Thanksgiving is Now

I notice on Facebook that everyone is posting thanks everyday. I'm so encouraged to see it, but my technology is either too much or too little for me to keep up. My laptop with keyboard is gone, & I'm using an 7 year old laptop I bought for Eric to take to Louisiana. That limps and gasps and needs a walker.. wheelchair. And then we have the smartphone. Too much capability with limited keyboard for miss 'fat-finger'. I am not a great texter, I love a full keyboard with a number pad, which even my laptop doesn't have. So I'm caught in the middle.

But what I'm really, really concerned about is how to teach a child math (Singapore) while they limp on some of their math facts. Yes, we do need to know those. I have been using xtramath.org a great on-line, free method of review/teaching math facts. Sends me updates on what's been achieved, and number of days used. My public school friend's mom sent it to me, and I have to say, big thanks. It's helped be that 'other method' to review besides flashcards.

We continue happily using All About Spelling for phonics & reading. Today we used our Explode the Code words together with the AAS Tiles. Then recopied them again to reinforce the endings in our current chapter.

We start our day with Handwriting without Tears (optimistically said). I really like this series. Although leftys often just struggle with handwriting no matter what the promises. It's like the whole world is backwards.

But can't say enough about Classical Conversations. The components are great. It was just what our family needed. I love the memorization and am now finally incorporating a memory box from Charlotte Mason. This is an easy system. Just print it out. Get started. Even if you don't homeschool, it's for learning your verses. Just simple repetition. Get in the habit now while your children are young if you haven't started any formal education. They become accustomed to whatever you do. More on that at SimplyCharlotteMason.

But one of the biggest changes has been our kitchen. I finally removed the remainder of the wallpaper in the kitchen and painted a warm color. The rest of the walls will have to wait. The ceilings are too high and our painting crew dollars are alotted elsewhere. So for now, my one inspiration drape fabric panel hangs along the newly painted wall to bring me through the holidays. Artisan Tan from Sherwin Williams brought me some warm kitchen joy. (see my before & after) Which is a part of the homeschooling aspect. No matter what disaray, the home has to be a place you actually 'want to be'. And more than once I've heard each member of our household say how much they love their new home. I'm grateful. Heart full. Too full for facebook. The post would be a record.

*One post script about the 'How' of all the homeschooling-Charlotte Mason's ideas are so well expressed at Simply Charlotte Mason, and this post about the How of the 3 big questions is a good one.

Growing up Could be the Answer

In our new home, my husband & I found ourselves stargazing early this morning. I'd walked with him around the neighborhood, scaring deer on their early morning walk, and then we drank coffee and talked, as usual, about the kids. We, like most parents, come to these conversations with our own set of biases, predispositions, baggage even, and try to put some sense to that which baffles us. We pray to make 'the best' decisions regarding our children, pray for them to thrive.

I read this article some days ago, presented by the Classical Conversations website, and then found it again on Heidi's blog at Mt. Hope Chronicles. I think the idea of continued adolescence ie; not growing up, is the issue that fights the classical plan. Not one and the same but even God's plans. If I am to disciple my children, lead them to a growing up, passion & embracing God's design for them,,, should I not 'grow up' and move on beyond my adolescent ways?

Over at Simply Charlotte Mason, there has been a 3 part series on The Gentle Art of Education, questioning the idea of 'gentle' (is it?) and also types of educational technique. It just continued the need to 'be the change you want to see'(that's an Oprah quote actually). If you want to disciple children to not embrace adolescent ways, then don't be adolescent in behavior. I won't list mine. I'm not ready for that type of confession, but I know what they are. And eek.. if I'm not working to change them, my kids will know, because they see everything...

I asked a lady friend the other day how they came to homeschool. She said after having an amazing experience in the public schools, they realized they were not the primary influence in their children's lives. Sometimes I long for another more significant influence for my children's lives so I can get it together, be better, or at least not feel so guilty when I'm not doing what I'm supposed to be doing. (There's some honesty for you...) But this is not the case. Whether I did send them somewhere, they are involved with other adults or kids for that matter, I'm still the primary influence. That role doesn't go away. It's just that way. So I can continue to 'waller' or grow up.

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.

I miss Millie & a Kitten Question

No one tells you how you'll miss your dog, or how much you'll appreciate that silent conspirator in the room. Man's best friend who never 'talks back.' But today, as I looked at cats at the Humane Society at our local Pet-co, I couldn't help but compare, wish, remember. It was another time altogether in our lives this sweet girl came about. But there she was. And Larry the kitten, one of 3 stooges in a cage, well... I'm just not sure. I'm a little jaded these days. But perhaps Henry will get his wish. He loves, loves, loves cats/kittens who will let him pick them up. He loves all animals.

We've crossed 2 official birthdates, Jack is now 8 & Henry is now 5. We've finally started soccer... Henry would awake in the middle of the night, perhaps to go to the bathroom, and say 'Do I play soccer tomorrow?'. Really??? Have mercy, child. He was ready for life to begin at 4. One of those not-so-low-key kids. Love him, love him, love him. Both of course.

