Re-Entry

How many days does it take you to recover when you get home from a trip?

Trips (both fun and otherwise) exhaust me. It takes at least two or three days to get ready. I like to come home to a relatively clean house. I like to have the only laundry in the pile be what I am bringing back. I like to not see forgotten dishes in the sink.

And then I've come to the conclusion that for every day I've been gone it takes me at least one, and maybe two, to "recover." What I want to do when I come home is flop in my chair and veg for a bit. What I need to do is all the things that got left undone while I was gone.

Since I left the three boys...my dear husband kept the kitchen in good shape. But they still wore clothes (I am grateful for that) so the laundry was waiting. The boys spend a lot of time in their room, so the general public area was still pretty nice. And we needed a few odds and ends that I forgot to pick up before I left.

Yesterday involved shopping with a good friend for fifty yards of tulle (yes fifty) and some other sundry items. Shopping at the great "Stuff Mart" that I try to avoid. Resuming the chef's toque...okay cook's hat. I do realize I'm no chef. Putting back on my teaching tiara. Wrapping round my metaphorical laundress's apron. And sitting down to do the paperwork that is involved with being my eldest's secretary and personal assistant.

Not as much Pintrest time as I would have liked...just saying...

Today involves my chauffeur's cap, and continuing paperwork. Meatless menus. Long list-making. And fifty yards of tulle.

So I better get in gear...

Counting it all joy,

Julie

The Dementor

I have met the dementor and I know his name.

It is Asthma.

His friends are known as Fear, Panic and Anxiety. Too bad this is not Hogwarts, there is no Patronus charm and all the chocolate in the world will not make it go away.

We are dealing with asthma at my house. Both of my boys were diagnosed with "exercise induced asthma" in early March. My oldest seems to be dealing with it quite well. My younger however...not so much.

When the asthma journey began with the "exercise induced" label, I thought, "Okay. Not great, but we can deal with this. We can work around it."

It seems everyone has heard of Olympic athletes with asthma. In fact somewhere between 10-20% of Olympic athletes apparently have asthma. Well who doesn't want to be compared to an Olympic athlete?? We could DO this.

As I said, my oldest set off, Albuterol in hand and his breathing during dancing improved. But the youngest...well, it seemed to work for a short time. And then the coughing and the poor coloring returned; sometimes while dancing, sometimes just randomly.

He's been through allergy testing, pulmonary function testing, doctors' visits and even an emergency room visit. At one point he had ten medications going into his small body. I've held him as he's struggled to breathe. He's cried (which seems to exacerbate the situation, but he can't stop) because his chest hurts so badly.

We've been up at all hours, missed anticipated events, struggled with bedtime, struggled with leaving the house, going back to ballet, and worst of all for me--struggled with attending church.

The learning curve for this mommy has been steep. Everyone thinks they know something about asthma--many think it is just about allergies. And sometimes for some people it is. I've had a health care professional (who we know personally) insist it is all "in his head." Really???? That was meant to be helpful?

What I have learned is that asthma is a disease. It may appear to "go away" for awhile, but it is always there lurking. Symptoms are treated, not cured, although there are some things that appear to help improve breathing and stretch out the time between episodes. Some parents have told me that at a certain age their child "outgrew" it. Although I have a friend in his 60s who never did.

Each parent I've talked to (and it's amazing how many are there that I've known for a long time but never knew their child dealt with asthma), read their blogs, or heard anecdotal stories from a "friend of a friend"--each story is different. Triggers are different, flares last different amounts of time, medications are different, intensity is different, timing is different. I'm sure there are a lot of people with similar stories, I just keep running into people with different stories.

We are piecing things together slowly for Boo. What is going to work for him. What is going to get him back to "normal." Whatever normal is. He's been very frustrated because he's been unable to participate in some things that he really wants to because of his asthma. He is working toward "ownership" of his condition and knowledge that will make him more independent.

I am trying to balance my "hovering" personality (I've often been accused of being overprotective) and being too laissez-faire with him. EVERYONE has an opinion of how I should be parenting Boo and what health care choices I should be making for him. So far, only a handful of people are okay with my choices. My doctors seem to be okay with them, so I will go with that.

As we sat together during a particularly bad time, nebulizer going, me holding on to him, wishing it was me and not him, the Harry Potter-dementor image came to me--hence the title. If you are a Harry fan and know about the dementors this video will mean something to you. Sorry I can't put in in the post, maybe it's better I couldn't--it's intense and if you don't allow Harry Potter, please don't watch. As I watched it today, it chilled me.

Sometimes it does seem there won't ever be joy again. But better than charms and chocolate, we have a Savior, who has felt every one of our pains before we did. He will get Boo through this, me through this, our family will come out on the other side. While it would be nice to have a quick fix, my faith tells me God knows best and He will not abandon us.

