tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19698538277922844522024-03-14T02:51:49.495-07:00Barefoot Stories~a life shared~ our journey through learning, living and loving in Central Oregon and beyondThru a Tori-lenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14510894741605608131noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969853827792284452.post-64121204162583954772021-10-05T12:03:00.000-07:002021-10-05T12:03:00.148-07:00Art Moves Redmond<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf8rS8XS2eulaJAUtj2BljCRnygMwiJL9Y_O-qZt1D6BvrMN-yRzYdy89wXrrShxzUKZC7DF3s2eQOsbQ1NZj8QZvs7uK8AOZec54PVFkgOjZoK5Bzei1C43ET7AHvkItufKptiUYn2Ksq/s2048/A86FAE11-3810-435F-87EF-F0B6F1F7ED50.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf8rS8XS2eulaJAUtj2BljCRnygMwiJL9Y_O-qZt1D6BvrMN-yRzYdy89wXrrShxzUKZC7DF3s2eQOsbQ1NZj8QZvs7uK8AOZec54PVFkgOjZoK5Bzei1C43ET7AHvkItufKptiUYn2Ksq/w400-h300/A86FAE11-3810-435F-87EF-F0B6F1F7ED50.heic" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Art Moves</td></tr></tbody></table></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here in small-town Redmond people are prone to expressing themselves in all sorts of ways. Most of the adult flag-waving and social media posting creates conflict, while teens feel free to passively flaunt their creativity through clothes and hair. There are plenty of bumper stickers and signs that point the way to political opinion or social change. It's a confusing time. The City of Redmond has managed to take on the mammoth challenge of self-expression with an Art Council that actually inspires art. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Dry Canyon is a four mile stretch of mixed use areas including ball fields, playgrounds and bike trails. Where the paved trail runs under Highland Avenue (Highway 126) there is a very special art installation.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5kLaHef7dRvhFL_Eia4ij7htkSZl26znoWIo2tz8pL6sMCyHGqRtz5valcIi_YAoUUYoWQZrr0EIrRH2_ThaTZUtovDX-5srBpksQ3TUOyelDTj7owRNtbqn9yQL21FIi-Gduxjg1aL3A/s2048/23D89894-3D02-4588-8595-70B3736CD01A.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5kLaHef7dRvhFL_Eia4ij7htkSZl26znoWIo2tz8pL6sMCyHGqRtz5valcIi_YAoUUYoWQZrr0EIrRH2_ThaTZUtovDX-5srBpksQ3TUOyelDTj7owRNtbqn9yQL21FIi-Gduxjg1aL3A/w400-h300/23D89894-3D02-4588-8595-70B3736CD01A.heic" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moth and Octopus</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This pedestrian tunnel used to boast some of the worst graffiti in town. After years of beautiful mural paintings being desecrated, then painted over, then tagged again, the Art Council finally decided to let the public have their way with it. They painted the entire tunnel gray and put this message in a small space near one of the entrances: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Authorized area for original street art</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>All are welcome to paint.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Only paint on interior tunnel walls/ceiling.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Please dispose of trash.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>No profanity, tags, advertisements or political artwork.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Keep it clean - this area to be enjoyed by all.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJD0X_BfgOuncRVAheA6GvWY-zXXl5mG6-ELQ-TVhN1dS5LUJaWwBwMqoIqTgF_gCcC6VoCzWw4-nFKawJdA9c99jopePtIM3GVSwjjWNQcCnDdtEJmFpbNZyAzuQpVzIDHKMGDR0AvKiu/s1333/87CDF043-BE3A-4984-8B1F-CC55ECEECC66.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJD0X_BfgOuncRVAheA6GvWY-zXXl5mG6-ELQ-TVhN1dS5LUJaWwBwMqoIqTgF_gCcC6VoCzWw4-nFKawJdA9c99jopePtIM3GVSwjjWNQcCnDdtEJmFpbNZyAzuQpVzIDHKMGDR0AvKiu/w225-h400/87CDF043-BE3A-4984-8B1F-CC55ECEECC66.jpeg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elephant Tusk</td></tr></tbody></table><br />At first there was a lot of gang tagging, inappropriate language and sloppy spray painting, but slowly over time the most thoughtful creations are left alone and seem to multiply. Some are anonymous and some are signed. Professional artistry mixes with young effort and creative explosion. Of course there is still occasional graffiti or inappropriate art, but anything that goes against the guidelines is quickly covered with gray paint by city employee fairies with paintbrushes who seemingly come in the night and create space for new art in its stead. We've seen some beautiful work, of which these are only a few. The beauty of the art installation lies in it's fragility. You never know day to day what will appear. Someday, I'm hoping (or planning?) someone will paint the ceiling black and starry or maybe with a Michaelangelo-type mural. Have I painted in the tunnel, you ask? Have you? <p></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcTTaUFmQcpEHWTsfLW4xdhrGfGN8I98uXaB3zDYBHJZx6GiL_D5N1oyimTxmJxYQzf73TyRUV8l-lFHvhV2aOXqfMKzRZcjiQ9qTcVWiJeI3seqKE6Vk-VsDpKwuF-OjiRBL6EPzzmf5T/s2048/BB83EBF0-B9C8-40D0-83D2-64F06C77F5C3.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcTTaUFmQcpEHWTsfLW4xdhrGfGN8I98uXaB3zDYBHJZx6GiL_D5N1oyimTxmJxYQzf73TyRUV8l-lFHvhV2aOXqfMKzRZcjiQ9qTcVWiJeI3seqKE6Vk-VsDpKwuF-OjiRBL6EPzzmf5T/w400-h300/BB83EBF0-B9C8-40D0-83D2-64F06C77F5C3.heic" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raven</td></tr></tbody></table></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Thru a Tori-lenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14510894741605608131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969853827792284452.post-52438753115176116472020-04-11T17:21:00.000-07:002020-04-11T17:21:32.628-07:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="U of W students hunker down abroad as Italy endures COVID-19 ..." 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" 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America is at home. Our streets and monuments and downtown shops are empty. Our schools and universities and libraries are deserted. Sure it's all happening online- and behind those cameras (always focused on the prettiest wall in the house) people are getting a little crazy. I saw one lady this week do a fashion show with her cat. I saw a sportscaster do a play by play of his dogs sharing a beloved toy. Jimmy Fallon is letting his kids write his jokes. How long can we go on like this?<br />
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Our backyard is like Lord of the Flies. I pushed the kids out and shut the door the other day, letting them run wild with tarps and hoses and recyclables and whatever else they could find. I went out there to check on them hours later and they had set up a post-apocalyptic trading post where one kid with a suspicious eye patch was trading cups full of dirt for empty cereal boxes with the other kid who was sitting, with the dog, in a wading pool full of water. Peering into the "trading tent" I found a tray of my poor plant starts and was able to rescue them from certain death. There was a lot of mud. Did I mention these girls are 13 and 9? Seriously. Unfortunately they've now figured out if they stay off screens and play nice I won't ask them to do any chores or extra schoolwork.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrSSdl44wDmhGWW4iEh69rvxqEbIzVd3k2wgrcwGmBRu0n9IS8JBrI_LhOdSETBuP67Gj5FuLL7moBfHigSbmG1bqEeRnfKIh1ap7M5pCrkwBBeaiDny3q4KwzdfDi5cHgk7tY1L0eI-st/s1600/5D1E5A4F-3D49-4608-85FC-F52B9AC5CD71.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrSSdl44wDmhGWW4iEh69rvxqEbIzVd3k2wgrcwGmBRu0n9IS8JBrI_LhOdSETBuP67Gj5FuLL7moBfHigSbmG1bqEeRnfKIh1ap7M5pCrkwBBeaiDny3q4KwzdfDi5cHgk7tY1L0eI-st/s320/5D1E5A4F-3D49-4608-85FC-F52B9AC5CD71.heic" width="240" /></a></div>
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The flurry of well-meaning home-based activities is dying down. The storm of cute chalk pictures and window paintings has waned. I think the next phase will be much less outwardly demonstrative. I suppose the children will figure out, like mine, that it's kind of ok to be bored in the backyard and parents will learn that it's ok to not talk to another adult for a whole day and that somehow we're all going to make it. Yes, I'm checking on my extroverted friends to make sure they're ok. Yes we're getting out for walks and sunshine. Yes we're going to be ok. As long as that pirate in the yard doesn't try to sell any more of my plants. We might need to eat those in a few months.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC8Z9MOi98H8razKtjabfNda6wdBunFRlxeh-oG8bdfzW_FOAt7z-4_a8Kuvu0R3nvPd5hFyS5sFP7L0LPvrYK6tTxsIOaTg0Iz0AOdhm2Ts73Dlfkp9Mj30tz_AfCqTOIYeQW62FeFVX4/s1600/11B01CFB-3802-4AEC-9522-B5A35FE25FDB.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC8Z9MOi98H8razKtjabfNda6wdBunFRlxeh-oG8bdfzW_FOAt7z-4_a8Kuvu0R3nvPd5hFyS5sFP7L0LPvrYK6tTxsIOaTg0Iz0AOdhm2Ts73Dlfkp9Mj30tz_AfCqTOIYeQW62FeFVX4/s320/11B01CFB-3802-4AEC-9522-B5A35FE25FDB.heic" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Thru a Tori-lenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14510894741605608131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969853827792284452.post-46472185868751415462019-01-15T10:48:00.000-08:002019-01-15T10:48:27.503-08:00Winter Words<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp44yzjmNPtlkNsmrbdMWVpBepTcGjsMjKAqTo5vShLmw9iyKuvBga-yaKRbgngip8ca-NDgAQjRUQEWYuIpD7mU_53xb8YQSiXeox4QlTtUy7zDJOujv_CGWtZfb8Hm6PZfnMDT7CK4Co/s1600/IHpSvmmgSHK3PLl4sO%2525yLQ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp44yzjmNPtlkNsmrbdMWVpBepTcGjsMjKAqTo5vShLmw9iyKuvBga-yaKRbgngip8ca-NDgAQjRUQEWYuIpD7mU_53xb8YQSiXeox4QlTtUy7zDJOujv_CGWtZfb8Hm6PZfnMDT7CK4Co/s320/IHpSvmmgSHK3PLl4sO%2525yLQ.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
Saturday!<br />
Breakfast burritos<br />
and hot coffee.<br />
Sleepy-eyed princesses<br />
poured into tights and turtlenecks<br />
gripping smoothies<br />
blearily eyeing the rising sun.<br />
<br />
Arrival moment-<br />
circus-fest of bags<br />
boots<br />
coats<br />
claim a table<br />
beckoning snow<br />
pros waiting for skis<br />
remember when<br />
they were small girls<br />
gripping my knees?<br />
wait, wait, wait<br />
<br />
Up, up, up and away<br />
the chairlift circles<br />
Girls' wide-eyes<br />
see snowy trees<br />
blue skies<br />
fierce and full<br />
of TRY.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFqkYzB_WnRb_Hb2qKa9uV-CxdFcMzJ8GaMjzZGxwdvtpMLfOQCvn9QtyMwNUW-g9GW1e4JOaLf7jxF3LOcYSqDe_iU9vhzDNsBHf7bHdcSYapLZDMbNzuTPC5_cgN7-8J4Oa2GdSoxI20/s1600/zLzSB74xTiS7qw8lJO97%2525w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFqkYzB_WnRb_Hb2qKa9uV-CxdFcMzJ8GaMjzZGxwdvtpMLfOQCvn9QtyMwNUW-g9GW1e4JOaLf7jxF3LOcYSqDe_iU9vhzDNsBHf7bHdcSYapLZDMbNzuTPC5_cgN7-8J4Oa2GdSoxI20/s320/zLzSB74xTiS7qw8lJO97%2525w.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Thru a Tori-lenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14510894741605608131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969853827792284452.post-62337421661702676782017-06-06T15:08:00.001-07:002017-06-06T15:09:58.368-07:00Wonder Woman- Good for Girls?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizdo9X4aF7LB0pmrJm2p8lAhUyyFzaOC51cG9IDIV3Ja7B3WpcdfLjPrb7BRLACTxsfSoGE0MYy9ezu7CdOmmM9eel_Dr4i9AqfVHaeqSxF1-Yjymqz6qYCuZbBaS1OUdFT5oOMe7nSSNP/s1600/Gal-Gadot-Wonder-Woman-Poster-HD02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizdo9X4aF7LB0pmrJm2p8lAhUyyFzaOC51cG9IDIV3Ja7B3WpcdfLjPrb7BRLACTxsfSoGE0MYy9ezu7CdOmmM9eel_Dr4i9AqfVHaeqSxF1-Yjymqz6qYCuZbBaS1OUdFT5oOMe7nSSNP/s320/Gal-Gadot-Wonder-Woman-Poster-HD02.jpg" width="216" /></a><br />
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As a feminist I have a love-hate relationship with Wonder Woman. She is fraught with problems but so amazing, too. With the new release of Wonder Woman (2017) the world is talking about her more than ever. As much as I want to love Wonder Woman, here are a few unhelpful things she teaches women:</div>
