Classical Music & the Classical Child

As I listen to Pandora.com, (a Maroon 5 station I created on my site), I'm also creating a Music Timeline for over the piano in our schoolroom. Yes, I said schoolroom for after I saw Mt.HOpes big 'reveal', I just had to do something about the abyss. Moving does nothing for the beauty of a schoolroom. So, I whipped out my handy 'The Story of the Orchestra', by Robert Levine, and started xeroxing, on my color copier that needs new cartridges. The little joys of homeschooling...


But keep it simple is the motto. In more than one way. Use what you have(if it's usable) and use the familiar. Jack & I have read through and worked through the CD of this book, and the pictures are precious. So there you go. Yes, copyright laws were broken. There will be no mass production or liscencing of the copied items, so I think I'm safe. Anyway, Back to keeping it simple. There are 2 biggies, when it comes to periods of 'Classical Music'. Baroque and Classical. Those are the road pavers for Western Music. How simple is that? When you're trying to apply this idea of understanding the classics, all music on a public radio station that sounds like Mozart (because there aren't words) isn't necessarily Mozart. If you help your child differentiate between anything in the 'not-modern' music world, help them with this. There is a whole different sound, as different as Maroon 5 & James Taylor. or for that matter Taylor Swift.


So, I copy, I paste, I post on the wall for the kid. He really rocks the music from Mozart to Bill Monroe. Not to mention a little Maroon 5. Or Third Day. But the boy knows Mozart & Bach had way different skills. Likewise, Henry enjoys a good tune. There is hope!


Love, love, love music.

Buying Beef in Bulk

Don't laugh. As I considered purchasing a 1/4 of a steer yesterday from Lazy B Farm I figured it was time to get serious about our refridgerator issues. When we purchased our house June 2011 it worked. Just fine. We then had the floors re-done, and while it rested on the front porch, it decided to give up the ghost. It now gives a less than noble effort at cooling the refrigeration side, while completely neglecting the freezing option. We purchase ice when we really need it, but it's really beginning to get old. Summer in Georgia without ice is less than pleasant. But it's time to get serious about beef, among other things, that I'd like to stock up on--buy in bulk. And quit making those pesky trips for 'just a few things', to our oh-so-convenient Publix. I acutally don't overspend because of the proximity/frequency, but because of the 'kid/distraction' factor.

So I must decide on a model, and just get behind it. I have toyed with the icemaker on the front, but really I'd really rather have an ice-maker separate. They are expensive, but I think in the long run, it will be worth it. I'd rather keep everyone out of the freezer. And keep that stuff COLD. But then to french door or single door. Eric & I both are not crazy about the drawer style freezer. We like old-school. But part of me really likes the idea. We both like stainless steel, and don't mind if it doesn't match everything for a while. Everything else is white, and really it doesn't make that much difference. Which leads me directly back to that everpresent budget. Cha-ching.

I read a great post from Clover Lane about how she budgets household expenditures. Actually how she keeps track of spending. I liked her method. I save receipts, but don't really have a good ledger system. Her's is simple and gets the job done. I particularly like the page on the left hand side that shows what's coming up that will create expenditures. Events like birthdays. August is one of those double whammy months for us. Likewise with the new house, there are some repair/update things that you just have to get done. I'm seeing a major chunk going towards a new fridge, but also shopping places like craigslist.com necessitates being on top of one's budget, and really knowing if it's a good idea right now. Craigslist doesn't have lay-away.

We are currently working on getting our design for the yard, and thus the garden in the works, for our new yard. It is less than we thought we'd wind up with, but I'm very thankful for the size and location of our home/yard. I love it, I'm so thankful. Grateful. I've never given up on the homesteading concepts. No matter where we wound up living. There's too much good thought to throw the baby out with the bathwater. So much so that I'm planning on attending the Ladies Homestead Retreat (with Lazy B Farm) in October. There's some smart ladies there, with lots of wisdom to share. I can't wait to see what comes of this weekend on my horizon. Should be quite a memorable event.

Photo is of kitchen during floor renovation. I've since taken down the wallpaper, and have painted, put up new light fixture, but there's still more paper and more painting. After pictures are coming!

Five in A Row

I've talked about Five in A Row before. I have found each book to be so pleasing, and the lessons so well arranged, so natural in the progression. Sometimes we cover the concept completely. Sometimes, we just enjoy the book, and know we'll get back to it. Henry has become a lover of reading. Jack always has been, but Henry's been a slow one to enjoy the sitting still. But he does. We've enjoyed one book so much, one not of the FIAR (five in a row) list, but a sweet thought provoking book for a little guy of 5. The Relatives Came, by Cynthia Rylant, and Lottie's New Beach Towel by Petra Mathers. Both of these books were gifts, precious to us, and wonderful messages, pleasant reading, simple.

Jack is back to reading Magic Tree House Books. This time, reading on his own. He has such an adventuresome mind. I"m so thankful for his excitement, the look on his face while he pictures the story.

My favorite curriculum is evolving. My list to the side reflect current material we use, and resources in which we participate. Outside our academic work at home, Classical Conversations is a part of our week. I am tutoring Henry's class. Jack is thriving in the memory work, and enjoying the company of others during this time. I like the accountability of knowing the material each week.

We are also continuing with Tae Kwon Do, Piano, & now Soccer & Football. There is also a homeschool p.e. class offered in our county, and I'm taking full advantage of that.

August flew by, I'm sure September will too. First cool weather drifted in today. Perfect for Jack's first game & first win.

Additional resources for FIAR can be found at Homeschool Share free resources for many different curriculums & ideas.