passed away.) He was the first of the six children. His family then moved to Texas.
  During his school years his parents sent him to Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachussetts. It was tough being so far away, but he made it through. After graduation he attended Yale University where he studied history. While at both Phillips Academy and and Yale President Bush played a variety of sports: football, baseball, and basketball. The neat thing not many know is that he even was a cheerleader.
  After graduating from Yale in 1968 President George W. Bush joined the Texas Air National Guard. In 1970 he graduated as a lieutenant. While serving the next couple of years he worked for a Alabama politician campain, and worked with poor children. In 1973 He got an honorable discharge. After being discharged he went to Harvard Buisness School. He graduated in 1975, and went back to Texas.
  When he got back to Texas he worked as a landman in the oil buisness where he looked for land to purchase for a company he worked for. In 1977 President Bush started his own buisness called Arbusto Energy. He would later sell his company.
  In 1977 on November 5 he married his wife Laura Welch. What an amazing year for him. Starting his own company and then getting married. About four years later President Bush and his wife welcomed twin girls Barbara and Jenna. Many know Jenna now from her work on NBC for the Today Show. 
  President George W. Bush began his run in politics in 1978. He tried to run for US House of Representives, but he lost. In 1988 He helped run his father's campain for President. His father George H. W. Bush was elected President. Then President Bush set his eyes out for govenor of Texas in 1994 he won that election. While in office he improved public education. Then in 1998 he was reelected as govenor.
  Then came his run for President in 2000. He won the election and became the 43rd President of the United States of America when he beat Al Gore. January 20, 2001 he entered the office. What he didn't it would become a difficult year for any President. September 11, 2001 became the worst day in United States History that changed not just the United States, but the world. It was the day terriosts attack that would kill over 3,ooo people. After that day the President would spend days with workers and families of the fallen. Then in November 2001 he created the Department of Homeland Security, because of the deadly attack on our home soil. In 2002 President Bush created the No Child Left Behind Act. The following year in 2003 the Iraq War was started. He would also run again for President. He won again against John Kerry. He took the office again 2004. Again the US would have another disaster. This time Hurricane Katrina which destroyed much of the south.
  President George W. Bush to me was a tough President for dealing with so much problems during his time. I was not born when he was President most of his time in office, but to me he gave it his all. He seemed to be a President who dealt with things head on. A problem came up he dealt with it to his best ability. I may never be President but I learned so much from reading about him, and what my Mom has said. I learned never to give up, and when a problem comes up deal with it.
Written by, Joel Green

I read a book, but I lost my reference paper that I wrote it down on. We also used wikapedia.com, and pictures from google.com

My Mom again helped with finding and posting the pictures.

Homeschooling

 It has taken me a while to figure out how to write about why I am now homeschooling Joel. I have always wanted to homeschool since I was old enough to even think about having children. After Joel was born, and I found out that I could never have children I thought it was better to have him in school (truth is everyone said it would be better for him so he can have socialization). I put Joel in public school from Preschool to 2nd Grade. Joel was struggling with being himself, because he was getting bullied. Plus I really wanted him to have a Christian education while learning. There for I put Joel in a Christian school for third grade, and most of 4th grade until about 2 weeks ago. It was in the best interest of Joel. Plus the nice thing is Joel can go with me to my appointments in Omaha.
  Joel and I are actually enjoying doing homeschool. We have more freedom, he can learn at his pace (so, if he really doesn't understand something we can take time to go over it until he does.), and we can do different things to be included in his learning (cooking, going to the library, ect.). We are not just using books to learn from, but videos and shows on the internet or found on our Roku channels. Example: Every morning this week we start off with Bible teaching. Right now we are watching "The American Bible Challenge" that is on Netflix. In Science he is learning about the circulatory system. So, we are doing videos on YouTube. Joel is really loving it because the visual aides have helped him get better understanding instead of just reading. On nice days Joel loves to just sit outside to do some of his school work. He also loves doing school in his PJ's. Yesterday, we went to the library to check out books. He is wanting to do some reports on different things that he is studying (he may put some of his reports on here) for different subjects. Example: In History he is studying Europe region. So, he picked a Country and is doing a report on that subject.

