After a winter that felt like it would never end we have been enjoying this wonderful change in weather. It was nearly 70 yesterday and we took advantage of that spending nearly all day outside. After this mornings events we had some friends come over and play in the yard. This family is very special to us - one of the first families we befriended after moving to Minnesota - their son and Rhiannon are still best of friends (even after going months at a time without talking to or seeing one another). She always says how she is going to marry this little boy. His sister is a few months younger than Ciaran and they play very well together. The mother and I get along so wonderfully and we have realistic expectations of one another and don't mind if we go months without a return call - then we get together and often spend entire days together as if we were together just yesterday, friends like that are truly precious and we treasure the family.
After they left the older two took naps and I had some special playtime with Sirah. We laid on our bed and just talked and played baby games for awhile. Then we went down to the playroom and she crawled around for a long time just exploring her world with me there by her side. I was able to nurse her to sleep, pick up and start dinner before Rhiannon woke up. When she woke up I had another "mommy" moment as I cleaned and peeled potatoes she sat at our kitchen table and did some puzzles and we chatted. It was a very nice moment. Then she worked on some patterns until Ciaran woke up.
When he woke up they played his new game Cranium Cariboo (a wonderful birthday present he just got from his aunt and uncle). They both love this game and have a good time playing together with it. A fun game for the 3-5 age set and it is an excellent teaching tool as well. I finished making dinner while they headed back outside again.
After dinner we headed out into the yard all together to finish putting together our new gazebo (we had zero shade before) only to realize we were unable to move it by ourselves - so we put it together and will await help to move it to the right location in the yard. The kids played on the swingset while we finished putting it together. Rhiannon and Ciaran took turns pushing Sirah in the baby swing and she loved it!
Then it was bedtime and the kids did pretty good about not fighting us. Storytime and bedtime routine and off to bed. Serona headed downstairs to play his Neverwinter game with some friends online and Sirah and I watched Ronald Reagan: A Legacy Remembered and I worked on the blanket I am making for a friend. I have really found that I am enjoying watching presidential biographies and life histories - they are so interesting. Thankfully between Netflix and our library we have a pretty good selection (though I would not mind owning these).
Peace,
Tenn
April 7, 2004
April 6, 2004
Spring Mornings
We've spent most of the morning outside. The kids started the day outside playing on the swingset until they were cold. Inside for some Phonics Pathways work and playing a really cool opposites game Ciaran got for his birthday. You match two pieces of opposites (one side in English the other side in Spanish) to make a complete picture. I can easily adapt this game to challenge both of the children, since Rhiannon wants to learn Spanish.
Then it was outside again for some bike riding in the driveway. They rode for a long time until they had problems listening to directions - then we went for a nature walk. We went down a pathway near our house and went up and down some hills then ended up stopping by a waters edge to draw a picture in our nature notebooks. After that we headed to a nearby playground and they swung on a tire swing and went down a big slide until Sirah started complaining of the cold.
We headed home for a snack and some reading time. We read a cute Chinese legend on the origins of noodles and another story set in Japan. We read about Earth Day and discussed pollution, reducing, reusing and recycling. Rhiannon drew a map of our neighborhood on a whiteboard and then practiced drawing some of her lowercase letters in her workbook. Ciaran is keeping Sirah enthralled with the "gravity" game, she drops it and he picks it up again. Waffles with fruit for lunch and friends coming over to play this afternoon.
Over lunch Rhiannon sang "My Little Claddaugh Ring" and "When New York was Irish" by Andy Cooney. She also played with and taught Sirah nursery rhymes and fingerplays this morning. Some include: Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, The Itsy Bitsy Spider, Where is Thumbkin, Pat-a-cake, So big, This Little Piggy. It was alot of fun to see them play together.
Peace,
Tenn
Then it was outside again for some bike riding in the driveway. They rode for a long time until they had problems listening to directions - then we went for a nature walk. We went down a pathway near our house and went up and down some hills then ended up stopping by a waters edge to draw a picture in our nature notebooks. After that we headed to a nearby playground and they swung on a tire swing and went down a big slide until Sirah started complaining of the cold.
We headed home for a snack and some reading time. We read a cute Chinese legend on the origins of noodles and another story set in Japan. We read about Earth Day and discussed pollution, reducing, reusing and recycling. Rhiannon drew a map of our neighborhood on a whiteboard and then practiced drawing some of her lowercase letters in her workbook. Ciaran is keeping Sirah enthralled with the "gravity" game, she drops it and he picks it up again. Waffles with fruit for lunch and friends coming over to play this afternoon.
Over lunch Rhiannon sang "My Little Claddaugh Ring" and "When New York was Irish" by Andy Cooney. She also played with and taught Sirah nursery rhymes and fingerplays this morning. Some include: Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, The Itsy Bitsy Spider, Where is Thumbkin, Pat-a-cake, So big, This Little Piggy. It was alot of fun to see them play together.
Peace,
Tenn
Afternoon Activities
Yesterday in the afternoon we interspersed playing in the yard with a few other learning activities. Rhiannon did a few pages from her Phonics Pathways book and we continued with our short vowel drills. Then she read me a Bob Book and read some words off some flash cards. We worked on our bible memorization and I read her a few books around our XYZ theme of the next two weeks. She did two file folder games (counting money and matching words to pictures) while I played with Sirah. We also began working on telling time - she has the hour down pat - but the minutes is giving her some difficulty (I am thinking of printing out a clock with the number and then the amount that means next to it) and we will keep working on that. She also practiced writing lowercase x,y, and z.
Together Ciaran and Rhiannon played Nature Bingo, a Care Bear game (moving pieces to a matching die) and used their Leap Pad Imagination Desk for the letters X, Y and Z. The rest of the day was spent playing outside.
With temperatures expected to reach nearly 70 here today I believe we will be outside all day.
Peace,
Tenn
Together Ciaran and Rhiannon played Nature Bingo, a Care Bear game (moving pieces to a matching die) and used their Leap Pad Imagination Desk for the letters X, Y and Z. The rest of the day was spent playing outside.
With temperatures expected to reach nearly 70 here today I believe we will be outside all day.
