Something's Still Missing ...

Perhaps I misspoke when I attributed my funk to simply not celebrating the season in the right manner. Perhaps I am going through some existential crisis, one more penetrating than in years past. For this one did not simply descend upon me in the post-celebration hours, after the wrapping on the last present had been torn open and the requisite, "Ooh" 's has been spoken. Rather this one has been lingering for well over a month now - a deep, persistent, dark mood, in which thoughts concerning aging parents, children growing both up and away from me, a world that confounds me at times, and other meandering thoughts pervade my stream of consciousness. The therapist in me might attribute it to a depression of sorts, but the realist in me eschews such labels. For my thoughts, while dark, are actually valid concerns, not at all outlandish or unrealistic. This season of celebration and joy has compounded the problem, as I no longer wish to defend the "Christ" in Christmas as belonging to the actual Christ. The commercialism of the holiday, and reading about the actual pagan roots of the celebration, have all but depleted me of any desire to do battle with secular critics who want the world to simply be about their here and now. Let them have their belief system - or their non-belief system. I have discovered how truly unfulfilling a faith centered around a single day of celebration can be. I need more - I know there can be more. A feeling of being uplifted by the spirit of faith can transcend the emptiness that fills the air, as the last carols of the season fade into the distance, and the last ribbon from the final gift is undone and discarded.



I reached for a book from my shelves this afternoon, looking to immerse myself in a piece of literature, a joy I have not indulged in for many weeks now. The book that my fingers came to rest upon was Mere Christianity, by C.S. Lewis. I have only discovered Lewis in my adulthood, another unfortunate failure of my education. By the first few paragraphs of the preface, I knew I was being led to this book, much as we need to hear from a friend when we are down, or receive a bit of welcome news just at the moment all looks so terribly bleak.

'...be assured that God is well aware of "what a wretched machine

you are trying to drive", and asks only that

you "keep on, doing the best you can" ' ...

Something's Been Missing ...

And, although I could not put my finger on it, it had left enough of a void so as to dampen my Christmas spirit. But today... today I found it - THE MUSIC!!! I had not been filling the house with Christmas tunes. The stereo had been moved to the lower level, and we have been congregating near the space heater. (Electric heat - blah!!!). While perusing blogs, I was led to some YOUtube videos featuring Christmas music - and they were inspirational. Young or old, inner city kids or some prep school group, A Capella or the full-frontal assault of Trans-Siberian Orchestra - it is just so beautiful. My new favorite? Straight No Chaser. Wonderful, just wonderful. So it wasn't an existential crisis about the true meaning of Christmas being thwarted by modern-day, humanism-induced, societal pressure to promote the merits of commercialism, devoid of any spiritual significance. Boy, that's a relief. Now, go listen to something that lifts your soul to the Heavens and allows it to fly. Merry Christmas!

A Moment, Please ...

Can I just say .... Core 5 ... Ambleside Online ... combine them all ...keep them separate ... change math curriculum ... World Geography ... World Cultures ... Human Anatomy & Physiology ... multi-level ....individual plans ... free resources ... save my sanity ... buy the IGs ...ring Christmas bells ...

AHGGGGGGGG!!!

That is all.

Weekly Report, December 19

December's scheduled studies are done!

Bible - check

Latin - check

Math - check

Grammar - check

Science - check

History - check

Reading, reading, and some more reading - check

Fine Arts - yeah, there was some

I'm satisfied. Have a wonderful holiday - whatever that may mean for you and your family.

Draw Squad Earns Its Place ...

Sometime in September or so, Drawing with Children began to wear me down. It was definitely not pick-me-up-and-go. And I was out of ideas on how to proceed. Now, please don't misunderstand - what it does, it does well. But I felt it was limited in its scope. So we made the switch to Draw Squad. And we could not be happier! These are some of the drawings the kids worked on yesterday. They tend to just pick up where they left off, and never need any help - a big plus.

After wrestling with Blogger over my preferred formatting of this post, I am relegated to a post-script in order to give credit to the artists. The first and last pictures were completed by my 10-year-old, the second one by my 7 yo and the comic-strip types by my 9 yo.

At a Safe Distance ...

We spent the morning listening to "At the Back of the North Wind", and working on Draw Squad projects. I also made pizza and chocolate chip oatmeal cookies, while the little ones watched Leave It to Beaver on NetFlix. And now, while I nurse my two fingers that I happened to burn while removing the warm cookies from the still-very-hot baking sheet, I took some time to visit some of the blogs that I only allow myself once in a while. These are the blogs where there has been a loss - namely the loss of a child. And the hurt is there, despite the time that has lapsed. And the hurt is deep, and tangible, and painful to the reader. Yet, I visit because I need to - and because I hope to sense that there is healing going on, while at the same time I wonder how one can ever heal from such a wound. And from a safe distance, I am almost grateful it is them - the stranger in internet-space - and not me, although I know it could, and does, happen to anyone. I want to ask them how they go on, how they get up in the morning after the first fog of sleepiness lifts, and the reality - all too new and fresh - once again hits. I want to ask them how they manage to shake the dreams in which the child is so real, so alive. I want to ask - but I do not. But while I do not, I want to say to those Moms, I am so sorry for your loss and your pain - and the stories of your children's lives have touched me deeply. Thank you for sharing, because in that sharing has come a renewed sense of how truly blessed I am. And when I kiss my children tonight, and tuck them in, I will be thinking of you, and the child you once held, and kissed goodnight. And then I will give my little one yet another kiss in memory of your little one.

Weekly Report, December 12

With one week to go before our Christmas Break, the kiddies are working hard. I gave them a schedule for the entire three weeks of December, so they know what is expected of them. The older twin is working ahead, as usual. I know her pretty little head is filled with the notion of completing all her work by next Wednesday, and extending her vacation by a few days. As long as her work retains the quality of excellence that I have come to expect from her, I do not care if it takes her three days - or three weeks. Well, that is a bit of an exaggeration, but I think you get the point. On the other hand, I have the younger twin who aims for three weeks - leaving all to the last minute. Must be nice to be able to not feel pressured.



Here is the run-down of the highlights of our academic achievements this week:



In Latin, the oldest twin and I began Lesson 4 in Lively Latin. We are meshing this with a repeat of Latina Christiana I, in which we are on Lesson 6. The vocabulary and grammar review is really going well, and she is breezing through the exercises. Also, and more importantly for what I have defined as the goal of our Latin studies, the derivatives are coming to her more easily. Last year, the derivatives were a stretch, especially during the Ludere exercises, which are very ambiguous. I know Memoria Press schedules LCII over a period of 1 1/2 years, but I think she is getting more from a repeat of LCI, laying down a stronger foundation for later Latin study. Since I have not decided on her Latin studies for junior high yet, (Latin in the Christian Trivium looks very enticing to me), I am comfortable not rushing her at this level. I am much less inclined to rush through any program now - only nine years later in this journey. I had to learn, through teaching subjects like Latin, and reading about the teachings of Charlotte Mason, as well as studying resources like Ambleside On-line, how to slowly digest information, savoring it like a fine wine, swirling it around, allowing only little bits so as not to overwhelm the taster. This approach has made a significant difference in our studies and the retention of the material. Multum non multa - perhaps the most significant words I have ever read concerning home-schooling, and life. Thank you, Andrew Campbell!

