tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30269308912285070522023-11-15T09:21:49.116-05:00Vacation SchoolingThe theory and process of unschooling while on an eternal vacation. Wish you were here!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04668199083536543993noreply@blogger.comBlogger139125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026930891228507052.post-51215512600827477052011-07-04T13:33:00.000-04:002011-07-04T13:33:46.606-04:00Can Nutrition and Exercise Cure Dyslexia?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dyxaIS2kCQY/ThH5ESPLTCI/AAAAAAAABM4/rcKAlRF6ZnQ/s1600/IMG_4880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dyxaIS2kCQY/ThH5ESPLTCI/AAAAAAAABM4/rcKAlRF6ZnQ/s320/IMG_4880.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Campster shows off her color wheel painting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Sorry for my long absence. Following the homeschool conference at <a href="http://www.masshope.us/">MASS HOPE</a> in late April, I had a lot to think about. Having determined that Campster, now 8, is definitely dyslexic, I sought out advice and help at the conference, and from friends and family with experience. What a vast difference in approaches I found! (But more about that in another post to come). <br />
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For now, I had my "path forward": Nutrition and exercise. What?! What do nutrition and exercise have to do with dyslexia? Well, first of all, we were able to determine that one of the causes of Campster's dyslexia is that the two sides (hemispheres) of her brain were not talking to each other. Here is a simple test to determine this: <a href="http://www.dyslexia.org/tactile.shtml">Tactile Localization</a>. Campster failed this test horribly. Whereas the other children could do it, no problem.<br />
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At MASSHOPE, we were blessed to have the speaker, <a href="http://www.diannecraft.org/video_bob.htm">Dianne Craft, talk about the corpus collosum</a>, that section of the brain in between the two hemispheres. It is made up of mostly DHA. Children who are dyslexic need Cod Liver Oil (full of DHA) in order to build up their mid-brain and allow the communication between the two hemispheres to happen. We have been taking <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Twinlab-Liver-Emulsified-Norwegian-Orange/dp/B001G7QG4K?ie=UTF8&tag=hillegeistfam-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Twin Labs Emusified Orange Flavor Cod Liver Oil</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=hillegeistfam-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001G7QG4K" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />, three times a day, ever since. <br />
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Secondly, Mrs. Craft talked about doing exercises for the brain, which cross over that mid-line between the hemispheres. At first, Campster could not do this. Wow! We were so amazed. But, within a week of doing "<a href="http://www.diannecraft.org/tutor3.htm">Writing Eights</a>" everyday, she could do it smoothly. We will continue to do these exercises at least four times a week for six months. <br />
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Having done these for a couple of months now, Campster is showing much improvement. She is reading with enthusiasm! She tied her own shoelaces, which she has never been able to do before. We have hope that she will be a reader after all!<br />
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Wish you were here!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04668199083536543993noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026930891228507052.post-2550311984964492412011-04-04T11:19:00.000-04:002011-04-04T11:19:55.757-04:00Blessings Revealed by Puanani Burgess — YES! MagazineI love this wonderful example of what education could be, if we honored our uniqueness, and encouraged our giftedness!<div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.yesmagazine.org/issues/sustainable-happiness/blessings-revealed">Blessings Revealed by Puanani Burgess — YES! Magazine</a><br /><br />Wish you were here!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04668199083536543993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026930891228507052.post-48848404137912526722011-02-28T12:05:00.000-05:002011-02-28T12:05:38.994-05:00Growing Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nvzcjVUZrck/TWvN2Uww-YI/AAAAAAAABMg/F69eo91OBCc/s1600/moneyhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nvzcjVUZrck/TWvN2Uww-YI/AAAAAAAABMg/F69eo91OBCc/s320/moneyhouse.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>In our family, a working definition of a "grown up" is someone who no longer lives with their parents, and pays all their own bills. It is our desire to see each of our children become grown ups someday. As much as we love our kids, we do not want them living in our home forever. And, have you noticed? There is a lot of that going around.<br />
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Please don't misunderstand me. I am not judging those kids who chose to continue living at home or the parents who support them. My dearest friend is twenty-eight years old and still lives with her parents. However, she has an amazing prayer ministry. She cooks and cleans for the family. And she has plans to be a missionary. There are situations where having your child continue to live at home is the wise thing to do.<br />
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It may be that when the time comes, one or both of our daughters may choose to stay home. I don't know. Sher Bear says that she will always live with us and take care of us. Perhaps we will need taking care of by the time she is grown. LOL! We will cross that bridge when we come to it. But our intention is for all three of the kids to have the skill set, ambition and opportunity to make their way in the world and move out of our home.<br />
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Jor Man turned eleven years old this week. And we took the opportunity to reassess what he is learning. Big Dad and I explained that our intention is for him to use this time to discover God's gifts and talents, and explore how he might use those to support his family someday. He balked. He didn't want to think about it yet. Yeah, well, who really does?!<br />
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YnTUrT6zwfg/TWvPL1Dwv8I/AAAAAAAABMo/lOCMo1FWKXM/s1600/thumbnail.aspx.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YnTUrT6zwfg/TWvPL1Dwv8I/AAAAAAAABMo/lOCMo1FWKXM/s320/thumbnail.aspx.jpeg" width="320" /></a>We ensured him that this is just a time of exploration. He could identify several interests to pursue, and change his mind if he wants. Now is the time to do this. We would like for him to have a good first guess (or two) at his future career by age 13.<br />
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Then, at 13, we will begin to pursue appropriate apprenticeship opportunities. Trying out a job before you put your time and money into preparing for it, gives you the chance to find out if you really like it or not - before you've invested "too much" to change your mind.<br />
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Hopefully, assuming the field he wants to go into does not require an advanced degree, he will already be working, maybe even in his own business by age 18. Then he will be in the position to move to his own place and support a family.<br />
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But for now, exploring the possibilities looks like talking with mom and dad about his interests, praying and asking God for direction, reading books and getting a firm handle on how much life really costs. Our first go around, one thing was for sure, Jor Man want to be rich. (Don't we all?!) <br />
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So I decided to begin a unit study in financial stewardship. Here's the plan so far:<br />
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Reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Total-Money-Makeover-Financial-Fitness/dp/159555078X?ie=UTF8&tag=hillegeistfam-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">The Total Money Makeover</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=hillegeistfam-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=159555078X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />, by Dave Ramsey. Jor Man has been reading (and enjoying!) five pages a day, writing down three things he learned in his journal, and then we discuss it together. This has started many interesting conversations about such things as whole vs. term life insurance, car payments, credit card debt, and pawn shops. I love this book because of its biblical basis. It also warns against using debt as a tool for creating wealth. This principal would have saved so many people during the recent financial crises. <br />
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We watched <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Maxed-Out-Beth-Naef/dp/B000OU081M?ie=UTF8&tag=hillegeistfam-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Maxed Out</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=hillegeistfam-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000OU081M" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />, a movie about the debt crisis in this country, on NetFlix. I liked it because it showed many, many real examples of people in debt. It also showed the desire of credit card companies to pray on the poor, and on college students. It is important to me that my kids understand that the credit card companies are not their friends. <br />
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I want to go through Richard Bolles classic, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/What-Color-Your-Parachute-2011/dp/158008270X?ie=UTF8&tag=hillegeistfam-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">What Color is Your Parachute</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=hillegeistfam-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=158008270X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />, with him. Perhaps we can further narrow down the field. This book looks at many different areas to determine what job would best suit you. <br />
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When we were first married, almost twenty years ago, Big Dad did a form of intensive career counseling, called DOMA. It was so helpful to us in determining that he wanted to get his Masters degree in Human Resource Development, and go into corporate learning and development as a career. Ralph Mattson, the creator of DOMA, has written a book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Discovering-Childs-Design-Ralph-Mattson/dp/155513226X?ie=UTF8&tag=hillegeistfam-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Discovering Your Child's Design</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=hillegeistfam-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=155513226X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />. This book, from a Christian perspective, takes the parent through the process of learning more about God's specific design for each child. We plan to read this and go through the process over the next couple of years for Jor Man.<br />
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Next we will read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rich-Dad-Poor-Money-That-Middle/dp/044656740X?ie=UTF8&tag=hillegeistfam-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Rich Dad, Poor Dad</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=hillegeistfam-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=044656740X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />, by Robert Kiyosaki. I realize that there is a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rich-Dad-Poor-Teens-Money-that/dp/0762436549?ie=UTF8&tag=hillegeistfam-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">teen version</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=hillegeistfam-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0762436549" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> of this book. But, really, the grownup version is so "dumbed down" that it is easily accessible to an eleven-year-old - especially when he is checking in with mom and dad every day for comprehension. The book is not well written, but the information is invaluable. I will add the caveat that "Rich Dad" recommends using debt as a tool to build wealth, which I do not agree with. That is why we are reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Total-Money-Makeover-Financial-Fitness/dp/159555078X?ie=UTF8&tag=hillegeistfam-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">The Total Money Makeover</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=hillegeistfam-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=159555078X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> first. <br />
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My favorite book for understanding how wealthy people get wealthy, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cashflow-Quadrant-Guide-Financial-Freedom/dp/0446677477?ie=UTF8&tag=hillegeistfam-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Rich Dad's Cash Flow Quadrant</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=hillegeistfam-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0446677477" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />, is next. Also by Kiyosaki, it carries the same caveat. It explains, in detail, the different ways to create income. I think it will be revelatory for Jor Man, and I cannot wait to hear what he thinks of it.<br />
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Lastly, I want Jor Man is read the book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Duggars-Counting-Raising-Americas-Families-How/dp/141658563X?ie=UTF8&tag=hillegeistfam-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">The Duggars: 20 and Counting!</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=hillegeistfam-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=141658563X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> I have been reading it, and am inspired by their financial principles. Not only are they debt free, they have no mortgage, and they have passive income from commercial properties. (Rich Dad would be proud). While the book is interspersed with stories about parenting, marriage and faith as well, I was struck by their faithfulness to God's plan to not owe money to anyone. God regularly met their needs, just in time, in miraculous ways.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ib4-2LAqro0/TWvP9r9l2hI/AAAAAAAABMw/Xe76ZnJYyC8/s1600/5156796-in-god-we-trust.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ib4-2LAqro0/TWvP9r9l2hI/AAAAAAAABMw/Xe76ZnJYyC8/s400/5156796-in-god-we-trust.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>This has been my experience of God's faithfulness. Countless times, by trusting in God, and doing as He instructs, I have seen God bless me financially. This is not the prosperity gospel. I do not believe that you will be rich if you really believe in God. It certainly didn't work that way for either Jesus or Paul. But I do believe that God is faithful to meet our needs if we will trust Him instead of trusting in debt. <br />
