OK, well first off, my paranoid fears that I had somehow thoroughly irked the Powers That Be were put to their final rest today when Webmaster updated the WTM blog listings and put Classic Adventures on again. Why do I feel like I'm no longer cruising the streets with an expired driver's license? Anyhow, I don't know how the Webmaster manages to juggle it all, but I am, as usual, in awe.
And then, as if to prove my point, I'm gonna have to say this here because I don't want to stir the pot on the board (nothin' like biting the hand that feeds you!)
Some people are soooo stupid...
So, one poster at my favorite virtual living room, who isn't exactly a Bush "fan" had posted a quick apology for unintentionally violating board decorum. It was tastefully done and sincere. And another poster, realizing that she also may have violated rules, in a spirit of decency, also apologized. Very cool, totally understandable. It's a hot year for politics, but I thought the potential for civil unrest was being handled well.
Then comes some puffed up snarky chick, who is SO smug and SO... ppffttt, whatever... who posts this irrational nonsense, to the two who had apologized! BWAHAAA. But it gets better. Two minutes later she puts in her (rapidly devalued .02) here- the "ditto" under the other staunchly-rule-abiding-Democrat- and I'm still wiping coffee off the monitor. ROFL! Some people are just doofs. (Dare I call her a "Ditto Head"??) Argh. Doofs galore.
Who cares what side you're on? Get a blog. But if you must throw stones, people, don't go sliding down the rockpile. It's just bad form.
Tuesday, August 17
Monday, August 16
Still learning! (Thankfully...)
OK, I'm not big on the "centric" words. Words such as ethno-centric, gender-centric, and my personal favorite- species-centric (I kid you not, I'm not making that up!) generally indicate to me that the individual who is speaking is someone who is deeply over impressed with every culture and tradition other than the speaker's own. I pretty much tune out when one of the "centric" labels comes spewing from an orator.
However, as with all generalizations, there are exceptions, and one hit me tonight. I was sitting on the porch, enjoying the beautiful evening, boning up on the Phoenicians for this week's history lessons. The story of Dido and the founding of Carthage is included in this chapter of Story of the World. Very interesting. "Hmmm," I wondered, "Where, exactly is Carthage?" *flip, flip, flip, back to the map* Oh, HEY, check it out, right there in North Africa!
Why did this surprise me? Why did I have the feeling Carthage was founded on the northern edge of the Mediterranean? Why is it, aside from my pathetic education at the hands of the government, that even while studying Egypt, Canaan, Greece, Rome... Nubia (!!), "Africa" hasn't clicked with me?
I'm relatively certain I'm not entirely daft. I suppose it is possible that I've become mentally unstable, but as far as I know that doesn't usually attack the geography-region of the brain first... Then it hit me: I'm geo-centric. Just as the terrain here in Maryland has pretty much taken me by surprise (in spite of the fact that I've lived in both North Caroline and Pennsylvania), much of the history I'm learning now seems to come out of nowhere. (Africa, you say? Amazing!)
Now, really, please don't get all disenfranchised and uppity on me and say that it's some plot by "The Man" because, honestly, it took me a long time to find Switzerland on the globe the other day, too. I still think it oughta be closer to the Netherlands. It's not a culture thing, it's a geography thing. The world in my mind is mostly high desert plains. Ponderosa Pines grow only above 5000 ft. elevation, and swamps are mostly found on Hollywood sets. Yellowstone is not an anomaly, nor is the Grand Canyon. After all, these are the things I have grown up knowing and seeing. Mountains ought to be made of Granite and shouldn't be covered with trees! I'll bet those of you who have travelled a bit after you've reached adulthood have found yourselves marveling at the similarities and/or differences in the terrain and climate of various places.
It's a geo-centricity based on what we've always known and experienced. Somewhere in my heart of hearts is embedded the concept that Africa is much farther south than it really is, that Australia is bigger than it actually is, Switzerland is much farther north, The Middle East and "Europe at large" are not nearly as close together as they, in truth, are... the list goes on. I can say with all assurity that my calling is not as cartographer. Europe and Asia would be thoroughly unnavigable if left to my devices.
Fortunately, let's give three cheers for the autodidact! I've found Switzerland, rediscovered the North African coast, and spent five minutes in absolute awe that Italy is so close to the Middle East! Wow. This week's library trip is going to focus heavily on the histories of a few new regions- ones I haven't read or studied in the past. Hopefully, these deficiencies in my education and embedded thought processes will be outed in time to help the boys flourish in their education and geographical knowledge!
I've read that there are different levels of ignorance.
1) There are those who don't know anything and don't know how much they don't know.
2) There are those who don't know anything, but know they don't know anything.
3) Then there are those who do know quite a bit, but think they know everything.
4) Finally there are those who are learning and know they still have quite a bit to learn.
Which one are you?
Which one do you want to be?
And which one do you hope for your children to be?
Model the one you would like you children to emulate, because that is their (and your) best hope.
And I'm off! Have a wonderful evening.
Dy
However, as with all generalizations, there are exceptions, and one hit me tonight. I was sitting on the porch, enjoying the beautiful evening, boning up on the Phoenicians for this week's history lessons. The story of Dido and the founding of Carthage is included in this chapter of Story of the World. Very interesting. "Hmmm," I wondered, "Where, exactly is Carthage?" *flip, flip, flip, back to the map* Oh, HEY, check it out, right there in North Africa!
Why did this surprise me? Why did I have the feeling Carthage was founded on the northern edge of the Mediterranean? Why is it, aside from my pathetic education at the hands of the government, that even while studying Egypt, Canaan, Greece, Rome... Nubia (!!), "Africa" hasn't clicked with me?
I'm relatively certain I'm not entirely daft. I suppose it is possible that I've become mentally unstable, but as far as I know that doesn't usually attack the geography-region of the brain first... Then it hit me: I'm geo-centric. Just as the terrain here in Maryland has pretty much taken me by surprise (in spite of the fact that I've lived in both North Caroline and Pennsylvania), much of the history I'm learning now seems to come out of nowhere. (Africa, you say? Amazing!)
Now, really, please don't get all disenfranchised and uppity on me and say that it's some plot by "The Man" because, honestly, it took me a long time to find Switzerland on the globe the other day, too. I still think it oughta be closer to the Netherlands. It's not a culture thing, it's a geography thing. The world in my mind is mostly high desert plains. Ponderosa Pines grow only above 5000 ft. elevation, and swamps are mostly found on Hollywood sets. Yellowstone is not an anomaly, nor is the Grand Canyon. After all, these are the things I have grown up knowing and seeing. Mountains ought to be made of Granite and shouldn't be covered with trees! I'll bet those of you who have travelled a bit after you've reached adulthood have found yourselves marveling at the similarities and/or differences in the terrain and climate of various places.
It's a geo-centricity based on what we've always known and experienced. Somewhere in my heart of hearts is embedded the concept that Africa is much farther south than it really is, that Australia is bigger than it actually is, Switzerland is much farther north, The Middle East and "Europe at large" are not nearly as close together as they, in truth, are... the list goes on. I can say with all assurity that my calling is not as cartographer. Europe and Asia would be thoroughly unnavigable if left to my devices.
Fortunately, let's give three cheers for the autodidact! I've found Switzerland, rediscovered the North African coast, and spent five minutes in absolute awe that Italy is so close to the Middle East! Wow. This week's library trip is going to focus heavily on the histories of a few new regions- ones I haven't read or studied in the past. Hopefully, these deficiencies in my education and embedded thought processes will be outed in time to help the boys flourish in their education and geographical knowledge!
I've read that there are different levels of ignorance.
1) There are those who don't know anything and don't know how much they don't know.
2) There are those who don't know anything, but know they don't know anything.
3) Then there are those who do know quite a bit, but think they know everything.
4) Finally there are those who are learning and know they still have quite a bit to learn.
Which one are you?
Which one do you want to be?
And which one do you hope for your children to be?
Model the one you would like you children to emulate, because that is their (and your) best hope.
And I'm off! Have a wonderful evening.
Dy
Another quick two (and unrelated) notes:
Let your children bring out the storyteller in you! We were doing a map of the US this morning when something triggered a memory of my Mother and I driving somewhere in Illinois and ending up completely lost in Indiana. The boys howled with laughter as I recounted our trip and the discovery that we were so very far off course. Isn't that how oral history is built? Reminds me of listening to Gram's stories, which always leave me wide-eyed and awed, either shaking my head in amazement or giggling over the fact that children are children in any era. Help your kids get to know their histories by becoming a storyteller.
And the totally unrelated note, Zorak ROCKS! Once, about eight years ago, his brother was returning from PA and asked if we wanted him to bring anything. I asked for some IC Light- a beer I'd had while living in Pittsburgh and hadn't been able to find anywhere else. He just heard "beer" and brought his homebrew (which is tasty, but I can only hold about half a bottle and then I must stop for the week!) We haven't talked about it since then, really. Last night, however, what did my wonderful honey bring home but this...
