When it Rains...It Pours

...But at least I have these little angels with me.  I took this picture during a fabulous rainstorm this morning.  It has been a crazy summer of rain.  In this picture, we see them in a single dimension brimming with health, vitality and beauty.  We spend a lot of time looking at others in a single dimension.  Ironically, singularity emodies both truth and deception.  These children are brimming with health, vitality and beauty.  But three of these children have PCD.  A disease which ravishes their lungs.  A disease we spend hours a day treating in an effort to halt its progression.  Two of them have hospital stays, surgeries and IV therapies dangling over their heads in the near future.  But they look so healthy, right?  There can't be anything to worry about...or so the well-meaning tell me over and over.  The best way to support is to acknowledge grieving and offer a listening ear.

I've said it before, but I think there has to be some sort of law of compensation.  If you are given a nasty disease to deal with when you are born, and for the rest of your life,  you are given an added measure (a huge one) of sweetness and depth.  I know it is true with my children.  And the 3 of us born without it, that same nasty disease strips us of ambivalence and clothes us with keen awareness. We are better too because of it.

There are a lot of times, in the moment, when I question if taking on the education of my children at home is really what I want to do.  It often pushes me to emotional exhaustion...Invariably, I conclude yes.  Most days I spend 5 hours on the piano, directing school from the bench next to a practicing child.  But the vigorous study of music has equipped my children with an amazing ability to work through very difficult things, which are not fun in the moment, for a greater, delayed reward of mastery.  It's taught me that same lesson.  I never imagined the role music would play in my life and in my children's, but I am grateful for it.  It was a driving force in bringing Ellery back to life after a severe prolonged illness.   I feel music is poised again to pull our family through some rocky times ahead.

It's been a very long 6 weeks.  I'll be grateful for answers tomorrow.

A Little out of Touch...

I have certainly been out of touch, but our family is entering cyberspace a bit lately :)  You can follow Ellery's life journey at www.Elleryslife.com  She is full steam ahead in chasing down her dreams.  It's pretty fun to watch as a mother, and exciting to support a child who is so driven.  She was scouted to be a model by an amazing child model photographer a couple months ago.  That led to a lot of work with the clothing brand Persnickety.  As they got to know Ellery, and her story, they fell in love with her.  In just a couple weeks, in their upcoming magazine, and online, they are doing an entire feature on Ellery.  She is the Persnickety girl of the year.  She is so excited for this opportunity.  Her health has been in a bit of a decline again, unfortunately.  As well as our sweet little Emmett.  We are fighting and doing treatments like crazy to keep these kiddos out of the hospital and off IV's.  But that just might not be possible.  We feel so grateful Ellery has so much positive attention right now.  She has a real reason to stay very strong, through the difficult times that could be ahead.

She's working on recording songs, music videos, ballroom dance team, and still doing flute and piano!  We try to squeeze some math and writing in along with all the fun stuff ;)

My schedules continue to be so complicated I have to take a picture of my spreadsheet and keep it on my phone!  I never fully figured out the summer.

I've learned so much the last year.  I feel like a different person in so many ways.  With all certainty I know that life can change in an instant.

Ellery wrote this poem when she was sick last year and it just sums it up perfectly.

The Flower

by Ellery

A flower dies fast and grows back slowly.

Hard things come fast and are recovered from slowly.

At the time they might seem out of order.

You may be feeling depression, pain or hurt.

But through time they always come back.

Stronger than before.

If Ellery tells me she wants to write music and try to make it big.  I'm not going to stop her.  In fact, I'm even going way out of my comfort zone and putting myself on facebook and instagram to do everything I can to help her.

My other children are still finding their ways.  Callista is the best friend I've ever met.  She has a way of winning hearts that is just amazing.  We put that little girl in any situation and she thrives.  Emmett is still my angel with his perfect temperament and curls.  He has also turned into quite the gymnastics star.  My little Berkeley is just about as sweet as they come as well.  I just want to eat her up.  For the complicated things 3 of my 4 kids were born with, I think somehow God compensated by just making them nearly perfect in every other way.

The reality of last year has kept a heavy weight on Brent's and my heart.  While in some ways we have healed, we can never be the same again.  That is an okay thing.  In Ellery's words, we are stronger than before.  But I know the disease that seemed to just lie quietly rears its head in very real ways now.  The reality of a progressive disease is never fun.

But all that being said, we are attacking life with a vigor you would not believe!!

Keep an eye on the Persnickety Website and hop on and order their catalogue if  you have a chance!

Homeschooling 2013 Schedule

Most things get better with time and experience.  Homeschool is one of these.  This year, things have fallen into place so beautifully.  I find myself often just stopping for a moment and thinking to myself, "Wow...This is how it should be."

Maybe it is because the kids are getting older, or the curriculum choices...I'm not certain.  But things are  running like a well oiled machine.

4:30 AM  until 7:00 AM

Rise and Shine Rebecca.  Two hours of exercise and socialization keep me completely sane.  I get up and do a crazy hard workout at Bootcamp, the track or canyon.  Sometimes I mountain bike.  Many times I do a couple things.  I'm always with other women and adults.  I wouldn't give up the socialization for sleep.  My kind of sociality is the wee hours of the morning.  It is a perfect fit for me.

6:00 AM until 6:45 AM

Ellery's alarm goes off.  She promptly gets out of bed and wakes up Callista, who is dead to any and all alarms of all volumes.  Snuggled onto the couch in the bonus room, Callista sets up Ellery's vest and they take 20 minutes of chest therapy and whatever Netflix has that makes them happy that morning.  It is a nice slow wake up for the two of them, and a treat to watch TV.

They head downstairs, eat breakfast and "usually" get dressed and make their beds.

6:45 AM until 10:30 AM

This block of time is for our instruments, math and science.  Each of the girls has a 2 hour time slot for the piano.  Usually at least 1-1 1/2 hours of this is with me sitting beside them to closely monitor.  Whomever is not on the piano is practicing their other instrument for 30-45 minutes independently.  They spend the remainder of the time working on their math and science.  I am available for help to them, but they try to be as independent as possible.