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The Campster, with <a href="http://vacationschooling.blogspot.com/2011/01/reading-is-super-power.html">her awesome new reading skills</a>, noticed and read to me the other day from the top of a dollar bill, "In God We Trust". She was amazed to find that on the dollar. <br />
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Perhaps our forefathers meant it as a reminder to each one who holds a dollars in their hand, not to trust the dollar, but the Lord.<br />
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Wish you were here!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04668199083536543993noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026930891228507052.post-42157354717464632442011-02-23T15:45:00.002-05:002011-08-17T12:44:47.699-04:00CreationI got a good public school, and private university education. If you asked me, ten years ago, where man can from, I would have told you, with all the certainty I had, that men evolved from apes. That's what I was taught. And I didn't see the problem with that versus what the Bible said.<br />
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However, about 7 years ago, my dear friend took me to the <a href="http://www.icr.org/">Institute for Creation Research</a> in San Diego. And that began my interest in Creation. Now we are getting ready to take a trip to the <a href="http://creationmuseum.org/">Creation Museum,</a> just outside of Cincinnati, Ohio. Can't wait. Everyone I know who has been there says that it is amazing. <br />
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Whether you believe in God or not, the question of where we humans came from, is central to our understanding of who we are. Why not find out what the Creationists believe? I dare you to learn more, and let me know what you think.<br />
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Recently we have been watching movies about this very subject. So fascinating! Netflix allows us to watch as many of these movies as we like, at home. <br />
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Here are the movies we have been loving lately:<br />
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Wish you were here!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04668199083536543993noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026930891228507052.post-22914640617459606602011-01-27T18:43:00.000-05:002011-01-27T18:43:16.223-05:00The January Freak Out<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TUIB7tr1GhI/AAAAAAAABLw/WceHE1XSIK8/s1600/IMG_4511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TUIB7tr1GhI/AAAAAAAABLw/WceHE1XSIK8/s400/IMG_4511.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The girls playing Club Penguin </td></tr>
</tbody></table>A fellow <a href="http://www.thegabbymoms.com/">Gabby Mom</a> Blogger posted that she experiences <a href="http://growing-fruit.blogspot.com/2011/01/january-freak-out.html">The January Freak Out</a> every year. You know, that time of year when you wake up in the middle of the night wondering: "What if I'm not doing this right?" "Should I add grammar?" "Am I ruining my kids for life by not teaching them about (fill in the blank) this year?"<br />
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Well, by now I hope you know me well enough to know that I don't do the <a href="http://vacationschooling.blogspot.com/2010/10/shoulds.html">shoulds</a> or worry much, but I do find myself <a href="http://paisleyhill.blogspot.com/2008/04/diving-in.html">rethinking things each year</a>. I think we all do. Sometimes my Freak Out doesn't hit until spring. But this year, I am having a January Freak Out of my own.<br />
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For starters, computer time has gotten seriously out of control around here. First the girls got everyone into <a href="http://pixiehollow.go.com/">Pixie Hollow</a>, the Disney Fairies online game. And then Huntz introduced them to <a href="http://www.clubpenguin.com/">Club Penguin</a> (also Disney). The games are fun and they really enjoy them. Educational value is next to nothing, except that the girls are wanting to be able to read better so they can understand what is going on in the game. So I am now dolling out computer time in exchange for other, more obviously educational things.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TUICPfzMqGI/AAAAAAAABL0/3Cgw68CGgoQ/s1600/IMG_4509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TUICPfzMqGI/AAAAAAAABL0/3Cgw68CGgoQ/s320/IMG_4509.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>For example, the girls must each do their reading before getting time on the computer. (And, it goes without saying that this can only happen when all their chores are done). I also got composition books with cool covers at Staples for $ .50 each, and each child is expected to write a page each day. About anything. Even about how much they loathe writing in their journal. So far, each has started a story and is enjoying continuing it each day. I don't require them to worry about spelling, grammar or punctuation. It's just to get them writing. Oh, and it doesn't have to be neat, just legible. <br />
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Jor Man is wonderful about reading, so I don't ask him to complete any before playing. But he needs to get his writing done. The girls thought this wasn't fair, and I reminded them, for the umpteenth time, that life isn't fair, and they will never be studying the same things as their brother, so get over it. It won't be the same.<br />
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So far, Sher Bear is just writing words, Campster has a princess story going, and Jor Man is writing a greek myth. Huntz has not been at the house since the "crack down" so he's in for a surprise when he comes back!<br />
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Yup. That's it. That's me cracking down. LOL! It seemed like a big deal at the time, but now writing it, it's not. The kids have gotten into the swing of things, and I feel better about having something to show the "officials" should it ever come to that.<br />
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<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=hillegeistfam-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B0002V82O8&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Oh, and attitudes. We are working on some major attitude adjustments. Some negative, whiny, sorry-for-myself attitudes have crept into our home. We are remodeling them. Prayer, discussions, correction, and encouragement are all part of this. A child, who shall remain nameless, was caught cheating at Killer Bunnies the other day. Said child was immediately taken out of the game, and not allowed to play the next afternoon when we had game day at church. Initially this child denied any wrong doing, and was in quite a huff about it. <br />
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But by the next day, the same child was overheard telling a friend, "I can't play because I cheated yesterday. Boy, this stinks not being able to play. I'll never do that again." Well, I am not holding my breath, but I am encouraged by the change in attitude. I'll take attitude over academics any day.<br />
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Wish you were here!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04668199083536543993noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026930891228507052.post-84652981446938164452011-01-24T18:44:00.001-05:002011-01-24T18:53:31.650-05:00True Treasures Review<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thegabbymoms.com/"><img border="0" height="171" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TT4OEOzx3bI/AAAAAAAABLc/Pa5aibk1eq8/s200/officialmom.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have signed on for a dangerous assignment: Reviewing books. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I say dangerous because I honestly don't know what all will be sent my way to read. But, being t</span><a href="http://vacationschooling.blogspot.com/2010/07/leap-of-faith.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">he adventurous woman that I am</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, I have agreed to review one book a month for 2011. I received this product for honest review from </span><a href="http://www.HomemakingWithTEACH.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">TEACH Magazine</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> as a part of </span><a href="http://www.thegabbymoms.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Gabby Moms</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> blogging program. All opinions expressed are solely my own.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The first book, True Treasures, is a compilation of "the best" articles from ten years of TEACH Magazine. For those of you not familiar with TEACH Magazine, the acronym stands for "To Encourage And Challenge Homemakers". Well, I like the encouraging part! But I'll admit I had a tough time with the challenging part. TEACH Magazine was recently renamed "Eternal Encouragement" which I much prefer! The book is very lovely. Although I must point out that, unlike the picture below, the book is not hardcover, and it is not thick. But it is full of articles!</span><br />
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<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Two things came to mind as I was reading the 100 pages of articles. First, I was reminded how tiresome it is to be made to read something. Granted, no one was making me read it. I could have emailed and taken myself out of the group. But I feel that I made a commitment and I want to stick to it. It's been a long time since I have had "homework" and an "assignment". It was good for me to see how it feels to be on the receiving end of such work. Not great! I let myself feel overwhelmed and upset. (LOL!) This was a good reminder to me that I want to be helping my children to find things to read that they love and want to read. Reading something just because someone else says you need to can really zap the joy out of reading. And I find it is much more difficult to remember what I've read if I am not as interested in it. Having the deadline, I did not take my time and savor the great articles. Now that I am done with the review, I will enjoy reading it leisurely and getting more out of it. Once I got over my initial poor reaction, I did enjoy reading it very much. (Note to self: Start the next book much earlier!)</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1989728197"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TT390w9Rk6I/AAAAAAAABLU/tHoQvCJPCAU/s320/6d89b52e1fa44635feac382ab5af556b.image.150x181.jpg" width="264" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.homemakingwithteach.com/library/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4_26&products_id=984&zenid=919886f216969f42225083448428c85c"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Secondly, I was struck by the language. As I've said before, I don't like </span><a href="http://vacationschooling.blogspot.com/2010/10/shoulds.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">shoulds</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. Here and there in various articles, there was a fair sprinkling of MSG. You know, Manipulation, Shame and Guilt. I love to be encouraged. I really dislike being told I should be like this, or a good wife (or mother, or friend, or Christian) is like so. I am thinking about how to apply that to my parenting. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Okay, now that I have utterly convinced you not to read this book, let me change my focus. There are plenty of wonderful, encouraging articles in "True Treasures". And it is truly worthwhile to read the whole book and glean those encouragements and tips and tricks. I admired the transparency of "Confessions of a Former Doormat" by Jennifer TeGrotenhuis. "Yippee, It's STILL Free!" by Mrs. Lorrie Flem gives a wonderful list of websites giving out free homemaking and homeschooling resources. I could really put the housekeeping suggestions to good use! And I will touch base with Sher Bear regarding "7 Ways to Break the Breakfast Blahs". There's even a recipe for granola!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There are sections on marriage, parenting, homemaking, homeschooling, and godly living. The tips, tricks and encouragement from Christian moms who have gone before us is invaluable. Older women are told to teach the younger (Titus 2). This is what this book is all about. Lastly, I was tickled to see authors whose names I recognized: Cindy Rushton, Cyndi Kinney, and Marilyn Boyer. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It will be interesting to see what book they send me to review for February. I hope you can tell from this review that I will give my most honest opinion, the good and the bad.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">TEACH Magazine (now Eternal Encouragement) can be found at </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><a href="http://www.HomemakingWithTEACH.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">www.HomemakingWithTEACH.com</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> . My readers can buy "True Treasures" and get $4 off with the coupon code "GabbyMom" through May 31, 2011. </span><br />
