Free To Live And Learn

North Carolina

2009-07-19T07:17:00.001-07:00

North Carolina was our last stop. We met all of Jim's brothers and his parents there. It was very relaxing, and a perfect last stop on our journey. Rocking chairs are everywhere in NC. We enjoyed them where ever we went. It adds to that peaceful, laid back feel of the place.

Boogie boarding was an everyday event.

The kiddos played with their cousin all day long...

Jim and I enjoyed some long walks on the beach.

Ocean Isle, NC is very peaceful and beautiful. The water is warm, and calm. It was a perfect ending to our vacation. I still feel like I am soaking in how wonderful our summer has been this year. Each stop on our trip was wonderful, but there were no regrets about moving on to the next wonderful stop. Each stop seemed to be exactly what we needed at the time-the excitement of Paris, the reunion with friends in Sweden, a few days with my sister in NY, mostly hanging at her house, time in PA in a very special community with friends and family, then a relaxing time on the beach with Jim's family. It was just perfect. I am so grateful.

Pennsylvania

2009-07-19T07:00:00.001-07:00

We did so many things in Pennsylvania, including meeting an old friend at a gym camp one day to play. It was great fun.

Met another friend at one of PA's state parks. This one, RB Winter, will be closing this summer as part of budget cuts in PA. We wanted to get there before the closure.

Grandma took the whole week off work to spend with us, and we had so much fun with her and grandpa.

We had to go the the Elk Creek Cafe a few times for dinner, it is just so delicious!

Grandma drove us to BWI to catch our flight to NC. We had a wonderful time in beautiful PA. Such a fabulous community. I definitely would like to move back someday...sooner than later! I would love for my children to experience living in central PA. For now, we will just have to plan more visits.

New York

2009-07-19T06:52:00.000-07:00

We had a great visit with my sister and her family in New York. My sister took us on a hike in the woods around her house.

They have a few animals on their 25 acres in the woods, including chickens.

They also had Evelyn, the sheep. She was missing for most of our visit, but was found the last day a few miles away.

Quinn helped in the garden.

Keegan and Lena had ice cream at a small shop that sold home made ice cream. We had a bonfire one night, and just enjoyed simple pleasures and good company in a beautiful, green place. Then, we were on to PA.

Sweden

2009-07-19T06:27:00.001-07:00

Our stay in Sweden was so special because we were visiting our friends! We stayed with them in Sandviken. Quinn went to school with Elena 2 days, and on our only sunny day, we enjoyed our afternoon at the farm where Petra boards her horses. It was so beautiful, and so much fun!

It was a thrill when Petra ran the horses down the lane.

Keegan loved the open spaces.

We went to a lake.

There were lupines everywhere.

Quinn and Elena at Elena's end of year program for school.

Carl Linne's(the man responsible for creating the binomial nomenclature system!) house and gardens in Uppsala. We saw quite a few wonderful gardens in Sweden.

After a quick stop in Uppsala, we all went to Stockholm. We spend one day at Skansen. The kiddos fed the camels...and fed them and fed them and fed them.

A very narrow street in Old town.

Keegan adored Sebastian...I guess we all did! Thank you Petra for a wonderful week. I hope we can visit again someday! We also got to meet some of my mom's relatives who live in Uppsala. We had a wonderful lunch with them at their home. Would be great to see them again too someday.

Paris

2009-07-18T13:49:00.001-07:00

We had a fabulous vacation. Each leg of our trip was wonderful. I can't say enough about how much we enjoyed everything. I just feel bliss when I remember our travels, the people and places. Paris was our first stop.

Quinn tried to get the Mona Lisa smile down at our visit to the Louvre.

The cheese in France was glorious! We enjoyed it every night that we were there.

The whole gang at Versailles.

Walking through the grounds of Versailles. It was a big group to keep together, but we did pretty good!

A moment in the gardens.

Notre Dame...we climbed to the top!

La Tour Eiffel...we made it to the second level.

The Louvre at night. Right across the street from the flat where we stayed, a great location.

Keegan, having his portrait done in Place Du Tertre, Montmartre. All the kiddos had one done, as I had 20 years ago!

Ah, Giverny, Monet's house and gardens. We went to the Orsay Museum the day before and saw many of his paintings. His gardens were delightful.

Keegan's 10th Birthday

2009-07-17T06:25:00.000-07:00

Keegan's 10th birthday in Paris! Just where he wanted to be. On the birthday eve, we celebrated in our flat with a fruit cake and a poetry reading. All of our family that was in Paris with us had written a poem for Keegan. It was a wonderful night.

Uncle Devin took his turn. It was a funny one, and Keegan has me read it over and over.

EuroDisney on June 4.

Keegan gets to be with Ryland, one of the greatest gifts of all.

Each poem was so special. Each person wrote their poem in a book that Keegan keeps by his bedside and asks me to read each one when I tuck him in.

For Keegan from mom....

There's a light that is shining in my heart

The light is a fire that my soul did start

The fire is fueled with deeds of courage, wisdom and with love

I lit the fire and keep it burning, this is who I am proud of

When I reach a crossroads and choose the way to go

The fire inside can guide me, if I feel its glow

Sometimes I may not choose its path, and ergo the fire may dim

Then I will know to gather sticks and stoke the fire's brim

I'll burn it bright and hot and true and remember what is inside me

This is the me I know and love, it is the bona-fide me!

I'll burn it bright and hot and true and treasure my quintessence

This is the me I know and love, it is my luminescence!

Bon Voyage

2009-05-29T06:15:00.000-07:00

We are leaving tomorrow for 5 weeks of travel. Paris, France, then Sandviken and Stockholm, Sweden, then High Falls, NY, then Penns Valley, PA, and last Ocean Isle, NC. I feel a little crazy, trying to pack, finishing up the school year a little early(I think we will not do that next year), test the kiddos early for TKD tonight, celebrate Keegan's birthday at school this morning, get the house ready to leave, and Quinn has an ear infection that needs attention today. AHHHHH!

But it will all be ok tomorrow. We will board the first plane for NY, and officially begin our adventure. We are all very excited. Hopefully I can figure out how to post pictures from my iphone...we will see.

Fun stuff..

2009-05-12T09:55:00.000-07:00

The Springs Preserve for Mother's Day. We wondered around the gardens. It was a beautiful day.

We took a fieldtrip on Friday to see a homeschool production of The Taming Of The Shrew. Tricia was the Shrew. It was an inspiring production. And the kiddos had fun with their Life Learner friends. Afterward, they all came over for lunch and play. It was a great day, just like old homeschooling times....
Quinn with Tricia, the shrew. All the costumes were made by the parents.

What to do when you are grounded at our house...

2009-05-12T09:37:00.001-07:00

We were all feeling a little off... rushed, irritable...so we took a week to get grounded. That means, we slow way down, take care of ourselves, do not schedule any extras, no playdates, and we take a techno break, so no screentime.

That week, our praying manthis hatched. We had about 75 babies to feed. I think they waited for us to be grounded, because if we were rushing around as usual, we may have had a hard time catching enough insects to feed them...

The kiddos rediscover "together time". They dug out the art supplies, and enjoyed creating together.

Of course there was time to get naked and go swimming.

The Brio trains have not been out of their chest in years...but the kids had a fun time making a layout together.

The Lincoln Logs can't compete with video games, but when the video games are away....

The week had us reading every night, playing games together, talking, getting to bed on time, eating healthy, talking at meals, doing things together, and being peaceful together. The kids had a chance to reconnect. We felt great by the end...we love getting grounded...

