Erudite Periodicals, and Intentional Parenting, and stuff

My husband subscribes to the Wall Street Journal, a periodical for well educated people with money to invest. It's great fun to read despite my absence from the requisite demographic. Although investing matters and global news dominate the majority of the paper, I find diversion in the less lofty sections.
Just this weekend, I happened to read an article which dominated a huge chunk of the paper. This article took great pains to assure me that the changing of the season needn't cause a decrease in my ability to be stylish. What comfort! If only I incorporate this helpful list of 50 suggestions, I may then rest easy in my on-trend lifestyle. Gone are the fears of falling behind! I had not previously realized how very likely outdated I was about to become.
Green is the new black. (And here, I'd heard it was Orange.)
Floral clothing is now for Fall.
Good China dinnerware will sweep away the informality of Summer.
New, more expensive travel options will brighten the shorter days. Where were you going to spend this season's vacation?
Let us not forget that a good year's wage spent on a handbag will bring several weeks of personal satisfaction!
The right foods, a sense of adventure, and winterizing the Summer home are all that need to be done to keep me right on a par with the Jones's.

Personally, I don't give quite that much thought to my Seasonal Status Symbols. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for a fresh wreath on the front door to announce a change in the weather. I'm clear on the need for different clothes, and even an update of style. But, honestly, this newspaper has my head spinning. Do you suppose that real people worry about all that kind of thing? It's fun to think about all the money I'd spend redecorating, but it's more like a fantasy for me. I'm content with that, too. There's no need to reinvent myself every season.

I, as a reader of this esteemed newspaper, am confronted with issues of politics, finances, and fashion, within the course of an hour. I can turn the page on Syria as easily as I can devour news of a new luxury vehicle. All of these topics are absorbed as I peruse the paper from the comfort of my air conditioned living room. Nothing from the pages has much of an impact on my daily life. Isn't it strange?

As I skim over the headlines on my computer screen, I tend not to differentiate between which items have great value, and which are tawdry nonsense. I skim over them, and run down to switch the laundry around. The laundry has immediate relevance to my life.

I think that this constant inundation of information is often counterproductive. As horrible as some of the atrocities in our world are, knowing about them can take a great deal of my energy that might be better spent within the confines of my own little fiefdom. Knowing about these atrocities doesn't put me in a position to help. (Now, obviously, it's important to know what the issues of the day are so that I can make informed decisions within our democratic process. However, I don't see that the superfluity of information necessarily contributes to savvy voters...but I digress.)

My kids are so constantly dealing with information that has little or nothing to do with them. Look at texting or facebook, for example. When they are plugged in to that stuff, they have constant input which has no real meaning to their life. They do imagine that it's important, as I do when I pour over the news. If only they were as concerned with cleaning their room, or doing laundry, or homework....

I think they may be getting mixed messages from me. Like, now, for instance. I'm blogging as I expect Aaron to get his schoolwork done. Nice parenting.

Livin the dream

I didn't think it was remarkable, that a mom would be accessorized while cooking breakfast. We grew up with June Cleaver, after all. Michael has two buddies over this morning, and they commented at some length regarding my dress, and jewelry, and the Orange Juice in a wine glass. Life is just too short to be tacky, in my opinion. Besides, have you ever worn a maxi-dress? It's better than throwing on a pair of sweats. It as comfortable as being naked, if you want the truth. Now you know why they are so popular.

It's Friday, which brings me joy. This weekend should be a blast. Besides the usual freaking out over all that needs to be done, we are going to a concert. A rock concert. Journey and Heart are playing together. I think that everyone probably knows Journey songs, right? I just can't think of any right now.

.........Just right this very moment I hung up on a telemarketer. Do you hang up on those people? I don't think it counts as rude to slam the phone down when someone is calling to interrupt my life to give them money. Do you think it's rude?