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<li><b>Outlaw Men</b>. Wonder Woman's world has outlawed men. This perpetuates the problem of him vs. her without offering solutions on how to live together as equals. The sister-power thing has some value for me, but the movie downplays the sisterhood stuff a lot (see the great article in Quartz, <a href="https://qz.com/998641/the-new-wonder-woman-movie-is-strangely-uninterested-in-sisterhood/">The New Wonder Woman Movie is Strangely Uninterested in Sisterhood</a>). </li>
<li><b>Women Can't Carry Real Weapons. </b>Wonder Woman may have always been a closet pacifist, but one who carries a whip a la Cat Woman (ok, just a sexy rope). Her other weapon is <strike>the shackles of patriarchy</strike> WRIST GUARDS. That's right. Her main weapon is her defensive jewelry. Thankfully, Gal Gadot gets to carry a sword and shield. It's about time. To be fair, Wonder Woman has used a lot of different weapons over the years, but her main thing is definitely the rope and bracelets.</li>
<li><b>Girls Fight Sexy. </b>My number one beef with Wonder Woman is the same I have with most female action figures or heroes. They are all sexy and beautiful beyond belief to the standards of Hollywood. They don't bleed, they give lots of panty and boob shots and they hardly ever sweat. When will real women be recognized as super heroes? And when will they show the sweat? Check out this great article from the NY Times, <span id="docs-internal-guid-2716d3d5-7f64-b53e-4d67-3961cd7d6049"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/05/movies/women-action-roles-charlize-theron-atomic-blonde-michelle-rodriguez-milla-jovovich.html">Women Who Have the Chops (and the Punches and the Kicks</a>. NYT interviews some great women of action films and shares why they do the films they do. Michelle Rodriguez tells us it's hard to find good roles for women because male writers usually kill them off if they're not attached to somebody. Michelle Yeoh shares that she finds value in playing more complex roles showing women who are smart as well as strong. Charlize Theron reminds us to show our bruises. Good stuff. And can I just say- let's see more <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=rhonda+rousey+fast+and+furious&oq=rhonda+rousey+fast+and+furious&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l5.4004j0j9&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8">Ronda Rousey on screen</a>!</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">So how do we talk to our girls (and your boys) about this? I haven't seen Wonder Women with my <a href="http://barefootstories.blogspot.com/2015/08/super-girls-who-fly.html">super-girls</a>, yet, but I'll let you know how the conversation goes. At our house girls can do anything. They dance, do flips, build space ships, wield swords, wrestle, climb mountains and so much more. I always remind my girls: be strong, be brave, be beautiful you. Girls growing up everywhere, you are my real superheroes. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">What do you think about Wonder Woman? Is she empowering women or perpetuating patriarchal problems?</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Little Wonder Women</td></tr>
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Thru a Tori-lenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14510894741605608131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969853827792284452.post-258226261643838612017-05-24T10:07:00.002-07:002017-05-24T10:09:27.595-07:00News from the Mud Kitchen CafeA few years ago I was dying to ditch the old plastic kitchen set that lived in our back yard. I knew my girls would love a place to cook (we are foodies, after all) so I built them a mud kitchen (thank you, Pinterest). We used the existing fence to hang a few crates and shelves and put a pallet down for a floor. From there it has evolved.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhP6ILuTKw-LDpnUDbGQW0Lz0fk3tCeX8OwEjfxx7O9k__KskNfac1IE8uJFM7K80hk9ZnfKvDj8_5eis_gLhQ4ir-LUgqccqDiMzZkVV86O_v3eN5VT957uIhs_OmRXLNv7WHxlUHs_DH/s1600/fullsizeoutput_14fd.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhP6ILuTKw-LDpnUDbGQW0Lz0fk3tCeX8OwEjfxx7O9k__KskNfac1IE8uJFM7K80hk9ZnfKvDj8_5eis_gLhQ4ir-LUgqccqDiMzZkVV86O_v3eN5VT957uIhs_OmRXLNv7WHxlUHs_DH/s320/fullsizeoutput_14fd.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mud Kitchen Cafe- 2015</td></tr>
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I am really surprised how long this little place has survived. The neighbor's tree provides shade and the girls do the rest. Grace especially gets a lot of joy out of puttering around out here. I hope someday she lets her sister cook.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1RmkfYPKnJvk-7taWh_AwqqkVCSoF1rn23tkKLYGHZH0tWDhLT9_gF_r_QRc-Js42fdDAfFybJcaCqkJ_nLPaRaFav7xEssLWegBjWuXV8HHSCCT6P5Y8BhzZTos8Gl0xf6Nd0dsAdIlN/s1600/fullsizeoutput_157a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1RmkfYPKnJvk-7taWh_AwqqkVCSoF1rn23tkKLYGHZH0tWDhLT9_gF_r_QRc-Js42fdDAfFybJcaCqkJ_nLPaRaFav7xEssLWegBjWuXV8HHSCCT6P5Y8BhzZTos8Gl0xf6Nd0dsAdIlN/s320/fullsizeoutput_157a.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Girls sharing their cafe- 2015</td></tr>
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Grace is the chef and Rain is her hostess/server/dishwasher. They share creative influence in the project. The menu rotates seasonally and current offerings include fresh raspberry leaf tea, chive and rock stew, marinated mushrooms (rocks) and an amazing mud pie. The girls have learned a lot about collaboration, kitchen management (time and materials, mostly) and customer service. All while playing outside!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOmyeot63iajmVpbbzHCqJN6Hpn0PJTsR5328VkGascmFbZI-xG9PHxywg2AvpnXYyCBoDAxB0xuGK-XRexyn-_Wff_jbZEQgS_GWy-EJm66Uv9nbJmP82A4Ksp_WFBY-CDn15MzEHDAMf/s1600/IMG_6206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOmyeot63iajmVpbbzHCqJN6Hpn0PJTsR5328VkGascmFbZI-xG9PHxywg2AvpnXYyCBoDAxB0xuGK-XRexyn-_Wff_jbZEQgS_GWy-EJm66Uv9nbJmP82A4Ksp_WFBY-CDn15MzEHDAMf/s320/IMG_6206.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mud Kitchen Cafe 2017</td></tr>
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This is the kitchen, today, heading into its third summer. Daddy and I like to sit out here in the evenings with the girls sipping on beer and ordering amazing food from their little kitchen. I wish they made real food- I bet it would be awesome. Soon they'll start harvesting from the garden and we'll have some edible meals out of this place.<br />
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Summer is on it's way- how do your kids get outside and enjoy it?<br />
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Thru a Tori-lenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14510894741605608131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969853827792284452.post-63713230948448773832016-07-21T10:06:00.001-07:002016-07-21T10:06:07.814-07:005 Tips for Getting Kids Outside<font color="#000000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKP-KgB-2XUJBoHhioAvu4gjgz8-4ZlK4Z6h8V0VaFd_3TayEXj3MG9kU_vxdo1DB7mahLAn9b5PDlyXRMPi0G5SGVkPkoagVGQpikk18c2ZjAcU-NKUKMCcGyBnC-AxjT2hCs1d03ugJz/s640/blogger-image--475617588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKP-KgB-2XUJBoHhioAvu4gjgz8-4ZlK4Z6h8V0VaFd_3TayEXj3MG9kU_vxdo1DB7mahLAn9b5PDlyXRMPi0G5SGVkPkoagVGQpikk18c2ZjAcU-NKUKMCcGyBnC-AxjT2hCs1d03ugJz/s640/blogger-image--475617588.jpg"></a></font><div><br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">It's a hot topic and one I'm passionate about: getting kids outside. During the school year our kids are highly structured, pressured and scheduled beyond belief (mine, too) and somehow when summer hits they have forgotten how to be...kids. Here are some tips for getting your kids outside.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#000000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-vjn8v51IhFDvuCqfWL5cP_Mzz9QqkqN0AemgBI31FLk9M0T0TDWCzwnlz2hgTbDJyTYxUH1BJcxeUgQ-oUk4hGpHCIuS1lwTtQEzM-Jh7OtV6tsAKPy9Kycitz2zvOyhW9GvFnUAY_3r/s640/blogger-image-216022733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-vjn8v51IhFDvuCqfWL5cP_Mzz9QqkqN0AemgBI31FLk9M0T0TDWCzwnlz2hgTbDJyTYxUH1BJcxeUgQ-oUk4hGpHCIuS1lwTtQEzM-Jh7OtV6tsAKPy9Kycitz2zvOyhW9GvFnUAY_3r/s640/blogger-image-216022733.jpg"></a></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#000000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>1. Space to play. </b>You don't have to have the perfect yard or a swingset or twenty acres of forested rolling hills for your kids to have fun. But you do need to create spaces to play. Our backyard has several areas: dirt pile, mud kitchen, patio with small pool, trampoline, shady tree and climbing tree with swing. Then you have to let them play there. Don't worry about keeping it perfect- let your kids have fun in their space. And do let them play with the hose. Yes, they'll get muddy.</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#000000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#000000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>2. Free time. </b>Seems silly to say it, but don't over structure your kids' time. It's ok to have a few special activities that you do like swimming lessons or a special camp for a week, but more than one or two activities at a time can make kids feel a little stressed, or at least cause them to forget how to have free time and be bored. The point is to decompress during the summer months.</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#000000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#000000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>3. Special outdoor activities. </b>Unstructured time is very important, but so is a little structured time. Plan special trips to nearby outdoor spaces like a favorite park, a creek or river, or a hike. Plan to stay for awhile. Give your kid a journal or camera to record some of what they find, take your time and have lunch. Plan some "quiet time" where kids can be alone and reflect on what they observe. Maybe bring a special book to read together or do some birdwatching.</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#000000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#000000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>4. Invite friends. </b>When kids start to get bored of the usual thing, invite some friends over. Have your kids help make homemade popsicles for their friends or build a fort in the back yard. Bringing friends on a hike can help everyone have more fun and forget the work of hiking while increasing the fun. Give one of your friends a break from their kids or invite them all along.</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#000000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#000000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>5. Lead by example. </b>That's right. You need to get outside, too. Work in the yard while your kids are playing or show them how you climb the tree. Turn off your device (yes, I know this is a blog) and play with your kids. Plan activities that interest you. If the big park isn't fun for you, plan a hike or a day at the river with your friends. Your kids will have fun if you are having fun.</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#000000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#000000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL4dFR0Q8aOdDGXms6N27FjvfoUFtYjec2rhGjpl6n6f1XxAQ4p65pXG7_BEopSBtl3aE7NGAkZPUOo8-3XQWww9zKwEXf6tDBgpIvWat_GS6WM8WifYHF6QsxxzYYf2BbWnItkhJxiuo6/s640/blogger-image--821829465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL4dFR0Q8aOdDGXms6N27FjvfoUFtYjec2rhGjpl6n6f1XxAQ4p65pXG7_BEopSBtl3aE7NGAkZPUOo8-3XQWww9zKwEXf6tDBgpIvWat_GS6WM8WifYHF6QsxxzYYf2BbWnItkhJxiuo6/s640/blogger-image--821829465.jpg"></a></div><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#000000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#000000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#000000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#000000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#000000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#000000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#000000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#000000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#000000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#000000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div> </div></div>Thru a Tori-lenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14510894741605608131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969853827792284452.post-65239955928584679242015-08-17T00:09:00.001-07:002015-08-17T00:09:43.121-07:00Super Girls Who Fly!