Friday, March 29, 2013

SICK DAY




My house smells funky.
Vinegar, lysol, vomit, and septic.
(septic was pumped today--no issues, fyi)
Quite the combo, eh?

Our plans for the weekend have changed.
Some things in life just cannot be anticipated.

Hope you all have a blessed Easter.

Thursday, March 28, 2013

FAMILY











Tuesday, March 26, 2013

FUN AND GAMES




Michael (and Carina) are learning how to play Checkers.
I am teaching Michael and he is teaching Carina.
Fun times.



LOVIN'



This face.
I can't stand the cuteness.

Friday, March 22, 2013

FINISHED PRODUCT




Angry Birds from art class.

Cool.

EDJAMAKASHUN.



Yesterday, I read an article.
(er...its now been a couple of weeks!)
I don't remember who wrote it.
I don't think I even looked at the author at the time.

Basically the author stated that he had no knowledge of homeschooling, but why in the world would anyone do it?!  Aren't "teachers" more qualified?  You wouldn't go to a doctor who had taught him or herself medicine at home, right?

Yeah, I'm sure you know that I don't agree with his ideas and could poke a million holes.
The article did make me wonder though, how many people actually think this way?

As most of you know, I NEVER intended to be among the homeschooling.
It was not part of MY plan.  My, how things change!
Here we are working on finishing up our second year!
I stick to saying that we will continue on a year-to-year basis.
Anyway, I am no expert.
I do, however, hold a degree in education and spent my years prior to having babies teaching.
So, I kinda can chime in with a parental as well as "professional educator's" point of view.

Hands down, there is NO ONE more qualified to teach a child than a willing, loving, invested parent.
Parents do not need to know everything in order to teach.
Sorry, teachers do not know everything.
I was/am one.
One needs to know how to find the answers.  There are millions and millions of resources at our fingertips nowadays--use them.




As a college educated educator, I have to tell you--college did NOT teach me HOW to teach or WHAT to teach. I majored in Elementary Education.   College taught me how to MANAGE.
How to manage a classroom full of 20-30 students all the same age while trying to modify behavior, teach lessons, observe, and keep my sanity in doing it.  All little tips and tricks to keep a classroom flowing smoothly.  It was important, I don't dispute that.  Parents do NOT need to know this.  Parents need to know their children.  Parents have so much more INVESTED in their children and the motivation to see their children succeed.  Most parents I know did not decide to homeschool because it would be so EASY.  Ha!  That is laughable.  It is not easy, or clean, or smooth all the time.  They decided to homeschool because they believe that it is what is best for their children and family.  They believe in educating the whole child not just pieces.  It is a commonly known fact that public school system is failing, should parents be penalized for wanting better?

Let me state, that I am in no way putting down public or professional educators--most of them are great people that are genuinely trying to make a difference.  I know and love many of them.  They are great teachers.  We all know that there are also lousy teachers and in addition, there are lousy parents.  It is a sad fact that a lousy few give the fantastic majority a bad name, in both instances.

Socialization is another issue that just pops up whenever anyone mentions homeschooling.
After dance, t-ball, soccer, co-op, Sunday School, church, family outings, storytime etc. etc. etc.  I'm worn out by all the socialization.  Seriously, can't we just STAY HOME?!!  Lol.
I'll leave it at that.

Personally, I see a problem with the boxed education.  All children are different, but in a classroom a teacher's hands are mostly tied by a vast number of things; curriculum, time, administration, laws, other students etc.  I'm sure you have all seen that cartoon floating around cyber world, with the animals all lined up for an exam..an elephant and a monkey are among them.  The teacher says that there is a test which is climbing a tree.  Who ever can do so, passes.  Obviously, elephants don't climb trees.  Nor can we expect every child to perform the same way.  Parents may have 1, 2, 9, 15 children..but they are able to cater to the needs of each individual in a way that the school system just is not able to.  In my opinion, home education is not just about getting from grade to grade in order to "get to real life."  Home-schooling is a way of life.  Homeschooling may not be for everyone, and that is okay..but please don't belittle parents who are trying their very best for their children.    Just because home education does not look like a classroom education does not mean it is not working.  In fact, that is a major obstacle I think home educators may need to overcome--it SHOULD NOT (!!!!!) look like classroom education.  I firmly believe in the majority of cases, sending parents to college just to get a piece of paper in order to be "qualified" to teach their own children...complete and utter foolishness.

Good parents are constantly learning along with their children, whether or not they homeschool.  Homeschooling just adds a bit more of a push to learn. 

No, I would most likely not go to a self-taught doctor..but then again, these days?
Who knows.

So, now that I have just unloaded some "brain diharria" into your lap,
enjoy and have a great weekend!


Tuesday, March 19, 2013

TODAY





Is it Springtime yet?

We're dreaming of sunshine, gardens, clothes on the line, bare feet, and baseball.
How about you?

FOUR MONTHS


Four months old.
 

16.3 lbs.
26.5 inches long

All smiles.  Rolling over, both ways.  Working on some rock-hard abs, and wearing size 9 months.  
Sweetness through and through.

Thursday, March 14, 2013

AFTER A TRIP TO THE LIBRARY...

. . . It is usually pretty peaceful.



At least for a little while.

TUESDAY IN PICTURES























ALMOST THERE

We now have a door on the bathroom closet.
I can officially call it a closet.
It still needs painting and trim and a knob and all that good stuff...


 but it is progress.

It even has a fancy-schmancy door-jamb switch.




We're getting there.

Saturday, March 9, 2013

Sunday, March 3, 2013

GUESS WHO???




So, whaddaya think?
Which boy o' mine is this?