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</span> <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Wish you were here!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04668199083536543993noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026930891228507052.post-47471974921328890732011-01-12T11:50:00.001-05:002011-01-12T11:50:54.549-05:00Skiing for the First Time, Ever<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TS3Oalni0YI/AAAAAAAABK0/pQA__VVy2nM/s1600/IMG_4354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TS3Oalni0YI/AAAAAAAABK0/pQA__VVy2nM/s640/IMG_4354.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sher Bear tries on her new long johns, hat and mittens</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Ever since we moved from Sunny Southern California to New England, I've been hearing about the wonderful homeschool skiing program at <a href="http://www.otisridge.com/">Otis Ridge</a>. This was the first year that we tried it - in fact, it's the first time any of the kids have ever skied.<br />
<br />
Such a deal: It was $85 per child for 6 weeks of lessons (once a week), rentals, and lift tickets. And while it is over an hour drive from our home, it is worth it.<br />
<br />
Thanks to my Mom, who gave the kids the lessons for their Christmas gifts (at my request). At first the kids were equal parts apprehensive and excited. But as the day drew near, and we began organizing the "stuff" and getting ready, the excitement was winning out.<br />
<br />
Everyone had new long johns for the occasion, and several got new gloves or hats. The night before, we laid everything out on the beds to be certain no one was missing any important items.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TS3Ogxtdw1I/AAAAAAAABK8/UX65crjrnsE/s1600/IMG_4356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TS3Ogxtdw1I/AAAAAAAABK8/UX65crjrnsE/s640/IMG_4356.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Huntz on skis for the first time</td></tr>
</tbody></table>On that morning, we got up early and had a good breakfast before suiting up and driving out to Otis, MA. I gave myself extra time to get there, because it was my first time driving out to Otis, and the country roads can make everything take longer than one might think.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TS3Ol8aw3zI/AAAAAAAABLE/XlBK6fAqntM/s1600/IMG_4368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TS3Ol8aw3zI/AAAAAAAABLE/XlBK6fAqntM/s640/IMG_4368.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Campster flying down the bunny hill</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I was amazed by the shear number of homeschoolers who were there for the lessons. Because it was closer to Hartford, CT and Springfield, MA, there were a lot more kids there than we were used to seeing at a homeschooling event.<br />
<br />
Getting checked in was a bit tedious, as was getting skis and boots for the kids, and trying everything on. But once the kids were all properly equipped, we headed outside where the real fun began.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TS3On5yaXgI/AAAAAAAABLI/iduFd9ETumg/s1600/IMG_4372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TS3On5yaXgI/AAAAAAAABLI/iduFd9ETumg/s640/IMG_4372.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jor Man has the hang of it</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TS3Oj7yBSSI/AAAAAAAABLA/PxqV-GrgCcw/s1600/IMG_4360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TS3Oj7yBSSI/AAAAAAAABLA/PxqV-GrgCcw/s640/IMG_4360.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Campster, Huntz and Jor Man, going around in circles</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
At first, they had all the beginners wear only one ski and go around in a circle to get the hang of it. I'd never seen so many kids staring down at their feet! Funny!<br />
<br />
It was difficult for me to watch Sher Bear struggle with her skis, but soon I turned to my friend, realizing my tendency to hover, and we made a break for the lodge. Better to let the professionals teach the skiing. I don't ski anyhow. I wouldn't have anything truly helpful to add.<br />
<br />
I was surprised, and a little disappointed to find that from there the kids were basically left to their own devices. At various points all the kids fell into ditches or just tipped over and couldn't get up. It was hard watching them, and seeing no one was coming to their rescue. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Eventually, everyone did get up on their own, and learned something in the process. As much as I am all for kids learning on their own, I guess I still want a little more instruction when it comes to skiing. What do you think?<br />
<br />
In the end, Campster and Jor Man really took to skiing. Both skied from 10 am until 3 pm, and then left only on my urging. They flew down the hills and absolutely loved it.<br />
<br />
Huntz had a more difficult time, but seemed to enjoy himself. I believe he will get the hang of it this week, and be skiing with the others.<br />
<br />
Sher Bear (who apparently takes after her mom) much preferred being warm in the lodge, drinking hot cocoa and eating chili cheese fries following her one hour lesson.<br />
<br />
<br />
To kill time waiting for the "big kids", Sher Bear and I played the Thankful Game from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/My-ABC-Bible-Verses-Hiding/dp/1581340052?ie=UTF8&tag=hillegeistfam-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">"My ABC Bible Verses"</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=hillegeistfam-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1581340052" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> and I allowed her to use my digital camera to take some pictures.<br />
<br />
In preparation for the next lesson, we went to the library and checked out some children's books on skiing. I am also looking for some videos to watch with them (preferably ones without big crashes or tragedies). I am also getting helmets for each child. (I kept thinking of Sonny Bono as they came flying down the hill.)<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TS3Odzjxd6I/AAAAAAAABK4/lfXcVE_4qvE/s1600/IMG_4355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TS3Odzjxd6I/AAAAAAAABK4/lfXcVE_4qvE/s640/IMG_4355.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sher Bear, in full gear, tries one ski</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Knowing how afraid I am of skiing, I didn't want to pass that on to the kids. Recently, I was telling my mom how much I love thunder storms, and she confessed that she was always terribly afraid of them. I never knew. <br />
<br />
I am thrilled that the kids seem to take after Big Dad in their love of skiing and their athletic abilities. I called him from the lodge with tears in my eyes, and said, "You really ought to take next Thursday off and come see the kids ski. You won't believe it." <br />
<br />
They are growing up!<br />
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Wish you were here!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04668199083536543993noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026930891228507052.post-52612339402513009902011-01-06T07:05:00.001-05:002011-01-06T07:07:04.170-05:00Always be Prepared to Give an AnswerI have a New Year's Resolution: To have an answer ready when people ask about what we are studying in our homeschool. As often as I get asked that, I still stumble over my answer.<br />
<br />
Some people just want to know that my kids are learning something. Other people are just being kind and making pleasant conversation. And still others are really curious about homeschool for themselves and would like to know that it is not as difficult as they imagine.<br />
<br />
Usually, I really do know which is which. I know when telling someone that we just "wing-it" at my house, would set off every internal alarm they have, rending them a tad bit argumentative. And I can usually tell when someone is just being nice, and doesn't really want my treatise on the state of the failed public education system. <br />
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And there are the occasionally truly curious people who really want the full answer. But, alas, they are few and far between.<br />
<br />
And I have been treating them all the same. Ask me a dixie cup sized question, and I will douse you with a whole pitcher full of answer. Hmmm. Why is it that I work so hard to let my children be delight-led in their learning, but with everyone else, I bring out the sledge hammer?<br />
<br />
So here's my new answer: Jor Man is studying Ancient Greece. Sher Bear is fascinated by Ancient Egypt. Campster is concentrating on her reading skills. Huntz is <a href="http://www.bigbrainz.com/">reinforcing his times tables</a>, and doing science experiments. And we are all working on kindness. That seems to be the theme of the new year.<br />
<br />
It's still not a short answer, but I like how I didn't have to explain how we got there. If someone wanted to know more, I could explain that the kids are all starting skiing lessons today, and the boys are beginning their electric guitar and drum lessons tonight. Oh, and next week, we will begin our study of Jewish holidays.<br />
<br />
That feels much better to me. People don't always want to know my whole educational theory. That's okay. I don't have to explain myself to everyone. (Just you readers!)<br />
<br />
What's your "short-ish" answer for what your homeschool is studying right now?<br />
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Wish you were here!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04668199083536543993noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026930891228507052.post-41529219105078177262011-01-02T22:35:00.001-05:002011-01-02T22:46:00.894-05:00Reading is a Super Power!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TSFC-VDz9qI/AAAAAAAABKk/8Iid3SYyuDE/s1600/IMG_0543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TSFC-VDz9qI/AAAAAAAABKk/8Iid3SYyuDE/s320/IMG_0543.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Halloween 2008, Camster as Ariel with "red" hair</td></tr>
</tbody></table>There are two things you should know about Campster. Both are recent changes for her.<br />
<br />
The first is that, while she used to be a blond, she is now a red head. Really. She has wanted to be a red head since she could say red head. She's been very consistent about it. And, as providence would have it, she's got the right coloring for it, just not the "right" hair color.<br />
<br />
Two years ago for Halloween she was <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Factory-Card-and-Party-Outlet/dp/B000IE20OM?ie=UTF8&tag=hillegeistfam-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Ariel, the Little Mermaid</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=hillegeistfam-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000IE20OM" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />. And she wanted very much to have red hair for that. So we dyed her hair using a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Clairol-Natural-Instincts-Haircolor-Cinnaberry/dp/B000GCUE6C?ie=UTF8&tag=hillegeistfam-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">semi-permanent (washes out in 28 shampoos) hair color</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=hillegeistfam-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000GCUE6C" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> and only left it in for a few minutes. The result was barely noticeable, but was definitely red when the light hit is just right. She was thrilled.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TSFDf5WbBjI/AAAAAAAABKo/v3Jmf8IV80U/s1600/IMG_4315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TSFDf5WbBjI/AAAAAAAABKo/v3Jmf8IV80U/s400/IMG_4315.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Campster emptying her stocking. Note the dye, left</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Fast forward to this Christmas: Campster again was asking for red hair dye, and Big Dad thought that Santa ought to oblige her. So guess what she got in her stocking.<br />
<br />
We used the exact same dye as last time. But, for whatever reason, (poor judgment, bad memory, living on the wild side), I left it in longer this time. Now her hair is truly, really red. Thankfully, she loves it again, and has vowed not to shampoo so that it will stay that way. <br />
<br />
Okay, now for the second change. She's a reader. For Christmas, she got <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Come-Back-Amelia-Bedelia-Read/dp/0064442047?ie=UTF8&tag=hillegeistfam-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">"Come Back, Amelia Bedilia"</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=hillegeistfam-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0064442047" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> and before any of us could read it to her, she decided to read it herself. And she did. She went from sounding out each and every word, excruciatingly slowly, to reading this book with no problem. She even read words and phrases she's never encountered before. It was amazing. This from my kid who told me t<a href="http://vacationschooling.blogspot.com/2010/09/not-reading.html">he one thing she did not want to do this year was learn to read.</a><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TSFDyoZm6aI/AAAAAAAABKs/jc_iqHUcZtQ/s1600/IMG_4334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TSFDyoZm6aI/AAAAAAAABKs/jc_iqHUcZtQ/s400/IMG_4334.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Campster's new red hair!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I wish you could have seen her face. She was so proud of herself. "Mom! Dad!" she would shout, "I'm reading! It's like I have a super power! I can read! Reading IS a super power!" She proclaimed.<br />
<br />
And she's right about that. Reading is a super power. It changes everything. Now that she knows she can read, there's been no stopping her. She's not attempted a chapter book yet, but I'm sure that will happen soon enough. She's reading every street sign, every magazine cover (uh oh!) and everything she sees.<br />
<br />
So, for my red headed super hero reader, 2011 is going to be a super exciting year!<br />
<br />
Wish you were here!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04668199083536543993noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026930891228507052.post-49026857032237004702011-01-01T15:00:00.001-05:002011-01-02T22:44:02.204-05:00Gratitude<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TR-FxjpCiJI/AAAAAAAABKQ/fDhVXAHEwEc/s1600/IMG_4349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TR-FxjpCiJI/AAAAAAAABKQ/fDhVXAHEwEc/s640/IMG_4349.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clockwise, from the left, Sher-Bear, Big Dad, Campster, Jor Man and Huntz - all hard at work on thank yous</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Christmas is over. The tree is down, and all the trimmings put away. Time for thank yous!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TR-GPoH8mCI/AAAAAAAABKU/bjPUtaKhKSo/s1600/IMG_4344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TR-GPoH8mCI/AAAAAAAABKU/bjPUtaKhKSo/s640/IMG_4344.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stamps are a fun way to decorate a thank you</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Do your kids moan like mine when you ask them to write a thank you note? This year we combatted the moany-groanies with a couple of new strategies. First of all, we all sat down at the table and wrote our thank yous together. Modeling the behavior you wish to see in your children is always a helpful step. <br />
