May your Christmas Tree be shiny and bright
If not fancy, let it be well loved
Take time to to help a friend
And watch the magic of the season unfold
Most of all remember why we celebrate this joyous season
Take a moment to say thank you
Monday, December 24, 2007
Merry Christmas!
May your Christmas Tree be shiny and bright
If not fancy, let it be well loved
Take time to to help a friend
And watch the magic of the season unfold
Most of all remember why we celebrate this joyous season
Take a moment to say thank you
Monday, December 17, 2007
Corsair Studies
Homeschooling (funschooling) has really turned out to be a wonderful adventure. Today we studied biology, zoology, anatomy and physiology then later engineering, history, religions of the world, along with politics. OK.....I know, true unschoolers don't break things down into catagories as everything interrelates. We don't 'group' things into schooling units, but for the purpose of this blog, I choose to separate some points as it makes it easier to review just what's been covered for 'recordkeeping'. I've, also, been learning to record much more digitally as it makes for great memories. Here's a short video that, if you're squeamish, you might prefer not to click on it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKfTuduHU5g
After dinner, we watched 'Corsair: Pacific Warriors Education (2002) ~ In the 1940s, the Corsair was the world's fastest single-engine fighter' on the History Channel.
The Corsair is my spouse's favorite aircraft. He has built three R/C models of it. As we watched this show, many conversations happened. (Thank goodness for DVR's!) The plane's design was discussed as to how and why the special shaped wings which gave the plane the look of an inverted seagull, worked. Also what made it the fastest single-engine fighter with more then one horsepower per pound of aircraft.
The real fighter pilots from the war were interviewed. Their stories are incredible from the love of flying these incredible fighters, to the value of life they held and how the kamikaze pilots did not. War was discussed. Hiroshima, Nagasaki, the bombs, the effects... What astounded me more was hearing my ten year old speak of these things with so much knowledge!
Here's a few more pictures from today:
Oldest of our baby cockatiels.
A tick taken off of Rex our dog.
Hobbs, our fluffy kitty looking in the window at our yellow slider that was wearing a clam.
(Clam has been removed.)
The babies are growing!
Littlest baby.
Roswell out for a slither.
Yellow slider back home.
Monty Python
Yum!
After dinner, we watched 'Corsair: Pacific Warriors Education (2002) ~ In the 1940s, the Corsair was the world's fastest single-engine fighter' on the History Channel.
The Corsair is my spouse's favorite aircraft. He has built three R/C models of it. As we watched this show, many conversations happened. (Thank goodness for DVR's!) The plane's design was discussed as to how and why the special shaped wings which gave the plane the look of an inverted seagull, worked. Also what made it the fastest single-engine fighter with more then one horsepower per pound of aircraft.
The real fighter pilots from the war were interviewed. Their stories are incredible from the love of flying these incredible fighters, to the value of life they held and how the kamikaze pilots did not. War was discussed. Hiroshima, Nagasaki, the bombs, the effects... What astounded me more was hearing my ten year old speak of these things with so much knowledge!
Here's a few more pictures from today:
Oldest of our baby cockatiels.
A tick taken off of Rex our dog.
Hobbs, our fluffy kitty looking in the window at our yellow slider that was wearing a clam.
(Clam has been removed.)
The babies are growing!
Littlest baby.
Roswell out for a slither.
Yellow slider back home.
Monty Python
Yum!
Monday, December 10, 2007
How to Improve the Christmas Blues
I've been in such an awful mood!
We were supposed to go away tomorrow to run to the mountains and see some snow and maybe go snowboarding but then I looked around and got depressed.
We have so much that still needs to be addressed like the barn that's still hanging in there ~ and I use the word literally ~ from a tornado hitting it. It really looks so sad with it's ripped up and sagging roof.
The metal building, our shop/storage/rec room, big enough to house three or more school buses has been in disarray since moving Grandma's stuff in. Her place in Ga. is now ready for company but our place, sadly, no longer is!