I would like to add a bit here about Lively Latin. When I first purchased this, I was looking for a change from LC. The videos were driving me mad. I alternated between dozing off and yelling at the kids for making fun of the (occasional) stuttering of the teacher. I did not really "get" Lively Latin, at first. It was hard for me to plan, because I did not have an actual book in hand. Reading the lesson directly off the computer is hard for me. And printing the teacher's lesson is cost-prohibitive. The layout of the lessons was so different from LC. I was confused as to what was being taught. It has taken a few false starts, and a few months of shying away from Latin, to bring me to realizing that LL 's strength lies in grammar, a weakness in LC, in my opinion. And LC is strong in vocabulary. So, the meshing of the two has worked very well for us. Utilizing Ludere has helped bring it all together in a very purposeful manner.

In math, we have been using the Teaching Company's Basic Math videos to supplement our study of fractions. Even my little guy got in on the lesson, explaining to me that if you have two-thirds and take away one piece, you will only be left with one. Sometimes he comes up with answers at the least expected moment. It is a little freaky! Watching the video and doing some supplementary worksheets has worked well. The Older Twin also did four lessons in her Rod & Staff 7 book, all focusing on units of measure - time & time zones, length, area, volume, etc. I am still at a loss as to what text to use with the Younger Twin. Switching publishers is more difficult than I imagined. We are doing math each day, just without a text as a spine. I feel time spent reviewing basic operations at a lower level is working well with this particular child, simply because he is not motivated. The Bear is almost done with Singapore 1B, and Rod & Staff 1. This combination has worked so well with her. Singapore does well with the mental math, and Rod & Staff has really helped with daily drill of math facts. I am a bit concerned with how teacher-intensive Singapore is, as we approach level 2. But I know it will be worth the effort.

The Twins, Little Bear, and Rocky listened as I read The Story Book of Science. From our readings, we learned about ants, and we did some research using United Streaming and the encyclopedia. The idea of ants as milk maids and lice as cows was fascinating to them. United Streaming has quite possible been the best investment of the year. (The exception being the time I wanted to watch a modern-day interpretation of Twelfth Night - when I have some time, I will share that with you.) I turn to it frequently to supplement our studies. (Video supplementation has come a long was since the infrequent and oftentimes boring supplementation of the projectors of my school days.) Surprisingly, the Older Twin requested that we continue with Real Science- Chemistry. She loves it! (Her words.) She even loves the philosophy and history supplements. So, onward we go. We covered Chapter 2, and she was thrilled (thrilled!!!) when we came upon the activity that required her to create her own planet out of candy. Fifteen minutes later, she had designed a planet made out of candy, with its inhabitants made up of lollipop heads, licorice hair, and twizzler limbs. The water was syrupy, the animals edible gummi bears, and the clouds made of cotton candy. She even wrote about the planet, in rhyme!

"Turn the page to see
All the happiness there could be

If we lived on a world
Made of candy"

We did a read-aloud from SL - My Father's Dragon. I am doing my best to make sure Rocky and Little Bear are not deprived of some of the books I already read to the Twins. The Twins really do enjoy hearing them again, and have not complained at all.

Of course, we covered the basics, such as vocabulary, spelling, and art. Music is mostly Christmas-related. And, I think this has certainly been long enough. So, if you read this far, thank you. And enjoy your weekend!

Developmental Milestones, The State versus ... Me

Are you the type to do something just because it is allowed? What I mean is, do you think about whether or not something is desirable for your family, even necessary, or do you just go forth and do because, well, hey, everyone is doing it? Today, my brother offered to teach my son to drive because, well, he is now 17. And in this state, at 16 you may obtain a learner's permit. Now, while I do appreciate the offer, I felt a bit defensive in that I have thought long and hard about my son's readiness for this responsibility. Let me first say, in my opinion, 16-year-olds are too immature and irresponsible by nature to drive. Cell phones, radios, and friends - as well as a lack of appreciation for the privilege of being entrusted to guide a multi-ton vehicle through the streets of a community - compound my concerns. But I do not make the laws. However, for my family, I do. So, I decided to hold off on this particular right-of-passage until I saw signs of maturity elsewhere in his life. Now this son is quite mature is some regards. And yet there are qualities that are lacking. I do not feel he is focused enough, in a general sense. Just by virtue of his attaining some magic number as stipulated by the Department of Motor Vehicles, my apprehensions have not disappeared. My concerns over this particular privilege taking precedence in his life - at a time when he needs to focus on academics and preparing himself for life beyond high school - I believe are valid. Yes, he will need to learn how to drive. And, yes, that is part of the preparation for life. But, for now, it is not a necessity. And just because the law says "It's time", does not mean Mom says, "It's the right time". Goodness, if I lived my life based on the need to be one of the masses - living by the schedule as dictated by teachers' unions, the PTA, or "the experts" one can see on T.V., all of whom, of course, know what is best for each one of us -I most certainly would not be homeschooling. Nor would I teach my children Latin, eschew television, or be living on one income in a modest house. Keeping up with the Jones is not the game plan I have for my life. I do not care what the Jones' are doing. Decisions for myself and my family are not made lightly - a burden that, at times, makes life a bit more difficult, but does have its rewards.



Tonight, the twins made up a play in which they appear to be arguing in a foreign tongue, but are really reciting the Pater Noster. It was quite amusing, very entertaining, and ... well, odd. But only because I still have the voices of ghosts from my past, labeling me as odd and unusual, the non-conformist who only felt weird when she tried to fit in. So I let them be weird, I encourage their unusual ways, and congratulate them on their unique perspectives. And, as I get older, I am more comfortable with not making decisions just because it is the acceptable way of doing things. It has taken me almost forty years, but I finally realize a party of one can still enjoy the show.

I Do Not Play Favorites ...

I do have five kids. And I do try to be consistent with discipline and my interactions with them. Their personalities, however, tend to require individualized treatment plans. There are some character traits that require ... eh, shall we just say, some honing. But I honestly strive to be fair and consistent. However, when I look into the face of my youngest, something in me goes to mush. Somewhere, deep inside, I actually ache. My husband says my eyes swirl in their sockets and I am transfixed by this little guy. But I just think it has something to do with him being the last of the babies, and my attempt to relish his littleness while he is still ... little!

I cannot imagine looking into a face such as his and NOT believing in God. He personifies perfection. He is beautiful, and sweet, and kind, ... and just a wee bit naughty. And he loves me sooooo much - "one hundwed, milwion, milwion, twenty-eight three thousand" was the exact count last night. And when he grows up, he either wants to be a policeman - 'cause they get to drive fast and give people tickets - or he wants to work at Target to get a discount on Pokemon cards. You got to admit, the boy has aspirations! So, while I do not play favorites, right now, secretly, he is the one who melts me the most.