Our Weekend...Shows, shows and more shows

2009-04-20T11:29:00.001-07:00

Friday night we got free tickets to Barry Manilow from House seats. The show was great! The kids loved it and so did we. So did many audience members...a lady told me on the way out that this was her 50th time seeing the show...wow.

Saturday morning, bright and early, Quinn had a soccer game. She played a great game. Then she and I were off to see the new Hannah Montana movie. To my surprise, I really liked it. It had my favorite theme of leaving the fast life to find yourself in slow, country living, just a little something I am usually going on about....Saturday night, we were off to a Signature Production of Thoroughly Modern Millie at Summerlin Library, another great production.

Sunday, we met our friends at the Highlands Games and Celtic Festival at Floyd Lamb State Park. Will I ever remember to bring Keegan a sword? We left with another to add to his collection.
Then we were off to the Flamingo Hilton to see another show compliments of House Seats, Nathan Burton Comedy Magic. It was pretty good, the kiddos enjoyed it, and we got to show them the wedding chapel where we were married.

The weather is warming, so we ended our weekend by releasing 10 painted lady butterflies we hatched last week.

Mexico

2009-04-17T13:08:00.001-07:00

Before we left for Mexico, spring break began with 3 days of tennis camp with their Tae Kwon Do friends. Keegan really liked it, and wants to do some more tennis when he is finished with Tae Kwon Do.

Mexico at last, with his cousins....what could be better?

Quinn gets her hair done.

She loves the look!

Resort activities...

The first weekend in April...

2009-04-06T08:13:00.001-07:00

We hosted our first couch surfer! We had such an amazing night, hearing all about the adventures of such an interesting 23 year old. Then he broke out the instruments...a guitar, banjo and a mandolin. What a special treat for us! Quinn got her first banjo lesson, and is inspired to sign up for more.

Just before the couch surfer, some friends from San Diego stopped by. We had a great time showing off the best of Las Vegas(in our opinion)... a hike at Red Rock, and then a visit to the Springs Preserve. They loved it all, and even agreed to skip the cruise to the strip after our full day of nature and culture!

Quinn is playing soccer again. The Silver Stars! She is more and more interested in sports. She is going to Tennis Camp today for the start of Spring Break.

When I Think of Home...

2009-02-28T23:40:00.000-08:00

I think of a place where there's love overflowing......

We went to see The Wiz tonight. It was a fabulous LVA(High School) production. It was our third year seeing their spring musical. I loved when Dorothy sang Home. I wanted to remember the first two lines of the song.

Black Belt

2009-02-27T11:25:00.000-08:00

I finally did it! Last night I earned my black belt. The kiddos and Jim also went up a belt. I don't know whose thumb that is, but....I agree!

Skiing at Flagstaff

2009-02-27T11:16:00.001-08:00

This can't be comfortable! But he didn't complain, and skied like this most of the day.

Quinn loves Uncle Devon.

Jim and I waiting in a very long lift line.

Valentine's Day dessert, after a fun day of snow play!

Couch Surfing

2009-02-22T21:31:00.001-08:00

We went skiing with my sister and brother in law last weekend. After a nice dinner at the cabin, and a few glasses of wine, my brother in law talked me into signing up for Couch Surfing. Couch Surfing is an international organization for travelers to host each other in whatever way the host wants, from meeting for coffee to having surfers stay at your home. He didn't have to twist my arm too far, he has been doing it for years, and I have had some experiences through him, mainly in Ireland. It was a couch surfer who called us to that glorious town of Killaloe, and then proceeded to invite us to a Waldorf School's advent fair in Ireland-a definite highlight of our trip.

Today we had our first couch request...a couple from Paris to come next month! We e-mailed back and forth, and expect the Parisians to be here in March for a few days. We are all so excited to hear about Paris, especially before we go in June, and to practice our French for a few days. An international experience brought right to our door! How wonderful!

Candlemas

2009-02-04T06:58:00.001-08:00

We wrote down what we hope to accomplish in the coming year, and what our passions are.

We read a verse....according to Las Vegas weather on February 2, winter has another flight.

We lit lots of candles and ate crepes for dinner.

Quinn's 8th Birthday

2009-01-14T23:47:00.001-08:00

On her birthday, she gets up early for the "Birthday Set-Up". We gather things from around the house and arrange all her cards and presents on the table. Usually, I find a verse or poem that reminds me of her and write it out for her as part of the set up. This year, Jim and I wrote our own poems for her.

For Quinn...

A force of nature I will be

Creating all in front of me

Like wind and rain and sun I mold

As life around me does unfold

A rock, a tree, a mountain high

The years ahead and those gone by

On mother earth I set my feet

Preparing for all that I shall meet

The Holidays

2009-01-14T23:00:00.000-08:00

New Year's Eve....this year we all answered questions to be opened next New Year's. I think the adults should answer their questions before the party gets started next time. I can't imagine what we will think of ourselves next year when we read what we wrote.

We made it out to Red Rock.

Either I really missed or she jumped.

The grandparents came on Christmas day. It was great to have 3 extra for Christmas dinner, Jim's parents and my niece, Ginger from New York.

We went ice skating on the floating ice rink at Lake Las Vegas.

Jim and Quinn made this gorgeous gingerbread house. Usually, we just get the kit, but no more!

We got in some sledding with the Life Learners.

We tried to get a family holiday photo, but it didn't work out, so we never did send out cards this year.

We continued our advent tradition this year.... stories, tea, cookies, advent calendars, candles, verses, advent garden, the baby Jesus ladder...we gathered every night by candle light to read advent stories and go through all the rituals we have added over the years.

We made 56 applesauce cakes this year and delivered them all to friends and neighbors. We enjoyed busy but wonderful holidays with all our visitors. We are grateful to our family for making the journey to be with us.

Ireland

2008-12-24T07:07:00.000-08:00

We had a trip planned to Maryland for Thanksgiving, but my sister Laurel called with an idea, and we ended up spending Thanksgiving week in Ireland. We stayed on in Maryland the next week for Jim to do some work on the East Coast, the kids to visit with Jim's parents, and me to have a little get away with my sister in Massachusetts. Mom and Nick came the night before we left. They house sat and explored the desert while we were gone. Mom stayed for a week after we returned.

They played and played-not just the piano. Quinn had fun with her grandpa Nick, I think she got a week's worth of grandpa time in the one night before we left.

We were very jet lagged when we arrived, and missed the first day completely. But on Tuesday, we made it out to explore the town of Ennis, and Wednesday took us to Limerick to see King John's Castle. We stayed in Bunratty, and rented cars to get us around. Driving standard on the opposite side of the car and road on some very narrow roads was interesting, mostly for Jim, although I did give it a try a few times.

The Cliffs of Moher. Well... the field around the Cliffs.

Love this picture of Quinn and Lindsey. We had to buy extra warm hats when we got to the Cliffs-it was very cold and windy.

I love the way the plants grow in Ireland-everywhere. Ferns and moss galore, it is so lovely.

An image from my favorite place that we visited-Killaloe. A quaint little village where we met a family who took us to a cafe for lunch, gave us the historical walking tour, and told us about life in Ireland. I was sold! Did I mention her son attended a Waldorf School? It was a magical place.

A church in Killaloe.

A toy store in Killaloe. We had a productive shopping excursion. They had all my favorite stuff! And the kids liked it too....

A full rainbow(this was half of it). My first.

A view from the top of Blarney Castle. A two hour drive and well worth it. Our friends from Killaloe told us this was a good one, and it was. The grounds of the castle were botanically amazing. It was fabulous in late fall, but I would love to go back in spring or summer to get another view. The kiddos all kissed the stone, but I skipped it.

