We just returned from a great birthday party. One of the children's friends turned 3 today and she had a great party. The kids all had pizza and limeade first and then went out into their driveway and lawn where there were stations set up. There was paint, slime, playdough, fingerpaint, markers, crayons, anything a child could want to make a creative mess with. Some kids made paper airplanes and there was face painting and silly string. They had a great time and amazingly did not get as messy as I imagined.
They had cupcakes and each child received a plain cupcake and two giant scoops of vanilla and chocolate frosting and then passed around bottles of sprinkles - each had their own little plastic knife - it was fun to watch the kids eat. One little girl kept spreading frosting on top of her cake then eating it off and then starting the process over again, another child just spooned into the frosting. It was a clever idea and they all enjoyed themselves.
Rhiannon has a good friend who was the older brother of the birthday girl. Her relationship with this little boy is very interesting. They met when they were about 18 months old and have been the best of friends since. The interesting part about it is they rarely see each other. - but they have this amazing connection that has lasted over the years. The mother and I get along very well but it seems our schedules rarely collide and we often go months at a time without seeing each other - the last time the kids saw one another was probably nearly 4 months ago and before then almost 8 months - yet she still talks about this little boy and she still says she is going to marry him and the minute they are together they are inseparable. It is a very interesting relationship to watch and it has always been that way and has never been that way with another one of her friends.
Rhiannon has many friends and she gets along with many different children and is close to several of them. She often changes who she plays with even within the same group of kids - but this little boy seems to have always held a special place in her heart. Luckily Ciaran gets along well with his little sister (the birthday girl) and we moms like one another.
Anyway the party was a great success and a good way to spend an afternoon. They are having quiet and naptime now and I need to figure out how to pass the time when they wake up and burn off some of that energy.
Peace,
Tenn
August 5, 2004
Day at the Park
We met our homeschool group at a playground this morning for some free playtime. It was an enjoyable time. The playground was very nice - it had a lot of shaded areas (which for some reason is unusual) including some big canvas tarps they placed over the center of several play structures and some nice tree shade. It was refreshing to see that the kids had some more protection from the sun.
I love my homeschool support group moms - they are always there for me - to listen to me - to support me and to help me. They know that I am there for them to as well. Lately they have certainly been doing more of the supporting as life with 3 kids 5 and under can be busy - especially during those times when Serona is away and we have no family support nearby. Even just talking to them on the phone offers me the support that I need.
The kids ran around and played the morning away - Sirah seems so much older now that she is walking around the playground herself and I am now torn in three separate directions instead of the usual 2. Sirah loved the swings and kept trying to walk into the path of them - she was also trying to climb up a cement incline that to her must have been like climbing a mountain. She is such a good walker - but she looks so tiny.
We left our parktime a little early to make it to another friends birthday party. Rarely do we double schedule like this - but I wanted the kids to have the opportunity for both of these activities so we rushed a bit more than I like. The kids were a bit disappointed as other members of the homeschool group were going to the beach at the park to play in the water - but the promise of cake and painting had them more willing to head into the car and off to the birthday party.
Peace,
Tenn
I love my homeschool support group moms - they are always there for me - to listen to me - to support me and to help me. They know that I am there for them to as well. Lately they have certainly been doing more of the supporting as life with 3 kids 5 and under can be busy - especially during those times when Serona is away and we have no family support nearby. Even just talking to them on the phone offers me the support that I need.
The kids ran around and played the morning away - Sirah seems so much older now that she is walking around the playground herself and I am now torn in three separate directions instead of the usual 2. Sirah loved the swings and kept trying to walk into the path of them - she was also trying to climb up a cement incline that to her must have been like climbing a mountain. She is such a good walker - but she looks so tiny.
We left our parktime a little early to make it to another friends birthday party. Rarely do we double schedule like this - but I wanted the kids to have the opportunity for both of these activities so we rushed a bit more than I like. The kids were a bit disappointed as other members of the homeschool group were going to the beach at the park to play in the water - but the promise of cake and painting had them more willing to head into the car and off to the birthday party.
Peace,
Tenn
August 4, 2004
** Cleaning Power Hour **
Today I felt like an example out of "Chores Without Wars" but I must admit that this is a rarity in my house - I often feel like I am fighting the endless battle of the tornado that follows my cleanup. However, today inspired by listening to one of the free phone seminars about being more organized I decided to give it a try.
I sat down with the kids and asked how they felt about the house - which was pretty chaotic and just needed a good pickup and here is what happened.
Me: What do you think about the house now - is it clean or messy.
Them: They said they thought things were very messy.
Me: Do you think we are being good stewards of what God has given us?
Them: No.
Me: What should we do?
Them: Maybe we could work together and clean.
Me: That sounds like a great idea. Where should we start? What room is most important to be cleaned?
Rhiannon: The upstairs living room.
Ciaran: The downstairs family/playroom
Mom: the kitchen
Rhiannon: Let's start with the room of the person who finds the timer first and we will set a timer and try to beat it.
Me: Okay if we work together and beat the timer than you can have a treat.
I found the timer first so we started in the kitchen. I asked what music they wanted and they settled on Vivaldi. I put it on and asked how long they thought it should take to clean the kitchen. Rhiannon said a half hour - I said 15 minutes - she really wanted a half hour (remember she wants that treat) so I compromised and said we will set the timer for a half hour and cover the kitchen and the dining room (planning in my mind to include the upstairs living room as all these rooms are open and together). She agreed and we started cleaning. The kids were very helpful. We managed to pick up and put away everything in the three rooms, sweep, vacuum, wash the counters and the floors and dust in all three rooms with about 30 seconds to spare. Ciaran helped me wash the floor for the first time and Rhiannon vacuumed for the first time. Roomba was vacuuming the bathrooms during this time. Then they each got to pick their treat. Rhiannon chose a cookie and Ciaran chose a popsicle. They went on the deck to eat them and enjoy a few minutes break. Then we headed downstairs.