They didn't have IC Light, but this stuff is good, too! (I had one last night.) What made it taste even better is knowing that he's stored this information in his files and thought of me while he was out 'n about. I am constantly amazed at the way Zorak works, and am constantly thankful for such a loving, caring husband. He is the best.
Pittsburgh Brewing Co. has a long history and an interesting web site (if you ignore the heavily made up, scantily clad young lass on the main page...) You can check it out here.
OK, this time I'm really going! Talk to you later!
Dy
And the totally unrelated note, Zorak ROCKS! Once, about eight years ago, his brother was returning from PA and asked if we wanted him to bring anything. I asked for some IC Light- a beer I'd had while living in Pittsburgh and hadn't been able to find anywhere else. He just heard "beer" and brought his homebrew (which is tasty, but I can only hold about half a bottle and then I must stop for the week!) We haven't talked about it since then, really. Last night, however, what did my wonderful honey bring home but this...
They didn't have IC Light, but this stuff is good, too! (I had one last night.) What made it taste even better is knowing that he's stored this information in his files and thought of me while he was out 'n about. I am constantly amazed at the way Zorak works, and am constantly thankful for such a loving, caring husband. He is the best.
Pittsburgh Brewing Co. has a long history and an interesting web site (if you ignore the heavily made up, scantily clad young lass on the main page...) You can check it out here.
OK, this time I'm really going! Talk to you later!
Dy
Good Morning!
Well, it is Monday morning. I think we're all sleeping better with the cool evenings, as everyone but Zorak slept in this morning. So, while the oats are simmering and the boys are building things upstairs, I thought I'd try for a quick morning blog.
This is also my 100th post on Blogger! Wow, where does the time go? After blogging the past year and a half, it feels like second nature to come have coffee and visit with you. I gather my book lists from what you all share, garner wonderful ideas to implement in our school days, and enjoy the perspectives of homeschooling and political life from your stories. I began blogging as a way to share our daily lives with those who may be interested, and have discovered that a Blog takes on a life of its own. As with any project, there are rewards to be reaped from careful care and nurturing. Thanks for coming to the harvest with me!
Zorak took the boys to Sunday School yesterday, as I had to stay home with Jacob. He may have contracted Hand, Foot & Mouth disease, and until we know for certain, we really felt he shouldn't be around other children. Our poor Wonderful Neighbor called Saturday night to let us know her daughter has it- she was so apologetic, but really there's no reason. She had no idea her daughter had even been exposed and by the time she figured it out, the kids had spent a wonderful week playing together and slobbering all over each other. What can you do? I'll take an honest "oops" over an intentional bring-the-kids-over-knowing-their-sick anyday!
Then the guys went to the market. In all, they were gone four hours, which I spent cleaning, cleaning, holding the baby and cleaning, and yet more cleaning. The downstairs is lovely and ready for school! WooHoo! We also rearranged the furniture just a hair and freed up another few square feet in the living room. I knew it would make a difference, but had no idea how much of a difference it would make! The change also created a reading nook beside the desk. It feels wonderful. It needs lighting, but it feels wonderful.
It's wet, wet, wet today so Zorak has the Suburban. We'll hang out in the fresh new living room to do our lessons, spend some time doing puzzles, read a few books. Today might be a good day for a tent. Yes, it definitely looks like tent weather.
Well, the oats are ready and the natives are restless. Time to gather the wee ones and enjoy another day of learning and sharing. Have a most beautiful Monday! Read something fascinating today and share it with your wee ones.
~Dy
This is also my 100th post on Blogger! Wow, where does the time go? After blogging the past year and a half, it feels like second nature to come have coffee and visit with you. I gather my book lists from what you all share, garner wonderful ideas to implement in our school days, and enjoy the perspectives of homeschooling and political life from your stories. I began blogging as a way to share our daily lives with those who may be interested, and have discovered that a Blog takes on a life of its own. As with any project, there are rewards to be reaped from careful care and nurturing. Thanks for coming to the harvest with me!
Zorak took the boys to Sunday School yesterday, as I had to stay home with Jacob. He may have contracted Hand, Foot & Mouth disease, and until we know for certain, we really felt he shouldn't be around other children. Our poor Wonderful Neighbor called Saturday night to let us know her daughter has it- she was so apologetic, but really there's no reason. She had no idea her daughter had even been exposed and by the time she figured it out, the kids had spent a wonderful week playing together and slobbering all over each other. What can you do? I'll take an honest "oops" over an intentional bring-the-kids-over-knowing-their-sick anyday!
Then the guys went to the market. In all, they were gone four hours, which I spent cleaning, cleaning, holding the baby and cleaning, and yet more cleaning. The downstairs is lovely and ready for school! WooHoo! We also rearranged the furniture just a hair and freed up another few square feet in the living room. I knew it would make a difference, but had no idea how much of a difference it would make! The change also created a reading nook beside the desk. It feels wonderful. It needs lighting, but it feels wonderful.
It's wet, wet, wet today so Zorak has the Suburban. We'll hang out in the fresh new living room to do our lessons, spend some time doing puzzles, read a few books. Today might be a good day for a tent. Yes, it definitely looks like tent weather.
Well, the oats are ready and the natives are restless. Time to gather the wee ones and enjoy another day of learning and sharing. Have a most beautiful Monday! Read something fascinating today and share it with your wee ones.
~Dy
Saturday, August 14
Another Beautiful Day!
Goodness, it just gets better each day, doesn't it?
We haven't posted pictures recently, and I try not to take a ton of load time for those with dial up, but this one just cracks me up. This is Jacob's "OH, that is SO funny!" face.
That shot was taken yesterday at the A&W on the way home from Baltimore. We had a wonderful time at the Inner Harbor, in spite of the traffic and parking issues. It was an enjoyable excursion, as always, and the boys enjoyed sharing their rituals with Zorak (must use the skywalks, must walk through- not around- the Trade Center building, must chase pigeons- tradition is important when you are five and four.) The day did reinforce to us that we're Country Mice, though. It felt very good to put the City behind us and get back to our little corner of the world.
I'm having a difficult time comprehending that we have been here for nearly nine months. We could have had another baby by now! Wow, how does the time go so quickly? To be honest, Zorak's years in college didn't seem to go by nearly this rapidly. But still, here we are, approaching a full year in Maryland, yet it feels like just recently we were in New Mexico, expecting Jacob's arrival, or in Arizona, preparing for Zorak's graduation... it goes too quickly, my friends.
There are no book lists for this week. It's been a week of re-runs around here- enjoyable for us, but not terribly exciting to go on about yet again. I'm still trekking my way through Afghanistan with Josiah Harlan. I can tell you without a doubt that I'd have died three chapters ago. Mine would be a very short book, indeed.
Tomorrow is church, which most of us are looking forward to attending, and then I have got to get some "alone time" with this house before Monday comes a-knockin'! This week's schooling will be very similar to last week. We're moving on in Bible study from Self-Control over the Body to Self-Control over Manners. We'll be working our way through the Doxology in Latin, progressing through our two-week review in math, spending some time with the Phoenicians in History. It should be a fun week! If this cool weather keeps up, we may spend some time exploring the hiking in the area, as well.
Have a wonderful Sunday!
~Dy
We haven't posted pictures recently, and I try not to take a ton of load time for those with dial up, but this one just cracks me up. This is Jacob's "OH, that is SO funny!" face.
That shot was taken yesterday at the A&W on the way home from Baltimore. We had a wonderful time at the Inner Harbor, in spite of the traffic and parking issues. It was an enjoyable excursion, as always, and the boys enjoyed sharing their rituals with Zorak (must use the skywalks, must walk through- not around- the Trade Center building, must chase pigeons- tradition is important when you are five and four.) The day did reinforce to us that we're Country Mice, though. It felt very good to put the City behind us and get back to our little corner of the world.
I'm having a difficult time comprehending that we have been here for nearly nine months. We could have had another baby by now! Wow, how does the time go so quickly? To be honest, Zorak's years in college didn't seem to go by nearly this rapidly. But still, here we are, approaching a full year in Maryland, yet it feels like just recently we were in New Mexico, expecting Jacob's arrival, or in Arizona, preparing for Zorak's graduation... it goes too quickly, my friends.
There are no book lists for this week. It's been a week of re-runs around here- enjoyable for us, but not terribly exciting to go on about yet again. I'm still trekking my way through Afghanistan with Josiah Harlan. I can tell you without a doubt that I'd have died three chapters ago. Mine would be a very short book, indeed.
Tomorrow is church, which most of us are looking forward to attending, and then I have got to get some "alone time" with this house before Monday comes a-knockin'! This week's schooling will be very similar to last week. We're moving on in Bible study from Self-Control over the Body to Self-Control over Manners. We'll be working our way through the Doxology in Latin, progressing through our two-week review in math, spending some time with the Phoenicians in History. It should be a fun week! If this cool weather keeps up, we may spend some time exploring the hiking in the area, as well.
Have a wonderful Sunday!
~Dy
Thursday, August 12
No apologies!
