I use the word "typical" very tongue-in-cheek because there really is no such thing in our lives. My childrens' education is extremely important to me but I have never been the type of person to stick to rigid, uncompromising schedules. I've always admired mothers whose children wake up at the same time each day, are meticulously groomed and ready for school by 9, take a nap at 1 and are in bed by 8 (sheesh, do people like that REALLY exist?). I don't even pretend to be able to achieve that in my home. I rely heavily on God's grace, love and strength to guide me.
Fortunately, AmblesideOnline provides a yearly schedule for my organizationally handicapped self. I break that down into a manageable weekly schedule with all subjects included, then dd11 and I condense it further into a daily schedule. Ds5 is not doing anything formal yet, he's too busy being a "rescue ranger" and drawing incessantly (on everything that doesn't move, I might add). We use our schedule as a guide but the beautiful thing about homeschooling is that nothing is set in stone and flexibility is a requirement! Stuff happens.
If friends ask us to spend a play day in town and attend the Discovery Center, we can. If it's a beautiful day and we choose to go on a nature hike and study the different kinds of wildflowers that grown on our hillsides, we do. If there is a particularly interesting field trip planned by the homeschoolers in our area, we take advantage of that. If grandma or grandpa want to spend the day with the children, who am I to deny them that pleasure? And if it's just a yukky, cold, rainy day and we want to stay in our pajamas, have read aloud story-time and drink hot cocoa, we will!
Regardless of how our days pan out, by the end of the week dd knows that everything must be completed. If we chose to take a day off school during the week, this may mean that she needs to do 2 days of school in one, during which she will do one day in the morning, take a break, and complete another day's assignments as "homework" (it's all home work, isn't it?). 3 years ago I never thought I would say this but now I am impressed at her motivation to finish her assignments. She is forming valuable lifeskills such as: independence, perseverence, and problem solving. We have the "last day of school" marked on the calendar and that also helps us stick to our goals. I still get the occasional "Ah mom, do I HAVE to do school today?", but we are learning to turn the phone off, delay trips to the store, and stay on-task. It's as big a challenge for me as the kids!
I feel like I need to define some things before listing our schedule. Charlotte Mason's principles are paramount in our homeschool and some of the terms found in her methods might be unfamiliar. (To learn more about Charlotte Mason and AmblesideOnline, got to www.amblesideonline.org). The children read from whole, living books (versus textbooks, which only give part of the story) and then do a narration, which means to tell back what they have just read. Of course, younger children must be read to but they will easily and readily tell back the story without even knowing they are narrating! According to Karen Andreola, who has studied Charlotte Mason extensively and republished her original homeschooling series, "...narration takes the place of questionnaires and multiple choice tests, it enables the child to bring all the faculties of mind into play. The child learns to call on the vocabulary and descriptive power of good writers as he tells his own version of the story."
Copywork combined with oral narration are the first steps in teaching a child how to write. Dd copies passages from great writers, poetry and the Bible, thereby mimicking the work of the greatest authors of all time. The child sees proper grammar and spelling as they are copying and Charlotte Mason felt that nothing more formal was needed in the younger years in those areas.
History readings are journaled into a "century book", which consists of a timeline marked with dates from creation to contemporary times. This allows dd to visualize and conceptualize the events that were going on in the world at any given time. She is able to "see" that while Ben Franklin was living in France working for the colonist's independence, Napoleon Buonaparte was born and Mozart was giving concerts in Italy.
Nature study is an important part of our days. We learn about science, biology (lots of "ologies", in fact) and God. First and foremost the children are aware that all things were created by God and what better way to become closer to Him than by studying His creation? Nature study doesn't have to be planned and calculated, it can be as simple as sitting and staring out the window observing the birds at the feeders, or lying on your back in the meadow, taking in the sights and smells and watching the bees as they buzz from flower to flower. Children will learn from observation and each observation stimulates interesting question and answer periods. The children don't even know they are learning but they will remember the things into which they, themselves have pursued more in-depth knowledge.
I recall the day the kids were out walking in the woods with their friend. I heard them saying "Mom, come quick!". I met them down by the pond and dd had by the tail the biggest opossum I had ever seen. It wasn't moving a muscle. They set it down in the yard which had the dogs in a frenzy so I told the kids to put them in the house, then we sat back, quiet as churchmice, and watched. The opossum continued to pretend as if rigor mortis had already set in for about 5 minutes. Then, when it was sure the coast was clear, it slowly opened it's eyes. It waited a bit longer then stretched out its body slowly. When it sensed that danger was no longer imminent, it scurried off into the woods as fast as it's ugly, short body could manage. This prompted a discussion about marsupials and animal defenses, but ended abruptly when dh (you know, Mr. Safety) found out what was going on and interrupted to herd the children inside to wash their hands. I suppose someone has to be sensible!