Again I asked how long we would need for the family room. Rhiannon said 30 minutes. I said in 30 minutes we can do the whole downstairs - she said no we need an hour. I said "You want to clean for an hour?" they said yes. I said let's compromise and clean for 45 minutes and do the whole downstairs (family/play/schoolroom, library, office, laundry room, bathroom, hallway and stairs.
We finished all the rooms (except the bathroom) pickup, put away, dust, vacuum, and all the misc things we do down there in 30 minutes. I said since they were such huge helps (they really were) and had such a good serving spirit and the right attitude we would stop and I would finish the bathroom later. They each got two twizzlers. Then they had to sit in the library and read a book while I nursed Sirah.
It was an amazing hour and there were no tears, no fighting, no complaining and we really got a lot accomplished. I was very proud of the kids and appreciative of their help. I told them this and then said and you should be proud of yourselves to which Rhiannon replied. No mom I am not proud - I am humble. Every once in awhile a lesson comes back when you least expect it. Anyway it was a good day and reminded me of a few lessons I already knew but often forget with kids, especially when it comes to cleaning.
1. Our timer is our best friend.
2. Kids want to be involved with you and prefer helping you (even with cleaning) then doing something alone by themselves - they want the connection and interaction with you.
3. Kids need specific directions and tasks and they will meet them.
4. Kids crave and want order and structure and will help accomplish it.
5. A reward to a kid is often very small but can go a long way. Though I don't believe you should always use rewards as incentive.
6. It's so much friendlier with 2 (or 4 in our case) and the time passes much quicker.
There are days when I feel all I am doing is cleaning my house and I may make choices like - just watch this movie so I can get something done. In the end, usually, no one is happy. The kids feel ignored and perhaps like I am putting a clean house ahead of them, they are then grumpy and often follow me around making a mess, I get short because I just cleaned. I am the only one cleaning and it teaches them that I will pick up their messes and does not give them a sense of ownership of their mess and responsibility for cleaning it and caring for their things and it does not foster a family community.
The brief hour yesterday accomplished far more for our family than a nice clean house (though that certainly was a benefit). It brought us together as a family, it gave us time to chat and work together, it helped us work as a team to help care for each others things, it gave each person a sense of ownership and responsibility not towards themselves but towards the family. It showed my kids that they can do things and that it can be fun to work together. I got help instead of doing it all myself and it built foundations for the future and helped the kids see the responsibilities that go into running a household.
This is not the first time we have done this - but it is the first time I think I really realized the benefits of the process and the values and advantages in continuing it. For years I heard people tell me to have my kids help me even when it takes longer. I used to be really good about it - but lately I was so focused on getting the task done as quickly as possibly that I was leaving my kids alone so I could just get something done and it was making all of us unhappy.
I recommend an occasional cleaning power hour or 15 minutes or whatever you can do. Try it you may enjoy all the benefits I've mentioned and discover some more of your own.
Peace,
Tenn
I sat down with the kids and asked how they felt about the house - which was pretty chaotic and just needed a good pickup and here is what happened.
Me: What do you think about the house now - is it clean or messy.
Them: They said they thought things were very messy.
Me: Do you think we are being good stewards of what God has given us?
Them: No.
Me: What should we do?
Them: Maybe we could work together and clean.
Me: That sounds like a great idea. Where should we start? What room is most important to be cleaned?
Rhiannon: The upstairs living room.
Ciaran: The downstairs family/playroom
Mom: the kitchen
Rhiannon: Let's start with the room of the person who finds the timer first and we will set a timer and try to beat it.
Me: Okay if we work together and beat the timer than you can have a treat.
I found the timer first so we started in the kitchen. I asked what music they wanted and they settled on Vivaldi. I put it on and asked how long they thought it should take to clean the kitchen. Rhiannon said a half hour - I said 15 minutes - she really wanted a half hour (remember she wants that treat) so I compromised and said we will set the timer for a half hour and cover the kitchen and the dining room (planning in my mind to include the upstairs living room as all these rooms are open and together). She agreed and we started cleaning. The kids were very helpful. We managed to pick up and put away everything in the three rooms, sweep, vacuum, wash the counters and the floors and dust in all three rooms with about 30 seconds to spare. Ciaran helped me wash the floor for the first time and Rhiannon vacuumed for the first time. Roomba was vacuuming the bathrooms during this time. Then they each got to pick their treat. Rhiannon chose a cookie and Ciaran chose a popsicle. They went on the deck to eat them and enjoy a few minutes break. Then we headed downstairs.
Again I asked how long we would need for the family room. Rhiannon said 30 minutes. I said in 30 minutes we can do the whole downstairs - she said no we need an hour. I said "You want to clean for an hour?" they said yes. I said let's compromise and clean for 45 minutes and do the whole downstairs (family/play/schoolroom, library, office, laundry room, bathroom, hallway and stairs.
We finished all the rooms (except the bathroom) pickup, put away, dust, vacuum, and all the misc things we do down there in 30 minutes. I said since they were such huge helps (they really were) and had such a good serving spirit and the right attitude we would stop and I would finish the bathroom later. They each got two twizzlers. Then they had to sit in the library and read a book while I nursed Sirah.