P.S. If you click on the picture, he is almost life-sized. And you can see his big, blue eyes ... And his little cheeks ... Oh, and how his hair ... Forgive me!!!

Weekly Report

With three weeks planned before Christmas, I need to do this weekly report to assure myself that we are moving forward. We began our study of the history of Christmas, using History Scribe's The History of Christmas. We are using it very loosely, and ended up on the History Channel, watching a series of videos detailing some of the history of the secular holiday.

My 7-year-old began Rod & Staff Spelling this week, and she loves it. She is almost finished with ETC 3, and will begin division in her Singapore 1B text. She has worked her way through the Rod & Staff math workbook independently, and has made progress with multiplication. She is filling out a blank multiplication table up to the 12s two or three times a week, and is doing really well with it. I also have her using the abacus and some rods to help with multiplication. She reports that math is her favorite subject.

The younger twin absolutely dreads Saxon Math. I found an A Beka worktext from his sister, and I am using it while I decide if I want to change him to another program. He is doing well on his tests, but he does not like writing out the problems on a separate sheet of paper. I vacillate as to whether or not this presents a real problem, or it is just laziness on his part. I need to remember that the goal is for him to learn math, and not hate doing it.

The twins both touched on metric system measurements and conversions this week. They did very well with it. They also learned how to diagram direct objects. They completed their study of Taft's presidency, and we watched a United Streaming video on the Titanic. We also studied the Pacific Coast states, found a video on the Scrambled States, read The Hundred Dresses as our read-aloud, learned about Rachel Carson as our biography, and enjoyed As You Like It as our Shakespeare play for the month.

The older twin is continuing with chemistry, but I am questioning this decision on my part. It seems too heavy with all the supplements. I want her to enjoy science, and I do not think this is the way to go right now. I may buy some science kits and keep science light for the next year.

My oldest is working hard to finish this academic year so he can begin a new one - his senior year! The books have been ordered and received (you gotta love Rainbow Resources). I need to work on lesson plans. It will be a challenging year for him, including AP Biology and a world geography and cultures study. We will focus a great deal of time and effort on writing, an area in which I feel he needs improvement. He has finished math through Pre-Calc., and completed Consumer Math this year. I am not sure where to go with his math for the next year. I was thinking Business Math, or accounting - something "light" and practical.

Well, another week down, two to go, two off, and then a new year. Baby steps really add up, don't they? I mean, when you are just going through the daily grind, it can seem so tedious, and you can feel like you did not accomplish anything. But then you put it all together, and you realize another year has passed, the kids have grown physically and mentally- and emotionally - and you can feel good about the efforts everyone has put in to making it all happen. It is a team effort and it is working. Yay, team!!!

Lack of Deliberateness ...

I have been slacking off - in many areas. Keeping up with this blog, laundry, housework ... Yes, Thanksgiving and illness played a part. But, it goes deeper than that. This is usually my favorite time of year. Autumn's coolness is replaced by winter's deep freeze, ever so slowly at first, until it is so cold, you just cannot remember what it was like to feel warm. Yet the holiday season - not the shopping season - brings with it a warmth all its own. I love Thanksgiving. My family used to make it a priority to be together - even if it meant celebrating the Friday after the official holiday. That, however, began to change - until now the family holiday no longer resembles the earlier ones. My love for the holidays is now tinged with sadness, a sadness based on a loss. My children will never know the feeling of big family gatherings -the noise, the laughter, the ridiculousness of the conversations between the braggarts and the bigger braggarts, the general feeling of family beyond those with whom they live on a daily basis. In my own childhood, huge family gatherings became a thing of the past shortly after I was born. Grainy footage is all that remains of the gatherings that preceded my birth - homes overflowing with cousins, and presents, and food; aunts and uncles who knew their nieces and nephews by more than name, and were involved in their lives on a regular basis. Perhaps it was far from idyllic - the fact that it fell out of practice would indicate this. But it was still a period of time I have long wished to be part of, and have truly hoped would be part of my children's experience.

When the first chill of autumn fills the air, it sometimes comes as a shock. After all, it may have been seventy degrees just yesterday. It is not totally unexpected, however, as it is natural, part of the change of seasons. But when change comes to your family, and your family's way of life, and it happens gradually, over many years, as traditions are allowed to slide, or attention is not given to the deliberateness life requires in order for it to be ... good, and special, the shock may be much more deeply felt - and the natural order of things may be such that winter's freeze may never again be replaced by the warmth of spring.

Illness ...

We have been sick here with a stomach flu. Our stomach rumblings are quite impressive - but painful. Three days lost, a mountain of laundry higher than my five-year-old (quite possibly higher than my seventeen-year-old!), and too much time inside has led to less than scintillating thoughts on my part. We are scheduled to resume our studies tomorrow. I am hoping we are all better. Boy, this is a boring post! I apologize. Go read something I wrote earlier - much better!

Blessings ...

Happy Birthday to the Eldest Prince ...

This guy turned 17 today. Now, I don't know how that happened, because I was just 17. But he claims it is true, so ... Anyway, I keep wondering why he is so anxious to grow up and get out of here. I mean, things aren't that bad at home. He has his own room, plenty of electronics, nice clothes, good food to eat. And these guys:






Oh, ....

And Now for the Words ...

We listened to The Legend of Squanto this morning. The crafts were done during this. And it occurred to me, it is during moments like these that I am truly able to see the growth in my children. When we first listened to this recording a few years back, they went into hysterics when Squanto, bullied into revealing his ability to speak, muttered, "Ugh". Today, it was Squanto's difficulty comprehending Christianity, and the various ways man has devised to worship and honor one God and His Son that caught their attention. I know I have periods of deep ... self-doubt, concern, even fear at times about what I am doing. Do they know all they need to know, how they need to know it, when they need to know it? What happens if I am not allowed to do this anymore? Will they fit in? To where can I flee? The future is uncertain, but for now, moments like these help give me the little lift, the tiny pat on the back, the reassurance I need to believe they will be okay. That they are indeed growing, and maturing, and learning.

The Wordless Part of Wednesday ...

Wisdom of the Day ...

Oldest Prince: "I'm really making some progress in history".
Me: "Good. What year are you up to?"
OP: "Well, I'm going to be studying the turn of the (20th) century - your generation".
Me: " ................................................"

Decisions - I finally made one!

I have finally made a decision regarding the upcoming term. After much indecisiveness caused by my second daughter "coming of age" - the age of portfolio, that is - I have decided to use December as our first month of the third term, bringing our year officially to a close in February. So we will finish our Modern Studies, and begin the history cycle anew in April. Or March. Probably as a group. Or maybe not. Well, all I know is that I definitely have December planned. (If I knew how, I could post the schedule - but ...?!!!)

