I'm not really talking about wall sconces and photos in the hallway. What I want to know is what makes the town, city, county where you live feel like "home" to you?
For us, it's the community- not the random, government-funded "community" that gets printed up in Chamber of Commerce brochures, but having and loving your own "community". We are building our community, our adopted family far from home, and it feels so nice. So for us, "home" is...
...knowing your neighbors
...having their children at your place, and yours at theirs
... being able just to knock as you walk in
... and your neighbors knowing (at least at our house, but we're OK w/ it and encourage it) they can just come on in and holler.
... being able to send the boys outside to leave handwritten invitations on the neighbor's doors to join us for a BBQ that afternoon
... having people pop in and out the rest of the morning asking what they should bring
... being able to leave your cooler on the front porch, filled with juice for the kids, and knowing it won't be stolen in the night
... telling your neighbor that the baby just threw up, has a high fever that you can't break, and having her interrupt you to offer to watch the other children while you arrange to take the baby to the doctor
... knowing when your husband goes next door to help the neighbor, he'll be there for a while, and have had a nice time
... emailing photos back and forth of the wonderful afternoon everyone just spent together
We had such a wonderful community in Prescott. It was lovely. Granted, it was chaotic and loud and we fed a lot of people (some of whom we did not know until they walked in the door), but that's what life is about. Dinners taste better when shared with friends and family. Days are merrier when there is laughter and comaraderie. Life is richer when you enjoy the people in it, and they can enjoy you. There is something wonderful about surrounding your home with people who treat your children well and enjoy them.
Jess used to laugh at me because she and I would be on the phone at ten o'clock at night, or at noon, or even ten in the morning, and inevitably, someone would show up. Then several someones. Suddenly we'd be cooking and chatting and the house got very loud. She thinks we're nuts. We are. We loved it.
Now we are developing that here. Our community. Our home. We have simply wonderful neighbors, good friends. Today we spent the afternoon celebrating the Fourth of July early (since everyone is going out of town tomorrow)- we BBQ'd on the front patio, spread blankets on the commons area, and spent a wonderful few hours having a pot luck dinner. What a great way to spend the afternoon! This is what we mean when we talk about those roots that feel so good to put down into the rich, fertile soil of life. I am very thankful.
Tell me about your "home"- what makes it home to you?
Dy
Saturday, July 3
Friday, July 2
Lazy Summer Days At Last!
*Ahhhhh* That is the sound of knowing we don't have to be anywhere by eight in the morning for one full week! The boys both completed their first session of the summer, and here are the fruits of their labors:
James tested successfully out of Level 1, and was given this card:
He wants us to laminate it and put it on a cord, like the Base Access ID's are, so that he can wear it to his Level 2 lessons. He is so proud.
John mastered all of the skills required to enter Level 1, but because he is still just a little guy, his instructors said they would be more than happy to work on Level 1 skills with him in the same class. So, I will be in the water for two more weeks. Zorak and I feel good about that decision. It's difficult sometimes, as parents, to know when we need to let go and when we need to be there. I appreciated having the instructors' input as to whether they felt he would do better with me in or out of the water. He also asked if I would be with him, and beamed when I said yes, so that settled that.
What will we do with all our new found "free time"? We will get back on track with lessons. We will frequent the beach. We will enjoy lazy mornings and more read alouds and trips to the library. We will sign up for the library's summer reading program and enjoy all the fun of lightning bugs and fresh ice cream.
Tonight, however, I am going to enjoy Time Bandits and a little brainless entertainment before bed. Talk to you soon!
Dy
James tested successfully out of Level 1, and was given this card:
He wants us to laminate it and put it on a cord, like the Base Access ID's are, so that he can wear it to his Level 2 lessons. He is so proud.
John mastered all of the skills required to enter Level 1, but because he is still just a little guy, his instructors said they would be more than happy to work on Level 1 skills with him in the same class. So, I will be in the water for two more weeks. Zorak and I feel good about that decision. It's difficult sometimes, as parents, to know when we need to let go and when we need to be there. I appreciated having the instructors' input as to whether they felt he would do better with me in or out of the water. He also asked if I would be with him, and beamed when I said yes, so that settled that.
What will we do with all our new found "free time"? We will get back on track with lessons. We will frequent the beach. We will enjoy lazy mornings and more read alouds and trips to the library. We will sign up for the library's summer reading program and enjoy all the fun of lightning bugs and fresh ice cream.
Tonight, however, I am going to enjoy Time Bandits and a little brainless entertainment before bed. Talk to you soon!
Dy
Thursday, July 1
One more morning...