It was an amazing hour and there were no tears, no fighting, no complaining and we really got a lot accomplished. I was very proud of the kids and appreciative of their help. I told them this and then said and you should be proud of yourselves to which Rhiannon replied. No mom I am not proud - I am humble. Every once in awhile a lesson comes back when you least expect it. Anyway it was a good day and reminded me of a few lessons I already knew but often forget with kids, especially when it comes to cleaning.
1. Our timer is our best friend.
2. Kids want to be involved with you and prefer helping you (even with cleaning) then doing something alone by themselves - they want the connection and interaction with you.
3. Kids need specific directions and tasks and they will meet them.
4. Kids crave and want order and structure and will help accomplish it.
5. A reward to a kid is often very small but can go a long way. Though I don't believe you should always use rewards as incentive.
6. It's so much friendlier with 2 (or 4 in our case) and the time passes much quicker.
There are days when I feel all I am doing is cleaning my house and I may make choices like - just watch this movie so I can get something done. In the end, usually, no one is happy. The kids feel ignored and perhaps like I am putting a clean house ahead of them, they are then grumpy and often follow me around making a mess, I get short because I just cleaned. I am the only one cleaning and it teaches them that I will pick up their messes and does not give them a sense of ownership of their mess and responsibility for cleaning it and caring for their things and it does not foster a family community.
The brief hour yesterday accomplished far more for our family than a nice clean house (though that certainly was a benefit). It brought us together as a family, it gave us time to chat and work together, it helped us work as a team to help care for each others things, it gave each person a sense of ownership and responsibility not towards themselves but towards the family. It showed my kids that they can do things and that it can be fun to work together. I got help instead of doing it all myself and it built foundations for the future and helped the kids see the responsibilities that go into running a household.
This is not the first time we have done this - but it is the first time I think I really realized the benefits of the process and the values and advantages in continuing it. For years I heard people tell me to have my kids help me even when it takes longer. I used to be really good about it - but lately I was so focused on getting the task done as quickly as possibly that I was leaving my kids alone so I could just get something done and it was making all of us unhappy.
I recommend an occasional cleaning power hour or 15 minutes or whatever you can do. Try it you may enjoy all the benefits I've mentioned and discover some more of your own.
Peace,
Tenn
The Juggler
No I am not talking about myself and my life responsibilities (though I often feel that way) I am talking about the show we went to see at our library today. We woke up this morning and had breakfast with our friends who slept over - the kids had some playtime this morning out in the yard - which mostly consisted of water, crickets, buckets and sand (what more can three young boys and one young girl ask for) and 4 messy kids.
When everyone was rounded up and cleaned our friends had to leave and we headed to the library for a juggling performance. The children enjoyed it - though according to them the magic shows were much better - I actually enjoyed this one more (but then again I am not 5 or 3). Their favorite parts of the show where when he juggled a baseball bat with devils sticks and balanced something on his nose and when he juggled a bowling ball. His demeanor was very good with the kids and he was enjoyable to watch.
After the show we headed over to get some books and the children's section was jam packed - as we have enough books at home I encouraged them each to just pick out a movie and we would head out and come back when it was not so crowded. I love the public library and we use it all the time - but I sometimes find the summers frustrating as the library can be very crowded and the shelves are often wiped out. This is a good thing I need to constantly remind myself. But part of me can't wait until everyone else goes back to school and we can get back into our own library routine. The good thing about the summer though is that most often the children and/or their parents are busy checking out books like Clifford and other TV in a book type books that they skip over and leave some of the great older gems that we enjoy like "Blueberries for Sal", "Make Way for Ducklings" and "The Little House" and other books that don't look as flashy but have great content, illustrations and lessons.
I must admit I am impressed with our local library. Though the children's section is not that large they have really worked on quality. Their children's storybooks are very good - I can almost always find any classic storybook that I am looking for - if it is not in I can reserve it and very rarely am I unable to find what I am looking for in terms of children's fiction. Their non-fiction section is not as extensive and I often find myself making trips to another county's library to get what I want. Thankfully we live in a great area for public libraries and I have so much at my fingertips.
Peace,
Tenn
When everyone was rounded up and cleaned our friends had to leave and we headed to the library for a juggling performance. The children enjoyed it - though according to them the magic shows were much better - I actually enjoyed this one more (but then again I am not 5 or 3). Their favorite parts of the show where when he juggled a baseball bat with devils sticks and balanced something on his nose and when he juggled a bowling ball. His demeanor was very good with the kids and he was enjoyable to watch.
After the show we headed over to get some books and the children's section was jam packed - as we have enough books at home I encouraged them each to just pick out a movie and we would head out and come back when it was not so crowded. I love the public library and we use it all the time - but I sometimes find the summers frustrating as the library can be very crowded and the shelves are often wiped out. This is a good thing I need to constantly remind myself. But part of me can't wait until everyone else goes back to school and we can get back into our own library routine. The good thing about the summer though is that most often the children and/or their parents are busy checking out books like Clifford and other TV in a book type books that they skip over and leave some of the great older gems that we enjoy like "Blueberries for Sal", "Make Way for Ducklings" and "The Little House" and other books that don't look as flashy but have great content, illustrations and lessons.
I must admit I am impressed with our local library. Though the children's section is not that large they have really worked on quality. Their children's storybooks are very good - I can almost always find any classic storybook that I am looking for - if it is not in I can reserve it and very rarely am I unable to find what I am looking for in terms of children's fiction. Their non-fiction section is not as extensive and I often find myself making trips to another county's library to get what I want. Thankfully we live in a great area for public libraries and I have so much at my fingertips.