 I plan on homeschooling year round, but we will take breaks here and there. For example the last week of June we will be at Weblo Camp. But, He will write a report on what he learned and did while he was there. We plan on taking some road trips this summer as well. Which we can include homeschooling as we travel (well, I always do something that includes learning like a science center or some museum). Joel will still play sports for Winterset as of right now. Now in the fall things will change up on our homeschooling. Joel will be taking Science and Band at the public school in the fall. I am so excited that he wants to play an instrument. 
 I also plan on being involved in homeschool groups, and doing other homeschool activities around the area. There is places that I know of in Des Moines that open their doors during the day for homeschool children to do. For example there is a place that is a gym that allows homeschool children to go do tumbling and things. I don't know when we will check it out but it is on our list to do. Many of our friends and family have also volunteered to help out with Joel's homeschooling (teaching life skills). 
  So, look for Joel's reports, and our homeschooling adventures!

Barnstormers Adventure Report by Joel (Mom helped with pictures)

 On Saturday, April 14, 2018 my Mom took me with a few others from my Cub Scout Pack 121 to Scout fun day with the Iowa Barnstormers. We got to do and afternoon learning, and so much more. So here is my report on my time at Wells Fargo Arena in DesMoines, Iowa. If you don't know who the Iowa Barnstormers let me tell you quickly. Iowa Barnstormers is an Indoor Arena Football team. They pad up just like regular football players, but the rules are a little different, the field is smaller, and so is the goal post. It is so awesome and fun to watch.
 First, was a learning session with the Barnstormers. They divided us into to groups. First, I learned how defensive half-back tackle (don't quote me) from #3 Jourdan Wickliffe. I had to run lines and intercept the ball. Second was what a wide receiver does from #14 Jonathan Duarte. He had us run and then we had to catch the ball. It was fun for me because I like to play wide receiver. Next, we learned how to kick from #19 Cody Barber. I was able to kick the ball between the goal into the net. Then we learned how to tackle. It was neat because I could take out my frustrations on the bag. Last they let us play some touch football with the other scouts.

 Next, came warm-ups and the game. During warm-up we were allowed to sit on the arena wall, and watch them warm up for their big game against Nebraska Danger. #1 Ryan Balentine sat right next to me for a few minutes, and asked if I was having a good time. Other players would come over give us high fives. Few even too selfies on their phones with us. One of them took a video of us sitting on the wall. It was so cool. I also watched as one of the players sons were helping with warm-ups before the game, and after half-time.

The game was awesome. It kept us on our toes. Barnstormers would lead, then the Danger, back and forth it went. The 2nd half of the game the Barnstormers showed who was boss like they always do in Iowa Fashion. They brought a storm of plays that took them to win 42-25. I watched and learned some awesome plays that could maybe help my football team in the fall. My favorite player BJ Butler did awesome on the field.

My Favorite player #56 BJ. Butler and Me

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After the game the Barnstormers and everyone come back out do autographs, and interact with fans. One thing that I noticed that I thought was so very special was the players that were fathers and had children there the first thing they did before signing or talking to fans was they picked up their children, hugged them, and made them feel so special. I was so happy to see that from them. I am a child without any father in my life. Those men are what Dads should be. No matter what they do with themselves their children and families are important to them like they should be. I told my Mom on the way home about it. I told her how they set and example. Some day when I play a sport or do something like they do, and if I have children I will want to treat them the same way. My father left me before I was even born so I don't know how a father should be, but those men showed me. Don't get me wrong my Mom is wonderful, because she is there for me, but also because she makes sure I see what true fathers should be like. Okay, back to the after the game. I took my football I got for Christmas from the Barnstormers with me so they all could sign it. There was one in particular I wanted and that was #56 B.J. Butler. I also wanted a picture with him again this year. I got it. I found out after I got home that he is a father, but his family lives far away, and so he is away from them. But, on his game shoes is his family. That is so neat. I cant wait to see him again. I also got an autograph from my favorite Storm Chaser Kiera. I had her sign my Barnstomers hat (the only one too).