Just one more morning and this stint of swim lessons will be over and done with. It's been somewhat harrowing, as far as the cleanliness of the house and my overall stamina goes, but the changes and growth in the boys have been worth every sleep deprived moment.
To answer your questions~ No, the pool isn't heated. Yes, it's cold at eight o'clock in the morning. (No, it isn't any warmer at eleven when I have to get IN with John's class.) Yes, we're exhausted. Yes, we're doing it again in two weeks.
Today John's class donned the life jackets. The child whose mantra all week has been, "Let's go to the wall. I want the wall. THE WALL!" Suddenly spent the entire class period shoving off from the wall with his feet, backward, floating into the abyss; jumping, leaping and bouncing; shouting, "I CAN do it! I am so PROUD of me!" Well, that was worth far more than a mere $25 and two weeks without my morning coffee!
James' class has spent the majority of this week reviewing the objectives checklist. I think the instructor is bored. Or angry. Not sure which, but she hasn't gone into the water, just sits atop the wall, giving orders. It's dampened his excitement for going, but has not affected his enthusiasm to make it to Level II. Again, the changes! Wow. Two weeks ago, he was ready with a litany of grievances against anyone who would suggest he do anything as dangerous as put his FACE *gasp* IN the water. Now, he plunges and bobs, floats and flits, giggles and beams. Again, more than worth it, much more.
Jacob is going to join me under the bed for the caffeine-induced meltdown. He normally sleeps until 8:30, and being dragged from bed at some unholy hour only to sit in the bright sunshine and get splashed with cold water just isn't sitting well with him. He did, however, finally cut two bottom teeth. He's raging pissed about that. Oh, and he's cruising along the furniture now. I think he's trying to escape...
Plans are in motion for some fun science trips at the base, geared specifically for 5-7 year olds. I am quite excited about that.
We are also looking at starting a homeschool-oriented Cloverbuds club in the county. There are two great 4-H groups, but all their Clovers have moved up and there were none to replace them, so it died out on the younger end. That has the potential to be a great experience for kids and parents alike.
Tomorrow Zorak has the day off work. He'll join us for James' class, and James is on cloud nine for that! (Zorak has been taking his lunch break during John's class to come and sit with the baby since I have to be in the pool, and James has been somewhat sad that Daddy hasn't come to see him swim. So this will be good.) Then it's the same old stuff- groceries, cleaning, and enjoying another day through the eyes of the boys.
Have a wonderful Friday!
Dy
To answer your questions~ No, the pool isn't heated. Yes, it's cold at eight o'clock in the morning. (No, it isn't any warmer at eleven when I have to get IN with John's class.) Yes, we're exhausted. Yes, we're doing it again in two weeks.
Today John's class donned the life jackets. The child whose mantra all week has been, "Let's go to the wall. I want the wall. THE WALL!" Suddenly spent the entire class period shoving off from the wall with his feet, backward, floating into the abyss; jumping, leaping and bouncing; shouting, "I CAN do it! I am so PROUD of me!" Well, that was worth far more than a mere $25 and two weeks without my morning coffee!
James' class has spent the majority of this week reviewing the objectives checklist. I think the instructor is bored. Or angry. Not sure which, but she hasn't gone into the water, just sits atop the wall, giving orders. It's dampened his excitement for going, but has not affected his enthusiasm to make it to Level II. Again, the changes! Wow. Two weeks ago, he was ready with a litany of grievances against anyone who would suggest he do anything as dangerous as put his FACE *gasp* IN the water. Now, he plunges and bobs, floats and flits, giggles and beams. Again, more than worth it, much more.
Jacob is going to join me under the bed for the caffeine-induced meltdown. He normally sleeps until 8:30, and being dragged from bed at some unholy hour only to sit in the bright sunshine and get splashed with cold water just isn't sitting well with him. He did, however, finally cut two bottom teeth. He's raging pissed about that. Oh, and he's cruising along the furniture now. I think he's trying to escape...
Plans are in motion for some fun science trips at the base, geared specifically for 5-7 year olds. I am quite excited about that.
We are also looking at starting a homeschool-oriented Cloverbuds club in the county. There are two great 4-H groups, but all their Clovers have moved up and there were none to replace them, so it died out on the younger end. That has the potential to be a great experience for kids and parents alike.
Tomorrow Zorak has the day off work. He'll join us for James' class, and James is on cloud nine for that! (Zorak has been taking his lunch break during John's class to come and sit with the baby since I have to be in the pool, and James has been somewhat sad that Daddy hasn't come to see him swim. So this will be good.) Then it's the same old stuff- groceries, cleaning, and enjoying another day through the eyes of the boys.
Have a wonderful Friday!