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYgOTU8unJVtYW1uSkpHdkfp-L6HO9HFjlJl3klPvQTIrQlddUoXdbR5tyBYuhDBfetl1ceLTEIaWUqHF-ruB9pAlDVTiymlrQHPJl6qhdlYsHGsXYSIhnbzUFN-qPDK3S9xBiI6qkiHAn/s640/blogger-image--1816068204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#000000"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYgOTU8unJVtYW1uSkpHdkfp-L6HO9HFjlJl3klPvQTIrQlddUoXdbR5tyBYuhDBfetl1ceLTEIaWUqHF-ruB9pAlDVTiymlrQHPJl6qhdlYsHGsXYSIhnbzUFN-qPDK3S9xBiI6qkiHAn/s640/blogger-image--1816068204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipsnT0RKMtNGD-IBVceyx3GDycJpR327wk6w-CgrR2mQQ5t6R5yp1UQkX8fqbOBqbP2RKf0V-CUc8qYR86pzc3RAHxlAUKA0DQ9FmZCYHu_XLj-_j9c_MU1qZO24O7ROjxU2PIswd9HZRv/s640/blogger-image-1348422790.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></span></font><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">There's no doubt in my mind: these girls are Super!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW2GpExFcZe0El3efgLBLR3ZKooEb7Xl9PKEkIeR0XIycpWl9fiJJ3I9Ck3ozvRuc0pnx-ujfRa84A5QNctx4tbikYr93V6hXWgKuYj8qYiRD1CWMdll9ZT3FsvjUReNvmE85NZ4G_ithE/s640/blogger-image--597218402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW2GpExFcZe0El3efgLBLR3ZKooEb7Xl9PKEkIeR0XIycpWl9fiJJ3I9Ck3ozvRuc0pnx-ujfRa84A5QNctx4tbikYr93V6hXWgKuYj8qYiRD1CWMdll9ZT3FsvjUReNvmE85NZ4G_ithE/s640/blogger-image--597218402.jpg"></a></div></span></div></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Baby Rain (above) and Grace-Girl (below) have conquered the changes of the past year with courage and fearlessness. </span><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYoiqN0r2sMOs5aduUQM7br4uBfqonR36XB_yodZG-PVu4JLLx3obBxdkQ6EIqnHoUQH7D0ZdDS-Hs7Wb0X4znp5ntzQRmqaCF1EfGrbwqYH9MivnUn-hpDhZotz3ELt3BzAcHT1Ztxum9/s640/blogger-image-972661676.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYoiqN0r2sMOs5aduUQM7br4uBfqonR36XB_yodZG-PVu4JLLx3obBxdkQ6EIqnHoUQH7D0ZdDS-Hs7Wb0X4znp5ntzQRmqaCF1EfGrbwqYH9MivnUn-hpDhZotz3ELt3BzAcHT1Ztxum9/s640/blogger-image-972661676.jpg"></a>These girls have moved from homeschooling to public school and have faced the very real loss of Mommy-as-they-knew-her with incredible courage. As we head into fourth grade and kindergarten in a few short weeks, I have to brag a little about how proud I am of their courage and fearlessness. So here's to all the SuperGirlz in the world who are facing challenges of their own- don't forget that you can fly! </div></div>Thru a Tori-lenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14510894741605608131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969853827792284452.post-55296646237541999312014-07-14T23:56:00.001-07:002014-07-14T23:56:54.317-07:00The Big "T": From Home to School<br />
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I'm a blogaholic. Especially when there's a change in the air. I want to know how everyone ELSE dealt with it. I want to know their tricks and trades. I need the info, people! So, this year I'm headed back to work and the girls are going to school. For the first time. Ever. We are all very excited about this big change, though there is some anxiety in it for us all. Grace-girl will be going into 3rd Grade, Baby Rain to Preschool. The grieving is real for this mom who has spent the better part of a decade defining myself as a homeschooling, stay-at-home mom. I'm not worried about the girls being out there, I'm just worried about missing them. If you want to slog through the grief process with me, check out my <a href="http://junipernews.blogspot.com/">other blog</a>. In the meantime I'm here to share some practical things I've learned and want to try. A plus: we finally get to share all our school stories with the kids and the first-day-at-school fun and anticipation will be real, not manufactured by mom.<br />
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There's not a lot out there about transitioning a kid into public school from homeschool at this age. There's a fair amount for the high school set, and lots for Kindergartners headed out into the world. So here's some <strike>wisdom</strike> decent ideas for helping kids through this transition. I know my kids really need a healthy dose of transition help right now.<br />
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<li>This is scary for them. It's new. So Daddy and I are making the decisions. We won't slog them through our decision-making about schools and childcare and all that jazz. They just don't need that burden. However, we will give them space to voice concerns as these decisions come up.</li>
<li>We allow space for the anxiety, but we spend more time on the excitement. Let's focus on the adventure of this new thing and all the fun we'll have! Grace-Girl is drawing pictures of the things that make her anxious about this transition (missing mommy, not having friends at school, a new routine and structure) and I'm helping her put words to those worries. We're also developing a plans to ease those burdens. Here are some:</li>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><b>Preparation</b>- I've assured Grace-Girl that we'll meet her teacher and see her classroom before school starts. Promise. We will also ask to see what the schedule will look like each day and how transitions in the classroom will look. Baby Rain will get the same treatment which will help her, too. Grace-girl is also writing and drawing her anxieties so we can talk about them and get them out in the open. School supply shopping will help build some anticipation and excitement and also give the girls some ownership over the experience.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><b>Parental Involvement-</b> Mom and Dad will be involved at both girls' schools (even preschool). Fundraisers, events, parent teacher nights- we will be there. It's important to us to support our neighborhood schools and to care about what our kids are learning. Just because we work doesn't mean we don't want to be involved with our kids.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><b>Something to Look Forward To</b>- For easing the separation, we'll focus on planning mommy-daughter dates and daddy-daughter dates once a month during the fall with each of the girls. This will be hard for all of us to uphold, but I want them to have something to count the days towards and a reminder that we like to be with them!</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><b>School Tools</b>- They will each be allowed to carry a "silent buddy" to school. A small stuffed animal that lives in their bag and doesn't get to come out. He's just a reminder of home. Also- I'm making special bracelets for the girls to wear to remind them that Mommy and Daddy love them and that Jesus is always with them. I haven't worked all that out, yet, but it's rolling around up there in my head.</li>
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This is all for now- I'll post up soon as we continue our adventure to the next great thing our family gets to do together!</div>
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<br />Thru a Tori-lenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14510894741605608131noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969853827792284452.post-71348112899225633752014-03-09T15:14:00.004-07:002014-03-09T15:16:45.493-07:00Some days are like that...Somehow it's been five months since I updated this blog. Since then we've had three black eyes, the Seahawks WON the Superbowl, Grace-girl has grown 3 inches and Baby Rain probably more than that. We survived the holidays, we survived Snowpocalypse. We even snowboarded a few times. It's been a busy season in life. Spring always brings me back to fresh beginnings.<br />
But I'm feeling a little hung up. Like this little one.<br />
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I'm not interested in blogging about my perfect kids and my perfect life and my perfect husband because there is no such thing. We all know it. The reality is that some days piano practice looks like this:</div>
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I'm very excited about homeschooling next year, but I'm not sure how we can afford it. I love teaching my kids everything, but then some days I don't. Some days I feel as eloquent as Madeline L'Engle or Anne Lamott. And other days I can't form a proper sentence. It's just how life rolls. </div>
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What I can do, with no shame, is laugh. Laugh at myself. Laugh with my kids at their stupid (that's right, I said stupid) knock-knock jokes. Like this one: </div>
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"Knock Knock"</div>
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"Who's There?"</div>
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"Interrupting cow."</div>
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"Interrupting cow wh..."</div>
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"OINK!!!"</div>
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It makes no sense. But it makes me laugh every time. And that's good.</div>
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This makes me laugh, too. My warrior-princess-ninja... She's just too awesome.</div>
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So here's my reminder to myself- and to any other wretched soul who's trying to glean wisdom from this blog: Quit taking yourself so seriously. Life is hard sometimes. It really is. But it's the moments when we laugh, sometimes even at each other, that we will cherish forever. No one wants to hear about the poop accident your 3 year old had at the play area in the grocery store. They really don't. Focus on the laughs. </div>
<br />Thru a Tori-lenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14510894741605608131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969853827792284452.post-73723575656880646692013-10-11T00:30:00.003-07:002013-10-11T00:32:03.543-07:00Summer Learning- the real scoop<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdDwEtQeorjSTa6IJ0-EUTF4UDnqhwzB7amThn3Lca7j8lIBcJflvLa8XSVWchlyKVovTTBEF-EXaFFm3DoQsI5fhsnG4rccPM9YCcdcgjsNNp8O9P2sJV_BqueSThKCLpaZ3135TmBWBG/s1600/DSC04436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdDwEtQeorjSTa6IJ0-EUTF4UDnqhwzB7amThn3Lca7j8lIBcJflvLa8XSVWchlyKVovTTBEF-EXaFFm3DoQsI5fhsnG4rccPM9YCcdcgjsNNp8O9P2sJV_BqueSThKCLpaZ3135TmBWBG/s320/DSC04436.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summer learning always begins with lots of great books.</td></tr>
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We didn't advance three grades over the summer as I had hoped. In fact, I think we may have lost some academic ground. Now that we're in full swing in the new school year I find myself reminiscing about our past summer. I had big plans, but instead this summer came to be termed "The Summer of Her Boyhood." Someday I'll write more about that- the idea that there's a special, fleeting time in a girl's life where she is free to just be herself, to be wild and untamed and romp and play to her heart's content. Grace Girl turned 7 and Baby Rain turned 3 this summer. It was a fantastic, wild romp of a good time.<br />
<br />
So, here are a few things the girls learned from our big wild summer:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><div style="text-align: left;">
<ul>
<li>Grace Girl and Baby Rain invested in long-term projects and enjoyed the outcome of hard work.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmuLCGciJYVVx6RoOWfZHGQ3_binvqH5bu4UuDvAb1Jlz_CxAnI-junXb_w6AclylEeDVQ-SNXxb48YjDXzXaWmVkL-aC7Qe0TeqDDLeCBAOEGxYMxONzRVBF-dDFMTDiAkFSxsHuZeGr/s1600/DSC04249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmuLCGciJYVVx6RoOWfZHGQ3_binvqH5bu4UuDvAb1Jlz_CxAnI-junXb_w6AclylEeDVQ-SNXxb48YjDXzXaWmVkL-aC7Qe0TeqDDLeCBAOEGxYMxONzRVBF-dDFMTDiAkFSxsHuZeGr/s320/DSC04249.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Playing in the Sunflower House</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<ul>