Overall, the experience was so much fun. I was able to learn and have fun at the same time. It was because I am a Scout that I was able to take advantage of the opportunity that many boys my age will never get to do. They are not pro football players like Peyton Manning or Aaron Rodgers, but the Iowa Barnstormers are a group of men that set examples for boys and young men like me. They don't play in big stadiums with lots of people. They play in an arena in the center of Iowa blessing the hearts for the people that come if they are a bunch of cubs scouts to men dressed in weird outfits. Many are not from Iowa but they play for the heart of Iowa. I am proud to be a Iowa Barnstormers fan for life! Many also do not know they do other fun events than just Boy Scout Day. They have others as well. They also raise money for charities, and honor the armed men and women as well as our local heroes like police, paramedics, and firefighters. So, when you ask why I love the Iowa Barnstormers this is why. Thank you to the Iowa Barnstormers for letting us come, my Cubmaster Justin, and my Mom who just didn't take me but is also has a role in my Cub Scout Pack. I hope you enjoyed this report. Please give me feed back it.
Written by,
Joel Green

Changing Times

  It has been so long since I have taken the time to write in our family blog. Things have kept us busy as usual. At the same time our family has been changing. We are still the two of us though. Well, we do have a new addition to our little family. In February we became owners of a little puppy. Joel named him Preston Joel Green. Preston is a beagle mix. He may be a stinker but he has brought so much joy into our lives. He keeps us on our toes. I am now out numbered in the household. We got Preston from our Aunt and Uncle. Joel had been begging for a puppy for years, and the time was finally right. So, this Mom gave into the little cute guy.

This last week was a change for us. Due to some things Joel is now being homeschooled. I am still new at this so my nerves are getting the best of me lately. I am still trying to learn where I can find my "ME TIME." At the same time it has been good for us to have this bonding through teaching him. Joel is enjoying doing school work outside when it is nice outside. We are using things we get to do as learning for our homeschool curriculum. Example yesterday he had scout night with the Barnstormers. Homeschooling will give us a little more freedom with his health lately (which I will talk about). My plans is to teach year round. He will do a grade per year. He will finish up 4th Grade the first week of June. We will take about a month off. He will be busy with ending baseball season, going to Weblo camp, and we will be going on vacation (he doesn't know it but I am going to be using it to be teaching him). He will also be working on his county and state fair projects (haha learning too that he doesn't know). Homeschooling also gives him ability to go with me to my appointments in Omaha instead of being stuck back home at school worrying about me. End of July we will start 5th Grade work (Oh my did I just say 5th grade). When regular school starts we will be dualed enrolled. Meaning he will still be homeschooled, but he will be going to Winterset School for a few things. He is planning on taking Band (he wants to play the trombone), and he wants to take a science class (I never liked science so that is more than okay with me). I am not going to go into the reasons why Joel is now being homeschooled. If you want to know you can personally contact me.

One reason we are doing homeschool is Joel has had a tough year battling health issues. He has been admitted several times this year for constipation where they had to do a clean out. This is not a fun process for him or anyone. It required them to put an NG tube down him through his nose into his stomach. They pumped golitly into his belly until he pooped everything out. It has taken up to 3 days for him. He has missed several days of school because of it. We had to play catch up. So, I was the one having to teach him. The last time we went (which is the picture besides this) we left late in the night, and didn't think about grabbing books that he had already. I just cared about getting him there, because he was in so much pain. Besides the hospital stays we were busy with testings (CF Sweat Test, Colonoscopy, Endoscopy, Barium Enema, labs, and x-rays) plus doctor visits. His decending colon is 3 times bigger than normal, and he has lots of nodules in his colon. We are working still on the best treatment to help him be back to where he was. This didn't start until October 2017. 

