Category Archives: HomeSchool

Bringing Smart Back, Field Trip, Friends, HomeSchool, homeschooling teens, Learning all the time

Catching Up!!!

March 7, 2016 Karen 6 Comments

It’s been awhile. I was doing so well at updating and then…..well life happened.

It’s like Talluah Bankhead said, (who was born in a city near us and was actually NOT anyone’s role model) “Good girls keep diaries; bad girls don’t have the time.”

Actually we haven’t, of course, been ‘bad girls’ just busy girls.

Quilts and skating and candy and Disney trips (not us!) and refuge trips and last minute plays and more.

We had a month long celebration of The Quilters of Gee’s Bend. This was one of the most wonderful things we have done lately. This a group of black women who live in south Alabama. They have been making quilts for generations. There is a wonderful documentary on PBS about them. Our museum had an exhibition, our library had a meet and greet and then they spoke (and SANG!) at a local senior citizen center. It was all magnificent. Their stories were so unbelievable. Afterwards Keilee got their signatures on an embroidery hoop she had stretched a piece of fabric across. She wants to use it as a square in a quilt. You can also read more about them here.

I think this would be a great unit study on patterns. Learn about these lovely ladies and then have your kids make ‘quilts’ from construction paper!

Meeting the ladies of Gee’s Bend.

We also went to a field trip to a candy making company. This company has been in operation for over 25 years. It was a great tour with them explaining all the processes that is involved in making an array of candies, shipping problems and the history of chocolate.

And the cookies and candy!!!! YUM

Keilee got a phone call from a local director to ask her if she would be an understudy for a middle school/high school play called “Keep Your Eyes on the Prize”. Keilee, of course said yes. This is produced and directed by our theater company for a middle school who doesn’t have a drama department. It was about the Civil Rights and presented for Black History Month. She found out Monday and went to practice. She then found out Tuesday that she was going to be IN THE PLAY. She had 4 practices total (and they had been practicing since January) and she had one of the main roles! They performed Thursday morning at the middle school (and dropping her off at 8:00 am and watching her walk into the school was surreal!). They later performed at the beautifully restored Princess Theatre downtown. This experience was unbelievable for her. She was so good on stage (and yes I’m her Mamma but no one could believe she had come aboard Monday). She met some kids she really liked and just soaked up every minute of the experience.

Keilee was contacted by Magic Moments Organization which grants ‘wishes’ for chronically ill children. She was able to go to a dedication (where the family was donating a handicapped piece of playground equipment) and present sweet Albany with a trip to Disney!!!! As wonderful as this was for Albany and her family it was more so for Keilee!

Keilee with her Bible opened working on a game for her girl’s group at church. Voting. We went to homeschool skate day this month. Keilee used to never miss a skate day but now she wants to go less often. She had a great time even though we had to leave early to do some things. Nomad in his ‘tiara’ Keilee made him. And our LEAP DAY picnic at our Wildlife Refuge. She had, of course, to leap.

And finally she was Cinderella at a birthday party Saturday. She rarely gets to be Cinderella because kids refuse to “Let It Go” and want Elsa always and she loves Cinderella. And of course I made her drop off the Redbox movie. And to let me take a picture.

Whew! I’m exhausted just typing that.

This week is supposed to be WARM! We are so ready for Spring. Isn’t everyone?

Homeschooling Rocks!
Karen

“Enthusiasm is one of the most powerful engines of success. When you do a thing, do it with all your might. Put your whole soul into it. Stamp it with your own personality. Be active, be energetic and faithful, and you will accomplish your object. Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Holidays, HomeSchool, Learning all the time, Living History

Blessed…

December 26, 2015 Karen 8 Comments

We had a wonderful Christmas season. I tried to say ‘Yes’ more than ‘No’ during this month.

And because of that we had the best month, one full of beautiful memories.

We went to our town’s Christmas parade which we haven’t done in a couple of years. And ate dinner at one of our favorite sandwich shops.

We served Christmas dinner for over 250 people at our downtown rescue mission.

Fawns, Barbies and Cotton…

November 7, 2015 Karen 5 Comments

It’s been a crazy 2 weeks. Most days I feel very non productive. That is because I live with Keilee who does more in a day than I do in a week.

She has decided that she wants her Instagram more ‘artistic’. So she has been taking and posted photos she deems ‘artsy’. This is one of my favorites.

Keilee helps teach a homeschool Science class on Thursdays and they did exploding pumpkins. The kids all LOVED them!

Halloween was a great day. Keilee told me she wanted to be a fawn and I was like, ‘What?? How boring. ” I should have known better. I love the way it turned out.

Our church had a Fall Festival that we both helped with. It was a great day and we had a wonderful turnout. We went to a play Halloween afternoon and then it rained Halloween night so we decided to stay in at night.

We have a family that we met during “Shrek the Musical”. They homeschool and they have 2 boys. We really liked them but haven’t seen them since the play. About 6 months ago we followed along with the journey to adopt Lily from China. We finally got to meet Lily. Keilee took her 2 tutus that she had made. She was such a delightful little girl and Keilee had a blast hanging out with her and her 2 older brothers.

This is a collage for Keilee. It is the guys she thinks are cute and I told her I was going to put it here so one day she could look back and see it. Think she has a ‘type’? 6 guys and 4 of them are Korean. Plus Jason Momoa and of course, Johnny Depp who she has loved since she was 3 and saw Pirates of the Caribbean.

This little girl was turning 4 and her Grandmother hired Keilee to dress up as Barbie and visit her at her day care. It was the first time Kei has gotten to be Barbie and she loved it so much. The little girl and all the kids were just so excited to see her. She sang Happy Birthday and ate cupcakes with them.

Keilee is still working hard on Bringing Smart Back on YouTube. This past Wednesday was about cotton and we got to visit a farm and a cotton gin and Keilee interviewed the farmer and cotton gin manager. It was SO very cool and she has learned so much. We both have.

I can not believe it is already November. Time marches on so quickly. We have a CRAZY month planned with Elsa parties, field trips and a TRIP with friends! We are both so excited.

Homeschooling Rocks!
Karen

“October extinguished itself in a rush of howling winds and driving rain and November arrived, cold as frozen iron, with hard frosts every morning and icy drafts that bit at exposed hands and faces.”
― J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

HomeSchool, homeschooling teens, Learning all the time

It’s Fall Y’all…

September 25, 2015 Karen 7 Comments

The 1st week of Fall was a very good week. I’ve said it a million times but we are so lucky that we are able to live this homeschooling life. The only thing this week lacked was actual FALL temperatures. It is still way too hot in Alabama.

We went to the next to the last “3rd Friday”. This is something our town has done for years. It’s like a street fair with antique cars, crafts, stores opened late, bands on every corner and more. We always have a blast. And Keilee always finds dogs to pet.

We also volunteered at CCC (Community on Church Cooperation) Monday. This is something we LOVE doing. We love serving others and meeting people from all walks of life. They usually serve over 150 people lunch.

We also did a lot of what we call “book” learning. Cells and Luther and the Reformation and Canterbury Tales and Shakespeare and Geometry. She watched Pope Francis every time he was on TV because she adores him.

But most of her time was spent on her YouTube channel “Bringing Smart Back”. Hours and hours and hours. More about this in a later post. But click on the link and watch! She’s also working on a website with lesson plans for each episode.

There was also driving and swinging and a music festival and fun in the grocery store.

We are finding our groove after changing things up about 22 times. But that’s ok. It’s one of the things we love about Homeschooling!

I spent time on the hammock reading Harry Potter, for the 11th time under the beautiful, blue September sky. Life is good.

Homeschooling Rocks,
Karen

“As your kids grow they may forget what you said, but won’t forget how you made them feel” – Kevin Heath

Linking with
Mary @ Homesgrown Learners for Collage Friday.

Kris @Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers for Weekly Wrap-Up

HomeSchool, Learning all the time

Hello June…

June 5, 2015 Karen 7 Comments

May went by in a flash. As they do.

May started chilly and ended rainy. But we did so much . It’s hard to put a month’s worth of activities in one post. But I am SO bad at updating my blog.

We did a lot of volunteering this past month. Keilee has always volunteered so much. Because of our awesome church she has always had so many opportunities. We volunteered this month at a place where people can come and get clothes and shoes and household items. We also volunteered serving lunch. This is an ongoing thing and we want to serve at least once a week. It seems like no matter what is going on in my life I just feel better when I am there serving others.

We also volunteered for 6 hours at Soulstock which is a HUGE 2 day Christian rock concert. We actually ran the merchandise tent for Noah Cleveland. Keilee and I met several artists and it was just an amazing day.

Katherine, my niece, graduated from high school. Now Keilee is the only grandchild still in school. Not counting college. I wish they could all go back about 10 years!!

One of our favorite things each year is the Alabama Jubilee. It is a balloon race and people come from all over the country to participate. We wake up about 5:30 and get to the park by 6:30 so we can see them take off. Seeing 60+ balloons getting blown up and then taking off is so magical.

Hiking with friends. And sword play with friends.

At an outdoor concert with friends. I love that Keilee and Emma jumped up to swing dance even though they didn’t really know how. This picture just screams ‘Joy’ to me.

Lunch at Cracker Barrel after church. Leaping in the rain. Rides in the country with the dog and the girl. Memorial day service. Cute little golf cart we both wanted!

So now it’s June. Hot days at the pool, yard sales, festivals, friends, board games, walks at night, reading aloud, laying in the hammock, sitting out on the patio watching the lightening bugs, hiking in the woods, visits from far away friends and so much more.

We can’t wait.

Homeschooling Rocks!
Karen

A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken. ~James Dent

The summer night is like a perfection of thought. ~Wallace Stevens

Field Trip, HomeSchool, Learning all the time

Frank Lloyd Wright and Cypress Moon….

February 13, 2015 Karen 9 Comments

One of the things I love most about homeschooling is field trips. To my knowledge high school kids or even middle school kids don’t take field trips. I know we didn’t many moons ago.

Wednesday we had a wonderful day. We started out by touring the Rosenbaum House which was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
The Rosenbaums, Stanley and Mildred and their 4 boys, are a very interesting family. Stanley’s father immigrated from Poland to Florence, Alabama. He owned and operated 12 movie houses which was the entertainment of the day. Stanley went to Harvard at 16 and received his Masters at the University of Denver. He met his wife Mildred in NYC where she studied music. She was also a Vogue model. Stanley returned to Florence to teach English at University of North Alabama. He also spoke 5 languages fluently. They received $7500 as a wedding gift to build their first home and through acquaintances contacted Frank Lloyd Wright to design their house.

The Usonian designed house was an idea of Wright for middle income families. He wanted it to fulfill the American dream of home ownership. The house originally contained 1,540 square feet, but when the household grew to include four sons, the family called upon Wright to design an addition. In 1948, 1,084 square feet were added. Wright was very excited by the addition because it was exactly what he built the Usonian houses for, so they could grow with the family as it grew. He also designed ALL the furniture in the house. Everything there is original except for 2 chairs that were reproductions.

I have heard of Frank Lloyd Wright my entire life but until about 4 years ago never knew there was a FLW home in Alabama.

He was also very picky. He had certain rules about his houses and gave the owners almost no room for changes. We were told a story about Mildred wanting a door in her boy’s room during the addition and he refused and said it would ruin the lines. She kept on until he added the door and she said it became one of her biggest regrets about the house. It opened up a huge circle area around the house and the 4 boys would drive her crazy running round and round the house.

The first thing we noticed from the outside is the roof lines. There are 5 different levels. FLW believed in using the surrounding environment and natural materials found in the area to build his houses. It isn’t built on a slab so it follows the line of the property which is higher at points. There are so many levels inside the 1 story house. These are mostly only a couple of steps down or up to each level.

The living room is one of my favorite rooms. It is floor to ceiling windows and built in bookcases that run the length of the room. The Rosenbaums requested screens and FLW refused but they insisted. (Obviously FLW hasn’t spent a summer in Alabama with mosquitoes!) But he made the screens on the INSIDE of the doors and windows. And they are bronze so it can reflect the light. It is beautiful from outside. He also built the house on a grid. In the living room he positioned the windows so that in the winter the sunlight comes all the way into the room for warmth but in the summer it doesn’t because of the heat. (This was before AC) Stanley would have ‘salons’ at his home for his students. They would come and he would read the final chapter of whatever novel he had assigned and they would all discuss it. That sounds like my DREAM evening. Especially if it was in this beautiful room!

The light is the main thing I noticed. It is beautiful. It gives everything a gold sheen almost.

There was a very small kitchen, a study, the living room, 3 bedrooms and a bath in the original structure. But the kitchen was TINY. When FLW designed the addition they added a larger kitchen in the new addition, a guest room, a bathroom and the boy’s room. The boys room is a GREAT space. There are 4 bunkbeds butted up against each other. Each has their own reading light. There is a fireplace (4 total I believe) and a huge window seat in front of more floor to ceiling windows. Each bedroom always opens up to the outside.

Keilee and I both loved it and both would love to live in a house like this. It is perfect for us. Since the house is smaller, he used space so well. There are tons of storage places that are as beautiful as the actual rooms.

Mildred was a weaver and used one of the bedrooms for her weaving supplies and loom. The picture in the top left and under are the new kitchen and the bottom left is the old kitchen.

A bedroom, the master bedroom that Keilee is in, the Japanese garden outside the window, the bench in the boys room, one of the beautiful closets and the window in the guest room. See how the glass is cut to form the corner?

The bunk beds.

After the tour we all went to eat lunch in the park. It was a great day with Moms talking and kids playing with swords under the trees!

Then we stopped by the new Welcome Center. I LOVE Welcome centers and we always stop at everyone we see. This one was new and very cool.

Muscle Shoals, which is right beside Florence, is a huge recording town. After the park we went to Cypress Moon Productions. It has an amazing history and we got a tour of the facilities from the owner. They record music and do film. Of course Keilee had to stay after the tour and talk to the owner about the possibility of her being an extra. She is sending Holly her resume. I am always proud of the way she will talk to people about things she wants to know.

There were WALLS and WALLS of people who had recorded here. If you click on the link above it has more detail. See the young Bob Dylan?

It was such a beautiful day with friends and learning so much. We have gotten into a bad habit of saying “no” a lot. We blame it on the cold or this or that. We used to do things almost every week. Now the only constant is running to the grocery or Dollar General 3 times a week! That is about to change.

We have plans this weekend even though its going to be BITTER cold. And there is a possibility of SNOW the first of the week but we aren’t getting excited quite yet. (well I’m a BIT excited)

Happy Valentine’s weekend all. By the way, Keilee hates Valentines Day. She said you should tell the people you love that you love them every day and there shouldn’t be a special day for it!

Homeschooling Rocks!
Karen

“No house should ever be on a hill or on anything. It should be of the hill. Belonging to it. Hill and house should live together each the happier for the other.” ~Frank Lloyd Wright

“Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.” ~Frank Lloyd Wright

Linking with Sylvia at Homeschooling Blog Linkup
Dawn at My Week In Review

HomeSchool, Learning, Learning all the time

November is Here…

November 7, 2014 Karen 4 Comments

November….. Wasn’t it just October? It never ceases to amaze me how quickly time goes by.

Here are Keilee’s accomplishments for the week of Nov 3-7, 2014. We recreated this Friday morning so we may have left out some things.

SUBJECT

ACCOMPLISHMENT

Current EventsCNN/Channel One

Midterm elections, How certain names stay in the political pool, update on girls kidnapped in April, Private rocket company that blew up and killed a pilot, House of Representatives are now Republican after the election, There are more people with mobile phones than access to toilets (this BLEW our minds!), Info from smart phones are stored on the Cloud. SpaceX scheduled to take supplies to ISS.

Psychology

Altered States of Consciousness

Section 1 discussed sleep, an essential state of consciousness, and describes theories of sleep, the stages of sleep, sleep disorders, and the role of dreams.
Section 2 described altered states of consciousness that can occur while we are awake, such as hypnosis, biofeedback, and meditation. Therapists use hypnosis to change behaviors, to lessen patients’ pain, and to help patients gain insight into problems. Section 3 examines psychoactive drugs and how they interact with the central nervous system to alter consciousness. Psychoactive drugs discussed include marijuana, LSD, opiates, and alcohol. The chapter concludes with the definition of drug abuse and its treatment.

World History

The History of 100 Objects. #3 Olduvai Hand Ax, read about object, listened to podcast. Did a Notebook page and watched 2 videos. #4 Swimming Reindeer, read about object, listened to podcast, did a Notebook page, watched video about Ice Age Art. Put both objects on TimeLine Book. Put both objects on world map where found.Did “Red China” in her Billy Joel “We Didn’t Start the Fire” project. Did Notebook page and watched 2 documentaries on Red China.

Keilee’s Kreations

Worked on rug for den and secret Christmas present for me. Worked on Elsa hat for her orders.