<li> Sure, she can't spell worth a darn, but check out those waterfall-fairy charming skills!</li>
</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2AtaXjHcV8C6aYsFauX-E4m4vx0Rb3Fg_e-_uxGMxlq1JAyc8ERohlLNLIZnmKH2d_fGRmxiqhZmfOhmIntZY5KkvJnBmFbxQYmcXGvb9T-gbubvkgUfXMXgulwXwkJrrzCfIw90OMLlg/s1600/DSC03973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2AtaXjHcV8C6aYsFauX-E4m4vx0Rb3Fg_e-_uxGMxlq1JAyc8ERohlLNLIZnmKH2d_fGRmxiqhZmfOhmIntZY5KkvJnBmFbxQYmcXGvb9T-gbubvkgUfXMXgulwXwkJrrzCfIw90OMLlg/s320/DSC03973.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking at Horsetail Falls in the Columbia Gorge<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li> Maybe Grace Girl's measuring skills are rusty, but she understands "scale" in a whole new way!</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk04j-YDlSNjkJgMTOTuO0-obtAbuLYXosruLrsuh-3hghJyxkuo1nnxPl2lkxm6IrcFJDJ6p3kpN8P8RPl9Q68eqoSrdOMn-wgAd9tE96fp_k0TS_GgPWJu4MVbarrM0ibZU9Deivegn2/s1600/DSC03997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk04j-YDlSNjkJgMTOTuO0-obtAbuLYXosruLrsuh-3hghJyxkuo1nnxPl2lkxm6IrcFJDJ6p3kpN8P8RPl9Q68eqoSrdOMn-wgAd9tE96fp_k0TS_GgPWJu4MVbarrM0ibZU9Deivegn2/s320/DSC03997.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making friends with the Sea Lions at the Oregon Zoo<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li>Baby Rain explored the language of math through music and rhythm.</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixK7tdWtE9okY69RoH3CvzbFWsKfqDhILMVDwKrPmwCydv6UbwkeTLh8SA41Yh7KFEYaPXvi5WmrrqdOjeBd3jQjRJPIdhLDARs9yP3UksbuLr-qGAa92bNPFqVnZCUsWJ2K2bfUk4u1XN/s1600/DSC04312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixK7tdWtE9okY69RoH3CvzbFWsKfqDhILMVDwKrPmwCydv6UbwkeTLh8SA41Yh7KFEYaPXvi5WmrrqdOjeBd3jQjRJPIdhLDARs9yP3UksbuLr-qGAa92bNPFqVnZCUsWJ2K2bfUk4u1XN/s320/DSC04312.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exploring music, costume and art<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<ul></ul>
<br />
<li> We missed some reading lessons, but Grace Girl's learning to communicate in new ways.</li>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj76SLjYxeIIcmxZbYCmXOcT2qoCYLALyZ0ZzXeTz_U1xEn9SspapGFZbTTQNUnGzL4ZPNKMaeyYISSfmMLKn9EooRQxJTr_Ss2ITfF7rmsmBj81Ds1nFbT9SyiL_Bfxmz7JDEKJ1okEo8g/s1600/DSC04120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj76SLjYxeIIcmxZbYCmXOcT2qoCYLALyZ0ZzXeTz_U1xEn9SspapGFZbTTQNUnGzL4ZPNKMaeyYISSfmMLKn9EooRQxJTr_Ss2ITfF7rmsmBj81Ds1nFbT9SyiL_Bfxmz7JDEKJ1okEo8g/s320/DSC04120.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Found a snake at a wilderness lake on her first backpacking trip</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><br />
<ul></ul>
<br />
<li> We backed out of gymnastics and didn't do sport camps this summer, but we stayed in shape the old-fashioned way- hiking, running, climbing...what a view!</li>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHJa60Mog4CDt28Uq3ZQbaZblqCYN1jtsYLaJTSgIMKwl7SJLouMmh6kipBy9xpzE_uXpD7a8HYocHcCx3CgfBe_Eh3K0IGGPVOkg5efzKSyPdCX4fIraDRXx-GAjmWYit93qA0Frl0Lcw/s1600/DSC04173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHJa60Mog4CDt28Uq3ZQbaZblqCYN1jtsYLaJTSgIMKwl7SJLouMmh6kipBy9xpzE_uXpD7a8HYocHcCx3CgfBe_Eh3K0IGGPVOkg5efzKSyPdCX4fIraDRXx-GAjmWYit93qA0Frl0Lcw/s320/DSC04173.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wilderness wildflower meadow romping near 3 Fingered Jack</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<ul></ul>
<br />
<li> Grace Girl learned about physics, gravity and force!</li>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsyC078gcP2HKxFoglFzYLHQmBmM8MLIG5pE0wDDQj7V_0H75axPZoUQaNYJAdoMH-W9osI5HXzvzh9b8F8MtMnsaLvyJiiMqKllPAIOWnvjAi-50oBhvvKwqhujddm9raeJMX9e_w_7Go/s1600/DSC04319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsyC078gcP2HKxFoglFzYLHQmBmM8MLIG5pE0wDDQj7V_0H75axPZoUQaNYJAdoMH-W9osI5HXzvzh9b8F8MtMnsaLvyJiiMqKllPAIOWnvjAi-50oBhvvKwqhujddm9raeJMX9e_w_7Go/s320/DSC04319.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oregon Coast wave jumping<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<li>Baby Rain deepened relationships with the people that matter most.</li>
<ul></ul>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRoggVNJZc0LUhC4vYAGCamK6cGAWLGbwhSmLe5I5WQVnhAdIkI3NzC56_mCeswtV6_sAv0HmhlHVtDBLbVF4vkSzbjRU-7rqP7vNkHTKX-LZos6jCsclV-nIJ9KmJeYhnH1MFhCdoLGU-/s1600/DSC04458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRoggVNJZc0LUhC4vYAGCamK6cGAWLGbwhSmLe5I5WQVnhAdIkI3NzC56_mCeswtV6_sAv0HmhlHVtDBLbVF4vkSzbjRU-7rqP7vNkHTKX-LZos6jCsclV-nIJ9KmJeYhnH1MFhCdoLGU-/s320/DSC04458.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beach walking with Daddy<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li> They may be a little wild and untamed- ok, maybe more than a little- and I'm so glad. May they never forget the wildness of their own souls.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg29AXdWC9TyovQHQLA84hT_GphDHw5LZY7_sOzWlnLs_gHC5ISTCVrgFD6PQaAxU4HVHKgXQzZipDTngkByZCtkYauwQk-9DSU519cV4gYLHtKrI28ewL1a7r6GkRr456lDKdP9CI0F1V4/s1600/DSC04199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg29AXdWC9TyovQHQLA84hT_GphDHw5LZY7_sOzWlnLs_gHC5ISTCVrgFD6PQaAxU4HVHKgXQzZipDTngkByZCtkYauwQk-9DSU519cV4gYLHtKrI28ewL1a7r6GkRr456lDKdP9CI0F1V4/s320/DSC04199.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Wild summer days- camping on the Little Santiam River </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My prayer for our new year is that each adventure would bring learning, and each cause to learn would be a glorious, swashbuckling, fabulous adventure. Yes. I said swashbuckling. Because it's a great word. Go ahead. Say it out loud. I dare you. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimO8aJ3-gT7JIw0m3OCJRSE8jr5Iv6I32r6Pdv9KRWjHlQ8Ka6Y7zMoSyAVuBx9-evIaaZvMW2fHAFBfiKy3YHV-fNgxN7v2zJcsD77OYIvSARzkZrF4caMah0cylIwGk-OsxZ82OnaIcG/s1600/DSC04175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimO8aJ3-gT7JIw0m3OCJRSE8jr5Iv6I32r6Pdv9KRWjHlQ8Ka6Y7zMoSyAVuBx9-evIaaZvMW2fHAFBfiKy3YHV-fNgxN7v2zJcsD77OYIvSARzkZrF4caMah0cylIwGk-OsxZ82OnaIcG/s320/DSC04175.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">May the road always rise to meet you...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Thru a Tori-lenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14510894741605608131noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969853827792284452.post-29747940667027817702013-06-14T01:15:00.001-07:002013-06-14T01:26:39.760-07:00Summer learning begins... with Spelling!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4nEUFmXKQWKUh5ieZrWYPJ0SCmg6VNQC0Tjgk_M-UX01DRadHnUJBKRCA-p7c7oDwi08yWKVUjeT3D50L64Q6nkZ9BgGgEU4ulcTSKZU8s2m7gaXaINiBca8gXPs8IfBML2UKiuQ0X9Ga/s1600/DSC03889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4nEUFmXKQWKUh5ieZrWYPJ0SCmg6VNQC0Tjgk_M-UX01DRadHnUJBKRCA-p7c7oDwi08yWKVUjeT3D50L64Q6nkZ9BgGgEU4ulcTSKZU8s2m7gaXaINiBca8gXPs8IfBML2UKiuQ0X9Ga/s320/DSC03889.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There will be lots of tree-climbing, too!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now that our Grace-girl has officially completed first grade and we've taken a few weeks off, I'm busy planning for our summer work (don't tell <i>her</i> it's work) and even thinking ahead to fall. Our main shortfall this year was that we didn't focus much on spelling, though we did make major strides in reading and grammar, which will ultimately help with spelling. This summer instead of working on "writing" we are going to have some spelling fun! She'll also get some printing practice in there without realizing it, just to keep us going before cursive starts in the fall.<br />
<br />
During the school year we run a fairly<a href="http://www.classicalconversations.com/common/what-is-classical-education"> classical school</a>, but in the summer I prefer a more organic, Charlotte Mason approach. We do a lot of gardening, bike riding, hiking and natural observances of the world around us. We do still accomplish some formal education in the midst of that as I absolutely hate the idea of having to re-teach something we've already learned! If you add it all up it looks like a lot of school time, but most of this is organic learning time for our whole family. I imagine we will actually sit down for "school" less than 2 hours a week. <br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Bible Study-</b> The girls and I read a Bible story every morning, discuss, and pray together. We also work on a new memory work passage every month or so (45 minutes/week). When Matt is home he joins us or leads us. Prayer and worship time are also regular moments in our day.</li>
<li><b>Grammar</b>- One lesson per week from our <a href="http://www.amazon.com/First-Language-Lessons-Well-Trained-Levels/dp/0971412928/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1371192201&sr=8-9&keywords=First+Language+Lessons">First Language Lessons </a>book, plus review of the first grade memory work (20 minutes/week) so we don't forget!</li>
<li><b>Spelling</b>- One or two lessons per week which will mostly be a review of first grade (20 minutes/week). See below. I might just find a cheap summer supplement book to work through to have an end point in sight. I think this will be a good school activity to take camping.</li>
<li><b>Reading</b>- <a href="http://www.deschuteslibrary.org/events/summer_reading/kids/default.aspx">Our wonderful library's summer reading program </a>will serve as an inspiration and motivation for summer reading (90 minutes/week). We will also be attending a few of the summer reading program activities (there are many) and regular weekly (or bi-montly) Storytime for Baby Rain. Our library reading fuels our decisions for other subjects of study and can sometimes lead us to a unit study tangent.</li>
<li><b>Math-</b> we'll be starting <a href="http://www.singaporemath.com/default.asp">Singapore Math</a> in the fall, so we are mostly reviewing and solidifying skills over the summer with a focus on problem solving, critical thinking, measurement and integrating science. We'll do some flash card work but we also like to include lots of fun games as part of our math time (90 minutes/week). Some of our favorite math-oriented games are Monopoly, Rummikub and Catan games (Catan Kids, Settlers of Catan and Starship Catan).</li>
<li><b>Science-</b> One weekly nature study using our <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Handbook-Nature-Botsford-Comstock-Paperback/dp/B00BQ2480Y/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1371192146&sr=8-3&keywords=handbook+of+nature+study">Anna Comstock</a> (Handbook of Nature Study) and library books (45 minutes). Includes writing practice, drawing and observation in her nature journal.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.classicalconversations.com/">Classical Conversations</a>-</b> It's important to not completely forget everything we learned last year, so we will review cycle 1 memory work during the summer (about 60 minutes/week of mostly auditory practice in the car) but we'll wait to start cycle 2 until we get to September.</li>
<li><b>Art/Music- </b>These occur naturally at our house as we lead worship at church and work with several instruments. June is a motivated student of drawing and will no doubt fill her time easily with art projects and fun craft projects as the motivation and occasion arrives. </li>
</ul>
<br />
In my quest for more spelling practice, I looked for some free online resources and I've listed some interesting-looking ones below. Do you have others you like to use and want to share?<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.zaner-bloser.com/media/zb/zaner-bloser/spellingconnections/practice-pages.html">Zaner-Bloser</a>- </span>nice printable worksheets to practice writing words.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.tlsbooks.com/">TLS</a>-</span> lots of different worksheets on many topics, among which are spelling. Fun!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://gradespelling.com/">Grade Spelling</a>-</span> this is a fun interactive site for spelling practice. Not a pressure-cooker, just fun activities and age appropriate spelling word lists.<br />