Wow, I am awed at the apologizing going on around here lately (both on blog and off). It's touching, but let me get this out- it's totally unnecessary! If y'all haven't noticed, the readers of this blog are a great group- incredibly "diverse" and really awesome people. In spite of repeated announcements in various online communities that "tone can't really be expressed on the monitor" I say, HA! Seriously, "secondhand crack smoke"?? C'mon, who'd take that seriously?
What I thought was most interesting is that there was a lot of apologizing, although nobody was actually offended, and I think everybody "got" the humor and bantering that's taken place. I, personally, thoroughly enjoyed it. Sort of indicative of our PC "first offend no one" culture, I think. (May be just going out on a very small limb, too, who knows?)
Everyone who hangs out in this neighborhood has always been respectful, and we don't take ourselves too seriously. Not to mention, if you're a long-time reader and you're still reading, you're either among friends or you're apoplectic with rage at this point and about 30 seconds away from an aneurysm anyway...
Soooo, on to other items of interest.
Today was a good schooling day and a good day in general, but I really dropped the ball on the "gentle mommy" goal. *sigh* There are just days when your children will push every button you've got and when, by the grace of God, that doesn't work, they'll go find the circuit breakers and throw 'em all just to see what happens!
However, in keeping with my whole "salting the earth" philosophy of child-rearing (original reference is lost in the archives somewhere... but it's really "salting the oats"), we talked and snuggled and there were apologies and forgiveness all around. Even poor Jacob, who caught a heel to the forehead that laid him out flat (no, it wasn't mine, it was one of the circuit-breaking moments from a brother!) was caught up in the Love that we had goin' around. Through humility, perserverance and some read-aloud time on the bed, the day was salvaged and totally useable.
The NJ governor resigned today. That was weird. Personally, I'm glad he's gone because I think he's a horrible, disgusting, unscrupulous human being, but that opinion has everything to do with his acts AS GOVERNOR and today's revelations have no bearing on my feelings toward his fitness to be Governor. Really, for those of us who have followed his escapades, the man had more than enough other reasons to resign and this whole "outing" thing just reeks of a political ruse to garner sympathy and divert attention from the actual issues surrounding his tenure. Not that I don't believe he's gay, but just that I question the methods and motivations behind it. Don't be surprised to find ulterior motives unearthed before this dies down.
In happier news, Joanne from The Happy Homeschooler, linked to this article recently. She couldn't find a single thing wrong with the article, and neither could I. Just thought I'd share the love.
OK, it's too late to be up if we're going to be on the road in the morning. Going into the Big City for a field trip and I really don't want to fall asleep on the drive. Have a great Friday, everyone!
~Dy
What I thought was most interesting is that there was a lot of apologizing, although nobody was actually offended, and I think everybody "got" the humor and bantering that's taken place. I, personally, thoroughly enjoyed it. Sort of indicative of our PC "first offend no one" culture, I think. (May be just going out on a very small limb, too, who knows?)
So, by official proclamation, I hereby decree that this blog is a safe place to be a wise-acre and crack the occasional joke! Undo those ties, take off your coats and stay a while. This is a safe place.
Everyone who hangs out in this neighborhood has always been respectful, and we don't take ourselves too seriously. Not to mention, if you're a long-time reader and you're still reading, you're either among friends or you're apoplectic with rage at this point and about 30 seconds away from an aneurysm anyway...
Soooo, on to other items of interest.
Today was a good schooling day and a good day in general, but I really dropped the ball on the "gentle mommy" goal. *sigh* There are just days when your children will push every button you've got and when, by the grace of God, that doesn't work, they'll go find the circuit breakers and throw 'em all just to see what happens!
However, in keeping with my whole "salting the earth" philosophy of child-rearing (original reference is lost in the archives somewhere... but it's really "salting the oats"), we talked and snuggled and there were apologies and forgiveness all around. Even poor Jacob, who caught a heel to the forehead that laid him out flat (no, it wasn't mine, it was one of the circuit-breaking moments from a brother!) was caught up in the Love that we had goin' around. Through humility, perserverance and some read-aloud time on the bed, the day was salvaged and totally useable.
The NJ governor resigned today. That was weird. Personally, I'm glad he's gone because I think he's a horrible, disgusting, unscrupulous human being, but that opinion has everything to do with his acts AS GOVERNOR and today's revelations have no bearing on my feelings toward his fitness to be Governor. Really, for those of us who have followed his escapades, the man had more than enough other reasons to resign and this whole "outing" thing just reeks of a political ruse to garner sympathy and divert attention from the actual issues surrounding his tenure. Not that I don't believe he's gay, but just that I question the methods and motivations behind it. Don't be surprised to find ulterior motives unearthed before this dies down.
In happier news, Joanne from The Happy Homeschooler, linked to this article recently. She couldn't find a single thing wrong with the article, and neither could I. Just thought I'd share the love.
OK, it's too late to be up if we're going to be on the road in the morning. Going into the Big City for a field trip and I really don't want to fall asleep on the drive. Have a great Friday, everyone!
~Dy
Wednesday, August 11
Motivation and the Environment
I am just giggling my fanny off at the thought that *I* am motivating to anyone at all, let alone two of my favorite bloggers. Hee hee. That's cool! Thanks, guys! Um, Amy, you're two hours behind us, right? If so, then I "might" be able to blog in the AM, but you're just gonna have to get up later!
Well, let this be the final chapter in the "Suburban Saga" (and all God's people said...) It is good to go. Only an additional $300 later, too! Good Grief, people! Three hundred dollars to register a vehicle? What kind of crack are these people smoking? I thought that was restricted to the DC politicians? *blech* I did feel kind of bad because when the gal behind the counter said (oh, so cheerily), "No, this is good for two years. You can't register for just one." I opened my big, fat mouth and said, "I don't even want to BE here that long!" Ugh. Mandatory two year registration. Some people can honestly say that they don't see how the gov't will take a mile if you give it an inch? (What are the effects of secondhand crack smoke, anyway?)
SO, that said and done, I did learn that you can order NRA plates. The irony is just delicious, really! After we've recovered from the fiscal assault for this vehicle, we'll be switching out to those~ just to prove a point. (For those closet Elephant Parts or Television Parts: Home Companion fans out there... *wink*)
Now, as to the environment and our seal-killing vehicle... *grin* I know y'all are joking with me, but just for fun, here's a little math question for all your enviro-buddies who like to blow blood vessels over the Sinister SUV Monster.
I can haul eight folks around (and do) with a LOT less gas than y'all can by having a caravan in your dinky Four and a Half Seater Aluminum Foil Chem Labs on Wheels! (Not knocking the TinFoilMobiles, I drove not one, but TWO Geo Prisms in my day and loved 'em!) And we're not just talking about gas, but rubber, oil, other noxious fluids, emissions. I can also run more than one item-gathering errand at a time and therefore don't have to make three separate trips to hit BJ's, the market and whatever else people gather (for us, it'd be the roadside produce stands, the gun shop and perhaps a Wally-World run). We get only slightly less per gallon than your typical minivan, and that's probably just because I don't change fluids as regularly as I should. Figure it in some realistic manner such as trips per average family per month, or per gallon per person, and I am an environmental GODDESS, thank you. An environmental goddess who can flip it into 4-LOW and not go sliding off the Interstate in the middle of a snowstorm, even. (And if the storm's too bad, we can sleep in the thing- so it's economical, too!)
*grin*
Let's see, what else? Oh, James picked an absolutely luxurious copy of The Hobbit! It's a beauty, and even John began asking to hear the story about the dragon. (When you're four, it's all about the dragons!)
The boys, all three of them, were phenomenally well-behaved and patient today amidst the many stops we had to make to get it all done. (We were out for nearly six hours- most of that was sitting and waiting!) I can't believe what decent, wonderful, well-adjusted children we have. (And I don't take an ounce of credit for it, either- I think they get it from their father, because I rarely know when to keep my mouth shut. It's ok, someday I'll either become famous for it or will be able to afford shock therapy.)
And the final thought for today... I can't wait to smell Autumn!
Dy
Well, let this be the final chapter in the "Suburban Saga" (and all God's people said...) It is good to go. Only an additional $300 later, too! Good Grief, people! Three hundred dollars to register a vehicle? What kind of crack are these people smoking? I thought that was restricted to the DC politicians? *blech* I did feel kind of bad because when the gal behind the counter said (oh, so cheerily), "No, this is good for two years. You can't register for just one." I opened my big, fat mouth and said, "I don't even want to BE here that long!" Ugh. Mandatory two year registration. Some people can honestly say that they don't see how the gov't will take a mile if you give it an inch? (What are the effects of secondhand crack smoke, anyway?)
SO, that said and done, I did learn that you can order NRA plates. The irony is just delicious, really! After we've recovered from the fiscal assault for this vehicle, we'll be switching out to those~ just to prove a point. (For those closet Elephant Parts or Television Parts: Home Companion fans out there... *wink*)
Now, as to the environment and our seal-killing vehicle... *grin* I know y'all are joking with me, but just for fun, here's a little math question for all your enviro-buddies who like to blow blood vessels over the Sinister SUV Monster.
Miles per gallon per person!