Still in pajamas :)

Brent, Emmett and Berkeley usually roll out of bed sometime around 7 AM.  They slowly get dressed and eat breakfast.  Emmett and Berkeley play Odyssey and Starfall on the computer and color.  I also squeeze in some warm snuggles with their soft little bodies, freshly hatched from sleep!

As in years past, piano practicing proves to be the most difficult task of the day.  Ellery is moving towards maturity and independence.  Callista still needs quite a bit of focussing.  Most days include very mopey moments and multiple sprints away from the piano in tears.  To her credit she always quickly returns and never wants me stop helping her.  Even though my "help" is pretty brutal and strict.  We have some serious character building during piano practicing.  However.

10:30 AM until 11:30 AM

Bertha our spanish tutor fills this hour for the children.  They read stories, complete workbooks and worksheets, play games, color and paint, dance and cook.

I use this time for several things:  to take a shower, if I haven't had one yet, run an errand or attend an appointment, make phone calls, get dinner and lunch prepared, and write out daily task lists for the girls.  I also often use this time to do reading with Emmett and Berkeley.  If I have an especially hard workout, I sometimes lay down for 15 minutes and take a rest.


11:30 AM until 12:45 PM

Brent arrives home for lunch sometime during this slot, and we eat together as a family.  We break for about 20-50 minutes when he gets home.  The kids have a little recess to play outside, work gymnastics, listen to music, read, whatever they want. Most of the time they just want to hang out with mom and dad.


12:45 PM until 2:45 PM

Our daily task lists have been an excellent aid this year to help things run smoothly.  I have small lists for each child to accomplish independently and with my help.

We spend this 2 hour block of time accomplishing these tasks.  This allows me to move between children smoothly, keeping everyone engaged and learning.

During this time the children finish any math or science they were unable to complete in the morning.  They work on poetry, memorization, language arts, spelling, grammar, history, and writing.

The little ones sometimes take naps during this time, or I spend some time reading to them.  Emmett also works on his Odyssey online kindergarten and our math and copywork.


2:45 PM until 3:15

This half hour we get ready for our afternoon activities.  Do hair.  Drink a smoothie.  Change clothes.  Grab snacks and water bottles.

3:15 PM until 7:15 PM

The girls picked up dance this year instead of soccer.  It is actually far more convenient for me (it is just a mile or so away from gymnastics).  They are taking Jazz and Ballet and love it!  Between dance and gymnastics the girls are busy every afternoon.  Emmett has gym 2 afternoons a week and Berkeley started for an hour once a week.  The children thrive on the vigorous exercise and socialization of these activities.

While the big ones are away I get some one on one with the little ones.  We often do more kindergarten reading and math, if we didn't squeeze it in earlier, go to the park, play barbies, color or play legos.

We have a simple dinner with the Brent and then he goes to pick the children up.  Emmett and Berkeley head to bed between 6:30 and 8:00 pm depending on if they napped that day.

7:15 PM until 9:00 PM

Wind down time.  The girls have a snack and showers and head up to bed.  They quiet read, practice guitar or singing, or fun pop piano.  We chit chat a lot and snuggle into bed.   Lights out at nine.  Brent works out.  I snuggle with kiddos and lights out before 10 PM, unless I am engrossed in a fabulous book (which happens more than it should).

Odds and Ends

Mondays from 9:30 until 10:30 AM Callista has puppetry and Ellery has voice lessons.  We finish piano during our afternoon slot.  

Wednesdays we have music lessons.  Flute from 8:30-9:30 AM.  Cello and guitar from 12:30 until 1 PM and piano from 1:15 until 3:15.  Bertha does not come for spanish and we have a working lunch.  This allows us to get everything we need to done by 12:15.  Bertha watches Emmett and Berkeley while I attend lessons with the girls.

Fridays we break after spanish for a field trip from 11:30 until 3:00 pm.


It may seem exhausting but our family works very well on a tight schedule.  Weekends we play together all day.

Coming Soon...our curriculums!  We are using some fantastic materials this year.  I can't wait to share my reviews.

The Craft/Computer/Sewing/Bathroom...the Multipurpose Room I Guess!

Before...

 The downstairs bathroom when we bought our home incorporated a shower.  It wasn't clear what the purpose would be.  In some ways I can see the value in having the shower, especially with an unfinished basement, however, we knew it would serve little to no use in our current situation.  It had a linoleum floor and maroon formica countertops.

We decided to remove the shower to make room for a craft room of sorts.  The original idea was to have the room exclusively for sewing.  We were going to build in a desk and office work station in the family room.  That became cost prohibitive, so my craft room became the logical place to put the computer.

We actually enlarged the space in the room by removing a shallow china closet that was adjacent to the dining room and framing it into the craft room.  We stoppered the shower plumbing at the floor level.   

This a view into the room before we cut the window.  

I knew the room wouldn't be nearly as desirable without a window, so we added the largest window we could in the space 3'x4'.   Light makes the biggest difference in a home for me.  This window lights the entire back entry hallway.  What was once a dark corridor is now filled with light, also helped by the addition of a 3/4 glass door to the back yard.  

Afters....

I can sit at my desk and look out one window to the backyard and look out the door and see out my bay window into the front yard.  This visual and light connection from front to back is one of the best things about my home.  Made possible by the shallow depth of the home and the open floor plan.

Number one love of my Multipurpose room...close to the action but hidden away! 

We agonized over the connection between my "multipurpose room" and the half bathroom.  Because of the location of the electrical outlets and the very small footprint of the "bathroom" part of the room, I was concerned about a door making both sides awkward.  I thought a pocketdoor would be the solution, but there was some venting which could not be moved and the door would have taken nearly 6 inches of space, where space was at a premium.

However, I was also worried about the awkwardness of not having a door.