Role Reversal ...

My youngest son is in need of a winter coat, so off to Sears I go, with the intention of seeking comfort and satisfaction in their vast selection of Lands' End garments. Alas, thirty minutes later, we arrive at Sears to find two - two - coats in his size range, one a medium, and one a large. I choose the medium, because he hates anything that is slightly big on him. Thirty-minute return trip, take coat inside, proudly announce to my little boy, "Look what Mommy bought you!". He actually agrees to try it on. (This child runs around in underwear in winter, regardless of the temperature. We have electric heat - 'nuff said.)Of course, it is so tight he can not raise his hands. I apologize for not taking the larger size, and my little man pats me on the head and says, "That's okay, Mommy. I am proud of you for trying."

The "Running Amok" Begins ...

8:12 am and the little buggers are still sleeping. My mother (German) would have been banging on the bedroom door an hour ago, asking us if we intended to waste all our days in this slothful manner. (Is 'slothful' a word? Oh, well, it is now. I do not understand half of what is said by today's youth, so I can declare 'slothful' my new word.) You see, I told you chaos would ensue once we began our break. It is only a matter of time before the true "running" part of the "running amok" commences ... You just can't trust these guys. Look at 'em ... You just know they're trouble with a capital "T"!

I was up late last night and early this morning. A little thing called insomnia has plagued me since I was approximately 9 years old. Three decades later, it has yet to abate. I believe the amount of sleep I get each night would qualify more as a nap, than a restful night's sleep. However, insomnia does have its perks. Last night, I was able to re-do my blog in the peace of the mid-night hour. And this morning, in the pre-dawn hours, I was able to bake two loaves of cinnamon bread and two trays of chocolate chip muffins. Two loads of laundry have been finished, a third is in, e-mails have been answered, and ... they are still asleep!

I highly recommend the King Arthur Flour web-site for a plethora of recipes. I am a big fan of their products, and I especially like that they are employee-owned and operated. They have a recipe for a baking mix that is so versatile. Just prepare it, minus the shortening, and store it in a plastic zip-loc bag or a storage container. Then you have the basic ingredients already mixed for muffins, pancakes, waffles, scones and biscuits. All those yummy treats from one mix. Just add butter, vanilla, milk, and eggs, in varying amounts as the desired treat requires, and ...voila! Never buy Bisquick again!!!

http://kingarthurflour.com/

Summer Vacation in November?

Alllll-righty! Enough messing around with the computer. I have decisions to make. You see, we are officially finished with the second term. So, we could take a break until January. Gives you a shiver up your spine, eh? Me, too. I picture kids sleeping 'til ten, running amok, with large callouses on their fingers from the video game controllers. We need structure, discipline, books, structure, books, structure ... I think you get my point. So, in the interest of fairness to my children, to whom I foolishly explained my reasoning about school during the summer months with promises of an extended break around Thanksgiving and Christmas, I have decided to reflect on what we have done thus far - and what we have learned. And then I will think about what I would like to have be the focus of our infra-session. (You know, like in graduate school, when you had a one-week class, eight hours each day for five days straight. You drank copious amounts of coffee, popped Vivarin pills in your Coke bottles, and just didn't sleep for the entire week. Now, I will amend this structure for the children, but the idea is the same - we will study something we don't have the chance to do during the regular year. I am leaning toward science, which normally gets much less attention than history.)



In history, we are more than half-way through SL Core 4. This includes lots of supplementation, videos, extra readings. I hated history in school. Blech, yuck, yawn ... Now, it is my favorite subject, and easily takes up the majority of our day. We have also learned all the states - geographical locations, postal code abbreviations, vital industries, major bodies of water, etc. And the twins have learned the presidents through the end of the 19th Century, along with pertinent events that marked their presidency. This is helpful for them in constructing a time-line of American History. We have also -very informally - been studying World History with SOTW Volume 4. We have completed some narrations and some note-booking along with that. We will be finishing some studies related to Canadian History this week, but they do not know that yet. Shhhh!



Math varies from child to child, but I am proud of what they have accomplished. I want to loosen up the reins and have them do some exploratory type lessons related to using the metric system, and I have a few other ideas. I also want to continue with the Teaching Company Basic Math videos, up to the point of fractions. I believe this will serve as good review, and does not require much on their part.



Latin has been comprised of review of last year's Latina Christiana's vocabulary and grammar. I also added Lively Latin, and, while I tried to add Little Bear and the Younger Twin, I just felt it was more geared toward the Older Twin. She is approaching Lesson 5. We are supplementing with Ludere Latin, and some on-line declension exercises and vocabulary word searches.



Art is going very well, with their portfolios filling out nicely. Art appreciation has been sporadic, but I plan on planning it better for the third term. The same goes for music appreciation. The girls are working on the recorder on their own. Ballet, tap, and jazz continue as usual.



In science, we did finish The World in a Drop of Water last term. And we have done a good deal of nature study. They have read a dozen or so books about inventors and scientists, etc. The John Hudson Tiner books were popular. The Younger Twin is now reading Pagoo. The Older Twin and I were working our way through The Elements, but we stalled. Now I will begin using Real Science-4-Kids, Chemistry, with History & Philosophy supplements. We did the introduction of all three parts of this program already, and will try to accomplish Chapter 1, at the very least, this week.



Our memory work has consisted of the following:

The Pater Noster, in Latin, & the Our Father, in English

The Table Blessing in both Latin & English

The First & Second Declensions

Numbers to ten in Latin

The story of the founding of Rome

The parts of speech

Conjugation of the being verb in Latin

Mathematical Operations and their constituent parts

The Presidents (up to number 24)

Gettysburg Address - speech itself as well as why it was written

Preamble to the Constitution

United States Government

Name of Lincoln's plan for unification following the Civil War, as well as the competing plan

States that comprise certain geographical area (such as, name the Mid-Atlantic States)

Tell me about the advent of catalogs, department stores, and unions in the United States

Discuss the development of cities and tenement homes

Tell me about the railroad, its development, and the beginnings of suburbs



You know what, this list is getting too long. Obviously, the kids have earned a break. I have not even touched upon our language arts program. I guess I will just plan to focus on some fun science projects for the younger ones, and give the Older Twin time to focus solely on her science course. Of course, I believe we should continue to do some math each day. And if Latin is left to flounder until January ...

A Change of Season ...

Yup, I did it - I changed my blog. I have always enjoyed changing the look of my home by moving furniture around. I guess the "illness" has progressed to my blog. I like it. Now, to get some real work done...

Time ill-spent ...

I just looked at the clock and realized I have been sitting here, at the computer, for more time than I care to admit. I began the evening working on lesson plans, got frustrated with some complications involving Real Science-4-Kids, and decided to look for a new template for my blog. (Yeah, try to follow that line of reasoning.) So, the blog is the same, the template did not take, and lesson plans remain on my list of things to do. When I next click on a blog that is EXACTLY the same template as mine, I will not allow it to bother me. I will just remind myself of this (wasted) evening. Anybody have lesson plans already entered into Homeschool Tracker, for Real Science-4-Kids Chemistry, along with the History & Philosophy supplements? No, I didn't think so. And I bet your blog looks better than mine, too.