Peace,
Tenn
April 5, 2004
Learning Through Play
We've had a good morning of combining play with learning. Rhiannon decided to make a picture book and some bookmarks for a friend. So she sat at her desk and drew the pictures- occasionally asking me to spell a word or two for her. While she did that Sirah crawled around on the floor and found a variety of things to put into her mouth. I have to remind myself this is how she is learning about her world (I just wish the smallest particles were not the most interesting to her) and not be exasperated. It is actually a lot of fun to watch her learning to crawl. Right now she has this fun crawl that we call a "bear crawl" she crawls on her hands and toes rather than her knees.
Meanwhile Ciaran and I had some special time to work together. First we put together his new Armadillo shaped puzzle I must admit this was a TOUGH puzzle (even I had a hard time with it at first). Then we played our wooden memory matching game for awhile - until we matched all the pairs. As he matched a pair we made the sound if it was an animal and said what letter and sound it started with. Next we played with our Wooden Pattern Puzzleboards. While he worked on this I played with Sirah on the floor while checking his work.
Next we put together his wooden magnetic ABC book. We did each letter and sound and the word together. Occasionally we added another word that started with the letter. He also decided to jump up and collect animals from his animal collection (museum style lifelike hard animals) any animal he had like the panda, and the monkey. Then the animals helped him find and match the pieces. Then he wanted to make a meal so he got out his wooden food cutting kit (ours is a combination of this set and another) and made us all a meal (while I played with Sirah and helped Rhiannon staple her book together).
We finished up our morning playtime with a frog stages of life puzzle . We really like these puzzles as they are challenging and fun. The puzzle is layered with four layers - each one showing a stage in the life development of the animal (we also have the butterfly). I was surprised that Ciaran can do them himself - but he is a determined boy and very good at puzzles.
Off for an afternoon filled with laundry.
Peace,
Tenn
Meanwhile Ciaran and I had some special time to work together. First we put together his new Armadillo shaped puzzle I must admit this was a TOUGH puzzle (even I had a hard time with it at first). Then we played our wooden memory matching game for awhile - until we matched all the pairs. As he matched a pair we made the sound if it was an animal and said what letter and sound it started with. Next we played with our Wooden Pattern Puzzleboards. While he worked on this I played with Sirah on the floor while checking his work.
Next we put together his wooden magnetic ABC book. We did each letter and sound and the word together. Occasionally we added another word that started with the letter. He also decided to jump up and collect animals from his animal collection (museum style lifelike hard animals) any animal he had like the panda, and the monkey. Then the animals helped him find and match the pieces. Then he wanted to make a meal so he got out his wooden food cutting kit (ours is a combination of this set and another) and made us all a meal (while I played with Sirah and helped Rhiannon staple her book together).
We finished up our morning playtime with a frog stages of life puzzle . We really like these puzzles as they are challenging and fun. The puzzle is layered with four layers - each one showing a stage in the life development of the animal (we also have the butterfly). I was surprised that Ciaran can do them himself - but he is a determined boy and very good at puzzles.
Off for an afternoon filled with laundry.
Peace,
Tenn
More Reasons Not to Watch TV
A recent study reinforces what many parents already know - TV is not good for young children. Here are some of the highlights found in this article :
While not a purist by any nature we have limited the amount of TV our children watch substantially. As many know we have been a TV (cable and network) free house for the entirety of our marriage (almost 7 years) and I have been TV free for an additional 4 years.
So that does eliminate many of my problems with TV (content, advertising, value system and so on) however we do allow the children to watch pre-selected videos.
We did try very hard to not have them watch much TV before they were 2. We were pretty successful with Rhiannon in this area - Ciaran was exposed to more as his sister watched it. But we still did pretty good. We do allow them to watch about 5 hours of videos(often educational) a week - less in the spring and summer. But after reading this piece I may even cut back.
Periodically we go completely video free for a week at a time. You can read more about our last motivation for video free time in my Banning TV post.
The reality still remains that most often when I allow the kids to watch a video it is for my convenience and not to benefit them. Now with the nice weather it is just as convenient to encourage them to play in our yard and I find the benefits far better than the benefits of TV. Other than a muddy yard and pea gravel in my house to clean up there are no disadvantages to them being outside.
Next time you are tempted to turn the TV on try encouraging outdoor play instead or pick up a book and read it to them. Even as I type this Ciaran came up and asked me to watch a movie - I said no you may play outside. He said "I want to watch a movie" and again I said "No. Go get ready to play outside. " He said okay and trotted off to his room to get ready. Guess we are heading out.
Peace,
Tenn
"Very young children who watch television face an increased risk of attention deficit problems by school age, a study has found, suggesting that TV might overstimulate and permanently 'rewire' the developing brain.
For every hour of television watched daily, two groups of children - aged 1 and 3 - faced a 10 percent increased risk of having attention problems at age 7.
The findings bolster previous research showing that television can shorten attention spans and support American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations that youngsters under age 2 not watch television.
'The truth is there are lots of reasons for children not to watch television. Other studies have shown it to be associated with obesity and aggressiveness' too, said lead author Dr. Dimitri Christakis, a researcher at Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center in Seattle."
While not a purist by any nature we have limited the amount of TV our children watch substantially. As many know we have been a TV (cable and network) free house for the entirety of our marriage (almost 7 years) and I have been TV free for an additional 4 years.
So that does eliminate many of my problems with TV (content, advertising, value system and so on) however we do allow the children to watch pre-selected videos.
We did try very hard to not have them watch much TV before they were 2. We were pretty successful with Rhiannon in this area - Ciaran was exposed to more as his sister watched it. But we still did pretty good. We do allow them to watch about 5 hours of videos(often educational) a week - less in the spring and summer. But after reading this piece I may even cut back.
Periodically we go completely video free for a week at a time. You can read more about our last motivation for video free time in my Banning TV post.
The reality still remains that most often when I allow the kids to watch a video it is for my convenience and not to benefit them. Now with the nice weather it is just as convenient to encourage them to play in our yard and I find the benefits far better than the benefits of TV. Other than a muddy yard and pea gravel in my house to clean up there are no disadvantages to them being outside.
Next time you are tempted to turn the TV on try encouraging outdoor play instead or pick up a book and read it to them. Even as I type this Ciaran came up and asked me to watch a movie - I said no you may play outside. He said "I want to watch a movie" and again I said "No. Go get ready to play outside. " He said okay and trotted off to his room to get ready. Guess we are heading out.