A Waldorf school in a magical forest. That is how it seemed to me anyway. We went to the school for their Advent Fair. It was beautiful and wonderful, I was ready to move to Ireland!

Ireland was interesting..... so clean, simple, tidy, green, historical, easy, sparse, friendly...I think I fell in love.

After we returned to Maryland, I was off to the Berkshires in MA to visit with my sister. Don't ask me what we did, drove around mostly, stopping whenever we felt like it, making no plan. We saw movies most nights, went to a used bookstore, drank alot of tea and laughed...alot. We got our make up done and a massage at Kripaulu. Just some of this and some of that. But wow... was it great.

It was the first time since I had children that we had time alone together. It was energizing, inspiring, relaxing, nurturing. After 3 days, I was ready to go back to my family feeling so wonderful, like my cup was full , and I had so much to give to them now. In all the homeschooling days, I did not make much time for my own rejuvenation. Now, I hope to make it a regular part of my year-with my sister, with friends, by myself. I just couldn't believe how good I felt. My family likes it when I feel good-Jim already signed me up for next year with my sister!

The Sock Monkey

2008-11-04T09:26:00.000-08:00

When we were homeschooling, I had many ideas for projects that I tried to get the kiddos interested in. Often, they were not interested. Now that they are schooling, we don't have alot of time for projects, and Quinn follows me around begging for me to help her with her many project ideas. Her ideas are endless, and I keep thinking...where was this 6 monthes ago????

Anyway, her idea last weekend was for a sock monkey. I was busy, and suggested many reasons why we should not embark on such a project right now, but she persisted, and solved all my many problems with the project, and so we did it. She found an old pair of my wool socks, we looked up a pattern on the internet, we got out the sewing machine, found some wool stuffing, button eyes, and went to work. I did the machine sewing, and she worked on the hand sewing. The monkey was just perfect, and we had a great time doing it.

She has also recently got me to make dog treats, pumpkin tartlets, do some beading, play teatherball with her homemade teather set up in the house, and many other things. It is interesting how much she is thinking up now that we have so little time to pursue her ideas.

We are very busy now. I told someone we used to homeschool, and they made some sort of comment about how much work that must have been. I thought privately that it is not nearly as hard and hectic as schooling the kiddos. We are all running now. School, homework, Tae Kwon Do and keeping up with the house. I hope we can find a balance between schooling and pursuing other interests and projects. I know it is all important right now!

The Haunted Harvest

2008-10-25T07:40:00.000-07:00

We went to the Springs Preserve for their Haunted Hay ride. Lefty was our guide.

The scary stories led to scary characters in the desert.

This guy tried to shoot us with a banana.

The kiddos didn't think he was very scary.

It was a fun ride...scary enough, but not too scary.

A radio station was giving out playing cards. After dinner, we played a few games of crazy eights. We had a great night.

Camping at Zion

2008-10-24T09:09:00.000-07:00

Another camping trip to Zion with the Life Learners. A great year for camping. The weather was good, and it was a great groups of kiddos and adults. We all had a very good time.

We all enjoyed the campfire..here are the boys warming their toes in the morning.

The water was very cold, but the kiddos didn't care.

Keegan really didn't care, he loves the water.

Well, it was a little cold...

We saw lots of wild life. These deer kept coming into our camping area.

Quinn and Elena(Quinn's friend from homeschool and now school) were very excited to be together. We brought them their own tent for their "double" sleepover. A scary ghost story by the campfire the second night send them both back to their parents tents to sleep. Oh well.

Zion was so beautiful, there were masses of wild grapevine all over.

They were invigorated by nature!

The girls had a great time together.

Quinn and Elena found a tarantula, and stood watch so the boys in the next campground would not destroy it. They stayed with it till someone moved it to a safe place.

A great group this year, so easy and fun. We hope to go for a few days longer next year. It was a lot to set up for 2 days.

TKD Testing

2008-10-24T07:07:00.001-07:00

Keegan got his green belt.

Quinn had to break 2 boards.

Quinn, doing a jump round kick in her one step.

Quinn has very high kicks.

Keegan doing his jump round kick.

That night, Quinn got her brown belt recommended, Keegan his green belt, Rachel her red belt decided, and Jim his brown belt decided.

The Renaissance Festival

2008-10-24T06:42:00.001-07:00

Quinn fought a knight dressed in her renaissance dress. She eventually lost the use of both her legs, but persevered. She crawled around on her knees, still determined to win the battle.

Keegan loved this.

Quinn loved this...the belly dancing.

Captain Jack was here! And he shared his pirates booty with the kiddos.

Quinn loves to shop, and carefully decided how to spend her money. She ended up with a child's corset to go with her dress.

Quinn tries fencing.

Keegan is turned on to fencing, and ready to try lessons.

The royal court made an appearance.

Quinn danced and danced with the belly dancers.

And watched the show with Elena and Juliana.

Pioneer Days

2008-10-06T13:19:00.001-07:00

They finally learn to do laundry!

This was their favorite pioneer activity, and came back to wash clothes 2 times.

They made candles,

watched a weaver and chatted with a lady spinning alpaca wool into yarn.

The army boy let Keegan hold his rifle.

Then they tried to get him to enlist! I thought they were joking, but it turns out they were serious. They would allow Keegan to dress up and carry a gun at a smaller engagement. He was very interested!

For all the times we have been to Spring Mountain Ranch, we had never seen the spring!

We all tried throwing an ax,

the kiddos panned for gold,

and then enjoyed root beer floats! It was a fabulous day, just our speed.

Summerlin Arts Festival

2008-10-02T07:31:00.000-07:00

The chef carved them each a flower out of a beet and a turnip.

Quinn stopped at every jewelry stand.

Keegan loved the ice carving demonstration.

A living statue.

We finished the day by leaving our art in a sidewalk square.

Different path, same level of conviction...

2008-09-14T09:12:00.000-07:00

While we were homeschooling, the kiddos seemed very comfortable and proud to be homeschoolers, unschoolers, no schoolers, life livers, whatever they felt best described their path at the moment. They spoke of it as though there was no other option for them. I spoke of homeschooling as though it was something we were enjoying now, and could do for the long term, but we were open to other opportunities as they present themselves, based on what the kiddos wish to pursue. So while they said "We are homeschoolers" with conviction, I probably said "We are homeschooling now". Their level of commitment and conviction appeared to leave no other options for us. Homeschooling seemed so engraved in our present, that I thought it would be their/our future. I was trying to support their path... sometimes guiding too.

So, in a very short time, the whole scene changed. They decided to go to school. I don't think it was something they had considered for awhile, more like through some random events/conversations, it happened. I hardly had time to catch my breath. I didn't really know what to guide(except that I did present Montessori as an option to public school), it happened so quickly... I supported their path.

Now they are in school. They are as committed to school as they once were to staying home. They talk about it as if it were sacred, and defend their school as they used to our homeschool. They say this is the best school they ever attended(even better than homeschool), the same way they used to say homeschool was the best thing ever. I remember many conversations Keegan would have with random kids he met, where they would tell him how much they hated school, and he would tell them "Just ask your mom to homeschool, it is so awesome!". Now he recently told someone who didn't like school "You should go to Montessori, it is so awesome!".

This phenomenon is very interesting to me. When we were so far away from school or ever going, I never would have imagined them feeling so passionate about a school. I love that they are present, and love what they are doing NOW, without regrets, second thoughts, ect. They dive right in and think it is the best thing ever. I wonder if things would have been the same if they were at the PS or homeschool. I don't know. Is it that we keep getting it right? The right experience at the right time? Or is it something about them living the moment fully, and going wholly for their experience. I suppose it could be lots of things.... it just is now.