Weekly Report ...

(I have finally figured out how to get that header up and running. Thanks to Jessica @ Trivium Academy for the whole weekly reporters concept. 'Cause we home-schooling marms and dads need a means to keep us on the up-and-up.)

This week was supposed to be a week off. But, attitudes and the love of a little electronic thing known as Wii made me decide against an entire week off from academics. So, while this was not our typical school week, it did have some semblance of learning taking place.

The Eldest Prince is pretty independent these days. He is really enjoying A Beka's Consumer Math. He learned about different types of taxes this week, and scored a 94% on his exam. He continues to work his way through his drafting course. I am very impressed - a hot air balloon was this week's creation. The melding of SL Core 100 American History with A Beka's text, Heritage of Freedom has resulted in my less-than-enthusiastic son actually telling me he enjoys - ENJOYS - the reading he has been doing this year. If you knew my son, you would know what a huge accomplishment this is. It has been a struggle ever since I pulled him out of school to get him to read anything with any interest.

The three older kids all researched Alaska as their geography assignment this week. We watched a Netflix DVD on Denali National Park, and completed map work. We also did readings on how America came to acquire Alaska.

The twins focused on supplementary math exercises from MEP math. This is a free math program found on-line. It is very similar in content and approach to Singapore, presenting math in a way that challenges the student to use what they already know, in a different way. There have been a lot of grumbles, but I remind them, that which does not kill them, makes them stronger. (Who said that?) We also acquired a free - got to love free - Basic Math video set from the Teaching Company. So we watched the first lesson on addition and subtraction today. The professor did not teach them anything new, but repeated many of the things I have tried to impart to them. Sometimes it does help to bring in a guest speaker.

The twins and Little Bear did many science experiments this week, and we reviewed many of the lives from Famous Men of Greece. Art was done when desired, and we managed to listen to SOTW Volume 4 up to and including the Second Reich.

When asked if he was going to join us for school this week, Rocky replied, "No, thank you." So all in all, being that this was NOT a school week, it was a good week.

Deliberateness ...

Is mediocrity acceptable? Is "average" an okay achievement - or is that a paradox? I mean, if one is "average", has one achieved anything? The reason I ask is, I live in a household in which,"It was the least I could do" is the phrase I hear all too often. I have never tried to do the least in anything - I do not even understand what that means. My standards are high in all things - my home, my children, their academics, my accomplishments. I may not have been so self-aware, so self-actualized earlier in my life, but since I have awakened to the need for deliberateness, I have come to realize the need to have goals in all things. Even mundane, seemingly unimportant tasks need to be planned and prioritized in order to be accomplished. If I do not put "cleaning the toilet " on my chore list, it may not get done. And while I am cleaning the toilet, I figure I may as well scrub the floor around the toilet, and shine the mirror over the sink, and scrub the outer edge of the shower stall, where all the dust seems to gather. In other words, while "clean the toilet" could simply be accomplished with a swish of a paper towel and some cleanser across the seat, it is not good enough. And, one day, when my kids are older, and have jobs and families and, prayerfully, homes of their own, it is my hope that they will remember the cleanliness of their childhood home - the warmth and fresh fragrance, the tidiness, and the way they helped keep it that way - and realize that they too want more than average, more than acceptable, and more than it being the least that they could do.

The Remains of the (Academic) Year ...

This week has been pretty relaxed as far as school goes. We have certainly earned a break from formal studies. The oldest twin did do some work related to the metric system, a concept that MUS did not touch upon. We did a few math worksheets, honing math addition facts for Little Bear and multiplication for the twins and the Bear. I print out a blank multiplication table and they fill it in, sometimes racing the clock, sometimes each other. If I do not give a time limit, the younger twin will, literally, take all day. He is so unmotivated, it is sad!

We did spend some time today reviewing the Famous Men of Greece we have studied thus far - listening to them on Librivox. As far as narrators go, "Ed" is sort of dull, "Leon" is too nasal, and "Norman", by far, is our favorite. He has a very nice voice, and does a good job of bringing some animation, some life, to the story. (I am grateful to all the volunteers who have made these recordings possible.)

Draw Squad continues to remain a favorite here. I am so impressed by the kids drawings. I am pleased by how independent this program is, its ease of use, and how the kids always take it to the next level - meaning they use what they learn and make it more elaborate, more in depth ... just more. Drawing with Children failed us when it came to the kids owning their art work - it required so much of me instructing them, and it never went beyond that. I did love what we learned, but I always wanted more from it.

The twins are finishing reading Abraham Lincoln's World. Even though we finished that time period many weeks ago, I was having them read this particular book very sloooooowly - one entry per day. It has solidified a great deal of what they touched upon in our more formal studies. I now see the benefit of the slow digesting of some reading materials. I was never taught to read like that - it was more a race to see how many books one could read in a certain period of time, never taking time to savor the subject matter, or visit with the characters, immerse oneself in the time period. What a shame that my childhood was not shared with the likes of Johnny Tremain, and that I never got to spend A Year Down Yonder with Mary Alice and her Grandma Dowdel.

Easing up on academics has allowed me more time to concentrate on healthy eating. I did a great deal of baking this week - brownies and homemade pizza were the biggest hits. Some weeks, good food takes a back-seat to good studying, basically due to time constraints. I believe I spent the entire day in or near the kitchen yesterday. But the kids pulled out a science kit and spend the time doing experiments on their own, right on the dining room table. Everyone won - they had fun, learned a bit, and had a good, healthy meal.

Little Bear's (Cold Weather) School Uniform ...

Rights, Requirements, and Just Who Is In Charge Here ...

Someone asked me if I "had"to do this blog thing for homeschooling - like a state requirement or something. The answer is a resounding "NO". Yes, there are requirements for homeschooling in my state - and I adhere to them. For the most part, they are not arduous, just tedious. They tend to detract from my desire to go with the flow, follow the child's interest at the moment you see that spark that indicates they are interested. I do love lesson planning, dreaming about all the interesting things we will study -and how we will capture that interesting thing in a way that proves we studied it.