Peace,
Tenn
April 2, 2004
Motherly moments
Yesterday Rhiannon came down very suddenly with a fever over 105 and she was miserable. She is okay - it appears to just be a virus (which I now have as well) but she was so miserable last night. She feel asleep quite early for her (as soon as she laid in bed at 8pm) but woke up at about 10pm really sad. I went into her room and gave her some medicine to help bring down her fever which was back up at 105 and she asked me to stay with her. The other kids were asleep so I did.
I brought in my pillows and crocheting and laid on the other end of her bed propped up on pillows. The sickness was just starting to settle on me as well and we were both experiencing alternating chills and sweating. We laid there on opposite ends of the bed and Rhiannon asked me if I would crochet and tell her a story. I rubbed her forehead and back for a few minutes with my cool hand (she was burning up) and then I settled in and started to crochet and tell her made up stories about herself and her siblings with their friends Benkin (a made up character who stars in many of our homemade stories - he is a mouse that helps the children on their adventures that only the kids can see), Winnie the Pooh and all the characters from the Hundred Acre Wood.
I told stories of camping with them and helping Rabbit with spring cleaning and having vegetable soup. They went on walks and help Eyeore rebuild his house. They played Pooh Sticks and enjoyed being all together. The second story I told Rhiannon asked if I could not include Rabbit because he was grumpy and made people do things they did not want to, and always wanted everything his way. We used this as an opportunity to talk about how our friends may feel when we are bossy and always demand our way (a struggle of Rhiannon's she is working through) and different ways we could avoid this.
Then I sang songs to her: twelve Disciples, Jesus Loves Me, TorraLora, You are My Sunshine, The Joy of the Lord, Jesus Loves the Little Children, Amazing Grace, Cumbaya, and a made up song about Rhiannon to name a few. While I sang she tried to sleep and I was working on a blanket. I relay felt like a mom in this moment and it was a special moment - even though we were both pretty miserable and sick.
Peace,
Tenn
I brought in my pillows and crocheting and laid on the other end of her bed propped up on pillows. The sickness was just starting to settle on me as well and we were both experiencing alternating chills and sweating. We laid there on opposite ends of the bed and Rhiannon asked me if I would crochet and tell her a story. I rubbed her forehead and back for a few minutes with my cool hand (she was burning up) and then I settled in and started to crochet and tell her made up stories about herself and her siblings with their friends Benkin (a made up character who stars in many of our homemade stories - he is a mouse that helps the children on their adventures that only the kids can see), Winnie the Pooh and all the characters from the Hundred Acre Wood.
I told stories of camping with them and helping Rabbit with spring cleaning and having vegetable soup. They went on walks and help Eyeore rebuild his house. They played Pooh Sticks and enjoyed being all together. The second story I told Rhiannon asked if I could not include Rabbit because he was grumpy and made people do things they did not want to, and always wanted everything his way. We used this as an opportunity to talk about how our friends may feel when we are bossy and always demand our way (a struggle of Rhiannon's she is working through) and different ways we could avoid this.
Then I sang songs to her: twelve Disciples, Jesus Loves Me, TorraLora, You are My Sunshine, The Joy of the Lord, Jesus Loves the Little Children, Amazing Grace, Cumbaya, and a made up song about Rhiannon to name a few. While I sang she tried to sleep and I was working on a blanket. I relay felt like a mom in this moment and it was a special moment - even though we were both pretty miserable and sick.
Peace,
Tenn
Sharing Skills
Yesterday several moms from our homeschool support group came over with their kids for a playdate. During the time the kids were outside we were able to talk about some computer skills. I plan to offer a computer skills hands on workshop sometime in May and some of the moms wanted to get a jump start on some things.
We were surrounded by kids yesterday so we were unable to really concentrate. However, I helped each of them set up a blog of their own to keep track of their homeschooling and whatever else they want. In addition we talked about the benefits of Mozilla. I showed them how to download it to their computer and some of the basics of using it. We focused mostly on the tab function and saving bookmarks of several tabs. We talked about how to use this in homeschooling. I also showed them how with Mozilla you have an automatic Google search built right into your address bar.
There was so much more I wanted to share, but it will need to wait until we don't have kids running at our feet. It was nice to be able to share what I could. This group of women has given me so much already - I am glad to be able to help them in some small way. That is one of the benefits of a support group - everyone has different skills that they are able to share and offer and that makes the group so much stronger.
Peace,
Tenn
We were surrounded by kids yesterday so we were unable to really concentrate. However, I helped each of them set up a blog of their own to keep track of their homeschooling and whatever else they want. In addition we talked about the benefits of Mozilla. I showed them how to download it to their computer and some of the basics of using it. We focused mostly on the tab function and saving bookmarks of several tabs. We talked about how to use this in homeschooling. I also showed them how with Mozilla you have an automatic Google search built right into your address bar.
There was so much more I wanted to share, but it will need to wait until we don't have kids running at our feet. It was nice to be able to share what I could. This group of women has given me so much already - I am glad to be able to help them in some small way. That is one of the benefits of a support group - everyone has different skills that they are able to share and offer and that makes the group so much stronger.
Peace,
Tenn
April 1, 2004
Phonics Games
Last night we played some phonics games and had a good time. We play several different games with our floor alphabet mat - the big foam interlocking pieces one. We play an alphabet match game where I hand each of the kids small letter books that we have (uppercase on front, lowercase on back and several pictures that start with the letters as pages) and they have to put the book on the corresponding letter. Ciaran matches upper case and Rhiannon matches lowercase to uppercase. After all the letters have been matched they sing their ABC song while they clean them up and then put them in box. Another variation we play with this game is to take a variety of items and have them place them on the letter that matches the beginning or ending or vowel sound in the word.
Another game we play is Phonics Jumping. One way to play this is to make a sound and have them jump to the right letter. Another way we play is to say the letter and have them jump to it and make the sound. Still another way we play it is to say a word and then they have to jump to each letter in the word. Rhiannon especially enjoys this game.
Another game we play with this mat is color match - I have them jump to all the blue squares - or shout out a color and they need to jump there. This is especially nice when Ciaran is getting frustrated with all the phonics work - which is hard for him. It is nice for him to have something that is easy for him. Using the mat allows me to work with both of them at the same time and do things that are easy and hard for each of them. I can often lead two separate games - or modify the same game to meet both of their needs.