Now that their path is schooling, it seems so engraved in their present that it also seems their future. They are once again, committed and convicted to their path. I again say they are going to school right now, as they say they are Montessori schoolers. It is hard to imagine us ever homeschooling again. I see them feeling happy, and excited about their pursuits at school. I feel happy for them, and it sure is easy parenting when their little beings seem so peaceful, pleasant, engaged, fulfilled....

But what if I had guided them to stay home. Would they still think homeschooling is the best thing ever? Have they gone into the school box never to return? Is their future determined? Is this box the best thing for them? I follow some blogs of home and unschoolers, and wonder...

I read today...to worry is to draw down curses, whereas to trust is to draw down blessings. I am going to trust in their chosen path and experiences, and be present and supportive. I am going to learn from our experiences together that we are all on the same mindset-our options are open. But learn from the kiddos that we can live and enjoy this experience, and slurp every bit of it up as if we are committed and convicted to this lifestyle...knowing it could change tomorrow.

Bryce Canyon

2008-09-01T06:06:00.001-07:00

We went for the weekend, and stayed in a KOA cabin. Jim's first time at a KOA, but we were all used to it after the cross country trip last year. A long drive to get there, but so worth it, Bryce was beautiful.

They had a ping pong table at the KOA. Quinn played a lot, and got pretty good! Keegan had fun.

Keegan used our campfire cooking utensils as swords.

He built a fire.

He got his feet wet.

Quinn didn't want to get her boots wet.

The formations were beautiful. Mossy cave was our favorite hike with the kiddos.

Keegan took some pictures.

Enjoyed his sister.

Inspiration Point.

A great weekend.

Super Summer Theatre

2008-08-24T14:52:00.000-07:00

Aida was showing at Spring Mountain Ranch,

Quinn's friend came along(and Grandma Toni),

They passed the time(2 hours before the show started),

Keegan kept jumping in front of the camera,

When it got dark, Keegan joined in a game of ring toss with some guys using glow sticks bracelets and bottles. The show was great, and Keegan liked that it was set in Egypt.

Zion, Beautiful Zion

2008-08-24T14:32:00.000-07:00

We stopped for fresh apple juice in Springdale,

It was mom's first time to Zion National Park,

We hiked the riverside trail,

The kiddos loved the water, Keegan went right in, while Quinn wished she would have worn her tevas,

We saw a tadpole,

And Columbine in the hanging gardens,

Played in a pool,

Barely escaped the super friendly squirrels,

Keegan ran for the rapids,

And sunned himself to dry off for the journey back. Zion was fantastic, as always.

Bubbles

2008-08-24T12:00:00.001-07:00

A bubble exploraganza with the Life Learners. Grandma Toni had just arrived, and had her first day with the group.

I just liked this picture.

We brought the "bubble thing", home made bubble mix, a coat hanger and a six-pack holder.

Keegan got a good one with the bubble thing.

But the fly swatters were the most fun!

Plenty of the best pears...

2008-08-24T10:37:00.001-07:00

I've ever tasted! My garden saved the best for last. The pears will end the fruit harvest for the year. I loved how they came to us, each harvest better than the last, a few apricots, more figs, then the delicious grapes, but the pears are the best of all.

Who's Reading What?

2008-08-13T10:13:00.000-07:00

Jim is reading this book with Keegan(it has been going on awhile..).

Keegan is reading these 3, from his 2 top series right now.

Jim reads this while Keegan reads his books.

I just started this one yesterday, and stayed up till 5am, till the words were so blurry I had to go to bed.

Quinn and I just finished this one last night. It was a gift to my mom from her god mother when she was a little girl. Quinn and I love stories that go with stories.

Quinn is reading this one to me.

Quinn is writing this one.

Quinn got this one yesterday...

And custom designed my jewelry this morning!

TKD Testing Again

2008-08-13T10:04:00.000-07:00

The kiddos get ready to begin. Keegan tested for his camo belt, and Quinn her Blue Belt.

Quinn did great on her form one steps, self defense and sparring.

Keegan watched the others as he waited for his turn to do his form, one steps and self defense.

Quinn also had to break a board.

Jim tested for his brown belt. He got to spar with his favorite TKD buddy. I got my red belt.

What WILL she do?

2008-08-05T10:48:00.000-07:00

That question is coming our way, now that my role as homeschooling mom is over for now. So I'll answer, not that anyone asking will read this! Jim is probably getting the inquiry more than me. Rest easy!, those that know or hardly know me, I'll fill my days, don't worry!

I am really not in a hurry to completely fill my time. Right now I do not have or want to. I want to be around for the kiddos if they need a sick day, or want me to come along on a field trip, if they want a mom who isn't totally exhausted when they get home, or whatever they might need. But I am taking advantage of this time to do some things I haven't had time for before.

Yesterday, I signed up for the Master Gardener's Program through UNR. I am excited about taking the classes, learning more about gardening in the SW, meeting other gardeners and the volunteering to follow. It's all right up my alley, and the timing is perfect. It begins next month.

Today, at the urging of the kiddos, I did the volunteer training at their school, so I can go on fieldtrips, volunteer in the classroom, ect. Keegan is so excited about what he is doing at school, he told me he really wants me to see it ALL. As if I would have a tremendous void in my experience if I did not experience the wonderful that is happening at his school. So now I can. I have loved homeschooling, but now that we are back at a school, I remember what drew me to teaching and schools in the first place. That whole excited energy about discovering new things, and the idea that this is where we come together for the purpose of that discovery. The energy that is created when many people are on that journey together. The kids are just loving it, and I am loving them loving it!

We just booked a trip to Ireland in November, and that always means preparation! I rented a bunch of movies on Ireland for us to watch from Netflix, and will begin deciding how we want to spend our time there. Their school is totally agreeable to them missing time to explore the world, we will just do what we always have done, and create some kind of documentation of our experience to share when they return.

I am hoping to make more of our Christmas gifts this year. The kiddos and I are on a mission to find suitable projects to start soon so we will have time for completion.

I want to get back to yoga class(I was supposed to go today, but...).

And, the house is pretty clean!

It really is all good.

School

2008-07-13T07:51:00.000-07:00

The kiddos are going to school. Summer school this summer, then in the fall. Keegan wanted to check it out, and Quinn went along on the tour. They were both sold. They started at a Montessouri School 25 miles away from our home this week. They love it so far, and I am happy that they have found something so exciting and inspiring for themselves. Of course I was surprised, and a little sad at first, but now that I am used to the idea, and see how happy they are, I feel very okay about it. They are full of stories about friends, and play and learning adventures, and I have had a little time to think about how I want to spend my time. The classroom in our house is now an art/sewing room(not very different from what it was before, just a new name), and the house is getting painted, organized. I have been taking classes at the Springs Preserve on gardening, and plan to start the Master Gardener Program in the fall(it is very close to the kiddos school, so we will be in class at the same time).

There are things I miss about homeschooling already....sleeping in, staying home, traveling, choosing how we want to spend our time, doing things on a whim, spending all day with my kiddos( or all day with the Life Learners)...lots of things, but I also like things about our new schedule.... getting up, going somewhere every day, not traveling so much, having our day(and year) planned...lots of things. It just feels like a new chapter, not really life changing, just another chapter. Just as I never said that school was not an option for us homeschoolers, I will still say that homeschooling is an option for us schoolers if and when they might need or want it someday. For now, we are all enjoying the school time.