But, aside from the fact that the portfolio requirement is really not that burdensome, there is the deeper, meatier, gnawing feeling that it is not right. That I should not have to answer to the school district, the legislature, the anyone about what I am doing with my children - unless, somewhere, at sometime, I have done something to them, or to someone else, that has made my character questionable in terms of fitness to parent them. Let's face it - public school is not a perfect, infallible institution. It suffers more than its fair share of failures each year. And, if one were to study what children knew upon entering university at the earlier part of the 20th Century with what they know now, one might question if public school hasn't failed us all. Before this turns in to a diatribe against the public school system, let me stay the course by just pointing out, America begins and ends with its taxpayers. We - the people - make the money that pays the salaries of everyone who has a government job. The man who is waving the flag to indicate roadwork ahead? He works for you. The woman behind the counter in the post office? Yup, you are her employer. The administrators of the school district? Believe it or not, they are being paid by you. All the way up to the President of the United States, anyone who holds a title of office under the auspices of the Government of the United States is technically an employee of the people of the United States. And they should be working for us. So, when they question my right and my ability to educate my own children, I would like to ask them to answer this question - Did the public school system, of which I am a product, educate me in such a way that I am able to parent, educate, and edify my children? Because, if their answer is no, it will help to strengthen the very reason I am educating my own children.

As I re-read my post, I realized I left it dangling in such way that almost feels like I am advocating anarchy. But I am not. I am a big believer in rules, and order, and control. Just ask my husband. And, while I believe government to be a necessary evil, I have also realized that policies as of late seem aimed at the very segment of the population that does behave, and does contribute, and does ... all that is expected of them. I can't help but be troubled by the article last year on the woman who demanded the school district take special action for her deeply troubled, school-phobic daughter - and received in excess of $45,000 over a period of three years to send said daughter to modeling classes and private school, and - believe it or not - board her dogs while she visited said daughter, by limo, at the expense of the school district. I have trouble following the rules of the very district that allowed such nonsense to happen, with no one questioning the bills this woman was presenting, and no one asking why her daughter - her 17 year-old daughter -was not able to do more than fourth-grade math with all that money at her disposal for private tutors and such. I pay my taxes, and I homeschool at my own expense. So, really the school district has extra money to use because my kids are not there taking up any room, any time, anything from them. If I need to purchase something for school, I need to make room in my budget, I need to plan better, or cut some expense somewhere else. In other words, I need to be a good steward of my money. And should I expect less than that of the school district, or the government at any level, when it is really not their money to begin with, but money entrusted to them by the citizens of their district, or their country? Should I not expect to have a bit more responsibility and faith entrusted to me by my government than, say, people who are imprisoned for their actions? If so, then why do prisoners with no hope of parole, who have committed heinous crimes against others, why do they get to remain in charge of their children, dictate their futures, remain pivotal in deciding their fates? Think about it - there are millions of children in foster care in this nation, unable to be adopted by willing families because their biological parents - who have never parented them in their lives - retain the right to control them from behind bars. Research sometime exactly what it takes for someone to lose their parental rights - and then ask me if I believe it is fair to have the state or the school district or the teacher's union tell me that I better ask them for their permission to homeschool my children. And then, take a trip over to the HSLDA web-site, an organization dedicated to protecting the hard-won right of parents in this country to homeschool, and read about the numerous - NUMEROUS - threats levied against upstanding, law-abiding, tax-paying, citizens in this country, simply because they choose to homeschool.

Why?

Why do I do this? Why put my thoughts out in cyberspace, and why care that they have been perused on 25 occasions (though not necessarily by 25 different people)? I really don't know. I enjoy reading other people's blogs. A glimpse into the lives of people I would never meet in real life, especially other home-schooling families, is very interesting, entertaining, and affirming for me. "Reality television" it is not - it is actually real, believable, honest. If you have bothered with the blogs I have listed in my side-bar, you will have "met" a "pioneer" family, living life on the range and making me want to, too; a woman in Iowa who is raising three boys, one of which struggles with the effects of being born premature, whose humor and optimism are infectious; and another woman with three biological children, as well as two foster children, who will shame you and inspire you all at the same time with her eloquence and level-headed approach to life. Perhaps it is my hope to strike a chord with some soul I will never meet, such as these bloggers have done with me. Perhaps someone, somewhere, sleepily turns on their computer in the early morning hours, and has my blog bookmarked for daily perusal. Perhaps something I have uttered has been inspirational or humorous or note-worthy. Look around when you are next out. Notice how little we interact with one another, how little attention is given to and by those we are with. Cell-phones to the ear of the adults, video games in the hands of the little ones, ear phones plugging up the heads of the bigger little ones - is an outing to the store really a family outing if each person is in their own little electronic-device-led world? A few weeks ago, at the height of autumns' glory, when the colors were at their peak, radiating a richness of hues that can only be found in nature in all her splendor, as we were driving up the mountain road that leads to my parents' house, I yelled - yelled - at the children to pay attention, for they were missing it. Car rides should be a time for reflection, for conversation, for mussing - sharing an audio book, a communal sing-along, or pondering deep thoughts about the universe. Perhaps a blog is like a virtual car ride, with the blogger at the wheel, pointing out highlights of the trip to a truly captivated, and willing, audience. Pay attention? No, I don't have to shout - you came here on your own. Now, allow me to share my story ...

Term #2 - completed!

Today marked the end of our second term of school - Week #24, Day 120. We could take a break until the New Year, but we won't. It would not be good for any of us - we need the structure our school days provide. But we are going to switch our focus from History to Science. We tend to neglect science, relegating it to the time left over from our other academic priorities - namely, Latin, History, Math, and Language Arts. For the next few weeks, those expensive science kits will finally get some use.



The oldest twin took her second test in Rod & Staff 7 Mathematics. She had only two minor errors, and scored 96%. I am very proud of her, and will use this as proof that I should just continue through the text, allowing her to work at her own pace. She is doing so well -scored a perfect 100% on her English test, and completed all her readings for the week. She also completed her Presidential Lapbook through Roosevelt (as scheduled), and is doing Latin independently.



The younger twin loves reading, and hates writing - anything. He does, however, love to draw. Draw Squad has been a big hit, here. We started the year with Drawing with Children, and, while the children learned a great deal, I found it to be limited. Draw Squad has encouraged the kids to use their imaginations. I find them using the book in their free time, and they really come up with some amazing creations. The younger twin, in particular, loves to draw cartoonish characters and scenes, so this has really been appealing to him. I have tried to capitalize on his desire to draw in his other subjects. We narrate and illustrate our history and science studies almost every day. I currently have him reading Pagoo, by Holling C. Holling. He is drawing the hermit crab during each phase of its life, as well as the tide pool, and the other creatures that share its habitat. In math, he is doing very well with Saxon 65. He struggles with the lack of a workbook. I have switched him from a plain sheet of notebook paper to the grids of graph paper, and I hope this will make him a bit neater. Time will tell - he just needs to mature a bit.



My Little Bear is almost finished with Explode the Code 3, Copybook 3 by Memoria Press, Rod & Staff 1 Math, & Singapore 1B. I believe I will officially declare her a 2nd grader when we begin in January. She is very diligent - the designation will mean more to her than to me.

Proud to Be an American ...