Peace,
Tenn
Another game we play is Phonics Jumping. One way to play this is to make a sound and have them jump to the right letter. Another way we play is to say the letter and have them jump to it and make the sound. Still another way we play it is to say a word and then they have to jump to each letter in the word. Rhiannon especially enjoys this game.
Another game we play with this mat is color match - I have them jump to all the blue squares - or shout out a color and they need to jump there. This is especially nice when Ciaran is getting frustrated with all the phonics work - which is hard for him. It is nice for him to have something that is easy for him. Using the mat allows me to work with both of them at the same time and do things that are easy and hard for each of them. I can often lead two separate games - or modify the same game to meet both of their needs.
Peace,
Tenn
March 31, 2004
Book Exchange
A coffeshop in our area has a great setup going. They have several bookshelves for a free "book exchange" for their customers. Today I brought in 5 children's books and left with four new children's books and a parenting book. I found some real gems too "My B Book" by Jane Belk Moncure, " "My First Book" by Jane Belk Moncure, "Just Playing" by Mercer Mayer (kind of twaddle but Ciaran really loves these) and a Pony Pals book (I had been wanting to start a horse series with Rhiannon) and then I found "Playful Parenting" by Lawrence Cohen (a book I have almost bought 3 times but decided I shouldn't spend the money on it). They also had a copy of "Birthday for Frances" one of my favorite children's books but we already have it.
I love the concept of this and am sure we will regularly bring books and hopefully find some we are interested in reading. The coffeeshop also had a great overall setup - couches, rocking chairs and wireless internet access! I think I see spending more time there in my future.
Peace,
Tenn
I love the concept of this and am sure we will regularly bring books and hopefully find some we are interested in reading. The coffeeshop also had a great overall setup - couches, rocking chairs and wireless internet access! I think I see spending more time there in my future.
Peace,
Tenn
Mom's Time
Last night I had coffee with a girlfriend and it was wonderful. This woman was able to refresh and encourage me after a long and sometimes challenging day. We were able to talk about different approaches and styles of homeschooling, why we chose to homeschool, and our history. This friend is a member of my homeschool support group and what a great group of women that is for me!
Just this past weekend I was able to meet another mom from this group at the Borders Educator Sale. We chatted for quite awhile about parenting and schooling and just life in general. We were able to help each other think of different strategies and to encourage one another. We browsed the parenting and education sections of the store and looked through the discount books together - making recommendations and sharing what we have learned. It was another great time and so helpful to me.
It is so important to take time for those moments for just ourselves. It is amazing how much they can refresh us! We have so much to offer one another and learn from each other. I also love that we feel comfortable enough with one another to just open up about who we are and what we have been through. It is so nice to find people in your life you can just be real with.
Peace,
Tenn
Just this past weekend I was able to meet another mom from this group at the Borders Educator Sale. We chatted for quite awhile about parenting and schooling and just life in general. We were able to help each other think of different strategies and to encourage one another. We browsed the parenting and education sections of the store and looked through the discount books together - making recommendations and sharing what we have learned. It was another great time and so helpful to me.
It is so important to take time for those moments for just ourselves. It is amazing how much they can refresh us! We have so much to offer one another and learn from each other. I also love that we feel comfortable enough with one another to just open up about who we are and what we have been through. It is so nice to find people in your life you can just be real with.
Peace,
Tenn
March 30, 2004
Morning Lessons
Today we started with some Phonics work in Phonics Pathways - we did four pages of blends and making words from the blends. We also played a vowel game where I said the sound and she had to point to the letter than she said the sounds and I had to point to the letters - it was fun. I must admit she got me once - she was right and I missed the sound - she couldn't stop laughing. I highly recommend this with young readers - she was doing a great job at all the sounds and thought it was a lot of fun.
Then we did some workbook work (her choice) she did beginning and then ending consonant sounds. Three pages total, two circling the right sound and one completing the word by writing in the missing ending sound. She surprised me by choosing and doing that page completely correctly. Then some nursery rhyme recitation. She choose three and I choose three. Then we read a little about an art piece and I asked her questions about it. Then she described what she would draw herself. We looked at "Snap the Whip" by Winslow Homer.
She then drew in her sketch book a picture of two children playing and called it "Playing Oh Go". She asked me to write the description of the game down as "They need to capture the little boy and get in line. Then someone needs to rescue them." She enjoyed looking at a painting, talking about it and then drawing one herself.
We finished up with a bible verse memorization and story. She also recited her past 7 verses. I amazed at how well she is retaining it. She still gets the chapter verse parts mixed up but has the exact verses memorized and remembers them with a one word clue. I've even seen her apply them on occasion.
Well we are off to get ready for our friends coming today and I have a bunch of LLL work to catch up on.
Peace,
Tenn
Then we did some workbook work (her choice) she did beginning and then ending consonant sounds. Three pages total, two circling the right sound and one completing the word by writing in the missing ending sound. She surprised me by choosing and doing that page completely correctly. Then some nursery rhyme recitation. She choose three and I choose three. Then we read a little about an art piece and I asked her questions about it. Then she described what she would draw herself. We looked at "Snap the Whip" by Winslow Homer.
She then drew in her sketch book a picture of two children playing and called it "Playing Oh Go". She asked me to write the description of the game down as "They need to capture the little boy and get in line. Then someone needs to rescue them." She enjoyed looking at a painting, talking about it and then drawing one herself.
We finished up with a bible verse memorization and story. She also recited her past 7 verses. I amazed at how well she is retaining it. She still gets the chapter verse parts mixed up but has the exact verses memorized and remembers them with a one word clue. I've even seen her apply them on occasion.
Well we are off to get ready for our friends coming today and I have a bunch of LLL work to catch up on.
Peace,
Tenn
Community of Friends
As of late we have often found our family in the position of helping out other friends in need. I love the opportunity to do so and to use the circumstances as an opportunity to teach my children about community and support. I am also thankful for the opportunity to return the support that I received during my three weeks of prodromal labor from all my friends and all the support we got during our move. I think it is important for our kids to see that we can and have received support and that we need to give service as well (whether or not we receive it).
Recently several families we know have needed some support for a variety of reasons including a new birth, a miscarriage and marital concerns. We have been able to support them in a variety of ways from bringing meals to cleaning house to watching children to just being there to listen on the phone. The children have been very well behaved through all of this and have enjoyed having their friends around. We have done this despite kids being sick and our son's birthday. While it may not seem convenient it was important and I am glad that we were able to serve in this way. It is important for my family to learn to put others first and to see me doing just that as well.