Peace,
Tenn
August 3, 2004
Sleepover
We had a family come and stay over our house again this week. Serona was travelling as was the dad of this family so we got together. The kids played together and then wound down to Jonah: a veggie tales movie. We split them all up to sleep and the other mother and I had some time together. I gave her a breif computer tutorial on digital photography and online banking and then we started to watch a movie until we all fell asleep.
It was very nice to have the companionship and instead of being alone seperately it was nice for all of us to be together. I also love opening our home to company and having friends spend time here. It makes the evenings pass quicker as well.
Peace,
Tenn
It was very nice to have the companionship and instead of being alone seperately it was nice for all of us to be together. I also love opening our home to company and having friends spend time here. It makes the evenings pass quicker as well.
Peace,
Tenn
Curriculum
I ordered the rest of our school supplies today. In my orders were:
Miquon Math: Annotations, Notes for Teachers, Red and Orange workbooks
Cuisenaire Rods
Bob Books Pals
Sound Box books by Jane Belk Moncure (now I only need 7 more to complete our collection)
The Well Trained Mind
The rest of my books are already here. I will also be using some or all of:
Charlotte Mason Companion
Christian Liberty Nature Reader
What Your Kindergartner Needs to Know
Story of the World
Phonics Pathways
Before I Dream Bible Storybook
ABC Bible Verses
Phonics Bible
Wee Sings Bible Songs
Drawing with Children
And of course the many books we have here and from the public library as well as our file folder games, flash cards, puzzles, and other hands on materials.
Peace,
Tenn
Miquon Math: Annotations, Notes for Teachers, Red and Orange workbooks
Cuisenaire Rods
Bob Books Pals
Sound Box books by Jane Belk Moncure (now I only need 7 more to complete our collection)
The Well Trained Mind
The rest of my books are already here. I will also be using some or all of:
Charlotte Mason Companion
Christian Liberty Nature Reader
What Your Kindergartner Needs to Know
Story of the World
Phonics Pathways
Before I Dream Bible Storybook
ABC Bible Verses
Phonics Bible
Wee Sings Bible Songs
Drawing with Children
And of course the many books we have here and from the public library as well as our file folder games, flash cards, puzzles, and other hands on materials.
Peace,
Tenn
August 2, 2004
Trampolines and Friends
We spent the morning at a friends house. The kids enjoyed playing outside in their yard on their play sets and running through their yard. We enjoyed the fence as we could sit inside the house and watch the kids play from the comfort of the couch and the airconditioning while the little ones played on the floor nearby.
We had lunch together and just enjoyed each others company. I enjoy being with this family as I have watched the children grow up since the oldest was 3 months old and knew the younger two since they were days old.
These friends lent us their indoor trampoline as I asked if her kids enjoy it. She said they did and why don't I borrow it to see how my kids would feel about it. I did and my kids love it! They would not get off the thing. They are certainly jumping out energy as well as performing and using it as a stage and Sirah is practicing climbing up and down on it. I may have to consider getting them one - just wish they were not so expensive - even the little ones are quite pricey.
Well we will enjoy it while we have it and praise God for the generosity of friends.
Peace,
Tenn
We had lunch together and just enjoyed each others company. I enjoy being with this family as I have watched the children grow up since the oldest was 3 months old and knew the younger two since they were days old.
These friends lent us their indoor trampoline as I asked if her kids enjoy it. She said they did and why don't I borrow it to see how my kids would feel about it. I did and my kids love it! They would not get off the thing. They are certainly jumping out energy as well as performing and using it as a stage and Sirah is practicing climbing up and down on it. I may have to consider getting them one - just wish they were not so expensive - even the little ones are quite pricey.
Well we will enjoy it while we have it and praise God for the generosity of friends.
Peace,
Tenn
Comments
Been having problems with the comment system - I think I finally got it fixed for posts here on out (but it won't work on previous posts). If you are out there and have something to say about a previous post feel free to comment here.
Peace,
Tenn
Peace,
Tenn
Crickets
It appears we have moved beyond frog collection to crickets. The children have been collecting crickets every day for about a week now. One day they probably caught 20 plus between the two of them in our yard. I have been firm about not bringing them in the house, the last thing I want at night time. It passes the time for them and they do enjoy themselves. It allows me to stay inside with Sirah in the air conditioning or up on the deck with our screened shade room while they play outside and enjoy themselves. They enjoy bringing them up to show me and putting them in various collection jars or bags to examine them.
So far I have managed the summer without touching crickets, worms, frogs or anything of the like - though they have touched many. At first it took some stretching on my part to just let them be kids and examine and explore the world in such a hands on way - now I just accept it as a part of everyday life here.
Our summer hiatus is coming to a close as I start to pull things together for the school year - I think we will start mid September as we have a visit from the grandparents coming at the end of August and they always need a few weeks to get back to normal life after the joy of those visits.
So we will enjoy a few more days of summer, collecting crickets, jumpy guys, walks, bike rides to the library and of course reading before we settle into some more formal work.
Peace,
Tenn
So far I have managed the summer without touching crickets, worms, frogs or anything of the like - though they have touched many. At first it took some stretching on my part to just let them be kids and examine and explore the world in such a hands on way - now I just accept it as a part of everyday life here.
Our summer hiatus is coming to a close as I start to pull things together for the school year - I think we will start mid September as we have a visit from the grandparents coming at the end of August and they always need a few weeks to get back to normal life after the joy of those visits.
So we will enjoy a few more days of summer, collecting crickets, jumpy guys, walks, bike rides to the library and of course reading before we settle into some more formal work.