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/11/04/obama.transcript/index.html

His campaign left me angry and disturbed, planning my move to another country. Cries of racisim on the part of our state's elected officials towards anyone who did not agree with their candidate inflamed me. President-elect Obama's victory speech, however, moves me, not for its eloquence, but for its humility. He realizes not all of America is taken in by outward appearances and smooth talking, by the promise of government hand-outs and less need to do for ourselves. For some of us, leadership is not a role we put lightly in the hands of others. Rather, it is a privilege, and a job, and a position directly under the auspices of a higher office - that of God. I am very pleased to see that he gave thanks where thanks was due.

Wordless Wednesday ...

With Liberty Comes Responsibility ...

We voted today - the kids and I, that is. We did some school work, then left for the polls around 10:30. They were so good, so interested and intense about "their" candidate. As I pulled into the lot at the local polling station, the oldest twin asked me what I knew about the candidates running for other offices, such as state representative and treasurer. I only then realized how much we had focused on the national election. Their intellectual fire for politics has been ignited, and they are not easily satisfied if they sense I am being short or dismissive of their questions. They are aware of the many levels of government, all of which can effect our lives - and lifestyle. I tend to become very introspective on days like today, feeling troubled by the changes I believe will be coming, and needing to contemplate my possible course(s) of action in response to those changes. I needed to answer their questions, and remain available for them, while I really just wanted to keep myself occupied with some task. I did treat them to lunch and doughnuts after voting, and we spent the rest of the daylight hours (not many of them, unfortunately) cleaning up outside in preparation for the long winter. They must have thanked me a dozen times for taking them with me, and for lunch out. They spoke of all they learned today, rattling off facts about the electoral college, past presidents who were truly "good", and were particularly impressed by the fact that I left the $.01 change from the doughnuts for the "penny jar". The younger twin exclaimed, "Boy, you learn something new every day!". They truly are good kids. I am grateful that the hours outdoors will lead them to an early rest tonight. I just do not want to discuss politics anymore.



However, I can not help but note the disappointment I feel towards the many members of my family who did not exercise their right and privilege to vote today. As we were leaving the polling place, it occurred to me how peaceful the whole process was - and how blessed we are to live in a place where it is peaceful. This is not something I take lightly. Traditional values, family as defined throughout the ages, morality, consideration for others, individuality - these are all under attack in this country. We must not be complacent with the rights, privileges, and responsibilities given to us in the document drafted many, many years ago, by men who may no longer be venerated by the current powers-that-be - or the population that votes for them.

Decisions, and a good day ...

Today was a very good school day. The time change yesterday put us back on track. The children seem to naturally rise around 8 am every day, which, of course, was 7 today, much better for getting all our work done. I do not like to wake the kids, as I would rather start later than deal with a child who is sleep-deprived. We managed to get all our group work done, as well as individual subjects.

The older twin will be preparing for her test on Chapter 2 in Rod & Staff Mathematics 7. She started the year in MUS Epsilon, but we hit a roadblock when I did not know how to help her with fractions using the methods she had been learning in that course. It made me realize how important it is to keep up with each of the kids even when they are following an independent program like the video instruction of MUS. I tried just supplementing with the R & S text, but soon realized that I would rather start from the beginning of that text. It is a bit advanced (she is only ten, and technically in 5th grade), but she was able to handle the opening lessons, and did very well on her first test. I plan on taking it at her pace. I really am impressed with all the Rod & Staff materials I have used. The teacher manuals are always helpful, and, believe me, I am not a big fan of TMs. I often fantasize about going with a complete R & S grade level for the younger twin and Little Bear, but that would take away from my facination with all things related to curriculum planning. Grammar (our second year for the twins) and spelling, a recent addition to our week, are here to stay, I believe. The twins already know a great deal of grammar, and I really see the benefit of the gentle introduction to the writing process.

I am facing the difficult decision of when to start the history cycle with Little Bear. She is so ready, asking repeatedly for the map work that her older siblings do. I already own Tapestry of Grace, Year 1 Redesigned. I worked through it last year with the Eldest Prince. I am so torn about starting in January, with just Little Bear, or doing it with the twins and Little Bear. I am contemplating condensing SL Core 4, so that we can begin the cycle together. I can let the twins complete their Presidents' LapBook independently, as they have been working on it on their own since the second term began. They are doing very well with their independent research. I am pleased at the pace they have kept, as well as their retention of the material. They love rattling off the presidents in order, and trying to stump one another with little known facts. This year has been enjoyable, despite my concerns about the subject matter. But we have not yet reached the 20th century.

Beginning the cycle again will streamline my day. And I think the twins will enjoy revisiting topics they studied when they were only 5 & 6 years old. Rocky is still too young to reap any benefit from formal academics. But he will listen to the lesson, and any read-alouds. I have to give this much thought.

What Would YOU Do?

Today, I took my children and my baby nephew shopping for a birthday present for a playmate. While in the store, one mother, in particular, caught my attention. She was shopping with her two little girls, and her husband. They were in the toy section, and the mother was pointing out toys for the girls to look at. The littlest girl reached out to touch the toy, the mother screamed, "No!", grabbed the girl's arm, and smacked her hand so hard I flinched. Then she led them down the next aisle, pointed out yet another pretty item to admire, and, as I walked quickly away, not wanting to witness her idea of "parenting", I - as well as the rest of the store - could hear that poor child being screamed at.



What is the "right" thing to do in these situations? I have too often witnessed these displays of "discipline" that make me ill. But it always occurs to me that a parent that treats their child this way, openly and without restraint, in view of witnesses, might very well be further angered by any intervention on the part of a stranger. What might he or she do when they get home? The poor child might bear the brunt of good intentions. Attempts to pass legislation against disciplining children is not going to do anything to stop those who beat and abuse children. This woman and others like her need to be taught that children who live with such malice towards them grow up with malice towards others. If only there was a means, when witness to such occurrences, to report them immediately, and have steps taken to protect the child at once. But I guess that would be tantamount to a police-state. And, of course, I do not want to live in a police-state. However, anyone who brazenly abuses their offspring in public, with nary a concern about what he or she is doing to the child, with lack of concern for all those who are witness to the abuse, deserves punishment. The only thing worse than a closet abuser of children is one who flaunts it as though they are immune to punishment.

A Peace Offering ...

... I just didn't want to forget.

Can You Hear it?

A very dear friend of mine sent me this picture - I was yearning for the sight and sound of the ocean. He actually included an audio clip! When you grow up on Long Island, the ocean is not too far away. When you acquire the freedom of a license, Jones Beach is a frequent destination. Living as an adult in a state that lacks a shore line (ocean, that is, and on my side of the state), busy with the kids, the house, life, I have not seen, or heard, the ocean in many, many years. Thank you, Jim!

Out of the mouth of babes ...

Younger Twin (age 9): "Mom?"
Mom (that would be me, age does not matter): "Yes?"
YT: "Do you have fun?"
Mom: "Uhm, yeah."
YT: "I mean, do you like your life?"
Mom: "Well, yes, I do. I like being with you guys, and teaching you, and ..."
YT: Interrupting - "Yes, but do you have fun, and do you enjoy your life?"
Mom: "Yes ..."
YT: "Did you ever think you should, you know, have more fun, just in case ..."
Mom: "...In case of what?"
YT: "Well, you know, in case ...well, in case ... there is a god, ...but no heaven."
Mom: "..............................................."