Thus the decrease in blogging as I often find myself with extra children around here. As example yesterday morning we headed to the doctor as Ciaran has a very rough ear infection. We returned home in time to have lunch and pick up before several friends came over (thankfully one in each of my children's age ranges) the kids played together and the mother and I were able to chat about things she needed to talk about. Then she was able to leave the kids here and head to a doctors appointment. While she was gone the kids and I made cookies and played games.
After they left we talked about helping out people in need and how that is important and fun at the same time. Ciaran actually fell asleep at 4pm and stayed asleep until this morning! I'm glad his body was able to heal some. Serona and I had a good date night here at the house.
I got another call from a friend yesterday who asked if I could watch her boys today while her husband and her take care of some important things. I said yes of course. So again I will find myself with 5 kids under 5 in the house just like yesterday. On days like this I let go of everything else and focus on the kids, meals and general pickup. We fit learning into the teachable moments and usually end up with one day of the week heavier on the studies.
I feel these are very important lessons for my kids to learn and am glad to be able to help. We received such an outpouring of support during Sirah's pregnancy, postpartum period and our move that I have really wanted to be able to give back (to those same families and others). I believe community and being neighborly are such important aspects of life and ones so often done without in our current society. There is this myth that you should be able to do everything yourself - but I always go back to the adage "It takes a village to raise a child" and remember how true that is.
I love that I am a part of many children's lives and that they trust and love me. I love that my kids have many other adults that are a part of theirs. We need to take time to support and love one another. We all go through phases, needy and giving, and we need to come around each other during another's time of need and accept that outpouring of support and love during ours.
I have found the homeschooling world lends itself nicely to that. Our homeschool support group is wonderful, giving, self-sacrificing and fun. The children experience many adults who truly care for them and what is going on in their lives and the adults have others who will help meet (and often discover) their needs. We try to support each other through moves, depression, new births, vacations, and the myriad of everyday stuff that comes up. At times some are on the receiving end for awhile (as we recently were) but in the end everyone gives and takes according to their need and ability and that is the way a good community works.
Peace,
Tenn
Recently several families we know have needed some support for a variety of reasons including a new birth, a miscarriage and marital concerns. We have been able to support them in a variety of ways from bringing meals to cleaning house to watching children to just being there to listen on the phone. The children have been very well behaved through all of this and have enjoyed having their friends around. We have done this despite kids being sick and our son's birthday. While it may not seem convenient it was important and I am glad that we were able to serve in this way. It is important for my family to learn to put others first and to see me doing just that as well.
Thus the decrease in blogging as I often find myself with extra children around here. As example yesterday morning we headed to the doctor as Ciaran has a very rough ear infection. We returned home in time to have lunch and pick up before several friends came over (thankfully one in each of my children's age ranges) the kids played together and the mother and I were able to chat about things she needed to talk about. Then she was able to leave the kids here and head to a doctors appointment. While she was gone the kids and I made cookies and played games.
After they left we talked about helping out people in need and how that is important and fun at the same time. Ciaran actually fell asleep at 4pm and stayed asleep until this morning! I'm glad his body was able to heal some. Serona and I had a good date night here at the house.
I got another call from a friend yesterday who asked if I could watch her boys today while her husband and her take care of some important things. I said yes of course. So again I will find myself with 5 kids under 5 in the house just like yesterday. On days like this I let go of everything else and focus on the kids, meals and general pickup. We fit learning into the teachable moments and usually end up with one day of the week heavier on the studies.
I feel these are very important lessons for my kids to learn and am glad to be able to help. We received such an outpouring of support during Sirah's pregnancy, postpartum period and our move that I have really wanted to be able to give back (to those same families and others). I believe community and being neighborly are such important aspects of life and ones so often done without in our current society. There is this myth that you should be able to do everything yourself - but I always go back to the adage "It takes a village to raise a child" and remember how true that is.
I love that I am a part of many children's lives and that they trust and love me. I love that my kids have many other adults that are a part of theirs. We need to take time to support and love one another. We all go through phases, needy and giving, and we need to come around each other during another's time of need and accept that outpouring of support and love during ours.
I have found the homeschooling world lends itself nicely to that. Our homeschool support group is wonderful, giving, self-sacrificing and fun. The children experience many adults who truly care for them and what is going on in their lives and the adults have others who will help meet (and often discover) their needs. We try to support each other through moves, depression, new births, vacations, and the myriad of everyday stuff that comes up. At times some are on the receiving end for awhile (as we recently were) but in the end everyone gives and takes according to their need and ability and that is the way a good community works.
Peace,
Tenn
March 29, 2004
Ciaran's Birthday Take Two
We had a second celebration for Ciaran's third birthday this weekend. He had about 8 friends come over and they played in our school/playroom and then had a chocolate frog cake with green candles as Ciaran described it. They ran outside and played in the yard and on the playset for awhile until it started to rain then they all scrambled inside and headed back downstairs to play.
Serona decided to allow them to expend their energy by climbing and wrestling on top of him, he also organized playing with puppets and in general was a lot of fun for the kids. Ciaran had a good time - though he started to complain that his ear was hurting and then got pretty tired. He went into another room with Serona and took a real short nap while all his friends continued to play and then he came out refreshed. People slowly started to leave and eventually we ended up with one other family staying for dinner and a movie (after we put all the kids to bed in various rooms of the house).
All in all it was a nice day and I am glad we had two seperate parties as I think we would have been overwhelemed had we had everyone here all together. I also really enjoy the fact that we do family parties and always invite all siblings from a family. Some people were surprised at this choice - but we had a 7 year old boy here yesterday who was fabulous with all the kids - he was pushing them on the swings and just in general getting along with everyone. At our homeschool group party we had several older children and I think it really adds to the fun on the party. One of the benefits of homeschooling is your kids get accustomed to playing with and enjoying the company of a wide range of kids in both age and gender. I really like that our homeschool group ranges from 7 months to 11 years old, it only serves to benefit both the children and the parents.