Peace,
Tenn
July 29, 2004
Favorite Reads
A good friend was over the other day and we were exchanging some ideas for books and I realized it has been awhile since I posted a reading list here (that will resume in September) but I thought I would post a few of our favorites from this summer, a brief sample and many have been mentioned before. I'm going to do it from memory so author list may not be complete. These are some of the read me and reread me and could you read this again even though we read it a half hour ago books in our house this summer.
The Wide Mouth Frog by Keith Faulkner
The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry and the Big Hungry Bear - Audrey Wood
Quick as a Cricket - Audrey Wood
Sylvester and the Magic Pebble - William Steig
Pete's a Pizza - William Steig
Bedtime for Frances - Russell Hoban
Birthday for Frances - Russell Hoban
Bread and Jam for Frances - Russell Hoban
Frog and Toad series - Arnold Lobel
Little Bear series - Else Holmlund Minark
Jesse Bear Series - Nancy white Carlstrom
Miss Rumphius - Barbara Cooney
The Library - Sarah Stewart
Dr Suess books
If you Give a Moose a Muffin - Laura Numeroff
If You give a pig a pancake - Laura Numeroff
The Little House on the Prairie picture books - adapted from Laura Ingalls Wilder
Make Way for Ducklings - Robert Mccloskey
Mama Do You Love Me - Barabara Joose
Pickles to Pittsburgh - Judi Barrett
Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs - Judi Barrett
Amelia Bedelia series by Peggy Parish
Some of our favorite books on tape this summer have been
Peter Pan
Heidi
The Wizard of Oz
Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Dahl
The Trumpet of the Swan - White
Hobbit - Tolkein
Chronicles of Narnia - Lewis
Mary Poppins
There you have a brief peek into some of our summer favorites. We also have a steady stream of library books coming in as well as whatever the kids pick up around the house. We have cut back our reading time to probably somewhere between 30 minutes and an hour a day, so we can enjoy being outside more.
Peace,
Tenn
The Wide Mouth Frog by Keith Faulkner
The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry and the Big Hungry Bear - Audrey Wood
Quick as a Cricket - Audrey Wood
Sylvester and the Magic Pebble - William Steig
Pete's a Pizza - William Steig
Bedtime for Frances - Russell Hoban
Birthday for Frances - Russell Hoban
Bread and Jam for Frances - Russell Hoban
Frog and Toad series - Arnold Lobel
Little Bear series - Else Holmlund Minark
Jesse Bear Series - Nancy white Carlstrom
Miss Rumphius - Barbara Cooney
The Library - Sarah Stewart
Dr Suess books
If you Give a Moose a Muffin - Laura Numeroff
If You give a pig a pancake - Laura Numeroff
The Little House on the Prairie picture books - adapted from Laura Ingalls Wilder
Make Way for Ducklings - Robert Mccloskey
Mama Do You Love Me - Barabara Joose
Pickles to Pittsburgh - Judi Barrett
Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs - Judi Barrett
Amelia Bedelia series by Peggy Parish
Some of our favorite books on tape this summer have been
Peter Pan
Heidi
The Wizard of Oz
Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Dahl
The Trumpet of the Swan - White
Hobbit - Tolkein
Chronicles of Narnia - Lewis
Mary Poppins
There you have a brief peek into some of our summer favorites. We also have a steady stream of library books coming in as well as whatever the kids pick up around the house. We have cut back our reading time to probably somewhere between 30 minutes and an hour a day, so we can enjoy being outside more.
Peace,
Tenn
The More You Have The Less You Know
It took me some time but I have finally come to realize how very much of our children come prewired that way and also how you can be a great parent and still have challenging or spirited children. I have realized that a part of me was pretty know it all and judgmental when I was the parent of just one child.
My daughter never went near outlets, stoves, or did much of anything dangerous. I found myself thinking of all the "safety gadgets" where are the parents? Isn't it a discipline issue and aren't safety gadgets to replace inactive parents? I can say this now because my second child made me realize why they make all those for the 30 seconds you turn your back or are helping another child. Ciaran was drawn to outlets, climbing and it seems all things dangerous. He loves emptying cabinets and almost anything. Now Sirah loves stairs, emptying the trash bins and eating anything she should not. I am much more sympathetic and understanding and ashamed of my initial thoughts. I've learned so much.
I have one who has horrible temper tantrums, one who talks non-stop and has issues with interrupting, one who needs constant attention and one who is a daredevil. I have one who is mellow and easy going, one who is almost always a joy to be around, one who makes you smile in a heartbeat and one who is very precocious. They all have strengths and weaknesses and they are all their own person. We have raised them in very similar ways.
I've also found that life circumstances change. I once gave a talk on offering good snacks and meals for toddlers and young children. At the time I simply did not understand why this was so hard for some people. Convenience food was not a part of our vocabulary and I could simply control that we would have no junk food in the house. As my kids don't watch TV advertising was not a problem so they did not know what they were "missing". Again I look back and realize I was judgmental of people again and thought some simply were not trying hard enough.
Last week I called a friend and said you won't believe me but Sirah's lunch contained Cheetos - she was shocked. We bought pop ice this summer, my kids have had kool aid, caprisun and many forms of "snackfood" I don't usually allow. I find it easier with three 5 and under to offer boxed cereal for breakfast instead of homemade pancakes, eggs or even oatmeal. We stop for fast food more than ever before (though still not often).
Before those of you who know me got into shock we still serve tofu, avocado, edamame, and lots of fruit for snacks. My kids still only drink water and soy milk (with an occasional treat of juice or lemonade) and pretzels are generally the only "snack food" in our house. But I have learned to be less judgmental and realize that everyone has the best interests of their children at heart and life circumstances and their individual children can change what their "ideals" may be as I have learned myself.
