Farmer Boy Dinner

Last night we finished reading aloud the third book in the Laura Ingalls Wilder series, Farmer Boy. There is a chapter where they enjoy a very traditional Christmas dinner, and the fried apples and onions stuck out to Moriah (bleck). We agreed that when we finished the book we would have a "Farmer Boy Dinner", and discussed what we thought fried apples and onions might taste like.

Personally, I would rather summer be here by now and I believe we have had enough cold weather and rain. BUT, tonight I was very thankful for the cool air as I tried to whip up a traditional mid-western meal and then swallow it down with a gallon of water. Here is what was on our menu:
ham (there was no way I was doing a whole pig on a platter, I don't care how Almanzo's family did it)
cranberry jelly
mashed potatoes
candied carrots
and....
fried apples and onions.

Summary: I have no new recipes to add to my stash. Half way through dinner Moriah complained of a tummy ache and switched her plate over to apple sauce, fresh farm carrots and half of a Tums. I enjoyed the remaining half of that Tums, and my prairie husband packed his lunch for tomorrow from the leftovers.

Go homeschooling!

Organizing for school

Today I took various ideas I had heard and created my own method to begin keeping track of Moriah's learning. I grabbed a binder and stuck dividers in it labeled with each subject area. I then put lined paper and sheet protectors in each section. A copy of the parent version of state standards went in the front pocket in case I ever want to look at them for reference, and voila! One organized binder ready to begin.

In my planner I began making a list of curriculum I wanted to use, books I was interested in checking into, and lesson ideas that I wanted to research.

Now I can begin to take assessment of where she is at and what she already knows! Here we go! :)

Choose a Support Scripture - task #1

I have come to discover that educational philosophies are cults. You would be hard pressed to find a philosophical view on education that did not wrap around a personal belief system or view of the world. As part of my professional development, and also in my endeavor to get prepared for schooling my own children, I spent this year researching and reading about the various currently popular and trendy educational philosophies. What I found was startling and amazing.

I then sat down and thought about my own experiences with students and the classroom. I examined my personal perspectives, and prayed about what the right educational goals should be for our family. I watched Moriah, and discussed ideas with other moms and other teachers. I reflected on the push for character education in the schools, and my days of teaching conflict resolution, social skills, and manners. What I finally concluded was simple: to raise our child in a God centered, God fearing home means an education embedded in our family values and a world perspective focused on God. What I discovered next was that it is not easy to find a popular educational philosophy to match.

Your response to that might be - duh! But I searched the Christian Homeschool world as well, and just like everything else, there are thousands of homeschooling 'denominations'; so, back to the brainstorming board I went. There I sat, once more, in my chair. Frustrated and overwhelmed I decided it was time to create a focus for our family. I firmly believe there is an answer for everything in the Bible, regardless of whether or not we want to see it. Shouldnt there be a manual in the Bible on homeschooling? No. There isnt. In fact, our society is much different today from when Christ walked the earth. For example, I cant seem to find a scripture anywhere on what age it is appropriate to have Moriah start piano lessons or learn how to type.

Several more weeks of prayer has led to what I think the first step in homeschooling should be: allow God to lead you to a scripture that captures your homeschooling mission.

Here is our scripture:
Deuteronomy 6:9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Isn't that a great one? :)

Napkin Savvy

While doing some research a few years back I got my mitts on a copy of Organic Housekeeping. This book was recommended by a friend, and was well worth the money. GREAT insight and ideas that should have been a no-brainer! One of the money saving tips was to use cloth rather than paper napkins, and this idea turned out to be easier than expected.

The reason I bring it up is because another friend said she saw it at my house and thought it was a great idea - that I just have a basket full of unironed cloth napkins for use. OOPS. Was I supposed to iron those? I don't think that was in the book.

What I did: purchased a stack of cheap solid color cloth napkins on clearance, fold them, and stick them in a bread basket. I wash and fold them with my kitchen towels.

Aside from saving money, I realized I had inadvertently taught manners when we took Moriah to a restaurant at about 3 years old and she put the napkin in her lap without direction! handy!

But don't worry, for special guests who come to our home we break out the saved paper napkins!

Another Here We Go

Homeschooling Mission #1 – where to begin? The task is so overwhelming! Bringing 10 years of teaching experience with me has proven to complicate things. Combine that with my personality (perfectionist, over analytical, etc) and you have a recipe for homeschool disaster. Hallelujah for one of 'my' homeschooling parents (that I work with) who enlightened me to this concept: there is no perfect curriculum. WHEW.

But wait. There are a few things I can do with that. I could use it to free me up, dive into the various fun homeschooling ideas out there, and let Moriah's personality direct the way. Or I could take that as a sign that the perfect curriculum needs to be written. eek! Heaven forbid if I buy into that lie. *plugging ears, plugging ears* I have kept myself busy enough trying to learn the various major educational philosophies out there, and muddle through the convoluted secular public school world back to the world with a Christ-like perspective on schooling.

That brings me back to the first mission - where to begin. I will begin by assessing and evaluating Moriah - where is she at, what does she already know, and what are her current academic, social, spiritual, and development needs. Sounds intimidating. And fun!

Character

Ever get tired of the secular versions of character traits and values? Here is an incredible resource that points your kids back to the Bible!

http://www.duggarfamily.com/images/characterqualities.pdf

*courtesy of the Duggar family

Killing Your Largest Organ

What is our largest organ? Our Skin! Ever wonder what you are soaking into your skin with your make-ups, lotions, etc? Here is a great resource that was passed on to me. It is managed by the Environmental Working Group, a non-profit organization focused on getting information out to the general public. I am sure they have their own political agenda, but in the meantime this is a great resource for information such as: albacore has 3 times more mercury than light tuna. Best of all is the cosmetic database to look up virtually anything. Take a look! Trust me, you will be surprised at what you find out.

http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/