Dy
Wednesday, June 30
Never Mind
Janet, I realize now where the dead comment came in. I hadn't blogged about it b/c I don't know who reads my blog, and I'd forgotten about leaving a comment elsewhere.
Ah, I am now laughing at myself hard enough to make my cheeks hurt.
Zorak says that he still loves me even though I messed up our credit by having a death. I did get the required proof that I am, in fact, still alive. It's going in the mail tomorrow. Gotta get that cleared up because banks aren't terribly anxious to give home loans to dead folks...
Anyhow, didn't want you to think I have completely lost my mind. LOL.
Dy
Ah, I am now laughing at myself hard enough to make my cheeks hurt.
Zorak says that he still loves me even though I messed up our credit by having a death. I did get the required proof that I am, in fact, still alive. It's going in the mail tomorrow. Gotta get that cleared up because banks aren't terribly anxious to give home loans to dead folks...
Anyhow, didn't want you to think I have completely lost my mind. LOL.
Dy
What day is it?
June 30th! Holy... wow.
Well, we blew our collective time online last night helping this drunk guy home... check it out. Directions are in German, but you just use your mouse to help stabilize him. Turn the volume up- he's funny, especially if you've ever helped get an inebriated buddy from point A to point B.
The past two days have been incredibly less frenzied than last week's days were. I'm amazed. We get to swim on time, run errands between lessons, get back to swim on time, and then enjoy a leisurely afternoon together. I do believe we can cancel the previously discussed nervous breakdown! WooHoo!
We took the time to dawdle and meander yesterday at the Environmental Education building on base. Sometimes it is so good to dawdle. We got to witness the incredibly voilent beheading of a fish by a Blue Crab (it was already dead, and was fascinating, but we certainly didn't see it coming!) We were invited to bring a mouse in to feed to their king snake. We got to watch a black widow spider in action. (ewww!) We counted rings on tree specimen, and read all the latin names of the many insects on display in the hallway. It took us an hour and a half, and all we'd really gone in for was to find out what was going on with the homeschool science field trips we'd been trying to organize. How's that for a great day! And people wonder how children learn when they aren't in the g-schools...
Not much else, but I wanted to touch base. Tomorrow comes early.
Edited to add:
Jordan- you are a DOLL! Thank you for the wf link! YUM!
Janet- Was there some concern? *wink*
Amy- WOOHOO! You're back! Fortunately, the leader of this house is just as much for chaos as I am. We are leaning quite heavily in that direction. See you back at your blog!
Jess- think of it as "practice" for building the commune!
Have a great week!
Dy
Well, we blew our collective time online last night helping this drunk guy home... check it out. Directions are in German, but you just use your mouse to help stabilize him. Turn the volume up- he's funny, especially if you've ever helped get an inebriated buddy from point A to point B.
The past two days have been incredibly less frenzied than last week's days were. I'm amazed. We get to swim on time, run errands between lessons, get back to swim on time, and then enjoy a leisurely afternoon together. I do believe we can cancel the previously discussed nervous breakdown! WooHoo!
We took the time to dawdle and meander yesterday at the Environmental Education building on base. Sometimes it is so good to dawdle. We got to witness the incredibly voilent beheading of a fish by a Blue Crab (it was already dead, and was fascinating, but we certainly didn't see it coming!) We were invited to bring a mouse in to feed to their king snake. We got to watch a black widow spider in action. (ewww!) We counted rings on tree specimen, and read all the latin names of the many insects on display in the hallway. It took us an hour and a half, and all we'd really gone in for was to find out what was going on with the homeschool science field trips we'd been trying to organize. How's that for a great day! And people wonder how children learn when they aren't in the g-schools...
Not much else, but I wanted to touch base. Tomorrow comes early.
Edited to add:
Jordan- you are a DOLL! Thank you for the wf link! YUM!
Janet- Was there some concern? *wink*
Amy- WOOHOO! You're back! Fortunately, the leader of this house is just as much for chaos as I am. We are leaning quite heavily in that direction. See you back at your blog!
Jess- think of it as "practice" for building the commune!
Have a great week!
Dy
Monday, June 28
The Little Blog That Could
This is my fourth attempt at blogging since my last entry. I was tempted to draw Stephen King parallels, but opted to go with the whole, "I think I can! I think I can!" approach... yes, much better. So, this post may see the light of day! Whoopie!
It's been a busy few days here. Wonderful, full, beautiful days. Today the boys and I played hangman, read stories, wrestled our way through math, rode bikes with the neighbors, picked dandelions (when do these things stop blooming, anyway?) and had, in general, a great day.