Geometry

Rays, Angles, Lines. Learned 6 Postulates.

Southern Literature

Read bio on Truman Capote and read “Children on Their Birthday” story. Watched Documentary on Truman Capote’s life and watched “Breakfast at Tiffanys”.

Quote Journal

Worked on quotes journal and illustrated and told what they meant to her. Also looked up each ‘author’ to see why they are important.

Bible

Jesus Calling and daily verse

Language Arts

Jessica’s Creative Writing class. Worked on novel, “September’s Academy”

Read

Read “The Testing” aloud. She is reading “The Selection” and we are listening to “Under the Never Sky”

Videos

Good Mythical Morning: Talking Animals. Always Hank Green

Art

Finished October journal pages. Started November. Did Calendar page. Did Dia de la Muertos page, Did 2 more pages.

Life

Had Knitting Club meeting with her ladies, Went to “The Way We Worked” Smithsonian Exhibit and learned about all the ways people have ‘worked’ over the years. Made “Thankful” poster for Poster Contest at Skate Day

We had a great Halloween. Keilee was The Cat in The Hat. She made the Tutu. We went to a friend’s house for a Halloween party. We had a GREAT time. The weather went from Summer to Winter in about 3 hours so a lot of the outside festivities had to be brought inside. We had great food, conversation, laughter and fun. And the kids watched “Jurassic Park”. I so love that movie. Thank you Dy for hosting!
Oh and one picture is Nomad as Shrek.

Painting pumpkins, being silly and Jessica’s class.

We met Esther and her kids in Athens for the “The Way We Worked” This is a traveling museum exhibit from the Smithsonian. They have the core pictures and each town adds their memorabilia to it. It was very interesting and we LOVED hanging out with Esther and her kids. It had been way too long. And these pictures are really weird for some reason.

My favorite picture this week: Fall has finally arrived in Alabama!

Homeschooling Rocks!
Karen

Even if something is left undone, everyone must take time to sit still and watch the leaves turn. “~Elizabeth Lawrence

Friends, HomeSchool, Learning all the time

Almost Sisters, Field Days and Some Learnin’…

May 26, 2011 Karen 3 Comments

Kei came home from Kindergarten the first day talking about “Livvy”.† Every day she would tell me things that happened with her new ‘best friend’.† I met Livvy and her mom, Laura early in the year. Her Mom and I bonded just like our girls did.† In first grade, Kei changed schools and we didn’t see Livvy every day anymore. But the girls and the Moms still stayed in contact.† I pulled Kei out of Public School after the 1st week of 2nd grade.† We weren’t talking to Livvy and Laura every day then.† Sometimes not even once a month.† But Laura called me a couple of weeks after I started homeschooling Kei and said she was going to take Livvy out too.† They homeschooled for 3 years then last year Laura put Livvy in private school. She is a single Mom like I am and she had to go back to work.† But our girls have become closer each year.† They have always played so well together, talked on the phone for hours, spent the night with each other.† They call each other ‘sister’ and I love Livvy so much.† Laura is one of my dearest friends in the world.† You know..it isn’t often that your child’s best friend’s Mom is one of your best friends but that is the way it has worked out.† We love our relationship with these amazing girls in our life.

The best kind of friend is the one you could sit on a porch with, never saying a word, and walk away feeling like that was the best conversation you’ve had.† ~Author Unknown

Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, “What! You too? I thought I was the only one!” by C. S. Lewis

Tuesday we had Field Day.† This is always a HUGE deal.† We had so many people there. I have no clue how many but it was well over 100.† The kids all enjoy it so much.

Kei playground — Hanging Out Before Field Day

Kei won 3 Medals and Ribbons for Shot Put, Soccer and Mile Run.

Kei loves Soccer, she has never wanted to play organized Soccer but every year she signs up for Field Day and has a blast.

We are still ‘schooling’ but we really never stop.† We do less in the Summer, not so organized, but we still do things.† I want to finish our Story of The World.† We have a couple of chapters left.† The biggest thing we need to finish is Zoology 3.† Since I used another science the first of the year, we started this late.† I would like to finish the book but if we don’t and summer’s siren song gets to be too much,† we can finish it in August.

I can’t believe my little girl would be going into 6th grade if she was in PS.† 6th GRADE!† It is so hard for me to believe.† I have lots of thoughts swirling around about that but I will save it for another post, another day.

As for now…there are long, lazy days to explore, lightening bugs to catch, swimming pools calling our names, picnics to be taken, meandering trips down country roads, food to be cooked outside, songs to be sung, movies to watch, flowers to stop and smell and more.

Viva la Summer!

“Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass on a summer day listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is hardly a waste of time.” ~ John Lubbock

Food, HomeSchool, Learning, Learning all the time, Life, My beautiful child

Simply Simple…

January 28, 2011 Karen 5 Comments

Simple times..

Simple pleasures..

Simple smilesÖ

Simple laughsÖ

Simple hugsÖ

Simple mealsÖ

Simple giggles..

Simple sillinessÖ

Simple livingÖ

It took awhile before I understoodÖ

It used to be a battleÖ

That I could never winÖ

Rush around to be perfect..

Perfect look, perfect clothes, perfect house..

Get it all done..NOW NOW NOWÖ

Silly me..

Why did I waste so much timeÖ

When it was right in front of meÖ

All it took was a child, and a crazy dog to realize

That the sweetest, most perfect, most awesome, most wonderful things in lifeÖ

Are right there..

See them?

Right there….

My wish for you:

Find yoursÖ

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

Our Simply Lovely Week:

Library books — Wonderful Library Books...

Kei Dinner — Kei's Pasta, full of tomatoes, squash, brocoli, carrots, cauliflower and onions...

Kei Chicken — Kei's Chicken with Caribbean Jerk sauce...It was delicious.

And she wrote a story..a lovely story of a world of Numphs, Everas, Layus Elves.

Here is the ‘blurb’ she wrote for the back:

“They are all around us but only the warrior can see them and save them from evil. Come and learn the truth. Help the creatures of the land and save them too! We need you. See the world the place where dreams are true. Come let’s go!”

Doesn’t it just make you want to read it right now???!!!† It has 14 chapters and she worked on it all week.

Kei Book — "The Book of the Creatures of The Land: The Untold and Unkempt"

Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.† ~Confucious

Holidays, HomeSchool, Learning all the time, Life

Ami Mental, Baking & Ouchies…

December 23, 2010 Karen 3 Comments

AmiMental is a blogger that I read.† She is funny, smart, caring and she blogs EVERY SINGLE DAY!† I bow to her greatness.† She is also the sweetest person.† She is the one who sent Kei the yarn and yarn book. She read on my blog that Kei was making some clay fairies and asked if I thought Kei would like a book about making fairies.† Well duh!! Of course she would.

Fast forward to a few days ago.† A package comes in the mail, a BIG, HUGE package.† Kei opens it and can not believe her eyes, I can not believe my eyes.† It is full of Klutz books, Sculpey Clay, charms, glow in the dark stars.† It was amazing. If I had gone out and picked Kei’s favorite things I couldn’t have done better.† Kei was so excited.

She has been making clay bears, animals, food for hours and hours.

Clay Food 3 — Sushi, Rice w/ chopsticks, salads, bread, candy, cakes, ice cream and more!!

Cake Candy Cane — Cake and Candy Cane...

I emailed Ami to tell her how much she loved it and she told me she just kept finding things that Kei would like.† She also told me her son bought the clay for Kei and wouldn’t even let her reimburse him.† This is what I love about my blog, it brings together people that I would never know.† A Mom and a son in Oregon send Kei a great package full of things she loves,† a Mom in Australia posts about cute little owls that she and her girl make which inspire Kei to make felt animals.† The mom in Australia sees the pictures and calls her kids to look at Kei’s owls.† 2 Moms with girls Kei’s age; one in Connecticut and one in New Jersey;† read my blog and we comment regularly back and forth.† We share ideas, ask questions, share links.† Kei reads their daughters blogs.† Their daughters read Kei’s blog. † I consider them friends.† The world is so much smaller with the internet.† People can get close no matter how far.† I love my new friends.† I love reading about their world, their lives.† They encourage me and inspire me to be better.† I am a better Mom, a better friend, a better HS Mom because of people like them.

And thank you again Ami. You just ROCK!!

Kei and I also baked a lot this week.† We made Oreo Truffles, Mystery Bars, Banana bread and more goodies.† Kei loves to bake but I never have.†† I love to cook, but never have liked baking.† Since Kei loves it so much I have actually began to enjoy it.† The main thing I don’t like about it is you have to be so precise.† I am more of a throwitinabowlandstirit kinda girl.† This 1/2 T, 1/4 Cup stuff just doesn’t appeal to me.

Now for the ouchie portion of this story.† Aforementioned Mystery Bars are made with sticky goodness.† Kei ran some goodies to the lovely ladies next door while I finished getting the bars out of the pan.† Some of them were stuck, there was a knife laying on the counter.† I picked up the knife to slide it under the stuck on portion.† The knife met resistance, the knife flew into my palm.† I felt 2 stabs.† This is a hand that has had severe nerve damage about 10 years ago, which is another story for another day.† I closed my eyes, said “No God please” and looked down.† I saw a cut on my palm, turned my hand over and saw a cut on the front of my hand.† I walked outside and yelled for Kei who came running.† I almost passed out, but I don’t really know why.† It wasn’t a lot of blood, it didn’t hurt that much and I am not a passing out kinda person.† Fast forward to the rest of the story…I stabbed a knife completely through my hand.† I have butterfly stitches, got a tetanus shot, doc put me on antibiotics and stressed over and over that I must keep it clean.† He said time and time again, “I can not believe you didn’t damage anything, not a nerve, an artery, a tendon, a bone, it is a miracle”.† I think God heard my prayer and said, “While I can’t do anything about your stupidity in picking up a knife to use as a spatula, I will make sure it does as little damage as possible”.

So here I sit, with my hand bandaged up, my arm sore from a shot, not able to do much of anything.† But I do have some amazing Mystery Bars and how many people can say they stabbed their hand completely through with a knife???

Merry Christmas Eve Eve,

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no child-like faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.
Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies!
Francis P. Church

Holidays, HomeSchool, Life

Crafty, Nutcracker and the Tree…

December 11, 2010 Karen 5 Comments

It was a busy week.† We stayed in the first of the week because it was so cold.

Kei learned about Canines, the Phoenicians, diagrammed sentences, did lots of reading, lots of writing activities, did our Jesse Tree everyday.† We found some really cool sites about genes and DNA.† Here and here.

Kei did some really cool crafts this week too.

She made a Christmas tree with yarn and a Styrofoam cone I found HERE. Kei has so much yarn from her knitting that it was a perfect craft for her.

She also made some felt animals.† She got the idea from one of my favorite bloggers, Helena.† She has made owls, 2 mice, an elephant, and a music note.† She loves making these so I see lots of new little friends in her future.

We went to Livvy’s church to see her live manger scene.† Livvy was an angel.

We went to see Nutcracker on Ice on Friday.† It was the first show we have ever seen performed on ice in person.† It was beautiful and we both really enjoyed it.† I have always hated Nutcrackers.† Their strange smiles have always freaked me out.

We had decided to get a real tree this year but last night Kei decided the little artificial one would suffice this year.† She put it up all by herself!† She did a great job.† I have so many ornaments from over the years but she only put on the ones she deemed ‘cool’.

Decorating Tree — Putting on the Ornaments...

We had to turn off the lights, put on Christmas music and eat a chocolate truffle as we turned on the lights.† It was beautiful.

I can’t believe it is almost Christmas.† I finally did some online Christmas shopping for Kei last night.† We are having a very small Christmas this year.† I am laid off from the end of November to mid January.† Money is tight, but love is flowing.

Happy weekend,

The manner of giving is worth more than the gift.† ~Pierre Corneille, Le Menteur

HomeSchool, Learning, Learning all the time

Story-Telling, Fashion Designing, STAN & Black Cats…

November 1, 2010 Karen 4 Comments

What a last few days we have had!

Thursday we went to the Story-Telling Festival in Athens.† It was so great.† We both love story tellers and it is quickly becoming a lost art.

Kei made Halloween outfits for some of her Webkinz.† She did a great job!

Hippo Lion — Henrietta the Flower and Leo the Bee

Webkinz — Leo the Bee, Henrietta the Flower, Shanti the Witch, Magic the Princess, Mushmellow the Angel, Lietus as Mother Nature, Hedwig the Hippie

Thursday night we went to my sister-in-laws school Fall Festival.† Kei and I had a blast.

I work from home.† My boss has been in Atlanta filming Last Valentine.† He surprised Kei and I by stopping by on the way to LA.† It was so great to see him.† He is an awesome boss.† We took him to Cracker Barrel and he was amazed by how much food they brought us.†

Halloween afternoon my brother called and told us that my nephew had been attacked by wild dogs.† We went to the ER and saw him.† He ended up with 32 stitches!† I felt so angry and sad.† I can’t believe people let big dogs run wild.† Seth had a pocket knife and fended them off with that!

This is my brother’s scarecrow.† Isn’t it awesome?

Kei carved the pumpkin Halloween afternoon.† I don’t do carving.† If you know me you understand why.

Nomad was a pirate.† For about 10 minutes.

Nomad Pirate — Nomad the Pirate Matey...

Halloween night we went trick or treating with our friends.† Kei was a punk, black cat.† She looked awesome!

We went over to Gina’s and then to Cathy’s neighborhood to trick or treat.

Kei Ben trading — Kei and Ben trading candy...

Except for Seth, it was a great week.† Today is November 1st.† I can’t wait to see what great adventures lie ahead for this month!

Be blessed,

“Two sounds of autumn are unmistakable, the hurrying rustle of crisp leaves blown
along the street or road by a gusty wind, and the gabble of a flock of migrating geese.
Both are warnings of chill days ahead, fireside and topcoat weather.”
~ † Hal Borland

Friends, HomeSchool, Learning all the time, nature

Hammered, Vampires and Kitties….

October 15, 2010 Karen 4 Comments

It has been a great week.† After the busyness of the last 2 weeks we just relaxed at home for the most part.

I had seen this really cool project that Kei wanted to try.† I didn’t have exactly the right material but that has never stopped me before!† It would have done better with 100% cotton because Kei’s† hammering knocked holes in the material.

flower hammer — Placing the materials...

flower project — Finished Project with a few Holes...

We love Halloween and Kei got into the Halloween spirit this week.

We went to the Halloween Store so she could pick out her costume.† This year she wanted to ‘be something really Evil.”

She found something that she like and while I don’t want to give it away here she did practice with a little makeup when we got home.

She just can’t do evil.

She found a really cool feather this week which she called The Yin Yang feather.

And made her hammock swing into a hammock ‘chair’ swing which she has always wanted.

Somehow we have become the co-owner to ANOTHER dog.† He is a beautiful Golden Retriever that lives next door but digs under the fence to our house daily.

I am reading The Odyssey to Kei as our night time book.† We are both loving it but we are both mythological, fantasy kinda girls.† It is a children’s version but I am really enjoying it too.

Today we went swimming with HS friends at the indoor pool and afterward the kids decided to swing.

Livvy is spending the night with Kei and I am making Stone Soup. Yummy!

Happy weekend,

Dreams surely are difficult, confusing, and not everything in them is brought to pass for mankind. For fleeting dreams have two gates: one is fashioned of horn and one of ivory. Those which pass through the one of sawn ivory are deceptive, bringing tidings which come to nought, but those which issue from the one of polished horn bring true results when a mortal sees them.† ~ Homer, The Odyssey

Friends, HomeSchool

Public School, Home School and Blessings…

October 11, 2010 Karen 7 Comments

Kei went to K and 1^st grade public school.† She loved it, had no problems, fit in, made great grades, blah blah.† I was Co-HomeRoom mom in K and HomeRoom Mom in 1^st.

I had read about homeschooling since she was 4.† I had a folder full of great homeschool links and resources.† I thought I would love to do it but I was afraid.† I was not a certified teacher!† How could I possibly teach her?† Ok I could probably handle Dick and Jane and addition but what about Calculus, Chemistry, Physics????

So I left her in PS and tried to ignore the little niggling in the back of my head and the pinch in my heart each morning when I dropped her off.† K and 1st grade quickly sped past.

She started 2^nd grade and my Homeschool Folder kept getting larger and larger.† I read more and more about homeschooling.† I didnít really know any homeschoolers except for ìmy sisterís best friend homeschoolsî kinda thing.

I was always one of those moms who hated school starting back.† I loved being with Kei.† We had a blast together.† 2^nd grade started.† The first week I would ask her every afternoon, ìWhat did you do today?î and she would tell me she finished her work early and would help the other kids.† One of my favorite stories involved her helping this little girl with Math M&Mís.† They were supposed to put the colors into groups and count them but Kei said ìMommy she kept eating her M&Mís before we could count them!î† She was bored and not really happy with sitting quietly while the kids who took longer finished their work.