In the end we decided to leave it temporarily open and connected and worry about adding a door later.  It was a good decision.  Clearly in a new construction we would have planned things differently but the connection is rarely an issue.

I love this room.  It is one of the most used places in the home.  We have all our mail sorting, bills, homeschooling junk, schedules...The desk is big enough for 2 chairs (I just can't afford to buy them now;) ) so 2 people can work comfortably at the computer.  It is an excellent station for homeschooling.  The kids are very close to the piano and kitchen (in other words all of the action) but we can still close the door to hide mess and for acoustical privacy.

After we moved into the house, we realized one very large blunder.  We had not switched the door swing.  It swung into the room and blocked the drawers and the printer.  It had to be changed immediately.  Eventually I would love a wireless printer I could hide somewhere, but for now it's fine.

It is phenomenal how useful a space that is 6'8" deep and 8'4" wide can be!

Homeschooling Curriculum Choices for 2012

An un-staged mid-day moment.  Melted my heart.

Homeschooling Plan of Attack for 2012-2013

        Each year our homeschooling morphs into something a little bit different and a little bit unique.  Knowing this, I always try to remain undogmatic in my philosophies, knowing that circumstances and individual needs are in constant flux.  What is right one year may not be right the next.  This year Ellery (9) and Callista (7) are at home full time for their academics.  Emmett (4) is attending preschool 2 days a week and Berkeley (2) moves from wildly roaming around dancing and singing, snuggling and reading, to her favorite activity of looking at family picture slideshows on the computer.

         The elementary school didn't seem to fit our family's needs this year.  The girls' admitted they wanted more neighborhood social experiences.  They have strong social interactions in church and gymnastics but wanted to get to know a few more girls in the surrounding blocks.  Soccer was their choice of a solution.

With everyone at home so much, I knew I needed to find some things a bit more scripted with less preparation required on my part.  I decided to switch several of our programs and also try some online courses.

Charter School Enrollment

         Ellery and Callista are both enrolled in a charter school.  I am at liberty to choose their curriculum but I have to submit yearly plans, goals, and submit assignments and learning logs every two weeks.  It is a bit of a hassle but I receive $1450 of educational reimbursement funds which offset a great deal of the expenses associated with homeschooling.  The children will also be responsible for taking the state tests at the end of the year, which makes us beholden to the state curricula to some extent.  In theory their scores don't matter but I want them to have a successful experience taking standardized tests.  The charter school provides a website link called "Study Island" for state test prep in Math and English. It is fairly engaging for the girls.  They spend an hour or two a week on this site, to make sure they are familiar with any important catch words or obscure concepts I may not teach them.

Math

Math this year we are tackling online.  I have mixed feelings about it so far.  Callista is using a program called Odyssey.   She has already completed the 2nd grade and is working on 3rd grade.  Ellery is using a program called ALEKS.  She has almost completed the 4th grade portion, but I don't feel she is at mastery level.  Both programs, I feel are weak in assuring mastery.  Callista's program teaches concepts quite well.  Ellery's has no teaching per se, usually I end up having to teach her each new concepts.

I like that to some extent they can work independently and we have a very tangible record of their progress in the form of periodic assessments.  I feel they will have no problem taking the state tests, as this curricula is tied to the state and common core.

I miss teaching them math, but I found it quite difficult to teach all subjects.  I'm not sure if I will choose math as their online course next year or not.  Maybe I will rotate.

English

I have been dedicated to the Writing Road to Reading/Spaulding Method and Spell to Write and Read for a couple of years.  However I feel most days it became too time intensive.  I decided to brake English up into several smaller divisions.

Grammar

Instead of trying to use our spelling words for grammar study I am using the Well Trained Mind series of First Language Lessons.  Callista is using Level 2 and Ellery is in Level 4.  These books are demanding but engaging as well.  I have learned a significant amount as we move through them including diagraming sentences and direct objects, predicate nominatives etc.  The programs include excellent poetry selections for memorization.   Callista's are a bit below her level, because she is so familiar with poetry and memory work. I just give her extra poetry and she often learns Ellery's as well.
The Level 4 is intense but superbly chosen.  It may prove difficult if your children are not accustomed to poetry.

The programs are divided into 100 lessons.  We do around 4 a week.  Sometimes less for Ellery because the lessons are longer.  They are completely scripted so they require no forethought.  I actually love this.  I don't always follow the script, but many times I do.

Writing

I used Writing with Ease, also part of the Well Trained Mind program, last year, but I did not order the workbooks.  This year I ordered the workbooks.  It was an excellent choice.  I don't have to search through books looking for sentences containing adverbs etc.  All the literature selections are provided.  The programs have 4 day weeks, each with a specific theme or book.  There is copywork, narration and dictation.  Callista is using Level 2 and Ellery Level 3.  The Level 4 was too difficult.  The first dictation is an entire paragraph.  (It is read to the student 3x.  The student repeats the selection back and then writes it down from memory.)

I trust the Bauers programs.  Their literature selections are phenomenal.  The intellectual rigor is demanding.  This approach to writing, grammar, history is unmatched in my opinion.

Spelling

What I miss most about the Spell to Write and Read program was how it grouped spelling words in such a manner to evoke the most creative writing.   I also love the beautiful sentences it provided for introducing the spelling words.  However, mastery was not stressed.

The spelling program I chose this year is Spelling Power.  It is an excellent time efficient, mastery driven program.  There are several levels of review built into the program.  The idea is to introduce new words for only around 5 minutes a day.   The children are tested on words they miss each day and continue to be tested on them until they spell them correctly the first time.  Then review lists are often given which include the most frequently misspelled words.

My complaint with the program is the word grouping are very uninspiring.  I may move to try to combine the two programs.  I'm not sure how it would work out.

Literature

The very first year I homeschooled Ellery for a partial day in first grade I used the Sonlight curriculum. I loved the heavy focus on literature, but felt it was thin on the mechanics.  This year I decided to order nearly all of the Independent Reading selections for 2nd-4th grade and the Read Alouds corresponding to Early American History, which we are studying this year.  All of them have been fantastic.  However, I find Callista is still in a bit of limbo between introductory chapter books and "real" chapter books.  She isn't quite fluent enough yet to just love and become absorbed in a longer book.