There have been some awful times in this little family's history. I've cried out to God many times, "Why?!" Often it is not until years later; five, ten, twenty years later that I can see a reason. So we stand in faith until that time.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

Trying to count it all joy,

Julie

Prayer Request

If you are so inclined to scroll down a bit and on my sidebar view my Twitterings...

Or click. I would be most grateful.

The end of the world, it certainly is not, but I am ill prepared for growing children.

For Boo...

I wonder what his mother thought when he was growing up?

More to Be Grateful For

Within a couple hours of my last post Boo decided to do what he usually does--run, jump and "explode." Well he exploded a little to much and landed wrong. Ouch!!

He's sporting a walking boot now to accessorize his buckle fracture on his left foot. He's received good and proper sympathy from our sweet friends Miss H & her daughter E. He got many well wishes, prayer and attention this evening while he audited (read: sat and took notes) his ballet class, because...I've already paid for it...and you just can't dance in that stylish footwear. Doctor's orders.

I've spent the last two days with him in doctors' offices, and radiology offices. We've met some awesome, incredible health care professionals. What could have been a miserable experience has been at least made bearable by kind and gentle people who have been very sweet to my youngest boy. I have been blown away by the quality of care. His teachers and the director of the dance school have been quite helpful, solicitous and encouraging. My friends K and C have listened to me vent, whine and boo-hoo. And offered priceless advice.

God is good--all the time. This could have been so much worse, he could have been hurt worse, the care could have been less. We could be without such a marvelous support system of good friends.

We've dragged our schoolwork with us for the waiting areas and Boo has been a trouper about getting it done!! But my other praise is that our wait times have really not been too bad. Roo has been able to stay home with my telecommuting husband and has been so good about staying on task by himself.

While I am praising for all this wonderful care we've received...I am praying to be bored silly tomorrow! I am behinder (it is too a word) than I was--and that was bad--on my blog visiting. Looking forward to calm...Okay, I'm not holding my breath.

I Will Never Be the Same Again...

I Will Never Be the Same Again
by Darlene Zshech

I will never be the same again,
I can never return, I've closed the door.
I will walk apart, I'll run the race
And I will never be the same again.

I will never be the same again,
I can never return, I've closed the door.
I will walk apart, I'll run the race
And I will never be the same again.

Fall like fire, soak like rain,
Flow like mighty waters, again and again.
Sweep away the darkness
, burn away the chaff,
And let a flame burn to glorify Your name.

There are higher heights, there are deeper seas,
Whatever you need to do, Lord do in me.
The Glory of God fills my life,
And I will never be the same again.

Fall like fire, soak like rain,
Flow like mighty waters, again and again.
Sweep aways the darkness, burn away the chaff
And let a flame burn to glorify Your name.

Fall like fire, soak like rain,
Flow like mighty waters, again and again.
Sweep away the darkness, burn away the chaff,
And let a flame burn to glorify Your name.

I will never be the same again,
I can never return, I've closed the door.
I will walk the path, I will run the race
And I will never be the same again.
And I will never be the same again.
And I will never be the same again.

Notes from the Sofa--Thank God for Sticky Shoes

Finished up Week 8 of our homeschool adventure this school year.

Week 8 was not the high point of this adventure.

I'm just saying.

Let's be real. Some days just aren't bouncy, happy, everything-is-fine days. Some weeks are better than others.

This last one wasn't.

In my quest to be a good (homeschool/ballet/music/fun/gamer) mom, I try to share the victories with my friends and family. Victories are fun. I would hate to scare someone off who is considering homeschooling. It is a wonderful experience. I wouldn't trade it for the world.

So if you are new to this blog, considering homeschooling, why don't you go visit some of the wonderful blogs listed on my sidebar? Many are homeschoolers, and if they're not, they are lovely people who will share wonderful cheerful thoughts about life and you will feel great about reading their posts.

What? You're still here...okay...warned.

But there are moments. Moments when I would like to push "Reset" for. So this post will be honest, transparent and offer full disclosure--okay, maybe not full, but partial disclosure...weeellllll maybe just enough disclosure that a couple people might read this blog again. What I am saying is that I will more transparent than the current administration--not hard. Yes, I'm in a mood.

Week 8 started off alright. The boys actually did some work in the car because we were traveling home on Labor Day. Boo wanted to know why he had to labor on Labor Day. I offered to let him off the hook and do it all on Tuesday, and, just wondering, what better was he going to do on a four hour car ride, anyway? He chose my way...good boy.

Boo is reading Finding Out About Everyday Things--an older Usborne book. It is more about the way thing used to work, but I think that helps to know how things have been and shows the advances in technology. He also finished Henry Huggins and is reading Elmer and the Dragon, the second book in the My Father's Dragon series by Ruth Stiles Gannett. He's enjoying it and it would be a great read for other readers from third to sixth grade.