It was a Tuesday, her 2^nd week of school.† I picked her up and said, ìSo how would you like to be homeschooled?î† She said, ìOh Please!! I would love it.î† Next day I withdrew her, found a cover school and the rest as they say is history.† My favorite homeschool saying, the one that has kept me sane at times is this:† ìYou only have to be ONE day smarter than your child.î

We just began our 4th year homeschooling.† I have never regretted it.† NOT FOR ONE SECOND.† Is it all smooth and calm and lovely?† Well of course not!† There are days I want to beat her, days she wants to beat me, but it is the best thing I have ever done.† The world is truly our classroom.

She is socialized [anyone who ever questions the socialization aspect does NOT know jack about Homeschooling], she has friends, she spends the night with people, they spend the night with her. †We get together with our immediate HS group at least once a week, sometimes more.† A huge bonus for me is that I have made amazing friends.† Keiís friends Moms are my best friends.† How cool is that?† How often does that happen?

October Calendar — Disclaimer* We aren't DOING every one of these, they are just available.

She loves being homeschooled.† I was thinking the other day that I have never heard one kid I know who is HSed† complaining about it.† They all love it.† They realize how incredibly lucky they are.† Kei hates running errands after 3:00.† She says she doesnít want people thinking she is a public school kid.† Now keep in mind, she loved PS, she just realizes that this life; this wonderful, wacky, fun, learning at its best life is wonderful!

Kei gets her ësubjectsí in.† It takes about 2 hours.† She doesnít mess around and I plan out pretty well each week.† Of course most weeks it never works out perfectly.† I mean what would you rather do, 20 Math problems or take an impromptu trip to a working farm?† But she gets all her Core subjects.

She also writes and performs plays with her dog, finger knits, has the coolest Webkinz rooms, explores nature, builds fairy houses, plays in her tree house, invents magical worlds and visits them via her tire swing, writes stories, writes songs, carries her tape recorder around and interviews almost every person she comes into contact with, plays her guitar, plays Wii, sews clothes for her Webkinz and dolls, blogs, swims in the summer, roller skates, ice skatesÖ.. you get the picture.† She has timeÖ..time to be 10, time to be little, time to visit every rabbit hole she finds, time to explore Godís world and all the glorious things in it.

Homeschooling isnít for everyone.† But for usÖit is as close to a perfect world as I have ever found.

Be blessed,

Bless me, what *do* they teach them at these schools?~ CS Lewis, The Lion, the Witch, & the Wardrobe

HomeSchool, Learning, Learning all the time, My beautiful child

Happy Fall?, Harriet Tubman & Bloggy Friends…

September 25, 2010 Karen 8 Comments

We celebrated the first day of Fall with a swim party!† Heather hosted us and yes, the kids swam.† Since the weather has been about 18∞ above normal it was perfect weather for it!† It was a great day with great friends.

There was a full moon last week and Kei and I went outside and howled at it.† What??? Doesn’t everyone do that???

We went to Early Works Museum this week to see a presentation on Harriet Tubman and The Underground Railroad. † It was amazing! She did about a 45 minute One-Woman show.† Wow!

Afterward they asked if any of the kids had questions.† Of course Kei was the 1st in line.† We studied The Civil War last year and learned so much about the Underground Railroad.† It was great to see it ‘come alive.’

Then they had different stations they went to to learn about slavery, womens right to vote, and more about The Underground Railroad.

Kei Instrument — Kei playing an instrument

Kids Railroad roles — Roles of Underground Railroad

It was a mix of PS and HS kids.† Of course our kids already had big plans for after the show.† They love Early Works and have some ongoing scenario going on where some of them are Colonial shopkeepers and some are Pirates.† Roles were already assigned long before we arrived.† I love our kids!† They couldn’t ‘free’ play until the PSers were loaded onto their buses.† Then it was on!

When the Pirates stole from the store, Kei was ready with her trusty Cast Iron Skillet.

It was a great day!

We are learning about Ancient India in History.† We saw pictures and videos of the ancient city of Mahenjo Daro.† It was really interesting.† Kei used different materials to make bricks.† The bricks of the city of Mahenjo Daro are still standing.† I told Kei I doubted hers would last 1 week!

Kei Making Bricks — Dirt and Sand Bricks

We get a Science Newsletter from† Home Science Tools that has a “Question of the Month”.† Last month Kei sent in a question and she was picked as the winner!† She got a tin of Thinking Putty.† We love Thinking Putty.† It is the coolest thing.

Also I made a comment on a blog about how I would love to teach Kei to knit but hadn’t a clue.† One of my favorite bloggers, AmiMental, saw my comment and sent me an email that she just happened to have a Klutz knitting book that her daughter didn’t use.† She told me that if I didn’t mind giving her our address she would send it to Kei.† Kei got it last week and was so excited.† Not only did she send the book but also yarn and the sweetest card.† Aren’t blog friends just great???† I have met so many online friends that I just adore.† Thanks again Ami.

A very good week indeed.

I can’t wait until next week when the weather is supposed to FINALLY get more Fallish!

“I love the fall. I love it because of the smells that you speak of; and also because things are dying, things that you don’t have to take care of anymore, and the grass stops growing.”
– Mark Van Doren

Field Trip, HomeSchool, Learning, Learning all the time, Life, My beautiful child, nature, Nomad, Science

Epic Church, Fun Learning & Nature’s Beauty…

September 12, 2010 Karen 4 Comments

Wednesday night we had convergence at our church.† We don’t have enough room for all of us at our building so we go to The Princess Theater.† It was amazing as usual.† I love our church and it has made SUCH a difference in Kei and I’s life.† Truly.

Kei had gotten a new shirt/jacket that she had to wear.† I reminds me of a jacket I had in the 80’s!!† Wish I had kept things like that.

We started off having children’s dedications.† It was so sweet.† Kei and I participated in it a couple of years ago. Everyone in the entire place prayed for these amazing kids and their parents.† Then our band played.† Our band ROCKS!

We did some really cool things this week lesson wise.† We are working on fractions in Math.† Right now I am using Math Mammoth Fractions.† I also have Life of Fred which we love!

In Science we are doing Physics for 3 months.† We are learning about forces and energy.† I found a GREAT free download based on 2D Physics.† Kei plays with this for hours.† It is called PHUN. She told me the other day, “Mom I bet you $1 I can make a machine that writes a “K”.† She did and I happily paid her $1.

We are using Story of The World for history.† I started out using that, then last year we did US History up until reconstruction.† Kei wanted to go back to Ancient this year.† We love SOTW.† We have the audio version and she listens to the chapters.† We even listen to it in the car.† We also got the activity guide which is SO worth it.† We also use Evan Moor History Pockets. These are the coolest things we have almost ever done.† Fun, hands on projects.

For writing I make Kei do a report once a week.† She turns in a rough draft and I correct it and she redoes it.† It can be on any subject and she has to have 2 resources.† So far she has done cooking and dogs.† :)† I have never made her do a spelling program because she would make 100 and promptly forget how to spell it.† This† year we are using Sequential Spelling and we both really like it.† There is a spelling ‘test’ ever day but it takes us about 5 minutes.† It makes sense so she remembers it so much better.† I can tell such a difference in her spelling.

For Geography I put all the countries of the world in a big glass bowl.† She draws one out each Monday.† She does a COUNTRY REPORT 2010 that I made up and also looks up images during the week.† I want her to really see how the people live.† How the children live.† How they are like and not alike.† We have 2 of the most amazing books that we also use for Geography.† One is called What the World Eats. It is a fascinating look at what the average family in different countries spend on food and what they buy.† The other is our favorite.† It is Material World: A Global Family Portrait. I had it in my cart for months and finally just ordered both of them.† We love them. It really makes you appreciate what you have when you see how most of the world lives.

I also made a jar with about 200 random questions.† She draws out a question every day and has to find the answer online.† I think knowing how to search is really important.† It is one of her favorite parts of her day.

We are using Live Mocha for Spanish.† She has only done a few lessons but really likes it.† We do critical thinking about 3 times a week.† We are doing Monet in Art right now.†† We read a biography about him and read Linnea in Monet’s Garden and watched a video from Netflix.† I couldn’t homeschool without Netflix!† This upcoming week we are going to try our hand at water lilies.† I am doing the drawing along with Kei.† I have always sucked at drawing but I still am loving it.† I am actually learning some techniques that I never knew.† We also do some Photography.† I just give her an assignment and she shoots away.

Friday’s we don’t do ‘lessons’.† We have, what we call “Fun Fridays”.† This past Friday we went on a hike and a picnic.† We took Nomad.† It was a really awesome day.† The only ‘bad’ thing is that we hooked Nomad on a post while we went inside to the bathroom.† When we came out his empty leash was laying there!† We freaked out but finally got him.† Kei calls him Houdini Dog.

Over the log — If A Tree Falls in the Forest...

After Flint Creek we went over to the Wild Life Refuge for our picnic and more hiking.

We didn’t see any ducks but we saw some beautiful cranes. Some of the telescopes are on the second floor so Nomad climbed his first stairs.† No problemo.† Coming down was a different matter.† He laid down and went on strike.† Finally we got him to come down.† It was so cute.

Every time we go to the Refuge we take a “picture of Mommy and Kei on a rail post”.

I think it is supposed to cool off a little next week.† I hope so.† I am so ready for fall!† Fall was always my Mother’s favorite time of the year.

Be blessed,

Climb the mountains and get their good tidings.† Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees.† The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.† ~John Muir

Friends, HomeSchool, Learning, Learning all the time, Life

Giant Bubbles, COOKIES, & Picnics in the Park…

September 4, 2010 Karen 1 Comment

Last week was a great week.† We went back to our regular homeschooling [and punted Time 4 Learning].† It isn’t that we didn’t like it, I just felt very removed from Kei’s learning.

First of all, we made Giant Bubbles and has such a blast.† I got the instructions here.

Here’s what you need to do— get two thin wooden dowels, two eye hooks and a metal washer ring. For the string, you’ll need to use cotton cord.† Cotton works the best because it soaks up the bubble solution, if you use a synthetic cord, it will only repel the solution.

There are many online resources for making your own giant bubble solution. Most call for water, Dawn dish soap and glycerin.† However, we didn’t have Dawn or glycerin— so I just put some water in a bucket, added a liberal dose of our regular dish soap, a little bubble solution that we had voila’… it worked perfectly!

We bought one long dowel at Wal-Mart and cut gently with a saw broke it in half and just hammered the string right onto the dowel.† It was pretty easy because the wood was soft.† One piece of string is 35 inches, and the second piece is twice as large at 70 inches.

I didn’t think it was going to work because it took quite a few tries for the bubbles to ‘start’ coming.† It was a fun little thing to do. You are never too big for bubbles!

Kei made some cookies too.† She loves to decorate cookies.† She just made a few; a duck, a hand and a foot [complete with rings], a dog and dog bone, a cowboy hat and boots and some stars.† Too cute and delicious too!† She ate the hat and I ate the boots.† YEE HAW!

Kei and I have a game night at least once a week, sometimes twice.† This week we played “Life”.† I hate that game!† It is boring to me but Kei likes it.† She was mad that you HAD to get married.† She was all like, “What if I don’t WANT to get married????!!!”.

We also played Uno.† Look at her poker face!

We met friends at the park on Thursday.† It was such a beautiful day!† We brought out lunch [smoked turkey with lettuce and garden vegetable cream cheese on spinach tortillas, carrots and homemade cheese straws] and hung out for a few hours.† It was a blast.

Kei took my camera and made tons of pictures.† She has such a good eye.† These are a couple of my favorites.

: Kei Railroad Crossing

Kei BB — Bumble Bee.. Up Close and Personal

Friday was our HS groupís 1st Skate Day.† We had over 150 kids there!!!† Homeschooling is just growing by leaps and bounds.† I also won the door prize!!† It was funny because they always let Kei pick.† I told her very loudly, ìWay to go, just like we practicedî.

I won some scented rocks, oil and the best thing of allÖ.a $25 gift certificate to Creative Learning Connection.† Woot!

Kei Skate Day — Photo by Esther Crawford

She had to, of course, put on a little dance medley she choreographed.† She wore the heels that Marlene had bought her for a couple of songs.† There is no way I could dance in these suckers!

Today was the most amazing weather day.† When I woke up to take Nomad out it was CHILLY.† It was a perfect day.† We went to The Dream Center to volunteer for about 4 hours.† First we went out into the community to give some information about The Dream Center.† What they do is twice a month they prepare a wonderful meal and have a sermon and fellowship.† They have a bus to bring the non drivers to the Center.† We also gave them bread and candy for the kids.† We saw so many people who had financial, health and other problems.† I was reminded of what my Mother always said, “But by the grace of God, go I”. We both just loved it and felt such a connection and God just oozing out of that place.

This afternoon we saw a salamander [we thought it was a salamander] and tried to capture it.† Unfortunately our net had a hole in it thanks to the CRAZY dog!

Great week.† Ahhh we are so blessed.† So utterly blessed.

Have a lovely weekend,

“Architect Frank Lloyd Wright told how a lecture he received at the age of nine helped set his philosophy of life: An uncle, a stolid no-nonsense type, had taken him for a long walk across a snow-covered field. At the far side, his uncle told him to look back at their two sets of tracks.
“See, my boy,” he said, “how your foot prints go aimlessly back and forth from those trees, to the cattle back to the fence and then over there where you where throwing sticks? But notice how MY path comes straight across, directly to my goal. You should never forget this lesson!”
“And I never did,” Wright said, grinning. “I determined right then not to miss most things in life, as my uncle had.”

HomeSchool, Learning, Learning all the time, Life

Walks, Playbills & Bliss…

August 30, 2010 Karen 4 Comments

Kei painted this old piece of paneling we had outside.† She wanted it to reflect the plays she and Nomad have performed.† That poor dog has been a flower, a rabbit, a dragon, a soccer player and more.

It turned out quite† cute.

Kei's Theatre Sign — More Plays to Come...

We had to take Kei’s laptop to the Apple Store.† I am such a geek I took a picture of my name up on the board.

Kei spent the night with Livvy on Friday and I spent the night laying around watching “The Closer”. I just love that show.† Kei and I go around saying “Thank you, Thank you very much” in our most Southern accent.

We went on a walk with our church group on Saturday morning.† It was so nice outside!† Come on FALL.† I am ready.

A few months ago, after we had gotten Nomad “THE dog”, I checked out a book from the library called “A Big, Little Life: A Memoir of a Joyful Dog”. It was by Dean Koontz who I have always liked. I couldn’t believe that I was reading a dog book.† It was delightful.† I ending up reading most of it to Kei and we both fell in love with Trixie the Golden Retriever.

I just ordered “Bliss to You: Trixie’s Guide to a Happy Life” on audio and we have been listening to it.† Trixie has died by the time this 3rd book came out, but is still channeling through Dean Koontz.† Trixie is a very smart, wise, funny dog.† This book is all about BLISS.† Kei and I have been having a lot of conversations about “Bliss”.† The dictionary defines it as “supreme happiness; utter joy or contentment”.† There is much talk from Trixie about how we live such stressful lives and we just don’t take time to stop swimming and go to the shore and just rest.

Kei and I have decided we are two lucky girls.† We just don’t have much stress in our lives.† Now don’t get me wrong, I have had stress in the past.† Laid off from my job, my sweet Mother dying, my Daddy having his heart attack,† worried about bills and food and if I was going to be able to continue homeschooling Kei.† But…our lives are good.† We do live “stop and slow down” lives.† We don’t rush around crazy <well not most of the time>.† There is no early morning meltdowns as we get Kei ready for school every morning.† No lost homework, <LOL I couldn’t even type that word : my fingers just typed “homeschool”>, no “Where is my backpack?”, “Where is my lunch?”, no racing out the door with seconds to spare, no picking Kei up from school and going home and doing 3 hours of work, no rush to cook dinner and clean up and take baths and go to bed; only to get up and do it all over the next day.

Yes I still have stress and strife and problems but we don’t live a stress FILLED life.† We wake up slowly.† We start our day with quiet and 99% of the time, happiness.† We lounge around some days, in our pj’s.† We cook breakfast when we are hungry. † If Kei works for an hour and wants to go swing, she does.† If we want to read a book, we do.† If she just ‘needs’ a Mommy hug or a doggie hug, she gets it.

Who knows what tomorrow will bring, what is lurking around the corner.† But…at this moment, at this particular time in our lives, we have achieved bliss. See what lucky girls we are?

Be blessed,

ìDonít struggle against life. Float with it. Be buoyant. You wonít sink unless you expect toî
~quote by Trixie Koontz, dog.

HomeSchool, Learning, Learning all the time, Life

Dragons, 1st Day of School, Tails??!!!…

August 9, 2010 Karen 1 Comment

Still hot.† Still trying to stay cool.† Still failing miserably.† We tried water, lots of water in various forms.