<br />
<br />
Enjoy your summer! Enjoy learning! And don't forget to do both at the same time!Thru a Tori-lenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14510894741605608131noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969853827792284452.post-3727698592742582182013-05-05T02:13:00.000-07:002013-05-05T02:18:40.705-07:00Mommy Don't Go! How to Say Goodbye...<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">It's always hard to say goodbye to Mommy. </span></i>When I began going to the gym in the evenings last fall we ran into some separation anxiety with our little Baby Rain. I recently began to work outside the home (just a few nights a week) which meant my absence was felt not just during bedtime, but also during dinner and the hour beyond. <br />
<br />
While Grace-girl, almost 7, is now old enough to understand reason (she still misses her Mama, sometimes, and has always been a fairly sensitive child), Baby Rain is not quite 3 and still has strong feelings about the subject! So this mama did what any good mama would do. I requested a bunch of books from the local library. Your library has them too! Search under "separation anxiety" or ask your children's librarian for suggestions. Most books in this category are geared towards the first day of school, but I've found that these are equally helpful for little ones as they don't really know the difference between "school" and "playing at someone's house." Books about loss are also good for this category (Think: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Knuffle-Bunny-Cautionary-Tale-Special/dp/142314449X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1367738262&sr=1-1&keywords=Knufflebunny">Knuffle Bunny</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Have-Seen-Duck-Janet-Holmes/dp/0545224888/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1367738375&sr=1-1&keywords=Have+You+Seen+Duck%3F">Have You Seen Duck?</a>, a current favorite at our house).<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Some Favorite Books at Our House:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>The first two are not specifically related to "school" but rather are simply how little ones cope with missing Mommy. For the record, there are GREAT books about kiddos missing Daddy or other caregivers. These just really hit home for my kids and me since I'm their primary caregiver. </i></span><br />
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<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61i8B6CxzeL._SX225_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61i8B6CxzeL._SX225_.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Owl-Babies-Candlewick-Storybook-Animations/dp/0763650420/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1367736469&sr=1-1&keywords=owl+babies"><b>Owl Babies</b></a> has been in my arsenal for awhile. This book was a favorite with both girls at the toddler stage. It really helps them grasp the idea that Mommy always comes back. We do have to learn to wait and be patient and maybe even worry a little, but every kid who's read this book can repeat Bill's special line, "I want my Mommy!" Some of the illustrations are dark (owls are nocturnal, afterall), but never scary. My favorite picture is the one at the end when the baby owls dance around on their branch. Pure elation! Mama has returned!</li>
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<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61XKYCYS6DL._SX225_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61XKYCYS6DL._SX225_.jpg" /></a></div>
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<li><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Piglet-Mama-Margaret-Wild/dp/0810958694/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1367736821&sr=1-1&keywords=Piglet+and+Mama">Piglet and Mama</a> </b>was/is another fave for both my girls. In this case, Mama appears to be lost, but in the end she was looking for piglet the whole time. In this sweet story, Piglet meets several other animals around the farm who offer her an activity to share with their own little ones, but each time it simply says, "But Piglet wanted her Mama." For some reason I always inextricably insert a "No thank you" before piglet asserts her desire for Mommy. No need to be rude, after all! The playful illustrations add a lightness to the story rather than a scary element for the sensitive crowd. The simplicity is winsome and not tiring at all.</li>
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<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61DJfrn-YGL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_SX225_SY300_CR,0,0,225,300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61DJfrn-YGL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_SX225_SY300_CR,0,0,225,300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a></div>
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<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Llama-Misses-Mama-Anna-Dewdney/dp/0670061980/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1367735823&sr=8-1&keywords=llama+llama+misses+mama"><b>Llama Llama Misses Mama</b></a> is a sweet story I found in my recent search for books about this topic. I do love that sweet, passionate little llama. Who doesn't? The illustrations in this book are so exquisite that you can almost taste the tears running down little Llama's face when, finally, "it was all too much for little Llama" and he breaks down crying at the snack table at his new preschool. All is well in the end, of course, when his new friends gather round him and the teacher reminds him that his mama will come back at the end of the day. The scene of their reunion is a mess of tossed crayons and joyful exuberance. Love it. And in the end Llama Llama decides he loves Mama AND school. </li>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>These last two I like because they give you an action point- they remind you that you can DO something about missing Mommy. These are better for kids who are a bit older (stories are longer), perhaps more school-age, but still apply to little ones as well.</i></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/5160XNi8q-L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_SX225_SY300_CR,0,0,225,300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/5160XNi8q-L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_SX225_SY300_CR,0,0,225,300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a></div>
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<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kissing-Hand-CD-Audio/dp/0756992990/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1367735885&sr=1-1&keywords=The+Kissing+Hand"><b>The Kissing Hand</b></a> is a classic book about little raccoon who is heading off to his first day of school. Of course, Raccoon school is at night! Again, the illustrations are beautiful and the story poignant. Mama gives little Raccoon a special kiss that will remind him of her throughout his night at school. This is a sweet story that also allows reciprocation for little Raccoon to give Mama a special kiss of her own so she won't miss him too much, either. And off he scampers to school.</li>
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<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51TnmcoLBmL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_SX225_SY300_CR,0,0,225,300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51TnmcoLBmL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_SX225_SY300_CR,0,0,225,300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a></div>
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<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kiss-Box-Bonnie-Verburg/dp/0545112842/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1367736098&sr=1-1&keywords=The+Kiss+Box"><b>The Kiss Box</b></a> is about a mother who has to go away for awhile and how she soothes the concerns of her little bear. Finally the little bear decides to make a box to store the kisses in that she will send when she is away. This is a strategy that has worked in my family, too. Only I like to cut out tiny paper hearts and fill the kiss boxes with both real kisses and the paper reminders.</li>
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Now that you know how to help your little one cope with separation- how do<i> you </i>deal with it? Come visit me <a href="http://junipernews.blogspot.com/2013/05/learning-to-leave-your-kids-behind.html">at my other blog </a>for help with that one!</div>
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Thru a Tori-lenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14510894741605608131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969853827792284452.post-16613814161235530522013-01-24T01:18:00.001-08:002013-01-24T01:19:40.608-08:00Gems, Jammies and Gingerbread: Science at home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3mIX6wXVwOPYC_7EH7Wv3XKIWcccdDlfPQXvBPX1s40wU6sv0hAQsO2-xMWSIoyVeHxxrYEd8rr81EDJQoXTYlfFNa3X5u7nBXa8k253N0IuBs0QvnF3vDQ56txLdnFJOBHJweVqMm5Sz/s1600/DSC03355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3mIX6wXVwOPYC_7EH7Wv3XKIWcccdDlfPQXvBPX1s40wU6sv0hAQsO2-xMWSIoyVeHxxrYEd8rr81EDJQoXTYlfFNa3X5u7nBXa8k253N0IuBs0QvnF3vDQ56txLdnFJOBHJweVqMm5Sz/s320/DSC03355.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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For Christmas my Grace-Girl received a Gem dig kit. You know the one. She was SO excited that I had to hide it until the appropriate time to do the project (aka NOT at my sister's house). As soon as we got home she was aching to try out her little hammer and chisel. Safety goggles on, pajamas still in place, we ventured into the world of gems and rocks. We read about the types of rock, identified the gems (to the best of our amateur ability) and discussed methodology of extraction.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghsbhAiw8WE7tIBciwGFVkhmJ0X3tVOhSbBPlLUx1hl74VCYpd11RwVfoCXEIUuqt16raK_nbzDKsqHVVKJx_IlS52erkQU4BGb6-2FBZeJEvVCMgWuCbaphk49YJdSy99V5I8y9zaP2af/s1600/DSC03356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghsbhAiw8WE7tIBciwGFVkhmJ0X3tVOhSbBPlLUx1hl74VCYpd11RwVfoCXEIUuqt16raK_nbzDKsqHVVKJx_IlS52erkQU4BGb6-2FBZeJEvVCMgWuCbaphk49YJdSy99V5I8y9zaP2af/s320/DSC03356.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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She surprised even me with her fastidiousness. This project took a long time and she worked carefully; uncovering each small gem or rock from its dusty home. When it was all done I sent her outside to dispose of the mess. Then, in a whirlwind of genius, I sent the gingerbread house out with her. Somehow I knew the only thing that would justify not eating the thing would be smashing it to bits. And I was right.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm2YCl1WvzUrSThSLACgB1cRi0qLj-i0RP1RGF9i-nsFgjnSF9g0CSjvqq2dXV4QjDO4N3whfqcwFGV-rLTSpa1cgybby-h1MqqdoCb5JcXoJ_9-xF27wUXRtk7s86cg6uWf-KHY0k2qrE/s1600/DSC03357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm2YCl1WvzUrSThSLACgB1cRi0qLj-i0RP1RGF9i-nsFgjnSF9g0CSjvqq2dXV4QjDO4N3whfqcwFGV-rLTSpa1cgybby-h1MqqdoCb5JcXoJ_9-xF27wUXRtk7s86cg6uWf-KHY0k2qrE/s320/DSC03357.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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That careful scientist went a little wild when she was able to become fully destructive. This is a great way to get energy out of your homebound kids (see the snow? see the snow on the trampoline?). Unfortunately, and I wouldn't recommend this, she smashed it right on the back patio next to the back door. I think I'll be finding red hots and fondant next spring when all the snow melts. In the meantime the birds are having a sugar-induced heyday (yes, yes, we cleaned it up as best as we could, people. The birds were not actually harmed).</div>
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There you go. Fun with science. And gingerbread. And pajamas. It's homeschooling in a nutshell.</div>