I had the loveliest conversation this morning with Jenine. She is a vibrant, joyful mom of 8. The whole Jon and Kate people have nothing on Jenine. You TV people should do a Mike and Jenine Plus 8 show. She's so cool. This lady just gave birth to AnnaLee Grace, and their eldest is off to college in a few weeks. Jenine home schools, and cooks every meal from scratch. Also? She's terrifically sexy, and I'm not even gay. She's beautiful and intelligent, and a fantastic dancer. I might have to hate her. Maybe if I spend some time with her, she'll rub off on me.

At least I'm accessorized.

Public School, used for my devilish purposes

I am in danger of being late to the gym, but I felt it was important to fill you in on the riveting goings-on of my life.
That's how important you are to me.

So, we're moving. In August, I shall move across town, which will put us in a different school district. You would think that since my children don't actually attend school, this would be a non-issue. You would be wrong.
Michael was all geared up to be in High School next year, and to play sports with his buddies. He was also counting on playing for a winning team. The school district we are moving to has ninth graders in Jr. High, and this feels like a terrible demotion to him. They also wear uniforms to school, which makes them uncool. And they do not win at athletics. He is seriously bummed.
However, because he is the most resilient young man in creation, he is coming around to the idea nicely. Within hours of accepting that his athletic prowess would be wasted, he decided that the school colors aren't so bad. Plus, he could single-handedly turn that team into a winning team. Maybe he has a chance to really stand out.
I had a brilliant flash of inspiration, myself. After taking with the school principal, and the counselor, I saw the light. My children, who will both be playing sports there, could each attend a couple of classes. English and Computer skills, for instance. If they went there the last two hours of the day, then they could go directly to the locker room for whichever sport was in season. They'd still be home educated, it's just that this would have them occupied for several hours each afternoon. Given the fact that I will be a newlywed, I think this idea has marvelous potential.
I'm brilliant.
Doncha think?

The day ahead

I was up half the night finishing World Without End. Wow. That's really all I can say. Go get it, read it.....no, you really want to.
The downside is that I haven't picked up the other book I'm reading. Perhaps today I'll have a chance, but I doubt it.
Today is a day of skiing. This is an important 'field trip' for my home schooled young'uns. We love to ski. Well, M loves to board. My dad gave us each 3 day packages as a gift for Christmas. It would seem that Spring conditions prevail at the local resort, so we're packing our sunscreen and going off for the day.
There is so much in my head, I wish I had an hour to write to you. Alas!
Have a glorious Friday, friends.
I'll catch ya later

Party like it's 2009

The week ahead is planned and plotted on several charts, graphs, and college ruled sheets of loose leaf paper. I have my own schedule, including work, homeschool, bible study, dating, and my workouts. The boys have individual schedules of schoolwork and chores. There is no way I'll get it all done.
Tonight we're going to bed early.

House church is changing. What I mean by that, is that everyone quit. Apparently, once Tim and I got together, God Called everyone else away. This works well for us. We met today, and enjoyed a lively discussion. It's quite amusing to note that between the two of us we can generate quite a bunch of debate and conversation. We are kind of a bible study unto ourselves.
In truth, I think God is up to more that just giving Tim and I alone time. There's more happening, and I can hardly wait to see what comes of this.

The weekend has flown by. The week will, too. DO you think that staying so busy burns a lot of calories? I hate to be so busy. It's ok, though. SO many people have no work at all right now. I am thankful for the work I have, and thankful that the kids are old enough to be a help. It's only temporary, right?

If I am burning calories by my busyness, I might be able to smile about my schedule. Have I told you about my scale? It's wrong. Buy several pounds. I heart my scale. It says I weigh 122 pounds. I often stand on it as I begin my day. Even though I know it's wrong, it's very like having a talking mirror that says, "You are beautiful." Many years ago when I was a size 2, I weighed 125. This is how I know my scale is off. I am not currently able to fit my left wrist into a size 2. Ergo, I do not weigh 122. But, who cares?

Have you any new year's resolutions? I don't. I don't have time to resolve, much less to do.