Reading aloud is my favorite part of homeschooling.  If ever the tension level gets too high, my best solution is to pull out a book, snuggle on the couch and start reading.

History

We love the Story of the World.  It is always my girls favorite part of the day.  We are currently in Volume 3.  The children remain engaged and love the maps and coloring pages.  I rarely have time for all of the activities but whenever we can we squeeze them in.

Science

This year we are finishing up our Noeo physics study units as well as our Science in a Nutshell kits.  I wish I had more time for Science.  I love it so much, but usually we only tackle it once a week.  We also will be doing the Science Fair this year.  Of course my favorite!

Spanish

Bertha our Spanish tutor comes 6 hours a week.  Four hours are instructional.  Bertha is a fabulous teacher.  She love children and teaching.  She includes Mexican History, Math, Fashion, Dancing, Singing, Science, Grammar, Art etc. in her lessons.  The girls do not speak well, but their comprehension is increasing rapidly.  I feel it is a very worthwhile addition to their education.

Emmett and Berkeley get in on the action as well.  Emmett plays with Bertha's two grandsons (Spanish speakers) which come along.  The one hour break gives me a nice moment of respite to work on dinner, pay bills, run an errand, or take a shower.  On Wednesday's Bertha stays with the 2 little ones while I go to piano lessons with Ellery and Callista.

Art

Ellery is attending a drawing class and Callista a pottery class at the local Arts center one hour a week.   With only one other student each in their classes, they are like private lessons.  We have had the same teacher for 3 years.  The girls love her, receive technical training from a true artist, and produce high quality pieces.

Sewing

Both girls are enrolled in sewing this year at the "Cute as a Button" sewing school.  Our neighbor also joined their class.  The student teacher ratio is 4:1 so they turn out excellent work.  Ellery keeps her sewing machine set up in her room and is constantly making all sorts of creations from flower embellishments, headbands, and pillows, to skirts.

Athletics

Gymnastics continues to be the main sport for Ellery, Callista, and Emmett.  Ellery attends 11 hours a week, Callista 9 hours and Emmett 3 hours.  This is a huge time and financial commitment.  However, no matter how many times we re-evaluate we always decide this is the right decision for our children.  The Myriad benefits include:

* fabulous friendships with their teammates

* strong healthy bodies

* tough competitive environment

* building grace and confidence, especially under pressure

* overcoming and facing tough scary things

The 3 children also enjoyed soccer for the first time this fall.  Ellery and Callista had a great time and caught on quickly.  We could barely get Emmett to run :)


Music

Music is last on my list but is one of the cornerstones of our homeschooling.  We practice everyday, and at an intense level.  It is the most trying of our pursuits on my patience and the girls attitudes.  Practicing is just plain hard.  However, because we have uniquely devoted so much time and attention, the girls progress has been astounding.  I don't say this to brag or gloat or glorify.  It has simply been the result of a long concerted, dedicated effort.   It is something within the grasp of anyone, if they make the decision.  Our homeschooling puts us in a unique situation to devote the necessary time.  We practice during the school day, beginning at 7:15.

The reason I've invested so much in music, is I feel the lifelong joy this will bring to my children and those around them is unmatched by anything else, save reading.    If anything teaches perseverance it is mastering a musical instrument.  I've found I can learn many things as an adult but the time intensity of this pursuit puts it out of my reach.  And so the oft repeated words, I swore over and over again to my mother I would never say, come out, "I wish I never quit piano lessons."

The expectation of practice is well established.  Emmett keeps asking when he gets to start.  For my personal sanity, not until the summer after kindergarten.  That time line has worked quite well for both of the girls.

Ellery continues to study the flute.  She enjoys having a second instrument.  She practices independently and so is not progressing as quickly.  Callista is begging to begin the cello.  However, it is expensive to buy the instrument and pay for lessons, so we are holding off until the summer, most likely.

The charter school actually offers semi-private instrument lessons at a local music store, which are paid through state funding.  It is something I am looking into as a possibility for their second instruments next year.


So there it is.  It looks a bit overwhelming and seems that way when I write it all down.  Somehow, day  in and day out it all works and we stay relatively sane.  It is surely not something that works for everyone, and I don't claim it is the best way, only the choice we've made for our family right now.  

Books that Changed Me

This isn't a post of intellectual or any other form of snobbery, but only an expression of my hope that others can find the same joy and journeys in literature as I do.

"The Brothers Karamazov" by Fyodor Dostoevsky 

I can only compare this book to the Bible in its power to demand self reflection.  Dostoevsky brilliancy is unmatched by anything I have read.  His books have a disturbing way of making me probe every belief I've clung to.  Sometimes in this book I wanted to reject God and religion completely.  Other times I wanted to throw it on the ground.  I find myself drawn in some ways to the most vile of characters, but in so doing I am forced to expand my circle of understanding and sympathy just that much more.  I wish in one fell swoop my heart would soften but it needs constant reminding.

I'm amazed by the life of Dostoevsky.  He was by all accounts dysfunctional on almost all levels.  And yet his novels clearly show me God can use any person as His instrument.  God bestows His gifts on His children in all times and places regardless of any earning.  History seems to pound this lesson into me, over and over again, be it Mozart or Joseph Smith.

Dostoevsky raises so many questions.  He answers none of them.  Maybe that's why his novels force me to think beyond my comfort zone and leave me so hungry.