<br />
Secondly, we told them that any gift without a thank you would be put away until next year. Perhaps next year they will feel more thankful for it! Happily, no gifts were confiscated this year. <br />
<br />
Everyone wrote and then decorated their thank yous with drawings and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Doug-Rainbow-Color-Stamp/dp/B0007P9554?ie=UTF8&tag=hillegeistfam-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">colorful stamps</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=hillegeistfam-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B0007P9554" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TR-HGsEe2rI/AAAAAAAABKc/WUUo5jBWUpk/s1600/IMG_4351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TR-HGsEe2rI/AAAAAAAABKc/WUUo5jBWUpk/s400/IMG_4351.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Campster using her spelling book while writing her thank yous</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Another new strategy we implemented was the spelling book. Each child was given a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Spiral-Bound-Index-Perforated-ESS40286/dp/B0018190C4?ie=UTF8&tag=hillegeistfam-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">spiral bound note card</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=hillegeistfam-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B0018190C4" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> book, and any time they asked how a word was spelled, we wrote it in the book with a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sharpie-Point-Permanent-Markers-1738520/dp/B002ONCFAE?ie=UTF8&tag=hillegeistfam-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Sharpie marker</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=hillegeistfam-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B002ONCFAE" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />. <br />
<br />
Lastly, we wrote up a mock letter as an example to the children. We emphasized that this was just the start of a thank you, but it gave them an opportunity to learn parts of a letter. <br />
<br />
Being thankful, really grateful for what we have, is a short cut to happiness. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TR-GzuRgcaI/AAAAAAAABKY/1lGt3SesCoc/s1600/IMG_4343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TR-GzuRgcaI/AAAAAAAABKY/1lGt3SesCoc/s640/IMG_4343.JPG" width="640" /></a>Wish you were here!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04668199083536543993noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026930891228507052.post-29207561345573496872010-12-23T10:45:00.000-05:002010-12-23T10:45:20.286-05:00Where has all the Creativity Gone?According to <a href="http://www.newsweek.com/2010/07/10/the-creativity-crisis.html">Newsweek Magazine</a>, creativity in America is declining. It is a huge problem. And the reason: Rote memorization and standardized curriculum. Children no longer know how to think for themselves. They are taught that thinking out of the box means you get the answer wrong.<br />
<br />
We are finding that to be true with <a href="http://vacationschooling.blogspot.com/2010/12/we-have-new-student.html">our new student</a>, Huntz. While he is clearly a very bright boy, he gets bored very easily. He wants to be told what to do. And it bothers him to not be "doing school". It will take a while until he feels comfortable and safe enough for him to figure what he wants to do. His imagination has been effectively drummed out of him.<br />
<br />
Jor Man, on the other hand, asked me this morning to help him with some research. He has a theory about the Ancient Greek Gods and Goddesses actually being the descendants of Noah and the flood. This is the heart of creative intelligence - taking two things that had previously not been connected, and finding some way that they go together. Jor Man theorizes that Cronos, and his three sons, Zeus, Poseidon and Hades were in actuality Noah and his three sons, Shem, Ham and Japeth.<br />
<br />
We have been reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Genesis-Finding-Roots-Ruth-Beechick/dp/094031911X?ie=UTF8&tag=hillegeistfam-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Genesis: Finding Our Roots </a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=hillegeistfam-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=094031911X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />as a family each morning. What a wonderful book! From this we have learned much more about Noah and his family. In addition, Jor Man has been reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Daulaires-Greek-Myths-Ingri-dAulaire/dp/0385015836?ie=UTF8&tag=hillegeistfam-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">D'Aulaire's Book of Greek Myths</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=hillegeistfam-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0385015836" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> on his own. <br />
<br />
Jor Man wanted to know if I would help him with finding <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Penguin-Historical-Atlas-Ancient-Greece/dp/0140513353?ie=UTF8&tag=hillegeistfam-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">maps of Ancient Greece</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=hillegeistfam-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0140513353" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> and of the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Childrens-World-Wall-Laminated-Illustrated/dp/987202717X?ie=UTF8&tag=hillegeistfam-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">world</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=hillegeistfam-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=987202717X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />. No problem. This is the sort of thesis that doctoral theses are written about. And he is (according the world) in fifth grade. <br />
<br />
Do you suppose I ought to tell him that he should stop "doing school" because it is Christmas? <br />
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Wish you were here!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04668199083536543993noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026930891228507052.post-20834042679375341092010-12-16T15:06:00.001-05:002011-01-23T15:36:10.756-05:00Playing games beats going to school<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I'm just giddy! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<a href="http://www.anne.com.tr/L/TR/mid/news/id/26/New%5FResearch%3A%5F%2413%5FChristmas%5Fgifts%5F%3D%5F13%5Fpoint%5Fgain%5Fin%5Fkids%5FIQ%5F.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">New research shows</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> that playing board, card and computer games for an hour and fifteen minutes, twice a week for eight weeks, raised IQ scores by an average of 13 points. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The kicker is, that, on average, a child's IQ is raised 12 points for a year of going to school. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Playing games twice a week is better for your IQ than going to school for a whole year!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The raise in IQ was in direct correlation to the areas that the games were focused on. That's so cool.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">"The games chosen were card games like </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/SET-Enterprises-4098363-Game/dp/B00000IV34?ie=UTF8&tag=hillegeistfam-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">SET</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=hillegeistfam-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B00000IV34" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />, the traffic-jam puzzle </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Think-Fun-5000-ThinkFun-Rush/dp/B00000DMER?ie=UTF8&tag=hillegeistfam-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Rush Hour</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=hillegeistfam-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B00000DMER" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />, and </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/MindWare-32016-Qwirkle-Board-Game/dp/1933054395?ie=UTF8&tag=hillegeistfam-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Qwirkle</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=hillegeistfam-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1933054395" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />, a cross between Dominos and Scrabble. For the Nintendo DS, they chose </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Picross-DS-Nintendo/dp/B000P2XJ92?ie=UTF8&tag=hillegeistfam-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Picross</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=hillegeistfam-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000P2XJ92" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> and </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Big-Brain-Academy-Nintendo-DS/dp/B000EGELQ4?ie=UTF8&tag=hillegeistfam-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Big Brain Academy</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=hillegeistfam-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000EGELQ4" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />. There were also two games for the computer one called </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Azada-Ancient-Magic-Pc/dp/B001HBX4HC?ie=UTF8&tag=hillegeistfam-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Azada</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=hillegeistfam-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001HBX4HC" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />, another called </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Think-Fun-1530-ThinkFun-Chocolate/dp/B000Y8EQ8K?ie=UTF8&tag=hillegeistfam-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Chocolate Fix</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=hillegeistfam-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000Y8EQ8K" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />." </span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span> <br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">We play SET, Rush Hour, Big Brain Academy and Chocolate Fix at our house. I will have to check out the others.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Now, get off the computer and go play some games with your kids. :)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Wish you were here!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04668199083536543993noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026930891228507052.post-7590827107147550592010-12-13T11:11:00.002-05:002010-12-22T14:35:52.778-05:00Free HomeschoolingHomeschooling doesn't have to cost anything. Really. <br />
<br />
(Although, I do recommend that every homeschool family have an <a href="http://www.hslda.org/">HSLDA membership</a>. It's important to protect yourself, and your membership helps keep homeschooling legal in all 50 states.)<br />
<br />
I absolutely adore curriculum. It's really fun to look at and play with and plan for. But in reality, sometimes the kids like it. But more often than not, we spend a whole lot of money on something that looks great, only to find that, after a day or two, the kids are no longer keen on it, and the haranguing begins.<br />
<br />
Cause if I've spent a lot of money on some curriculum I thought was going to be wonderful - well, then we must use it, right?<br />
<br />
On the other hand, if I get my stuff for free, then I don't much care whether the kids love it or never want to play with it again. I have the freedom to let them enjoy it or not.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow;"><b>Please be aware: While I have personally looked at all of these websites - it is not possible for me to have looked at all of the games/links as there are literally thousands. Please, please, never let your child access the internet without your supervision. Computers with internet access should be in a common area, where you - the parent - will be aware of what your kids are being exposed to. I know of several Christian, homeschooling families who trusted their kids to know what not to look at - and their kids were inadvertently exposed to, and subsequently addicted to porn. Be careful!!</b></span><br />
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Here are some free curriculum sites (in no particular order):<br />
<br />
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">MULTIPLE SUBJECT, GRADE SCHOOL AGE GAMES:</span></i></b><br />
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<a href="http://www.starfall.com/">Starfall</a>: Early primary phonics, math, silly learning games. My kids love it.<br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.learninggamesforkids.com/">Learning Games for Kids:</a> Like the name says, lots of games in all areas. Let them choose and you sit back and watch them learn. :)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.gamequarium.com/">Gamequarium:</a> More games for elementary school age.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.gameclassroom.com/">Game Classroom:</a> Kindergarten through sixth grade games in all areas. These games are developed to match state standards. (Is that a good thing? - LOL!)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.arcademicskillbuilders.com/">Arcademic Skill Builders:</a> More K-5 games in all areas.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.abcya.com/">ABCya!:</a> Lots more great games. I like playing the one where you fit the United States in the map, one state at a time. My high score is 320 on hard.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.funbrain.com/kidscenter.html">Fun Brain:</a> Reading and Math games for grade school age.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/">Sheppard Software</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">: Hundreds of educational games, activities, quizzes, articles and more!</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://funschool.kaboose.com/">Funschool:</a> Worksheets, online games, craft videos - it's got it all. But I detest the commercials.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://pbskids.org/games/">PBS Kids:</a> Games, coloring sheets, and worksheets associated with all the PBS shows. Mostly fluff and commercialism, but some good stuff.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span></span><br />