Well, do I get the kitty named Larry or not? He's only on hold till noon tomorrow. Time will tell.

Miss you Millie. My sweet companion.

New House, Summer's End, & School

So much to say, but my time is limited per the library video games novelty, will eventually wear out, & I'll have to haul my boys out, lest we become permanently evicted from our new library. We currently have no internet at our house and because of a glitch in our new service, we won't have any until August 23. I have a new phone that lets me access internet, but I broke my glasses, and now that I'm elderly, I can't read the screens, no matter how hard I squint or lean back.

Just when you need the convenience of internet most....

Because there are moments you don't want to squander in childhood that are just too precious.

We have started back to our schedule of daily educational goals, but still are enjoying/waiting out the summer of record heatwaves. But thankful to be in our new home. Thankful doesn't cover it. I am overwhelmed most of the time, not because of the number of books I've actually realized I have, now that they are all unboxed, but because we really don't plan to move. I can leave something there, and not worry if I should be remembering where I put it, so I don't leave it behind. I can put olive oil in my decanter my mother-in-law gave me, and not wonder whether/on what it will leak when we move the next time. I can paint, and no one will tell me to re-paint. I can't plant basil where I want to. This is only the beginning of my list, I'm too tired to count, but it's there, it's coming, the list that is. Because I'm counting, no matter what day of the weak, because there is too much for which to be thankful.

I've been reading John Stott's 'The Incomparable Christ'. Wonderful book. He recently passed away. I've had this book for 4 years, and haven't read. I guess it didn't make the first cut that didn't go into storage.

The boy's and I are reading Matthew & reading the parables, gearing up for our Memory work in Classical Conversations, from the book of John. I will be Henry's tutor this time. I'm truly looking forward to this. Everyone says it adds just what your missing. I think it will be just the ticket for us.

I'm participating in a yardsale tomorrow and throwing a birthday party on Sunday. Painted a room this morning and will be pricing things all night for tomorrow.

Our freezer doesn't work. I buy a bag of ice per week, and we just figure things out. The debate begins to replace our applicances. For now, we are able to function well, with many projects ahead, but for now the zip-line is up! and the boys are enjoying the swimming. Me too for that matter.

So much more, so little time, so thankful that the busy-ness is good. Thanks to God, the giver of all things good.

Five Books that Changed Who I Am

Mrs. Edwards over at Veritas Academy tagged me in a no resist link-up. I just had to jump on this. Especially reading as voraciously as I am this summer!


Wow, how do you narrow that down... but I went to the first that came to mind, minus a few... one always leads to another so I just cut it down to cateories. I own all of these, take notes in them and replace them if I share/give them away. Sometimes putting a good book in someone's hand is more valuable than a perfect library.


1.Food

Barbara Kingsolver - Animal, Vegetable, Miracle This sparked a whole new part of my being. It made sense to me while written for enjoyment. I learned something, and began to appreciate writing in a whole new way. She is an excellent writer although her books are not for every audience.

2.Education

Susan Wise Bauer & Jessie Wise -The Well-Trained Mind I swallowed this one whole. Haven't looked back.

Douglas Wilson's Recovering the Lost Tools of Learning Hammered in the nails after closing the box on ideas that no longer worked. Helped me gather a hammer & nails that fit & will build an education worth having.

3. Faith


Foster's The Celebration of Discipline - the fact that our daily walk really is the fruit of our spirit. The chapter that addressed stewardship was profound. Other spiritual disciplines were made more clear to me. Purpose in action was sparked.



4. Children in the Modern/Post Christian Age


The Plug-In Drug this book actually convicted me regarding television & video games.


Raising a Non-Violent Child John Rosemond - helped me gather the handful of behaviors I couldn't get a handle on. Gave me the tools to address what I hadn't been able to in the past.


Boy's Adrift by Leonard Sax - Profound information, from a secular professional.


5. Novel Category


To Kill a Mockingbird- the first book that made me cry & fearful --just reading a book.

Lfe-changing books I'm reading just now, during mymorning coffee....

Repairing the Ruins, The Classical & Christian Challenge to Modern Education

Ann Voskamp- One Thousand Gifts

Bradley Heath - Millstones & Stumbling Blocks - encapsulates many of the thoughts and questions I've had about homeschooling even after determining I would. It has sparked a fire.