Ok, I promised a sample schedule so here goes:
Monday
Bible-Old Testament
Singapore Math
Read passages and narrate from:
History-This Country of Ours
What Everyone Should Know About the 20th Century
Science-Fairy-land of Science
Science Biography-George Washington Carver
History Biography-Carry a Big Stick, The Uncommon Heroism of Teddy Roosevelt
History Tales-Trial & Triumph (church History)
Character study-Plutarch ((read aloud with mom)
Copywork: Poetry
Composer Study (we use Beautiful Feet's guide: The History of Classical Music)
Piano-practice
Tuesday
Bible-New Testament
Singapore Math
Read passages and narrate from:
History-Abraham Lincoln's World
What Everyone Should Know About the 20th Century
Geography-Book of Marvels
Literature-Kim
Natural History-Wild Animals I have Known
Poetry: John Greenleaf Whittier
Copywork-The Bible
Piano-practice
Wednesday (our light day)
Bible-Psalms
Folksong: English Country Garden
Artist Study/appreciation
Physics Lab In the Home-Observation/Experiments
Nature Study-we use "The Handbook of Nature Study" by Comstock, among others
Latin-Latina Christiana
Spanish
Thursday
Bible-Old Testament
Singapore Math
Read passages and narrate from:
History-This Country of Ours
Abraham Lincoln's World
Geography-Book of Marvels
Science-Fairy-land of Science
Composer study
Piano-lesson
Shakespeare-Winter's Tale(read-aloud with mom)
Copywork-Math Facts
Grammar (one of dd and my favorite subjects-we use Easy Grammar)
Friday
Bible-New Testament
Scripture recitation
Singapore Math
Read passages and narrate from:
History-This Country of Ours
History Biography-Carry a Big Stick, The Uncommon Heroism of Teddy Roosevelt
Science-Christian Liberty Nature Reader
Geography-The Book of Marvels
Literature-Kim
Dictation
Copywork-literature
Piano-practice
This is our current schedule and some of the books we are reading change each term (12-week period). Books are read slowly, taken in small bites so as to be able to ruminate over and recall what has been read, as opposed to the way I devour a book in 3 days; ask me a week later to tell you details about a story and I couldn't do it. It may appear as though this is a heavy schedule and it can be, but the lessons are short and we strive to have most of the work done by lunchtime.
Classical music and Hymns are played throughout the day in our home and artist prints are displayed to observe for 2 weeks at a time, during which the children are asked to make occasional observations about the prints. Dd gets keyboarding practice while doing written narrations. Geography study is complemented by locating the places we read about on the globe and doing mapwork. Dd is learning to sew and she cooks and bakes alongside me every day. Often, the children will work on handicrafts or artwork while I'm reading aloud to them. Daily chores are required and an allowance is given to both children so that they can learn the value of money and how to save for the things they desire. We become involved in service projects as often as possible and that will be integrated into both children's weekly routine as they become older.
There you have it, now I better get busy--wouldn't want to get off schedule!
Friday, March 31, 2006
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Horse and Buggy People
Since moving to Seymour, we have discovered an array of wonderful people. We are deep in Amish and Mennonite country and their lifestyle has always intrigued me, enough so that I chose to do a little research. I'm frequently asked, "What is the difference between the Amish and the Mennonites?", so I set out to find the answer.
One of my close friends was raised Mennonite, lives next to her mother who is still a practicing member of the church and she has many close relatives in other parts of the country who are Amish. Along with the plethora of information she has given me and my own observations, much of what I've learned comes from the book, "20 Most Asked Questions About the Amish and Mennonites" by Merle and Phyllis Good.
The Amish are generally less progressive and still do without most of the modern conveniences we take for granted, like electricity, cars, and television. They dress in very conservative clothing, all handmade and of muted, neutral colors. Amish children are the most adorable with the little girls in their sweet dresses with pinafores and black bonnets, and little suspenders and straw hats for the boys.
Mennonites in this area generally have very modern homes and modern conveniences but still wear conservative clothing. Men are very clean-cut and the women wear a certain style of dress and have a "head covering", usually a small fabric cap fitted over a bun. These head coverings are worn in, what they believe, is obedience to the bible passage in 1 Corinthians 11:2-16.
The way they look and dress is only a tiny part of this culture. Most Mennonite and Amish groups have common historical roots. They were originally nicknamed "Anabaptists" at the time of the Protestant Reformation in Europe when radical Christians were persecuted. They sought a return to the simplicity of faith and practice seen in the early Christian church. There is a strong emphasis on peaceful living and Amish, particularly, discourage worldliness (conforming to the pressures of society which takes the focus off of God).