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">HISTORY/SCIENCE:</span></i></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/">National Geographic Kids:</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Lots of interesting things to do and see. Plus some learning games. Warning- definitely a site that believes in evolution and that the world is billions of years old. If you, like me, believe in young earth and that God created humans - then you will want to be sure your kids understand that this site does not support that.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.answersingenesis.org/kids">Answers in Genesis kids' section:</a> Fun videos, worksheets, coloring pages, crafts, etc. Love it!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.usbornequicklinks.com/">Usborne Quicklinks:</a> Links to educational websites galore!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">MATH:</span></i></b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://Www.aplusmath.com/">A+ Math:</a> Math games, worksheets, flashcards.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://Www.bigbrainz.com/index.php">Timez Attack!:</a> Teaches all the multiplication facts, 2 x 2 through 12 x 12. Fun!!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.mangahigh.com/">Manga High: </a>Lots of math games for upper elementary and middle school students.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><a href="http://www.coolmath.com/">Cool Math:</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"> Higher level math games, primarily for older kids (and adults). </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><a href="http://www.sumdog.com/">Sum Dog: </a> Math games that cover 100 numeracy topics at 10 levels.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://themathworksheetsite.com/">The Math Worksheet Site:</a> Make up worksheets and charts based on what your kids are currently studying.<br />
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">TYPING: </span></i></b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.learn2type.com/">Learn2Type</a>: Like it says, free online typing tutor.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">SPELLING/VOCABULARY:</span></i></b><br />
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<a href="http://www.spellingcity.com/">Spelling City:</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Spelling and vocabulary for all levels. Use their suggested lists or make your own list and convert it to word searches, games, and tests. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">READING/BOOK LISTS:</span></i></b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.bookadventure.com/">Book Adventure:</a> This Sylvan sponsored site offers both reading suggestions for all ages, and quizzes to check for comprehension. If your child is an independent reader, you can set up rewards for him/her to get when then read a certain number of books and score well on the tests. Nice!!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><a href="http://www.amblesideonline.org/">Ambleside Online:</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"> Book lists (some are free online and some you get at the library) and guidelines for the popular Charlotte Mason method of homeschooling. Great place to get inspired. </span></span><br />
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">GEOGRAPHY:</span></i></b><br />
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<a href="http://www.wartoft.nu/software/seterra/">Seterra:</a> Fun online geography practice. Better than just a quiz - actually helps you learn the major citys, countries, etc.<br />
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Wish you were here!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04668199083536543993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026930891228507052.post-41286415054657505702010-12-09T09:31:00.001-05:002010-12-09T09:37:59.011-05:00<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TQDjUjCBMuI/AAAAAAAABJs/naxfv9jxYJU/s1600/300px-Maslow%2527s_Hierarchy_of_Needs.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TQDjUjCBMuI/AAAAAAAABJs/naxfv9jxYJU/s400/300px-Maslow%2527s_Hierarchy_of_Needs.svg.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, represented as a pyramid, most basic needs at bottom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I've been thinking a lot lately about <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow's_hierarchy_of_needs">Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs</a>. If you've ever taken any early childhood development or psychology classes, you'll remember this simple concept: Basic needs must be met before higher needs.<br />
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Maslow theorized that physiological needs, like food, warmth, and sleep needed to be met first, and then security, and so on. <br />
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I don't know that I agree 100% with this, but it is worth thinking about, nevertheless. <br />
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The red section, safety, stands out to me. I think this is primarily because I was bullied in school as a child. If school is not a safe place to be, if a child needs to look out for him or herself, and cannot relax and feel safe, how can they learn? The same can be said of home life. If a child feels belittled, picked on, unwanted or unloved, how can they learn?<br />
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When Big Dad and I discussed becoming parents, one of the things that was most important to us was this: That the children would know that they are wanted, loved, okay with us, and that we are glad to see them. Please understand, this does not mean that we do not correct or discipline. Rather, we do it from a place of love - wanting the best for them. We are careful to build them up in love at all other times.<br />
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One of the ways this happens at our home is around sleep. When the kids are going to bed, Big Dad spends time with them reading stories, praying and talking with them. This is also my time to be by myself and relax.<br />
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In the mornings, we reverse it. The kids all join me in bed for snuggles. Big Dad is up and enjoying a quiet morning downstairs, while the kids and I are snuggling and chatting. It is a wonderful time to connect.<br />
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We make sure to tell the kids individually that we love them, that we are glad for them. We spend special times with each during the week, doing something they would like to do. We value their opinions and their ideas. All these things make for that sense of belonging and love. And we zealously protect them from harm. They feel safe and loved.<br />
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What do you do in your family to promote safety and love? <br />
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Wish you were here!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04668199083536543993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026930891228507052.post-81525138138689413932010-12-02T10:13:00.000-05:002010-12-02T10:13:05.652-05:00We Have a New Student!!Our family met a nine-year-old boy at <a href="http://vacationschooling.blogspot.com/2010/08/vacation-bible-school.html">Vacation Bible School</a> this summer, and we think he's something special. We've all been praying for him, and befriending him. And two weeks ago, he was baptized at our church.<br />
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Knowing that his family life is challenging, and he has some special needs, we have been praying for things in his life to get better. Imagine our surprise when we were told that he was being taking out of school (he was being bullied) and will be homeschooled from now on!! Go God!<br />
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We have often wanted to adopt a boy Jor Man's age. And while this is not adoption, it certainly is wonderful to have another boy around for Jor Man to play with. I need to think of a "blog name" for him, and get permission to post pictures. <br />
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Yesterday was our first day with him homeschooling at our house. We love having him be a part of our "school". We rearranged some of the chores, and he will be helping with the chickens, and making lunch. (Campster, who was previously making lunch will now focus on desserts.) We also did <a href="http://vacationschooling.blogspot.com/2010/03/list.html">the List</a> with him, and were excited to know that while he does not want to do anything with textbooks anymore, he is very interested in learning at Ulysses S. Grant (an ancestor of his) and the World Wars. Today we will go to the library and get some books and videos on these subjects for him. <br />
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We all recognize that it will take the Love of God to help us through this transition. And we are excited to see what God will do next.<br />
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Please do keep us all in your prayers as we figure this out. <br />
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Wish you were here!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04668199083536543993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026930891228507052.post-73693872916264115592010-11-26T09:42:00.000-05:002010-11-26T09:42:22.101-05:00Flashlight Egyptian Tomb Tour<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TO-9a3nYTII/AAAAAAAABJU/d6mWkpQGi1Q/s1600/IMG_1382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TO-9a3nYTII/AAAAAAAABJU/d6mWkpQGi1Q/s640/IMG_1382.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camster (left in coral), Sher Bear (blue floral) and Jor Man (right)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TO--KsF5pKI/AAAAAAAABJg/oNuwo8VN7MM/s1600/IMG_1388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TO--KsF5pKI/AAAAAAAABJg/oNuwo8VN7MM/s400/IMG_1388.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Littles and their mom at the mummy diorama</td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="http://www.fitchburgartmuseum.org/">The Fitchburg Art Museum</a>, in Fitchburg, MA, opened their new Egyptian exhibit last week. And we were among the lucky home schoolers who got to be the first ones to see it. This was another of the programs organized by the <a href="http://frc.homestead.com/">Family Resource Center</a>. I am so grateful for them, as I would not have known about this museum otherwise. We are making friends at these outings, as many of the same kids and parents were also at the <a href="http://vacationschooling.blogspot.com/2010/11/museum-of-art-rhode-island-school-of.html">Rhode Island School of Design</a> the previous week.<br />
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The museum staff did a marvelous job of keeping the kids (and the parents) interested and curious about the exhibits. <br />
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Everyone's favorite part was the flashlight tour of the "tomb". A corridor was painted with the story of what happens after you die (according to the Ancient Egyptians). We sat in the dark hallway while the docent pointed her flashlight at the walls, pointing out the various gods and goddesses, and telling their stories. It was a captivating presentation for all but the very youngest of the visitors. There was a tunnel you could crawl through, which the girls loved. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TO--HtDGqlI/AAAAAAAABJY/tE21Ik51OJY/s1600/IMG_1391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TO--HtDGqlI/AAAAAAAABJY/tE21Ik51OJY/s400/IMG_1391.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She did an excellent job of explaining mummification</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Following the flashlight tour, the docent took us through the exhibit and showed us the large collection of artifacts, including a real mummy, uncovered. The kids were all sharing their knowledge of Ancient Egypt - and it was really fun to see how much they have assimilated into their knowledge already. Sher Bear told everyone about our <a href="http://vacationschooling.blogspot.com/2010/09/how-to-put-together-unit-study.html">mummified chicken</a>. LOL!<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TO-9V9rlW_I/AAAAAAAABJI/66BzqnZi3Zs/s1600/IMG_1386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TO-9V9rlW_I/AAAAAAAABJI/66BzqnZi3Zs/s400/IMG_1386.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Using Hieroglyphics to decorate Obelisks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We took a lunch break before going on to the arts and crafts room to make Obelisks and Egyptian Necklaces. The girls were so excited just to color and cut out the paper necklace. It reminded me that they love to do crafts, and I want to incorporate more simple crafts into our days.<br />
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Everyone liked using hieroglyphics to write their names and simple phrases. Sher Bear found a chart of them in one of our Egypt books, and has been writing things in hieroglyphs ever since. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TO-9XkIpBXI/AAAAAAAABJM/dEGRNrN8bqo/s1600/IMG_1385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TO-9XkIpBXI/AAAAAAAABJM/dEGRNrN8bqo/s400/IMG_1385.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The educator explains how to fold the Obelisks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I was very impressed with this museum and their staff. Following the official class, we toured the rest of the museum on our own. I have been to some museums where they have been visibly uncomfortable with the children being there, and I have felt rushed to leave. This was not the case at Fitchburg. Everyone was warm and welcoming to the kids. They talked with us, and gave us suggestions as to what to look for. Upstairs, they had a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monotyping">monoprint</a> exhibit, with a film explaining monoprints. We were all so fascinated, that we want to do some monoprints now. <br />