Yesterday we went to the beach. James discovered that he can, in fact, swim! John worked tirelessly in the shallow water, practicing his back float. He was very serious about the whole procedure, and quite tickled with himself when he did manage to float! There were over 300 families there- very family-oriented people, and even though the beach was absolutely jam-packed, it had a great atmosphere.
For the record, Point Lookout State Park is officially off my "recommend-to-visit" list. Argh. The park is decent, and the beach is great (though by no means do the phrases "pretty" or "clear water" come to mind). It's not the park, it's the newly instituted fees for entering the park! Five dollars per person! Not per vehicle, not per axle, not per day- per person, per day. Children are no-charge only if they are still in car seats. If you leave the park without making an extra stop at a "hand-stamping station", you must pay to re-enter the park on the same day (even if you have your receipt). There are extra fees, in addition, to fish, to see the prisoner of war camp, to use the boat ramp, etc. Bah. That's just ridiculous. Even the Grand Canyon National Park only charges $20 per non-commercial vehicle- and that's good for seven days! Crimminy, what a rip-off.
Sunday... oh, yeah, I have blocked Sunday from my mind. With a little more caffeine and a lot more effort, I think I can completely wash it away. Let's just say that when I heard a woman telling her approximately 8-10 year old son, "Fight for it! You gotta earn it!" as the children gathered candy from a pinata (at a four year-old's birthday party, no less), that pretty much explained a lot of the behavior we'd dealt with that day. *sigh* I would really love to know just who out there read Lord of the Flies and thought, "Yessiree! Now, THAT'S the way to raise kids!"
Tomorrow begins our swimming lessons, Week Two. We will be careening along at breakneck speed for the next four days, lamenting the fact that I can't find a Nutri-Grain Bar substitute in a wheat-free version (those things are just so handy for snacking on the go!) The boys are anxious, and I'm hoping (can't believe I'm saying this-) for hot weather so the pool will warm up! Please, be warmer this week!
Zorak and I are crunching the numbers on the Goal Grande for 2004- buying a house. We don't know if we'll be better off buying or building, or sticking our heads in the sand and pretending none of this is real. (The more of the fees we unearth, the more appealing the ostrich-housing approach becomes!) It is, though, rather exciting. Zorak's reading list the past few weeks has consisted of building codes, wiring diagrams, cross-sections of frame designs, and all you never wanted to know about percolation tests! Fun stuff!
Have a wonderful week!
Dy
It's been a busy few days here. Wonderful, full, beautiful days. Today the boys and I played hangman, read stories, wrestled our way through math, rode bikes with the neighbors, picked dandelions (when do these things stop blooming, anyway?) and had, in general, a great day.
Yesterday we went to the beach. James discovered that he can, in fact, swim! John worked tirelessly in the shallow water, practicing his back float. He was very serious about the whole procedure, and quite tickled with himself when he did manage to float! There were over 300 families there- very family-oriented people, and even though the beach was absolutely jam-packed, it had a great atmosphere.
For the record, Point Lookout State Park is officially off my "recommend-to-visit" list. Argh. The park is decent, and the beach is great (though by no means do the phrases "pretty" or "clear water" come to mind). It's not the park, it's the newly instituted fees for entering the park! Five dollars per person! Not per vehicle, not per axle, not per day- per person, per day. Children are no-charge only if they are still in car seats. If you leave the park without making an extra stop at a "hand-stamping station", you must pay to re-enter the park on the same day (even if you have your receipt). There are extra fees, in addition, to fish, to see the prisoner of war camp, to use the boat ramp, etc. Bah. That's just ridiculous. Even the Grand Canyon National Park only charges $20 per non-commercial vehicle- and that's good for seven days! Crimminy, what a rip-off.
Sunday... oh, yeah, I have blocked Sunday from my mind. With a little more caffeine and a lot more effort, I think I can completely wash it away. Let's just say that when I heard a woman telling her approximately 8-10 year old son, "Fight for it! You gotta earn it!" as the children gathered candy from a pinata (at a four year-old's birthday party, no less), that pretty much explained a lot of the behavior we'd dealt with that day. *sigh* I would really love to know just who out there read Lord of the Flies and thought, "Yessiree! Now, THAT'S the way to raise kids!"
Tomorrow begins our swimming lessons, Week Two. We will be careening along at breakneck speed for the next four days, lamenting the fact that I can't find a Nutri-Grain Bar substitute in a wheat-free version (those things are just so handy for snacking on the go!) The boys are anxious, and I'm hoping (can't believe I'm saying this-) for hot weather so the pool will warm up! Please, be warmer this week!