The Amish typically live a life of hard work and most are self-employed, many as farmers or construction workers. Of note is the fact that many of the Amish in this area have automated chicken houses and produce chickens for the large poultry companies. I've been told that these chicken houses net them $12,000/year per house and many farms have multiple houses. Many of the men are fine craftsmen, building cabinets & furniture.
Women are too busy raising children, ironing clothes, growing food and making meals for their large families to be concerned about their own liberation. Family, church and community are priorities and they appear to be very satisfied and content, much unlike modern women who find balancing family and work an almost impossible task.
Most Amish and Mennonites refuse to go to war. For hundreds of years these people have believed that peaceable, humble Christians should never kill another human being, regardless of nationality or ideology. We could all learn something from their desire to express Christian love in all of life.
Many people don't understand why anyone would want to live so "backward" a lifestyle. If any of us were to list the 5 things that are most important to us in life, what would they be? A sense of meaning? A feeling of personal fulfillment? Having people who really care about us? Basic needs met? Contentment and Peace? Does the average modern American really have a more profound sense of peace and fulfillment than the "backward" Amish? Do their horses pollute the environment more than our gas-guzzling SUVs? Does the local grocery store have healthier food than that which is produced in clean soil outside your backdoor? Will our children grow up to be happier, healthier members of society because they have video games and TV and dolls that are "perfectly" proportioned and are carted off to endless activities?
Dh says that if you go into town on a Saturday around here, you feel quite strange because the horses and buggies abound. He said there are hundreds of them at the stores, the banks, and the restaurants and if you are on foot, watch out for the little gifts that so many horses leave behind! Have you ever seen a hitching post in a McDonald's parking lot? They are a necessity in this community. It is a charming vision, indeed, to see a buggy with several tiny Amish children in the back peering out from under several layers of blankets.
My favorite thing about the Amish and Mennonites are their stores. An Amish family has a General Store a few miles down the road from us. It is stocked with fabric, shoes, hats, stainless steel cookware and the best blocks of chocolate that I've ever tasted (think Little House on the Prairie-Olsen's Mercantile). The store has a wood stove in the center and old-fashioned wood floors and if you show up after the sun has set, you better bring a flashlight! The Mennonite store that I frequent at least weekly has bulk grains, beans, dried fruits, spices and wonderful candy that reminds me of my childhood. If you are looking for those sweet, liquid-filled, wax soda bottles or gummy chicken feet, it's worth a trip to Byler's Country store.
I admire the unusual approach the Amish take to human life. They have such a strong sense of community. I don't wish to romanticize or idealize their lifestyle; no doubt they have weaknesses just like any community but the evidence points to happy, healthy people who choose to stay together. I was recently given a poignant reminder when told a story by an Amish girl I met. With all of the recent tornado damage in our area, most families will be sorting through their ruins, finding temporary homes, dealing with insurance companies and spending months, if not years, getting back to "normal". There was an Amish family who was hit hard by the storm and their house was completely destroyed. The very next day, 100 men showed up to pick up debris and rebuild their home. It was finished by evening and they slept there the same night!
"What does the Lord require of you, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8)
One of my close friends was raised Mennonite, lives next to her mother who is still a practicing member of the church and she has many close relatives in other parts of the country who are Amish. Along with the plethora of information she has given me and my own observations, much of what I've learned comes from the book, "20 Most Asked Questions About the Amish and Mennonites" by Merle and Phyllis Good.
The Amish are generally less progressive and still do without most of the modern conveniences we take for granted, like electricity, cars, and television. They dress in very conservative clothing, all handmade and of muted, neutral colors. Amish children are the most adorable with the little girls in their sweet dresses with pinafores and black bonnets, and little suspenders and straw hats for the boys.
Mennonites in this area generally have very modern homes and modern conveniences but still wear conservative clothing. Men are very clean-cut and the women wear a certain style of dress and have a "head covering", usually a small fabric cap fitted over a bun. These head coverings are worn in, what they believe, is obedience to the bible passage in 1 Corinthians 11:2-16.
The way they look and dress is only a tiny part of this culture. Most Mennonite and Amish groups have common historical roots. They were originally nicknamed "Anabaptists" at the time of the Protestant Reformation in Europe when radical Christians were persecuted. They sought a return to the simplicity of faith and practice seen in the early Christian church. There is a strong emphasis on peaceful living and Amish, particularly, discourage worldliness (conforming to the pressures of society which takes the focus off of God).
The Amish typically live a life of hard work and most are self-employed, many as farmers or construction workers. Of note is the fact that many of the Amish in this area have automated chicken houses and produce chickens for the large poultry companies. I've been told that these chicken houses net them $12,000/year per house and many farms have multiple houses. Many of the men are fine craftsmen, building cabinets & furniture.