We also introduced Nomad to a huge chunk of ice.† He loved it.† Me?… I just can’t imagine lying on my stomach in ice no matter how hot it is!

Kei got a new shirt that we both ADORE!† We are so totally geek girls.† Isn’t this the cutest?

We started school today!† The PS started today too. That is where the similarity ended I am sure. :)† Kei wanted me to get her up at 5:30 AM!† Ummm NOT.† I made her pancakes for breakfast.† She shared with Nomad. [minus the syrup]

1st Day Pancakes — Back to School Pancakes!

Kei bought Nomad a Dragon costume for “Halloween” she said.† Although the poor doggie has had it on twice so far.

After school Kei and Nomad put on a play.† She used a mix of songs and changed the words around.† It was TOO funny!† Nomad was not very into it.† I think the whole ‘big green thing on his head’ confused him.

I debated putting this next little tidbit on because I just hate to fuel the fire of “Strange Homeschoolers”.† But…Kei would be weird no matter what.† She tells me at least once a week she wishes she had a TAIL!† A real tail.† An animal TAIL.† I get flashbacks of† Jason Alexander’s tail in “Shallow Hal”.† <shivers>† She made a tail today and fastened it on and was so happy.† I mean…so HAPPY!† Should I seek professional help for her about this?????

I had gotten Kei a free LEGO kit that I saw on a blog this summer.† It wasn’t a very big set, but FREE is FREE.† It came today and they included some challenges.† One of them was to use all the LEGOS so there were exactly 100 ‘bumps’ showing.† Kei worked and worked on it.† She would get 98, 103, 95 and finally she got it!† She was so geeked.

A wonderful start to what we hope is a glorious school year!

Hope your year rocks!

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow; learn as if you were to live forever.” – Mohandas Gandhi

Field Trip, Friends, Learning, Learning all the time

Pink Moths, Monastaries & Notebooks

August 7, 2010 Karen 1 Comment

Hot Hot Hot!

We live near the high school and we can hear the football team practicing.† How do they do it?† In pads?† and helmets?† When it is 100∞!† I would be surprised if they aren’t dropping like flies.† <insert lyrics to “Drop it Like Its Hot” here>

Kei has gotten her notebooks ready for school.† She needed 13!† We are both so ready for school to ‘start’ back.† We are starting Monday the 9th.

I found this beautiful moth in our yard.† I have never seen anything like it.† After some research we found out it is a Pink Spotted Hawk Moth.† Lovely…

We went swimming at Cathy’s.† It was great to see our friends.† I hate going more than a few days without getting together!

Livvy spent the night with Kei.† They have made the decision for her to go to PS.† It makes Kei very sad but I know she will shine there.† And the girls will still hang out.† We can’t go long without seeing Livvy.† They played and swam and stayed up until the wee hours of the morning.

The next morning they were telling me something that happened and Nomad came up and joined them in a line.† I told them they reminded me of the scene in “The Sound of Music” where all the kids lined up.

Kei and I went to Our Lady of the Angels Monastery. It was so beautiful.† Breathtakingly beautiful.† From the minute we stepped foot on the grounds there was a feeling of peace.† I would love to go back when it wasn’t 103∞ in the shade.

Francis Assissi — Kei reading about Francis of Assisi

We didn’t know we couldn’t wear shorts and sleeveless shirts.† They provide clothes for you to wear in the Church.† We tried to get a picture of us in the bathroom.

You couldn’t take pictures in the Church.† It was AMAZING.† BEAUTIFUL.† All the gold, and there was a lot of gold, is REAL!† Here is a picture I found online

There is also a picture of the Shroud of Turin.† Whether or not you believe it is the real deal, it was amazing to see.† I just sat and cried.

The grounds were beautiful also.† We saw the gardener and I told him that I didn’t see how he stood it in this heat.† His response, “I am just so thankful that I have a job”.† I love optimistic people!

There was this little chapel with the Manger scene.† Kei wanted to light a candle for my Mother.† I told her I didn’t think God would mind that we weren’t Catholic.† When she lit it I said, “Momma I hope you are dancing and running and singing and laughing”.† I still miss her everyday.

The gift shop was in this awesome castle.† It was huge and Kei saw a statue of Mary.† She could not believe it was $3100.

We brought a picnic lunch but there was nowhere to eat unless you were in the blazing sun.† We decided to try to find somewhere else to eat.

On the way out we saw a house consumed by kudzu!† It was so cool looking.† We hoped that a family wasn’t trapped inside!† If you aren’t from the South and don’t know about kudzu, legend is that if you leave a baby in the yard, the kudzu will grow around it.

We finally decided to go to Hurricane Creek to eat.† It was too hot to actually go hiking but they let us sit at a picnic table and eat.† Then Kei had to play on the rock climbing wall.

The guy showed us a hornet’s nest that he found.† It was HUGE.† I still shiver thinking about the hornets in that sucker!

After we got home we decided to take Nomad on a ride.† He he loves riding in the car now.† Thank goodness because his psycho barking was driving me crazy every time we took him to the vet!

We had a wonderful day.

Hope you did too!

ìSoutherners must close their windows at night to keep the kudzu outÖî

_{Quote from The Amazing Story of Kudzu}

Field Trip, Learning all the time, Life, My beautiful child

Grottos, Tennessee Letdown, Athens Squared…

July 30, 2010 Karen 2 Comments

Weekly Wrap Up

After being mentioned on Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers, my server was down for 3 days!† My 15 minutes of fame shot!

We had a great week even though the temperature is hovering around 100∞!!

The first of the week we went to Cullman to Ave Marie Grotto.† Actually we went to Cullman to buy Kei a Caterpillar Webkinz that she has been looking everywhere for.† Then we decided to go to the Grotto.

It is so fascinating there.† Kei hasn’t been there since she was 5 and she didn’t remember it except from the pictures. Their website says:

Known throughout the world as “Jerusalem in Miniature,” is a beautifully landscaped, four-acre park designed to provide a natural setting for the 125 miniature reproductions of some of the most famous historic buildings and shrines of the world. The masterpieces of stone and concrete are the lifetime work of Brother Joseph Zoettl, a Benedictine monk of St. Bernard Abbey. Begun as a hobby, with various materials he could find, and infinite patience and a remarkable sense of symmetry and proportion, Brother Joseph re-created some of the greatest edifices of all time.

It is mostly underneath trees so it wasn’t horribly hot. We talked to all the people working in the grotto and even talked to a man whose granddaughter goes to the Prep School.† It is grades 7-12.

I asked a lady if Kei could have her picture made with a monk.† She said, “Of course” and Kei whispered, “Mom this isn’t the Amish!”.† I didn’t know if it was some Monk rule about pictures!!

After the Grotto we walked around the Prep School.† They have a beautiful Catholic church that Kei had to check out.

When we were leaving we saw this doggie.† Of course Kei had to pet him.† When we got home I looked up the Prep School online and there was a picture of this same dog!!† It must be their mascot or something.† Wait…they are the “Saints”.† But it wasn’t a Saint Bernard….Hmmmm

We spent the next few days hanging around the house.† Kei swam and we cleaned up the HomeSchool room and cleaned out bookshelves.† I just can not bear to throw books away!!† Even when they are for K-3.† I mean, you just never know!!!

Kei had ballet lessons twice this week to make up for an earlier missed day.

I also got a shot of a wasp’s nest.† See the eggs?† I felt so bad knocking it down but it was in the building with my lawn mower and it was surrounded by wasps.† I apologized to the eggs while Kei laughed at me.

Today we decided to go on an adventure. Somewhere I had never been before.† I found this little town in Tennessee called Prospect.

The FANTASY: [From the webpage]

Prospect Historic Downtown

Entertainment museum (1890-1999), including a “silent movie” theater, a gristmill and an old-fashioned ice cream and pizza parlor. Free.

I mean come on!† Entertainment museum??!!!, gristmill!!!????, ice cream???!!!!, FREE???!!!.† We were so THERE!

We put Prospect, TN in our GPS and off we went.† After winding roads through very beautiful country, this is what we found.

The REALITY:

Ice Cream Prospect — Empty with a For Sale Sign

By this time we were laughing so hard I had to pull over.† It was one of those silly things that just kept getting funnier and funnier.† We saw a cemetery and Kei said to pull in because we may as well see something while we were there.† We thought this must have been used for hanging.† Doesn’t it just look like a ‘Hanging Tree”?

We did stop and buy lottery tickets so I guess if we win the $82 million the trip will not have been in vain. We just went back to Athens and walked around their square.† It was really pretty and I had never taken Kei there.† She got a bottle cap necklace and some more silly bands.† And ice cream…there is always ice cream.

Ending up being a great day full of the best things: laughter, ice cream and jewelry.

Be blessed,

ìWandering† re-establishes the original harmony which once existed between man and the universe.î Anatole France

HomeSchool, Learning

Notebooks, Glue, Markers, Crayons, Paper, Oh My…

July 25, 2010 Karen Leave a comment

I love school supplies.† Love, love, love them.† We have gone around everywhere buying all the ‘deals’.† We have gotten tons of things.† I still need some binders but I will wait until they are on sale somewhere.

We are starting back school August 2.† We are both so excited!!

I have never done a “Post Your Curriculum” post but decided to give it a whirl this year.† If only to laugh hysterically in a few months to see how my plans have gone awry.

So without further ado….

Kei 5^th/6^th Grade 10 years old

TIME 4 LEARNING

Math, Language Arts, Science, History:† [We both LOVE this, it is almost no prep for me and after 3 years of pulling everything together the ease of this is awesome.† Kei loves it also]† I tried it 3 months last school year and we both adored it.

Here are some of the ëlessonsí for Time 4 Learning.

Math:

Generate Equivalent Forms of Decimals-Students will identify decimal place value and write the number in standard, written and expanded form.

Comparing and Ordering-Decimals-Students will compare and order decimals including using a number line.

Estimating and Rounding-Decimals-Students will round and estimate decimals in performing all four operations.

Language Arts:

Synonyms-The student will demonstrate knowledge by determining the meaning of synonyms from grade level appropriate vocabulary, by correctly choosing a given word or phrase that means the same thing, in reading activities that incorporate explicit instruction and application.

Prefixes-The student will be able to analyze and determine the correct meaning of a word, based on the prefix of the root word or how the prefix is used in the context of a passage.

Science:

Conduct Scientific Experiments-Design and conduct a scientific experiment within the generally accepted rules and ethics of science.

Structural Components of Atoms-Identify electrons, protons, and neutrons as basic structural components of atoms.

History:

Johnson Reconstruction Plan-Describe President Johnson’s plan for Reconstruction and the importance of the Freedmen’s Bureau, Radical Republicans, and the attempted impeachment of Johnson.

New Voters of the South-Describe the new groups of voters in the South and how Congress protected them. Define the terms: freedmen, scalawags, carpetbaggers.

I have some workbooks:

Spectrum Writing: Grade 5

Reading Comprehension: Grade 5

I am also supplementing this with various other resources:

I really, really want Real Science 4 Kids.† I am still trying to justify actually buying it since money is always a concern of mine.† I have wanted this for 3 years so I think I will just get it!† I want the Level 1: Physics, Chemistry and Biology Bundle. I did buy Real Science Physics! We are so excited about it.

We use a lot of movies to go along with whatever we are studying.† We couldnít homeschool without Netflix.

I am using Simple Schooling. Her interactive studies are awesome!

I am planning lapbooks to go along with various History lessons.† [Mainly from Hands of a Child, a few I have pulled together]

I am using Sequential Spelling for Spelling.† This will be our first time with an actual spelling program.

I am using good typing for typing lessons a couple of times a week.† This is a free online typing program that I have just found.† She will also update her blog at least every other day.

She is on the 2^nd Harry Potter book and will finish all of them before Christmas along with various other reading.

We are alternating Art, Music, Photography and Nature.† Each one 2x a week.

For Geography I put all the countries in the world into a container.† She draws one out each week to complete a COUNTRY REPORT 2010.† Also she is going to try to find one dish from each country for us to make each week.

I am debating on doing a foreign language.† I go back and forth between Spanish, Latin and French.† [She wants the French]

She has ballet lessons weekly and also does plays.† During a production there is practice 3x a week.† She swims, roller skates and ice skates during the school year.

There is a lot of free play.† She loves playing and pretending and putting on shows.† She is also responsible for the exercising of our now 4 month old lab.

Friday is our Fun Day.† We go on adventures, field trips, skating, and park days with our friends.

So there it is.† Our 2010-2011 year.† Can’t wait!

Happy week,

I never teach my pupils; I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn. – Albert Einstein

Friends, HomeSchool, Learning, Learning all the time, Theatre, trips

Music, Plays and Socialization….

July 21, 2010 Karen Leave a comment

Weekly Wrap-Up

Kei is around friends all the time.† Anyone who mentions anything about ‘socialization’ and homeschooling obviously knows nothing about ‘OUR’ homeschooling.† I never remember doing so much with my friends when I was young.

Kei had Camp Princess last week and loved it so much.† She learned a lot and had a blast.

Mark Sellers who is from Decatur and a ‘star’ of sorts came to talk to them.† He was a dancer in Michael Jackson’s Thriller video and showed the kids the dance.† Kei was so THRILLED!

He also commented on Kei’s outfit and her boots.† She did look pretty darn cute.

She got the only speaking line in their “Hard Knock Life”† and a little dance solo with 1 other girl and 2 other boys in the “Hairspray” number.† She was beyond excited.

Friday night was the ‘production’ and Daddy, Marlene, Suzette, Dave, Emily, Zachery, Esther, Matt, Jake, Chandler and Ben all came!!!† We were blown away that so many of our friends and family came to see Kei.† We have the best friends in the world.† We are so lucky to have found an extended family.

Kei Camp Princess onstage — Picture by Esther Crawford

Afterward we went out to eat with all of our friends.† They had eaten so they all ate desert while Kei and I ate yummy calzones.

Livvy spent the night with Kei and as always they had a blast playing and talking into the night.

Kei and Livvy also put on a play.† Kei can’t spend more than a few hours with anyone without talking them into doing a play!

Kei made an outfit for Nomad that was more like a straight jacket.† Poor Nomad suffers so many indignities for Kei.† Kei was laughing SO hard about it.

We went to the Alabama Music Hall of Fame and Spring Park Tuesday.† The Music Hall of Fame was kinda cool.† None of us knew very many of the artists but it was still interesting.† The girls recorded a song “Eye of the Bison” about the infamous Bison vs. Suzette Incident.† We had a blast but it was so very hot.

Kids Music Hall of Fame — Kids at Music Hall of Fame

Girls Music Hall Fame — Girls at Recording Studio

They also sang “Sweet Home Alabama”.

After the Hall of Fame we went to Spring Park.† The kids all rode the roller coaster about 100 times, rode the train, rode the carousel and played and talked.† It was a great day but very hot!

Kei Brit Roller Coaster — Kei and Brit on Ride #47ish

All the girls decided to come home with us.† It was a blast having 4 girls.† They talked and giggled and laughed and played.† Good times.

I had to clean and refill the pool but they managed to find a way to stay cool anyway.

So in the last week, we were with friends and family about 5 days.† And that wasn’t an unusual week.† Socialization is such a NON ISSUE.

Tomorrow is supposed to be freakishly hot so we plan on staying inside and playing games.† Stay cool everyone!
Happy rest of the week,

The idea of learning acceptable social skills in a school is as absurd to me as learning nutrition from a grocery store.
~ Lisa Russell

HomeSchool, Life, My beautiful child, Nomad

Water, Dog Drama & A New Bumblebee

July 9, 2010 Karen Leave a comment

July is speeding by like a flash.† Lazy, hot days have been the norm this past week.† I wanted to relax and not have somewhere to be every day.† I am so lucky to work from home!

Kei and I didn’t do much this week.† We hung out at home and she and Nomad played in water a lot.† When it is 99∞ in the shade there must be water involved.† As hot as it is, I will take it any day over cold.

Kei Nomad Water fun — Water Water Everywhere...

Kei and Brit spent the night with Chan Wednesday night.† I almost lost and then almost killed Nomad.† Kei said she was never leaving me alone with him again!† He woke me up at 5:30 Thursday morning to go out.† I hooked him up on his run and stumbled back to bed.† I woke up about 8:00 and looked out and he was running around in the back yard LOOSE!† I almost fainted.† 2 1/2 hours he was running around.

I felt so bad that I brought him in and let him into my room.† He got into some medicine that I had dropped on the floor and freaked me out again.† I called the vet and she said he would be fine to just watch him.† While I was on the phone he crawled under the armoire which he is too big to fit under anymore and got stuck!† I almost never got him out.† I did manage to capture it on my camera.† Hey! I have my priorities!