Calico Canyon

2008-07-13T07:41:00.001-07:00

It was humid and a little cooler yesterday(the low 100's), unusual for Vegas. The humidity was about 60%, very unusual, and pleasant. We took the opportunity to go to Calico Canyon. We enjoyed walking on the boardwalk, and taking photos. Quinn had command of the camera, these are her shots.

Grapes Galore!

2008-07-13T07:34:00.001-07:00

Beautiful and tasty, we all enjoyed our first grape harvest. And there will be more!

Catching Up

2008-07-13T07:23:00.000-07:00

An image from our Life Learner day at Mount Charleston. So Beautiful!

Quinn went to Tennis Camp.

The kiddos decide to go to school.

We will still make it to Life Learner days!

We find the Rainbow's End Cafe, where the kiddos believe they add love to the food.

The Figs Have Arrived!

2008-06-28T08:10:00.000-07:00

We have been waiting for 2 years for this, but it was worth the wait. This is just the first day's harvest of figs, several more trays have already been picked(and eaten!), and there are more on the way. This was really exciting!

Craig's LIst is Awesome!

2008-06-26T10:58:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I decided to try a post on Craig's list. Usually, when we have stuff to get rid of, we usually....a)donate, b)give away or c)throw away. My last visit to the Goodwill store left me with a sour taste for donating, as I saw how much was thrown away, damaged and charged a fortune for on the resale. And Opportunity Village sure is picky about what they take, which I guess is good, so they don't throw away, but they left a lot on their last visit. I still give away, but I am trying to get away from throwing away.

So, Craig's List...I posted 3 things. The first, a patio heater sold in 15 minutes of posting. The second, a trundle bed, sold in 3 days. The third, I never thought...American Idol tickets for the show in LA to be sold in Las Vegas. Nothing, Nothing, Noth...wait...5 days, someone from Minnesota, coming with his family to Las Vegas this Sunday, then renting a car to drive to San Diego, then will drive up to LA for the show that is so special to his family as they have watched the whole season together! He will meet me on Sunday afternoon! Wow-all cash sales, full asking price, this is sooooooo awesome!!!

Solar Power

2008-06-26T06:57:00.000-07:00

This spring, we installed a solar heater on the pool, bought a pool cover, and put up a clothesline. We just received our June gas bill for $39.76. We used 28 Therms last month, while we used 96 Therms for the same period last year. Yah! I just looked at SW Gas's energy saving tips, and there are a few more things we can implement. It's so exciting!!

Another Weekend Harvest

2008-06-15T09:06:00.000-07:00

Apricots from the tree in Quinn's garden.

Tomatoes, an artichoke and a yellow squash(harvested small before it shrivels up).

And mustard greens, the gift that keeps on giving! I think it is almost over, one plant went to seed, but this is my 3rd harvest off these plants.

Yesterday, I went to hear a speaker at the Spring's Preserve who has a very productive garden in Las Vegas. He eats a plant based diet and grows much of what he eats right her in the desert! It was very inspirational. I am ready to plan my front yard now!

TKD Testing

2008-06-13T08:08:00.000-07:00

Keegan is getting ready to test for his yellow belt.

Quinn doing her form.

Quinn has to spar for testing now.

Keegan did a great job on his form, one step sparring and self defense, and even scored extra credit as the only one who knew the second one step. He volunteered to perform it all by himself which was a big step for him! He was very proud!

Quinn gets her purple belt. Later that night....Jim got his blue belt, and I was promoted to brown belt decided.

Book Club

2008-06-13T07:49:00.001-07:00

Our book club with the Life Learners. Keegan shared the Magic Tree House study guides. He has read several, and plans to read them all. We got good suggestions from the other kiddos. A series by Rick Riodan from T, also recommended to K by his cousin a few monthes ago.

The Other Day

2008-06-13T07:30:00.000-07:00

Keegan adds the Green Grocer to his Lego Street.

K sets up a Lego Museum, with a special Indiana Jones exhibit, under Q's art gallery.

Q sets up an art station in the playroom, so she can watch TV and create art at the same time.

Q practices handstands for a very long time, until she is satisfied with her outcome. It was the same for whistling, tying her shoes and blowing a bubble.

K's best birthday present, a very long rope, crocheted by Q. Long after the lego kits were constructed, play with the rope goes on.

Our Weekend Harvest

2008-06-09T07:22:00.000-07:00

A small but delicious harvest!

Knitting Again

2008-06-08T08:53:00.000-07:00

I finally started(and finished) a knitting project that I have been craving for some time now. It has probably been on my list for about a year to pull together a knitting project. Somehow, it never materialized until I went to PA, and went to the knitting shop down the street from my dad's, and collected the materials for the project. Once I was on my way, it was a breeze, and such a pleasure! This project even got me to a sustainable knitting group at the Springs Preserve. What a little knitting can do! Q was thrilled with the final product, and loved seeing me pour my time and love into something that brought me so much joy, that she would ultimately wear.

A Green Makeover

2008-06-08T08:40:00.000-07:00

When I say green, I mean green, almost florescent green. We did a redo on the laundry room last weekend. We used no VOC paint. We hung a closet rod for clothes drying(although we also just installed a clothesline, indoor drying is less damaging to clothes). And reused as much as possible. The pictures hung came out of a collection in the garage(that were about to be donated), and we cleaned out all the cabinets, and organized them so we will not rebuy what we already have. We found all sorts of treasures stuffed in the cabinets that had not been cleaned out for a few years.

Keegan's 9th Birthday Celebration

2008-06-08T08:06:00.001-07:00

We surprised K, and started his birthday celebration the night before with a suite at the Palazzo.
We strolled through the Venetian, on our way to somewhere, but they didn't know where! We stopped to listen to the opera singers steering the gondolas in the canal, and watched some street performers. They especially liked the living statues. We explored the magic shop, and at last landed in the piazza to have dinner.
Dinner at Enoteco San Marco. We tried Italian style vegetables like fresh raw peas, eggplant, raw asparagus salad and squash blossoms. Keegan had pizza, quinn pasta, and they brought him a special Happy Birthday dessert.
Then on to the next surprise, The Blue Man Group show. The staff at the show made it very special for his birthday. Keegan sat next to a man who was part of the back stage crew. He told an usher that it was his birthday, and she had a lot of people around him say Happy Birthday to him. Then they brought the kids show booklets, and t-shirts. Then his name was up on the sign on the stage and the whole theatre said the Happy Birthday song to him. It was very special!
The band members from the show.
The next morning, K gets the present he hoped for, the Green Grocer!
We ordered room service for breakfast-for 3 of us, it was the first time ever, and quite possibly the last. It was very special, and delicious!
Then off to spend the day with our friends, the Life Learners-a perfect way to spend any birthday!
We all got to work on the Green Grocer.
And then we had cake.

Keegan got a Lego

2008-05-27T07:35:00.001-07:00

Grandma G sent Keegan a lego for his birthday. When the legos arrive, it is time for us all to rally. Keegan sets us to work on our familiar jobs. Quinn and I sort all the pieces into piles of like pieces in groups of similar colors. Dad spends some time handing K the pieces he needs. K reads the instructions and puts the pieces in place.

Soon, the family is legoed out, and K is on his own. He will not stop until the the building is finished. He thinks he might want to do what his dad does someday, and manage construction projects. Although, he is torn between construction, and working at Legoland!

The building is complete.

He adds it to another building he got last Christmas. He is hoping to finish the street with the green grocer he wants for his birthday. We will soon see, he will be 9 years old next week!

A Morning I don't want to Forget

2008-05-27T07:13:00.001-07:00

I helped her post on her blog.

She made her own smoothie.

She harvested lemon verbena and tried to make sun tea. She also picked mustard greens, and we spent a long while noticing changes in the garden.