Women are too busy raising children, ironing clothes, growing food and making meals for their large families to be concerned about their own liberation. Family, church and community are priorities and they appear to be very satisfied and content, much unlike modern women who find balancing family and work an almost impossible task.
Most Amish and Mennonites refuse to go to war. For hundreds of years these people have believed that peaceable, humble Christians should never kill another human being, regardless of nationality or ideology. We could all learn something from their desire to express Christian love in all of life.
Many people don't understand why anyone would want to live so "backward" a lifestyle. If any of us were to list the 5 things that are most important to us in life, what would they be? A sense of meaning? A feeling of personal fulfillment? Having people who really care about us? Basic needs met? Contentment and Peace? Does the average modern American really have a more profound sense of peace and fulfillment than the "backward" Amish? Do their horses pollute the environment more than our gas-guzzling SUVs? Does the local grocery store have healthier food than that which is produced in clean soil outside your backdoor? Will our children grow up to be happier, healthier members of society because they have video games and TV and dolls that are "perfectly" proportioned and are carted off to endless activities?
Dh says that if you go into town on a Saturday around here, you feel quite strange because the horses and buggies abound. He said there are hundreds of them at the stores, the banks, and the restaurants and if you are on foot, watch out for the little gifts that so many horses leave behind! Have you ever seen a hitching post in a McDonald's parking lot? They are a necessity in this community. It is a charming vision, indeed, to see a buggy with several tiny Amish children in the back peering out from under several layers of blankets.
My favorite thing about the Amish and Mennonites are their stores. An Amish family has a General Store a few miles down the road from us. It is stocked with fabric, shoes, hats, stainless steel cookware and the best blocks of chocolate that I've ever tasted (think Little House on the Prairie-Olsen's Mercantile). The store has a wood stove in the center and old-fashioned wood floors and if you show up after the sun has set, you better bring a flashlight! The Mennonite store that I frequent at least weekly has bulk grains, beans, dried fruits, spices and wonderful candy that reminds me of my childhood. If you are looking for those sweet, liquid-filled, wax soda bottles or gummy chicken feet, it's worth a trip to Byler's Country store.
I admire the unusual approach the Amish take to human life. They have such a strong sense of community. I don't wish to romanticize or idealize their lifestyle; no doubt they have weaknesses just like any community but the evidence points to happy, healthy people who choose to stay together. I was recently given a poignant reminder when told a story by an Amish girl I met. With all of the recent tornado damage in our area, most families will be sorting through their ruins, finding temporary homes, dealing with insurance companies and spending months, if not years, getting back to "normal". There was an Amish family who was hit hard by the storm and their house was completely destroyed. The very next day, 100 men showed up to pick up debris and rebuild their home. It was finished by evening and they slept there the same night!
"What does the Lord require of you, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8)
Friday, March 24, 2006
Homeschooling, Charlotte Mason, & Play
One of the questions I am asked most frequently is "What made you decide to homeschool?". I usually preface my answer with "Why not?". Our children are placed into our responsibility and what better educational environment could there be than a home where they are loved, cared for, and encouraged. And they will never have to miss recess because their bladder needed emptying during an unscheduled break time!
There are many reasons why we made the decision to homeschool and first and foremost is that spending time with our children is a joy. Call me selfish but I want to experience those exciting moments when they finally "get" something, or see the smile in their eyes when they finally learn to put letters together and read!
We are finishing our 4th year of homeschooling and have tried different styles, curriculums, and philosophies. After researching and speaking to other experienced homeschoolers, we have settled on a philosophy, really a lifestyle, that we will not depart from. We use a curriculum guide called Ambleside Online. A group of ladies took the time to research quality, living books and put together a 12-year schedule which incorporates Charlotte Mason's principles. It is a phenomenal gift to us as parents, the work they put into this project. The website tells you everything you need to know to give your child a Charlotte Mason education and you can learn more at www.amblesideonline.org.
Charlotte Mason was an educator in the late 1800's/early 1900's who believed that children are born persons and that they don't need contrived lessons in which everything is diluted for their young minds. She believed that children should play, and although there may be value in organized play, CM felt that "...boys and girls must have time to invent episodes, carry on adventures, live heroic lives, lay sieges and carry forts, even if the fortress be an old armchair; and in these affairs the elders must neither meddle nor make." She also says that if we do try to monopolize too much of our childrens lives and organize their every waking moment that there is a serious danger; "In this matter the child who goes too much on crutches never learns to walk". It is my contention that we are doing our children a strong disservice when we do not allow them unstructured, unplanned, unchoreographed time to just be kids.