I can haul eight folks around (and do) with a LOT less gas than y'all can by having a caravan in your dinky Four and a Half Seater Aluminum Foil Chem Labs on Wheels! (Not knocking the TinFoilMobiles, I drove not one, but TWO Geo Prisms in my day and loved 'em!) And we're not just talking about gas, but rubber, oil, other noxious fluids, emissions. I can also run more than one item-gathering errand at a time and therefore don't have to make three separate trips to hit BJ's, the market and whatever else people gather (for us, it'd be the roadside produce stands, the gun shop and perhaps a Wally-World run). We get only slightly less per gallon than your typical minivan, and that's probably just because I don't change fluids as regularly as I should. Figure it in some realistic manner such as trips per average family per month, or per gallon per person, and I am an environmental GODDESS, thank you. An environmental goddess who can flip it into 4-LOW and not go sliding off the Interstate in the middle of a snowstorm, even. (And if the storm's too bad, we can sleep in the thing- so it's economical, too!)
*grin*
Let's see, what else? Oh, James picked an absolutely luxurious copy of The Hobbit! It's a beauty, and even John began asking to hear the story about the dragon. (When you're four, it's all about the dragons!)
The boys, all three of them, were phenomenally well-behaved and patient today amidst the many stops we had to make to get it all done. (We were out for nearly six hours- most of that was sitting and waiting!) I can't believe what decent, wonderful, well-adjusted children we have. (And I don't take an ounce of credit for it, either- I think they get it from their father, because I rarely know when to keep my mouth shut. It's ok, someday I'll either become famous for it or will be able to afford shock therapy.)
And the final thought for today... I can't wait to smell Autumn!
Dy
Mid-Week Ramblings
I have not put together a coherent thought in three days. Now, that doesn't mean it hasn't been a wonderful, productive week- it has. I just haven't had much blogworthy news. Schooling is coming along well, although we haven't been as on-the-ball as I'd hoped with our nature walks. However, gotta love CD's for the car! Latin, Math, Bible can all be done en route while we run errands! WooHoo! We are taking this Friday to enjoy an end-of-week field trip to the Baltimore National Aquarium and Inner Harbor with Zorak. It's a fitting end to a wonderful week.
The Suburban remains untagged as of this morning. *Insert the growling/snorting noise Pacha's wife makes in The Emperor's New Groove here* It WILL be done today if it's the last thing I do! Ok, maybe I shouldn't put it that way. Let's just say it's "high on today's priority list".
The boys are still sleeping (yes, it's nine o'clock). They napped yesterday so they could go to the archery meeting. It was a logistical fiasco, just as I'd feared, and wasn't something we ought to have done. BUT, hey, lessons learned, right? I think it's difficult for Zorak to understand that the things that are fun for him, while they will one day be fun for the boys, are a little dry and, erm, drawn out for the boys to enjoy right now. Still, his heart's in the right place, and we are blessed that he is so involved with his family. We made the best of it by going to Chic-Fil-A for a late, late supper after the meeting. Ice cream with Mom & Dad, and some time in the play area, can make even a mortician's convention seem like it was fun in retrospect when you're five and four!
Oh, funny, a friend sent me this link today. I laughed til I hurt. She said it reminded her of James, and she's right. The link is to Comics.com, and I'm not certain about syndication policies so I didn't paste the comic here, but it's cute- go peek.
Our Hobbit is in, so after the Suburban is tagged and legal, it's time for another trip to Bay Books! The boys will be thrilled.
Happy Wednesday!
~Dy
The Suburban remains untagged as of this morning. *Insert the growling/snorting noise Pacha's wife makes in The Emperor's New Groove here* It WILL be done today if it's the last thing I do! Ok, maybe I shouldn't put it that way. Let's just say it's "high on today's priority list".
The boys are still sleeping (yes, it's nine o'clock). They napped yesterday so they could go to the archery meeting. It was a logistical fiasco, just as I'd feared, and wasn't something we ought to have done. BUT, hey, lessons learned, right? I think it's difficult for Zorak to understand that the things that are fun for him, while they will one day be fun for the boys, are a little dry and, erm, drawn out for the boys to enjoy right now. Still, his heart's in the right place, and we are blessed that he is so involved with his family. We made the best of it by going to Chic-Fil-A for a late, late supper after the meeting. Ice cream with Mom & Dad, and some time in the play area, can make even a mortician's convention seem like it was fun in retrospect when you're five and four!
Oh, funny, a friend sent me this link today. I laughed til I hurt. She said it reminded her of James, and she's right. The link is to Comics.com, and I'm not certain about syndication policies so I didn't paste the comic here, but it's cute- go peek.
Our Hobbit is in, so after the Suburban is tagged and legal, it's time for another trip to Bay Books! The boys will be thrilled.
Happy Wednesday!
~Dy
Monday, August 9
A Strange Day, but A Good Day
One of the things I love the most about homeschooling is the regular, interactive, constructive tone that life takes on as part of the process. We are all a part of one another's days, integral and flowing. Granted, there are the occasional Class V rapids in that flow, but you're in it together and don't have to battle other outside influences to such an extent as those who do not homeschool. Personally, I'm very thankful for that consistency. It's something we use well, and a dynamic that I hope will continue to serve us well in the coming years.
John is thoroughly addicted to math. He loves it. He also surprised me today by doing Latin all the way through with us. He even recited the review work in Latin (he normally does it in English and I just count it as memory work for him).
James began reading Thornton Burgess' Blacky the Crow. I was much more excited about these books before I hit the paragraph about "the horrible hunter" with "the awful gun". Oh PUHLEEZE. When it comes to conservation perspective and political issues, I must say that I eagerly await the day when the boys can read the writings of Theodore Roosevelt rather than this pompous drivel. Oh well, there is quite a bit of wit elsewhere in the writing, and James did enjoy those parts.
Zorak worked late tonight and goes in early tomorrow. That can't be fun for him. He just came in (nearly midnight) and the first things he asked were how are the boys and how did bathtime go and how did they do. I really appreciate the things he does for his home and family.
The MVA is not open on Mondays, so we bought squishies and enjoyed the a/c in the Suburban as we came home. James lamented "all that gas we wasted"- he's right. I should've called. Tomorrow we'll school in the car and run errands. Tomorrow night is an archery club meeting that Zorak would like us all to attend. It would be nice to hook up with other families w/ NRA stickers on their vehicles. *grin* It would also be nice not to receive menacing glares for my beliefs! The meeting is a bit late for the boys, I think, but even if the boys and I don't go, I hope Zorak goes at least.
And really, that's all for tonight. Be good to one another! Have a beautiful Tuesday!
Dy
John is thoroughly addicted to math. He loves it. He also surprised me today by doing Latin all the way through with us. He even recited the review work in Latin (he normally does it in English and I just count it as memory work for him).
James began reading Thornton Burgess' Blacky the Crow. I was much more excited about these books before I hit the paragraph about "the horrible hunter" with "the awful gun". Oh PUHLEEZE. When it comes to conservation perspective and political issues, I must say that I eagerly await the day when the boys can read the writings of Theodore Roosevelt rather than this pompous drivel. Oh well, there is quite a bit of wit elsewhere in the writing, and James did enjoy those parts.
Zorak worked late tonight and goes in early tomorrow. That can't be fun for him. He just came in (nearly midnight) and the first things he asked were how are the boys and how did bathtime go and how did they do. I really appreciate the things he does for his home and family.
The MVA is not open on Mondays, so we bought squishies and enjoyed the a/c in the Suburban as we came home. James lamented "all that gas we wasted"- he's right. I should've called. Tomorrow we'll school in the car and run errands. Tomorrow night is an archery club meeting that Zorak would like us all to attend. It would be nice to hook up with other families w/ NRA stickers on their vehicles. *grin* It would also be nice not to receive menacing glares for my beliefs! The meeting is a bit late for the boys, I think, but even if the boys and I don't go, I hope Zorak goes at least.
And really, that's all for tonight. Be good to one another! Have a beautiful Tuesday!
Dy
Sunday, August 8
Sunday's Thoughts
Well, it finally happened. Zorak had to wake me up during Sunday School. In nine years, this is a first. Evidently he found this turnabout great fun, and he put a considerable amount of thought into how best to go about it, too. He developed a code. He improvised a "sounds like" system. I was clueless, and it wasn't until we were safely ensconsed in the Suburban after services that he told me he wasn't just waving his finger around the page. He was pointing out, "just get on the boat"- but since the word "boat" wasn't in the program, he had to come up with the "sound like" bit. Oh, and since it's highly unlikely that the name "Frodo" could be found, he was hoping I'd just get it. Uh-huh. I must remember never to do that again.
Schedules are ready. Home is clean. Children are tucked snugly into bed. I've enjoyed a few more chapters in the books I've got lounging about, and am prepared to greet tomorrow with enthusiasm and gusto!
I must go get a duplicate driver's license tomorrow so we can register the Suburban here. We'd hoped to give me a little more time to find it (and I'm certain it's buried under one of the many piles of "stuff" around here), but no- in Maryland you cannot register a vehicle in your name if you do not have a driver's license. Don't even get me started on this...