It was laundry day, so she helped with all steps of laundry, including hanging the clothes on our new clothes line!

Then we did her favorite thing-wet paper painting. She was feeling inspired by our time in the garden, so painted a fruit tree. We have been wet paper painting together since she was 2 or 3. Whenever I ask her what she wants to do, her idea is almost always, paint!

Last week Quinn and I woke up early, and one beautiful thing led to another, all before 9am.

Our Garden Is Growing

2008-05-27T06:59:00.000-07:00

The pear tree we planted 2 years ago.

Kadota figs.

Yellow squash.

Tomatoes

Grapes-the first year with grapes on the vine.

The garden is a challenge in this climate, and with our limited space. We are trying and learning! We harvested some mustard greens that were very tasty, a tomato, and about 2 strawberries so far.

Unplanned Adventure-The Last 2 Weeks

2008-05-17T02:15:00.000-07:00

Q gets ready to dance the may pole at grandma T's May Day party. The old biology teacher from my high school played the violin, and someone from the community gave a wonderful introduction to the may story and led the dance. Grandpa then served his home made mead, and we had a wonderful day of seeing old friends and meeting new ones.
When we go home, we usually visit this farm. They make delicious raw milk cheese, which they sell at market and we have been able to have many different experiences at their farm. This time we came for the milking, and watched as he milked 15 cows with distinct personalities that he knew by name. It was very peaceful, almost meditative. Afterward, we tried some of the fresh warm milk, and some that had been chilled. Q loved the warm milk, and drank a large tin cup of it!
This lamb is from another farm that sells wool products and lamb sausage at market. We arranged a lovely visit where we could see their 150 sheep, 70 of which were lambs. This lamb, which Q named friendly, was particularly affectionate. While walking out to pastures on their 35 acres, grandma found some morel mushrooms. We just heard that they harvested the mushrooms and sold them at market last week!
The weekend before grandpa N's surgery for prostate cancer, 13 of our family met in DC. We went on a night tour of the momuments-here the kiddos are outside the Jefferson Memorial, then went on to see the Holocaust museum and the Air and Space the next day. While at the Vietnam Memorial, even though it was dark, we found the kids' great uncle's name on the wall. Saturday night, we celebrated J's 40th birthday at grandma B's house.
On Sunday, 3 went home, so 10 of us went on to Baltimore to the Aquarium. We had a very fun weekend before grandpa's surgery on Monday. We were on a plane to go home before we got the results...the surgery went very well.

An Unplanned Adventure-THe First 3 Weeks

2008-05-16T09:37:00.000-07:00

K discovers the fun of "quick mud" on Grandma's property, and returned to enjoy it many times.
Q gets to go horse back riding with Lucy at her farm.
A natural play structure! Old grapevines in grandma's forest provide lots of fun and strength training.
Q helps grandpa build a swing.
We all stand for peace at the weekly peace vigil that grandpa started. A new experience for the kids. We got a lot of beeps for our "Beep For Peace", but also a "You should be ashamed of yourself". It opened the door for some good conversations.

Just a few days after we returned from Mexico, we left for PA to help my dad after he broke his femur. K and Q spent a week and a half at Grandma B's house in MD, while I cared for my dad in PA. They had lots of fun adventures including a trip to the Zoo in DC, and doing sit down school with their grandparents! They had some country living experiences, including yard work. They happily discovered that Q is a "country girl" who enjoys hard work, as she learned to work a riding mower, picked dandelions for Grandpa's dandelion wine, and cleaned up Aunt D's yard(for a small fee). K happily accepted his "city boy" title, and learned that country work is not for him. They told me after that I can look forward to visiting Q on a farm someday, and K at his flat in the city.

Then I brought them to PA. On our way to Grandma T's, we visited grandpa in the rehab hospital, then on to many adventures in PA and visits with grandparents. We made it to Farmer's market every Saturday, explored the forest at Grandma's, experienced small town living, helped grandpa when he came home from the rehab hospital, visited with great grandma F, saw the spring musical at my old high school, went to a fun fair at the Friends School I attented in 5th grade, and prepared for the annual May Day party at Grandma T's. Q helped do the baking, decorated windows, and made flower crowns. We learned about some things that grandma T and grandpa N are involved with like adopt a highway, the peace vigil, a survival group, and postures.

Mexico

2008-04-10T07:48:00.000-07:00

R and J enjoying a dinner of fajitas and margueritas!

Q taking a belly ride on a dolphin.

K had to try the corn ice cream, and really liked it!

K parasailing!

K was on a mission to find a sombrero-mission accomplished!

I love to travel with my sister. We end up in interesting places, having fun adventures. She has 2 kiddos, and a fun hubby and we always have a great time. I guess the destination and adventure are just a bonus, we really enjoy their company.

So this time it was Mexico, enjoyed the beach, pool, swimming with dolphins, parasailing, and the margueritas and mexican coffee were pretty ok too! Our next adventure with them will have to wait till J has more vacation in 2009, but hoping for somewhere abroad for 2 weeks next time.

A New Groove

2008-04-01T06:40:00.000-07:00

Easter morning, we were reminded that Keegan can get really excited about legos, and Quinn can be very organized and all business when it comes to candy.

It's been awhile since I've written about our life. I suppose I have been waiting to land in a groove that I liked, and seemed to agree with us all, before writing about where we have been.

In reflection, I could have gone into unschooling a little differently. Making the big announcement that we would now be unschooling, and encouraging the kiddos to do what they wanted with their time, didn't really work out for us. It resulted in alot of TV, computer, video games, and ordering mom around-doing all their bidding, so as not to disrupt their bliss. It also seemed lonely and separated. I kind of felt like an unconsidered servant, and I think I was even called a servant a few times. I would say those were not happy times for any one in our family. I got to the point where I could not stand to be at home(with them), so we travelled. I mean we travelled, which was great. But we came back to the same happenings when we were home. Their interpretation of unschooling seemed to be screen time, and everyone accomodates their pursuit. My defn, somehow got scrambled to....rationalize how they were learning from this, and don't feel bad, angry, sad, unhappy, depressed, okay,.... enough. We will not be unschooling anymore. This, of course, is the very brief version, of 7 monthes of our life.

Unschooling is over, Mom's back in charge, pick a curriculum and we will use it. Quinn had missed our sit down time together, and wanted to start Oak Meadow again. Keegan wanted to do K12, like his friend, Jack. We started with a vengeance. School, activities, chores, responsibilities, then free time(which they still think of as unschooling time-screen time).

So we exhausted ourselves with that plan for a few monthes, remembered why we chose homeschooling to begin with...and I started to relax. This time I did not post that a big change was about to occur. I noticed that during our sit down time, they had so many requests for things for us to do together..... reading, looking up information, playing games, playing instruments, art, sewing, legos, cooking, writing letters, making cards, making jewelry, gardening, finding answers to questions, going to Red Rock, Springs Preserve, the park, painting....all things that do not interest them when screen time is available. While we were sticking to our schedule and curriculum, I was saying "we'll do that later, or after" a lot. Q eventually called me on it, and pointed out that I say later, and we don't do it later. So we started doing it. We sat down, and some days used the curriculum, but when they presented ideas, we started going with them.

We soon realized that our very busy schedule was keeping us from going with things, so we backed off. We quit cheerleading, finished swim lessons, and cleared our schedule a little. I think we have found a balance that suits us all. Our sit down school does not hold us back from experiences. But we use sit down time together, whether school or something else to keep us grounded. When we are home everyone pitches in to get the housework done, then we have sit down time, where we either do something I planned or we do something they want to do. We put off screen time till the afternoon most days. The kiddos create wonderful cooperative adventures with each other when the screens are off that sometimes takes the place of our sit down time, because I am so amazed at what they have created, I couldn't think of interupting. They still have time with the screens to pursue those interests. It's just that now they also get to have other experiences that inspire other interests to pursue!