Roo and I had an hour long discussion of slavery and the Civil War during that ride. Poor child was a captive audience. I usually don't go into lecture mode. But it was just something I was passionate about. He still loves me and promises to listen in the future.

Tuesday saw a pretty productive day, Roo had a three hour rehearsal thrown in at the end. Getting home after 8:30 was kind of a bummer for both of us. But all in all, it was a good day.

Wednesday included reading, as always. Roo is working his way through The Way Things Work. I was fortunate enough to pick up our copy at The Half Price Book Store for $1!! Roo has enjoyed the section on levers and has increased my knowledge by sharing all he has learned about levers. Fascinating stuff!! I love all these pieces of knowledge that they are thrilled about and want to share.

But Wednesday is where the slope started getting slippery. Boo woke up saying he felt bad and could he just sleep? I wish I could tell you my motherly instinct saw his discomfort and that I cossetted him and pampered him. But...she says hanging her head in shame...I cajoled him and tried to get him to pony up and do some work. No, I did not check his temperature...no, I did not do any of the good momma stuff I should have. Until later when I realized he had a fever. Ugh...now we both felt bad--he felt sick and I felt like a toad.

Wednesday was also the most miserable night the four and a half hour night at ballet for Roo--the first official night of the ballet school year. And Roo had no intention of missing that. In fact Boo thought he could make it to that. Hello?? Temperature?? Chills?? I may have been dense for a while, but once I catch on, I know what the right answer is.

Thankfully my hubby works from home and Boo was by then positioned on the sofa with an I Love Lucy episode and pillow and blanket. So Roo and I hauled down the road to ballet with our carpool kids. Where he worked hard and I sat and stewed about what a terrible parent I am.

We got home after 9:30. Ugh.

Thursday was an independent work day for Roo, because Boo and I sat for two hours in the doctors office for less than five minutes of face time so the doctor could confirm the diagnosis I was already convinced of--Strep.

Then it was a race home to drop Boo off with Daddy and Roo so I could run to the pharmacy (the wait for filled Rx's was over an hour). I dropped the prescription off, ran home ate lunch between 2:35 and 2:40, put make-up on (because I had not had a chance earlier) made the most excellent cup of coffee I have made in a long time, drank half of it...and proceeded to baptize the table (with all Roo's school work), the floor (the dog won't lick up coffee-drat), my favorite pair of shoes, my shirt, a calculator and a fabric pencil case with the rest.

My favorite shoes. It was almost too much. I went sticky-sticky-sticky all the way from the parking lot to the pharmacy counter and sticky-sticky-sticky all the way back. My husband tried to clean them up for me...but all night, I kept smelling Eau de café--wait--that was me.

Boo had another night at home, much to his dismay. Roo and I rushed to pick up the girls and made it to the studio on time. I got to sit with my favorite group of moms and another mom joined us. I've always enjoyed talking to her. She's another homeschooler, but her child is older and in advanced levels. She's got a lot of good insights, she's witty, smart and open. She chose to ask me, "If you sent your child to a public school and they got a bad education, you could always blame their teachers. Aren't you ever afraid that some day they're going to decide you missed something--and it will be all your fault?"

Gulp...

Well...honestly, yes, but today I still feel like a toad and I don't want to think about THAT! Yikes!

Truly, I enjoyed her company and hope we can talk again. Just maybe when I'm not feeling warty and all. Ya know?

Today, Boo is bouncing around the house. Much improved. Medicine-a-phobic that I am, I know that sometimes a good antibiotic is the only answer. I am grateful for both my boys who love me despite my warts. My husband who for some unknown reason still loves me and is home most days, and all the blessings we have.

Today, I am grateful that I started school early because if this had been my first week of getting back to school with the boys I would have melted into a pile of goo.

Today I am grateful for doctors.

Today, I am grateful I got to half half of the best cup of coffee I've made in a long time...it was better than none at all.

Heavenly Father, I thank you for sticky shoes and cluttered houses and unfinished work. I thank you for people who aren't afraid to admit to having weaknesses and help me to admit I'm not perfect either.

God of spilled coffee, red lights, long car rides, infections, old cats, hairy dogs, sunshine and rain, rushing and rest, LORD of unfathomable heaven and messy, dirty earth, I thank you for this week. I thank you for my family and friends, I thank you for holding us up when we are tired and holding our children when they are sick and their parents are slow to catch on.

Help me keep my focus on you. Help me to see my little inconveniences for just that and to laugh at the bumps in the road. Make me stronger for the truly difficult times and always let me feel Your Presence. Amen.

Counting it all joy,

Julie

Above sofa found here.