That's what's on my mind. In case you were wondering. Which, you seem to have been doing, else you wouldn't be here.

The Reigning Queen of Doilies

I have more doilies that you do. Do you know how I know? Because I just stripped every surface of my home of all the dusty doilies, and they filled a super-sized load in my washing machine. No one else, on the planet, under the age of 72, can equal me. And those are only the doilies that were out. I have truckloads more in boxes and drawers. I am going to be ironing for "a month of Sundays," as my Granny used to say. Only people with mountains of neatly starched doilies can be called "Granny," in case you were wondering.
Who is wearing-out her quotation marks today?
Besides the doily stripping rampage, I have had a somewhat unproductive day. This morning included the application of vast amounts of makeup, and hair product. The noon hour was committed to a lunch date.
What home school?
I figure that clean lace will cover a multitude of sins.
Speaking of sins...
Why did they say "a month of Sundays" to exaggerate a really long time? Personally, I find that Sundays are never long enough. We frequently go to regular church late in the mornings, scramble for something edible to share at house church, and then go to house church for the afternoon and evening. Sunday is a day of Rest, and also socialization. Homeschooled children need socialization, right? Homeschooled mothers certainly do. Heck, when they aren't washing doilies and having lunch dates, they're downright deprived of intelligent conversation. So, that's why they blog.

Pulling a blog out of my hat

It is simply not possible to be a blogger and also to be in love. There's a part of my brain that is just not engaging. That, and the fact that I am also trying to be a mom and a teacher....see? I am a loser of a blogger. Sorry 'bout that. I'll try to keep up.

I am weaving through my school days like a woman without a purpose. Today, for instance, I had Kara's kids. I tried to teach them math, so that my own kids would focus. That went swimmingly. I gave up and sent them all outside to study....nature. That's science, right? Then I nagged them to clean their rooms. That's home ec. We spoke English repeatedly. I feel very good about all we've accomplished. M' is off at Football practice right now, so we'll call that P.E. and it shall round out the day splendidly.

D' is currently trying to negotiate his way into a meal from McDonald's. He wants me to buy for him and his buddy. His argumentative skills are top notch. If he doesn't grow up to be a lawyer or a woman, I think it'll be dreadful waste of his talent. Seriously. I am almost convinced.

There is little else to report. Or perhaps there's too much. Either way, I am going to wrap this up and try to have another go at it tomorrow.

Chaos,...And also Tim

Autumn is freaking me out.
Football practice has begun for M'
School starts Monday.
I don't have time for this!

Yesterday, I took out all of my curriculum and had a heart-to-heart with my schedule. The only possible conclusion is that I don't have time for children. How can I be troubled with adult responsibilities, when I am completely consumed with the business of falling in love?

In other news....

Today, I have 4 extra children in my home, and the noise level is deafening. I sent them outside so that the entire neighborhood can benefit from the chaos. I know my neighbors are thanking me.
There is not enough coffee on the planet to jump-start my morning. I woke at 4 am and couldn't get back to sleep. The upside is that I was able to get lots of quiet time before the melee descended. I read from the Song of Solomon, since it's compatible with my current mindset.

The whole issue of scheduling and home school really is a pressing issue. Besides educating my kids, there's work, and normal household maintenance, as well as athletics, and bible studies, and youth group. There are friendships, and now romance. It's bound to be a little bit too busy for my liking.
I do so much better with a calm life.
It's time to kiss a calm life goodbye.
Fortunatley, I am not averse to kissing.

Who's going to educate these kids?

The time for school is nearly upon me. Public schools hereabouts begin on the 25th, and my plan has been to do the same.

Usually, at this point in the Summer, I am all geared up to begin again. Not so much this year. Home school seems like a lot of work. Frankly, it doesn't pay all that well. And a teenager? Will likely try all my mental acuity.

I have an 8th grader, and a 6th grader. It's all middle school, all the time.
Thursday evening is football registration, and M' is already fancying himself the star of the team. I love to watch football, especially when my kid is playing. Nothing brings the expectation of changing seasons like a good football game.