So, well, I suppose I'm off. Blogging may be light (or it may increase drastically- depending upon the progress of this week's schedule). Either way, have a truly beautiful Monday, all!
~Dy
Schedules are ready. Home is clean. Children are tucked snugly into bed. I've enjoyed a few more chapters in the books I've got lounging about, and am prepared to greet tomorrow with enthusiasm and gusto!
I must go get a duplicate driver's license tomorrow so we can register the Suburban here. We'd hoped to give me a little more time to find it (and I'm certain it's buried under one of the many piles of "stuff" around here), but no- in Maryland you cannot register a vehicle in your name if you do not have a driver's license. Don't even get me started on this...
So, well, I suppose I'm off. Blogging may be light (or it may increase drastically- depending upon the progress of this week's schedule). Either way, have a truly beautiful Monday, all!
~Dy
Saturday, August 7
Gentle Schedules, Gentle Children
Gentle Mommy? Well, that's one of my goals for this year. Gentle, thorough, enjoyable, and do-able. We'll see how far I make it, eh?
Monday is back-to-life day. (Not quite back-to-school, you know.) I'm moving things around a bit to fit better with the climate (read: humidity/heat), the environment (read: actually having great kids to play with in the afternoons!), and the needs of the children (read: well, yeah, that one pretty much reads as I wrote it!) Here's a quick peek, for those who are interested (those who aren't, um, come back tomorrow *grin*):
Bible before breakfast- a good way to begin the day
Latin over breakfast- nothing like mumbling the Sanctus with eggs in your mouth, right?
Math for John while James does assigned reading
Nature Walk- this may turn out to be science. I need to do some more reading on Charlotte Mason's approach, journaling, and an informal, gentle approach to science for little ones.
Home for a snack and a read aloud
James' spelling/grammar lesson
Play time for all!
Lunch
M, W- History and Music after lunch
Tu, Th- Art and whatever I have forgotten can go here
As the weather cools down, we'll spend a few hours playing outside w/ the Wonderful Neighbor children in the afternoon, then come in for tea around 3:45 or so. Then I figure we'll do our usual- read until it's time to start supper.
I'll blog goals tomorrow. Right now it's nearly eleven and I want to get some things on paper before bed. Church tomorrow and another journey into the overpriced realm to search for land! Weee!
Have a blessed day tomorrow.
~Dy
Monday is back-to-life day. (Not quite back-to-school, you know.) I'm moving things around a bit to fit better with the climate (read: humidity/heat), the environment (read: actually having great kids to play with in the afternoons!), and the needs of the children (read: well, yeah, that one pretty much reads as I wrote it!) Here's a quick peek, for those who are interested (those who aren't, um, come back tomorrow *grin*):
Bible before breakfast- a good way to begin the day
Latin over breakfast- nothing like mumbling the Sanctus with eggs in your mouth, right?
Math for John while James does assigned reading
Nature Walk- this may turn out to be science. I need to do some more reading on Charlotte Mason's approach, journaling, and an informal, gentle approach to science for little ones.
Home for a snack and a read aloud
James' spelling/grammar lesson
Play time for all!
Lunch
M, W- History and Music after lunch
Tu, Th- Art and whatever I have forgotten can go here
As the weather cools down, we'll spend a few hours playing outside w/ the Wonderful Neighbor children in the afternoon, then come in for tea around 3:45 or so. Then I figure we'll do our usual- read until it's time to start supper.
I'll blog goals tomorrow. Right now it's nearly eleven and I want to get some things on paper before bed. Church tomorrow and another journey into the overpriced realm to search for land! Weee!
Have a blessed day tomorrow.
~Dy
Friday, August 6
Sometimes The Answer is So Easy
Today was one of those much needed days. We did Latin and math over breakfast. By the time we stopped, we were all giggling so hard it hurt. We read together for a very long time. Then we headed to the Marine Museum.
I'll blog another time about my fondness for memberships and the guilt-free spontaneity they provide, but for now, I'm just going to wallow in the wonder of remembering that occasionally it's OK to say, "Sure!" It's perfectly acceptable to tell your children, "Yes! Let's do it your way!" As a matter of fact, I think it's necessary, and good for all involved. It allows your children the opportunity to explore their world at their leisure and to feel your trust and interest in them from a different angle. It also allows you to glimpse a truly uninhibited peek at how they are designing and forming their inner spaces.
Sometimes it may reflect less-than-noble images, which, if taken with wisdom and grace, can be a guide for you to use in adjusting your own attitude and presentation of life's lessons. Other times you will see a shimmer of the incredible adult who is emerging before your eyes, and you will see it through the eyes of the incredible child who is here with you now, and who still needs you so very much. I saw it through three sets of eyes today, and I'm exhausted, but joyful.
Today I saw the absolutely ecstatic convulsions brought on when an 11-month old sees the floor-to-ceiling aquarium around the corner. I had no idea he was double jointed! We were also afraid he's pop a blood vessel before he could get to the wall to stand up and talk to the fish. His legs couldn't keep up as he flew across the floor uttering, "Oh! FFFFFF! FFFFFFF! Mama! FFFFFF!" Have you ever seen a child so excited he trembles? I love that.
We lunched at the otter pond with our Wonderful Neighbors and walked the nature trail twice. (That was one of the "yes" moments. Why can't we walk back the way we came? Let's go for it!) This trail will be one of our staples for science this year, I can tell.
Four puppet shows, two fossil identification cards and eight dinosaur drawings later, the boys wanted to drive home with the Wonderful Neighbor Girls. I was tempted to say no. Not for any particular reason other than habit. However, there wasn't any reason not to allow them to go along. (Wonderful NeighborMom didn't mind and it's not like she'd have to drive out of her way...) So a very happy, sleepy baby and I picked up some books I'd lent to a friend, visited briefly, and arrived home to two very happy, very "filled" children. They had been filled with attention, time, interest and trust. We topped off a splendid day with several hours of playtime when Zorak arrived home, dinner with the Wonderful Neighbors, and stories before bed.
We certainly got our RDA for family nutrition today, and you know, it was so easy...
How do you get your Family Nutrition intake?
Dy
I'll blog another time about my fondness for memberships and the guilt-free spontaneity they provide, but for now, I'm just going to wallow in the wonder of remembering that occasionally it's OK to say, "Sure!" It's perfectly acceptable to tell your children, "Yes! Let's do it your way!" As a matter of fact, I think it's necessary, and good for all involved. It allows your children the opportunity to explore their world at their leisure and to feel your trust and interest in them from a different angle. It also allows you to glimpse a truly uninhibited peek at how they are designing and forming their inner spaces.
Sometimes it may reflect less-than-noble images, which, if taken with wisdom and grace, can be a guide for you to use in adjusting your own attitude and presentation of life's lessons. Other times you will see a shimmer of the incredible adult who is emerging before your eyes, and you will see it through the eyes of the incredible child who is here with you now, and who still needs you so very much. I saw it through three sets of eyes today, and I'm exhausted, but joyful.
Today I saw the absolutely ecstatic convulsions brought on when an 11-month old sees the floor-to-ceiling aquarium around the corner. I had no idea he was double jointed! We were also afraid he's pop a blood vessel before he could get to the wall to stand up and talk to the fish. His legs couldn't keep up as he flew across the floor uttering, "Oh! FFFFFF! FFFFFFF! Mama! FFFFFF!" Have you ever seen a child so excited he trembles? I love that.
We lunched at the otter pond with our Wonderful Neighbors and walked the nature trail twice. (That was one of the "yes" moments. Why can't we walk back the way we came? Let's go for it!) This trail will be one of our staples for science this year, I can tell.
Four puppet shows, two fossil identification cards and eight dinosaur drawings later, the boys wanted to drive home with the Wonderful Neighbor Girls. I was tempted to say no. Not for any particular reason other than habit. However, there wasn't any reason not to allow them to go along. (Wonderful NeighborMom didn't mind and it's not like she'd have to drive out of her way...) So a very happy, sleepy baby and I picked up some books I'd lent to a friend, visited briefly, and arrived home to two very happy, very "filled" children. They had been filled with attention, time, interest and trust. We topped off a splendid day with several hours of playtime when Zorak arrived home, dinner with the Wonderful Neighbors, and stories before bed.
We certainly got our RDA for family nutrition today, and you know, it was so easy...
How do you get your Family Nutrition intake?
Dy
Funnies from the Farm
John, this morning, said,
"Mom, I am a superhero. My name is Peter Pan... The Avenger"
Thursday, August 5
Oh Goody-Goody!
Not only did we find The Hobbit, but we found an absolutely charming bookstore, as well. They've ordered two different copies of The Hobbit because we couldn't tell within the system (and, naturally, I'd forgotten the ISBN) which was the one we wanted. The owner said, "I'll order both in and you can pick the one you want."
My children plunked down quite happily as soon as we arrived, with a book between them, and James read aloud while the shop owner and I searched. Nobody glared. Nobody looked askance. Mmmmm, I love it.