Then the cockatiels had five babies. Now this is a wonderful thing! Except, I need to keep their food dish filled which is requiring attention a few times a day. Not a problem on it's own, but a bit much to ask of my mother who would be stopping in each day to feed all the pets and check up on Grandma. Needless to say, we have the days off, but we'll be staying home.
This seemed a bleak option until this morning when my oldest asked me to go riding. My spouse and I just purchased new saddles for the Christmas horses which I hadn't tried out yet, so Caylee grabbed one and I grabbed the other and out we went. We brushed down Beauty and Honey and saddled them up. I jumped up into the saddle and made the mistake of looking down, and thought, "Boy, a fall from here's really gonna hurt! Beauty's tall!"
Anyhow, off we went to ride around our property. It was so nice! I had forgotten just how pleasant a morning ride could be! Beauty has such a nice temperment and just likes to amble along. After our morning ride, I feel confident that Beauty was a wonderful addition to our family and I'll be able to trust her to ride less experienced riders.
Honey has much more spunk and Lucky just plain loves to run. So even though we won't be going away to see snow, I'm looking forward to getting up each day and going for a pleasant morning ride with my family. After our ride, we're going to tackle the barn and metal building and return our place to being ready for company. Ultimately, I couldn't ask for a better Christmas present.
We were supposed to go away tomorrow to run to the mountains and see some snow and maybe go snowboarding but then I looked around and got depressed.
We have so much that still needs to be addressed like the barn that's still hanging in there ~ and I use the word literally ~ from a tornado hitting it. It really looks so sad with it's ripped up and sagging roof.
The metal building, our shop/storage/rec room, big enough to house three or more school buses has been in disarray since moving Grandma's stuff in. Her place in Ga. is now ready for company but our place, sadly, no longer is!
Then the cockatiels had five babies. Now this is a wonderful thing! Except, I need to keep their food dish filled which is requiring attention a few times a day. Not a problem on it's own, but a bit much to ask of my mother who would be stopping in each day to feed all the pets and check up on Grandma. Needless to say, we have the days off, but we'll be staying home.
This seemed a bleak option until this morning when my oldest asked me to go riding. My spouse and I just purchased new saddles for the Christmas horses which I hadn't tried out yet, so Caylee grabbed one and I grabbed the other and out we went. We brushed down Beauty and Honey and saddled them up. I jumped up into the saddle and made the mistake of looking down, and thought, "Boy, a fall from here's really gonna hurt! Beauty's tall!"
Anyhow, off we went to ride around our property. It was so nice! I had forgotten just how pleasant a morning ride could be! Beauty has such a nice temperment and just likes to amble along. After our morning ride, I feel confident that Beauty was a wonderful addition to our family and I'll be able to trust her to ride less experienced riders.
Honey has much more spunk and Lucky just plain loves to run. So even though we won't be going away to see snow, I'm looking forward to getting up each day and going for a pleasant morning ride with my family. After our ride, we're going to tackle the barn and metal building and return our place to being ready for company. Ultimately, I couldn't ask for a better Christmas present.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Unschooling
Unschooling is a very interesting philosophy. One I've been learning more and more about since we became 'homeschoolers'. We've 'actively' been unschooling for two years now. After reading more, I came to realize that I fit right in with the radical unschoolers with how I had raised my children. I just hadn't realized there was a term for my type of parenting. It's nice to know I'm not alone in respecting my children and giving their thoughts and opinions room to blossom.
Sure, my sister thinks I'm nuts, but as my kids are thriving and incredible smart, she just agrees to disagree saying that her son 'needs' firm rules and disipline. Lol, I have to admit I was a bit astounded when she told me her son, who's only nine, was grounded! I just can't fathom how you ground a nine year old. He's not in a neighborhood that he runs around in. He must attend school. And his parents insist he never miss one of his baseball games. Hmmm...
A question for another day.