In her book For The Children's Sake, Susan Schaeffer Macaulay states that children are being "fitted into" a streamlined schedule designed for the parents so they can cope with their pressures. This means putting them into an institution (e.g. school) where the children must be herded; out of necessity they need to consider group control more than the child's needs. She points out that before today's current trend to have our children's time managed, we were left to ourselves to play for hours on end. We didn't have to rush off all the time to do things that were "good" for us. The adults left the children free to play and to organize their own time. There was always someone to go to if you needed help but the adults didn't meddle with our time.
Children need to be outdoors playing. They need to make noise and mud pies. TV should be severely limited. Charlotte Mason believed that children should finish their lessons by lunchtime so they could pursue their own interests. This does not mean that she didn't value their education, in fact she so believed in the power of their young minds that she provided for a truly liberal education at a very young age. Children were respected. I recall my own childhood where my parents, who had never heard of Charlotte Mason, turned us loose day after day. We explored in the barns and fields surrounding our home. We waded through the creeks, explored caves, devised forts and tree-houses and never came inside except to eat. My brothers and I were glued to the TV for a couple of hours on Saturday mornings but we had adventures to create the rest of the week.
Children have an appetite to learn and they will learn with enthusiasm when by all appearances they look like they are only engaged in play! Take them to a park or the woods and observe their curiosity. They will throw stones, jump on logs, watch bugs crawling through the grass, wonder at the activity of the squirrels and chipmunks, all the while learning about the gifts God has given us in nature. Give them a trunk full of hats and scarves and old clothing and see young actors in action. Provide them with paper, crayons, paints and brushes and watch them create and develop motor skills at the same time.
Ds5 received a castle lego set for Christmas. We have been reading The Story of King Arthur and His Knights and he created his own "Camelot" out of legos, complete with Uther-Pendragon, the Sable Knight, Merlin, Lady Guinevere, and Excalibur the sword. It was the ultimate evidence to me that he was not only listening as I read to him, he was understanding and comprehending and was able to transfer that knowledge and recreate it in his play. Education is an adventure!
There are many reasons why we made the decision to homeschool and first and foremost is that spending time with our children is a joy. Call me selfish but I want to experience those exciting moments when they finally "get" something, or see the smile in their eyes when they finally learn to put letters together and read!
We are finishing our 4th year of homeschooling and have tried different styles, curriculums, and philosophies. After researching and speaking to other experienced homeschoolers, we have settled on a philosophy, really a lifestyle, that we will not depart from. We use a curriculum guide called Ambleside Online. A group of ladies took the time to research quality, living books and put together a 12-year schedule which incorporates Charlotte Mason's principles. It is a phenomenal gift to us as parents, the work they put into this project. The website tells you everything you need to know to give your child a Charlotte Mason education and you can learn more at www.amblesideonline.org.
Charlotte Mason was an educator in the late 1800's/early 1900's who believed that children are born persons and that they don't need contrived lessons in which everything is diluted for their young minds. She believed that children should play, and although there may be value in organized play, CM felt that "...boys and girls must have time to invent episodes, carry on adventures, live heroic lives, lay sieges and carry forts, even if the fortress be an old armchair; and in these affairs the elders must neither meddle nor make." She also says that if we do try to monopolize too much of our childrens lives and organize their every waking moment that there is a serious danger; "In this matter the child who goes too much on crutches never learns to walk". It is my contention that we are doing our children a strong disservice when we do not allow them unstructured, unplanned, unchoreographed time to just be kids.
In her book For The Children's Sake, Susan Schaeffer Macaulay states that children are being "fitted into" a streamlined schedule designed for the parents so they can cope with their pressures. This means putting them into an institution (e.g. school) where the children must be herded; out of necessity they need to consider group control more than the child's needs. She points out that before today's current trend to have our children's time managed, we were left to ourselves to play for hours on end. We didn't have to rush off all the time to do things that were "good" for us. The adults left the children free to play and to organize their own time. There was always someone to go to if you needed help but the adults didn't meddle with our time.
Children need to be outdoors playing. They need to make noise and mud pies. TV should be severely limited. Charlotte Mason believed that children should finish their lessons by lunchtime so they could pursue their own interests. This does not mean that she didn't value their education, in fact she so believed in the power of their young minds that she provided for a truly liberal education at a very young age. Children were respected. I recall my own childhood where my parents, who had never heard of Charlotte Mason, turned us loose day after day. We explored in the barns and fields surrounding our home. We waded through the creeks, explored caves, devised forts and tree-houses and never came inside except to eat. My brothers and I were glued to the TV for a couple of hours on Saturday mornings but we had adventures to create the rest of the week.
Children have an appetite to learn and they will learn with enthusiasm when by all appearances they look like they are only engaged in play! Take them to a park or the woods and observe their curiosity. They will throw stones, jump on logs, watch bugs crawling through the grass, wonder at the activity of the squirrels and chipmunks, all the while learning about the gifts God has given us in nature. Give them a trunk full of hats and scarves and old clothing and see young actors in action. Provide them with paper, crayons, paints and brushes and watch them create and develop motor skills at the same time.