So great was my joy in finding a helpful, kind, child-friendly bookstore that we headed to the children's area and picked out a few fun nuggets for the boys: Now We are Six (A.A. Milne), Blacky The Crow, Old Granny Fox (both Thornton W. Burgess books in the paperback Dover Children's Thrift Classics- $1.50 each!), Just So Stories (Kipling- the boys enjoyed reading them over and over, so we couldn't go wrong with our own copy), King Arthur Tales From the Round Table (Andrew Lang).
Now for the real Goody-Goody! We also picked up our very own copy of Redwall. This, in itself is fun, but the true excitement is in the fact that Brian Jacques will be HERE, at this very bookstore, on October 2nd. I can't wait!!!
Additionally, as if I have somehow garnered extreme favor from God Himself (or pity, but either way, I'll take it), it is only 74' outside right now. The humidity is still 85%, and it's raining, but after the absolute broiling moldy hell that has been the weather here the past month, this is sheer heaven! I have windows open! Could it mean that Autumn is coming to greet us with its cheerful sights and calming temps?
Dy
My children plunked down quite happily as soon as we arrived, with a book between them, and James read aloud while the shop owner and I searched. Nobody glared. Nobody looked askance. Mmmmm, I love it.
So great was my joy in finding a helpful, kind, child-friendly bookstore that we headed to the children's area and picked out a few fun nuggets for the boys: Now We are Six (A.A. Milne), Blacky The Crow, Old Granny Fox (both Thornton W. Burgess books in the paperback Dover Children's Thrift Classics- $1.50 each!), Just So Stories (Kipling- the boys enjoyed reading them over and over, so we couldn't go wrong with our own copy), King Arthur Tales From the Round Table (Andrew Lang).
Now for the real Goody-Goody! We also picked up our very own copy of Redwall. This, in itself is fun, but the true excitement is in the fact that Brian Jacques will be HERE, at this very bookstore, on October 2nd. I can't wait!!!
Additionally, as if I have somehow garnered extreme favor from God Himself (or pity, but either way, I'll take it), it is only 74' outside right now. The humidity is still 85%, and it's raining, but after the absolute broiling moldy hell that has been the weather here the past month, this is sheer heaven! I have windows open! Could it mean that Autumn is coming to greet us with its cheerful sights and calming temps?
Dy
Is this Thursday?
Already? Hmmm. Wonder how that happened. Didn't get out of the house yesterday, as the fender flares didn't arrive until after two PM. *sigh* The boys made the best of the day and it was good. Also, did I tell y'all I'm down to only half a pot of coffee a day lately? It feels very odd. Yesterday I had none until eight PM, at which point I sucked down three cups in the hope of making that dreadful headache go away. (See? Personal Responsibility- I know the dangers and the risks. If I choose to make a bad decision, then, hey, I get to live with the consequences! This, my friends, is the stuff of life.)
SO, today we forage for a good book. I received all manner of wonderful recommendations on tracking down a great edition of The Hobbit (THANKS GUYS!) and will try to find it in one of the local B&M stores before resorting to purchasing online. (Yes, any excuse for a trip to the bookstore...)
Or perhaps I might finally convince Zorak that a trip to Annapolis is in order this weekend? Eight months is an awfully long time to live somewhere this close to a Trader Joe's and not have anything in the cupboards to show for it.
Hoping to meet up this week with a friend whose life seems to have taken on a life of its own. Sometimes you have to yank on those reins and make time for coffee, cakes, visiting with a friend, and the enjoying the fun of children playing together. ;-)
A knitting store is opening here this weekend, as well!! Oh fun! (Mind you, I can knit like a mad woman- not well, and not prettily, but by golly I can do it!) One of our Wonderful Neighbors is going to show me how to make a lovely baby hat, and I will make some to send to our midwives for the babies they attend. (James has put in a request for a brown scarf. He's five! Not rainbow, not green, not sparkly. Brown. *goofy grin* Yep, that one's mine.)
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and comments- I always enjoy hearing from those who come to have coffee with me. It's nice to hear your anecdotes and tips and thoughts. Keep 'em comin'! You're what makes a plain ol' blog into the "tea with friends" that is so enjoyable.
Have a truly lovely Thursday!
Dy
SO, today we forage for a good book. I received all manner of wonderful recommendations on tracking down a great edition of The Hobbit (THANKS GUYS!) and will try to find it in one of the local B&M stores before resorting to purchasing online. (Yes, any excuse for a trip to the bookstore...)
Or perhaps I might finally convince Zorak that a trip to Annapolis is in order this weekend? Eight months is an awfully long time to live somewhere this close to a Trader Joe's and not have anything in the cupboards to show for it.
Hoping to meet up this week with a friend whose life seems to have taken on a life of its own. Sometimes you have to yank on those reins and make time for coffee, cakes, visiting with a friend, and the enjoying the fun of children playing together. ;-)
A knitting store is opening here this weekend, as well!! Oh fun! (Mind you, I can knit like a mad woman- not well, and not prettily, but by golly I can do it!) One of our Wonderful Neighbors is going to show me how to make a lovely baby hat, and I will make some to send to our midwives for the babies they attend. (James has put in a request for a brown scarf. He's five! Not rainbow, not green, not sparkly. Brown. *goofy grin* Yep, that one's mine.)
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and comments- I always enjoy hearing from those who come to have coffee with me. It's nice to hear your anecdotes and tips and thoughts. Keep 'em comin'! You're what makes a plain ol' blog into the "tea with friends" that is so enjoyable.
Have a truly lovely Thursday!
Dy
Wednesday, August 4
The Love Affair Has Ended
It's true. My three year love affair with Sonlight is over. The clarity of my misguided affections hit me last night like a bolt from Zeus.
For three years I have drooled over Sonlight's beautiful catalog, dreamed of seeing MY children eagerly opening the Big Box. I actually lobbied Zorak our first year of homeschooling to let me order from Sonlight. He, in his sage manner ("WHAT?!?! You've got to be kidding me! No.") felt we ought to peruse other options.
So, I deferred to his wisdom and went about our business, pining in secret for all those beautiful books. I also continued to cough up the five dollars for a catalog each ensuing year. Meanwhile, though, schooling continued. Language Arts, Mathematics, History, Science, Music, Foreign Language filled our days (and many harried evenings as I figured out what I was doing!) I love what we're doing. The boys love what we're doing. Zorak loves what we're doing. We've got a good thing going! Still, though, when someone would mention "Sonlight", I'd emit an audible sigh. I still really, really wanted to buy it.
Well, last night I was reading Tammy's review blog and saw her reminder that the Sonlight deadline for a quick delivery is fast approaching. I don't know what clicked or why, but there was no sigh. There was no winsome image bobbing about in my head. No more Sonlight envy!
Why? Because I wouldn't give up Math-U-See for their math. You couldn't pay me to stop using The Writing Road to Reading. I love, love, love The Story of the World. Charlotte Mason's approach to science for young ones is gentle, exploratory, efficient and enjoyable- not letting go of that one, either! Prima Latina is a fine, wonderful fit for us. What does that leave for Sonlight to offer us? It's a good curriculum for some, but it doesn't really offer us anything. Nothing but...
BOOKS! (This is the a-ha moment of clarity, folks.) I don't want the Sonlight curriculum at all! I just want to purchase $400 worth of BOOKS every year for the next fifteen years! Ha-ha! There you have it- the superego has been unveiled. All this time spent pining for something that wasn't the solution at all. How silly.
NOW, how to convince Zorak that this is a good idea...
For three years I have drooled over Sonlight's beautiful catalog, dreamed of seeing MY children eagerly opening the Big Box. I actually lobbied Zorak our first year of homeschooling to let me order from Sonlight. He, in his sage manner ("WHAT?!?! You've got to be kidding me! No.") felt we ought to peruse other options.
So, I deferred to his wisdom and went about our business, pining in secret for all those beautiful books. I also continued to cough up the five dollars for a catalog each ensuing year. Meanwhile, though, schooling continued. Language Arts, Mathematics, History, Science, Music, Foreign Language filled our days (and many harried evenings as I figured out what I was doing!) I love what we're doing. The boys love what we're doing. Zorak loves what we're doing. We've got a good thing going! Still, though, when someone would mention "Sonlight", I'd emit an audible sigh. I still really, really wanted to buy it.
Well, last night I was reading Tammy's review blog and saw her reminder that the Sonlight deadline for a quick delivery is fast approaching. I don't know what clicked or why, but there was no sigh. There was no winsome image bobbing about in my head. No more Sonlight envy!
Why? Because I wouldn't give up Math-U-See for their math. You couldn't pay me to stop using The Writing Road to Reading. I love, love, love The Story of the World. Charlotte Mason's approach to science for young ones is gentle, exploratory, efficient and enjoyable- not letting go of that one, either! Prima Latina is a fine, wonderful fit for us. What does that leave for Sonlight to offer us? It's a good curriculum for some, but it doesn't really offer us anything. Nothing but...
BOOKS! (This is the a-ha moment of clarity, folks.) I don't want the Sonlight curriculum at all! I just want to purchase $400 worth of BOOKS every year for the next fifteen years! Ha-ha! There you have it- the superego has been unveiled. All this time spent pining for something that wasn't the solution at all. How silly.