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I cannot believe that I forgot my camera that day! But I did. And the Director of Docents at the museum was kind enough to send me these pictures to include in my blog. Thank you, Ann!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Wish you were here!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04668199083536543993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026930891228507052.post-42168643012273757932010-11-23T09:46:00.000-05:002010-11-23T09:46:34.856-05:00Jiminy Peak<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TOvSYUQoa6I/AAAAAAAABIo/s5papE-NV08/s1600/IMG_4109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TOvSYUQoa6I/AAAAAAAABIo/s5papE-NV08/s640/IMG_4109.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sher Bear climbs the rock wall</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TOvSaIim02I/AAAAAAAABIs/HdY80dGXWZ4/s1600/IMG_4115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TOvSaIim02I/AAAAAAAABIs/HdY80dGXWZ4/s640/IMG_4115.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jor Man at the top of a double flip</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TOvSchegNFI/AAAAAAAABIw/B33sGA4PGDk/s1600/IMG_4119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TOvSchegNFI/AAAAAAAABIw/B33sGA4PGDk/s640/IMG_4119.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Campster flying</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TOvSfSAL8lI/AAAAAAAABI0/6GXGCIS3axE/s1600/IMG_4123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TOvSfSAL8lI/AAAAAAAABI0/6GXGCIS3axE/s640/IMG_4123.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jor Man, Campster and Big Dad all ready to go up the Mountain Coaster</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TOvSjI6EvOI/AAAAAAAABI4/MTGWS48OGxM/s1600/IMG_4131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TOvSjI6EvOI/AAAAAAAABI4/MTGWS48OGxM/s640/IMG_4131.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sher Bear patiently waits for her turn</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TOvSqj9krPI/AAAAAAAABI8/oA7_if7oB9g/s1600/IMG_4134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TOvSqj9krPI/AAAAAAAABI8/oA7_if7oB9g/s640/IMG_4134.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Campster and Big Dad come speeding down the mountain</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TOvSuyC-52I/AAAAAAAABJA/WPd7FTdJv1A/s1600/IMG_4137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TOvSuyC-52I/AAAAAAAABJA/WPd7FTdJv1A/s640/IMG_4137.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camster climbs to the top - again!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>My Mom came to visit recently, and took us up to <a href="http://www.jiminypeak.com/">Jiminy Peak</a> for a couple of nights. Jiminy Peak, in Adams, MA, is a ski resort, primarily. But in the non-snow months, they have what they call Mountain Adventure Park and Aerial Adventure Park. With all our crazy adventures in <a href="http://vacationschooling.blogspot.com/search/label/Guatemala">Guatemala</a> this summer, the kids felt they had already done the Aerial Adventures, that consisted of zip lines, and a ropes course. So we opted for the Mountain Adventure.<br />
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For one price, we got bracelets which allowed us to go on any of the rides for the whole day. Actually, the first day the weather was too cold and rainy. So, after about 20 minutes, we gave up and turned in our bracelets to try again the next day.<br />
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And the next day was glorious. The kids all enjoyed the kid zone, with the usual bounce house, a mini ropes course, a playground, and a spider web climber. Then they moved on to the rock wall. Jor Man and Campster mastered the rock wall - making it to the top on all the levels multiple times.<br />
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Big Dad and Jor Man went in the big swing. I didn't get a picture of that - but let's just say you don't want to do that one right after eating. No one tossed their cookies, although I nearly did just watching them.<br />
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We broke for lunch - which consisted of the largest plate of Nachos I have ever seen. Yum! <br />
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The bungy-jump followed, with Jor Man able to do a double flip before he was through. Campster was flipping singles. Sher Bear just loved to fly up high.<br />
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The mountain coaster and luge (two separate rides) were the hands-down favorites. I gave up counting how many times they all went up and down. Big Dad did double duty as only one of the girls could go with him at a time, and they weren't tall enough to go on their own. (Nope, I didn't do it.) I stayed with the non-riding child.<br />
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At the end of the day, the hotel pool and wonderful hot tubs were happily received by all. What a great place. We will be back. Thanks to my Mom who made it all possible. :)<br />
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Wish you were here!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04668199083536543993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026930891228507052.post-24213069527123941692010-11-20T12:13:00.000-05:002010-11-20T12:13:25.100-05:00Sowing Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TOgAseUv7tI/AAAAAAAABIY/dfslPM7tFP0/s1600/IMG_4187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TOgAseUv7tI/AAAAAAAABIY/dfslPM7tFP0/s640/IMG_4187.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
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Recent events have only served to remind me of some of the reasons why I homeschool. Children are being bullied to the point of suicide. There is a lot of hate going around. <br />
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How do we, as Christian parents, stand firm on what we believe the Bible says about sexuality, while still teaching that hate is not the response God calls us to?<br />
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Last week I got to see an old friend. He was in NYC to see some shows, and we arranged to meet him at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. My children have many people in their lives who are gay. But because they are children, and are so innocent, they do not yet know. <br />
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They know about sex. We answer all their questions openly and honestly. They see the chickens mating. They have a natural curiosity about such things. And we have always emphasized to them that sex is for marriage only, and between a husband and a wife. I understand that others see this differently. <br />
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As I thought about our upcoming visit with my friend, I knew that he had "married" his partner and would it would probably come up in conversation. I didn't want him to have to hide it - but I also wanted the opportunity to discuss it with my kids beforehand. I knew that they would pick up on it.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TOgAush9lLI/AAAAAAAABIc/Asob003Ntns/s1600/IMG_4188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TOgAush9lLI/AAAAAAAABIc/Asob003Ntns/s400/IMG_4188.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jor Man poses with the Medieval weaponry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>So we talked with the kids about it. I explained to them that there are actually many people in their lives who are gay. This was met with groans and "Yuck" faces. I continued, "Even though we understand that this is not what God would want for them, we need to remember that we also do things that God says not to do."<br />
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"Like what?" Jor Man asked, unbelieving.<br />
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"Like being unkind to your sisters." I answered. "We all fall short and do things that God tells us not to do. That is what Jesus died for. To love us anyway." I explained that some kids in America had been bullied for being gay. "Is that how God wants us to treat people?" I asked. <br />
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"We should love them," was Sher Bear's reponse. Jor Man was least comfortable. I assured him that we would not ever put him in harm's way. <br />
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The whole idea of loving people who were openly doing what God said was wrong was difficult for them to "sit with". We will need to revisit it again and again, I expect.<br />
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But the day came, and we went to the Museum. I met my friend, and informed him of our little experiment. I told him that I wanted them to have the opportunity to meet someone, knowing that they are gay, and see that they can still choose to be loving of him. <br />
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My friend was glad to go along and be the "guinea pig" in my social experiment. I told him that if my kids made comments that were rude, I hoped he would forgive it, and point it out to them. Thankfully, that wasn't necessary. <br />
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At first when they met him, they were a bit afraid. They hung back a bit. But within five minutes, they were fighting over who got to hold his hand, and Jor Man was regaling him with Greek Mythology.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TOgAw9veoKI/AAAAAAAABIg/H1-hKxIZ2mY/s1600/IMG_4201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TOgAw9veoKI/AAAAAAAABIg/H1-hKxIZ2mY/s640/IMG_4201.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids, my friend and I, in front of a Pollock</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Somewhere, amidst all the paintings, and pottery, the statues and the lunch, they forgot that he was gay, and just enjoyed him. When we left the museum, I asked the kids what their favorite thing in the museum was. "Bill!!" They all cried out. I think it was a success.<br />
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Wish you were here!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04668199083536543993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026930891228507052.post-87227983042442876722010-11-14T16:10:00.001-05:002010-11-14T16:15:09.673-05:00Gifts<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TOBLAfuEowI/AAAAAAAABHo/XBCNAR5b5-A/s1600/IMG_4208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TOBLAfuEowI/AAAAAAAABHo/XBCNAR5b5-A/s640/IMG_4208.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fairy princesses making fairy houses at Sher Bear's birthday party</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Sher Bear had a birthday this week. Yup! She's FIVE. I wish you could see her do it - her hand so proudly foisted forward, palm out, fingers at attention, face all smile and eyes. <br />
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<div style="text-align: right;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TOBNL9m6n1I/AAAAAAAABH0/vfm8AKwOfNE/s1600/IMG_4223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TOBNL9m6n1I/AAAAAAAABH0/vfm8AKwOfNE/s640/IMG_4223.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fairies deliver "dew drops" through the Fairy Obstacle Course, designed by Jor Man</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Lately, there has been considerable discussion amongst my friends about gifts and how to handle them. So here's how we do birthdays and Christmas. I'm not saying my way is the right way - just sharing how we do things, because I understand it's a little different than the norm. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TOBNOpbvLKI/AAAAAAAABH4/ByfEBnx7pHk/s1600/IMG_4226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TOBNOpbvLKI/AAAAAAAABH4/ByfEBnx7pHk/s640/IMG_4226.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pixie and her dew drop in the tunnel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>First off, now that the kids are getting a substantial allowance for doing their "helping hands" it is expected that they will buy presents for birthdays and Christmas. So, for Sher Bear's birthday, both Jor Man and Campster chose and purchased presents for her with their own money. Creativity is fine. They can make something instead of buying something. This helps keep the focus on the giving rather than the getting. They really love giving their gift, and seeing the joy in response. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TOBOLb31jCI/AAAAAAAABH8/yyntQJtzyXA/s1600/IMG_4237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TOBOLb31jCI/AAAAAAAABH8/yyntQJtzyXA/s640/IMG_4237.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sher Bear and her Fairy cake</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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On the child's actual birthday, they get to chose what we do that day. For example, Sher Bear chose to have coffee cake (homemade and gluten free) for breakfast, waffles (ditto) for lunch and (get this!) popcorn with chocolate chips and marshmallows for dinner. She didn't have to do her chores that day. And she got to decide what games we played, what movies we watched, etc. She ate it up! Jor Man was wonderful about it. Campster learned a lesson in humility. It was hard for her to have Sher Bear get her way all day. <br />
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For her birthday party, Sher Bear got to invite five friends (and their siblings and parents) because she is five years old. She picked the menu (Cranberry everything!) and the theme (Fairies). We went all out, and did it up really nice for her. And, as usual, that was her present from Mom and Dad. The party IS the present.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TOBPZnjtHrI/AAAAAAAABIM/5gcNwE1rx2U/s1600/IMG_4248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TOBPZnjtHrI/AAAAAAAABIM/5gcNwE1rx2U/s640/IMG_4248.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing Fairy Freeze Dance</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We do a similar thing at Christmas. We all get little presents for each other, but for the kids, Mom and Dad do the stockings. Our kids know "the truth about Santa" from the very beginning. So they know that Mom buys the presents to put in the stockings. And the stockings are their Christmas presents from Mom and Dad. They have plenty of other presents to open on Christmas day - and, again, we want the emphasis to be on Jesus and on giving.<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;"></div>To that end, each child chooses the gifts that they bought and wrapped, and hands them to their recipients. This makes it special between the giver and the giv-ee. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TOBPxKgiZBI/AAAAAAAABIQ/766uoxY8qmg/s1600/IMG_4264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TOBPxKgiZBI/AAAAAAAABIQ/766uoxY8qmg/s640/IMG_4264.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fairies playing "Hot Potato" with the "Take Home" bags</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I was surprised by how many people I shared this with who thought that they <u>had</u> to get their kids presents on their birthdays. Expensive stuff. Nope. Not here. We simply can't afford it. And I know that a lot of other families can't right now, either. And yet we feel that our kids have to have stuff that they don't need and we can't afford in order for us to feel like "good" parents. Let yourself off the hook. <br />