We now have fallen into a groove like what I hoped would be created the first time we attempted unschooling. I learned alot from experiencing it the way we did, including that abrupt changes are confusing to everyone, and that they like feeling their mother's strength and a little structure. This time feels better. We are having fun, laughing together and learning things from each other. We have mostly pleasant days. It now feels like everyone is important and considered. Dad is happy too!

I would say we are doing our version of unschooling-but don't tell my kids!

A great first week

2007-08-14T06:55:00.000-07:00

We did alot of driving in the 6 days it took us to get to PA. It was mostly delightful. K and Q are great travelers, and had no camplaints abvout the amount of time spent in the car, in fact they seemed to enjoy every mile. We saw plenty of interesting landscapes, and managed a few stops on the way. We loved the KOA cabins that we stayed in, and we all had fun staying with my mom's friend from elementary school in Kansas City. She lives in a 1915 farm house and still hauls her own water. We ate from her garden, and Keegan was facinated with her accumulation of stuff from many years past. Her mother came for a visit, who is now 85, and was my mother's girl scout leader. We really had a great time on the way!

Day 2

2007-08-07T20:28:00.000-07:00

That's Quinn at the top of the rock wall-she felt very accomplished! Another day full of beautiful scenery and fun adventures. We stopped at a farm stand and bought organic peaches, yum! We drove through some of CO today ooing and awing the whole way. The river, mountains, wildlife and small towns were breathtaking. We were headed for Glenwood Springs, CO. We arrived and enjoyed our day at Glenwood Caverns. We rode some fun rides, and toured a cave.
While we were in the cave, I heard a family talking behind me. The parents were telling their daughter who was very interested in the cave that someday she might be able to study geology. You could learn geology when you get to college, her mother told her. Well, I think it is possible that you could learn geology in high school, her dad added optimistically. Mom and Dad argued the point for a few minutes about whether she would be able to learn this subject in highschool or college. Their conversation caught my attention. I am glad we will never have to wait for a system to schedule us to learn about things that interest us. I'm glad we have chosen a path that will allow our children to persue their interests when they are interests.

And we're off!

2007-08-06T19:23:00.000-07:00

We drove in 4 states today-Nevada, Arizona, Utah and into Colorado. Utah was so beautiful, we all enjoyed the land formations and animals we saw along the way. We stopped in Green River for watermelons, and stopped for a breif visit to a dinosaur museum(we forgot about the time change!), and finally made it to the KOA after 11 hours on the road. We are having a great time.

Keegan Leads The Way

2007-08-05T07:52:00.000-07:00

On our way home from North Carolina, we were reflecting on our vacation at the beach. Keegan let us know that the only thing he disliked was the plane ride. He hoped we would not be doing that again soon. Well, we did have plans to fly to PA in about one month's time. I told him, and he right away let us know how unpleasant that would be, and wondered why we couldn't just drive. I told him why we hadn't planned to drive-it would take us a week, cost so much money, so much energy, ect. He was not at all put off by the obstacles, and seemed to think it would be an adventure.
For quite awhile now, I have been trying to figure out how we could plan an extended road trip, but it never actualized-too many obstacles that I couldn't rationalize pushing through. But Keegan seemed determined, and the more I listened to him, the more possible it seemed. One thing led to another, and soon after we returned from NC, we had a 5 week trip planned around the US and Canada. My mother offered to join us, we made some reservations, and the trip is going to happen.
My mother flew in yesterday, we leave tomorrow. We are all so excited for this adventure. Jim is happy that my mother is going with us, and he has a very intense month of work planned. Everything fell into place.
I love the freedom of unschooling. We are able to take an idea, or just really a comment like Keegan's-I really don't want to fly-and turn it into an amazing journey. I have no idea what we are going to experience and learn on this trip, but I am open to whatever it is. We have alot of plans, and we don't have alot of plans, we have the comfort of knowing we have a place to sleep most nights(not all!), but we have also allowed some flexibility and time to explore when we are inspired.
My next blog will be from the road. I can't wait to get started!

A Great Day WIth Our Friends

2007-07-31T20:12:00.001-07:00

We had a great day with our wonderful LVLL friends, oh, yes, and we saw the Bodies and Titanic exhibits.

Sunday

2007-07-31T19:26:00.000-07:00

Before we went to church on Sunday, the kids did what they wanted to do. Quinn baked apple-pecan muffins to take to the potluck, and Keegan kept busy swinging from the rope while waiting to try the finished baked goods.

Keegan's words of wisdom

2007-07-28T07:28:00.000-07:00

Last night, Keegan asked us if all people eventually become grandparents. Before I could even answer, he realized that a person must have children who has children for that to happen. I asked if he thought Jim and I would be grandparents. He assured me we would be many times over. He and his wife were going to have many children, many more than 2. I then asked him if he was planning to homeschool those children. He replied that he didn't know. I asked him why. He told me, homeschool, unschool, public or private school, he would wait until his children were here to find out what they wanted to do. He only wants to be unschooled right now, but he seems to have the wisdom to know he is unique, as is everyone, and he would have to meet a person and inquire with them before he would begin to make choices for them.

Our Day in Nature

2007-07-27T17:04:00.000-07:00

Quinn's Pokemon Club

2007-07-27T08:36:00.000-07:00

As the day of "being" in Nature came to an end, Quinn had an idea for a Pokemon Club that should get started right away. I was feeling very fulfilled by the day, and also tired, thinking about the sparring class I needed to get to in 1 1/2 hours. She was focused on arranging the first meeting tomorrow at our house as we walked with all of our stuff to the car. I was thinking-AHHHH-I can't think about this right now! But I quietly told her I needed to think about what we were doing tomorrow, and talk about this on the way home. In the parking lot, she collected all of her friend's phone numbers. On the way home we decided Friday would be better, noon would be the time(in consideration for the nocturnal member of our family), but Thursday would do if some couldn't come on Friday. As soon as we got home, she started making her calls. One boy's phone wasn't working, so I helped her e-mail him. She arranged the first meeting for Thursday at noon, and told me she thought they were all coming. She planned how she would decorate, and where they would meet. She was so relaxed about the planning.
The next morning, she woke early for her big day. She called one mom to confirm that they were still coming, got dressed, did her hair, tidied her room, re-organized her Pokemon cards, offered to help me clean up and feed the animals, and got busy on her signs and decorations. And at 6 years old, she was soooo relaxed about it.
I thought about the times I have planned group meetings at our house, about how paniked I am to make everything perfect, clean the house, get the food, have enough to do, make plan B's incase something doesn't work out-which is probably why we don't have many groups meet at our house.
I almost got into my pre-visitor panik, then stopped myself, and let her have this her relaxed way.
What a great day. They came at noon, and the last club member left at 6pm, what a wonderful time. The moms talked, and the kids had their club. It was perfect. There were some diversions from Pokemon, like swimming in the pool, looking at Quinn's garden, the fish tank, legos, DS's, even a hurt feeling or two along the way(which resolved itself), but the children were open to the loose structure of their club, and they all seemed to go with each other's flow. It was a great day.