Also I am a firm believer that each family needs to make the choices that best fit their family. However, I must admit to myself that I am opinionated that some choices are superior to others - at least now I understand that it is often (not always) more than just a parenting issue. I've loosened up but tried to keep our standards high.
I've learned the more you have the less and more you know. I'm thankful for the lessons that I have and can only what those with a quiverful know.
Peace,
Tenn
My daughter never went near outlets, stoves, or did much of anything dangerous. I found myself thinking of all the "safety gadgets" where are the parents? Isn't it a discipline issue and aren't safety gadgets to replace inactive parents? I can say this now because my second child made me realize why they make all those for the 30 seconds you turn your back or are helping another child. Ciaran was drawn to outlets, climbing and it seems all things dangerous. He loves emptying cabinets and almost anything. Now Sirah loves stairs, emptying the trash bins and eating anything she should not. I am much more sympathetic and understanding and ashamed of my initial thoughts. I've learned so much.
I have one who has horrible temper tantrums, one who talks non-stop and has issues with interrupting, one who needs constant attention and one who is a daredevil. I have one who is mellow and easy going, one who is almost always a joy to be around, one who makes you smile in a heartbeat and one who is very precocious. They all have strengths and weaknesses and they are all their own person. We have raised them in very similar ways.
I've also found that life circumstances change. I once gave a talk on offering good snacks and meals for toddlers and young children. At the time I simply did not understand why this was so hard for some people. Convenience food was not a part of our vocabulary and I could simply control that we would have no junk food in the house. As my kids don't watch TV advertising was not a problem so they did not know what they were "missing". Again I look back and realize I was judgmental of people again and thought some simply were not trying hard enough.
Last week I called a friend and said you won't believe me but Sirah's lunch contained Cheetos - she was shocked. We bought pop ice this summer, my kids have had kool aid, caprisun and many forms of "snackfood" I don't usually allow. I find it easier with three 5 and under to offer boxed cereal for breakfast instead of homemade pancakes, eggs or even oatmeal. We stop for fast food more than ever before (though still not often).
Before those of you who know me got into shock we still serve tofu, avocado, edamame, and lots of fruit for snacks. My kids still only drink water and soy milk (with an occasional treat of juice or lemonade) and pretzels are generally the only "snack food" in our house. But I have learned to be less judgmental and realize that everyone has the best interests of their children at heart and life circumstances and their individual children can change what their "ideals" may be as I have learned myself.
Also I am a firm believer that each family needs to make the choices that best fit their family. However, I must admit to myself that I am opinionated that some choices are superior to others - at least now I understand that it is often (not always) more than just a parenting issue. I've loosened up but tried to keep our standards high.
I've learned the more you have the less and more you know. I'm thankful for the lessons that I have and can only what those with a quiverful know.
Peace,
Tenn
Ice Cream Shop Field Trip
WE had a great field trip today to a Ben and Jerry's shop. Yum and perfect for July! The kids got to make homemade ice cream and learn how to make waffle cones - it was interesting. They got a tour of the shop and learned about some of Ben and Jerry's philosophy - on antiobiotics in milk, give back to the community etc. Then the best part for them of course was the ice cream. Rhiannon had vanilla and Ciaran had Strawberry Chesscake with graham cracker swirl. I had sorbet and Sirah refused any.
It felt good to have a field trip - our homeschool group has been alternating field trips and playdates and birthday parties and it seems we have had few field trips this summer. It was a nice trip. Then we headed over to a local school supply shop and laminated some calendar cutouts I made for our photo file this year.
The kids are in the yard playing and Sirah is enjoying wandering the house and the deck. She loves to carry things around now that she has the freedom of her hands and can maintain her balance. Crickets, potato bugs, jumpy guys (aka toads) and general play make up our afternoon.
Peace,
Tenn
It felt good to have a field trip - our homeschool group has been alternating field trips and playdates and birthday parties and it seems we have had few field trips this summer. It was a nice trip. Then we headed over to a local school supply shop and laminated some calendar cutouts I made for our photo file this year.
The kids are in the yard playing and Sirah is enjoying wandering the house and the deck. She loves to carry things around now that she has the freedom of her hands and can maintain her balance. Crickets, potato bugs, jumpy guys (aka toads) and general play make up our afternoon.
Peace,
Tenn
** "Mommy" Blogs **
During some recent web surfing in the blogosphere I noticed a disturbing trend. I noticed that while political blogs are getting lots of attention due to the bloggers at the convention it has led to some downsides as well. I have read many "Why can't it be me" or "I'm just a mom" or "My blog is boring" comments. That saddens me - because we may be mothers and we may be blogging about our children and our daily lives but that does not make a "mommy blog" insignificant. On the contrary some of the most inspiring blogs I have read have been written by other homeschooling mothers. These women and sometimes fathers give me great ideas for raising and teaching my own kids, they help me accept that my struggles and difficulties are normal and they remind me why we do what we do on those hard days. Also truth be told they make me laugh, smile and sometimes cry. They give me a connection with a community and inspiration when I most need it. "Mommy blogs" are very significant indeed.
More than that they are written histories for ourselves, our families and our culture. We are passing on to our children records of what we did and how we felt. We are leaving an imprint and representation of our families and our lives. We are journaling our history for our kids and the generations to come. We can learn from each other and we can learn from ourselves.
No matter how many hits you get in a day your blog still matters. You don't need an invitation to a convention or coverage on the nightly news or a mention on InstaPundit to have a great and meaningful blog. So thanks to everyone of you and keep up the great work in your families, communities and on your blogs.