So, as for unschooling, every so often doubt rears it's ugly head as we are alone in our locale doing the unschooling thing. Everyone we know in person, feels 'proper schooling' is a must! I have my doubts as I see so many people whom have passed through the levels and gotten their diploma's yet lack so much knowledge! Some can't even read cursive nor calculate fractions!
I digress. Unschooling comes with a lot of happiness. Learning happens because one enjoys discovering. Life isn't chopped up into subjects. Life interlinks subjects. An example of this is my spouse called from work to tell us about one of his co-workers finding out about being a father three hours before his newborn son was born. OK, now this man lives with his girlfriend who also had no clue she was expecting. She started complaining of stomach pains that wouldn't go away so her boyfriend, who's a paramedic, insisted on her going to the ER.
At the ER they learned she was in labor. Three hours later, their son Kenneth John was born; twelve pounds and twenty-one and a half inches long! Congrats Kenny and Jamie on your newborn son!
Anyway, how does this tie in with unschooling? My unschooling son, who just turned ten, did the math of what the baby's weight was compared to his and it just tickled him pink to learn the baby was one sixth of his size yet they didn't even know he was there. Proof math happens in the real world. There were also other math equations worked out just for fun. I think the part that intrigues me the most is that children really do thrive in an unschooling atmosphere. So many people think that if you don't pound the concepts into the children, they will never get it. That is just so far from the truth!
This morning when I woke up, my son was reading all about the Northwest Coastal People. He thought it was interesting the way they flattened their childrens heads. How welcoming commerce was a form of self-destruction as foreigners brought illness and stripped them of their natural resources by over hunting. He read about these ancient people and shared what he was learning. I know he will retain this information, partly because he has extremely good retention skills, but also, because he enjoyed what he was reading.
When one gets to learn in an enjoyable way, one retains the information. My children learn everyday. They are happier then ever and clever to boot. We'll stick with the unschooling.
Sure, my sister thinks I'm nuts, but as my kids are thriving and incredible smart, she just agrees to disagree saying that her son 'needs' firm rules and disipline. Lol, I have to admit I was a bit astounded when she told me her son, who's only nine, was grounded! I just can't fathom how you ground a nine year old. He's not in a neighborhood that he runs around in. He must attend school. And his parents insist he never miss one of his baseball games. Hmmm...
A question for another day.
So, as for unschooling, every so often doubt rears it's ugly head as we are alone in our locale doing the unschooling thing. Everyone we know in person, feels 'proper schooling' is a must! I have my doubts as I see so many people whom have passed through the levels and gotten their diploma's yet lack so much knowledge! Some can't even read cursive nor calculate fractions!
I digress. Unschooling comes with a lot of happiness. Learning happens because one enjoys discovering. Life isn't chopped up into subjects. Life interlinks subjects. An example of this is my spouse called from work to tell us about one of his co-workers finding out about being a father three hours before his newborn son was born. OK, now this man lives with his girlfriend who also had no clue she was expecting. She started complaining of stomach pains that wouldn't go away so her boyfriend, who's a paramedic, insisted on her going to the ER.
At the ER they learned she was in labor. Three hours later, their son Kenneth John was born; twelve pounds and twenty-one and a half inches long! Congrats Kenny and Jamie on your newborn son!
Anyway, how does this tie in with unschooling? My unschooling son, who just turned ten, did the math of what the baby's weight was compared to his and it just tickled him pink to learn the baby was one sixth of his size yet they didn't even know he was there. Proof math happens in the real world. There were also other math equations worked out just for fun. I think the part that intrigues me the most is that children really do thrive in an unschooling atmosphere. So many people think that if you don't pound the concepts into the children, they will never get it. That is just so far from the truth!
This morning when I woke up, my son was reading all about the Northwest Coastal People. He thought it was interesting the way they flattened their childrens heads. How welcoming commerce was a form of self-destruction as foreigners brought illness and stripped them of their natural resources by over hunting. He read about these ancient people and shared what he was learning. I know he will retain this information, partly because he has extremely good retention skills, but also, because he enjoyed what he was reading.