Notes From the Sofa

How cool is this sofa?! My boys would have fun doing school on a sofa like this. Well, it will have to be in our dreams.

So...school this week...Week 7. Boo met Henry Huggins. And just like his brother (and me for that matter), Henry is a favorite. Boo will be reading more about Henry as the year progresses. Henry's creator, Beverly Cleary is a favorite author at this house. Boo's been introduced to Ramona and Ralph S. Mouse. He will also be reading Dear Mr. Henshaw in the near future.

Another family favorite on Boo's reading list this week was Encyclopedia Brown by Donald J. Sobol. After starting with Encyclopedia Brown, Roo went on a mystery reading kick. I'm anxious to see if the same happens with Boo.

Roo has finished The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau and really appreciated the story. I've assigned The Giver by Lois Lowry and Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix for this week. These books address some really relevant topics such as: futuristic projections, overpopulation, post-apocalyptic societies, dystopian/utopian societies.

From my limited experience, it seems these books tend to evoke a strong reaction. Discussing them with others, both parents and other students, it seems people either like them a lot or dislike them a lot. I've seen around the web that some parents have decided not to assign or allow these books. I do understand that the topics can be upsetting and sometimes create volitile conversation.

I am not suggesting these as appropriate reading material for every child, they just were books that addressed conversations and issues that are causing questions at our house. I read the books myself when questioning whether they would be appropriate for Roo, something I highly recommend doing. I find that the security of a fictional setting can allow for conversation that might be uncomfortable for a child or worse, not take place at all, otherwise and often prompts questions that I would prefer my children ask me versus their peers or even other adults whom I like but disagree with.

Reading choices are an extremely personal decision and the best thing I can tell a parent questioning the appropriateness of a book for their child is to read it themselves. In this busy life we all lead it is often too easy to rely on others to form our opinions. As the person with ultimate responsibility for the education of my children, I often have to put aside my personal reading list and read what is on the agenda for my boys or what they have requested. In doing so, I've been often rewarded with books that I've enjoyed and been glad I've read. Besides, unless the parent has read the book there can be little useful discussion of said book.

In the science department, Boo is learning about the human body, organs and systems and Roo is learning about habitats, environments and ecosystems. The plan in the weeks to come is to do some hands on study on light.

I found a full set of used Cuisinere Rods at the homeschool bookstore near my house for an incredible price and both boys have played around with them. Boo is more of a Kinesthetic learner and they've helped him make a couple of leaps in areas that were frustrating last year. Roo just enjoys anything to do with math and has used them for independent learning.

Learning went on the road Friday, as we packed a bag of books and drove up to Grandpa's house for a long weekend.

After homeschooling for so long, I sometimes forget that other people aren't familiar with it. When I first made the decision to homeschool my children over eleven years ago when Roo was just a baby, I met a lot of opposition from people, even family and friends who were sure this would be a recipe for disaster for my boys. These days I don't think too much about it. It is ingrained into our lives. We've been in the same neighborhood, activities and church for long enough now that people know who we are and are comfortable with us.

So while out and about on Friday, I must admit to being surprised at being made uncomfortable by some who obviously wondered why my children weren't in school; mostly by a high school teacher taking a group of high school students on a field trip to the grocery store we stopped at. It wasn't until after the fact, seated in my car, that I considered the behavior of her charges compared to the behavior of mine.

There's been some pride, the last few years especially, for helping parents who want to understand homeschooling and decide whether or not it will be a good choice for their family. I do try to be a good "ambassador" for homeschooling. I do try to have a good Christian attitude towards everyone; but must admit to failing more often than I would like when being challenged as to my ability to make good decisions for my children's well being. Most people are at least open or tolerant of our educational choices, but I've found over the last year especially a feeling of incredulity that homeschool is a viable choice for learning.

Homeschooling is an ongoing adventure and education for me and my boys. Even with a little awkwardness and uncomfortable situations, I would not trade it for anything in the world.

Next week is the last of the four-day weeks for a while. I'm looking forward to some five-day weeks to come!!

Whether you homeschool or not, what have you been up to?

Counting it all joy,

Julie



The cool sofa in the photo was found at this blog dedicated to chairs and furniture. Cool stuff!

Nine Years Ago

...I was cuddling a red-headed baby in the hospital. My call button was acting up and the nurse was in about every five minutes thinking I was messing with her. When she saw I was holding my baby and reading my bible she realized that I was NOT trying to be annoying.

Anyway...that little baby has grown to be a brown eyed, curly headed cutie. He's had the day off from school, gamed with his brother, received a present or two or...well he was spoiled, got taken out to the restaurant of his choice, got to play miniature golf where he proceeded to get several birdies, and got to have frozen custard and watch I Love Lucy. Friends and family are coming tomorrow for some hot dogs and hamburgers and some fun time.