Zorak and I are crunching the numbers on the Goal Grande for 2004- buying a house. We don't know if we'll be better off buying or building, or sticking our heads in the sand and pretending none of this is real. (The more of the fees we unearth, the more appealing the ostrich-housing approach becomes!) It is, though, rather exciting. Zorak's reading list the past few weeks has consisted of building codes, wiring diagrams, cross-sections of frame designs, and all you never wanted to know about percolation tests! Fun stuff!
Have a wonderful week!
Dy
Friday, June 25
Capillary action and candle light...
Today started off about half a step off the beat. We made it to swim right on the cusp of being late. We went to the library at nine (it's normally open at eight), only to find that on Fridays it does not open until eleven. So we went to Chick-Fil-A for some ice cream and play time... to find that their ice cream machine wasn't on yet (after all, they were still serving breakfast!) Had to pick up Zorak before John's swim class (b/c the Mistress is a persnickety thing that requires a battery we couldn't locate locally) and couldn't find him! John closed his eyes to nap as we pulled back into the pool parking lot. ARGH! No! Please, everyone take a deep breath!
We never did catch up, but it's ok because we did take a few deep breaths and plodded along in spite of our poor timing today.
The boys wanted supper by candle light, and why not? It's such a fun way to eat (provided there are actually enough candles to cast ample light onto the table so Mom doesn't accidentally scoop up a yummy spoonfull of mashed fruit to go with her bell peppers!) Talk led to the "how" and "why" and "what if" of candles and flames and, of course, a wonderful experiment on capillary action and vapor. Good stuff.
Jacob said, "Dada" today and clapped for all he was worth when Zorak heard it and looked up. Yes, Jordan, eye contact really is an incredible thing. He's also trying fervently to say, "more" and "yes". He's got the head nod down, but starts giggling before he can actually say anything.
It is Friday. We have two glorious days together and I am so very thankful. Cinnamon roll Saturday coming up! A neighbor girl's birthday party tomorrow afternoon (she is also turning four), some swim time, church, and at some point I simply must shampoo the carpets! (Don't know when yet.)
As for tonight, the boys are in the tub and will be out cold in about twenty minutes. The supper dishes are cleared. Zorak and I are going to watch The Mothman Prophecies and then clear our adled brains with a few episodes from The Family Guy. I'm hoping to get a foot rub out of it, too. We'll see how that goes. ;-)
Have a wonderful Friday night, all!
Dy
We never did catch up, but it's ok because we did take a few deep breaths and plodded along in spite of our poor timing today.
The boys wanted supper by candle light, and why not? It's such a fun way to eat (provided there are actually enough candles to cast ample light onto the table so Mom doesn't accidentally scoop up a yummy spoonfull of mashed fruit to go with her bell peppers!) Talk led to the "how" and "why" and "what if" of candles and flames and, of course, a wonderful experiment on capillary action and vapor. Good stuff.
Jacob said, "Dada" today and clapped for all he was worth when Zorak heard it and looked up. Yes, Jordan, eye contact really is an incredible thing. He's also trying fervently to say, "more" and "yes". He's got the head nod down, but starts giggling before he can actually say anything.
It is Friday. We have two glorious days together and I am so very thankful. Cinnamon roll Saturday coming up! A neighbor girl's birthday party tomorrow afternoon (she is also turning four), some swim time, church, and at some point I simply must shampoo the carpets! (Don't know when yet.)
As for tonight, the boys are in the tub and will be out cold in about twenty minutes. The supper dishes are cleared. Zorak and I are going to watch The Mothman Prophecies and then clear our adled brains with a few episodes from The Family Guy. I'm hoping to get a foot rub out of it, too. We'll see how that goes. ;-)
Have a wonderful Friday night, all!
Dy
Thursday, June 24
Snippets and Such
It's not "Johnathon"... John's legal name is "John". It's a family name. It's a short name. I would have thought is is an easy name. Evidently not. There is one instructor in John's swim class who insists on calling him "Johnathon". I've told her, repeatedly, "It's just John, not Johnathon," but she evidently doesn't believe me. The thing is, she gets frustrated with him because he doesn't answer. Well, no, of course not! She might as well call him "Bob" for all the good it's going to do! Sheesh.
James swam the length of the pool today with a lifevest on. He wore himself out because he was dog paddling, but the look of sheer and absolute joy on his face when he made it was worth every ounce of sweat and determination he put into it. He was so proud that he not only went to "the deep end" (5 ft.) but he floated while he was there and he did it all on his own! John stood poolside and cheered him on. It was very cool.
