Father's Day Picture

My family.

Father's Day 2008.

Monster Truck; Monster Pile

Do you see this monstrous pile of mulch? Do you see my husband's sense of humor parking on top of it? This is his way of letting me in on the fact that he wearies of the "pile". It has dwindled significantly and will soon be gone. Hallelujah! Changing out our old moldy mulch for healthier, more natural mulch was a great idea (Thanks, Suz!), but a huge job! Now the children...that's a different matter...

To say that the children weary of the pile, would be false! They have climbed it, biked it, dug holes in it. They have turned it into the Alamo and fortified it with weapons. They have tracked it all over my house and worn it in their hair. The fact that it's half cow poop means little. It is the grand things that childhood are made of. It is heaven on earth and joy from the minute go. It will be sadly missed and though son has dutifully shoveled it for me, I believe he just wants to stay close to it!

Pretty is As Pretty Does

This is the day that my precious girl discovered that she had a closet full of dresses. As we have been blessed with many hand-me-downs and a few garage sale finds, we've also had less occasion to get dressed up...but that matters not a whit. I bit my tongue as I sent her out to play in her beautiful dress, having fought the era of "play clothes" and "dress clothes", and we haven't looked back since! It shouldn't surprise me in the least that she prefers her dresses. I would if I were her. Wait. I do too!

Her dresses have been further call for instruction in modesty, manners, and general behavior. As my Daddy always said, "pretty is as pretty does!" She gets the whole "don't pull your dress over your head" thing...beyond that we are in negotiations. Hee hee! Actually, she is growing quite "pretty"--inside and out.

(6/4/08)

Laddie: A Review

If you've never read a book by Indiana author Gene Stratton-Porter, you are missing out. If you've never read "Laddie", and want a real treat, be prepared to absolutely love this book and have it take a prominent place on your favorite book lists.

This book was such a delight, I'm not even sure I can tell you all the things I loved about it. It's semi-autobiographical and is about the youngest of twelve children whom they call Little Sister. Her older brother is Laddie and they have a tremendous bond, though there is quite an age difference. The character of their family is central to the story and is fascinating. I loved learning about this particular time period (late 1800s) and how people lived and treated one another.

The story is rich with nature, farm life, circumstance, faith, education and duty. One of my favorite passages happened when the father and mother tell Little Sister she will not be going back to school that year. Here is what she thinks.

"Think of being allowed to learn your lessons on the top of the granary, where you could look out of a window above the treetops, lie in the cool wind, and watch swallows and martins. Think of studying in the pulpit when the creek ran high, and the wild birds sang so sweetly you seemed to hear them for the first time in all your life, and hens, guineas, and turkeys made prime music in the orchard. You could see the buds swell, and the little blue flags push through the grass, where Mrs. Mayer had her flowerbed, and the cowslips greening under the water of the swale at the foot of the hill, while there might be a Fairy under any leaf. I was so full, so swelled up and excited, that when I got ready to pick up a book, I could learn a lesson in a few minutes, tell all about it, spell every word, and read it back, front, and sideways. I never learned lessons so quick and so easy in all my life; father, Laddie, and every one of them had to say so. One night, father said to Laddie: "This child is furnishing evidence that our school system is wrong, and our methods of teaching far from right.""

This book is so heart-warming! I found myself wishing I was in their family. The descriptions of everything from the nature of things to the desires of their hearts, is incredibly enduring. If they ever truly made this book a movie (the way it's written), it would be the best movie of faith ever!

I thoroughly enjoyed all the quotes from various McGuffy readers, as well as scripture. From a literary stand point, though I'm no expert, it is rich, rich, rich! I could go on and on. I've also read her books, "The Girl of the Limberlost" and "Freckles". They, too, are among my favorites. "Laddie" will be a life-long favorite and I can't wait to read it to my children. I look forward to my next Gene Stratton-Porter book, "The Keeper of the Bees".

"Get up, Little Sister, the morning is bright,
The birds are all singing to welcome the light,
Get up; for when all things are merry and glad,
Good children should never be lazy and sad;
For God gives us daylight, dear sister, that we
May rejoice like the lark and work like the bee."

From the List: Strawberry Pickin'

It has taken me almost nine years to pick strawberries. I jest not! From the time son was born, I wanted to take him. It finally happened, minus the son who was gallivanting with a friend instead. Daughter and I hit the "patch" and did some pickin'. Even with the recent rains flood waters we were able to make it through the mud. We had a good time in the sweltering heat of that day, and loved the ensuing treats! Cross that one off my list!

Dog Days of Summer

I suppose the dog days of summer are upon us, though the official start of summer is still a week away. Our temperatures rose quickly and the humidity joined with it hand in hand. I've had every intention of blogging daily, but the heat and the craziness of not actually being home much has prevented me. The posts still run through my mind each day!