NOW, how to convince Zorak that this is a good idea...
Tuesday's Thoughts
Two down, one to go- the fender flares should arrive via FedEx tomorrow and then we're one step closer to being legit!
We have to return The Hobbit tomorrow. Actually, it was due back day before yesterday, but we haven't been to the library. I tried to renew it, but there was already another hold on it and no other copies are available, either. So, I promised James that tomorrow we would hit the bookstore and see if they have a copy in stock. I read at the WTM forums today that there is an unabridged illustrated version available- need to go ask for the details on that. I think he'd love it.
He's getting it, and it's really exciting! Tonight, the goblins abducted Bilbo and his companions from the cave in the mountains. When the torches in the caves went out and the smoke from the main fire turned blue, James jumped up and down on the bed and shouted, "I'll bet it's Gandalf! I'll bet that's him!" (It was, of course.) *grin* This is just too much fun!
Just for something different, tonight it was Jacob who fell asleep at the supper table instead of John, who is our resident supper-time-narcoleptic. Poor sleepy baby. He slept from six until eleven thirty, woke to nurse and then *whammo* he's back out cold. Can you guess who had a busy day today? He climbed the stairs halfway up and only stopped because I was terrified he'd trip over the legs in his outfit and go tumbling pell mell like the Pokey Little Puppy. He was quite proud of himself, and just to prove it, he repeated his performance every chance he had!
John got up early this morning and requested bananas and a pb&j sandwich for breakfast. Traditions are meant to be made, right? We had a really nice time together just visiting. He is a very neat kid with a lot on his mind. I hope we have many more mornings together like this one.
After the Bon-Bon encounter this morning, the boys and I built a tent in the master bedroom and they played music on various instruments while I ironed Zorak's work shirts. Then we huddled together in the tent to read stories. (I insisted that we lift the sides so that Mommy wouldn't melt rapidly- four humans under a bedsheet with no ventilation produce a LOT of heat! They allowed for that, but promptly exiled me from the tent and put the sides back down as soon as the reading was complete.)
So tomorrow is going to be a day for the boys: to the park, to the library, and to the bookstore. (I'm hoping we can add "to 7-11 for a squishy" to the day, too!)
*AAAANNNNNNDDDDD, I blew it. Was going to hit the hay right after I blogged... then I decided to blog run before posting (b/c I'd told myself I would get offline right after I published)... and now it's after two. Ugh. Bad Dy. Bad, bad. But, OH, there are some wonderful articles in the blogosphere tonight! See Steph's blog for one and run w/ it from there. ;-)*
'Nite,
~Dy
We have to return The Hobbit tomorrow. Actually, it was due back day before yesterday, but we haven't been to the library. I tried to renew it, but there was already another hold on it and no other copies are available, either. So, I promised James that tomorrow we would hit the bookstore and see if they have a copy in stock. I read at the WTM forums today that there is an unabridged illustrated version available- need to go ask for the details on that. I think he'd love it.
He's getting it, and it's really exciting! Tonight, the goblins abducted Bilbo and his companions from the cave in the mountains. When the torches in the caves went out and the smoke from the main fire turned blue, James jumped up and down on the bed and shouted, "I'll bet it's Gandalf! I'll bet that's him!" (It was, of course.) *grin* This is just too much fun!
Just for something different, tonight it was Jacob who fell asleep at the supper table instead of John, who is our resident supper-time-narcoleptic. Poor sleepy baby. He slept from six until eleven thirty, woke to nurse and then *whammo* he's back out cold. Can you guess who had a busy day today? He climbed the stairs halfway up and only stopped because I was terrified he'd trip over the legs in his outfit and go tumbling pell mell like the Pokey Little Puppy. He was quite proud of himself, and just to prove it, he repeated his performance every chance he had!
John got up early this morning and requested bananas and a pb&j sandwich for breakfast. Traditions are meant to be made, right? We had a really nice time together just visiting. He is a very neat kid with a lot on his mind. I hope we have many more mornings together like this one.
After the Bon-Bon encounter this morning, the boys and I built a tent in the master bedroom and they played music on various instruments while I ironed Zorak's work shirts. Then we huddled together in the tent to read stories. (I insisted that we lift the sides so that Mommy wouldn't melt rapidly- four humans under a bedsheet with no ventilation produce a LOT of heat! They allowed for that, but promptly exiled me from the tent and put the sides back down as soon as the reading was complete.)
So tomorrow is going to be a day for the boys: to the park, to the library, and to the bookstore. (I'm hoping we can add "to 7-11 for a squishy" to the day, too!)
*AAAANNNNNNDDDDD, I blew it. Was going to hit the hay right after I blogged... then I decided to blog run before posting (b/c I'd told myself I would get offline right after I published)... and now it's after two. Ugh. Bad Dy. Bad, bad. But, OH, there are some wonderful articles in the blogosphere tonight! See Steph's blog for one and run w/ it from there. ;-)*
'Nite,
~Dy
Tuesday, August 3
Oh, that's just embarrassing!
So it's nearly ten thirty. Zorak opened the front door to find me perched at the desk, coffee in hand, WTM boards open, boys nowhere in sight... in my jammies. *groan*
Now, honestly, I am a grown woman, and I don't know why I suddenly felt like I was caught with my hand in the Bon-Bons carton, but I did. I jumped up and stuttered, "Er, uh, HI! I JUST sat down for a break! Just now. Not ten seconds ago!" (which was all true, but you wouldn't think it from the guilt that oozed from my body...)
Granted, what he didn't see when he walked in is the load of dishes that have been washed and put away, the books we've read this morning, the meal and snack that have been made, eaten and tidied up after, the four loads of wash that were gathered, sorted, washed, dried, and put away...
He couldn't see, from his vantage point at the front door, the two toilets that have been scrubbed this morning or the linens all switched out on the beds...
I did make him go upstairs to see the seasonal culling work I did on the boys' clothes for the impending Autumn weather (Sweaters!) and by chance he also noticed the thorough dusting all the upstairs furniture received this AM...
But still, sheesh, talk about bad timing!
~Dy, who probably ought to put in her muumuu order this morning, as well. *grin*
Now, honestly, I am a grown woman, and I don't know why I suddenly felt like I was caught with my hand in the Bon-Bons carton, but I did. I jumped up and stuttered, "Er, uh, HI! I JUST sat down for a break! Just now. Not ten seconds ago!" (which was all true, but you wouldn't think it from the guilt that oozed from my body...)
Granted, what he didn't see when he walked in is the load of dishes that have been washed and put away, the books we've read this morning, the meal and snack that have been made, eaten and tidied up after, the four loads of wash that were gathered, sorted, washed, dried, and put away...
He couldn't see, from his vantage point at the front door, the two toilets that have been scrubbed this morning or the linens all switched out on the beds...
I did make him go upstairs to see the seasonal culling work I did on the boys' clothes for the impending Autumn weather (Sweaters!) and by chance he also noticed the thorough dusting all the upstairs furniture received this AM...
But still, sheesh, talk about bad timing!
~Dy, who probably ought to put in her muumuu order this morning, as well. *grin*
Monday, August 2
Whoo Boy
I've begun reading The Man Who Would Be King: The First American in Afghanistan by Ben MacIntyre. It is the biography of Josiah Harlan, a man who... who... well, I'm not sure I can do justice to any description of him in a quick before-bed blog. Half way through Chapter Two, I can only say that I cannot find the words to describe this man. "Ambitious" falls thinly and inadequately upon the ears. That he had certain body parts of pure brass comes a bit closer, but still no cigar. At any rate, the author, Ben MacIntyre, is a phenomenal story teller, capable of creating images and animating characters as he draws his reader into the mind of his subject. I won't say he's up there with Edmund Morris in my All-Star line up of Biographers, but perhaps. I'll let you know when I've finished the book. Have any of you read this book?
Today began well enough, then deteriorated, wallowed in the decay for a bit, and finally found redemption through the never-fail "day saver": read aloud time on Mommy & Daddy's bed. There is just something about calling a halt to the infighting, bickering, yelling, sassing, groaning and screeching by declaring that it's time to jump on the bed and read a silly book. Now if I could just remember that it's perfectly acceptable to do that as early as the day necessitates... it'd save a lot of wear and tear on all of us.
The Suburban is now near-acceptable for Maryland's standards. *sigh* Just when I think we're getting ahead. We took the vehicle in last week for inspection (which you must have in order to get it registered here, and no, it's not even an emissions inspection, which I could understand to some extent). Anyway, we came out with three work orders to complete before the Inspector will sign off for us. 1) Replace windshield. Don't even get me started on this! *ugh* However, there is a special place in heaven for the man in the mobile unit who will come to your home and replace a windshield while your children play in the grassy front yard! Yesiree, that's service! $260.00 2) Fender flares. Or new tires. Pick one. The tires stick too far out for their taste (and no, we're not talking the illegal extended axle punkmobile tires you see on lowered Ford Escorts w/ ground effects- these are mud tires on a full-sized Suburban and in no way out of line). However, the state requires that we drill holes in the fender wells (can you say RUST?) and attach little wing-like appendages to our vehicle. These flares will not actually deflect water, dirt or rocks. They will not enhance the safety or performance of the vehicle. And yet, Big Brother says... *rolling eyes* So, those have been ordered and will be here tomorrow. $100.00 3) Replace one CV boot. Oh PUHLEEZE! Yes, it has a leak. It has a minor, minor leak, and to be perfectly honest, there is a huge enormous possibility that we'll have even MORE leaks after messing with this thing than we do now. But oh, no... no, gotta fix that. The joint is good. The axle is good. But the boot has a microscopic leak and SO, it must be replaced. $170.00 + the hassle of arguing w/ every service manager in St. Mary's County that I am NOT going to pull a perfectly good axle just because they don't want to do the work on the boot.