My A/C went out late Wednesday and I think it was about 100∞ in my room.† Thursday the A/C guy came to check it out and I left Nomad outside.† He decided to eat my lounge chair.

Nomad Destruction 2 — The Chair that Was..

After buying a new A/C for $470 and paying $130 for the installation, it is finally not hot enough for a sauna in the house.

We are still reading “The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate” and it inspired Kei to get her microscope out.† She looked at creek water, a leaf and Nomad’s spit.

Kei has wanted that silly Pillow Pet for a month.† She has weeded gardens, dusted, cleaned bathrooms, picked up sticks from the yard, vacuumed, mopped and swept her little butt off for the money.† She finally got enough, $30.72, to order it from Amazon.† It came today.† She was a little excited.† I kidded her about it being for little kids but I really love how excited she still gets about things.† I think the world would be a much better place if all of us remembered our ‘childlike’ side.

The rest of the week we have spent reading, playing with Nomad and just staying cool.

Last week, Kei gave Nomad a Barbie doll.† She had long, beautiful blond hair.† Kei now calls her “War Zone Barbie”.† She is pitiful looking.† Nomad loves her.† He has chewed 3 of her fingers completely off.† Now that is true love.

Kei is still taking pictures.† She has a really good eye, something I don’t really consider myself having.

We need rain so badly. I hear thunder booming all around but only a few sprinkles.† Maybe tomorrow.

“Let the rain kiss you. Let the rain
beat upon your head with
silver liquid drops. Let the
rain sing you a lullaby.”
Langston Hughes

Happy weekend,

Friends, Holidays, HomeSchool, Learning, Learning all the time, Life, My beautiful child, nature, Nomad

Piercings, Picnics, and Naked Barbies…

July 4, 2010 Karen 1 Comment

The United States is the only country with a known birthday.† ~James G. Blaine

Happy 4th of July!† It is hard to imagine how it was for our forefathers back in 1776.† How they must have felt finally being FREE.† I am not a believer in war, however at times I suppose it is necessary to growth.

We plan on celebrating quietly.† We hung out outside in the sun and played with Nomad.† We swam and played some board games.† Tonight we are going to grill out and shoot some fireworks. Kei spent 30 minutes making this water chair.† When she finally got on it I asked her, “What is the difference in just having in on the grass”? and she showed me by falling off of it into the water.

Kei shot a few last night to get prepared.

Nomad has a new favorite toy.† It is an old Barbie doll of Kei’s.† He loves it and carries it everywhere.† Kei said she needed to find him a Ken doll and I told her it was probably better if he tried to chew the head off the female one…right?

This is a contraption we made him for alone time play.† I think we should patent it don’t you?

Kei has been playing with her Little Pets a lot.† She got this idea to pierce their ears.† My Momma loved jewelry and had tons of it.† Kei found earrings and went to work. I about cracked up when I saw the ‘finished’ pets.

Here is Hopper with her new earring.

More HOLEY Pets…

Here they are having a race up the washing machine.

I am so glad my child is easily amused.

Kei has been getting my camera and taking pictures.† She told me she really wanted to learn more about Photography.

Here are a few of her shots.† I thought she did really well.

Kei and I have been having tea parties for years.† We wear flowery dresses, hats and drink from a hand painted tea set Kei made when she was about 5.† This was our 1st Tea Party in the new house.† We decided to have it in the rose garden.† I am always Miss Chamomile and Kei is Miss Sassafras.† Nomad was invited and he was Mr. Fluff.† We always speak in either British or very Southern accents. It was an interesting addition inviting Nomad.

Kei Nomad Picnic — Mr. Fluff NOT cooperating...

Nomad Tea Party — Mr. Fluff drinking his tea..

Kei Nomad Tea Party — Miss Sassafras and Mr. Fluff relaxing

Kei has been working on her treehouse.† It isn’t really a great tree for a treehouse. I tell her when I win the lottery I will get her a killer treehouse. Seth spent the night and he helped her work on it.† He put her in a seat.

We also went swimming at Cathy’s and ate lunch.† We had such a great day!

On the way home Kei saw a turtle in the road and freaked out for me to get it.† I just knew either me, Kei or the turtle was going to end up smooshed but we all made it home safely.† Kei let the turtle out in our creek.

The next day we went bowling shopping and some of the kids did the bungee jumpy thingy.

Thursday Kei and I went to see Eclipse.† We really liked it and I wouldn’t mind seeing it again.† I think it was my favorite Twilight so far.† We also saw the trailer for Deathly Hallows!!!

Kei Eclipse — Kei and Johnny chillaxing...

Kei is responsible for changing our fishbowl every week.† I told her only, ‘Make it beautiful”.† This is this weeks.

I am loving our summer, our new doggie and my girl.† I am blessed.

ìDon’t underestimate the value of Doing Nothing, of just going along, listening to all the things you can’t hear, and not bothering.î† Winnie The Pooh

Have a wonderful week.

HomeSchool, Learning, Life, My beautiful child, Nomad

Swinging, Swimming, Digging and Other Stuff…

June 26, 2010 Karen Leave a comment

Saturday night.† Kei is at a party and I am sitting here listening to silly pooch bark his head off.† The barking….please make the barking stop!

Kei went to a Luau and she was all lualed out.

Today was also Nomad’s 3 month birthday.† WalGreen’s were also having a “Bring Your Dog and Take Their Picture” Day.† Of course we were there bright and early.† Everyone was oohing and ahhing over Nomad and Kei was strutting around like a proud Mama.† The people at WalGreens said he was the best dog they had all day.† He jumped up and sat for his pictures.† All the other dogs were running around kinda crazy.† One lady told Kei she would have to come train her dog when Kei said “Sit” and Nomad sat. He really was the cutest thing in his bandanna.† Reminded me of when Kei was little and everyone would oooh and ahhh over her, but I never strutted, really, I didn’t….not much anyway

When we got home we had to have a little party for him.† Kei put on his favorite song, “Who Let the Dogs Out” and they danced in their party hats.† I told her I wasn’t doing this EVERY month!!

Kei Nomad Bday — Shaking it Doggie Style..

Kei has seen something on TV she MUST have.† It is a pillow pet [Do NOT click this link] and no matter how much I try to convince her it is for 3 year olds, she wants one.† I guess I should be happy she doesn’t want a push-up bra and a 6 pack!† I have told her that I was not giving her almost $30 for it so she made up a list of chores that she would do and get paid.† Her prices were ridiculously low so I had to adjust them to 2010 standards.† One thing is weeding which I DESPISE.† Yesterday she worked her little butt off weeding a flower garden.† It took her 2 1/2 hours.† She was supposed to get $3 but I gave her $5.† She was as dirty as she has ever been!† [You clicked the link didn’t you? Now you have that ridiculous song stuck in your head don’t you???]

We got some corn and beans from the Farmer’s Market and Kei shucked the corn.† I think she loved doing that because she feels all farm girlie.

Kei has been swimming in her pool often.† Even though it is a little crooked.† I really should have put some sand under it since the yard slopes so much.† Oh well…next year….

She also has loved her tire swing even though I am afraid she will slam into the big oak tree.† She was on it with her bathing suit on and I just could see her body wrecked on that tree.† Of course the fear didn’t prevent me from capturing the moment on film digital.

Chan spent a couple of nights and they played in the creek, played in Kei’s room, played with Nomad,† played Rock Band and swam.† I was exhausted just watching them.

We also ran over to Bridge Street to pick up my PowerBook…again.

Kei is still loving her dance classes.† She seems to be really learning a lot because the class is small and they work one on one with them.

Kei is ready to start school back so I think we will do that in a week or so.† I am so excited about it!† I know it’s early but we just love learning!† I can’t believe I started homeschooling when she was in 2nd grade and she would be in 5th grade the coming year.† I just want her to SLOW DOWN!

As we move into July soon, the days are getting hotter, everyone is moving a little slower, we are eating more ice cream, the A/C is running constantly but life is still sweet.

“The good life, as I conceive it, is a happy life. I do not mean that if you are good you will be happy; I mean that if you are happy you will be good.“††††† Bertrand Russell

Happy Weekend,

HomeSchool, Learning all the time, Life, My beautiful child, Nomad, trips

Canines, Cinema and Cooling Off….

June 21, 2010 Karen Leave a comment

Today is officially the first day of summer.† However it has been SUMMER for a while now. The days have been hot with summer showers popping up to make things even more muggy.

Nomad is growing like crazy.† Chewing up everything in site.† He jumps up on us with delight and we both have battle scars to show for it.† I got his nails clipped but at $8 a pop, I MUST learn to do it myself.

We bought him a pool.† He loves it.† At first he started picking up his water bowl and carrying it around, spilling everything in it.† We knew he needed water especially outside.† So we found a metal bucket that was too big for him to carry around now.† But he would try to get his paws in it.† So we found a larger container…same thing…he would try to get into it.† So we gave up and bought him a little swimming pool.† It is kinda gross because he gets into it all dirty and then drinks it but hey! we are talking about an animal that licks its butt!

He is officially [in our world, which is the only world that matters] the WORLD’S CUTEST DOG.† It must be announced in capital letters to show just how cute he is.† There are days I want to kill him [but there are days I want to kill Kei too] but we do adore this crazy pooch.

Wet Tired Pooch — Swimming is fun but tiring...

Friday the 18th was National Picnic Day.† We celebrated by going to the “River Park”.† Liv had spent the night and we loaded up Nomad and his ‘stuff’.† Seriously I feel like I have a baby in the house!† Fun was had by all.

004 — Sliding is FUN ..really...it is....

For the first time Kei was able to get onto the swingie, rollie, thingie.† She was happy.

All in all a good day, albeit hotter than hot!

Me and my girl and crazy dog — Kei, Ka and Krazy Nomad

Kei and Livvy washed the dog.† I helped…some…

Kei Nomad bath — Come baby..this won't hurt a bit...

We ran to the Dollar Tree to spend about $30.† Has anyone ever gone into the Dollar store and spent only $1?????† Kei and Liv once again proved they are still little girls at heart.

We also went to see Kung Fu Panda this past week.† We love going to FREE movies!

King Fu Kids — Everybody was Kung Fu Fighting...

Kei and I had a dryer meltdown and had to move the old dryer to the alley [we have a BIG yard] and get the new one out and around to hook up.† After much sweat, brainstorming, screaming, kicking, cussing talking sweetly to it, we got ‘er done.† We were very proud of ourselves!

Sunday we met Daddy, Marlene and Eddie at Cracker Barrel for Father’s Day Breakfast.† After church Kei and I decided to go to Bridge Street.† I had to take my laptop back because the DVD wasn’t recognizing the ..well the DVD.† Then we went to see Toy Story 3.†† We had HORRIBLE seats but were excited about seeing it.† Kei has always loved Toy Story.† She was about 3 and I took her to Toys R Us and told her she could have 1 toy.† She wanted Buzz Lightyear.† She decided when we moved to still keep him.† The movie was so sad.† I mean I cried…CRIED, not just sniffled.† Kei just rolled her eyes at me like she does.

Then we went to Orange Tree Yogurt. That place lures you in with promises of 45¢ an ounce yumminess.† After putting peanut butter yogurt, a few little sprinkles and a little bit of caramel topping we had $4.79 worth of yumminess!

A wonderful end to a wonderful week

To Infinity and Beyond,

Friends, HomeSchool, Learning all the time, Life, My beautiful child, Nomad

Lazy days, Bento and T-Shirt Painting…

June 3, 2010 Karen Leave a comment

Ahhhh June…full of possibilities and adventures waiting to happen.† I love June 1st.† It is the ‘start of the summer’, a time when anything can happen.† The days are longer, the nights are warmer, lightening bugs roam at night, pools glisten in the sunlight, laughter rings out in back yards.

Of course reality is: the lawn mower is broken, the pool has a leak, the dog is pooping in the yard every 2 feet, there are more flies and mosquitoes than lightening bugs.† But still…the possibilities are there.

We met some friends for lunch in Huntsville.† We went to a place called Bento Box. Kei and I discovered Bento boxes when she was in K.† I would send her creative, healthy lunches in her cute little Bento Box most days.

My nephew spent the night with us.† He is 14 and I have a horrible habit of finding a million things for a big, strong dude to do when he is here.† He is great at moving heavy things!† He and Kei found some time to swim.

Kei put on a play with Nomad.† She was Minnie Mouse and he was her doggie.† She was going to name him Pluto but decided it would confuse him for her to call him a different name.† God love her.

She also found some time to play Barbies. She puts on plays with her Barbies <go figure>.† I remember Summer days playing Barbies on this very patio.† I love that life has come full circle.

On Wednesday we headed to Esther’s to make RoamSchool T shirts.† We did this 2 summers ago.† I can’t find the actual picture but this is right after it.† Esther what were you thinking having this many kids at your house!!!?????

It is amazing how much they have changed.

Kei hard at work.

I am sad to report, that at the ripe old age of 9 weeks, Nomad has a Monkey on his back.† We are working with him to fix this problem.† There are probably support groups out there.

All in all, a wonderful start to our “Days of Summer”.† Hopefully there will be much more to come.

Happy Summer Days…

HomeSchool, Learning, Life, Nomad

Pt. Mallard, Puppies & Parties…

May 26, 2010 Karen 1 Comment

This past weekend we had Livvy over to spend the night.† Kei and Liv met in Kindergarten and have been friends since then.† They both spoiled Nomad to death!

We went to Soulstock at Pt. Mallard and it was awesome.† Kei and I were supposed to work the Epic booth but mainly I worked and Kei and Liv wandered around.

Kei Liv SS — Kei and Livy working hard at SS

It has been a great week, not for any particular reason just because.† The weather has been amazing,

We have spent the better part of each day outside.† My plants are doing so well. † I have about 15 glads poking up through the soil.† I can’t wait to see the colors!† Nomad is adorable and quickly becoming part of our family.† I just can’t believe I am one of those people…a dog person. I am a DOG person.

We have spent $50 on toys, but does he play with them? Of course not, he prefers my 99 ¢ shoes!

Kei found a baby bunny huddled up by our door.† He was so cute.

Today was Nomad’s 2 month birthday.† We had a party, with hats and balloons and cupcakes and punch.† Kei liked it much more than Nomad did I am sure.

One of Kei’s goals this summer is to read all the Harry Potter books.† I told her I wish I had never read them and could read them all over.

Happy week,

Friends, HomeSchool, Life, My beautiful child

Oz, Birthdays and Bathing Suits…

May 1, 2010 Karen 4 Comments

Yesterday was my birthday.† My birthday excites Kei much more than it excites me.† I woke up and she had put balloons in the bathtub and written a Happy Birthday note on the mirror.† She is such a blessing to me.† She got me my favorite candle and plants for the yard.† She also drew me sidewalk art.

We spent the day outside.† It was so beautiful and I read in the sun and she played.† Our roses are so gorgeous.

I got many Facebook Happy Birthday wishes, phone calls and visits.† My sister in law brought over the most awesome present.† I had an old bathing suit that was my Mother’s that I wanted to ‘frame’ somehow.† My sister in law owns a frame shop and she framed it and it looks amazing.† I just cried when I saw it.

My awesome, amazing boss sent me a G4 PowerBook.† I have wanted a laptop forever!† I was so excited and jumping up and down.

Last night we went to see the play, “The Wizard Of Oz”. Our friends Matt, Jake and Chandler were making their acting debut.† We rode with Gina and kids and had a great time blabbing catching up.† I think I was doing most of the blabbing, sorry Gina. ;)† We met The Amoses, The Woods and some of the Crawfords at the theater.† The play was awesome!† We loved it and were very impressed with all our friends skills especially the amazing Winged Monkey King!

Oz Kei Matt — Kei and Matt The Winged Monkey King

Afterward we went to Moes to eat.† It was so yummy but I got so full!† They give so much food! It was an amazing birthday!

What homeschoolers do after they are finished eating.

A lovely day.

On a different note, WE HAVE FOUND NOMAD.† But more about that later.

Happy weekend,

Field Trip, Friends, Learning all the time, Life, My beautiful child, nature

Wildflowers, Roses, Homemade Candy and 100th Post…

April 24, 2010 Karen 2 Comments

100 Posts.† I started this blog when my Mother died.† It helped me so much in the first few days/weeks/months.† I don’t keep† it like I should.† I write sporadically at best.† This is my 100th post and I wish I had something earth shattering to share, some wisdom to impart to the 2 people who read this.

But I don’t.

Life goes on, soon it will be 2 years that my sweet Mamma died.† 2 years, it seems impossible that it has been that long.† Things change, my Daddy has remarried to a wonderful woman who I love.† I still miss my Mother every day of my life.† Kei still tells me at times I call for her when I am falling asleep.† We are living in her house.† She would be tickled pink that we are here.† I wish she lived here with us, but that wasn’t God’s plan.