"Being" in Nature

2007-07-27T08:16:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, I packed the food, water and camera, and the kids packed their Pokemon binders, stuffed pokemon and DS's. Then we headed out to "be" in Nature. Not exactly the picture I had in mind, but as I am trying to go with their flow, I skipped the lecture on how you could not truly appreciate nature when you bring along such unnatural distractions as Pokemon and the DS. I am so glad I skipped it! We enjoyed over 5 wonderful hours being in Nature.
I talked to my friends in the most beautiful surroundings, ocassionally noticing a woodpecker, squirrel or an interesting plant. I took a few walks and enjoyed the quiet. It was a perfect day for me.
The kids traded Pokemon cards with their friends, ocassionally noticing animals, plants, or interesting places in this beautiful setting. They took a few walks, climbed a mountain, emptied a fire-pit, enjoyed nature. It was a perfect day for them.
I'm glad I let go of my ideas of how the day should happen, and just let it be. It was perfect.

Letting Go

2007-07-24T08:07:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I let go of the last thing I was holding Keegan to, piano lessons. It was the last thing we routinely struggle about. He liked his lessons because he loves his teacher. He did not want to practice, and I would go back and forth between letting him manage his practice, which meant no practice, and my managing his practice, which meant..... so many things.
At our lesson(I am taking lessons too), I told our teacher where he was with his lessons. She totally understood, explained to me that she had a similar feeling when she was 8, and her mother allowed her to stop. She asked to take lessons again when she was 12, and has never stopped.
Piano, smiano, I feel great! I begin this day knowing I will not force Keegan to learn anything, now his dream is coming true, he is free!
Every step we take toward our unschooling life feels so liberating. It feels like knocking out the obsticles so we can get on with the learning that will take us where we need to go. Today I will not interupt his joyful learning to make him practice piano. Yeah! Oh the places we can go!

Deschooling Who?

2007-07-23T17:52:00.001-07:00

I've been opening this blog, staring at the blank page and thinking about what to say for a few weeks now. As I have pondered it, many of my friends have started beautiful blogs on unschooling.

We are changing the path of our children's education to what I believe will accommodate the vision I have always had for them. We are unschooling. In theory, it is perfect, but in practice it is far from what feels comfortable to me. Some of our days exemplify through contrast what I do not want for us. I want the children to feel free to learn and explore their passions in an inspiring, happy, non-judgmental home. I wanted to start this blog when it was working out beautifully, when I had something great to share.....

My children have been deschooling for 3 months now, deschooling from homeschool that is. I have homeschooled son Keegan, 8, since May 2005, and daughter Quinn, 6, since June of 2006.

I have been bumping into thoughts lately that maybe it is I who needs the deschooling, and this morning an article, Deschooling for Parents, by Sandra Dodd came to me. She says, "The more quickly you empty your cup and open yourself up to new ideas uncritically, the sooner you will see natural learning blossom." I needed to hear that. She also said that "you'll see it when you believe it". Both of those ideas struck me today....

Yesterday, for most of the day I wouldn't believe it, so I didn't see it.... Sunday morning, my daughter woke up, came downstairs, shared some watermelon juice, conversation and some snuggles with me, then checked to see what the TV line up was for the day. She was elated to discover that there would be a Pokemon marathon, and I mean really elated, joyful, already planning the connection with her brother when he would finally wake to this miracle marathon. As she set herself up for the marathon, my husband, Jim, dove into the day long adventure of fixing our internet connection, and I puttered around, taking care of house, garden, animals. Keegan, who has decided he is part nocturnal(he explains it to me in ever increasing fractions, 1/4, 1/2), slept. Everyone was happy, inspired, content...... except me.

Around noon, I tried to wake Keegan. He was so cozy, enjoying his dreams, and getting even more excited about how nocturnal he is becoming. "What time is it?" he asks, "It's already noon-half the day is over!" I reply. "Wow, I made it till noon, I think I'll keep going." he tells me, so pleased with himself. I leave wondering how I could inspire him to get out of bed, what could be more inspiring to him than his journey to becoming fully nocturnal? And then I briefly considered why I needed to redirect his bliss.....Hmmm. About an hour later, Quinn tells me how fantastic this day is and how wonderful this Pokemon marathon is. She can't help but go tell K. She ran to tell him, and in no time he was downstairs as pumped as she was for the Pokemon marathon-also wishing he had known a few hours earlier. So that was it, a Pokemon marathon would be more inspiring than his quest to be nocturnal. The two of them were a picture of joyful, happy, cooperative, inspired learning, following their current passion, that they share-it really couldn't have been any better.....

Except I was feeling uninspired so... I thought their animals needed to be fed, K's piano practiced, their stuff picked up-because I wanted to clean right now, and they should be dressed, teeth brushed, they should also eat-at the table, and they could use some exercise today. And I mean it would be nice if they did something besides watch TV all day!(I can't beleive I still go there.) That's where I was by 3pm. So I started, little by little, "Could you pick this up? When are you going to do this?" They were very willing to accommodate me during commercials, but ..." I think the TV needs to go off until this is done..." I did it, I knew it was coming, and on this day, I chose to let it come. (Many days it never comes at all, and many days I do actually resist, center, and look at what is really going on here-my issue.) It got worse before it got better. The kids missed the last of the marathon-something that was incredibly important to them, K refused to eat dinner with us, Q tried to salvage the day, I felt like a failure.

When we were homeschooling, they had their sit down learning time, and then we said our verse about "All our doing now has ended, what I have learned will rest...". Then they were free to do whatever they want. Now, unschooling, schooling never starts so learning never stops. Now they are learning all day long. What if they waste the day that they could have been learning? What am I going to put in their box of work this year? How can I see what's going on in their heads? What if they watch a Pokemon marathon on TV all day? I know the answers. I have read books, magazines, articles on unschooling, and best of all, been a part of a Life Learner group for the last year. So why do I still choose to blow up exactly what I am trying to promote in our home, and leave us with everything I am trying to get away from? I can't totally attribute it to my own deschooling, but I think that as I learn to break out of my old mold of what constitutes learning, it should be easier to appreciate this style of natural learning, and where, when and how I "see" learning will change.

We ended up walking to the park. Q still tried to salvage the day by trying to make me smile, K was very angry, I don't think he could believe that I had sabotaged what should have been the best day of his life, K and Q were now fighting.

Then it occurred to me(And it really took that long.). This could have been a great day for all of us. We could have had a Pokemon Marathon Day. I could have made popcorn, we could have eaten in front of the TV, I could have sat down with them and enjoyed them pursuing their passion on this glorious day. I shared this thought with K.

It was a beautiful moment. His anger melted away, he reacted to me like I was an enlightened person. It was like I was welcomed to the club of getting it-getting how important this was to him, honoring his passion, allowing his learning, celebrating his learning! He started shouting P-O-K-E-M-O-N! I had this brief moment of wow, he can spell pokemon(still deschooling!), then I blew that away, and enjoyed the moment of connection with him, and happiness we all felt that he could pursue his passion without my limits.

We went home as quickly as we could, but the marathon was over. We all had our love and joy and understanding back. J and I watched the Peaceful Warrior, and the kids came in and out-they watched their shows in the other room, and traded Pokemon cards. We were all happy. I ended the day seeing it because I was back to believing it.

The article on deschooling for parents put on a few pages what I have been experiencing over the last few months. K and Q are already doing what they need to be-pursuing their passions, enjoying their life, learning. They seem to have already this wisdom about how to live happily and learn that I have lost touch with. K has been telling me for years, "I want to be free!" I have known for awhile that he needs to be unschooling-for much longer than we have been unschooling. My children are leading the way, and I am on my way to going with their flow.

As I was inspired by the Peaceful Warrior-I will live and write the moments. I am enjoying reading my unschooling friend's blogs, about how wonderful it can be, when you all get it! It is working out beautifully.