Peace,
Tenn
Serona decided to allow them to expend their energy by climbing and wrestling on top of him, he also organized playing with puppets and in general was a lot of fun for the kids. Ciaran had a good time - though he started to complain that his ear was hurting and then got pretty tired. He went into another room with Serona and took a real short nap while all his friends continued to play and then he came out refreshed. People slowly started to leave and eventually we ended up with one other family staying for dinner and a movie (after we put all the kids to bed in various rooms of the house).
All in all it was a nice day and I am glad we had two seperate parties as I think we would have been overwhelemed had we had everyone here all together. I also really enjoy the fact that we do family parties and always invite all siblings from a family. Some people were surprised at this choice - but we had a 7 year old boy here yesterday who was fabulous with all the kids - he was pushing them on the swings and just in general getting along with everyone. At our homeschool group party we had several older children and I think it really adds to the fun on the party. One of the benefits of homeschooling is your kids get accustomed to playing with and enjoying the company of a wide range of kids in both age and gender. I really like that our homeschool group ranges from 7 months to 11 years old, it only serves to benefit both the children and the parents.
Peace,
Tenn
March 26, 2004
Poetry, Art, History and Play
The kids played outside the rest of the morning after we finished schooltime - then lunch and naps for Sirah and Ciaran. Rhiannon and I took advantage of the time and worked together. She read me a chapter from Dick and Jane and then two Bob books. Then she did a file folder game with written numbers on it - she needed to match the written number to the amount of spots on a ladybug - she did fairly well - the teens were hard for her to sound out but with help sounding out a few she was able to do it.
Then she went out on our deck with her nature notebook and colored pencils - she drew a sketch of our backyard - with the blue sky, grass, tree and a flower ( she must be imagining that). Then we read two poems from Robert Frost and discussed what we thought they meant. She closed her eyes to listen to the one and imagined it then described to me what she saw. The poem A Time to Talk by Robert Frost reminded her of her friend Madelyn and then she talked about how it made her feel to talk to her. The other poem we read After Apple Picking was longer and harder for her to digest and understand. She could not grasp why he was so tired and I reminded her of when we went apple picking and how tired she was after two bags - how would she feel after picking thousands? That seemed to help her understand and appreciate it more.
We headed downstairs to our library and read the introduction to Story of the World and discussed what history is. Then we talked about how Rhiannon has a history and I had her pull her journal off the shelf in the library. I keep a journal for each of the children discussing what they are doing and important things in our lives. I do this instead of a baby book. The journals are beautiful and I think the kids will cherish them later in life. They tell the history of our family. To read more about this family practice visit here. I read Rhiannon passages from the day she was born and when she was the same age as each Ciaran and Sirah so she could see that she was doing very similar things at the time. It was a lot of fun and she really enjoyed it. Then we talked about how everyone has a history and different ways we could learn history: journals, letters, books, pictures and so on. It was a special time and a memory in and of itself.
We finished our lesson time with money flash cards, talking about time on the clock and reading Amelia Bedilia. I can not believe how much we got accomplished today between our morning and our afternoon times. And it does not even felt like we spent much time on school because we spent SOOOOO much time outside enjoying the beautiful weather. The kids adore the swingset that we have in our backyard and I can see visions of me standing at the swingset all day.
I have to head off as we have company coming over for some adult time.
Peace,
Tenn
Then she went out on our deck with her nature notebook and colored pencils - she drew a sketch of our backyard - with the blue sky, grass, tree and a flower ( she must be imagining that). Then we read two poems from Robert Frost and discussed what we thought they meant. She closed her eyes to listen to the one and imagined it then described to me what she saw. The poem A Time to Talk by Robert Frost reminded her of her friend Madelyn and then she talked about how it made her feel to talk to her. The other poem we read After Apple Picking was longer and harder for her to digest and understand. She could not grasp why he was so tired and I reminded her of when we went apple picking and how tired she was after two bags - how would she feel after picking thousands? That seemed to help her understand and appreciate it more.
We headed downstairs to our library and read the introduction to Story of the World and discussed what history is. Then we talked about how Rhiannon has a history and I had her pull her journal off the shelf in the library. I keep a journal for each of the children discussing what they are doing and important things in our lives. I do this instead of a baby book. The journals are beautiful and I think the kids will cherish them later in life. They tell the history of our family. To read more about this family practice visit here. I read Rhiannon passages from the day she was born and when she was the same age as each Ciaran and Sirah so she could see that she was doing very similar things at the time. It was a lot of fun and she really enjoyed it. Then we talked about how everyone has a history and different ways we could learn history: journals, letters, books, pictures and so on. It was a special time and a memory in and of itself.
We finished our lesson time with money flash cards, talking about time on the clock and reading Amelia Bedilia. I can not believe how much we got accomplished today between our morning and our afternoon times. And it does not even felt like we spent much time on school because we spent SOOOOO much time outside enjoying the beautiful weather. The kids adore the swingset that we have in our backyard and I can see visions of me standing at the swingset all day.
I have to head off as we have company coming over for some adult time.
Peace,
Tenn
Great morning!
We've had a great morning. Rhiannon worked through 4 pages in Phonics Pathways and made very few mistakes on her blends. She was actually excited to be working through them. Then we did a review of the blends we learned by me saying them and her writing them,, she did a great job - only two times did she get sidetracked. The first time she said she could not write an S because it looked like a 5 and would I please help. I asked her to try herself and then she kept asking and I drew it on the easel and she was able to copy it. The other distraction was funny. She said "Mommy I know it is an E sound but I just want to write G can I?" I said no please write the correct sound and she said "but I already made the G next to the S, can I do it again on the next line?" She did so and the rest of the lesson continued.
Then we moved onto math - she wanted to do abacus work but then decided on a few workbook pages instead. She practiced writing 0-10 and ordering the numbers. She did connect the dots from 0-10 and then counted items in a set and circled the correct number.
After math she did some spelling believe it or not! I picked up a copy of Spell Time at a garage sale last year and pulled it out today to see what she would do with it - she loved it and surprised me with what she could do. This is a nice set because it has a picture of the word and then the correct number of spaces next to the word - the tiles are color coded and self correcting (though I'm not sure she even realized this) and it is easy to use. Rhiannon simply sounded out the words phonetically and she only got stuck once (on the a in goat) she did the following words correctly on the first try by herself: cow, sheep, pig, dog, and she needed help on goat. I was so proud of her.