"The God Who Weeps"  by Fiona and Terryl Givens

If freely admit I have a crush on this man's brain.  For three years I have followed his work, read his articles and books, and listened to podcast interviews. Mormon history is fraught with so many troubling things.  Joseph Smith is one of the most complex historical figures in 19th century America. God and religion themselves can be messy and difficult to make philosophical sense of.  At times, I figuratively have to jump ship.  It's always been this way for me.  I have this strange dichotomy of faith and doubt.  Whether I was 14 and reading "Doctrines of Salvation"deeply disturbed by the complete dismissal of Scientific reasoning or 19 sitting in a dark corner of the Special Collections library in college surrounded by 20 dusty books on polygamy (I don't think they were flying off the shelves much at BYU). Terryl's work has helped me wade through what can seem at times just too murky.  He describes true faith as impossible without equal compulsions to believe or disbelieve.  Faith is first and foremost a choice.

"The God Who Weeps" was just published and coauthored with his wife.  It is a theological treatise on the "Mormon" God they believe Joseph Smith introduced us to.  I am on board.

The Givens' describe a God who is perfect because of his vulnerability, not power.   Life is not about creating an account of good deeds or ordinances, instead it is about learning to expose ourselves and our hearts as God does.  Becoming Godlike is not about becoming powerful but about becoming vulnerable.   Weeping.  

There is a beautiful chapter on the pre-existence which tackles head on the theodicy (or the problem of an omnipotent God and the existence of pain, evil...etc).  For me, it provided the most intriguing and honest answer.  It wasn't anything I have ever learned being a mormon all my life, but it was brilliantly clear to me in the scriptures and doctrine once elucidated.

I love the Romantics.  Givens is a professor of Romantic literature.  He draws literary and historical parallels from myriad personalities and faith traditions, which enhance the understanding of God Joseph introduced us to.

A few tough issues or scriptural incidences were glossed over or omitted.  However it is not a long read, nor does it claim to be exhaustive.

A fascinating corollary to reading this book was the insight it brought me about some of the brutality of Christianity through the ages.  The girls and I just waded through some of the most disturbing times in Europe including the Crusades and Holy Wars.  I have a small inkling on how they used the God they understood as justification for their atrocities.  That God I dismiss.  I don't know how much liberty we do or do not have with God to create or understand Him in a way that brings us the most peace.  It may be offensive, or pompous.   I'm not sure.  But for someone like me, if I can't understand my religion and my personal relationship with God with a bit of flux it may give way completely.

There was also a time in my life when I could "shelve" things for later.  I must be going through a mid-life crisis of some sort, but that won't work right now.  I don't know all the reasons.  I have a brain which never puts my keys or phone in the same place, writes down a recipe, or remembers to fill the car up with gas.  A brain which forgets to temper its enthusiasm and passion in conversation (leading sometimes to unintended offenses).  But, this same brain is giddy trying to solve a math problem or dive into a new ocean of research.

I unreservedly recommend this book, especially to all those searching to find a God they truly want to adore and worship with their reason and their heart.   For me it is on the right course.



Other Books I've Recently Read Independently or With my Children:

"The Witch of Blackbird Pond" by Elizabeth George Speare  This is an insightful introduction to early American history and Puritan society.  It gently helped my girls understand the dangerous prejudices of religious fanaticism rampant during the 17th century, and kept them eager with just enough romantic drama.

"Johnny Tremain" by Esther Forbes I felt I had the inside scoop on the American Revolution in this novel.  The history was excellent and didn't feel artificial or overly romanticized.  As a historian writing a children's book, Forbes brought well earned historical insight right along side an emotionally intriguing plot.  

"Walk the Worlds Rim" by Betty Baker  This book provided an interesting perspective on the Conquistadors and the exploration of the Southern United States and Mexico.  It is something I have little knowledge and I enjoyed experiencing it through the eyes of an adolescent Native American, in his own coming of age journey.

"The Candymakers" by Wendy Mass If you are in the mood for a little mystery, this is a clever, well written, plot driven book.  Neither Ellery nor I could put it down.  Much to Callista's chagrin, the two of us independently snuck it off and read it outside of read-a-loud.  "Mommm!  That is so unfair!"

"Carry On, Mr. Bowditch" Jean Lee Latham  I am so grateful Latham chose to immortalize this man's life.  He was fascinating and brilliant.  Against odds, he contributed quietly but profoundly to society.  This book provides an excellent example of perseverance and positive ambition.

"Atlas Shrugged" by Ayn Rand  (Not appropriate for children) I simply couldn't get on board with the unbridled capitalism and humanism of this book.  I recommend it because of the complex and thorough argument Rand presents for the virtue of such a society.  Unrestrained capitalism becomes the utopia inside a dystopia of government regulation and dependency.  However, Rands utopia for me, left much to be desired.

"Angel Prayer" by John Johnson  I was given this book at book exchange.  Reading the inside cover, it wasn't one I would probably have chosen off a shelf.  However, I was pleasantly surprised.  The plot was interesting enough to keep me turning the pages with equal doses of mystery, crime, romance, and self-discovery.  I think at this particular moment this book spoke to me because of an overriding theme of develop a beautiful heart.  A beautiful heart being a vulnerable one.  The protagonists life is presented contemporaneously and in flash back.  We see he's had opportunities to become vulnerable yet missed them.  It takes tragedy for him to understand he must weep and hurt to become the kind of person he sees in others but cannot see in himself.   Too often I miss the small opportunities in my life to open my heart and weep more.  When the circumstance is so acute or expansive, the birth of child, the health of a loved one, the rejection of a friend... it can't help but be transformative. I have these.  I need these.  But I think if I look a little closer I have these opportunities everyday.  Why not try to a little better everyday?  Count me in.

Hola Bertha!

Spanish and Bertha.  Our newest Homeschooling Additions.

You may recollect the sad departure of Larisa at the beginning of this year.  We miss her sweet disposition and tender heart.  To fill the educational void we hired our neighbor Bertha to begin to tutor the children in Spanish.  Bertha is from Mexico and has lived in the United States for about 10 years, first in Chicago and now in Utah.