When one gets to learn in an enjoyable way, one retains the information. My children learn everyday. They are happier then ever and clever to boot. We'll stick with the unschooling.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Which Christmas Tree Are You?
I found this neat Christmas quiz over at Comfy Demin's. Drop by her blog and wish her a Merry Christmas!
| You Are a Traditional Christmas Tree |
 For a good Christmas, you don't have to re-invent the wheel. You already have traditions, foods, and special things you bring out every year. |
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
The Night before Christmas for Moms
It was the night before Christmas, when all thru the abode
Only one creature was stirring, and she was cleaning the commode.
The children were finally sleeping, all snug in their beds,
While visions of Nintendo 64 and Barbie, flipped through their heads.
The dad was snoring in front of the TV,
With a half-constructed bicycle on his knee.
So only the mom heard the reindeer hooves clatter,
Which made her sigh, "Now what's the matter?"
With toilet bowl brush still clutched in her hand,
She descended the stairs, and saw the old man.
He was covered with ashes and soot, which fell with a shrug.
"Oh great," muttered the mom, "Now I have to clean the rug."
"Ho-ho-ho!" cried Santa, "I'm glad you're awake."
"Your gift was especially difficult to make."
"Thanks, Santa, but all I want is some time alone."
"Exactly!" he chuckled, "I've made you a clone."
"A clone?" she asked, "What good is that?
Run along, Santa, I've no time for chit-chat."
The mother's twin.
Same hair, same eyes, Same double chin.
"She'll cook, she'll dust, She'll mop every mess.
You'll relax, take it easy, Watch The Young & the Restless."
"Fantastic!" the mom cheered. "My dream come true!"
"I'll shop. I'll read., I'll sleep a whole night through! "
From the room above, the youngest began to fret.
"Mommy?! I scared... and I am wet."
The clone replied, "I'm coming, sweetheart."
"Hey," the mom smiled, "She knows her part."
The clone changed the small one, and hummed a tune,
as she bundled the child, in a blanket cocoon.
"You the best mommy ever. " I really love you."
The clone smiled and sighed, "I love you, too."
The mom frowned and said, "Sorry, Santa, no deal."
"That's my child's love, she's trying to steal."
Smiling wisely Santa said, "To me it is clear,"
"Only one loving mother, is needed here."
The mom kissed her child, and tucked her into bed.
"Thank you, Santa, for clearing my head.
I sometimes forget, it won't be very long,
When they'll be too old, for my cradle-song."
The clock on the mantle began to chime.
Santa whispered to the clone, "It works every time."
With the clone by his side Santa said, "Goodnight.
Merry Christmas, Mom, You'll be all right."
-Author Unknown
Only one creature was stirring, and she was cleaning the commode.
The children were finally sleeping, all snug in their beds,
While visions of Nintendo 64 and Barbie, flipped through their heads.
The dad was snoring in front of the TV,
With a half-constructed bicycle on his knee.
So only the mom heard the reindeer hooves clatter,
Which made her sigh, "Now what's the matter?"
With toilet bowl brush still clutched in her hand,
She descended the stairs, and saw the old man.
He was covered with ashes and soot, which fell with a shrug.
"Oh great," muttered the mom, "Now I have to clean the rug."
"Ho-ho-ho!" cried Santa, "I'm glad you're awake."
"Your gift was especially difficult to make."
"Thanks, Santa, but all I want is some time alone."
"Exactly!" he chuckled, "I've made you a clone."
"A clone?" she asked, "What good is that?
Run along, Santa, I've no time for chit-chat."
The mother's twin.
Same hair, same eyes, Same double chin.
"She'll cook, she'll dust, She'll mop every mess.
You'll relax, take it easy, Watch The Young & the Restless."