We were going to start our Story of the World lesson but she seemed restless so instead we made a pizza with our wooden pizzamaking kit. Then we strung wooden beads into necklaces as I pretended to be her daughter. Ciaran and Sirah were both content to just play on the floor nearby during this time though Ciaran joined in when we played with the pizza and beads. We did a quick cleanup and then I sat down to nurse Sirah to sleep (and write this) while they are on a ladybug hunt. It is beautiful outside and we will head out there shortly for free playtime and maybe bike riding. Enjoy your day!
Peace,
Tenn
Then we moved onto math - she wanted to do abacus work but then decided on a few workbook pages instead. She practiced writing 0-10 and ordering the numbers. She did connect the dots from 0-10 and then counted items in a set and circled the correct number.
After math she did some spelling believe it or not! I picked up a copy of Spell Time at a garage sale last year and pulled it out today to see what she would do with it - she loved it and surprised me with what she could do. This is a nice set because it has a picture of the word and then the correct number of spaces next to the word - the tiles are color coded and self correcting (though I'm not sure she even realized this) and it is easy to use. Rhiannon simply sounded out the words phonetically and she only got stuck once (on the a in goat) she did the following words correctly on the first try by herself: cow, sheep, pig, dog, and she needed help on goat. I was so proud of her.
We were going to start our Story of the World lesson but she seemed restless so instead we made a pizza with our wooden pizzamaking kit. Then we strung wooden beads into necklaces as I pretended to be her daughter. Ciaran and Sirah were both content to just play on the floor nearby during this time though Ciaran joined in when we played with the pizza and beads. We did a quick cleanup and then I sat down to nurse Sirah to sleep (and write this) while they are on a ladybug hunt. It is beautiful outside and we will head out there shortly for free playtime and maybe bike riding. Enjoy your day!
Peace,
Tenn
Legacy
Another one in lists of inspiring songs for motherhood. This one I try to listen to each day to remind me what is important in mothering, homeschooling and life. I want to be an example for my kids and I want to leave them a legacy. I have seen firsthand the fruits of giving your children a a good model of Christianity to grow up with and leave to their kids - my in-laws have truly done this and inspire us in this way. Enjoy and think about the kind of legacy you would like to leave your children and then do what is neccessary today and every day to acheive that.
LEGACY by Nicole Nordeman
I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me
And I enjoy an accolade like the rest
And you can take my picture and hang it in a gallery
Of all the Who's Who's and So-and-So's
That used to be the best at such and such
It wouldn't matter much
I won't lie, it feels alright to see your name in lights
We all need an "Atta boy" or "Atta girl"
But in the end I'd like to hang my hat on more besides
The temporary trappings of this world
I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love?
Did I point to You enough
To make a mark on things
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace
Who blessed Your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy
I don't have to look too far or too long awhile
To make a lengthy list of all that I enjoy
It's an accumulating trinket and a treasure pile
Where moth and rust, thieves and such will soon
enough destroy
I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love?
Did I point to You enough
To make a mark on things
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace
Who blessed Your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy
Not well-traveled, not well-read
Not well-to-do, or well-bred
Just want to hear instead
Well done, good and faithful one
I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love?
Did I point to You enough
To make a mark on things
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace
Who blessed Your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy
I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me
Peace,
Tenn
LEGACY by Nicole Nordeman
I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me
And I enjoy an accolade like the rest
And you can take my picture and hang it in a gallery
Of all the Who's Who's and So-and-So's
That used to be the best at such and such
It wouldn't matter much
I won't lie, it feels alright to see your name in lights
We all need an "Atta boy" or "Atta girl"
But in the end I'd like to hang my hat on more besides
The temporary trappings of this world
I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love?
Did I point to You enough
To make a mark on things
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace
Who blessed Your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy
I don't have to look too far or too long awhile
To make a lengthy list of all that I enjoy
It's an accumulating trinket and a treasure pile
Where moth and rust, thieves and such will soon
enough destroy
I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love?
Did I point to You enough
To make a mark on things
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace
Who blessed Your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy
Not well-traveled, not well-read
Not well-to-do, or well-bred
Just want to hear instead
Well done, good and faithful one
I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love?
Did I point to You enough
To make a mark on things
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace
Who blessed Your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy
I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me
Peace,
Tenn
I Hope You Dance
In Keeping with my songs that inspire me as a mother, here is another. I hope You Dance by LeaAnn Womack has always made me think of a song I would sing to my child. I bought a journal based around the song to keep for myself, with the lyrics listed right in the front. This song inspired me to write this post about dancing through life with and for our children. Enjoy and dance!
I HOPE YOU DANCE by Lee Ann Womack
I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat
But always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give fate a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance
I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Living might mean taking chances
But they're worth taking
Lovin' might be a mistake
But it's worth making
Don't let some hell bent heart
Leave you bitter
When you come close to selling out
Reconsider
Give the heavens above
More than just a passing glance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
(Time is a real and constant motion always)
I hope you dance
(Rolling us along)
I hope you dance
(Tell me who)
I hope you dance
(Wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
(Where those years have gone)
I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give fate a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
Dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance
(Time is a real and constant motion always)
I hope you dance
(Rolling us along)
I hope you dance
(Tell me who)
(Wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
I hope you dance
(Where those years have gone)
(Tell me who)
I hope you dance
(Wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
(Where those years have gone)
Peace,
Tenn
I HOPE YOU DANCE by Lee Ann Womack
I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat
But always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give fate a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance
I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Living might mean taking chances
But they're worth taking
Lovin' might be a mistake
But it's worth making
Don't let some hell bent heart
Leave you bitter
When you come close to selling out
Reconsider
Give the heavens above
More than just a passing glance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
(Time is a real and constant motion always)
I hope you dance
(Rolling us along)
I hope you dance
(Tell me who)
I hope you dance
(Wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
(Where those years have gone)
I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give fate a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
Dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance
(Time is a real and constant motion always)
I hope you dance
(Rolling us along)
I hope you dance
(Tell me who)
(Wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
I hope you dance
(Where those years have gone)
(Tell me who)
I hope you dance
(Wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
(Where those years have gone)
Peace,
Tenn
March 25, 2004
Ciaran's Birthday Take One
Today we had the families from our homeschool group over for a playdate - we also celebrated Ciaran's birthday. He was so excited to have everyone over. Last night I made cupcakes and cookies and the kids put together goody bags for their friends (sidewalk chalk, colored pencils, pencil eraser, sticky bugs, little toy animals, sunglasses and stickers). We had 10 kids here ranging in ages from 3-11. Thankfully the rain held off and they spent a good part of the time out in the yard running around and playing on our swingset. The kids really seemed to get along well for the most part. They played down in the play/school room and several of the older ones played board games and then some of them played "school" sitting in our desks and using the easel. We decorated cupcakes and had cookies. Ciaran had opened presents almost immediately as people came in the door - he was so excited. Ciaran and another 3 year old boy ended up in the bath after they had a sand fight. The day closed with everyone singing "Happy Birthday" right before they headed out.