Ds5 received a castle lego set for Christmas. We have been reading The Story of King Arthur and His Knights and he created his own "Camelot" out of legos, complete with Uther-Pendragon, the Sable Knight, Merlin, Lady Guinevere, and Excalibur the sword. It was the ultimate evidence to me that he was not only listening as I read to him, he was understanding and comprehending and was able to transfer that knowledge and recreate it in his play. Education is an adventure!
What's Up With dh, dd, ds?
In an effort to protect the names of the innocent, I am using abbreviations which the sleuthhounds among you may have already deciphered. Dh is the code for "dear hubby" (or husband, hairball, hardhead, honey-you choose), ds is "dear son" and dd is, of course, "dear daughter". Hope this helps prevent any further confusion!
Cat Skeletons
There is a lady who lives just down the road from us. We call her the "Goat Woman" because she raises goats, lots of them. Apparently, goat meat is becoming very popular. She also has ducks, rabbits, dogs and cats.
Her animals have all been known to frequent our property but most recently it was her orange cat, Mister. Several weeks ago dd was out walking on our land and came home to tell us there was a large cat stuck in a tree. At the time, we did not know who this cat belonged to. We weren't concerned, after all, it would come down when it got hungry, right? Well, dd the animal lover gave daily reports on the cat's well-being and begged for us to rescue him. Dh kept repeating, "the cat will come down on it's own". After 10 days, the cat's appetite still wasn't enough motivation to come off of his perch. We decided to try to help the poor thing. Dd and I dragged a 20-foot ladder out of our garage, down the hill and into the hollow where Mister was staying. He was in the tallest tree in the woods! Upon our approach he was crying out as if he desperately wanted help so we were confident that this would work.
I put the ladder against the tree and looked at dd. She said, "you want me to climb up there?" I surreptitiously explained to her all of the reasons why she should be the one to do the climbing. Plus, I told her, if she fell I could catch her. She still wasn't convinced but her love for all living creatures won out and after a short debate she started up the ladder. When she was halfway up, I handed her a plank to extend to Mister so that he could walk down it. It seemed like a good plan but Mister would have none of it. He would approach the plank and appeared to want to climb down but just couldn't muster up the courage. We went home dejected.
Several days later (day 17 for Mister), dh decided to attempt a rescue while I was at work. He put a piece of meat on a long pole and held it up to Mister. The cat was obviously very hungry by this time and was carefully approaching the meat. When he got close enough, dh swung the pole and tried to knock the cat out of the tree. This is no stupid cat, I'll have you know. He climbed to the uppermost branches of the tree and sat there.
I joined dd in worrying about the cat. I asked friends what they would do. One person said, "I've never seen a cat skeleton hanging in a tree, it'll come down". So, we waited.
On day 21, dd reported that the cat was no longer in the tree. We rejoiced that he had finally managed to come down. Then dh, who has a way with words, said "it probably became too weak and either fell out and died or a big hawk or owl carried it off". The kids and I grieved for the cat.
A few days later our phone wasn't working so I went to Goat Woman's house to ask to use her phone to notify the phone company. She agreed and I did and as I was leaving she said "You haven't seen a cat in a tree lately, have you?" I replied that yes, as a matter of fact there was a cat in one of our trees for about 3 weeks but that he was now gone. She said, very nonchalantly, that it was her cat, Mister, who frequently got himself stuck in trees. I told her I was so sorry for her loss, had I known I would have notified her. She said "Oh no, he's fine! He was very skinny and weak when he hobbled home but he's perking up. Just let me know if you ever see him again-I can get him down."
Yesterday I happened to look out my window and saw Goat Woman standing on her tractor reaching up to a tree limb with a box mounted on a pole....................................................
Her animals have all been known to frequent our property but most recently it was her orange cat, Mister. Several weeks ago dd was out walking on our land and came home to tell us there was a large cat stuck in a tree. At the time, we did not know who this cat belonged to. We weren't concerned, after all, it would come down when it got hungry, right? Well, dd the animal lover gave daily reports on the cat's well-being and begged for us to rescue him. Dh kept repeating, "the cat will come down on it's own". After 10 days, the cat's appetite still wasn't enough motivation to come off of his perch. We decided to try to help the poor thing. Dd and I dragged a 20-foot ladder out of our garage, down the hill and into the hollow where Mister was staying. He was in the tallest tree in the woods! Upon our approach he was crying out as if he desperately wanted help so we were confident that this would work.