Today was my last attempt to go garage saleing. Finally, I found some clothes my daughters size (or upcoming size!). That was my goal. I'm through. It is tough "work" and the driving, at these prices, makes it harder. More than anything though, I missed working in my yard in the cool of the morning--however long it lasted today! I still have many things to plant, but I can't bear the direct sun. I just finished building my trellises for my raised beds, minus the netting. That was enough heat for the time-being. I'm thinking cool thoughts, sipping my ice tea and writing to you!

We'll be celebrating Father's Day tonight to beat the crowds at husband's soon-to-be favorite restaurant. We thought he was heading out on a trip tomorrow, but he gets to be home! Besides, celebrating his fatherliness over two days is twice as good! That's all I've got for now. :)

Choose Wisely

Doesn't everyone, besides my four year old, use this method to select their head band?

Civil War Days

We finally made it to our first Civil War Days at nearby Connor Prairie. This is our third year to attempt to go and the first that hasn't been rained out. Though it was quite chilly and included all the joys of mock-five winds, we were happy to see a little sunshine and finally enjoy our first battle re-enactment.

As you can see, son was geared up and raring to go!

We ran into Abraham Lincoln right off the bat.
Daughter was a wee-bit shy!

He did a fabulous job with his presentation. People, mostly kids, asked some tough questions and he never flinched. At one point he took off his hat and dropped letters out of it. This guy's attention to detail was really good!

I was waiting to ask him what his favorite book was. Before I got the chance, he began talking about how his mother had taught him from the Bible and had asked him, on her death bed, to always follow its truths. I was stunned, but pleased! Only one couple got up and left.

Son gave his rapt attention to the words of this famous president.

Then it was gun time. I'm not sure who was more interested...son or husband!

We saw the rank and file as the northern troops had their drill practice.

And we huddled together to keep warm.
We were absolutely frozen!

A little artillery practice.

My sweet family!

The re-enactment was a bit hard to see, but we were still able to make out what was happening. I was a bit disappointed that it was more of a "demonstration" and less of an actual "enactment". I'm a newbie!The cavalry action was the most visible, and thus the most exciting!
We did see a "deserter" who was shot in the back. Ewww!

Oh.
And it was loud.
Some people just don't like "loud"! :)

Next Year's "School" Calendar

Like most things "homeschooling", it's taken me a while to catch on to the fact that I really do need a set calendar for the year. That is, unless I want to be frustrated and guilty every time we collapse from overdoing, only to realize it's because we haven't taken a much needed breathing break.

So what does the "perfect" calendar look like to me? It starts early. Ends early. Has plenty of kid and mommy breaks. Allows for "surprises". Fits with holidays. And did I mention, ends early? As in May?!

So the plan is to start the first Monday in August and be done by Memorial Day. In between, we'll have one-week breaks every seven to eight weeks. We'll also schedule every other Friday as a M.U.D day. Make Up Day. As in buffer. As in "I'm on my period" day, or we're going to the zoo. Know what I mean?

I printed out this wonderful blank calendar from Donna Young, and marked it up first with holidays and birthdays that we take off. These include the biggies and a couple others. Then I went through and counted weeks to see where week eight would fall. On the second eight week period, the break would fall the week after Thanksgiving week, so I adjusted the period to seven weeks so we can have Thanksgiving week off. I did this for the rest of the year, watching my holidays.

I then counted up my days to be sure we would meet the requirements for our state. We have 9 extra days. By the way, a lady who works with my husband told him that her neighbors had to spend the night in jail because their son had too many absent days at school, not meeting the "requirements". I'm not sure I believe it, but it wouldn't really surprise me.

With that done, I turned my attention to the fun stuff. That would be the Fun Days Calendar. I only have the rest of this calendar year available, so I went through it picking fun days to remember or celebrate in some memorable fashion. One example of a fun day I shared was this. Here's what I'm looking at:

August
5: National Friendship Day
17: Davy Crockett Day
19: Potato Day (I'm picturing hash browns for breakfast, french fries for lunch, and Crash Hot Potatoes for dinner!)

September
3: Wizard of Oz (published) Day
13: Chocolate Day
17: Constitution Day
18: National Play Doh Day
22: National Elephant Appreciation Day
23: First Day of Autumn
24: Dr. Seuss Day
26: Johnny Appleseed Day

October
10: Pac Man Day
16: Dictionary Day
21: Apple Day
22: Nut Day
25: Make a Difference Day
31: Reformation Day

November
3: National Sandwich Day
11: Mayflower Compact (signed) Day
14 Teddy Bear Day; & Claude Monet Day
17: Homemade Bread Day
19: Gettysburg Address Day
24: Creation Day (in response to Darwin Day)
26: Charles Schultz (Peanuts) Day

December
2: International Day to remember the abolition of slavery
4: Monopoly Day; & National Cookie Day
16: Boston Tea Party Day
17: Maple Syrup Day
21: Pilgrim's Landing at Plymouth Day
22: Beatrix Potter (death) Day
28: Pledge of Allegiance (recognized by Congress) Day
30 Rudyard Kipling Day

BTW, August 31st is International Blog Day!