Jacob had a well-child visit with our pediatrician today. We don't normally do them, for various reasons, namely that we have yet to find a doctor who actually does anything at a well-child visit to make it worth our time. However, with a new doctor, I think a baseline visit is important, so in we went. He's a little over 27" long, doing well and a very well-developed little guy (shocker, huh?) The one thing we didn't expect, though, is that he weighs a mere 15 pounds! Wow, how'd that happen? We've never had a child who hadn't tripled his birth weight by nine months! Even the doctor was surprised, and we re-weighed Jacob just to be sure. He doesn't look skinny, doesn't show any signs of a problem. He has the two chins and roly-poly arms that are typical of our babies... all his other developmental milestones are good-to-go. Anyhow, Doc and I agreed that since everything else is fine, it's not an issue. We did go ahead and schedule a follow-up for him for September, though, to keep an eye on things.
That's about it here. We are enjoying the boys thoroughly, and the weather has been downright heavenly. This swim schedule is going to be the death of me. I am serious about hiding when it's over. I'm sure the boys will keep me stocked with cookies and Zorak wouldn't mind putting the coffee pot by the nightstand...
A few quickies before I head out (Zorak needs to track down a new battery for the Mistress):
Krista- your blog is once again refusing to load on my server. I'm going to call my ISP b/c I really, really miss reading your blog!
Kolbi- ok, your Nation is gone, your blog is dormant, and you aren't emailing anyone. Shall we call the Search & Rescue team? You ok? Tap once for yes...
Donna, I love the deet-filled memories!
Jess, we keep missing each other. I love and miss you- kiss those kiddos for me!
Check out the blogs in the sidebar- there are some great posts there today!
Talk to y'all tomorrow!
Dy
James swam the length of the pool today with a lifevest on. He wore himself out because he was dog paddling, but the look of sheer and absolute joy on his face when he made it was worth every ounce of sweat and determination he put into it. He was so proud that he not only went to "the deep end" (5 ft.) but he floated while he was there and he did it all on his own! John stood poolside and cheered him on. It was very cool.
Jacob had a well-child visit with our pediatrician today. We don't normally do them, for various reasons, namely that we have yet to find a doctor who actually does anything at a well-child visit to make it worth our time. However, with a new doctor, I think a baseline visit is important, so in we went. He's a little over 27" long, doing well and a very well-developed little guy (shocker, huh?) The one thing we didn't expect, though, is that he weighs a mere 15 pounds! Wow, how'd that happen? We've never had a child who hadn't tripled his birth weight by nine months! Even the doctor was surprised, and we re-weighed Jacob just to be sure. He doesn't look skinny, doesn't show any signs of a problem. He has the two chins and roly-poly arms that are typical of our babies... all his other developmental milestones are good-to-go. Anyhow, Doc and I agreed that since everything else is fine, it's not an issue. We did go ahead and schedule a follow-up for him for September, though, to keep an eye on things.
That's about it here. We are enjoying the boys thoroughly, and the weather has been downright heavenly. This swim schedule is going to be the death of me. I am serious about hiding when it's over. I'm sure the boys will keep me stocked with cookies and Zorak wouldn't mind putting the coffee pot by the nightstand...
A few quickies before I head out (Zorak needs to track down a new battery for the Mistress):
Krista- your blog is once again refusing to load on my server. I'm going to call my ISP b/c I really, really miss reading your blog!
Kolbi- ok, your Nation is gone, your blog is dormant, and you aren't emailing anyone. Shall we call the Search & Rescue team? You ok? Tap once for yes...
Donna, I love the deet-filled memories!
Jess, we keep missing each other. I love and miss you- kiss those kiddos for me!
Check out the blogs in the sidebar- there are some great posts there today!
Talk to y'all tomorrow!
Dy
Tuesday, June 22
Mommy Blogging: birthdays, government, education, and coffee
Well, it's been a whirlwind week. Still no jacket. Tonight's the first real online time I've had this week, and I'm going to blow it checking email and reading my favorite blogs. :-) So this will be quick:
John Baby is four now! His birthday was Sunday, and he had a lovely day. He awoke early, we had leftover pizza and junk-food cereal for breakfast, then read and played until James got up. The kids and I played while Zorak slept in (Happy Father's Day!), then we went shopping (had to get the peripherals for John's new bicycle!) John picked out a chocolate brownie cheesecake for his birthday cake. WOO HOO! Good taste, Sweetie. All the neighbor kids were out of town this weekend, but he didn't seem to mind not having a party. Several neighbors came over while he opened his presents and then we all migrated out front to play catch and ride bikes for the rest of the evening. That's a great day when you're four.