<br />Thru a Tori-lenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14510894741605608131noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969853827792284452.post-71285437268635523302012-12-06T23:21:00.001-08:002015-08-18T01:56:54.755-07:00On the Road<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiapDGhbIholO061ZskPkPD0XF11JLm9qmfPCvHWy1VFKehEz6rRYe_ShNk7O8OGcgjIxYYiOjuqTKaAaAbi64IWlau1yly4PXprtgwfuF9pcYEaYQC25eiBTJxuNRBvNjMYR75y6OF8t8m/s1600/DSC03028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiapDGhbIholO061ZskPkPD0XF11JLm9qmfPCvHWy1VFKehEz6rRYe_ShNk7O8OGcgjIxYYiOjuqTKaAaAbi64IWlau1yly4PXprtgwfuF9pcYEaYQC25eiBTJxuNRBvNjMYR75y6OF8t8m/s320/DSC03028.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grace-girl- she always wanted those eye thingies. And no, she didn't actually sleep.</td></tr>
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Our adventurous little family recently embarked on a 3000 mile road trip from Oregon to New Mexico and back again. I could start a new blog for this topic, but I'll restrain myself. As you can imagine, we spent a lot of time in the car. Here are a few things I learned, in a nutshell!</div>
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1. <b style="color: blue;">Make a plan, but don't be afraid to change it.</b> I spent hours planning, organizing, and preparing for this trip. Games, toys, educational activities, homeschool curriculum, daily snacks, music, and even some videos all took up space in our front seat area. I planned for everything. Every good place to stop and run around, every meal, every little detail. Then I set it down and let it go. Whew. It's nice to be prepared (just in case) but not something I have to be controlling about. It's always good to expect the unexpected; like a delicious burger joint in Central California (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/eddiesfamouscafe">Eddie's Famous Cafe</a>- Eddie even gave us free cinnamon rolls), or a truly interesting rest stop in New Mexico. You just never know what you might find!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQTgdO3KDeUOvxtufPog1jBIH9Pi5X1cBAlZPdBEItGw7Qc6ZYsUJOGW3Fr8gJ_ufCGpCgxpfzYVQSgvYOiqftKJCHMUvQVtGllnhhLDKgQvCuz5tYJ0zyENDR8pxny1tpfCCf6whV377/s1600/DSC03035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQTgdO3KDeUOvxtufPog1jBIH9Pi5X1cBAlZPdBEItGw7Qc6ZYsUJOGW3Fr8gJ_ufCGpCgxpfzYVQSgvYOiqftKJCHMUvQVtGllnhhLDKgQvCuz5tYJ0zyENDR8pxny1tpfCCf6whV377/s320/DSC03035.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first of 3 KOA cabins, all exactly the same! Talk about easy...</td></tr>
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2. <b style="color: purple;">Try to maintain your normal routine, at least to a certain extent, for the happiness of the whole crew. </b>We happen to use<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://www.classicalconversations.com/"> a curriculum</a></span> that is heavy on memorization and auditory learning. So you can now imagine us rocking out to such hits as, "The Timeline Song," "The US Presidents" and don't forget that amazing ditty, "The Preposition Song." Every morning we started our morning with breakfast at the campsite (we stayed at <a href="http://koa.com/">KOA campgrounds</a> the whole way down for consistency and ease of travel- the cabins are the way to go when stopping for a quick overnight- we stayed with family and varied places on the way home), then mom or dad packed the car while the other ran the kids around at the playground (almost all <a href="http://koa.com/">KOA</a>s have playgrounds). After hopping in the car we did our Bible reading and prayer time then jumped into memory work. By the time we finished all that the first hour was well behind us. Grace-Girl also filled out a daily journal page each morning. We spent time each evening to sit down and have dinner together, do our normal bed-time routine (as much as possible) and re-pack for the next day (snacks, car reorganization, etc.). It was worth it.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja3khHYBj1LhbSOG2h7ZSMeo3TAIQ6jSkM1sgpdN6_X9aHnI8E5qRqYe-dBQNRrRrBB51s8h44-Nc4lZjCDy4sjVrcwlRtyCIYnmqqrmuPHGuTVgKFhgTBZp3hjlHmhOCqjGW2pIBLTljr/s1600/DSC03051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja3khHYBj1LhbSOG2h7ZSMeo3TAIQ6jSkM1sgpdN6_X9aHnI8E5qRqYe-dBQNRrRrBB51s8h44-Nc4lZjCDy4sjVrcwlRtyCIYnmqqrmuPHGuTVgKFhgTBZp3hjlHmhOCqjGW2pIBLTljr/s320/DSC03051.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The girls at Arches National Park</td></tr>
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3. <b style="color: magenta;">Enjoy the Road! </b>We were definitely on a schedule that didn't allow long stops, as we wanted lots of time with family at our destination, but we made a few exceptions: one morning at <a href="http://www.nmnaturalhistory.org/">Arches National Park</a> and one morning at <a href="http://www.nmnaturalhistory.org/">The New Mexico Natural History Museum</a> in Albuquerque. We powered through the first two days (though we did make short stops to run around) and slowed down on the last two days. Daddy and I also found time in the evenings to have fun- we played games, watched movies (all <a href="http://www.koa.com/">KOA</a>s have free wi-fi) and took some time for "us" all while the girls were sleeping peacefully in the cabin. </div>
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Many happy travels to you and yours this holiday season! Don't forget to visit <a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a> for every idea of a car game you could possibly imagine. </div>
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<br />Thru a Tori-lenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14510894741605608131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969853827792284452.post-11065629980666488502012-10-16T00:11:00.000-07:002012-10-16T00:14:36.988-07:00Fun With Worms- And Other Invertebrates!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigfc1HjY0WLwmoTuzJfY33lv0iqUG9W3C0RH-IFBqKrV6YmzU2wMz_SoaIpE_CzR-CjG448yIbUjYlicJ8u6LplU8F6saMpj3WTvj9Af-Lq_zSwAZ3_QI0nX1wWU0NrezwXDOcj8eJLNGy/s1600/DSC02893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigfc1HjY0WLwmoTuzJfY33lv0iqUG9W3C0RH-IFBqKrV6YmzU2wMz_SoaIpE_CzR-CjG448yIbUjYlicJ8u6LplU8F6saMpj3WTvj9Af-Lq_zSwAZ3_QI0nX1wWU0NrezwXDOcj8eJLNGy/s320/DSC02893.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
In our <a href="http://www.classicalconversations.com/">Classical Conversations</a> Curriculum, week 5, we memorized the major groups of invertebrates. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeiU-KQk2fZQtO0mSScA5Fgae_6JnPp8Iykc4u2BaDFzCiAQDBGviZXS2PuPe6Ts2zzFix78jM_XN5mtRp6ctCJ_9Jv0WFCzesmdJBHNvc1m-0EG1O8_pZnfUqICNhcbNys3pT0wejshII/s1600/DSC02881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeiU-KQk2fZQtO0mSScA5Fgae_6JnPp8Iykc4u2BaDFzCiAQDBGviZXS2PuPe6Ts2zzFix78jM_XN5mtRp6ctCJ_9Jv0WFCzesmdJBHNvc1m-0EG1O8_pZnfUqICNhcbNys3pT0wejshII/s320/DSC02881.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I saw this fun project, <strike>somewhere</strike> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a> and had to try it. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_wwM1lv_LuVgL31QQuHp1ZJqUl5wen-EHoNjKUA1xiEavN2i2SAJtq2l_HfKIwuXZVprGNTB-4Hszhc6nnviStHTRaM7TxEcxuSpNFz13pto1D5J1awJsHHKviVZ43vfEfAEos63Lrt5G/s1600/DSC02883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_wwM1lv_LuVgL31QQuHp1ZJqUl5wen-EHoNjKUA1xiEavN2i2SAJtq2l_HfKIwuXZVprGNTB-4Hszhc6nnviStHTRaM7TxEcxuSpNFz13pto1D5J1awJsHHKviVZ43vfEfAEos63Lrt5G/s320/DSC02883.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grace-girl- proud of her tapeworm. Hmm... never thought I'd say that sentence.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8oMAT4zvAmaH6jwcvf_hFte1ZVt4HOApXFLnytdK9vtWZ0ilHY8TYJ1nhtKVC-wtzqlQgAb4LA5yat0JGPJQ2iAO4K-yf5peBLa9gqgzuemtDDJgyDjuboGBEh7FgxATma-vEjPvX8SzR/s1600/DSC02884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8oMAT4zvAmaH6jwcvf_hFte1ZVt4HOApXFLnytdK9vtWZ0ilHY8TYJ1nhtKVC-wtzqlQgAb4LA5yat0JGPJQ2iAO4K-yf5peBLa9gqgzuemtDDJgyDjuboGBEh7FgxATma-vEjPvX8SzR/s320/DSC02884.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ew. A little too realistic for me.</td></tr>
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The girls had SO much fun and it was one of those rare moments when the project appealed to both ages (kind of hard usually with the 4 year age spread). <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpjhjjpxwfNhw4GtIRo84nxsQ9LUT1xuyvc6KCOrieQvvE3vy0W1lUhZ_3JhmNBu6U47nIZDEyjiubVAwP6bJfyCAcCzOPulURrgQ1IoTEwOsDAsT4VvUS305BM1R7W_D39-R_wGox1VZP/s1600/DSC02882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpjhjjpxwfNhw4GtIRo84nxsQ9LUT1xuyvc6KCOrieQvvE3vy0W1lUhZ_3JhmNBu6U47nIZDEyjiubVAwP6bJfyCAcCzOPulURrgQ1IoTEwOsDAsT4VvUS305BM1R7W_D39-R_wGox1VZP/s320/DSC02882.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Worms were the easiest. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUc99fot-O8LbJh9wJIS4Qs70MXRIjsn4bBzqg5QVXOUjqY0joaPd7uckkFSbsfcHSvQnny2yiaXSBhKwcIcc3SeL3degob_38FV9LHSgxyDiAZpfrM5N8RSUKhyphenhyphen04XGS6pBqmMtUqX_-T/s1600/DSC02891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUc99fot-O8LbJh9wJIS4Qs70MXRIjsn4bBzqg5QVXOUjqY0joaPd7uckkFSbsfcHSvQnny2yiaXSBhKwcIcc3SeL3degob_38FV9LHSgxyDiAZpfrM5N8RSUKhyphenhyphen04XGS6pBqmMtUqX_-T/s320/DSC02891.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Rain is SO proud of her sea star (she got to use a cookie-cutter)!</td></tr>
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This project also appealed to mommy because it takes ZERO prep work. I literally pulled the plates out of the cupboard and drew pictures on them as the girls were getting the playdoh stuff out.<br />
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Just a little glimpse into a fun day of home education. By the way, notice how you can't see the sink full of dishes or the piles of laundry in the corner. Priorities, people. </div>
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<br />Thru a Tori-lenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14510894741605608131noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969853827792284452.post-59055685857723858462012-09-25T15:41:00.000-07:002012-09-25T15:41:18.226-07:00First Grade Common Core<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ZgITyelHFvT5Wi1Whmr1FRddaL-JTpwbBoDJpFWS_ohCwNjcPLV6oP2HaBm-DvT-A8jFxYIiS6lH9uPc36nVP8LmzzHcCWNhFazb-wpbQVuoRScU3jwjeLxquVwOf_z0gBj1JmEIvHW1/s320/KidsReading.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ZgITyelHFvT5Wi1Whmr1FRddaL-JTpwbBoDJpFWS_ohCwNjcPLV6oP2HaBm-DvT-A8jFxYIiS6lH9uPc36nVP8LmzzHcCWNhFazb-wpbQVuoRScU3jwjeLxquVwOf_z0gBj1JmEIvHW1/s320/KidsReading.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the challenges of homeschooling is figuring out exactly what your kids <i>"need" </i>to know. Here in Oregon we only have to face standardized testing a few times (3rd, 5th 8th and 10th grades) and otherwise it's really up to us how we choose to home educate. There are several philosophies about this, some folks choose to make it up as they go along, or trust that the curriculum they are using is enough. Some prefer to ignore the "requirements" and allow their children to learn at their own pace. The rest of us just have to KNOW! :) Whatever your philosophy, here's a great resource that's worth a peek. </span><br />