As you can imagine, some will only bear*** mentioning, while others will be "celebrated" (Cookie Day!!! Mmmm!) We had a lot of fun with these, this past year. They don't take much time and we all enjoy them. I have some we'll enjoy over the summer as well.

So that's how my next year's calendar came to be...and before the year even starts! Now that's progress!

***FYI:

BEAR/BARE

There are actually three words here. The simple one is the big growly creature (unless you prefer the Winnie-the-Pooh type). Hardly anyone past the age of ten gets that one wrong. The problem is the other two. Stevedores bear burdens on their backs and mothers bear children. Both mean “carry” (in the case of mothers, the meaning has been extended from carrying the child during pregnancy to actually giving birth). But strippers bare their bodies—sometimes bare-naked. The confusion between this latter verb and “bear” creates many unintentionally amusing sentences; so if you want to entertain your readers while convincing them that you are a dolt, by all means mix them up. “Bear with me,” the standard expression, is a request for forbearance or patience. “Bare with me” would be an invitation to undress. “Bare” has an adjectival form: “The pioneers stripped the forest bare.”

First Harvest

I've been told that nothing tastes as good as that which comes from your own garden.
We are all in agreement!
Yes.
Even me!

Nine & Five

Fourth grade/Nine Years Old:

Bible & Character: Judah Bible, 4th year
History: Truthquest History, American History for Young Students Vol. III
Geography: Trailguide to U.S. Geography (1st half of states) and in conjunction with Cantering the Country; Indiana State History & Geography (extended study)
Literature: Poetry of Eugene Field, Lewis Carroll, William Wordsworth, & Alfred Noyes & Charles Dickens, Heidi, Hans Brinker & the Silver Skates, Carry On, Mr. Bowditch, Treasure Island & The Secret Garden
Math: Right Start, Level E
Spelling: Spell to Write and Read
Writing: Institute for Excellence in Writing, (cross curricular)
Art: Artistic Pursuits, Book 2
Music: Opal Wheeler books, & Music & Moments with the Master
Science: Exploring Creation with Botany, by Jeannie Fulbright
Typing: Computer program

Also using: Copywork, Narration, Memorization, Art Appreciation Calendar, Calendar Fun, Hymn Study, Poem a Day & introducing journaling.

Pre-K/Kindergarten/5 years old:

Bible & Character: Noah Plan Kindergarten Lessons
History: Noah Plan Kindergarten Lessons (emphasis on what History is)
Literature: Noah Plan Kindergarten Lessons: Lullabies, Poetry of Christina Rosetti, Fairy Tales, Mother Goose, Winnie the Pooh, Peter Rabbit, Aesops Fables, Uncle Remus, Bambi, Little House in the Big Woods & possible FIAR selections
Math: Right Start, Level A
Spelling, Reading: Spell to Write and Read
Penmanship: Cursive First, w/emphasis on manuscript

And if she is so inclined to join her brother...
Art: Artistic Pursuits, Book 2
Music: Opal Wheeler books, & Music & Moments with the Master
Science: Exploring Creation with Botany, by Jeannie Fulbright
Geography: Trailguide to U.S. Geography (1st half of states) and in conjunction with Cantering the Country; Indiana State History & Geography (extended study)

I Didn't Expect to Like It

I'm reading a book that I not only expected to not like, I expected to loathe it and confirm pre-conceived, negative ideas that I had gained from the rumor mill.

The book is "Created to Be His Help Meet" by Debi Pearl. I'm pleased to tell you that I really love this book! I'm very excited about the material presented--the Biblical role of women--and seeing myself in light of all scripture; better understanding how and why God made me.

It shouldn't surprise me at this place in my life, that much of what I've been taught has been scripturally depleat or out of context. It shouldn't surprise me that I've never heard much of this before, though it is very familiar. If you've read this book, you'll know exactly what I mean. If you haven't yet picked it up, I hope that you will. Upon examination, you will be challenged and find yourself in a very new place.

Mulling The Life

There are so many things I'm mulling over at the moment...

• What to feed my family during the summer months.
• What NOT to feed my family during the summer months.
• The continuing process of planning for fall lessons.
• The excitement of summer and a more relaxed schedule.
• Being less busy and more able to spend fun time with family and friends.
• Reading more.
• Getting off sugar again.
• Finishing my flower beds.
• Being a better help meet.
• Etcetera. Etcetera.

The thing that constantly amazes me is how busy we are. We don't do a lot of sports teams or lessons. We are not shoppers. We don't just "go" for the sake of "going". We invented the Staycation! We are just busy. The days and weeks fly by and I can't catch them. I would like things to slow down a bit. There is always a thousand things to do. There are always frustrations regarding the undone 999. I long to be still. Tranquility seems elusive, yet I know exactly where it is.

Why don't I go there? Why won't I rest in the Master's hands? How we must grieve our Heavenly Father with our attention to the details of life and our lack of attention to the details of The Life.

Father, hear my prayers!