How did nine years fly by?

Happy Birthday, Boo, my Peter Pan. May you have many, many more.

On a side note, thank you to all whose comments on my last post were so supportive. I appreciate that no one chastised me for my foolishness--and I do know how unsafe that was.

Just so you know, I found an e-mail from my sister saying when she read it she laughed until she cried. She appreciated my sharing and she knows first hand about that stubborn streak of mine but the mental picture she had was probably only too accurate and therefore cause of her laughter. Sisters will always keep you humble.
In Him,

Julie

Graphics from GlitterGraphicsNow.com

Starry Night and Cookies

Two days left of school. I have the worst case of Spring Fever/Summer Vacation Fever in the house.

Carrie asked what color my room is. I have to admit I just used WalMart's ColorPlace Paint...three walls (and a wall in the hall) are called Sebago Blue (think Early American Blue) and the "accent wall" (if we were going to pretend I was a fancy decorator, which I'm not, but we can pretend) is called Starry Night. Think Van Gogh.


In fact I am pretty sure I am going to get a print to hang on that "accent wall." I have a mini-quilt wall hanging, but it just isn't doing it for me. Which is sad because I love the piece.

For anyone who is interested, the WalMart paint has been really easy to use and the results are nice. This is the second room I have done with it. I am NOT a painter/decorator so I am sure my expectations weren't really high--but neither is my bank account. So WalMart brand it was going to be.

I got to watch the boys rehearsal last night. Two shows--tonight and tomorrow. Be patient with me because I can't help but brag. My guys were fantastic. My prayer is that they, and all there classmates, do just as wonderfully in the shows. I am so amazed at who they've become. They sure didn't get it from me.

Must go be a grown-up now. I really don't want to be a grown-up. Whoever thought I would make a good grown-up really had a sense of humor...

And for the record making cookies when you cannot have carbs should be against the law...and yet I volunteered to do so. So off to bake.

And inhale a lot.


Starry, Starry Night by Don Mclean

Telephone...

Remember the old party game of telephone? Everyone sits in a circle. Someone starts by whispering a sentence into the next person's ear and they do the same...and by the time it gets back to the originator...well, it's got nothing to do with the actual first sentence. But it is funny to see how stories go.

Yesterday ended with a version of "Telephone" at our house.

I called the wonderful woman who is the administrator at the extracurricular activity school the boys attend. I needed to let the school know Roo and our little carpool passenger would not be in class.

It just so happened I called her from the radiology clinic and I was stressed. Roo had complaints of abdomen pain, to the point he was bent over. The doctor at urgent care was concerned and quickly shooed us across the way to get an ultrasound and x-ray. Definite bladder infection. Possible appendicitis.

Well...apparently ultrasound and x-ray are not the "gold standard" for diagnosis, but CT scans are not done lightly on young bodies. The tests didn't show anything, but the doctor sent us home with antibiotics and admonitions to "watch him carefully." If he had any more complaints it was, "go directly to the ER." Do not pass "GO", do not...well...enough that I was still concerned.

But I digress...back to our game of "Telephone."

I emailed (instead of phoning) the results to the administrator, not wanting to bother her during the busy hours of classes. The e-mail I got back was:

Dear Julie,

I will say a little prayer that it is just the infection. Thank you for letting us know. I informed "Roo's" teacher that he was at the hospital and I did not know any details. Unfortunately, she told the class that "Roo" was IN the hospital. I heard about this when kids came to me to ask for his address to send a card. I never thought she would divulge this to the class – much less the error that he was IN the hospital. So I sincerely apologize if you receive calls. Take care of yourselves and let us know if there is any way we can help.

Ms.___

We were a bit surprised at that! But at the same time it was a blessing to know that we have people all over who care about us so much. I think Roo was especially blessed to know his classmates cared about him.

My friend, who is also the mother of our little carpooler, brought me a quiche, a card and a balloon and told Roo her child was really concerned and he could call her if he wanted to later. The funny/sweet thing about this is that the two kids usually banter/bicker the whole car ride. A lot like siblings.

Oh why did I get the card & balloon and not Roo???

'Coz the alternate title to this post was--"How I Spent My 45th Birthday"

Still Lost...

The gloves, that is. I've also realized we are missing a t-shirt. Not just any t-shirt, but a special shirt for Roo. Frustrating.

The boys did well for their first day "back" to school. We chose to keep Boo home from ballet, though, due to some lingering sinus issues. I think it was a good choice. He looks much better this morning. He improved immensely when he found out that being sick would not earn him video games and the reading was going to be done sooner or later.

Got halfway through the kitchen yesterday. Not as far as I'd hoped, but I found the table and some shelving space.