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<a href="http://corecommonstandards.com/images/first-grade-common-core-standards-workbook.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://corecommonstandards.com/images/first-grade-common-core-standards-workbook.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This <a href="http://corecommonstandards.com/core-curriculum/first-grade-common-core-workbook/">First Grade Common Core</a> workbook is the largest collection of resources for teaching the Common Core State Standards. This workbook includes reams of worksheets, activities, and posters that cover Language Arts and Math. They have the Common Core Standards Workbooks for Kindergarten through Grade 5 (though the Grades 3-5 aren't available just yet).</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">I took a peek at a sample (you can download it, <a href="http://corecommonstandards.com/core-standards/first-grade-common-core-workbook-sample.pdf">here</a>) and the worksheets seem easy to follow and read. The directions are straightforward. Even more exciting are the colorful activities and posters that could be used for homeschool-style <a href="http://filefolderfun.com/">folder games</a> or even <a href="http://barefootstories.blogspot.com/2011/09/what-heck-is-lapbook.html">lapbooks</a>. Lots of fun ideas, here. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's always up to us as parent educators to decide what and how our kids should learn. But sometimes it's nice to get a look at what our kids really need to know. If my kids need to go back to public or private school, I want them to be ready to meet the standard. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">I was offered a free copy of the First Grade Common Core Workbook in exchange for this blog post. Thanks to </span><a href="http://www.hipmamasplace.com/2012/05/summer-reading-programs-for-kids-2012.html">http://www.hipmamasplace.com/2012/05/summer-reading-programs-for-kids-2012.html</a> for the cute pics of the babies reading, too. :)</i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>Thru a Tori-lenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14510894741605608131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969853827792284452.post-73303996192359749412012-09-06T15:09:00.003-07:002012-09-06T15:09:35.125-07:00First Grade!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUKK1C2O70NXrtXoglfsNdHZK-rr1K6cNZfiX49FtvK5lRjchWlCXXW67QwO_AEd8HYDA7y7lEBpvzBjm2XCbxkaAGYh1qJo8SfEE6htvS1oV_ANYIXRuYx0Q0-JoN2VECEiBT77SfDhv8/s1600/DSC02817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUKK1C2O70NXrtXoglfsNdHZK-rr1K6cNZfiX49FtvK5lRjchWlCXXW67QwO_AEd8HYDA7y7lEBpvzBjm2XCbxkaAGYh1qJo8SfEE6htvS1oV_ANYIXRuYx0Q0-JoN2VECEiBT77SfDhv8/s320/DSC02817.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Homeschooling is now official in our home. We sent in the forms (relatively easy in Oregon) and we had our first day, yesterday. I've done my homework, read the blogs, and decided on a philosophy. Picking curriculum can be expensive, but this year we've joined the <a href="http://www.classicalconversations.com/">Classical Conversations</a> community, an amazing co-operative style program and curriculum that happens to be available in our little town. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOUBmnFn9y3mLlwevXWz4B8f5Hbs2fapqvfD0cMLosa8wM9YEstLHuJKY8nN1viTrlwvySsB11_ZQyoOZvr3f3pO3I09sxsljJlkD5lamHr6_j2fr9QjqrVZXhdkGajAJCJPwQhEEAfAso/s1600/DSC02726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOUBmnFn9y3mLlwevXWz4B8f5Hbs2fapqvfD0cMLosa8wM9YEstLHuJKY8nN1viTrlwvySsB11_ZQyoOZvr3f3pO3I09sxsljJlkD5lamHr6_j2fr9QjqrVZXhdkGajAJCJPwQhEEAfAso/s320/DSC02726.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Once a week we meet together and parents participate along with the kids while tutors lead the class in learning new information and reviewing the old. Classical Conversations (CC) presents a classical, Christian education with emphasis on memorization and presentation using lots of silly songs (they work!) and other tools. With CC I don't have to worry so much about Art, Music (though we started violin this year, too), even Science (for this early age), Geography and History. As the kids get older, we'll add more of that stuff, too, but for now I'm happy. This means I do lots of Language Arts at home (reading, writing, grammar and spelling), Math and review of all the CC stuff. We read lots of extra library books about history and have as much fun as possible doing it all!<br />
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Our rhythm in schooling has aligned with a sort of seasonal cycle, not surprising since we are a season-loving crew. In the summer we have lots of emphasis on science, the outdoors, gardening and interest-led learning. During the "school" year we focus more on Language Arts, Math and History. Winter sports are key, of course, as are other seasonal focuses. Of course, a family vacation can lead us down any path of learning we wish! I've been missing blogging and I hope as our summer winds down I'll find more time to greet the world, here, as we enter into our fall academic cycle. <br />
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<br />Thru a Tori-lenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14510894741605608131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969853827792284452.post-41301682767053150472012-07-11T00:13:00.000-07:002012-07-11T00:15:19.123-07:00Summer School and Flowers, too!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkEnj0LV3ZyYpV0eLEFGCiENjVBWVF4kgO_vW9tObfwVSLo1CzlV7pBkUp_wVskjnGgc341oAEgYo7o7fi9_B9vTimC-2IOF4jlveG_vqXHGzBgFDlMoMYuCCW3HmfLfNmd03azK_pm2T_/s1600/DSC02252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkEnj0LV3ZyYpV0eLEFGCiENjVBWVF4kgO_vW9tObfwVSLo1CzlV7pBkUp_wVskjnGgc341oAEgYo7o7fi9_B9vTimC-2IOF4jlveG_vqXHGzBgFDlMoMYuCCW3HmfLfNmd03azK_pm2T_/s320/DSC02252.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summer School on the deck</td></tr>
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Don't freak out. We don't force school all summer long. Grace-girl really wanted to learn about plants and flowers and how they work. I knew she was ready for an in-depth study that was more than pretty pictures and fun books from the library. We've planted seeds, watched them grow, learned basic plant stuff and now we were ready to tackle flowers and pollination. SO I put together a<a href="http://barefootstories.blogspot.com/2011/09/what-heck-is-lapbook.html"> lapbook</a>, of course!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSq5LYBSL-H6gfypBNI0hPF3r2ff8nPu9RoJuHzW91xNQN3WR6gSVZUphargMd6q9T3sixqj6EgO-A5mQa_NiOpPLroYPN-mXTLAHVsnryQSDATD2qjLGnXfyso_yYlBYKCRIJiBEpIn0y/s1600/DSC02300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSq5LYBSL-H6gfypBNI0hPF3r2ff8nPu9RoJuHzW91xNQN3WR6gSVZUphargMd6q9T3sixqj6EgO-A5mQa_NiOpPLroYPN-mXTLAHVsnryQSDATD2qjLGnXfyso_yYlBYKCRIJiBEpIn0y/s320/DSC02300.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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We had several books from the library about plants and flowers and especially about bees and pollination. But the best resource I used was Anna Comstock's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Handbook-Nature-Study-Botsford-Comstock/dp/0801493846/ref=tmm_pap_title_0">The Handbook of Nature Study</a>. This one book has been my go-to resource for so many science questions (you can see it on my patio table in the picture above). We could have spent days reading about flowers and pollination and different types of asexual reproduction, but we moved on to completing the lapbook.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1KDrXc4KteURnpzIdx3lsB2g4ET_dQpwDasj-AxmER7Ey0Ky-7uknPoU80OpgEP-dndK-5LgmcTuzHuEFsv0REr18GxAFeEhpzpDTFlIynHEapRxdjtc_GPENYMMY-zY6zEF2lWU9kOx5/s1600/DSC02303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1KDrXc4KteURnpzIdx3lsB2g4ET_dQpwDasj-AxmER7Ey0Ky-7uknPoU80OpgEP-dndK-5LgmcTuzHuEFsv0REr18GxAFeEhpzpDTFlIynHEapRxdjtc_GPENYMMY-zY6zEF2lWU9kOx5/s320/DSC02303.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lapbook with closed elements</td></tr>
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I didn't find a free lapbook I loved for this topic, so I took things from many places.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwlkQwLqCIrg_zI8HNFIl0NvPgVnyWZCdgEz6kh_Iq1ykgxQJkDOsdByg_SjkFBIZY5zRJgJPBcpt_0IK-rH8qW10ojAUDEAl6m7ICX3CYADzk1fK_FvtBEcrPbHVvZp-k_0sZDXq7V6OP/s1600/DSC02319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwlkQwLqCIrg_zI8HNFIl0NvPgVnyWZCdgEz6kh_Iq1ykgxQJkDOsdByg_SjkFBIZY5zRJgJPBcpt_0IK-rH8qW10ojAUDEAl6m7ICX3CYADzk1fK_FvtBEcrPbHVvZp-k_0sZDXq7V6OP/s320/DSC02319.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lapbook with open elements</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.homeschoolshare.com/lapbooking_resources.php">This place</a> has tons of great mini-book and foldy fun stuff for lapbooks. Great for making up your own stuff, which is what I wound up doing for some of this lapbook.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil-5PxJ5szsKY3mNvW0KWHWed-qAtN-DL7fTHKEjV1wzOjUg4blpM5Y0BewhyphenhyphenJDC6fa1KOzYgsw9FSIxA0E-m-546_zBPChEPQ5O7uyowIrcAR5SAKHj8DVmi6q0tltrwbrSVQiA6EpO0x/s1600/DSC02308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil-5PxJ5szsKY3mNvW0KWHWed-qAtN-DL7fTHKEjV1wzOjUg4blpM5Y0BewhyphenhyphenJDC6fa1KOzYgsw9FSIxA0E-m-546_zBPChEPQ5O7uyowIrcAR5SAKHj8DVmi6q0tltrwbrSVQiA6EpO0x/s320/DSC02308.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunflower Growth Mini-book. 1 inch per day. Wow.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXplUXtOufJR8Y3qp4hNYU4yPuLLlv00OKxRPxYJ_p-8oR3Nohfh-5QxRTX1czdl7kbDz4zrW6esmU63Xyujjow4B7splnHG7yUkuffgW90TDrDMtJxTDz9mWhYuoS8pQwDVNBYbMzNWG3/s1600/DSC02313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXplUXtOufJR8Y3qp4hNYU4yPuLLlv00OKxRPxYJ_p-8oR3Nohfh-5QxRTX1czdl7kbDz4zrW6esmU63Xyujjow4B7splnHG7yUkuffgW90TDrDMtJxTDz9mWhYuoS8pQwDVNBYbMzNWG3/s320/DSC02313.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simple wheel book describing a plant life-cycle</td></tr>
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Grace-girl loves sequencing, so I just had to turn <a href="http://www.marcias-lesson-links.com/The%20Itsy%20Bitsy%20Seedling.pdf">this mini-book</a> into a sequencing activity.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsZ9US8gBn3DgBHX8L6N31RIgALJ72VEAEy7ACqPuXjFa0tJdpOl9DKmkxUmyXTkga7NM5HNsFNm0klZVGfLstJmioNLsdzKIuN9rgk0-Khw5P3t-ug4kSZEM3mGF3yopXwhWqBmuFtpv3/s1600/DSC02309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsZ9US8gBn3DgBHX8L6N31RIgALJ72VEAEy7ACqPuXjFa0tJdpOl9DKmkxUmyXTkga7NM5HNsFNm0klZVGfLstJmioNLsdzKIuN9rgk0-Khw5P3t-ug4kSZEM3mGF3yopXwhWqBmuFtpv3/s320/DSC02309.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Itsy-Bitsy Seedling accordion fold</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And I wanted to find a way to use some pressed flowers from our own garden.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-yE29HCkZ5NpFXW0PRaz9qwrBtcdUQo4S7VJ1pClXP4VMR9rLpw5disGQGxmJFuMqtvWRoc3rlvIPeeoOodoSdHx44NTEVbLB_Oh09MtY0J17fiMDCmaeHkAlf87QsC7mSFJd1wflgwPM/s1600/DSC02314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-yE29HCkZ5NpFXW0PRaz9qwrBtcdUQo4S7VJ1pClXP4VMR9rLpw5disGQGxmJFuMqtvWRoc3rlvIPeeoOodoSdHx44NTEVbLB_Oh09MtY0J17fiMDCmaeHkAlf87QsC7mSFJd1wflgwPM/s320/DSC02314.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A math/measuring mini-book</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It is really amazing how much a five year old can memorize and retain. She loved this project and actually learned and remembered the inner-workings of a flower and the purpose for each part.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdyBeCYSI1nQ2Z7r2Apvq-d82bE1azjd4oV2-H_pcZm3cXnolreVxphfELVi4zTZHPnQJIXiGBhXrJsH7SzoaNKGlyULPaKdnnjkvTjSWkCr5e0RBhg3k1vF4J_boZLF71ZKTTYJFGA3mX/s1600/DSC02302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdyBeCYSI1nQ2Z7r2Apvq-d82bE1azjd4oV2-H_pcZm3cXnolreVxphfELVi4zTZHPnQJIXiGBhXrJsH7SzoaNKGlyULPaKdnnjkvTjSWkCr5e0RBhg3k1vF4J_boZLF71ZKTTYJFGA3mX/s320/DSC02302.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The back of the lapbook. She assembled this by herself.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My favorite little element from this lapbook was a special poem that Grace-girl wrote a couple months ago. (She narrated, I wrote). I kept it and did this little petal-fold piece to surprise her. She loved it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07REGUgfmws4-QAg3VEtX8giQ1eyrhSVusSrPuc0-CnYJTJ3dgddzHLfV2CiWEG5z2PWCNooi7s2dSpjQASsJGRyA7CS2f5HbqsbJk87dgHgTdyiP-iqASjRCH7AsHu1vhBfXDRfb8Cjf/s1600/DSC02311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07REGUgfmws4-QAg3VEtX8giQ1eyrhSVusSrPuc0-CnYJTJ3dgddzHLfV2CiWEG5z2PWCNooi7s2dSpjQASsJGRyA7CS2f5HbqsbJk87dgHgTdyiP-iqASjRCH7AsHu1vhBfXDRfb8Cjf/s320/DSC02311.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4GpsiW8T9Qf8nbWxMe1eTNM2WWpprPYV6AGl-bZAPIzymtoxl-QdNPrScNLFJMlED1KGvhqcpAfOnVIhl-xQscXV0_hWPCBKmuxr14FJczFhTckStz56Piuh1lGBlje2oKdjRQtyj98M-/s1600/DSC02312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4GpsiW8T9Qf8nbWxMe1eTNM2WWpprPYV6AGl-bZAPIzymtoxl-QdNPrScNLFJMlED1KGvhqcpAfOnVIhl-xQscXV0_hWPCBKmuxr14FJczFhTckStz56Piuh1lGBlje2oKdjRQtyj98M-/s320/DSC02312.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"The Seed"</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>When the walls grow and sprout</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The little people come about</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>And when the walls get all tattered and torn</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>and fall off</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Then the people find another home.</i></div>