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Wish you were here!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04668199083536543993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026930891228507052.post-20717883720749745502010-11-10T08:30:00.000-05:002010-11-10T08:30:18.265-05:00Museum of Art @ Rhode Island School of Design<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TNqXVHXaV4I/AAAAAAAABF0/mVAI_j5asAE/s1600/IMG_4157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TNqXVHXaV4I/AAAAAAAABF0/mVAI_j5asAE/s640/IMG_4157.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids at Brown University</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TNqXcU-ppWI/AAAAAAAABF4/Fnl4ahB6L-I/s1600/IMG_4158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TNqXcU-ppWI/AAAAAAAABF4/Fnl4ahB6L-I/s640/IMG_4158.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The girls wanted me to take this picture of the public art at Brown.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TNqXhhGNWUI/AAAAAAAABF8/Werieprt3i0/s1600/IMG_4159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TNqXhhGNWUI/AAAAAAAABF8/Werieprt3i0/s640/IMG_4159.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The leaves were so lovely against the old buildings at Brown.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TNqXlFkFH5I/AAAAAAAABGA/V_tS78E9HuI/s1600/IMG_4160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TNqXlFkFH5I/AAAAAAAABGA/V_tS78E9HuI/s640/IMG_4160.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Autumn leaves</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TNqXyajzCzI/AAAAAAAABGM/3BQ31VICgEs/s1600/IMG_4163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TNqXyajzCzI/AAAAAAAABGM/3BQ31VICgEs/s640/IMG_4163.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Campster and Sher Bear admiring the Egyptian sarcophagus</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TNqX2CUkcaI/AAAAAAAABGQ/9GQgmi2o8zM/s1600/IMG_4164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TNqX2CUkcaI/AAAAAAAABGQ/9GQgmi2o8zM/s640/IMG_4164.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sher Bear's jaw dropped when she saw a real mummy</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TNqX7cAIu9I/AAAAAAAABGU/8mB_ui32HLg/s1600/IMG_4165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TNqX7cAIu9I/AAAAAAAABGU/8mB_ui32HLg/s400/IMG_4165.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Model of an Egyptian Boat</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TNqX_WNlLaI/AAAAAAAABGY/E2A3E952cYE/s1600/IMG_4166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TNqX_WNlLaI/AAAAAAAABGY/E2A3E952cYE/s640/IMG_4166.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ancient Buddhadista - wooden statuary</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TNqYEMm4jRI/AAAAAAAABGc/CqQqfRjG08k/s1600/IMG_4167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TNqYEMm4jRI/AAAAAAAABGc/CqQqfRjG08k/s640/IMG_4167.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Huge Japanese Buddha Sculpture in Wood</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TNqYHfko8kI/AAAAAAAABGg/6_6621e0d-w/s1600/IMG_4168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TNqYHfko8kI/AAAAAAAABGg/6_6621e0d-w/s640/IMG_4168.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Campster wanted me to take a photo of this Tibetan, gold dagger for Jor Man, who was on the older kids tour.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TNqYLqKBugI/AAAAAAAABGk/NFrzzNWxDd0/s1600/IMG_4169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TNqYLqKBugI/AAAAAAAABGk/NFrzzNWxDd0/s640/IMG_4169.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sher Bear wanted me to take a picture of this "beautiful jewelry"</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TNqYQMG8j1I/AAAAAAAABGo/1lVcODBK5pM/s1600/IMG_4170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TNqYQMG8j1I/AAAAAAAABGo/1lVcODBK5pM/s640/IMG_4170.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This Babylonian wall art depicts the false goddess Ishtar as a lion.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TNqYUctDf8I/AAAAAAAABGs/uYIXn0E0a9Y/s1600/IMG_4171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TNqYUctDf8I/AAAAAAAABGs/uYIXn0E0a9Y/s640/IMG_4171.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The girls listen intently as our docent explains the battle story told by the intricately carved, marble sarcophagus.</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TNqYZMoa4nI/AAAAAAAABG0/Bm1DjDPag38/s1600/IMG_4173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TNqYZMoa4nI/AAAAAAAABG0/Bm1DjDPag38/s640/IMG_4173.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jor Man took this picture of Athena</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TNqYoSN1UOI/AAAAAAAABHI/oyqW2prW7qY/s1600/IMG_4178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TNqYoSN1UOI/AAAAAAAABHI/oyqW2prW7qY/s640/IMG_4178.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Gryphon carved on a stone casket</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TNqY32_Gc0I/AAAAAAAABHY/7igQ0ZOA5RY/s1600/IMG_4182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TNqY32_Gc0I/AAAAAAAABHY/7igQ0ZOA5RY/s640/IMG_4182.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the marquis for the First Baptist Church in America. I really liked it!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Yesterday, the kids and I drove to Rhode Island. I don't know that I have ever been to RI before. It's lovely. I particularly liked Providence with its old, historic buildings on steep hills. Jor Man thought it would be great for skateboarding (if you want to die young!), and Sher Bear had fun stuffing her pockets full of all the beautiful leaves she found along the way.<br />
<br />
Since we got there a little early, we walked over to <a href="http://www.brown.edu/">Brown University</a> and looked around. It was very nice. Everyone was quietly studying away. Jor Man and I talked about the different types of architecture represented in their quadrangle. Campster insisted that I take pictures of the art.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TNqY95lNIlI/AAAAAAAABHc/4z731aaN76g/s1600/IMG_4183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TNqY95lNIlI/AAAAAAAABHc/4z731aaN76g/s640/IMG_4183.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The First Baptist Church in America</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Then we walked back down the hill to the <a href="http://www.risd.edu/museum.cfm">Rhode Island School of Design's Museum of Art</a> for a tour. This tour was arranged by the Family Resource Center. They have an amazing collection of art from all eras. But our tour focused specifically on art from ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. Although we also saw their collections of modern, Chinese, Japanese, textile and Tibetan art.<br />
<br />
It had been a while since we had been on a long drive, and I was surprised how much the kids enjoyed it. I had told them I would get them up at 6:45 am, but they were all up and dressed at 6:10 am! I guess they were excited. It was nice to realize that we do travel well, and fall into a certain rhythm in the car. So, were going to do it again, soon!<br />
<br />
Wish you were here!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04668199083536543993noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026930891228507052.post-22381991959744689922010-11-08T12:02:00.000-05:002010-11-08T12:02:59.881-05:00Double Pharaoh Crown of Egypt<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TNgpSWeZLcI/AAAAAAAABFI/koFmkp-0FzQ/s1600/IMG_3926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TNgpSWeZLcI/AAAAAAAABFI/koFmkp-0FzQ/s640/IMG_3926.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walk like an Egyptian.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Because Sher Bear really wants to study Egypt this year, we are getting together with another homeschool family and doing projects every so often. First we did cave paintings, and next we made Pharaoh Crowns. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TNgpZgEDZEI/AAAAAAAABFQ/wxpPNh71VVg/s1600/IMG_3928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TNgpZgEDZEI/AAAAAAAABFQ/wxpPNh71VVg/s640/IMG_3928.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sher Bear rocks the Pharaoh crown.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Originally Egypt was split into the Upper and Lower Kingdoms. The Pharaoh (or king) of the Upper Kingdom wore the white crown. And the Pharaoh of the Lower Kingdom wore the red crown. When the Upper Kingdom was victorious over the Lower Kingdom, the conquering Pharaoh wore a double crown, also called a sekhemty.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: small;"> </span> (F<a href="http://www.reshafim.org.il/ad/egypt/crowns/index.html">or more info on the history of Egyptian crowns, see this website.</a>)<br />
<br />
Our crowns were made out of foam sheets, and colored duct tape. We used the pattern in the book,<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Historical-Headgear-Helmets-History-Ancients/dp/0977229106?ie=UTF8&tag=hillegeistfam-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Historical Headgear, Hats and Helmets</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=hillegeistfam-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0977229106" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TNgpf6qOgnI/AAAAAAAABFY/DvO7YmzcR9s/s1600/IMG_3930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TNgpf6qOgnI/AAAAAAAABFY/DvO7YmzcR9s/s640/IMG_3930.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jor Man making Pharaoh faces.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TNgpqcMkSbI/AAAAAAAABFk/H3BiVhRcaUc/s1600/IMG_3933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TNgpqcMkSbI/AAAAAAAABFk/H3BiVhRcaUc/s640/IMG_3933.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Campster's crown needs to be adjusted.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TNgpx_lkD6I/AAAAAAAABFo/eGiLUIuez9o/s1600/IMG_3934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TNgpx_lkD6I/AAAAAAAABFo/eGiLUIuez9o/s640/IMG_3934.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pharaoh fun!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Wish you were here!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04668199083536543993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026930891228507052.post-78872419475222809282010-11-06T07:34:00.006-04:002010-11-06T13:23:48.381-04:00Train Your Child to be Unhappy<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TNU6UntEyoI/AAAAAAAABEc/iO-nYtEykOY/s1600/IMG_4128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TNU6UntEyoI/AAAAAAAABEc/iO-nYtEykOY/s640/IMG_4128.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Happy Sher Bear</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Did you know that you can train your child to be unhappy? Yup. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">I saw </span></span><a href="http://www.blogher.com/our-ultrasound-dilemma"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">this post</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> on BlogHer this morning, and I gotta say, I really take issue with the whole assumption behind the post.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Now I don't know if the link above will work for you or not, so, here's a quick synopsis: The mom writing has a three-year-old and is pregnant with her second child. Like most parents, they went all out on the first kid, including getting a 3D ultrasound from one of those private companies (not doctor prescribed). All of which I have no problem with.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Now she is realizing that, while she really excited about the second child, she doesn't feel the need to get the whoop-dee-do ultrasound for $200 this time.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Her question is, and I quote: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Will my January baby someday feel slighted (or even unwanted) because we skipped the fancy ultrasound? </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Is it unfair of us to not give the same gift to our January baby that we gave to Gracie (a DVD of her in utero)?</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">In response, people have written in about their experiences as a child with not getting equal treatment as their siblings. And on the whole, it's split about 50/50 as to whether they were upset about it or not.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">I think they all miss the point.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Is the point of parenting to make certain that your child is happy? </span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Not that we wouldn't all want our children to be happy. Of course we do!! But is that something that we can achieve by making certain everything is fair?</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Say it with me: Life isn't fair.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">It occurs to me that the happiest people I know are not the ones who get things their way all the time. No, they are the people who have learned to roll with it. They understand that life has its ups and downs, and they don't get all bent out of shape when things don't go like they expected.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Just looking at the responses to the blog post - everyone who responded was writing about a time when things were not equal between them and their siblings. Yet half of them chose to assume that one must be upset about such injustice, and the other half didn't think it was a big deal. Any bets as to which half is happier on the whole?