Today the boys began swim lessons. We got up, fed, dressed and out the door before seven thirty, for lessons at eight (yes, AM!). James did stunningly well in his class. (Or, at least, I was stunned.) I think he's hit a real milestone in his atttiude toward bodies of water, and this is going to be a great summer for him. John's class was a few hours later, so we ran errands and grabbed a bite to eat. He screamed bloody murder getting into the pool. I have to admit, I wanted to scream, too. It was COLD! Once he got submerged and warmed up a bit, though, he had a splendid time and did well. This routine will continue four days a week for four weeks. After which, I can be reached via cell phone only, as I will be hiding under the bed, whimpering and sipping coffee at an accelerated rate.
OK, *swig o' coffee* education, and the role of government.
Basically, as I see it, it is the role of the government to protect rights and it is our responsibility as a free nation to provide opportunities. America is not the land of equal achievement, regardless of how many people would love to see it as such. That is simply not feasible. Not going to happen. Not worth attempting, because in the attempt, many people will be brought down so that the playing field is "level" and there will STILL be those who just refuse to achieve or are incapable of achieving.
Education is a wonderful thing, one which every child in America has the opportunity to attain. It is a priviledge and a responsibility, but it is not a right. If education were a right, then it would be bestowed upon everyone upon either birth or reaching the age of majority. *poof* There ya go, you can now vote, own real estate, and oh, yes, here's your education. It doesn't happen that way. Education, the act of attaining an education, is something that a person is responsible for doing (at whatever age, learning is not confined to the years from 6 to 18), and the parents of a minor child are responsible for guiding and facilitating that endeavor. Notice how the government doesn't factor in here? I wholeheartedly support educational opportunity, and support (to some extent) our public school systems. For many children, public education is the only education they will receive in their primary years. I'm glad it's there. What I do not support is the idea that we are beholden to look to the government as some staunch paragon of standards by which we must all prove ourselves or else be deemed "unfit". NO. Again, I say, NO!
As for the the cry that we need these measures (oversight, review, mandatory testing, etc) for the poor homeschooled children who need this government protection because their parents are not advocates for the children... um, this is basically what I call "feel good" legislation that makes people feel warm and fuzzy about what's being done "for the children" while in effect, it does nothing for anyone but the overloaded, overpaid, and overconvoluted Government.
First of all, the vast, overwhelming, amazingly large majority of families who opt to homeschool ARE advocates for their children. I don't care if their goals are college track, developing an entrepreneurial outlook, vocational training, or a lifetime on the Amish farm... homeschooling families tailor their educational philosophy and goals to fit the needs of the student. We have college firmly entrenched in our plans for the boys. We have friends who do not. So who is to determine the "standards" by which we should plan? Which one of us is WRONG? Anyone? Anyone? (Bueller? Bueller?)*
If every person who is convinced that the children whose parents are not "there" need some help would get off their collective butts and DO something about it (teach a child to read, take a child to the ballet, take a child for hikes and get him out-of-doors... DO something rather than demand that "They" do something), we would see much greater results with much fewer invasion into our own homes. We would not only have greater freedoms and a greater society, but we would have a greater investment in our Future Generations. Anything worth having is worth investing our own time and effort into, isn't it? Let me ask you this: is the reviewer asking me inane questions about whether little Johnny is "capable of sensitively handling multi-cultural identifications in stories" truly concerned about little Johnny? Perhaps. Let's quit paying Mr. Reviewer and see how long he's willing to tow the invasion line.
I have seen personal involvement in action, and can attest to the fact that a little goes a long way. Children are our greatest resource. Government is known far and wide for bungling things, raising the cost and lowering the output. So why does everybody seem to think it's such a great idea to trust our greatest resource to those who have proven themselves least competent to nurture and develop those resources wisely? That strikes me as lazy or weird, probably both.
*The correct answer to that one is, "neither"- we are all doing what we see is best for our children to fulfill their roles in society. Hallelujah!*
Anyhow, that's my take on the big hype of "for the children". We do a lot for the children, and would do more if the government would get out of the way and let us. But as long as the rest of you are willing to kick back and demand that the gov't do it instead, not much is going to happen. We'll be too busy trying to keep from drowning in ridiculous regulations and useless feel good legislation to be able to help many other children.
And so, another day begins tomorrow. Fight the good fight. Do it for the children. Anyone up for a tea party?
Dy
John Baby is four now! His birthday was Sunday, and he had a lovely day. He awoke early, we had leftover pizza and junk-food cereal for breakfast, then read and played until James got up. The kids and I played while Zorak slept in (Happy Father's Day!), then we went shopping (had to get the peripherals for John's new bicycle!) John picked out a chocolate brownie cheesecake for his birthday cake. WOO HOO! Good taste, Sweetie. All the neighbor kids were out of town this weekend, but he didn't seem to mind not having a party. Several neighbors came over while he opened his presents and then we all migrated out front to play catch and ride bikes for the rest of the evening. That's a great day when you're four.