Then, it's gonna be pumpkin picking.
Turkeys.
Then Christmas shopping.
Skiing.
Spring break.
Remember how I get ahead of myself?

Today, I need to give some consideration to lesson plans for the first week of school. Geez, I am so not ready for this.

It will be nice to have a regular schedule, though. Bed times, lists, and plans. I like that kind of organization in my life. For about a week.

Two more weeks of Summer. Here we go....

A field trip

We went on the coolest field trip yesterday, to a park I'd never even heard of. It's about an hour South of civilization, or 40 minutes from Kara's house.















There were pictures on rocks that folks from ages past left for us to speculate about. They were apparently way smarter than you and I, because they had figured out stuff like true North and prime numbers. Now, I don't know about you, but I haven't figured out either of those things.




You can see an image which looks like a comb or a rake. No idea what that means. The arch with a dot inside, I think that was maybe a self-portrait of a Cyclopes. But what do I know?
I asked for a job and tried to convince the manager to allow me to lead tours from a Creationist perspective.
Also, I tried to convince him to let me take over the management of the park's incoming revenue. And also, to let me pursue world domination.



The children flirted with death on the banks of the swiftly flowing Snake River. M' actually brought a fishing pole along, and amazed the other children with his manly fishing skills.
They climbed rocks and caught lizards, and fashioned weapons out of twigs and rocks.










"Mom, the fish that got away was this big."
Actually, I don't know what he is explaining here. Perhaps we could run a contest in which you all create a humorous caption.













D' and his buddy crossed the bridge and climbed a mountain long after the rest of us were drooping from exhaustion.
We had walked and climbed and explored for so many hours! We all came home sunburned, and in need of a large burger.
I love Homeschool.

When I grow up

I have been toying with the idea of going back to school. My parents always advised me to have an education to "fall back on" in case something happened to my husband, or I couldn't find a suitable sugar daddy. All in all, that was pretty solid advice, as it turns out. Too bad I didn't pursue it back when Daddy wanted to pay.

Does anyone ever aspire to becoming a poverty-stricken single mom? No, I think not.

School is really boring. I think that subjests like math, for instance, are highly overrated. My cell phone can calculate percentage off, when stuff is on sale. What more do I need?

History is facinating. My limited experience seems to indicate that History Teachers are not. Seriously, I have never had a history instructor who taught with anything like passion and wonder. That's a shame, really.

Languages thrill me. We've discussed that before. But I don't really know any. Which puts a damper on it. I mean, I know English. I like to compare Greek and Latin to English and research the roots of words I love.
And then it hit me!
People who love words are called Philologists. That is what I want to be when I grow up! I don't know if there's a big market for them, and I don't know what the pay scale is. I'll go do a google search here in a minute. Plus, where do you go to school for that? Do you get a B.A. in Philology? Are there scholarships for that? Does it matter that I have a spelling handicap?

I read a book a few years ago about the making of one of the English dictionaries, and that is where I learned about Philologists. I knew, then, that it would be a fun thing for me. But at the time, it hadn't really occured to me to pursue some manner of education.

Now that it's occurred to me, I may need to marinate in the idea for a few years. You can't rush these things.

On Why I Homeschool

- A superior Education

-Close family bonds

-minimization of peer pressure

-Every event is an educational opportunity. Grocery shopping? Economics! Chores? Home Ec! Skiing? P.E.

-My children can sleep late. I can nap.

-I have readily accessible slave labor

-My children appreciate Bach and Beethoven

-They have read Tolkien, Lewis, and Shakespeare

-They've been exposed to Spanish, Latin, Sign Language, and proper English

-We never miss school because of sick days, snow days, nor teacher in-service days

-We totally miss school for skiing, spontaneous vacations, and mental health days

-But the #1 reason that I home educate? I really, really like my children. If there were more than 24 hours in a day? I would totally spend it with them.