Last night the Daddy and the boys and I played Last Word.



We laughed so much. This is a fun, free-for-all type game that suits our personalities. I highly recommend it. Children need to be old enough to read and have an awareness of different situations. Boo held his own with much style and humor. I'm living with a young Robin Williams, I'm afraid. He's quite brilliant with improv. Sometimes this is good...sometimes...ummmmmm...not so much.

What did you do yesterday?

How to Make a Big Mess...

...and please two boys in the doing.

First haul out as much chaos into the rest of the house as possible.

Next cover everything else in plastic--note the dirty beige walls.

Pile stuff on the bed...

Frustrate the dog. She was very upset about the whole thing!


and paint...




and say a few choice words...




Dump the darkest paint you have on the carpet.




More than once.




Fall into the wet wall...




and question your sanity...




What were you thinking anyway?????




Oooooooooooooohhhh....That's more like it!
We started with one brown bookshelf in the room and took that out and replaced it with two black bookshelves.

We hung the guitars on the wall and did something else I said I would never do.


The light blue wall and the wall that turned out more salmon than sand.

The dog was back in her "cave."
She's always slept in the boys' room.
We replaced the futon with a smaller loveseat.

Went vertical with storage of toys and "stuffies."

Decorated the window for the holidays.

Ambiance!


It's not 100% but they're pretty happy to have their new digs.

I think if you are so inclined you can click on a photo to enlarge.

Grains of Gratitude

Late in the day Grains of Gratitude. We've been running non-stop for the last few weeks. I'm grateful that gas has gone down. $1.67 today. Wow!

There has been a lot of safe travel this week that I am thankful for--the boys and I downtown and back, and Daddy made it home again after a two week trip. I am thankful for that, so very thankful.

I am thankful for my boys. This week is the "Roo Edition."

Roo is turning eleven.

He is a rule follower. He is an honest worker. He won't try to cut corners. In fact sometimes he makes things more difficult for himself. He dots the "i"s and crosses those "t"s. Sometimes he even tattles on himself. Which is why I trust him a lot.

He has a soft heart. He's shown others forgiveness when I would not have been so forgiving. He cares about me when I'm down or not well. He is empathetic. He loves little children, but is aware of how fragile they can be, so he is very, very gentle with them.

He is a talented piano player and a wonderful dancer. Math has become a joy because I am seeing it through his eyes. I've relearned so many things this year!

Where did my baby go to? He comes up to my chin now.

Brady's Bunch is the home of Grains of Gratitude thanks to Christine!

A Science Experiment & an Argument

The science experiment:

Both boys were thrilled yesterday. Roo's science experiment included--get this...

Are you ready for it?

They had so much fun...

Still can't guess?

.
.
.
.
.
..
...
....
...
..
.
.
.
.

The experiment involved candy. Specifically eating candy. Oh joyful day!! And the text asked that you involve a classmate in the experiment.

Well, being homeschooled in a family of two obviously meant Boo was "the classmate." Candy for schoolwork. Who'd've thunk it???

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The argument:

"Yes, you did."

"No, I didn't."

"Yes, you did. "

"No, I didn't."

"Yes, you did."

"No, I didn't."

"No, you didn't."

"Yes, I did! Wait!!!"

"See, I told you so!!"

Sigh...It's been a long few days.

Return to Pooh Corner

From a sentimental mommy to anyone else who knows where I'm at right now. This song always melts me. Where does the time go? I sure do miss Winnie and the Hundred Acre Wood crew.

For my boys:

Kenny Loggins cartoon version with Amy Grant


Kenny's acoustic set

sniff...sniff...

Around the Kitchen Table--Talking about School

We finished the second of our “back to school” weeks last week. As I’ve said (ad nauseum) we school year round, so how can we be going “back to school?”

For us school does look different during different times of the year. This summer, during what was not always a relaxing summer, we focused on maintenance. It was more about honing math skills, reading some great books and some very light piano practice. There was a lot of dance. A lot. There were a few lazy days of floating in the pool, but not near enough. But, now, ready or not, we are back at it more intensely.

The goal these last two weeks has been: tie up loose ends, refresh and strengthen language arts studies, begin new math concepts, build on reading comprehension skills, concentrate on spelling and phonics, read, read, read.

The boys have also intensified piano practices. They will return to violin and guitar today. Over the summer I’ve been able to collect some piano music and books that we all love. Building a music library has been a goal of mine. It is helpful to have a wide variety so we can connect music to other areas, especially history and geography. Slowly, piece by piece, we are seeing this become a reality.

Also in the works for next week, is a unit study on the human body: senses and anatomy. There are so many good resources out there it is overwhelming and very hard not to purchase something, just because it looks so “cool.” I’ve accumulated some wonderful material already, so we are set—it’s just been hard not to be greedy!