There ya go- $500+ later, we will then have the privilege to spend another heaven-only-knows how much more money to actually register the vehicle. It's not like... *snort* well, never mind.
On the up side, it's all good. We're ok. We have the money, and whether we'd prefer to spend it on things like this is moot, at least we can get it done. Right? And, it's good that we have the Suburban (which is, to be truthful, the best-running vehicle we've ever owned jointly... we would have had to just set our old Suburban on fire and call it even.)
John built an amazing Pirate Ship from PVC pipe tonight. It has wonderful sails, and even a "private entrance" for the Captain. He made up wonderful games around it, too.
James had a nice heart-to-heart with Zorak and told him that he really does like living in Maryland except for the laws and the humidity, but in general, he likes it ok and is happy here. He is so glad he learned to swim and asked me if we could add swimming to our regular schedule now. Wow!
Jacob is getting more and more brave with his cruising abilities. His balance is improving, too. He is also joining in on the family games in the afternoons, which is a blast and is wearing him out. He's moved his own bedtime up from 9:30 to 8:30. Too cute!
We're taking this week to rest up, rescue the house from six weeks of anti-routine add-on activities, and gather ourselves. Next week we'll begin back to lessons. I think we're all looking forward to that again.
~Dy
Today began well enough, then deteriorated, wallowed in the decay for a bit, and finally found redemption through the never-fail "day saver": read aloud time on Mommy & Daddy's bed. There is just something about calling a halt to the infighting, bickering, yelling, sassing, groaning and screeching by declaring that it's time to jump on the bed and read a silly book. Now if I could just remember that it's perfectly acceptable to do that as early as the day necessitates... it'd save a lot of wear and tear on all of us.
The Suburban is now near-acceptable for Maryland's standards. *sigh* Just when I think we're getting ahead. We took the vehicle in last week for inspection (which you must have in order to get it registered here, and no, it's not even an emissions inspection, which I could understand to some extent). Anyway, we came out with three work orders to complete before the Inspector will sign off for us. 1) Replace windshield. Don't even get me started on this! *ugh* However, there is a special place in heaven for the man in the mobile unit who will come to your home and replace a windshield while your children play in the grassy front yard! Yesiree, that's service! $260.00 2) Fender flares. Or new tires. Pick one. The tires stick too far out for their taste (and no, we're not talking the illegal extended axle punkmobile tires you see on lowered Ford Escorts w/ ground effects- these are mud tires on a full-sized Suburban and in no way out of line). However, the state requires that we drill holes in the fender wells (can you say RUST?) and attach little wing-like appendages to our vehicle. These flares will not actually deflect water, dirt or rocks. They will not enhance the safety or performance of the vehicle. And yet, Big Brother says... *rolling eyes* So, those have been ordered and will be here tomorrow. $100.00 3) Replace one CV boot. Oh PUHLEEZE! Yes, it has a leak. It has a minor, minor leak, and to be perfectly honest, there is a huge enormous possibility that we'll have even MORE leaks after messing with this thing than we do now. But oh, no... no, gotta fix that. The joint is good. The axle is good. But the boot has a microscopic leak and SO, it must be replaced. $170.00 + the hassle of arguing w/ every service manager in St. Mary's County that I am NOT going to pull a perfectly good axle just because they don't want to do the work on the boot.
There ya go- $500+ later, we will then have the privilege to spend another heaven-only-knows how much more money to actually register the vehicle. It's not like... *snort* well, never mind.
On the up side, it's all good. We're ok. We have the money, and whether we'd prefer to spend it on things like this is moot, at least we can get it done. Right? And, it's good that we have the Suburban (which is, to be truthful, the best-running vehicle we've ever owned jointly... we would have had to just set our old Suburban on fire and call it even.)
John built an amazing Pirate Ship from PVC pipe tonight. It has wonderful sails, and even a "private entrance" for the Captain. He made up wonderful games around it, too.
James had a nice heart-to-heart with Zorak and told him that he really does like living in Maryland except for the laws and the humidity, but in general, he likes it ok and is happy here. He is so glad he learned to swim and asked me if we could add swimming to our regular schedule now. Wow!
Jacob is getting more and more brave with his cruising abilities. His balance is improving, too. He is also joining in on the family games in the afternoons, which is a blast and is wearing him out. He's moved his own bedtime up from 9:30 to 8:30. Too cute!
We're taking this week to rest up, rescue the house from six weeks of anti-routine add-on activities, and gather ourselves. Next week we'll begin back to lessons. I think we're all looking forward to that again.
~Dy
Sunday, August 1
We're Home & I'm Thankful
We found our church home. After visiting for a month and sending the boys to VBS there, not to mention a ton of praying on it and discussing it, we have decided that this is where we need to be for our time in Maryland. *whew* That feels good. It's not 100% spot-on with what I believe, nor with what Zorak believes, either (I'll get to that in a moment), but it is close. Extremely close. It is also friendly, spirit-filled, academic (in that study of Scripture, history, tradition and language are all pursued and encouraged), and pretty much fills in every prayer request I sent up during the four years Zorak was in school.
That said...
Huge kudos go to Zorak. He is a gem among men, and I am so thankful for him. He is actively involved in choosing our church homes, in guiding the boys' spiritual upbringing, and in supervising the overall spiritual growth of our home and family. He encourages me to study the Bible and to follow the teachings of Christianity. He undertakes his role as the Head of our Household with great love and reverence. He listens to Biblical arguments for or against certain decisions. He holds hands around the supper table for prayer.
All that, and he is not a believer. He doesn't ken to the faith I do, and yet he puts that faith at the center of our home and family because he knows how deeply I cherish it (his description is that my faith is not something I do, but what I am~ which is more than a little humbling, to be honest), and that the boys will receive nothing but good from it. He is a strong man, and I appreciate all that he does for us, in more than the traditional ways of providing a roof over our heads and food in our pantry.
He is honest and upfront, as well. He doesn't sugar coat our situation- for me, or for anyone else. He doesn't buy it. He doesn't claim to have the answers, but he's relatively certain Christianity doesn't, either. He asks questions when something seems askew. He challenges my beliefs- not in an antagonistic manner, but in a logical, loving, curious manner. We actually sit down and discuss Faith, Religion, and Doctrine in depth, and our conversations are wonderful.
Yes, I know what the Bible says about being unequally yoked. I know the statistics on mixed faith marriages, as well. But truthfully, although I was not walking closely with the Lord when Zorak and I met, and I have come Home to Him more over the past six years than I had previously, I don't know how many husbands, believers or non, would handle that shift with the grace, love and unconditional support that Zorak has offered to me. I am truly, truly blessed.
So, we have a new church home, and I am once again more thankful than I have words to describe.
~Dy
That said...
Huge kudos go to Zorak. He is a gem among men, and I am so thankful for him. He is actively involved in choosing our church homes, in guiding the boys' spiritual upbringing, and in supervising the overall spiritual growth of our home and family. He encourages me to study the Bible and to follow the teachings of Christianity. He undertakes his role as the Head of our Household with great love and reverence. He listens to Biblical arguments for or against certain decisions. He holds hands around the supper table for prayer.
All that, and he is not a believer. He doesn't ken to the faith I do, and yet he puts that faith at the center of our home and family because he knows how deeply I cherish it (his description is that my faith is not something I do, but what I am~ which is more than a little humbling, to be honest), and that the boys will receive nothing but good from it. He is a strong man, and I appreciate all that he does for us, in more than the traditional ways of providing a roof over our heads and food in our pantry.
He is honest and upfront, as well. He doesn't sugar coat our situation- for me, or for anyone else. He doesn't buy it. He doesn't claim to have the answers, but he's relatively certain Christianity doesn't, either. He asks questions when something seems askew. He challenges my beliefs- not in an antagonistic manner, but in a logical, loving, curious manner. We actually sit down and discuss Faith, Religion, and Doctrine in depth, and our conversations are wonderful.
Yes, I know what the Bible says about being unequally yoked. I know the statistics on mixed faith marriages, as well. But truthfully, although I was not walking closely with the Lord when Zorak and I met, and I have come Home to Him more over the past six years than I had previously, I don't know how many husbands, believers or non, would handle that shift with the grace, love and unconditional support that Zorak has offered to me. I am truly, truly blessed.
So, we have a new church home, and I am once again more thankful than I have words to describe.
~Dy
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