Peace,
Tenn
More than that they are written histories for ourselves, our families and our culture. We are passing on to our children records of what we did and how we felt. We are leaving an imprint and representation of our families and our lives. We are journaling our history for our kids and the generations to come. We can learn from each other and we can learn from ourselves.
No matter how many hits you get in a day your blog still matters. You don't need an invitation to a convention or coverage on the nightly news or a mention on InstaPundit to have a great and meaningful blog. So thanks to everyone of you and keep up the great work in your families, communities and on your blogs.
Peace,
Tenn
July 28, 2004
Duckweed
The kids woke up itching to go to the park. They could hardly wait for breakfast and I think they intentionally woke Sirah up - I eventually gave up fighting them and we all headed out for a morning bike ride to the park with me pushing Sirah in the stroller. We walked around our neighborhood first, so I could get some exercise in and then headed over to the park - only to discover that our playground was closed for repairs (guess it will be nice when it is done) but that was no bother to the kids - we just changed gears.
Can you guess? We went on a toad hunt of course! We saw mostly frogs and they were way to fast for us to catch - but the kids gave it their best effort. We saw dragonflies (a very pretty and large blue one), butterflies, bunny rabbits, birds, squirrels, a dead hermit crab, ducklings, bumblebees, and frogs (not to mention mosquitoes).
When we arrived at the edge of our local pond we saw about 6-10 frogs just sitting there as soon as the kids tried to get them they jumped away into the water. The kids decided to sit on the edge of the water (inside the brush) I okayed it. I was on the grass with Sirah who was walking around when suddenly I hear a cry look up and Rhiannon is slipping and calling for me.
She fell into the duckweed completely - she grabbed at a branch but it did not hold her - one whole side of her body submerged itself and she came up very upset. I helped her out of the water and she was covered from head to toe on one side of her body in duckweed. She was very unhappy and asked to go immediately home and shower. We did. She walked her bike home and went right into the shower and I think she feels better now - though she claims she is never going back to the pond again.
The dangers of a nature walk I suppose.
Peace,
Tenn
Can you guess? We went on a toad hunt of course! We saw mostly frogs and they were way to fast for us to catch - but the kids gave it their best effort. We saw dragonflies (a very pretty and large blue one), butterflies, bunny rabbits, birds, squirrels, a dead hermit crab, ducklings, bumblebees, and frogs (not to mention mosquitoes).
When we arrived at the edge of our local pond we saw about 6-10 frogs just sitting there as soon as the kids tried to get them they jumped away into the water. The kids decided to sit on the edge of the water (inside the brush) I okayed it. I was on the grass with Sirah who was walking around when suddenly I hear a cry look up and Rhiannon is slipping and calling for me.
She fell into the duckweed completely - she grabbed at a branch but it did not hold her - one whole side of her body submerged itself and she came up very upset. I helped her out of the water and she was covered from head to toe on one side of her body in duckweed. She was very unhappy and asked to go immediately home and shower. We did. She walked her bike home and went right into the shower and I think she feels better now - though she claims she is never going back to the pond again.
The dangers of a nature walk I suppose.
Peace,
Tenn
July 27, 2004
Reading Rewards
Being a believer in the reward of reading is the story itself I usually do not do "incentive-based reward" programs. However, this summer I did knowing they would read much more than they were required to (30 each). Yesterday they finished their program and they received their bookbags, movie tickets and kids meals. They were excited. Rhiannon read 8 books yesterday to finish off her list when she found that Ciaran had completed his.
We headed up to the library where they collected their new bookbags and of course needed to get some books to put in it - even though we had already been to the library that morning and gotten out several books. Then we headed over to a restuarant and redeemed their free meal (grilled cheese, freedom fries, and an ice cream) and they were in a great mood. This was good as it helped pass the time that Serona was away on business.
They were so excited for their bookbags and we came home and read a bunch of books before bed. I am so glad that my kids love reading and love our local library. I pray their passion for books and reading continues throughout their life.
Peace,
Tenn
We headed up to the library where they collected their new bookbags and of course needed to get some books to put in it - even though we had already been to the library that morning and gotten out several books. Then we headed over to a restuarant and redeemed their free meal (grilled cheese, freedom fries, and an ice cream) and they were in a great mood. This was good as it helped pass the time that Serona was away on business.
They were so excited for their bookbags and we came home and read a bunch of books before bed. I am so glad that my kids love reading and love our local library. I pray their passion for books and reading continues throughout their life.
Peace,
Tenn
July 26, 2004
Setting the Scene
I've been surfing the internet for about 2 hours now - alternating between reading news, planning and organizing curriculum, cleaning up bookmarks, browsing the star wars fan club forums and email. I've been listening to musicmatch jukebox - some artists from tonight: stevie nicks, diane krall, dan fogelberg, fleetwood mac, abba, this moral coil and better than ezra. I got up to get a drink and realized I wanted to share the setting from which I have been working.
I am in my bedroom - I am sitting propped up on several pillows with the little bed Sirah has decided I may have - she is sprawled sideways across over 3/4 of our queen size bed. My laptop is propped on my lap, to my right is my reading table (Serona's present to me for my 30th birthday), sitting on the shelf side is a cup of tazo tea, a reading lamp and the current book I am reading Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. I've been plowing through the whole series again after seeing the movie recently. On the floor next to me is a blanket I am crocheting for a friend. I am making an afghan with this wonderful homespun yarn.