I put the ladder against the tree and looked at dd. She said, "you want me to climb up there?" I surreptitiously explained to her all of the reasons why she should be the one to do the climbing. Plus, I told her, if she fell I could catch her. She still wasn't convinced but her love for all living creatures won out and after a short debate she started up the ladder. When she was halfway up, I handed her a plank to extend to Mister so that he could walk down it. It seemed like a good plan but Mister would have none of it. He would approach the plank and appeared to want to climb down but just couldn't muster up the courage. We went home dejected.
Several days later (day 17 for Mister), dh decided to attempt a rescue while I was at work. He put a piece of meat on a long pole and held it up to Mister. The cat was obviously very hungry by this time and was carefully approaching the meat. When he got close enough, dh swung the pole and tried to knock the cat out of the tree. This is no stupid cat, I'll have you know. He climbed to the uppermost branches of the tree and sat there.
I joined dd in worrying about the cat. I asked friends what they would do. One person said, "I've never seen a cat skeleton hanging in a tree, it'll come down". So, we waited.
On day 21, dd reported that the cat was no longer in the tree. We rejoiced that he had finally managed to come down. Then dh, who has a way with words, said "it probably became too weak and either fell out and died or a big hawk or owl carried it off". The kids and I grieved for the cat.
A few days later our phone wasn't working so I went to Goat Woman's house to ask to use her phone to notify the phone company. She agreed and I did and as I was leaving she said "You haven't seen a cat in a tree lately, have you?" I replied that yes, as a matter of fact there was a cat in one of our trees for about 3 weeks but that he was now gone. She said, very nonchalantly, that it was her cat, Mister, who frequently got himself stuck in trees. I told her I was so sorry for her loss, had I known I would have notified her. She said "Oh no, he's fine! He was very skinny and weak when he hobbled home but he's perking up. Just let me know if you ever see him again-I can get him down."
Yesterday I happened to look out my window and saw Goat Woman standing on her tractor reaching up to a tree limb with a box mounted on a pole....................................................
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Chicken Little
Ds-age 5 has a "chicken". This is not just any chicken, it crows. He brought it home from the neighbor's yesterday, carrying it wrapped in his coat because "it was cold". He named it Chicken Little. Last night he made a cage for it in the barn, very carefully and thoroughly arranging boxes, bikes, tools and wood so the "chicken" couldn't get out. He wanted to check on it before he went to bed so at 930 we went out to the barn. No chicken. I didn't have the heart to tell him a cage with no roof is simply not effective for a bird. After crying hysterically for the assumed fate of the poor chicken, he asked if we could pray for the chicken to be safe. I said of course so in his sweet little voice he said "Um, dear God, thank you for letting me get this chicken, please don't let anything eat it, amen".
Prior to discovering the missing foul, we had to make a late evening run to the convenience store during which time ds said he couldn't wait for his chicken to lay eggs. I explained to him that his chicken was really a rooster, which meant it was a boy and as he already knew, boys don't make babies, girls do. He said "Oh yeah, I know, the boys plant the seed that's in their testicles, how do they get it to grow?" (although he used a more common slang term for testicles, rhymes with "falls"). I did what any good mother would do who takes advantage of every teachable moment, I quickly changed the subject. Speaking of chickens.......
Lest you be worried that the rooster met his end during the night, I have good news. Ds bounded out of bed this morning and put on his coat and shoes and headed outside. He was gone for quite some time so I started to go check on him and met him at the door. He was grinning from ear to ear and said "the chicken didn't die!". I told him how happy I was for him and asked where the chicken was. He said he had to chase it for a while but finally captured it and proceeded to pull the chicken out of his jacket. Then he asked me if chickens like oatmeal and turns out, they do.
Now if we can only convince dh (aka Mr. Safety) that we're not all going to come down with the bird flu!
Prior to discovering the missing foul, we had to make a late evening run to the convenience store during which time ds said he couldn't wait for his chicken to lay eggs. I explained to him that his chicken was really a rooster, which meant it was a boy and as he already knew, boys don't make babies, girls do. He said "Oh yeah, I know, the boys plant the seed that's in their testicles, how do they get it to grow?" (although he used a more common slang term for testicles, rhymes with "falls"). I did what any good mother would do who takes advantage of every teachable moment, I quickly changed the subject. Speaking of chickens.......
Lest you be worried that the rooster met his end during the night, I have good news. Ds bounded out of bed this morning and put on his coat and shoes and headed outside. He was gone for quite some time so I started to go check on him and met him at the door. He was grinning from ear to ear and said "the chicken didn't die!". I told him how happy I was for him and asked where the chicken was. He said he had to chase it for a while but finally captured it and proceeded to pull the chicken out of his jacket. Then he asked me if chickens like oatmeal and turns out, they do.
Now if we can only convince dh (aka Mr. Safety) that we're not all going to come down with the bird flu!