In past years we have studied history with geography as the backdrop. We are going to reverse direction this year and focus more on geography and look at history through that lens. We’ve always incorporated the “Living Book” approach and my plan is to continue with that path. I’ve found that the boys retain more when they can relate to a character, either real or fictional, and have no problem sifting the realities from the stories.

To my great joy, this house is home to readers! It’s been harder with Boo, but we’ve found some subjects and authors that make him want to read, and sometimes even say, “Just one more chapter, please, Mom?” Music to my ears. I have a planned framework of readers and read alouds with room to add more from bunny trails and new interests.

One thing I’ve realized though, is that, while I love to write and they like to create stories and maps and their own comics, I’ve not pushed writing as much as I have reading. It’s evolved quite naturally and the benefit of that is that they don’t see writing as a chore. They do not sigh, groan, moan or fuss when asked to write.

But what I would like is for them to be aware of more tools that will allow their creativity to expand. So we are going to write. A lot. Letters, e-mails, stories, reports, plans—any good ideas of what else we can write? I’m considering, very tentatively, giving the boys their own (locked) blog space where they can practice some publishing skills and possibly be able to share their work with appreciative friends and family.

So for at least the next four months, school is going to be about the basics: “reading, ‘riting, and ‘rithmatic,” as the song says; but also about geography, basic anatomy and more music. There are some art projects, I’ve not talked about and some foreign language study we’ve been inching along with, too. I was also gifted with a Bible and faith study program from the mom of the little girl who rides with us to dance. It was something I would never have looked at. But it turned out to be just the right thing for just the right time.

We are going to use, books, text books, workbooks, videos, field trips, games and hopefully some other tools. My hope is to occasionalliy share and highlight curricula and tools we are using, offering more book reviews and offering some reviews of other things that have worked for us.

That's were we are, and what I've been consumed with the last few weeks. It looks to be a year full of wonderful opportunities. We're looking forward to it!

Grains of Gratitude (In the Waning Sunday Hours)

Whew!! I’m tired! We spent the day at the zoo. Lions and tigers, sadly no bears yet, but, “Oh my!!” we saw a lot of God’s creatures today. What a blessing.

Eight years ago I was pondering what to pack in my bag to take to the hospital. Eight years ago I had no idea of all the joys and challenges that lay ahead of me all bundled into the baby I was carrying then.

This week Boo will turn 8! How did that time go by so fast? I know it’s a cliché, but it is so true and all you mommies know that I’m right. You change their diaper, you turn your back and they are not even toddlers, not little boys (or girls) but children. Tomorrow they will be going to college or finding their way in a new career. Isn’t God amazing? How can someone see a child born, watch them grow and not know a miracle is occurring before their eyes. Each one is a miracle.

So if you can’t tell already, I’m grateful for my Boo. He still hides around corners and tries to scare the daylights out of us (hence the moniker—Boo. Get it? Favorite thing to say—“BOOOOOO!”). He still likes to snuggle on my lap in the morning even though his legs don’t fit so well. For some reason he tells me I’m the best mommy and that I’m beautiful. Who am I to disabuse him of that nonsense? He choreographs his own dances, danced to his own compositions. He writes really intense and surprising stories—still a little short, but very dramatic. He creates costumes and personas all day long.

This child is also the child who forgets his math sometimes from one day to the next when he thinks it might be to his benefit. He’s my daydreamer and comedian who sometimes doesn’t know when to shut it down.

Boo loves little children and babies. He is gentle with them and with animals. He loves his dance teachers and his religion teachers and never, never disrupts their classes. He is a country boy who sadly is bound in the concrete of the city. He gives awesome hugs.

I’m grateful that I’m his mom. I pray God guides me and guards us every step of the way.

What are you grateful for?

The grateful and gracious mom, Christine at Brady’s Bunch started Grains of Gratitude. I’m always grateful to hear how much she loves her children.

I Hearted Gev

If you’ve read my blog for any length of time, you know that I don’t blog about television much, if ever. Mostly because I don’t watch it. Home & Garden’s House Hunter’s is about the extent of my viewing. I watched the last two or three episodes of @merican Idol because we knew someone who knew someone who knew the winner (who I hearted quite a bit—but I always watched him on YouTube).

But a while back I started watching So You Think You Can Dance. I was head over heels. If you know much about me, you know I love dance. Specifically ballet, but any form of dance gets my attention. Now I passed on Dancing with the Stars, I peeked at Your Mama Don’t Dance (cute idea) a couple of times, but So You Think You Can Dance caught my heart because in ten years or less my oldest son could be doing that. My youngest would only be a few years behind.