Kei bought a candy making kit on clearance after Easter.† It looked like something that would be a huge mess to me.† She was outside playing and decided she had to make candy NOW.†† I warned her that it probably wouldn’t look like the candy on the box.

She did it all by herself and I was amazed how it turned out!† It was beautiful!

The roses are blooming here.† It is so strange how I lived here when I was younger and visited here every day of my life almost, but I have never really noticed how beautiful the roses and flowers are.† I guess ownership <however loosely> makes you more aware.

There are about 15 rose bushes scattered everywhere.† Mother always loved roses.† They are amazing.

We celebrated Earth Day by going on a Wildflower walk.† I love this place but this year there wasn’t much water and the kids didn’t get to splash around much.† We then went to a nearby park and ate lunch at Taziki’s Greek Restaurant.† It was YUMMY!

There is the coolest house made of twigs and limbs.† We wondered who built it?

All in all a good week.† We were invited to go camping next week and are so hoping we will be able to go!

Happy week all,

Friends, HomeSchool, Learning all the time, Life, My beautiful child

Red Pawns, Wonderland and Field Days…

April 19, 2010 Karen Leave a comment

Last week was play week. It was a magical, hilarious, stressed, crazy time.

The play went great. The kids did awesome. They worked so hard and you could tell it by watching the play.

Kei Carolinesmaller — Alice and her Red Pawn

We had some of our bestest friends who came to watch Keilee. Thank you all.

Brit came to dress rehearsal because they were going to Florida the next day.

Brit, Kei and Sophia — Kei, Brit, Sophia

Esther, Heather and kids came to the school show.

roamschoolers wonderland smaller — Roamschoolers In Wonderland

Suzette, Dave, Emily and Zachery came to the Saturday night show and took us out for dinner afterwards!† Thanks Amoses.

Kei and Amos smaller — Amos's and Red Pawn

In the middle of all of this we had our NACHO Field Day. It was a perfect day for it and we had so much fun.

Soccer Team for the Win — Soccer Team For the Win!

Hopefully this week is a little bit slower paced!

Homeschooling just rocks!

Field Trip, Friends, HomeSchool, Learning all the time, Life

Mad Hatters, FLW & Things that go BUMP…

March 16, 2010 Karen Leave a comment

The weather is still CRAPPY!† Seriously I get tired of always talking about the weather but sheeshhhh.

Kei and I went to see Alice.† It was really good and totally cool with the 3D.† Although my boss, who worked on the film, said it wasn’t filmed in 3D.† Kei loved it.† If she can love Johnny looking like this, it must be true love.

We went to see Circo Comedia which was hilarious.† Kei loved it.† I can’t imagine just moving around, city by city, performing.† Under the right circumstances that could be so fun!

Kei loves to make things for me.† I woke up Tuesday and she had a clue in the bathroom that led me through the house to a ‘prize’.† I had to post her clues because they were cute and the last one can still make me laugh a week later.

1. “Where people say we should eat, is a clue to your treat.” <kitchen table>

2. “Now go to the desk where WOW is played to get a jump start on your day.” <my computer>

3. “Last but not least, look in the cookie jar for your treat.” <cookie jar>

4. “You found your treat, so Bonaparte.” <Ok I read this and said, “Huh? and she said ‘bon appetit , I spell checked it!’> I am still laughing about it.

Thursday we spent the day with some of our bestest friends <we missed you Gina and Heather!>† It was Suzette and Michelle’s birthday.† We ate at Olive Garden and then went to the Rosenbaum House which was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.† It was unbelievable.† Kei and I loved it and wanted to move in.† Then we went to the park for cheesecake. Great day, great food, great friends, great learning.† Perfect day. Thanks Suz, Em and Zachery for letting us ride with you.

Kei had play practice Saturday and Sunday we had a great day at church.† Sunday was the 1st day of† DST so we were both tired all day.† Kei begged to watch a scary movie during the daytime! ;)† I finally let her and she was so funny.† She got a bunch of stuffed animals and watched it with them assuring them at various times it was “just a movie”.† Other times she screamed at the TV about how stupid the people were.

Scary Movie — It's ok, it's JUST a movie

All in all, a good week.† Now if the sun would come out and it get above 50∫ I may survive.

Happy week,

Friends, HomeSchool, Learning all the time, Life, Weather

Aaeeiii YAH….

January 11, 2010 Webmaster Leave a comment

We started ‘school’ back today.† Kei and I were both ready for it.

She did a report from “The Daring Book for Girls”.† This is the coolest book ever.† She picked, of all things, Karate.

Then she helped me fax my work flyer to about 50 Production companies.† She said she needed to write down the numbers so she would have them ‘one day when I am about to be an actress’.

We had to miss our roamschool outing to Moe’s.† Daddy wanted us to come over and go through the house again.† I have such conflicting emotions about moving.† I just pray that it all works out.

Tomorrow we start cleaning over there.† Lord give me strength and patience!

Holidays, HomeSchool, My beautiful child

Twenty Ten…

January 5, 2010 Webmaster Leave a comment

Well Christmas has come and gone.† Thanks to the coolest friends in the world, we had an amazing Christmas.

We left Santa cookies and milk.

We then spent a very restless night.† Kei could not sleep because she was so excited.† She started at 1:00 am asking me if she could just sneak down and check and I said no.† She asked me every 30 minutes until 5:30 when I finally said yes.† I have to have a bath before I function <hey some people need coffee, I need my bath!> so we have started a tradition of her opening her stocking on the bathroom floor while I am waking up in my bath.

Kei got everything on her list!† And more!

We went to Eddie and Heather’s for Christmas breakfast.† Daddy and Marlene† came too.† We had a yummy breakfast casserole, bacon, sausage, biscuits and gravy, orange juice and coffee.† Then we opened presents.† Good times were had by all!

Kei and I came home she played for hours while I took down the tree! I know, I know, but I was sick of that puppy.† So down it came.

Then we went to Marlene’s for Christmas dinner.† We met her son and his wife and their adorable little girl.† Everything was delicious and it was a nice night.† You know, traditions sometimes change.

Saturday we went to Laura’s for traditional Christmas dinner.† The food was excellent and the company was awesome.† I laughed so much my stomach hurt.† We love you all so much!

Suzette had everyone over to her house for our !st Annual Homeschooling Christmas dinner.† We had the best time ever!† We had fajitas and beans and rice and tons of sweets.† We also played Trivial Pursuit.† It was a great time with great friends.† Suz, you are the best.

We spent New Year’s Eve quietly at home.† I had given her an early birthday gift and she played Wii sports for hours!

I played WoW with Carla and a friend from Canada.† We laughed so much and had so much fun.† Here is a screen shot of Carla and I waiting on Paul to figure out how to get me on a zeppelin that I was 7 levels too low to go onto.† It is a hilarious story but you have to play WOW to understand. :)† Yes we did it!

The 3rd was my beautiful girl’s 10th birthday and she was SO EXCITED. She is such a blessing in my life and I thank God for her every single day.

She told me she was going to be the Big ONE OH!

We went to church and then we went to IHoP.† This is the 6th year in a row we have gone to eat breakfast on her birthday.† The waitress’s all sing to her and she loves it!

Then we came home and Daddy and Marlene came over.† Marlene had made Kei a beautiful birthday cake. It was yummy too!

Then she opened my gifts.† She loved everything ….

but nothing as much as the Johnny Depp bag I found for her.† I took 5 pictures and they were all blurry because she kept jumping up and down!

Eddie, Heather and the kids† came over and brought her a Zhu Zhu complete with a house.† She loved it!† Later on that night, she was playing with it and I was on the computer.† Everything got very quiet.† I said “What’s up?” and turned to look at her.† She had her Zhu Zhu dangling from her hair!† She said, “I was laying on the floor and he just backed up and ran over my hair!”.† Only Kei.† I got one wheel out but I could not get the other one.† We called Jerri and went to her house for assistance.† Everytime you touch the dang thing the wheels would turn and it would make crazy noises.† Jerri and I were laughing so hard we were crying.† We finally got out all but about 10 hairs and we just had to cut it out.

Kei said, “Please don’t blog or Facebook this Mom”, but…it was too good to resist.

Now we are in the middle of a huge FREEZE! It is cold, I mean COLD, didimentionCOLD?† My Southern blood isn’t up to this kind of weather.† We are in the house and not going out until the temperature hits at least 40!

So, here we are….2010.† Hang on tight because the best is yet to come.

Friends, Holidays, HomeSchool, Learning all the time, Life

Is It December Already????

December 1, 2009 Webmaster Leave a comment

December 1st!† Where does time go?

I am not ready for December.† I am not ready for Christmas and presents and trees and decorations.

Kei is though.† She is more than ready for us both.

The past 2 weeks have been good.† We have done some really cool things in homeschooling.† We are still doing the American Revolution and also making a Grammar Lapbook.† It is a really fun one where you are a visitor from another planet and are trying to figure out the English language.

We have learned about the Brain and Kei made a brain hat. <this is so neat!>† She also did the Stroop test and thought it was so cool.† We determined which was her dominate side <left>.

We went to Heather’s for a GNO.† We ate pasta and sandwiches and desert and caramel popcorn and watched Momma Mia! on blue ray and trust me, it DOES make a difference.† Our girls were singing and dancing the entire time.† We don’t have 1 shy, introvert HSer among us!

Chan came and spent a few days with us.† We always love having her.† Her and Kei had so much fun.† They borrowed my camera and kept trying to get jumping shots of themselves.

Thanksgiving we spent giving back to our community.† We went with our church to serve 1400 meals delivered to families and serve 400 inmates.† We love doing this each year.

Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not. ~Dr. Seuss

Then we went to Gina and Bobby’s.† We had an AWESOME Chinese dinner.† The lumpia’s that Gina made were out of this world.† I am still craving them.

Kei and I had written down a thing that we were thankful for each day in November.† We made them into a chain and read each other’s Thanksgiving Day.† It was scary how similar they were.

Kei and I spent the rest of the holiday weekend watching movies, playing computer games and board games† and laughing a lot.

But I am not ready for December!† EEP.

HomeSchool, Life

Vivaldi…The Four Seasons

October 23, 2009 Webmaster Leave a comment

While listening to Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” Kei was to write what each season made her feel, taste, hear and see.† I have always thought I was a semi decent writer, but I don’t really remember writing things like this so young.† Maybe it is because I wasn’t homeschooled.

Winter

I see the white blanket on the ground,

I feel the cold, sharp air on my tongue and the white, wet snowflakes,

I hear stillness around me; for the animals have fled and so will I, go back to my den and I feel calm and happy.

Spring

I see the bunnies eating the fresh vegetables,

I feel the new pansies on my legs,

I hear ‘tweet tweet’ and ‘thump thump’ as life begins again,

And I taste the cool, moist air.

Summer

I see the water, the bathing suits,

I feel the water, splash, splash, splashing on my face

I taste the hot, sticky air

I hear people laughing and screaming

Fall

Cool, moist air lies on my tongue,

I see the red, yellow and orange leaves on the trees.

I hear the wind ‘whoosh whoosh’.

I feel the leaves falling on me.

Happy Fall, Happy Friday,

Holidays, HomeSchool

October is Creeping By…

October 21, 2009 Webmaster Leave a comment

It has been a good week.

Kei got a new box.† It is amazing what you can do with a box, where you† can go, what you can be.

It is a window to imagination…

My Daddy has millions of acorns.† Kei and went over there and got some and painted them orange.† [Which is harder than it sounds.† Anyone know a better way to anchor these little guys while you are painting them?] Then she drew pumpkin faces on them.

We had to punt the Edward Scissorhands idea.† Too expensive for this year, so she is going to be Mother Nature.† Which is very apropo for her.† We went to look for ideas at the Halloween store in town.† They have some of the coolest stuff!

We had to, of course, take the required ‘I’m so scared’ picture.

Today she was playing with clay and made this cute little clay family.† I thought they had a Gremlin ‘flavor’.

All in all, a very good week.† Of course, it is supposed to RAIN tomorrow.

Stay dry,

HomeSchool, Learning all the time, Life, Science

Learning by Doing…

October 15, 2009 Webmaster Leave a comment

We have had a great week in HSing.

We are studying about Colonial Times and have watched a series on PBS called Colonial House. It is like a reality show with modern families having to live like Colonists.† We ordered it from Netflix.† We both agree that we wouldn’t really care to live during those times. We read a book about an average day and the little girl in the book put on 16 items of clothing every morning.† Kei tried it with skirts, stockings, tulle skirts and various things.† She kept it on about 10 minutes and then I found pieces of clothing like Hansel and Gretel’s bread trail.

She also did a poster on Seed Dispersal.† She loves hands on activities and I really think she retains more than just doing a worksheet.

I never throw away anything electronic that breaks.† Kei loves to take things apart.† Here she is taking apart our poor dead DVD player.† The funniest part was I heard her talking and I said, “Please don’t talk to inanimate objects” and she said, “I am pretending I am a doctor doing surgery on it”.

This is a picture Kei made of our gorgeous plant that Gina gave us.† It has done so well!† Especially considering I have a JET BLACK thumb!

All in all a good week.† Now if it would only stop raining.† It is supposed to cool off this weekend.† We have our electric blanket ready to go.

Have a snuggly next few days!

Field Trip, Friends, HomeSchool, Learning all the time, My beautiful child, Science

September days….

September 17, 2009 Webmaster Leave a comment

“Try to remember the kind of September
When life was slow and oh so mellow
Try to remember the kind of September
When grass was green and grain so yellow
Try to remember the kind of September
When you were a young and a callow fellow
Try to remember and if you remember
Then follow–follow, oh-oh.”
-† Try to Remember, Lyrics by Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt

I can’t believe it is already the middle of September.† Where does time go?

We are in full swing with homeschooling.† Loving it with very few meltdowns by either of us.

We missed the “Not Back to School” picnic and the 1st skate day because Kei was very sick.† We both hated missing it.

We did go bowling which was fun.† I got to see some people I hadn’t seen all summer.† Kei broke 100 which is a 1st for her.

She has been in a coloring mode lately.† Every night after dinner she colors and colors and colors.

We are learning about Kingdoms, etc.† Even though I think it is a little silly.† I mean how many times have you been asked for the Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Genus or Species of a mushroom???† Kei has memorized all of them which is more than I know.†† We did an experiment about “Opposable Thumbs” and it was a hoot.† She had to try to do all these things with her thumbs taped down.† Some she accomplished but it took forever and some she could not do at all.

I love homeschooling.† I love spending so much time with Kei.† I love learning right along with her.† I have learned relearned so much!† We are doing American History and I have never been so fascinated by Explorers and the first settlements.† In a perfect world we could go to visit Jamestown after studying about it.† But…with the internet that is almost possible.

Kei is now working on a play about Virginia Dare. She is convinced that the Indians got her and they all lived happily ever after.† She still believes in that…..

Live, laugh, learn,

Learning all the time, Life, My beautiful child, Science

Imagination….

August 30, 2009 Karen Leave a comment

Imagination is more important than knowledge…

Albert Einstein (1879 – 1955)

HomeSchool, Learning all the time, Life, nature, Science

Country Girl Wannabees….

August 26, 2009 Karen Leave a comment

We so want to be country girls.† 10 years ago, the thought of living in the country would have sent me into a panic.† Funny how a little nature girl and a homeschooling lifestyle can change your point of view.

We have had a great week and Ω.† We started American History this year, after 2 years of Ancient History.† We loved learning about the Native Americans.† Kei made a tipi [which I never knew was spelled that way!], we watched some movies and did all sorts of cool things.† Now we have moved onto Explorers.

Kei has fallen in love with the neighbor’s baby boy.† 1st time she has ever held a baby this small!

We have bird feeders and we have enjoyed watching the birds.† I think we must be the only place within miles that feed them.† We have so many birds.† We also have hummingbirds; which Kei has named Monkey, Dolphin and Tiger!† We have an adorable parakeet that showed up about a month ago and is still here!† Her name is Yum Yum and we adore her!† She stays around here day and night and looks so beautiful flying with her less colorful new friends.

We built a fire one night and roasted marshmallows.† I love the cooler weather! †It makes me ready for fall, which I know is not that close.

We are learning about animal and plant cells and made this cool Jello Cell.† It is supposed to be edible, but Kei passed on the eating part.

We had our weekly, bimonthly, monthly tea party.† Complete with sandwhiches, gummy worms, jello† and lots of laughter.

Kei went to Brit’s spend the night party and the next day we went to Zachery’s Slip and Slide party.† Fun times were had by all.

Kei got to slide under a neighbors truck on his…thingamijig.† Grrrr, what is that called?† I must google it.† She was impressed with the underneath of it!† She also Pogoed, which she is getting quite good at.

She also wrote† a† haiku:

Fly through the night sky,

Pretty wings in the moonlight,

Gorgeous butterfly.

Didimention how much I love homeschooling!???