Bertha taught elementary school in Mexico and I believe was born to teach children.  She is brimming with smiles, enthusiasm, dancing, games, and has just enough toughness to keep the kids in line.  Bertha began coming the first week in January.  She comes Mon, Tues, and Thursday from 8-9 in the morning and on Wednesdays from 12:45-3:45 (so I can still attend piano lessons with the girls).  Because she lives only a block away the schedule works out ideally for both of us.  Most days I try to listen and learn along with the children but sometimes I sneak in my shower and breakfast.

  Bertha is a gifted teacher and within days she had Emmett and Honey running into her arms for kisses and hugs.  I've been especially impressed with how seriously she takes her job.  She is prepared each day with a lesson and activities, songs and games. She speaks very little English and her communication with the children is almost exclusively in Spanish.  On Wednesdays after their lesson and when I leave for piano with the girls Bertha tends Emmett and Honey.  She speaks exclusively in Spanish and I swear they are starting to understand.  It is amazing!

The weather warmed up last week and the class headed outside with magnifying classes to explore for insects and leaves.  Spanish will be an invaluable addition to the children's skill set.  Ellery had a head start from Rosetta Stone,  but it computer doesn't hold a candle to Bertha!

Discipline

I've desperately tried to discover what happened to me my freshman year of college.  I still am not quite sure.  A rebound from high school and living at home?  If you want to know what I look like 45-50 lbs heavier now you know.  

It boils down to Discipline.  I had none.

No exercise.  I had always exercised and played sports.

No sleep.  I stayed out until 2-4 am and slept in or through many of my classes.

Junk.  I ate junk.  So much candy it sickens me.  Junior mints and sour gummy bears were the biggest culprits.  We laughed at the girl on our floor who counted her M & M's but guess who didn't get fat?

Mess.  My dorm room was a disaster.  

No 4.0.  I think after the obsession with a 4.0 in high school I just decided not to care anymore.  Some how I rolled out of that year with a high GPA but I regret my decision not to try.  I didn't even reapply for my scholarship.  I could have been outstanding and I wasn't.

Today I ran seven 800 meter sprints between a 2:55 and 2:28 pace. I'm training to run a marathon in just over 3 hours.  If you told me I would ever be able to do these things I would have laughed.    In high school I didn't think I could run faster than a 9 minute mile. 

I run.  I read.  I educate.  I cook.  So I do not become what I was.  I'm grateful to look back and learn and determined to never lose focus like that again.  Certainly I was not happier at 173 lbs and a mediocre effort at life. 

"Still No Snow" by Ellery

Still No Snow

by:  Ellery

The trees are Bare
the grass is out grown
its the first of winter
no snow

The flowers are dying
the leaves are crumbling
Its the middle of winter
Still no snow

The trees are scraped
the bark is almost gone
the last of winter
Still no snow

Cute as a Button

Honey is grand thief when it comes to stealing her brother and sister's hearts.  After making a pillow case and pajama pants, in her "Cute as a Button" sewing school, Ellery decided Honey needed her own pair of matching pants.  I've loved watching Ellery gain confidence in this class.  It is only 1 hour a week, but well worth it, and it seems enough for her to be learning some real skills on the sewing machine.

On any given night you will find Honey Fat strutting around, belly out, in her pajama pants, certain she is as old as her siblings, all the while Ellery is glowing in pure pride and joy.

This is the stuff life is made of.

"Baca Baca!" Larisa

We had a call over Christmas which made us so sad.  Our sweet Larisa is done.  It is a good move forward for her as she is beginning nursing school.  She has been a wonderful part of our life for the last year and a half and we will miss her so much!

I don't know that the children can speak any Russian, but she was integral to our family functioning.  

Just 2 weeks ago my heart was so full as I watched Berkeley and Emmett just run and jump in her arms when she arrived.  Sighhh.  

  

Thank you Larisa!  We love you.

First Gymnastics Meet

People are always curious as to my reasons for homeschooling the children.  The reasons are myriad but include my desire for the children to be excellent and not overwhelmed.  I want them to excel and develop talents.  I don't think anyone came with any natural talent except maybe determination and persistence.  The girls could barely do cartwheels last year at this time.  We wondered if their recreation teachers would pass them out of level 1.  Now here we are, and although they were definitely in the middle to bottom tiers of their teams, not too bad.



Gymnastics adds a wonderful balance to our homeschooling.  It gives the girls large blocks of time which they spend with a peer group and other adults.  It is a situation which requires discipline and performance.  Brent and I have no desire to train them for a future in gymnastics, most likely by the time they are 12 we will have reaped all the benefits of the sport.  The rigorous time demands can be very difficult for teammates who spend 7 hours at school.  It is a drain on the child and the family.  This has become very clear from my conversations with the mothers of their peers.  For now, gymnastics is serving an excellent purpose in the health and well being of the girls.  And I do have to say, the yogi in me is getting very jealous of their continually improving handstands and flexibility.  I can still beat them hands down though in any head stand contest!

First Flute Recital

Ellery "decorated" and insisted on ringlets framing her face.

Ellery designed this program.  Font choice was
particularly important to her :)

Ellery our "born performer" had a great spotlight moment for her first flute recital.  We had a conflict with her teacher's studio recital, so we decided to have our own.  Ellery made up a program and invited her friends, cousins and neighbors.

   

Amber, Ellery's fantastic flute teacher.

On the fly, she added an extra piece she sightread the day before.  (She didn't mention that to me until an hour or two before the recital.)

The flute has been an interesting progression for Ellery.  While I vigilantly practice the piano daily with the girls, I drew a limit at one instrument.  She practices the flute alone. I know this is not even remotely as effective, but I just couldn't add another thing to my plate.  Piano is so exhausting emotionally.  So we set the kitchen timer for 45 minutes and she "practices."  This usually happens while I am piano practicing with Callista.

Marilyn our babysitter, neighbor, and amazing musical prodigy
and example to my children.  She accompanied Ellery.

 
There are quite a few bathroom breaks and a lot of "Disney" sight reading, but at least she is playing and as you will see, in a year she has made quite a bit of progress.  If we had a little more time to practice with her accompanist we could have worked out some of the kinks but when all was said and done, Ellery is a performer and she pulls out all the stops come show time.