There is so much in my head, yet there is nothing to say. I hate when that happens.

Just Because ...

The oldest twin has a heavy academic load this year. And she is thriving. I added Lively Latin to our Latin studies, and she declared today, "I love studying Latin". I worry I am giving her too much, but she is doing it all so well, and without complaint. Sometimes, though, I do long for the ease of days long gone, when she was younger, there was no portfolio to submit, and she ... she was so unburdened.

Divided we fall ...

I frequently read the boards at http://welltrainedmind.com/ . It is predominantly a homeschooling forum, although there are a number of after-schoolers, tutors, and others who post. It is a wealth of information for the classical homeschooler, which is what I would label myself, if I had to characterize my "style"or approach to academics. (Actually, I am a classical, Charlotte Mason-inspired, eclectic homeschooler, striving to keep to the tenets of the Latin-Centered Curriculum. There. I think I got them all in.) During the past few months, however, discussions on the general board have turned repeatedly to the world of politics. This is an election year, and we are facing many troubling situations in our world. So it is not surprising that these discussions get heated. But, what does surprise me - and saddens me - is how ugly they can get. If I have to fault our leaders for one particular thing, it would not be their poor management of the money that actually belongs to the people of this country. And it would not be the war on terror, which, I believe, was long over-due. Rather, it would be their failure to unite the people of this country. The divisiveness is crippling us. We need a srong leader who seeks to bring the people of this country together on the issues, not confound us. I am not troubled by the presidential candidates because of the color of one or the age of the other. I am troubled by the lack of clear, concise answers to the issues that need to be addressed now. I am so tired of political grand-standing, the pointing of fingers, and the lack of maturity. We should not have to guess about who represents the best leadership this country has to offer. It should be a goal we all aspire to - including the d$mn media - to find the single most qualified person, who encompasses all the characteristics our previously great leaders demonstrated. We have the benefit of hindsight. We can look back at leaders like George Washington & George Bush, and all those in between, and find what they did right -and remember what went wrong. This election should not be a cr%p-shoot - "let's hope the best man wins, 'cuz there ain't that much to choose from". Unfortunately, this seems to be the opinion of far too many people. And I can not say I am surprised. It is hard to make a decision based on "facts" when facts are few & far between. Or "facts" differ from one news channel to another, or one paper to another. Our history lesson the other day focused on the beginnings of the Associated Press in this country. It related how the newsmen of the day prided themselves on honesty and integrity - oh, how I long for that in today's world of sensationalistic journalism! My father loves the New York Post, which I find rather distasteful due to the sheer number of nearly-nude woman that grace many a page. If you have to turn the newspaper over so the little ones don't see it, it should not be called news - and it should be sold enclosed in a plain brown wrapper!

Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness...

That is what we did today - we exercised our fundamental right to take our learning outside. We took some books and spent our day at my sister's house, enjoying the cool, brisk weather of Autumn. What a wonderful feeling to know learning can occur anywhere. Our nature studies are really paying off as the children now really see trees and leaves, notice their differences, and can explain some of the whys concerning their appearance. We had already captured on film some of the glorious fall foliage when it was at its peak. Today we just enjoyed the crispness of fall. My oldest daughter enjoyed reading to her baby cousin, bundling him up for a wagon ride, and feeding him lunch. My sons tumbled in the leaves, chased each other, and just loved running free. My seven-year-old chastized her uncle for smoking cigarettes. And we learned about the beginnings of the United States Post Office, courtesy of Sonlight Core 4, worked on math, did some chemistry reading, and watched a video on United Streaming, explaining the path a letter takes on its journey from sender to recipient. All in all, a very good day.

Through the years ...

Over the years, I can look at my children's development and temperament and see that they have always been pretty much how they are today. My oldest is a loner, very willing to help out when asked, unmotivated on his own, but polite and kind. My daughter, 10, is driven in all she does. Whether it is the three dance classes she has each week, or the work I give her academically, she seeks to excel. She is a dynamo at cleaning, very organized, and extremely helpful. She is also so intense - too intense, at times. She knows how to have fun, inspires others with games and challenges she creates, and is althletically gifted. But the intensity - at age ten. Oh, my.

Then there is the younger "twin". Not really twins, of course, the 10 & 9 year old have just always been close. They have always been the best of playmates, the best of friends. But, lately, I guess the inherent male/female differences that come between the genders at times have caused a - well, a tiny crack to appear in the surface of the seemingly perfect relationship these two once shared. Where my 10 year-old girl is intense, her 9 year-old brother is not. He is as laid-back as can be without being unconscious. (I believe this is a trait inherited from his father.)
He is disorganized, sloppy, and unmotivated. And all this with a smile on his face, and a lack of concern over these less-than-stellar characteristics. His sister is his competent partner - she will provide for him, and she will look out for him. There is no need to trouble himself with remembering his shoes for tap class when, of course, she will. There is no need to remember where he put his Game-Boy, because she knows where to find it. It was not until recently that I noticed these "assumptions" beginning to bother the older twin. She is no longer doing for him without scolding him for not doing for himself. And she gets annoyed at his laziness. She even made herself a name tag that read, "Hello! My name is "Someone'", because when I ask for "Someone" to help me, it is always assumed she will respond.

My problem with the younger twin is that he is extremely bright. Extremely bright plus unmotivated is troubling to me. I do not push him, at least not yet. I do give him lots of excellent reading material, and allow him to do a great deal of his work orally. (He is a lefty, and a boy, so he has those two strikes against him.) I can allow him greater flexibility because I home-school. I in no way allow him to slack-off academically. I am just biding my time, hoping to allow the natural spark of curiosity to drive him on. I just do not want to push him so that I make him resent academics. Right now, he loves to read and memorize esoteric facts. So, that is what I let him do. This approach has worked before - just read up on some of the most inventive people throughout history. Or just ask the younger twin - he can name them all.

In the beginning ...

Wow. I actually did it! I have wanted an avenue for my thoughts, and this will be it. The title? Well, I have those around me who claim to have had their children with deliberateness - you know, planned around the right month for conception and delivery, spaced them "properly", minimized work conflicts. And they have very different thoughts on raising children - I want to raise mine with deliberateness. All five of them. Yes, five, ages 16, 10, 9, 7, and 5. Not one had a spot in my day-planner. There is only 13 months between the 10 & 9 year old - makes them especially close. It may sound cliche, but my kids have made me into a much better person than I ever could have dreamed I could be. They mean everything to me, and sometimes I think the world is not good enough for them. Not all of the world, mind you. Just the ugly, selfish, lazy, uninspired parts. The parts that fail to see what could be, the parts that want us to believe we are the be-all and end-all. Because I no longer believe that. And I am the better for it.