Ciaran had a great time and I don't think he would have enjoyed anything more than just having the freedom to run around the yard with all his friends. It was nice for us moms too as we were able to sit on my couches and then at the table and just chat while we watched the kids play in the yard. A perfect birthday party for a 3 year old boy!
Peace,
Tenn
Ciaran had a great time and I don't think he would have enjoyed anything more than just having the freedom to run around the yard with all his friends. It was nice for us moms too as we were able to sit on my couches and then at the table and just chat while we watched the kids play in the yard. A perfect birthday party for a 3 year old boy!
Peace,
Tenn
Life Uncommon
We have spent a lot of time in the car recently and yesterday I was using the time to listen to songs that motivate me as a mother. I thought I would share this Jewel song that helps me remember how to allocate my time and helps me say no (a real challenge for me) even when it is something I think I should do. It helps me remember to fight the good fight and to teach my kids to love and be brave.
LIFE UNCOMMON by Jewel
Don’t worry mother
It’ll be alright
And don’t worry sister
Say your prayers and sleep tight
And it’ll be fine
Lover of mine
It’ll be just fine
And lend your voices only
To sounds of freedom
No longer lend your strength
To that which you wish
To be free from
Fill your lives
With love and bravery
And you shall lead
A life uncommon
I’ve heard your anguish
I’ve heard your hearts cry out
We are tired, we are weary
But we aren’t worn out
Set down your chains
Until only faith remains
Set down your chains
And lend your voices only
To sounds of freedom
No longer lend your strength
To that which you wish
To be free from
Fill your lives
With love and bravery
And we shall lead
A life uncommon
There are plenty of people
Who pray for peace
But if praying were enough
It would’ve come to be
Let your words enslave no one
And the heavens will hush themselves
To hear our voices ring our clear
With sounds of freedom
Sounds of freedom
Come on you unbelievers
Move out of the way
There is a new army coming
And we are armed with faith
To live, we must give
To live
And lend our voices only
To sounds of freedom
No longer lend our strength
To that which we wish
To be free from
Fill your lives
With love and bravery
And we shall lead...
And lend our voices only
To sounds of freedom
No longer lend our strength
To that which we wish
To be free from
Fill your lives
With love and bravery
And we shall lead
A life uncommon
Peace,
Tenn
LIFE UNCOMMON by Jewel
Don’t worry mother
It’ll be alright
And don’t worry sister
Say your prayers and sleep tight
And it’ll be fine
Lover of mine
It’ll be just fine
And lend your voices only
To sounds of freedom
No longer lend your strength
To that which you wish
To be free from
Fill your lives
With love and bravery
And you shall lead
A life uncommon
I’ve heard your anguish
I’ve heard your hearts cry out
We are tired, we are weary
But we aren’t worn out
Set down your chains
Until only faith remains
Set down your chains
And lend your voices only
To sounds of freedom
No longer lend your strength
To that which you wish
To be free from
Fill your lives
With love and bravery
And we shall lead
A life uncommon
There are plenty of people
Who pray for peace
But if praying were enough
It would’ve come to be
Let your words enslave no one
And the heavens will hush themselves
To hear our voices ring our clear
With sounds of freedom
Sounds of freedom
Come on you unbelievers
Move out of the way
There is a new army coming
And we are armed with faith
To live, we must give
To live
And lend our voices only
To sounds of freedom
No longer lend our strength
To that which we wish
To be free from
Fill your lives
With love and bravery
And we shall lead...
And lend our voices only
To sounds of freedom
No longer lend our strength
To that which we wish
To be free from
Fill your lives
With love and bravery
And we shall lead
A life uncommon
Peace,
Tenn
March 24, 2004
Acts of Kindness
Today we talked about acts of kindness and how important they are and the various ways that we can be kind and ways we can experience kindness. The day began with a trip to the grocery store (a rare occurence in our household) and it was a stressful trip - Sirah was miserable and had to be carried most of the time, and of course i forgot my sling. The other two were asking every 30 seconds if they could have this or that and I had a long list to get through. We went to the cheap warehouse type store and so by the time I got to the checkout I had to put Sirah down to load the belt with groceries and then to pack - she was MISERABLE and there was nothing I could do. Thankfully a kind woman came over and offered to help - she held Sirah for me while I finished loading the groceries into the cart and talked to the other two. Then we sat on a bench and I nursed Sirah while I talked to the kids about how kind that woman had been to us. As we were driving in the parking lot we saw a woman with two small children dop a case of soda pop cans all over the parking lot. A young man stopped and looked at her, turned around to keep going and then headed back to help her. It made me smile and we used that teachable moment to talk about acts of kindness again.
Later this evening we brought a meal, complete with salad and brownies, over to our friend who just had a baby. We talked about how we were being kind to this family and how that was for us to do. As the kids were sad to see brownies leaving the house (I did let them each have one) we talked about how they thought the boys in that family would feel getting brownies and then they were excited to share. Then we cleaned up around our house to get ready for our homeschool group coming over tommorrow.
I love days like this. When we can take the events of the day and turn them into meaningful lessons. Working with the "teachable moments" is one of my favorite aspects of homeschooling.
Peace,
Tenn
Later this evening we brought a meal, complete with salad and brownies, over to our friend who just had a baby. We talked about how we were being kind to this family and how that was for us to do. As the kids were sad to see brownies leaving the house (I did let them each have one) we talked about how they thought the boys in that family would feel getting brownies and then they were excited to share. Then we cleaned up around our house to get ready for our homeschool group coming over tommorrow.
I love days like this. When we can take the events of the day and turn them into meaningful lessons. Working with the "teachable moments" is one of my favorite aspects of homeschooling.
Peace,
Tenn
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