My sons dance. A fact that gets us some quizzical looks and some unenlightened remarks sometimes. But I am very proud of what they do. They’ve joined me in my watching and have become quite the dance critics. We all have our favorites, but one of the ones we all agreed on was Gev. Gev got sent home last night. And Roo ended up in a surprising emotional state. I had to explain to him, that this is the way of the world of performing in any way—it is always an audition. Some will get the part, win the competition, do better one night than anyone else. Some won’t.

And in a way, that is really a metaphor for life; job interviews, relationships, competitions of any sort, athletic or artistic. This has been a great show to open the boys’ eyes. A few lessons we have learned vicariously are: take your corrections with a positive attitude and a smile, never speak negatively to judges (or teachers) or in front of a camera, win and lose graciously, when you dance—throw it all out there and dance your heart out. You will never second guess yourself that way.

Gev is a street dancer/break dancer who during the show has done contemporary broadway jazz, hip hop, ballroom, and jive. His attitude has been so positive. His smile is so sweet. I’m easily old enough to be his mom, and like I said, can see my boys doing this kind of thing. I had a tear or twenty when Gev got cut.

Shows like this break my heart, but at the same time they can be a really fun thing. This seems to be a sweet group of excellent dancers who, for the most part, I would be proud to know. Bittersweet fun.

I don't know how long these links will stay up. But if you haven't seen the show, here are my favorite three dances from Wednesday night.

Disclaimer: If you are easily offended by dance costumes or content, probably best to skip over. If not--enjoy!

Chelsea and Gev



Courtney and Joshua



Katee and Will

Half a Year's Reading for Boo

Fifty-one books for Boo (who will be eight in a month and a half). Some of the books seem really easy compared to what he is reading now, but they were good sources of information, without being overkill. I firmly believe that if you leave them wanting to know more, they will find more to read on a subject.

Boo discovered comic books are available at the large library we visited during June and July. We will be going back there because it is near the ballet. Boo is also getting interested in how to look up information--that also means he's found out that I don't know quite everything. But hey!! I know where to look.

If you look at the list you will find Boo was (and still is) on a Roald Dahl kick. I highly recommend Roald Dahl's writing for anyone, but especially for reluctant readers and especially for boys. Boo keeps asking for more. That, for me, is awesome.

Again as with Roo's List the books are linked so you can find a source to buy or possibly a review.

Boo's Reading List 2008

• The Original Adventures of Hank the Cowdog by John R. Erickson
• James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
• The Year Of Miss Agnes by Kirkpatrick Hill
• John Paul II: The Pope from Poland by Deborah A. Parks
• The Toothpaste Millionaire by Jean Merrill
• Saints for Young Readers for Every Day, Vol. 1, edited by Susan Helen Wallace
• Canada Geese Quilt by Natalie Kinsey-Warnock
• A Big Ball of String by Marion Holland
• Greg's Microscope by MillicentE. Selsam
• Atlantis: The Lost City by Andrew Donkin
• Matilda by Roald Dahl
• Zeppelin: The Age of the Airship by Andrew Donkin
• Daniel's Duck by Clyde Robert Bulla
• Transformers: The Uprising by Andrew Donkin
• The Fire Cat by Esther Averill
• School Days Around the World by Catherine Chambers
• Transformers Armada: The Unicron Battles by Andrew Donkin
• Dinosaur Detectives by Peter Chrisp
• The Big Balloon Race by Elanor Coerr
• Let's Eat! What Children Eat Around the World by Beatrice Hollyer
• The Usborne Complete First Book of Nature
• Spacebusters: The Race to the Moon by Phillip Wilkerson
• Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator by Roald Dahl
• Around the World Series: Houses and Homes by Ann Morris
• Around the World Series: Food by Margaret C. Hall
• Trojan Horse by David Clement-Davies
• Beastly Tales: Yeti, Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster by Malcolm Yorke
• Know-It-Alls--Fish! by Christopher Nicholas
• Know-It-Alls--Bears!
• Know-It-Alls--Bats!
• Know-It-Alls--Birds of Prey!
• Know-It-Alls--Predators!
• Know-It-Alls--Sharks!
• Know-It-Alls--Wild Cats!
• Know-It-Alls--Frogs!
• Know-It-Alls--Snakes!
• Know It Alls--Crocodiles!
• Know-It-Alls--Wolves!
• Know-It-Alls--Whales!
• Know-It-Alls--Spiders!
• Know-It-Alls--Seals!
• The Atlantic Ocean by Susan Heinrichs
• Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
• Pompeii...Buried Alive! by Edith Kunhardt
• Oceans by Susan H. Gray
• Francis Drake by David Goodnough
• The Great Corgiville Kidnapping by Tasha Tudor
• Globes by Paul Sipiera
• Corgiville Fair
• The Knight at Dawn by Mary Pope Osborne