Today the boys began swim lessons. We got up, fed, dressed and out the door before seven thirty, for lessons at eight (yes, AM!). James did stunningly well in his class. (Or, at least, I was stunned.) I think he's hit a real milestone in his atttiude toward bodies of water, and this is going to be a great summer for him. John's class was a few hours later, so we ran errands and grabbed a bite to eat. He screamed bloody murder getting into the pool. I have to admit, I wanted to scream, too. It was COLD! Once he got submerged and warmed up a bit, though, he had a splendid time and did well. This routine will continue four days a week for four weeks. After which, I can be reached via cell phone only, as I will be hiding under the bed, whimpering and sipping coffee at an accelerated rate.
OK, *swig o' coffee* education, and the role of government.
Basically, as I see it, it is the role of the government to protect rights and it is our responsibility as a free nation to provide opportunities. America is not the land of equal achievement, regardless of how many people would love to see it as such. That is simply not feasible. Not going to happen. Not worth attempting, because in the attempt, many people will be brought down so that the playing field is "level" and there will STILL be those who just refuse to achieve or are incapable of achieving.
Education is a wonderful thing, one which every child in America has the opportunity to attain. It is a priviledge and a responsibility, but it is not a right. If education were a right, then it would be bestowed upon everyone upon either birth or reaching the age of majority. *poof* There ya go, you can now vote, own real estate, and oh, yes, here's your education. It doesn't happen that way. Education, the act of attaining an education, is something that a person is responsible for doing (at whatever age, learning is not confined to the years from 6 to 18), and the parents of a minor child are responsible for guiding and facilitating that endeavor. Notice how the government doesn't factor in here? I wholeheartedly support educational opportunity, and support (to some extent) our public school systems. For many children, public education is the only education they will receive in their primary years. I'm glad it's there. What I do not support is the idea that we are beholden to look to the government as some staunch paragon of standards by which we must all prove ourselves or else be deemed "unfit". NO. Again, I say, NO!
As for the the cry that we need these measures (oversight, review, mandatory testing, etc) for the poor homeschooled children who need this government protection because their parents are not advocates for the children... um, this is basically what I call "feel good" legislation that makes people feel warm and fuzzy about what's being done "for the children" while in effect, it does nothing for anyone but the overloaded, overpaid, and overconvoluted Government.
First of all, the vast, overwhelming, amazingly large majority of families who opt to homeschool ARE advocates for their children. I don't care if their goals are college track, developing an entrepreneurial outlook, vocational training, or a lifetime on the Amish farm... homeschooling families tailor their educational philosophy and goals to fit the needs of the student. We have college firmly entrenched in our plans for the boys. We have friends who do not. So who is to determine the "standards" by which we should plan? Which one of us is WRONG? Anyone? Anyone? (Bueller? Bueller?)*
If every person who is convinced that the children whose parents are not "there" need some help would get off their collective butts and DO something about it (teach a child to read, take a child to the ballet, take a child for hikes and get him out-of-doors... DO something rather than demand that "They" do something), we would see much greater results with much fewer invasion into our own homes. We would not only have greater freedoms and a greater society, but we would have a greater investment in our Future Generations. Anything worth having is worth investing our own time and effort into, isn't it? Let me ask you this: is the reviewer asking me inane questions about whether little Johnny is "capable of sensitively handling multi-cultural identifications in stories" truly concerned about little Johnny? Perhaps. Let's quit paying Mr. Reviewer and see how long he's willing to tow the invasion line.
I have seen personal involvement in action, and can attest to the fact that a little goes a long way. Children are our greatest resource. Government is known far and wide for bungling things, raising the cost and lowering the output. So why does everybody seem to think it's such a great idea to trust our greatest resource to those who have proven themselves least competent to nurture and develop those resources wisely? That strikes me as lazy or weird, probably both.
*The correct answer to that one is, "neither"- we are all doing what we see is best for our children to fulfill their roles in society. Hallelujah!*
Anyhow, that's my take on the big hype of "for the children". We do a lot for the children, and would do more if the government would get out of the way and let us. But as long as the rest of you are willing to kick back and demand that the gov't do it instead, not much is going to happen. We'll be too busy trying to keep from drowning in ridiculous regulations and useless feel good legislation to be able to help many other children.
And so, another day begins tomorrow. Fight the good fight. Do it for the children. Anyone up for a tea party?
Dy
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