HomeSchool, Life, My beautiful child, nature

Berries From the Past…

August 23, 2009 Karen Leave a comment

We have been studying about Native Americans the last couple of weeks.

Today Kei and I went on a bike ride to gather wood for a fire since the weather has been so awesome. She saw some berries that she had to stop and pick.

She knew that Native Americans used berries and such for dye so she decided to make a picture using her collected berries. She got a rock and started pounding the berries into pulp. The color was amazing.

Then she got paper and preceded to make a great picture.

Obviously, flies love berries too!† Then she got a great idea! “Mom, can I paint on my legs with this?”. I, being the cool mom that I am, said “Of course”, thinking she would paint a flower or something similar.

After a bit, I told her to go inside and jump in the tub. I then called my brother, nature boy extraordinaire, to ask him what this berry was. He wasn’t sure, so I looked it up online, found out it was Pokeweed and called him back to tell him. He then told me it was poisonous!

I freaked out and called Kei’s doctor. I went in the bathroom and scrubbed her off with soap, then made her get out and I put rubbing alcohol on her legs and arms and gave her Benadryl. The nurse on call finally called me back and said she wanted me to call the poison control. I got a sweet lady who told me that Kei would be fine and I did everything right.

Sheesshhh, I bet the Native Americans never had to deal with this kind of thing!

We did learn something interesting which I shared with Poison Control; the Declaration of Independence was written with Pokeweed ink and it was used often during the Civil War as ink in letters the soldiers wrote to home. She told me I had taught her something today.

Beware the berry!

HomeSchool

Learning is FUNdamental…

August 14, 2009 Karen Leave a comment

I love homeschooling so much. I know I have said this before, but there is nothing I would rather do than homeschool Kei.

I love that we don’t have to live around an alarm clock. I love that she got to stay up until 1:00 AM to watch the Perseid Meteors [which were unbelievable] and the other kids in the neighborhood had to go in and go to bed.

I love that she can do what she wants, when she wants. If she wants to sing, she sings, if she wants to read, she reads, if she wants to sew, she sews. Her creativity is boundless because she isn’t bound to a desk in a room with 25 other kids.

I love that she lives in a world that allows her to follow that rabbit trail wherever it takes her, or nowhere at all. That she can be doing Math and all of a sudden, ask about the Milky Way.

I love that we can be discussing something and a subject comes up that she isn’t familiar with and I can immediately go to the computer and find something that actually shows her what we are talking about. Today it was Woodstock. Yesterday it was Anne Frank.

Kids crave knowledge; they are like sponges soaking up information. With us it is immediate. She asks, we find out. She doesn’t want to wait 2 hours for her questions to be answered. She wants to know NOW. It seems to me that schools try to tame that quest for knowledge. Every time a teacher says, “Not now Billy”, or “Why don’t you look that up later” they are squashing the thirst for more information.

I don’t ever worry that I am not teaching Kei enough, I am worried that I won’t have time to teach her all I want to. I want to show her the world. I want to tell her everything. Look at this, listen to this, learn this…

I love homeschooling….

Peace out….

K/K

HomeSchool, Science

Another Wonderful School Year….

August 3, 2009 Karen Leave a comment

We started school today.† Well, sit down and do various subjects, school.† Kei has been raring to go for 2 weeks.† She picked out her clothes and packed her bag last night.

We are doing American History after spending the last 2 years on Ancient Civilizations.† We just are going to kinda skip the middle parts for now. :)† We started with Native Americans and I have been gathering information for a month.† We did the Plains Indians first and both learned so much.† Then she started Caddie Woodhouse. She is reading and listening to the audio at the same time.

In fact, Kei roped a neighborhood public school kid into doing a ‘debate’ this afternoon.† Kei took the Native Americans part and Vicki was European.† I was so proud of Kei’s arguments about how badly the Indians were treated.

We also did Science, about the Earth and rotation and revolutions and we used an orange and various things to show both.† We are doing Saxon 6 math this year.† She is very good at Math, good enough to have me worried that I will be clueless very soon.

She also made a doll and a cat out of fabric.

All in all, a great 1st day of school.

I just love homeschooling.

Friends, HomeSchool, Learning all the time, Life

Lazy Days of Summer…

July 24, 2009 Karen Leave a comment

It has been a good week.†† Kei and I cleaned OUT her room.† We moved everything out and then rearranged.† What a job!† But she loves it.

We had my nephew spend the night a couple of nights and he was a blast.† He helped me clean off the balcony and various other “I need a strong dude” chores.† We sat on the balcony and had a fire.† It was so great.

We went to Esther’s for a day of food, laughter and play.

We moms had to get our “silly on” too.

Then Seth taught Kei to play Poker.† Of course, she had to ‘dress’ the part.† Esther said it was a fine example of learning Math and symbols.† E can find the ‘learning’ in anything!!

Kei is so excited about going to see “Beauty and The Beast” at the Princess.† We can’t wait.

Happy Weekend!

Field Trip, Life

Mud and Fairies Houses and Tea Parties, Oh My..

July 14, 2009 Karen Leave a comment

Today was a kick back and enjoy the day day. Kei decided that she wanted to build fairy houses. She has 2 different processes for this. One, she makes them out of twigs and leaves and two, she makes them out of mud. Today was a “Mud” day.

Here she has proven the, often suspected but never documented, fact that 9 year olds do attract mud like a magnet. Also that she can finally do the Vulcan hand sign. [????]

But the Fairy House was lovely. She named it Dragonfly City and gave me a tour of the houses and stores. It came complete with a pool for the fairies.

Then she invited me to a Tea Party. We do this every now and then, not as much as she would like but as much as I can stand attend.† She makes a grand production, hand writing my invitation and anxiously awaiting the time. She uses her Tea Set that she hand painted a couple of years ago.

We always dress up in summery dresses complete with hats and talk in accents. Last time we were British grand ladies and today we were Southern aristocrats. No matter the nationality, our names remain the same. She is Mrs. Sassafras and I am Mrs. Chamomile. We discuss our gardens and recipes and our grandchildren and how ‘wild and reckless’ today’s society is. Kei adores this pretend time.

Memories…it is all about making memories.

One thing I want Kei to say when she is 20 is, “I had the most wonderful childhood.”

Homeschooling Rocks!
Karen

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Field Trip, My beautiful child

Cleaning to Thriller..

July 1, 2009 Karen Leave a comment

We had a deal.† She cleaned the outside of the fridge.† This involved taking tons of pictures, drawings, and our HUGE daily calendar off.† She rarely has chores of this type.† I helped her get ready and went outside to read.

I walked in and this is what I saw:

She is such a cool little freak!

TODAY IN HISTORY:† 1863 Battle of Gettysburg Began

Field Trip, Friends, My beautiful child, nature, Weather

If I Were a Rich Girl…

June 18, 2009 Karen Leave a comment

We spent delightful days at our friends new house at Smith Lake.†† The house was incredible.† Over 7000 sq. feet, on the lake front and beautiful.

I could stay there forever and Kei had all the rooms assigned as if we lived there by the time we left.† Complete with a homeschooling room of course.† An amazing house.† Imagine waking up, walking into the kitchen and being surrounded on 3 sides by floor to ceiling windows with a lake view.† The pool was great and Kei worked on her diving skillz.† She stayed in the water for hours and hours.† I swear she is part mermaid.

It was just what we needed.† Of course I got horribly blistered.† Why is it I lather Kei in sunscreen and then half way put it on myself!!!!?????

Happy Thursday,

Friends, HomeSchool, Learning all the time

Schools Out…NOT

May 29, 2009 Karen Leave a comment

We homeschool year round.† I believe learning is an ongoing process.† We learn every day.† How can you just STOP that for 3 months?† It is crazy.† But public schools are out here.† Which means no more quite mornings laying in the hammock and reading.† There will be kids…kids knocking on the door, kids wanting to play in the water, kids wanting to swing.† Now don’t get me wrong, I love kids.† Most of ’em.

Gina picked us up to go spend the day at Suzette’s.† She had a cool new toy!† A Garmin GPS!† This was his maiden voyage and we loved it!† I gots’ to get my directionally challenged self one of these!

We spent a great day at Suzette’s.† 6 Moms, 11 kids, several dogs.† We had lunch and talked.† Suz told us about the awesome trip she is taking in her camper.† 36 days!† She will never come out of it SANE!

I have the greatest homeschool friends! I adore them all and I love ALL their kids! Now seriously, how many of your friends can you say that about??? <g>

Kei and I watched the National Spelling Bee last night!† We were rooting for the homeschoolers.† Especially Serena. She was so cool!† Of the 11 finalists, 3 were homeschoolers!!† I was truly amazed.† I consider myself fairly intelligent and I had never heard of 90% of those words!† Here are a few of them:

antonomasia, bouquiniste, oriflamme, guayabera, isagoge and sophrosyne.† SAY WHAT????

Have a great weekend,

Friends, HomeSchool, Learning all the time, Life

Tadpole Rescue 911..

May 21, 2009 Karen Leave a comment

Today Heather invited us over to rescue tadpoles.† Now Kei and I have never been to an event quite like this so we arrived very excited.

First the kids played.

I Can Go Higher Than You! Giggles

Then we ate lunch.† Heather made chicken salad and it was awesome!

Then Suzette, Heather, Esther, Gina and I chatted while the kids played Wii.† Then it was out to rescue tadpoles from the pool.

Kei was not content with one container of tadpoles, she had to fill another baggie full to take to Bull’s.

We had a great time but everyone had to hurry home to move the tadpoles from their baggies and jars into a more permanent home. † We had a blast.

We stopped by Daddy’s on the way home and Kei and Daddy let her 2nd batch of tads out in the creek.

I love days like today.† What could be better than great friends; great food;† happy, laughing kids; and new pets?

Thanks Heather,

HomeSchool, Life, My beautiful child

Burning Ball in the Sky!

May 19, 2009 Karen Leave a comment

I awoke this morning to SUN Glorious SUN!† For a minute there I wasn’t sure what it was.† It was great to see it.

I was on the computer checking emails, reading blogs, doing the usual morning stuff when this appeared on my stairs.† I had to video it, I mean, what else could I do!? How does she know who Ozzy is? No clue! [Yes I realize you can see me in the mirror ;)]

Then we went to Wilson Morgan Park for a play day.† We both had fun. K ran and played and giggled and pretended.

Then she played with Coco, Regina and Anna’s dog. She loved him!

Us moms sat on a blanket and just talked for hours.† It was awesome!

Now its time to watch American Idol!!† The Finals.

Hugs,

HomeSchool, My beautiful child, Weather

rainrainrainrainrain

May 13, 2009 Karen Leave a comment

Will it ever stop!!??

At least it is good for domino stacking.† I can’t imagine the people who stack millions of Dominos.† Kei was screaming because hers kept falling and she only had a few.

Or creating a BARBIE Town in the middle of the den.† You don’t think she actually plays in her room do you?

I have no clue why the dog is on the table!!

Stay dry,

K/K

Field Trip, HomeSchool, Learning all the time, Life, nature

Great Day to Be Alive!

May 6, 2009 Karen 1 Comment

Country Girl [Picture by Esther Crawford]

We had a terrific day.† My friend Karen invited us over for lunch and a play day for the kids.† Kei and I had never been to her house before.

Esther picked us up and our 1st stop was the library.† We went to Madison and they have the greatest library.† It was full of “Swine Flu Misplaced Public School Kids” and when we got there Ben came up and said, loudly, “I don’t feel good <cough> <cough>”† He really didn’t feel well but it was a little funny too.

Then we continued on our journey with directions from Ms. Nuvi.†† Even though she and I disagreed a couple of times, she got us there safely.

Karen’s house and land was awesome.† She had a yummy lunch for us.† Pasta salad, bean salad, [which Kei loved and got the recipe for] sandwiches with all the fixins’, chips, Pistachio Salad.† All very good!

Then us moms went out to the front porch to swing and talk and the kids proceeded to play games which sounded very much like someone was murdering them all.† Great fun!

Karen, Esther, Kei, Chan and I went to the pasture and had a BALL!

She has goats…..

and a little calf…

and chickens and the cutest little guineas and a big ‘ole Rooster!

Kei was in heaven!

The cute little calf tried to eat my jeans!† We couldn’t figure out what he was doing.† He started with Karen, then started licking Esther and then me!† My jeans were wet with calf spit!† But my toenails looked GOOD!

As the day wound down, Kei and Chan took their books and went to read under a big tree.† It was right about the time the school bus came by and neither Esther or I could resist such a perfect photo op.

This is why I homeschool.

We gathered up tired kids, lost shoes, lost books, wet clothes and headed home.

A perfectly lovely day.

Thank you Karen,

Kei and I have now decided, we are country girls trapped in the city!

Hugs,

K/K

HomeSchool, Life

Happy Birthday To Me!!!!

April 30, 2009 Karen 1 Comment

Yes, today was my birthday.† Kei was much more excited than I was.

She started the day by singing and dancing a “Birthday Song and Dance Routine” that she has been practicing for days.† Then she wanted me to open my gifts.† It was the sweetest card and 2 candles and a TOE RING!† I had a toe ring I wore for 15 years and I lost it and was so upset.† She knew how much I wanted one so she found me a really cool silver toe ring.† Then my daddy came over with my birthday card.† This was my first birthday without Mom so it was a sad morning for me.

My great boss got me a yummy gift from Omaha Steaks which included the chocolate cake below.† Kei was in heaven!

Then we went to Esther’s for a play day.† The kids had a blast.† They played for awhile in Esther’s new camper!† I loved it in there.† I wanted to punt out the kids and lay on the bed and read.

Us moms [and Bobby] sat around the table and laughed and talked!† I love my HS moms! [and Bobby ;)]† They got me a birthday cake and I had to pretend that I was blowing out the candles.† It was too funny!

Before we left we had to take the usual kids picture.

Then I got to see my brother and sister in law and Seth and Katherine.

All in all, a lovely birthday.

Hugs,

Holidays, HomeSchool, Learning all the time, Life, My beautiful child

I Could….

April 27, 2009 Karen 2 Comments

I could send her to school,

And from 8:00-3:00 have no clue…

How many times she laughed,

How many times she learned,

How many times she questioned,

How many times she understood,

How many times she wanted more information,

How many times she bounced in her chair from excitement,

How many times she was proud of something she did.

I could send her to school and she could get her exercise and sunshine,

In 20 minute doses, ifÖshe had on the right shoes, and no one misbehaved and everyone was quiet.

I could send her to school

And let her eat the processed high fat, low nutrition fare they feed millions of children a day,

if she had enough time to eat and didn’t talk too loud and if no one grabbed her food.

OrÖ..

I could homeschool her.

Hugs,

Field Trip, HomeSchool, Weather

Brrr It’s Cold INSIDE!!!

April 24, 2009 Karen Leave a comment

It was a beautiful, warm, sunny day today.† Warm breezes blowing, birds chirping, butterflies flitting around.

The smell of freshly mowed grass in the air.

And what did my darling girl want to do? Go ice skating, where it is cold and wet and brrrr.

Our home school group goes ice skating twice a month.† Kei loves it.† She has gotten to be pretty decent in a short amount of time.

It wasn’t so bad.† Regina was there and I got to talk to Tara, a homeschool mom that I haven’t ever talked to much.† She was great and gave me some great ideas for curriculum for next year.

But still…ICE SKATING?

kei-ice-skate Happy Weekend,

Hugs,

Field Trip, Holidays, HomeSchool, Learning all the time, Life, nature, Science, Theatre, Weather

Earth Day 2009

April 23, 2009 Karen 1 Comment

What a beautiful world we live in.

We celebrated Earth Day by going on a Wild Flower Hike and picnic with our homeschool group.†† On the way we passed a school bus and felt very sorry for the kids who were going to be stuck inside on this wonderful day.

We arrived at the spot with little problem, thanks to Esther’s directions, Gina’s ability to read said directions and Bobby’s manly driving!

It was a little cool and overcast but we set off.† It was a great place to hike and a stream that the kids, of course, had to try out.† I think these kids would jump in water if they had to chip the ice away first!

There was exploring,

exploring

there was splashing, there was worm races, there was a simple ceremony for poor dead Lacey who raced a good race,

lacey-the-worms-funeral1

there was laughing, there was friendship and there was learning!

kei-brit

What better way to celebrate Earth Day!

Hugs,

K/K

Field Trip, Holidays, HomeSchool, Learning all the time, Life, nature, Science, Theatre, Weather

Field Day, Puppet Shows, Jump Rope, Play Days and Easter oh my…..

April 21, 2009 Karen 1 Comment

Since my computer has been out of commission I am going to squeeze the last 3 weeks into one post.† We spent a portion of the time in our downstairs bathroom hiding from tornadoes.† My poor umbrella that I just bought did not survive.

Our homeschool Field Day was awesome thanks to Heather!† The kids all had such fun.† We had around 107 people there. I love how homeschooling just keeps growing and growing!