"Largo"

 Ellery's teacher Amber, is working on her Masters Degree in Flute Performance at BYU.  She is first chair in the chamber orchestra.  I have been so pleased at the time and attention she gives Ellery.  I found her by contacting the head of the BYU flute department.  I interviewed about 6 potential teachers, and had them play for us.  Ellery and I both felt Amber would be a perfect fit and we haven't been disappointed.

"Reflection"

"O Christmas Tree"  Unfortunately sometimes I forget I have to keep my iphone a certain direction or my video's are cockeyed.  Oops.  This is the piece she learned in a day.  I love the jazzy version!

Marilyn, our weekly babysitter, is another blessing in our life.  She is brimming with personality and talent.  Each week when Brent and I return we coax her into a recital.  It usually includes a little Debussy or Chopin, top notch!  I love having my children exposed to such a darling, talented girl.

She really saved the day during "Jesu" by following Ellery, who seemed to miss every entrance.  But with just 3 run throughs, I'm not sure what else to expect.  Again, I don't give the flute the same attention as the piano.  The recital seemed to creep up on us without warning.  But, here it is the final number...

"Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring"

This is quite a bit of beginner flute footage.  In the future I will be better about creating a video collage of sorts with excerpts.  It will be easier listening :)

Science Fair

Successful Science Fair Projects for Elementary and Middle School Students 

Whether your children are in public schools or home educated, no child can or should escape Science Fair.  Science Fair can spark passion and excitement for Science and research in young children.  However, the parents must approach the project properly, directing their child to a successful, rewarding, educational experience.

As a former Biology teacher and Science Fair organizer I found, most crucial to a positive experience is choosing the right project.  Most critical to the learning experience is the critical analysis.  In a critical analysis you can help your child see the weaknesses in his/her project, unexpected results, experimental design mistakes, and ideas to make the project better in the future.   It is the Scientific Method at its best.

What made me think about all this Science Fair stuff?

Ellery participated in a Mad Scientist Week,  put on as a homeschool workshop.  The workshop included a teacher and about 12 children ages 8-13.  She had a wonderful time.  Activities included bottle rockets, a frog dissection, lots of fun chemistry solutions, and catapults.  Resulting from some communication issues, I found out Thursday afternoon there was a Science Fair on Saturday.  Whoa.

To understand my emotions, you have to realize Science Fair was my "baby" when I taught school.  I put my heart and soul into it for at least 4 months of every school year.  I demanded excellence.  Project ideas were turned in months before the deadline.  Weeks later research, weeks later hard data, weeks later I would teach them to make computerized spreadsheets and graphs... the progression continued until a final project emerged.

Ellery with her Science Fair Project

I always prefer typed posters, but at this age it really hinders children's participation.  As soon as they are comfortable typing, everything should be typed.  Until then, I will cringe at the handwritten posters!

 Putting together a Science Fair project in two days?  Certainly I realized this would be a major
scale-down.  But Ellery was passionate about doing a project, even though it was optional.  Of course, I would support her.

Choosing an Appropriate Elementary/Middle School Age Science Fair Project

As teacher, I soon realized the most difficult part of Science Fair for students was choosing a project. I pled with them to choose something they were interested in and passionate about, relating to a hobby, talent, or collection.  At an elementary and middle school level, I think very social projects are of high interest to children.  Anything that requires them to survey or test their friends, neighbors and family is usually a hit.  It is a great way to make Science fun.


(Note:  As students get older and become more competitive, the project's demand more variable control and standardization.  Using human subjects becomes much more difficult, it also requires a lot of red tape, but can be done.)

I recommend avoiding model projects like the "volcano."  Students will not experience the scientific method in nearly the same amount of depth.  Rarely is the model a true model.  Usually they just "appear" to be a model.  Be creative.  Think about what your child and family love and go with it.

Keys to a successful Elementary School Age Science Fair Project: 


 Interest, Involvement, Analysis

For Ellery's project she choose to investigate the relationship between arm circumference and the number of pushups an individual could complete.  It was right up her gymnastics alley, and she dove in with fervor.  She ended up testing 25 people.  She taught correct form and asked several informational questions.  She then made graphs and I helped her analyzed her data and experimental design.  After examining the data it was clear to her she had not controlled enough variables to have any valid results.  Her Dad (100 pushups: the most by 66) and her little sister (30 pushups: the third highest and she had the smallest arm.  Gymnastics seems to be doing something.) were amazing outliers! A wonderful lesson.

Callista is so competitive.  She was horrified when our 11 year old neighbor tied her record.
His pushups weren't nearly as legitimate.  She begged for a second chance, but Ellery was a stickler.
No second chances.  I think Callista had at least 10 more in her.

The most important things I looked for as a teacher in a Science Fair Project were:


1.  Does the student understand the weaknesses in their design and data?
2.  Can the student recognize errors and account for outliers (data that are completely out of the normal range)?
3.  Does the student know how to create a better project next time?

Helping your child to really understand and answer these questions, should kickstart the learning experience, and you probably will come up with a great piggyback idea for your next project.  Now you've done the hardest part and can really delve into the research and create a superior project in the future.

To sum things up:

• Choose a project centered around a passion.
• Consider projects involving lots of participation from family and friends.
• Spend time on a great critical analysis, use it as a springboard for further exploration and learning.

Any questions?  I'd be happy to help. I'm not an expert, but I do love it.  In fact I had a hard time not ordering a skin caliper on Amazon for Ellery's next project, which will have to include BMI and body fat!

A Place for Bribery

I admit.  Bribery has a place in my methodology.  Nothing spells incentive and excitement like a little bottle of glittery, glow-in-the-dark nail polish!