I am struck by how wonderful my life truly is as I am surrounded by things I truly love and enjoy doing. As my family lays nearby asleep I can choose between reading comfortably in bed, crocheting an afghan for a friend with soft yarn while I listen to a book on tape or some of my favorite music, or I can work on curriculum or just surf the internet from the comfort of my bed. How blessed I am. It has been a good night. I think it is time to sign off the computer though.
Peace,
Tenn
I am in my bedroom - I am sitting propped up on several pillows with the little bed Sirah has decided I may have - she is sprawled sideways across over 3/4 of our queen size bed. My laptop is propped on my lap, to my right is my reading table (Serona's present to me for my 30th birthday), sitting on the shelf side is a cup of tazo tea, a reading lamp and the current book I am reading Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. I've been plowing through the whole series again after seeing the movie recently. On the floor next to me is a blanket I am crocheting for a friend. I am making an afghan with this wonderful homespun yarn.
I am struck by how wonderful my life truly is as I am surrounded by things I truly love and enjoy doing. As my family lays nearby asleep I can choose between reading comfortably in bed, crocheting an afghan for a friend with soft yarn while I listen to a book on tape or some of my favorite music, or I can work on curriculum or just surf the internet from the comfort of my bed. How blessed I am. It has been a good night. I think it is time to sign off the computer though.
Peace,
Tenn
Magic Show
We had a lazy morning getting going today - but we managed to ride up to our library in time for the magic show program. I love that the kids can bike there it gives us all some nice exercise and feels much better than always driving everywhere - soon Sirah will be old enough to ride in our bike trailer and I can bike too.
The show was good the kids seemed to enjoy themselves - though this is now my 3rd magic show of the summer and I find my enthusiasm waning - but for the performer and the kids I keep my spirits up. After the show we collected some books and biked home.
The kids retreated to the backyard while I made lunch. They played in the sprinkler, pool and playset. They ran around, golfed, played in the sand and of course hunted for toads (their favorite pastime this summer), thankfully they found one.
It was a great summer day - the kind I cherish.
Peace,
Tenn
The show was good the kids seemed to enjoy themselves - though this is now my 3rd magic show of the summer and I find my enthusiasm waning - but for the performer and the kids I keep my spirits up. After the show we collected some books and biked home.
The kids retreated to the backyard while I made lunch. They played in the sprinkler, pool and playset. They ran around, golfed, played in the sand and of course hunted for toads (their favorite pastime this summer), thankfully they found one.
It was a great summer day - the kind I cherish.
Peace,
Tenn
July 24, 2004
A message to daddy
Daddy, I love you and I miss you. I hope you had a great time at the boundary waters. I hope you were safe. Have you seen any wolves? Well it's kind of discouraging or sad without you. I love you and I miss you. I hope you will come home soon. I miss you very much. I'm thinking about you and praying. Every night I pray. I hope that you and all your friends are okay. Please review and understand - I hope you understand now. Because I'm watching the days go by. I saw your postcard - I did like it and this is for you - I am writing. Me and mommy and Ciaran and Sira misses you.
I love you. I miss you, I hope you're having a fun time on your last day in the boundary waters. I hope you come home soon because we miss you so much. But now joy has come to us - you are coming home to your own family. Love Rhiannon.
I love you. I miss you, I hope you're having a fun time on your last day in the boundary waters. I hope you come home soon because we miss you so much. But now joy has come to us - you are coming home to your own family. Love Rhiannon.
July 23, 2004
In Ciaran's words
I know about the zoo. Sharks and whales and bones and a bird show, I liked that. We did all together stay home and sleep. We get up very early and played with my train track and ball tricks. Our friends sleep over. It was fun. We played with them and find frogs.
I want to say a friend disobeyed. I want to say I love you. I want to say to you that's all the words I gotta say. That's all. Yep.
Love,
Ciaran
I want to say a friend disobeyed. I want to say I love you. I want to say to you that's all the words I gotta say. That's all. Yep.
Love,
Ciaran
In Rhiannon's Words
I would just like to tell you guys that I had a very fun week this week, I did. Well (giggle) this is the goofiest part, I did front flips and back flips that's really silly. Today I'm going to have a marching bad with silverware and jingling stuff and music things.
We had a sleepover party this week. With some of my friends (she named all of them). Well we had scones this week. We watched Willa Wonka and the Chocolate factory. This is the mostest mostest funnest part - one of my friends wrestled and bartled and played with each other and the silly part is I went like this "BRRRRRRRRRRRRHHHHHHHH" and she throws herself down on the couch.
Well while we had our sleepover party at night my brother and I got to watch a movie on the computer. In the morning we played and played and played and we found a frog. A friend helped us take care of it. The frog hopped away eventually.
Of course and then dad went to the boundary waters. And the last thing Ciaran got a rock stuck up in his nose. I licked a lollipop. We went to the zoo - I got an animal. We saw sharks. Last word I'm going to sail around like a elephant La la la.
Love
Rhiannon
We had a sleepover party this week. With some of my friends (she named all of them). Well we had scones this week. We watched Willa Wonka and the Chocolate factory. This is the mostest mostest funnest part - one of my friends wrestled and bartled and played with each other and the silly part is I went like this "BRRRRRRRRRRRRHHHHHHHH" and she throws herself down on the couch.
Well while we had our sleepover party at night my brother and I got to watch a movie on the computer. In the morning we played and played and played and we found a frog. A friend helped us take care of it. The frog hopped away eventually.
Of course and then dad went to the boundary waters. And the last thing Ciaran got a rock stuck up in his nose. I licked a lollipop. We went to the zoo - I got an animal. We saw sharks. Last word I'm going to sail around like a elephant La la la.
Love
Rhiannon
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