"A Time To Share"
The Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks (BCFO) held it's annual "A Time To Share" event on March 11. It is a time for Breast Cancer Survivors to come together and support one another but especially to give inspiration and hope to those newly diagnosed and others who want to know more about the disease. They also take a moment to honor those ladies who did not survive. Most recently, our sweet friend Angie Mallow went home to be with the Lord at age 31.
The event is directed by the ladies at The Harem & Co. and it is great fun! The day starts with speakers and a silent auction and ends with a luncheon/fashion show in which all of the models are breast cancer survivors. I first participated 2 years ago, 2 months after finishing chemo and my brain was mush, verified by the fact that I wore a bathing suit! What was I thinking?! I suppose at the time I felt like if I could get through treatment, I could do anything. Whew, thankfully that has passed.
Mary Beth O'Reilly founded the BCFO to honor a friend of hers who died of breast cancer at a very young age and Mary Beth herself is also a survivor. Their focus is helping women with financial difficulties while going through treatment. As you are probably aware, many women are young and still working and trying to run a household at the time they are diagnosed. The BCFO has also recently instituted a free mammogram program and a mentoring program. If you would like more information about the BCFO or if you want to make a donation, go to www.bcfo.org. I can tell you without a doubt that every bit of the money they raise stays in Southwest Missouri.
The event is directed by the ladies at The Harem & Co. and it is great fun! The day starts with speakers and a silent auction and ends with a luncheon/fashion show in which all of the models are breast cancer survivors. I first participated 2 years ago, 2 months after finishing chemo and my brain was mush, verified by the fact that I wore a bathing suit! What was I thinking?! I suppose at the time I felt like if I could get through treatment, I could do anything. Whew, thankfully that has passed.
Mary Beth O'Reilly founded the BCFO to honor a friend of hers who died of breast cancer at a very young age and Mary Beth herself is also a survivor. Their focus is helping women with financial difficulties while going through treatment. As you are probably aware, many women are young and still working and trying to run a household at the time they are diagnosed. The BCFO has also recently instituted a free mammogram program and a mentoring program. If you would like more information about the BCFO or if you want to make a donation, go to www.bcfo.org. I can tell you without a doubt that every bit of the money they raise stays in Southwest Missouri.
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Sunshine and Blackberries
Welcome to our family blog. Our family and friends now have an avenue to keep up with us since we have moved soooooo far away from everyone! We are actually within an hour's drive of our parents, kids and most brothers and sisters so we are very fortunate. When it comes to staying in touch with those I love, I admit I'm the worst! You know, you wait until you will have plenty of time to actually talk and that never happens and before you know it, months have passed. I called a dear friend of mine yesterday who I hadn't spoken with in over a year and she said "Cindi, where have you been!" Thankfully, she still loves me and forgives my faults.
We moved to the country last August on approximately 20 acres. For those of you who can't imagine "why on earth anyone would want to move to Seymour", our home is situated on the top of a ridge so we have panoramic views of the valley below us, the main reason we fell in love with the place. The North hillside around our house is covered with Blackberry bushes; we went there for dessert several times last summer! The house is built in such a way that we have the advantage of passive solar gain. The windows are primarily on the South side of the house so that we get all of the winter sunlight streaming through. The overhangs are 2 feet deep so they provide protection against the summer sun, which is higher in the sky. I couldn't have designed it any better myself! Our last electric bill was $42.00. The kids love playing on the tire swing and the zip line, playing in the creek and going on "trudges" as Davey Crockett (intrepid, 5 Year old explorer) and dh call it.
I don't want to bore anyone with daily entries about "what we did in school today" but hope to provide interesting tidbits about the neat opportunities homeschooling affords and those oh-so-frequent aha! moments. The local school is on Spring break this week so we are, as well. Dd's choice--too bad the weather hasn't been better!
We moved to the country last August on approximately 20 acres. For those of you who can't imagine "why on earth anyone would want to move to Seymour", our home is situated on the top of a ridge so we have panoramic views of the valley below us, the main reason we fell in love with the place. The North hillside around our house is covered with Blackberry bushes; we went there for dessert several times last summer! The house is built in such a way that we have the advantage of passive solar gain. The windows are primarily on the South side of the house so that we get all of the winter sunlight streaming through. The overhangs are 2 feet deep so they provide protection against the summer sun, which is higher in the sky. I couldn't have designed it any better myself! Our last electric bill was $42.00. The kids love playing on the tire swing and the zip line, playing in the creek and going on "trudges" as Davey Crockett (intrepid, 5 Year old explorer) and dh call it.
I don't want to bore anyone with daily entries about "what we did in school today" but hope to provide interesting tidbits about the neat opportunities homeschooling affords and those oh-so-frequent aha! moments. The local school is on Spring break this week so we are, as well. Dd's choice--too bad the weather hasn't been better!
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