Even with all his health issues lately, he bound and determined to be as normal boy as he can. So, Baseball season is back in swing for us. They haven't had much field time due to the nasty Iowa weather (like today it is Snowing in middle of April). He is playing the minor league again this year for Winterset. He is on the Dark Grey team. He is really looking forward to learning from his new coaches, helping the younger boys, and playing with a few of his friends he doesn't see much since I placed him at GCA over a year ago. They are a bunch of great boys. I cant wait to see how this season plays out for Joel and the rest of them.

Trying to pin a 7th Grader

First Place

So, since Baseball season is going wrestling is basically over with. In a way. We are still going to do some learning. He is actually going to take a Freestyle wrestling clinic the next three Sundays. He is hoping to catch some Greco tournaments and some fun tournaments this spring and summer. Plus go to open gym as well. He works hard to get better. He knows he has to get in all the mat time he can. 

Joel beating his rival

But, Joel had a good season. He met a lot of his goals. Actually all but one. So, that is a lot to say. He even challenged himself to go above and beyond. Joel's one goal he did not achieve was to make it to state. He was super bummed about it, but he quickly turned it around, and said, "I improved in so many areas, but I have more areas to work on, it isn't my time yet, but one day Mom you will see me walk through those doors at Wells Fargo and take my place on a State Mat.

Districts

 Even if I don't place I can say I never gave up." This year he achieved the other goals. One was to place first at a tournament. Well, this year he took a the top of the podium. Next goal was to make sure he beat every girl that wrestled him. He did that twice!!! Then the next goal was to beat a boy he has tried for a couple of years now. Joel succeeded that as well. He and that boy has became friends over the years so it was a little bittersweet. Another goal was to beat a kid that was a state placer last year. Joel did 3 times. One of his last goals was to improve on the bottom. Joel learned some new techniques and he soared on them. I was so super proud of him this season. Then came him challenging himself. I really didn't know if he had it in him, but he did it. He lost the match, but he said it felt so good to just be beaten by a point when he almost had him pinned. Joel took on a 7th grader about 10 lbs heavier than him from a different school at a dual. In the first round Joel almost had him. He kept up with him the next two with the other boy winning by a point due to a reversal at the end. I was never more proud of him wrestling than that day, because he gave it all he had to prove how much he loved the sport.

Joel's Favorite Player 2nd year picture with him

Joel and others learning

Okay Back again to the current adventure. Yesterday evening and last night The Iowa Barnstormers had Scout Day! This was Joel's 2nd year. First they do a football clinic teaching the boys about physical fitness, and how to play football. Then they had pizza, after that watch the Barnstormers kick Nebraska Danger butt, and finally get some awesome autographs from the players and cheerleaders. Joel soaked in every moment he could I swear. He loves the clinic part because it,  helps his technique for the following football season. He took his football he got from them as a Christmas gift this year with him. He had all the players sign it. He said, my football will never be played again." It means the world to him. He looks up to the Barnstormers what true men are. Last night there were a few of the players that after the game the first thing they did was hold their children. Joel said, "Mom, someday I am going to play a sport like that, and I am going to to love my children like they do theirs." I will be honest my heart broke, and I wanted to tear up. I didn't though. Joel is growing up with out a Dad, but he sees how a Dad should be with so many around us. Yes, it wore me out by spending a whole evening and night like that, but it is worth it to see my son smile, and hearing him have so much fun (I wont say it was nice view to watch as a single Mom.). Thank you Iowa Barnstormers for investing in the lives of children in Iowa!!!
  Okay I want to say there will be time I will be using this blog for our homeschool things. So, Joel will be giving reports on here about what he is learning, and what he is doing. So, give some feed back when he it is from him, but remember he is 10!