I'm amazed how fun the children think it is to earn a new pair of socks.  The socks are a necessary expenditure in the first place, why not make them serve a sneaky purpose?  This is my most genius stroke in a while.  My children probably get too much in the first place, so I better make them work a bit harder for everything they do receive.   Actually my inspiration for this concept was the book The Five Love Languages of Children.  My SIL gave me the book a couple years ago.  It was worthwhile read.  I loved the idea of making things like a new toothbrush special to children, who thrive on gifts.  I never would have thought of wrapping a toothbrush.

Usually I attach prizes to very measurable tasks.  Currently Callista is working on completing math fact sheets of 25 problems in one minute.  For the nail polish she has to master her "doubles plus one's."  Ellery is working for 100 problems in under 2 minutes, with an end goal of beating me in 63 seconds.

I usually tie their tasks to one another (both have to pass off a goal to earn a single nail polish), to promote team unity, rather than compare and compete.  But some rewards remain individual, especially if I feel like one of the children has worked especially hard.

What you won't find me rewarding or bribing with is food.  Probably this strategy will lose novelty if used too often, like most things, but it is fun to incorporate with spelling, math and gymnastics.

A Learning Treasure

Meet the Dictionary Stand.

Our newest family member.  

Several years ago Brent's Grandma gave us this amazing 1910 Edition of Webster's Dictionary.  It is a dream come true for my book loving heart.   Instilling a love of language and books in my family tops my parenting and educational priorities.

Staged.  But cute nonetheless!

Notice the screwdriver in Emmett's hand.  Huh?

When Brent first brought this treasure home from his Grandma's, I instinctively knew I wanted it on a dictionary stand.  They say an open dictionary, on a stand, can be one of the most effective and influential learning centers in the home.  Somehow there is no comparison if the book is closed on a shelf.



Alas, bookstands are expensive so I delayed.  Thanks to several amazon gift cards, this black beauty arrived today.  At long last the dictionary is open for use.  My children aren't tall enough but a little stool quickly remedies the situation.

Worms: Faster Than They Look

I did sanitize the kitchen table.  These guys could move!

It is great this year to get back into the Science swing of things.  I purchased several kits off the internet to supplement our curriculum.   Emmett was fascinated by this one as we investigated and observed different items to determine if they were alive.

He looks passively content in the photo above.  Don't be fooled!  The majority of this activity he was sitting on the kitchen table peering intently into his petrie dish, demanding his turn with the magnifying glass and probe.  The earthworms gave him pause.

We gently probed with sticks, used our magnifying glasses to observe poly-crystals, brine shrimp eggs, mung beans, a sponge, a carrot, a top, glass beads, and, of course, earthworms.

This particular "Science in a Nutshell" kit includes 9 different experiments.  It is entitled "Is it Alive?"

I bought it from their website.

Early Homeschool Curriculum Reviews

I read a passionate thread from the local newspaper on homeschooling versus public schooling.  I was surprised at the rancor it aroused.  Lively discussion fuels me.  It always has.  My dad knew that from the time I was a little girl.  He knew just the right things to say to really get me going.  Usually it had some anti-feminist undertones.  It makes me smile to think of the sparks he could illicit from me.  Passionate people expressing their ideas forces me to rethink and evaluate what I am doing and why.  Self-reflection is never over-rated.  

Now...the reason I wrote this post:

Curriculum Updates

With a month into the school year, here are my thoughts on some of our new programs and the old!

Spanish Rosetta Stone

So far so good.  This program was purchased by the charter school Ellery is enrolled in for Independent learning.  The lessons are entirely done at the computer.  What I love is there is no English.  It is an immersion type program, using pictures, reading and speaking.  Ellery receives immediate feedback and loves trying to beat her score until she finally masters the level.  Still up for review is the pronunciation aspect of this program.   The computer does not seem to replace the need for a speaker listening and correcting.  I think for spoken fluency we will need a tutor.  

Latin's Not So Tough 

 Looking good as well.  It is a nice slow start.  Ellery says it is her favorite language.  She is almost finishing learning the Latin phonograms.  It is clear to me why their English phonetics should be solid before beginning because many familiar vowel combinations make unfamiliar sounds.  An older child may find it boring, but it is a perfect quick 15 minutes.  She is almost through the first level already.  I anticipate as she moves into vocabulary she will slow considerably.

Singapore Math 

This has been interesting.  It is very different than Saxon and Shiller.  I love the mental math component of it.  I don't think it is a "stand alone" program.  I need to supplement or it feels too "workbooky" for our preferences.  I add in Shiller and Saxon and lots of games, when we start to feel bored.  One thing I have done this year is start having the children build little math composition books.  Last year all our notes just were done on random paper.  This year we work out our problems, do samples all in a composition book.  This has been a great addition.  Using the placement tests, I put Callista in level 1B and Ellery in 2A.  That puts Callista a little ahead, and Ellery slightly behind, the advanced international/private school pacing.  Both seem a bit easy, but are building in difficulty level quickly.

We still do lots of drill worksheets from Saxon to increase basic fact fluency.

Spell to Write and Read with Wise Guide for Spelling

This is Wanda Sanseri's updated, "at home" version of Romalda Spalding's Writing Road to Reading.   The program follows WRTR closely, almost identically.  However, it removes the need for the expensive teacher's edition for each grade.  Sanseri provides many supplemental enrichment activities to reinforce spelling.  It is a much better fit for the home.  I'm not certain if you need the background given in WRTR to make this program work, or if it is fine as a stand alone.  This is a much better fit for teaching in the home.  Sample sentences are provided for each word, including quotations drawn from the Bible and prominent historical and literary figures.  They are excellent conversational spearheads.  I would go with the entire teacher core kit.  It is $95 but it will last you at least 5 years of spelling for each child.  No other spelling or phonics instruction will be needed.  

  

The Story of the World

Susan Wise Bauer's series is still a family favorite.  We got a little behind and are just finishing the last few chapters in the first book.  In a couple weeks we will begin the Middle Ages.  I recommend the activity book.  It is a great resource for additional reading, activities, maps, and coloring pages.  

Our other programs are a little too fresh to put a word out on yet.  I will let you know.