One of my dearest friends Ali, got Kei a puppet theater and several puppets and she has been playing with them so much and I have been an unwilling audience for 100 shows!!

k-puppet

We finally had a warm day and Kei wanted to jump rope.† She loves to be outside.† April is so crazy here. It can be 70 degrees one day and 35 the next!

021

Esther had a bunch of us to her house for a play day.† Kei would move to Esther’s if she could.† We both had a blast!† I laughed so much.† Besides being smart and full of great ideas HS moms are also hilarious!

We went to church on Easter and then to Daddy’s for lunch and an Easter Egg Hunt.† It was our 1st Easter without Momma.† I missed her so much.

All in all, a lovely 3 weeks.

Hugs,

K/K

Field Trip, Holidays, Learning all the time, Life, My Mother, nature, Weather

The Old House…

April 1, 2009 Karen Leave a comment

mamaw

My daddyís mom and dad lived in Moulton.

They were older. Even when I was small they were old. I loved my Mamaw more than anything when I was little. She never wore pants, always dresses and stockings with elastic garters. Mamaw loved red; even though she was a little embarrassed about the fact that she did. [She considered red a ëloose womanísíí color]† We went to their house almost every Sunday.†

About twice a month they would come spend the night with us. We always went to pick them up because even though my Papaw drove around town, he didnít drive distances. Mamaw would always let me pack her overnight bag. I loved picking out her dresses that she would wear.

Every summer I would spend a week or so with Mamaw and Papaw. They had a great house with a farm. It was strange because they lived on a farm but they lived in the middle of town. I would help gather eggs and milk the cows. It is sad that Kei has never done those things. Mamaw and I would walk to ëtowní. I loved it. It was right down the block but I always felt so grown up.

I have so many memories of my Mamaw and Papaw. The both lived to be in their 90ís. But by that time I was older and didnít spend so much time with them.

I loved their house. It was a big old farmhouse, over a hundred years old.† My daddy told me they bought it for $2500, with 16 acres! When my grandparents died, he and his brothers sold it for $20,000. It is for sale now . The asking price is $136,900!!!! They have even put in a pool!† That is with NO acres. My daddy didnít believe me, he came over here to look on the internet. He said that Mamaw and Papaw would faint if they knew how much it was.† I wish we could buy it. I would even live in Moulton!

I would give anything if, just† for one day, I could grab Keiís hand and pull her back in time. Back to Mamawís front porch, with Daddy making home made ice cream and Papaw smoking his cigar and Momma and Mamaw inside cooking fried chicken with all the trimmings. I would show her the pond and climb my favorite tree with her, I would show her the hole in the barn where we would throw apples, and the grapevines and the wraparound porch that we would play game after game of chase. We would quietly crawl under the house so I could show her the wild kittens that were just born. I would show her the secret room in the back of the house that we made up scary stories about. She could sit in Mamawís lap on the front porch rocker and feel so loved and happy. I miss my Mamaw and Papaw, but mostly I miss my Momma.

Happy Wednesday,

K/K

HomeSchool, Learning all the time, Science

Science Experiment #224

March 31, 2009 Karen Leave a comment

kei-lighted

Kei loves Science.† We do lots of Science, but I really want to do more experiments.† I found this online.† It is very simple but she LOVED it!!† She was amazed.

Materials we used:

D battery
flashlight bulb
jumbo paper clip or metal

We just made sure that the metal touched the – of the battery and the metal base of the bulb.† The bulb had to touch the + of the battery.

It was so cool!

I love homeschooling so much!

K/K

BEFORE AND AFTER THE CONNECTION IS MADE:

kei-unlit1

kei-lit-up1

HomeSchool, Life, nature, Science

Relaxing Fridays…

March 20, 2009 Karen Leave a comment

Today was a stay-at-home day.

We worked on Kei’s† “Mythological Creatures” Lapbook.† We are both loving it!† Afterwards Kei put on a play with her Webkinz about some of the Myths we had read.

Then we watched “The Blue Planet” about Oceans.† It was unbelievably fantastic!† Kei is fascinated by the oceans and the fact that only 1% of them have been explored.† We saw some of the coolest ocean animals.† It is almost hard to believe they are real!† The series is hosted by BBC so all measurements were in meters; as in “We are now 300 meters under the surface”† I told Kei I wished I knew meters and centimeters better.† Her answer was, “It’s ok Mom, you can’t help it, you went to Public School!” LOL

prog2_1

The deep-sea “Dumbo” octopus got its nickname from obvious places, it is equipped with large fins (which may resemble mammalian ears) to help it swim.

Kei spent the rest of the day sewing clothes for her American Girls.† She loves sewing so much.† This is one of the many reasons I love homeschooling.† It seems like children today are so slammed with ‘activities’ they don’t get enough time to be little.† Creative play is so awesome!

I missed my Mother a lot today.† I would be just going about my day and I would have the urgent thought, “I NEED to talk to my Mom”.† <sighs>† I miss you Momma..

Happy Weekend,

K/K

Field Trip, HomeSchool, nature

Ivy Green/Spring Park

March 19, 2009 Karen Leave a comment

kei-pump

We had a wonderful day yesterday for a trip to Helen Keller’s birthplace.

Ivy Green was beautiful and I could imagine how serene it was during Helen’s era.† Kei was so excited even though some of the things the guide told us was not exactly how it happened. :)† It was so cool to see the very key that Helen had locked Anne Sullivan in her room with.

the-key

After Ivy Green we headed to Spring Park.† What a great place!† I had been wanting to go here for over a year and it was worth the wait.† I enjoyed catching up with my HS moms who I have missed so much during the long, cold winter.

Kei was in 7th heaven running and playing and train-riding and roller coastering and merry-go-rounding and duck feeding and jumping and giggling.

kei-falls

What a lovely day…

K/K

HomeSchool

If Girls Ruled the World…

March 4, 2009 Karen 1 Comment

We are learning about Ancient Greek and Rome.

K decided to put on a play.† She was up in her room for over an hour ‘getting ready’.† Finally she said she was ready and proceeded to bring down 25 Webkinz.† She divided them on the floor into 2 sides.† Each side had a Royal Family, soldiers and townspeople.

She said they were about to start fighting and I was thinking to myself, “This is the first time I have ever seen her pretend a fight”

There was discussions about battle strategy, there were meetings, the turtle, who was the messenger, [go figure] ran back and forth between kingdoms, finally the Kings from each side met in the middle and it was decided that “peace was a better option, that we can accomplish more if we work together”

Ahhh….what would this world be like if women ran it??

K/K

HomeSchool, Life

HAPPY BIRTHDAY THEODOR GEISEL!

March 2, 2009 Karen Leave a comment

Otherwise known as Dr. Seuss!

Our public library had a Dr. Seuss Day and invited the kids in DreamWeavers to come sing.† It was so great! K loved it.

As you can see, this is a picture of some of them with The Grinch, obviously AFTER his heart grew 3 sizes!

Thank you Dr. Seuss, for all your wonderful, magical stories that inspire children each and every day.

Now….off to watch The Bachelor!† The Finale!† Duh. …..

K/K

HomeSchool, Life

My How Time Flies…

February 11, 2009 Karen Leave a comment

$K\'s Future Husband$

Good grief!

I haven’t updated this blog in 6 months!

6 months!!

I will do better, I will do better.

I can’t began to cram 6 months into one post so lets just say we have been loving homeschooling, loving our wonderful homeschooling friends, loving life for the most part.

Times are hard, money isn’t flowing like a stream, but life is good.

We went to the Inauguration [as you can see in the picture ;)], K got Johnny Depp’s autograph, [her future husband], and K built a robot named G.I.A. [Girls in Action]† Unfortunately it doesn’t clean her room!

I am going to try to be better about updating. What!?? I am…really!

K/K

HomeSchool

No Girls Allowed!!!

August 7, 2008 Karen Leave a comment

We started school Monday. We first did a short study on the Ancient Olympics. KB dressed up and read “Hour of the Olympics” from the Magic TreeHouse. She loved it but was so angry that not only were girls not allowed to participate in the games but were not even allowed to watch!! I love my little champion of injustice.

We also read the cutest book called “You Wouldn’t Want to Be a Greek Athlete!” by Michael Ford. It was funny and full of information.

Next are going to do a short study on China and then a Unit Study on the Olympics.

We were both thrilled to start back to school, even though we have done things all summer.

Welcome back to school!

Field Trip, HomeSchool, Science

Sol Beautiful Sol…

July 16, 2008 Karen Leave a comment

Yesterday we went to Camp Down Low for Solar Fun Day.

Esther, homeschooling mother extraordinaire, always has the coolest things for the kids to do.

They made solar cookers for hot dogs [chicken hot dogs that wouldn’t kill them if they didn’t get completely done, they put sun screen on a Paper Man to see how well it worked, they made ‘coolers’ to see how long an ice cube could last, they watched a colored ice cube melt on the concrete.

They also ran and played and did a talent show of sorts, played bounty hunter and played with trains and sang and laughed. I love this lifestyle I have been blessed with. I love these wonderful mothers that I have met.

I left a thermometer in my car, parked in the sun, to see how hot it got. 160 degrees! Fahrenheit! And to think parents [and I use that term loosely] leave their children in the car to ‘run in’ and get a few things or leave their pets! It makes me want to scream!

That aside, it was a lovely day. Enjoy the Sun! With Your Sunscreen of course.

HomeSchool, Science

Scientist in the making…

June 25, 2008 Karen Leave a comment

KB loves, didImention, LOVES, science.

We are always doing some sort of experiment here.

Did you know, that if you immerse a raw egg into vinegar and leave it for a few days, the shell disappears. It is just sitting there with nothing but the membrane holding it. You can see the yolk inside. After KB showed it to everyone in the neighborhood, she pricked it and it cracked just like a…well a raw egg!

Today she is experimenting with Newton’s laws. She is dropping balloons off the balcony. She is filling up balloons with 2 liter bottles. She is milking a cow with an old glove [Yeah well…we are city girls!] We just put a raw egg into a balloon and filled it with water. She wants to drop it off the balcony to see if it will break. LATE BREAKING UPDATE- It broke! She said it wouldn’t have if she could have made sure the egg was surrounded on all sides by the water!

She is making all these connections….membrane holding the yolk in, fluid protecting our brains, fluid keeping a baby safe. I tell ya…the kids’ gonna be an Einstein!

Blessings,

HomeSchool, My Mother

Laughter and Tears…

June 23, 2008 Karen 1 Comment

Yesterday KB and I went on a picnic. We do that a lot. We went to Publix and got a few cheeses and some bread and went over to the Park by the river.

We were talking about things and I realized that I don’t really like living here anymore. I don’t know if that is a normal reaction since Momma died. I am sure that is most of it.

KB and I have decided we want to live in Mayberry! And yes she knows Mayberry, she knows ALL 60’s 70’s and 80’s TV. And 80’s songs. I dread the day when she realizes I am not as cool as she thinks I am and the things I know aren’t everything in the world!!

When we left the park we went by the cemetery, which I haven’t been to until yesterday. It was very hard. I sat there, on the ground beside this hard, red mound and cried my eyes out. I almost couldn’t bear the thoughts of my mom down there, even though I know she isn’t there. I had a crazed moment that I just wanted to claw at the dirt and get to her. KB is so good, she hugged me and told me Baba was in heaven and look how pretty it was here [she is under a tree] and that Baba would have loved it here, because she hated to be hot. Then KB got a piece of paper and wrote JEAN/BABA on it and stuck it, with a stick, on her grave with an old faded silk flower.

I feel so strange about Momma, on one hand I always thought I would be on the ground kicking and screaming and I am not doing that. But on the other hand, I feel like nothing will ever be quite right again. Like no matter how happy I am, there is an underlying sense of sadness.

All in all though, it was a good day. When we got home KB got in the pool and had to show me her Water Ballet/Karate Routine. I love this child!

HomeSchool

Beautiful Days…

June 5, 2008 Karen 1 Comment

Have I mentioned how much I love homeschooling?
I still donít know exactly what and how I want to do it.
But I do know I adore this way of teaching my child.

Tuesday we went to Turkey Creek Nature Preserve.
It was incredibly beautiful and fun was had by all.
One thing I love about HSing is this:
KB was in public school for 2 years and I was homeroom mom.
I went on every field trip and watched all the little 6 year olds interact with each other.
All they ever got was another 6 year old’s point of view.

Tuesday I watched KB sit and talk to a 13 year old
and help a 5 year old down the rock slide.
She sat and talked to a mom and played with kids from ages 3-15.
She interacted with all ages, WOW! Just like real life.

We have done the most incredible things this year with our homeschool group.
If I had one piece of advice for families new to HomeSchooling
it would be to find a local support group.
I have met fabulous people who I know will be my friends for life.

HomeSchool

Let’s Pretend…

June 2, 2008 Karen 2 Comments

KB had spend the night company the other night.

In the course of not quite 24 hours, KB and C built a fort out of chairs, an old tent and a tarp; put on a play about Pocahontas and a little Pilgrim girl; played ëtowní with Little Petz; swam at night, worked on a newspaper; put on a play based on Aesopís Fables titled ìThe Tiger and the Beeî; swam some more; made a dance routine in the pool; did a web show with books and stuffed rabbits, had a tea party complete with made up names and British accents; and played with KBís assortment of stuffed animals.

I love watching kids play. I donít remember being so unbelievably original in my play time. Maybe I was just a boring kid! I never heard a break in conversation. I never heard a disagreement. All I heard was this amazing back and forth sharing of ideas. It was magic.

KB is the type of child who can play with a bean for hours. She has always been like that. I have never, once, heard her say, ìI am bored.î

This past year I have had the opportunity to be around so many children ëat playí. Playing is what they excel at. Their imaginations abound. When did adults lose that? How wonderful it would be, if every now and then, we could wake up and pretend to be a knight on a quest to save our lands?

So, at least one time this week, pretend with your child.

HomeSchool

Reason #101

May 24, 2008 Karen Leave a comment

Warm spring breezes, Sun beating down.
We travel in a caravan, down winding roads through the countryside.

We pass a school; poor children, trapped inside with their rules and bathroom passes, and cookie cutter education.

We arrive.
It is a beautiful day.
Moms sitting on blankets. No one asks each other, “How did your child do on that spelling test last Friday”? There is laughter and caring and love. A group of women who want the best possible education for their children.

Kids everywhere, splashing in the water, riding boats down the current, finding geodes and creepy crawlies and fish and crawdads.
Squeals of delight coming from all directions. One loses a shoe, one a boat, someone sees a snake. When they are tired they come to throw their cold bodies over mommy, when they are hungry they eat.

After lunch costumes are donned and all a sudden, princesses and knights and magicians and ninjas are everywhere. There is even a chicken and a horse! Imaginations abound and worlds are created. Is there anything more wonderful than children in costumes under a grove of trees?

We reluctantly load tired kids and gear into the car.
Did we turn left here or right?
I don’t remember seeing that silo? Did you see those goats before?
Finally arriving home.
What a magical day.
This is why I homeschool my child.

HomeSchool

In the beginning….

May 23, 2008 Karen Leave a comment

Nine months ago I decided to homeschool my 2nd grader. This journey has been a strange trip. Like Alice, I feel like we fell into the rabbit hole and have been running around crazy down here ever since.

The choices are endless! What to teach? What curriculum to use? How long each day? Every subject every day? How long for each subject? Do it all before lunch? Take a break every hour? Do I make her sit at the table? In her bedroom? Upside down from the ceiling fan?

Ideas? With the help of what I have quickly discovered are the most creative, intelligent people on earth; homeschool moms; I have lesson plans, books lists, science experiments, plays, math games, lapbooks, notebooks, timelines, nature journals, interactive sites, spelling lists, scavenger hunts, the list is endless!

I have discovered I rock at planning and gathering information. My excel spreadsheets have enough ideas, plans, websites to get us through high school! It is the implementation that needs work. But I am getting there..slowly. As my best friend is so fond of saying, Thank goodness 2nd grade is a review year!î

I have decided we are not a “buy a curriculum and go through it lessonbylesson” kinda girls. So some days we do only math, with jelly beans. Or just planets using amazing videos on Ted.com, or we build fairy houses. We build burrows with blankets like prairie dogs. [Of course ours are complete with tea in china cups and cookies!] We may homeschool under a tree on a blanket with a Little House book, or on the stairs. She makes inventions with Tubers and Zots. She designs a city on Pluto with domes over everything so people can breath. She makes a town out of paper. We try to go an entire day with no electricity or running water like they did during Colonial times. [This is harder than it sounds we quickly found out!]

We are winging it day by day. And I am loving it. It is the best thing I have ever done. And who knows one day, I may even know what I am doing!!! Even Alice eventually made it out!

K&K

Right there….

Prospect Historic Downtown

Jesus, a Mother, a Daughter and a Dog….