</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">So how does this play out in our day-in, day-out parenting? I find scripts to be helpful tools. So here are two scripts. In this first script, the parent is training their child to use unhappiness to try to motivate themselves and others in their life. The parent has the best intentions, but they are not able with this method to achieve the happy child that they were after.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Kid: Mom! Sister got a better doll than me. That's not fair.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Mom: Your doll is nice. (Trying to convince child they are wrong, and it is fair.)</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Kid: No, it's not. It's stupid. Hers is bigger and has fancier clothes.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Mom: Well, it was her birthday. Maybe you'll get a bigger, fancier doll on your birthday. (Agreeing that it wasn't fair, and should be. But encouraging her to wait.)</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Kid: I want a nice doll now! (Whines, stomps foot, pouts.)</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Mom: (Convinced that child is unhappy, and wanting to "fix" it.) How about we go and order a new one for you? </span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Kid: (Smiling.) Okay!! Thanks, Mom!!</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Can you see in the above example how this child now knows that being unhappy will get them what they want? Next time they want something (give them a few minutes!) they will try being unhappy again. Meanwhile, Mom is believing that child is happy now, and that she's done her job by "making" the child happy.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Now let's try an example of Mom not training her child to be unhappy.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Kid: Mom! Sister got a better doll than me. That's not fair.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Mom: Yup, she did. (Not denying reality.)</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Kid: I want a nice doll! (Stomps foot, whines, pouts.)</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Mom: Don't you stomp your foot at me. If you want something, use a nice voice.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Kid: Mom? (turns on the charm) May I please have a nice doll like sister's? (Smiles a fake happy smile.)</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Mom: Thank you for asking in your nice voice. Sure. If you want to save your allowance, I'd be happy to help you buy that doll.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Kid: That's not fair!! I want a nice doll, now!! (Tries stomping and whining again.)</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Mom: Please go to your room. That is not the way we behave in this house. </span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Kid: (Growling on their way.)</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">After a short while, Mom goes to Kid's room.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Mom: Are you ready to come out and be happy?</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Kid: Yes, Ma'am. (Not looking super happy, but no longer angry.)</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">In this scenario, it's harder for Mom to feel like she's done "a good job" in helping her child to be happier. But in the long run, this kid will choose to be happy or not - but they will know that being unhappy does not work to motivate Mom.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Perhaps, if the doll was really something that they wanted, they will save up and get the doll. But the doll is not the important thing - the heart is. </span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">I find myself shaking my head at the whole idea of some one thinking about spending $200 they wouldn't otherwise spend, just in case a child, who isn't born yet, might decide to feel offended at some point in the future. I don't want to spend my years as a mom walking on those kind of eggshells.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">So can we get rid of that </span></span><a href="http://vacationschooling.blogspot.com/2010/10/shoulds.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">should</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">: Everything SHOULD be fair and equal among siblings? </span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">I have.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">(For more information about Happy Parenting, please check out </span></span><a href="http://www.option.org/programs:parenting-solution,8"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">www.option.org</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> - that's where I learned it.)</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Wish you were here!</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04668199083536543993noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026930891228507052.post-69696601839425906482010-11-05T09:58:00.001-04:002010-11-05T10:00:34.960-04:00Sitting in the chair<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TNM-OCR0UeI/AAAAAAAABEU/_FJosutQ1zg/s1600/IMG_2279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TNM-OCR0UeI/AAAAAAAABEU/_FJosutQ1zg/s640/IMG_2279.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> This painting of a rustic chair, by Heidi Hafemeister Dagen, now hangs in our dining room.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We want our kids to fall in love with Jesus. The problem with this is that we cannot see God. We are asking them to believe in an invisible superhero, who loves them. How can we demonstrate God's love in a way that they can see?<br />
<br />
Imagine that there is an invisible chair. We might tell others about the chair, but without seeing it, they would not be likely to believe. We could describe the chair in detail, but they would still not be seeing. <br />
<br />
The only way for others to "see" the invisible chair is for us to sit in it. And put our feet up. When we are resting all of our weight on the chair, then others are able to see it supporting us.<br />
<br />
It is like this with Jesus. We can talk about Him, describe Him, tell stories of what He has done. But it is only when we are completely dependent on Him, with nothing else supporting us, that those around us can see Him. Then, and only then, are they likely to be willing to sit in the chair themselves.<br />
<br />
As parents, we often want to shield our children from our fears, our concerns, and our troubles. But in order for them to see Jesus at work in our lives, we need to pull back the curtain a bit, and let them see our dependence on Him.<br />
<br />
When life is full of trouble, sit down and put your feet up. "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." Matthew 11:29</span><br />
<br />
Wish you were here!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04668199083536543993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026930891228507052.post-31279524610513784762010-11-04T09:00:00.000-04:002010-11-04T09:00:01.172-04:00Pen PalsWhen I was young, my travel agent parents arranged a pen pal for me. She lived in Vienna, Austria and wanted to practice her english. So we sent letters back and forth for a long time.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TNHKHF2QI5I/AAAAAAAABEM/OnkPnHdRS3k/s1600/IMG_3852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TNHKHF2QI5I/AAAAAAAABEM/OnkPnHdRS3k/s640/IMG_3852.JPG" width="480" /></a>Now I am trying to think of ways to encourage Campster to write. She made a good friend last year at <a href="http://vacationschooling.blogspot.com/2010/02/boston-part-one.html">Aquarium School</a>. The two girls were inseparable every class. So I suggested to the other girl's mother that they become pen pals. <br />
<br />
We certainly could have done it over email. And they could have even talked on the phone. But I think there is just something special about getting an old fashioned letter in the mail. <br />
<br />
So Campster and her friend have been writing back and forth. Her letters are brief, and covered with artwork. She's had the opportunity to practice letter writing and addressing envelopes. She gets to work on her penmanship and spelling. And when the letter arrives, she gets to read and practice that all important skill of deciphering someone else's handwriting. Of course, Campster doesn't realize any of this. She just thinks it's fun, because it is.<br />
<br />
The internet could come in handy when finding a pen pal. There are so many Christian Homeschooling blogs and sites up - If you want to find a pen pal for your child, just ask around. You could also have Grandparents, Aunt or Uncles or cousins write.<br />
<br />
By the way, the purpose of these letters is not to have them be perfect. Don't ruin the fun by insisting that their penmanship be neat, the words spelled correctly, or even the sentences complete. It's all about writing for fun and for the joy of relationship.<br />
<br />
You could decorate some plain paper with stamps to make "Stationery". Postcards are fun for older kids with smaller handwriting. Think of including photos or artwork as a part of the letter. Talk with your child about the process of getting to know someone and making chit-chat. <br />
<br />
Wish you were here!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04668199083536543993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026930891228507052.post-1889118190082211412010-11-03T11:04:00.001-04:002010-11-03T11:08:09.344-04:00Vote Early, Vote Often<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TNF1f3Evs6I/AAAAAAAABD8/O60p8YFkk4U/s1600/IMG_4150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TNF1f3Evs6I/AAAAAAAABD8/O60p8YFkk4U/s640/IMG_4150.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sher Bear writing her name on her ballot</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
I grew up in Chicago, where <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vote_early_and_vote_often">"Vote Early, Vote Often"</a> was more of a tradition than a mafia joke. <br />
<br />
But, seriously, if you are an American, did you vote yesterday? We did. <br />
<br />
After breakfast, we took the kids to Town Hall and up the stairs to the polling place. One of the benefits of living in a small, rural town is that we knew almost everyone, and they were fine about the kids being there - reminding us politely that the kids were not to touch our ballots. They gave each of the kids their own "Sample Ballot" same as we had, but printed on bright yellow paper so as not to be confused with the real thing. <br />
<br />
Then we all went into our little cubbies and got to the voting. The girls filled out their ballots, too, copying Mom's and Dad's. And Sher Bear even wrote her name on her ballot. (I'll have to talk to her about how voting is supposed to be anonymous).<br />
<br />
If you voted yesterday, kudos to you! I hope you took your kids with and talked about the process, and the privilege we have in the US. I commented to the kids as we crossed the street after voting, "We are so blessed to be able to vote at all. Blessed to be able to vote as women. And blessed to be voting without threat of violence for having done so." How nice to realize that there we no guns on the streets on election day. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TNF1hvfDHYI/AAAAAAAABEA/4LZSk_yOub0/s1600/IMG_4151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TNF1hvfDHYI/AAAAAAAABEA/4LZSk_yOub0/s640/IMG_4151.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Campster carefully considers her vote</td></tr>
</tbody></table>If you didn't vote yesterday, please make sure to register to vote this week and do so next time. I believe it is important to instill in my children not only the right to vote - but the responsibility. Please understand me, I am not saying that this is a <a href="http://vacationschooling.blogspot.com/2010/10/shoulds.html">should</a>. I am saying that voting is a use it or lose it proposition. If enough of us fail to vote over the years, our children will not see the value, and we lose that wonderful privilege. Please make sure you are registered to vote, and take your kids with you so they see how it's done.<br />
<br />
Regardless of whether you voted or not, take time over the next few days to share <a href="http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2010/results/main.results/">the election results</a>. My kids were excited to compare their "ballots" with the election results. I won't tell you how we fared, because, excepting where your rights to homeschool or parent are concerned, this is not a blog about politics. <br />
<br />
But most states (I'd hazard a guess that all) require that you teach your children federal, state and local government. And here's your opportunity. Talk with your kids about why you voted the way you did. Explain your choices and do your best to express the alternate viewpoint and what you see as it's shortcomings.<br />
<br />
Ideas for next election: Get involved early. Candidates would love your help stuffing envelopes or delivering fliers. Visit your state capitol building and talk about how it all works. If you need a refresher course, <a href="http://bensguide.gpo.gov/">here is a great website</a> explaining how our government is set up. Or, break out your <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Schoolhouse-Rock-Special-30th-Anniversary/dp/B00005JKTY?ie=UTF8&tag=hillegeistfam-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Schoolhouse Rock DVD</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=hillegeistfam-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B00005JKTY" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> and dance around the living room while you learn about how bills turn into laws.<br />
<br />
Lastly, I want to share <a href="http://ParentalRights.org/">ParentalRights.org</a> with you. Please take a moment to go over to their <a href="http://www.parentalrights.org/">website</a> and get familiar with what your rights are as a parent, and how they are in jeopardy. It's important, and most parents I know didn't have a clue about these important issues until I told them.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TNF1j_cjFBI/AAAAAAAABEE/w8YkAzuVVL8/s1600/IMG_4152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NKuVjOJGuW0/TNF1j_cjFBI/AAAAAAAABEE/w8YkAzuVVL8/s640/IMG_4152.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apres Voting. Jor Man is camera shy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Wish you were here!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04668199083536543993noreply@blogger.com0