Martin Lindstrom - Buy-ology The American dream has become a phrase I like less & less. As patriotic as I am, it is often driven by the effort of purchasing & consuming. This is an excellent book that really sets off alarms for those who want to be awakened.

~~~~~~~
One leads to another, thanks for encouraging me to take stock, Mrs. Edwards. I am enjoying summer reading quality books. Trying not to settle for adult twaddle. Trying to appreciate the written page, especially none more so than God's Holy Word. I am so thankful for the numerous Bibles I have around. What a blessing to be able to turn to life-giving-words, at the tip of my finger.

Post a a link to your list if you want here! but be sure to visit Mrs. Edwards. Her library of books is so enjoyable & inspiring! Thanks Mrs. E.!


Be blessed~ Laura

LIfetime Meds #39

Just do it. Count. Start. Pray. Get there. Commitment. Choose.

This day I will count, even tho I want to complain in an inordinately inappropriate way. (can I get a witness?)

#332 My back hurts less, (I resembled the Hunchback of Notre Dame last week after an injury while parenting Henry.)

#333 The hardwood floors are in process.

#334 My husband is able to perform major repairs & often semi-major renovation projects.

#335 That he will do it.

#336 That he reads the Bible to our children.

#337 Renewed efforts are never less appreciated than continuous effort. Our God is Gracious.

#338 God is worthy of our devotion, love & worship.

#339 Swimming pools.

#340 Purposeful activity.

#341 Airconditioning.

#342 Change on the horizon.

I'm about to start reading Ann Voskamps One Thousand Gifts. Today I count with others meeting at Multitude Monday. Lifetime Meds for me, pointing the way to the Ultimate Giver.

New {Home} ~ New {Format}

Change is a coming. But blogging is a secondary thing right now. But it sure does help me think! For now, be sure to wander over to SouleMama. Oh my how I love Elizabeth Mitchell. She does my soul some good. She (EM) has a new album.
Be blessed, the cup is more than half-full.

It's about time...

It's all about timing. 'Are we there yet?' 'How much longer?' 'How many more days?' 'When will it be ready?' I saw the picture of me picking strawberries and thought about the fact that it is time for piano recitals, blueberries, swimming pools to open, vacation Bible school, ice-cream dinners, fireworks, riding bikes in bathing suits... you get the idea. The list goes on.

For us some of those things are working out, and some of them are just, well going to have to wait. We seem to be in a state of transition that seems to be dragging on. But we knew it would. We have steeled ourselves for the feelings of uncertainty that come with the temporary & awkward. But you can't do that for kids. Time marches on, and they can see it leaving them behind. They don't politely quell their frustrations, they don't calm their tears from anxiety. They just don't. The kids really are holding up well. We're not keeping them inside 24/7, it's just that some things as a part of the move are just difficult. What move isn't?

I counted one time, before 18, I'd lived in 9 houses. My parents have some war stories about moving. Like the time my parents left our Sunday clothes for worship service in Kentucky, and it was during an ice-storm. We made a great first impression, during a time when people actually expected a preacher to wear a tie & coat. The time we moved from Kentucky to Ohio, and my Dad was clipped by a drunk driver as he had just crossed the bridge into Cincinatti. Our stuff 'we don't want to break' was in the truck. It spewed all over the interstate, not to mention my Dad saw his life pass before his eyes. He was dazed but fine. A crew that seemed to patrol the interstate gathered everything that had been thrown, except for the guns that we're sure were picked up by less noble folks.

But those are the awful stories. I remember meeting some of my life-long friends, even the first Sunday I went to church when we'd moved. I remember thinking the stainglass was quite dramatic at 12th Street, especially for a church of Christ. I remember the farmhouse where I first read 'A Little Princess' and could see my breath in my bedroom from the cold. I remember learning about Kentucky Basketball & hearing 'My Old Kentucky Home' when the National Anthem was played. I know that the cotton fields from childhood grow in hot Memphis sun, because I walked them when I was a kid.

Moves don't come easy. It's loss. It leaves a void-- even if the move is across town. Change comes or continues with a 2nd tsunami like wave depending on whether the first house was a rental or the keeper.

But it's worth it. Change stretches us. Change creates character. It's up to us to use the opportunity to see the good-- the half-full version.

My mind is tired, but I can't be more thankful right now for the future days that are coming. We are all so excited about our new home, temporal as it is-- for this really isn't our final/forever home. We'll see that one on the otherside of Jordan.

Life-Meds #38

#317 A dwelling to move to

#318 Family to host us in the interim

#319 Nannies & Grandpas, Nanas and Poppas to host us, love us & support us.

#320 Bar-b-Q-- Yes, I made it to Memphis

#321 B'Lou, she's known me as long as I've been

#322 Aunt Heidi- rock star extroirdinaire in the kid-play, planning zone

#323 Splash pads

#324 Chicken Watcher's -- Dawn, who survived the first real chicken attack, RIP, no-name-chicken 1 & no-name-chicken 2

#325 Beaky survived

#326 Golden survived

#327 Silver survived

#328 Boy's who don't ask questions about chickens

#329 'Cracker Berry' where we've eaten our veggies

#330 Husband's who will pick-up kids when other is napping

#331 Love that covers a multitude of missed hugs, missed thank-you's.

Join Ann Voskamp ( whose book I'm just about to read with a study group of ladies!!!) on Monday's for Multitude Monday. It will change your life. Counting life's blessings- I call it Lifetime Meds.