"Fantastic!" the mom cheered. "My dream come true!"
"I'll shop. I'll read., I'll sleep a whole night through! "
From the room above, the youngest began to fret.
"Mommy?! I scared... and I am wet."
The clone replied, "I'm coming, sweetheart."
"Hey," the mom smiled, "She knows her part."
The clone changed the small one, and hummed a tune,
as she bundled the child, in a blanket cocoon.
"You the best mommy ever. " I really love you."
The clone smiled and sighed, "I love you, too."
The mom frowned and said, "Sorry, Santa, no deal."
"That's my child's love, she's trying to steal."
Smiling wisely Santa said, "To me it is clear,"
"Only one loving mother, is needed here."
The mom kissed her child, and tucked her into bed.
"Thank you, Santa, for clearing my head.
I sometimes forget, it won't be very long,
When they'll be too old, for my cradle-song."
The clock on the mantle began to chime.
Santa whispered to the clone, "It works every time."
With the clone by his side Santa said, "Goodnight.
Merry Christmas, Mom, You'll be all right."
-Author Unknown
Food Timeline
While visiting all the great links posted on Weblink Wednesday, this one jumped out at me as one I'll want to visit often around dinnertime! Cricket found The Food Timeline where they list the history of food. Did you know yeast breads: pitta & focaccia started being made around 4000BC? Or that chocolate ,1500BC, was discovered after marshmallows & liquorice, 2000BC?
This will be a very interesting and tasty way to travel through history. I highly reccommend it!
This will be a very interesting and tasty way to travel through history. I highly reccommend it!
Free Science
I'd like to share a new Science link.
www.HowToTeachScience.com
Teresa Bondora is trying to spread the word about her work. She will be teaching about the periodic table for FREE! She doesn't currently have the funds for marketing or advertising so has asked for help spreading the word about this. She wants to get as many people signed up now before she starts so they don't miss some of the elements. So let your peeps know about it, if you think they'd like to play too! The newsletters will start in a few days to begin the adventure!
www.HowToTeachScience.com
Teresa Bondora is trying to spread the word about her work. She will be teaching about the periodic table for FREE! She doesn't currently have the funds for marketing or advertising so has asked for help spreading the word about this. She wants to get as many people signed up now before she starts so they don't miss some of the elements. So let your peeps know about it, if you think they'd like to play too! The newsletters will start in a few days to begin the adventure!
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Peace & Laughter!
What a wonderful day today is because it's Christina's Birthday!
C R I S T I N A !!
Go over to Jugglingpaynes and wish her a Happy Birthday!
Love Ya!!
C R I S T I N A !!
Go over to Jugglingpaynes and wish her a Happy Birthday!
Love Ya!!
A Friend (many times) told me...
Laugh more.... So here's a few giggles for the road:
What do you call an elephant who lies across the middle of a tennis court?
Annette!
Why do elephants do well in school?
Because they have a lot of gray matter.
What's gray, beautiful, and wears glass slippers?
Cinderelephant.
How do you stop a skunk from smelling?
Hold its nose.
A giraffe, an elephant, a camel, a bear, a pig, and a frog, two mice, and a snake all sheltered under one umbrella; how many got wet?
None, it wasn't raining.
What do you get if you cross a chicken with a cement mixer?
A brick-layer.
And finally;
Which animal is always laughing?
A happy-potamus.
What do you call an elephant who lies across the middle of a tennis court?
Annette!
Why do elephants do well in school?
Because they have a lot of gray matter.
What's gray, beautiful, and wears glass slippers?
Cinderelephant.
How do you stop a skunk from smelling?
Hold its nose.
A giraffe, an elephant, a camel, a bear, a pig, and a frog, two mice, and a snake all sheltered under one umbrella; how many got wet?
None, it wasn't raining.
What do you get if you cross a chicken with a cement mixer?
A brick-layer.
And finally;
Which animal is always laughing?
A happy-potamus.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)