<br />
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<br />Thru a Tori-lenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14510894741605608131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969853827792284452.post-89410644327272893122012-06-03T01:29:00.001-07:002012-06-03T01:31:25.646-07:00Breaking for Summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGEQJfxe0SCgVJGiSGCdu-1Ua03Gy7HZstn1-Noa04wIgEdbyNaSUG4MkcbmOaifegU2IeknEqHN4w1S6gGFaTf7mVkORCy0Lqyf25HTJDXQ4XUplH5ZCwvhNLzeq5-ySBpalYhCJcUIbn/s1600/DSC00714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGEQJfxe0SCgVJGiSGCdu-1Ua03Gy7HZstn1-Noa04wIgEdbyNaSUG4MkcbmOaifegU2IeknEqHN4w1S6gGFaTf7mVkORCy0Lqyf25HTJDXQ4XUplH5ZCwvhNLzeq5-ySBpalYhCJcUIbn/s320/DSC00714.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Our spring has been swallowed up by projects. Our self-proclaimed love of gardening, homeschooling, community activism and so on has somehow caused months to disappear. SO, today I find myself holding a cup of coffee at a nameless corporation with my five year old, having a heart-to-heart. <br />
<br />
"Let's talk about something, mom."<br />
"Ok, what?"<br />
"I don't know. My birthday party."<br />
<br />
Her birthday isn't until August.<br />
<br />
We outline a theme for her party and sketch out some ideas. But mostly we talk about the REST of the summer and all the fun we have planned with summer library programs, Vacation Bible School, special family visits, camping trips, beach trips, playdates and, my favorite, weekly local hikes. We got excited about having no regular agenda beyond the weekly calendar. By September I'm sure we'll both be ready for homeschool co-op, violin lessons, choir and gymnastics. <br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0-kli-y-nfZkMd-UwPS2H8ZN-X54VdoGAsVybR5sddqvIDu-BdfFpQ_qQUPCaBhnDBhBP6Sl5b0N0k5BOIs3pJRqoG77oJSR_uYHXiC3Bxn36k4gft4UEDvTdRGbjJPdWmNnM64akUSnw/s1600/DSC01003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0-kli-y-nfZkMd-UwPS2H8ZN-X54VdoGAsVybR5sddqvIDu-BdfFpQ_qQUPCaBhnDBhBP6Sl5b0N0k5BOIs3pJRqoG77oJSR_uYHXiC3Bxn36k4gft4UEDvTdRGbjJPdWmNnM64akUSnw/s320/DSC01003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Our summer reading</b> so far has included these themes: ladybugs, baby animals, big sisters, knights, castles, owls, dragons, colors, famous artists and more. I'm sure it's just the beginning.<br />
<br />
<b>Coming up this fall:</b> The Three Week Roadtrip: That thing that all homeschool families talk about wanting to do and that's why they homeschool. I will be blogging about it, here. <br />
<br />
What are your summer plans? What are you looking forward to in the coming year? Share...Thru a Tori-lenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14510894741605608131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969853827792284452.post-9259635968038971692012-04-10T13:40:00.001-07:002012-04-10T13:44:00.710-07:00A Homeschool Day in the Life...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've been reading quite a few "Day in the Life" blogs by fellow homeschooling moms (and a few dads). While I'm tempted to share a "perfect" day in my life as a homeschooling mom, I suddenly realize there is no such thing. My best intentions are often dashed by the wayside of the freight train called Real Life. And no two days really look the same. So here goes- a random day in my homeschool life with two girls, 5 and 18 months, though a fairly typical Thursday.<br />
<br />
Thursday-<br />
<br />
<b>4:30 am</b>- Baby-Rain wakes up and snuggles up in bed with me and Daddy<br />
<b>5:30 am</b>- Daddy gets up with baby - I roll over with a pillow over my head<br />
<b>6:30 am</b>- I get up so my husband can get ready for work.<br />
<b>7:00 am</b>- Dad leaves for work. I pour my second cup of coffee. Read books with baby, try to get caught up on chores.<br />
<b>7:30-8:00 am</b>- Grace-Girl rolls out of bed. Not literally, as it is a six foot drop to the floor. Blurry-eyed, wanting to snuggle on the couch. All. Day. Long.<br />
<b>8:15 am- </b>We girls manage to sit down for breakfast. No one in this family does well without food.<br />
<b>8:30 am-</b> <a href="http://barefootstories.blogspot.com/2011/09/cheapest-free-est-way-to-organize-your.html">Bible Reading and Calendar</a>- we rotate a few different kids' devotional books. We also work on our memory verse, which is posted by our calendar, here in the kitchen. We review the season, month, year, days of the week, day of the month... etc. Then we talk about our daily schedule. I do all this while my older daughter eats because she is incredibly SLOW and I get tired of waiting for her to finish.<br />
<b>9:15 am</b>- <a href="http://barefootstories.blogspot.com/2011/09/cheapest-free-est-way-to-organize-your.html">Chores-</a> This includes getting dressed, tidying up room, brushing hair and teeth, etc. But we also include things like, "be a cheerful helper." Many tears are shed at our house over hair brushing. Note to self: it grows back. Cut it off.<br />
<b>10:00 am- </b>Toddler Storytime at our local library is the one activity we do that centers around my younger daughter. As a homeschool family we easily haul 25 books a week from the library (the kids are still pretty young- I'm sure this number will rise). I go online to order most of what I want to bring home, then we pick out a few at the library.<br />
<b>11:00 am-</b> As I'm checking out the pile of books we're hauling home and re-connecting with a friend I haven't seen in awhile, Baby Rain is methodically pulling books off the reserve shelf and removing the name labels from each book. <br />
<b>11:20 am-</b> Thankful for the rice cakes I keep in the van for moments like this 7 minute ride from the library to the house. It seems more like an hour with all that screeching.<br />
<b>11:45 am</b>- Lunch. Usually left-overs. Baby fell asleep in the car, so she's down for her nap.<br />
<b>12:10 pm</b>- Read a bunch of new library books with Grace-girl. This is one of my favorite things about Thursdays!<br />
<b>1:00 pm-</b> Quiet Time. We monitor TV time carefully at our house (we don't actually <i>have</i> a television, just our computer)- but today Grace-girl gets about an hour of Backyardigans while I catch up on napping and an episode of Downton Abbey on my <a href="http://barefootstories.blogspot.com/2012/01/is-my-kindle-book.html">Kindle Fire</a>. That's right. I'm being completely honest, here.<br />
<b>2:00 pm</b>- Impromptu reading lesson with Grace-girl. Reviewing digraphs and blends (sh, th, ch, wh)<br />
<b>2:15 pm</b>- Baby-rain wakes up- snack-time.<br />
<b>2:30 pm</b>- Piano lesson with me. Finding middle "c," learning about octaves and playing a tune by ear (Mary Had a Little Lamb).<br />
<b>2:40 pm</b>- music lessons evolve into dancing around the living room with some latin dance cd (thanks, Dora)<br />
<b>3:00 pm-</b> Get Outside. We pull weeds and jump on the trampoline until daddy gets home, and to heck with the mess in the house. The girls like to get as dirty as possible, so I let them.<br />
<b>4:30 pm-</b> Daddy gets home- girls head to the bathtub- we all prepare for our evening.<br />
<b>5:30 pm</b>- Dinner<br />
<b>7:00 pm-</b> Baby Rain in bed<br />
<b>8:00 pm- </b>Grace-girl in bed<br />
*whew* Each day is a little different, but somehow we find a rhythm through it all. And it's usually not the one I thought it would be when I planned our schedule in August. Enjoy the things that make your family special! And guard your quiet time. :)<br />
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<br />Thru a Tori-lenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14510894741605608131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969853827792284452.post-81642846626226540012012-02-29T22:05:00.000-08:002012-02-29T22:05:04.761-08:00Google Friend Connect is Disconnecting...So please sign up below (left) to have my blog sent to your inbox. You know I'm an occasional writer, so I promise not to clog your life. :) You can also follow me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BarefootTori">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://pinterest.com/barefoottori/">Pinterest</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/BarefootTori">Twitter</a>... and of course you can check in at my other blog: <a href="http://junipernews.blogspot.com/">Grace and Rain</a> (for those who like the deep end). Thanks for checking in on my blog! blessings-Thru a Tori-lenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14510894741605608131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969853827792284452.post-83410643326509647692012-01-19T00:09:00.000-08:002012-01-19T00:09:42.975-08:00Is my Kindle a book?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://zapp3.staticworld.net/reviews/graphics/products/uploaded/amazon_kindle_wifi_3rd_generation.html_587794_g4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="http://zapp3.staticworld.net/reviews/graphics/products/uploaded/amazon_kindle_wifi_3rd_generation.html_587794_g4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I haven't been posting because I've been too busy with my 2 Kindles. Yup. One old fashioned <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Wireless-Reader-Wifi-Graphite/dp/B002Y27P3M/ref=amb_link_357628962_3?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=left-1&pf_rd_r=00FS5MAWVQRCWGMVK9QD&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1343301102&pf_rd_i=133141011">3rd Gen</a>. that I like to use for reading and the other is my new toy, the<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Fire-Amazon-Tablet/dp/B0051VVOB2/ref=amb_link_357628962_5?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=left-1&pf_rd_r=00FS5MAWVQRCWGMVK9QD&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1343301102&pf_rd_i=133141011"> Kindle Fire</a>. My real dilemma goes beyond whether it is morally reprehensible for a true lover of books to own a Kindle (of course it is) or how much to let my kids play with my new Fire (I don't even let my husband play with it). <br />
<br />
<b><span style="background-color: white; color: purple;">Here's my actual problem: </span> </b><br />
<br />
The nearly 18 month old baby calls my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Wireless-Reader-Wifi-Graphite/dp/B002Y27P3M/ref=amb_link_357628962_3?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=left-1&pf_rd_r=00FS5MAWVQRCWGMVK9QD&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1343301102&pf_rd_i=133141011">Kindle </a>a book. She actually calls the<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Fire-Amazon-Tablet/dp/B0051VVOB2/ref=amb_link_357628962_5?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=left-1&pf_rd_r=00FS5MAWVQRCWGMVK9QD&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1343301102&pf_rd_i=133141011"> Fire</a> "bubbles" because of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Squishy-Things-Inc-Bubbles/dp/B004GR1Q38/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1326959551&sr=1-1-catcorr">that silly bubble app</a> she gets to play with sometimes (it's really dumb but super fun, the best kind of app). But when we have snuggle time (i.e. breastfeeding a toddler) I immediately reach for my "book" (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Wireless-Reader-Wifi-Graphite/dp/B002Y27P3M/ref=amb_link_357628962_3?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=left-1&pf_rd_r=00FS5MAWVQRCWGMVK9QD&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1343301102&pf_rd_i=133141011">Kindle 3</a>). The trouble started when she looked at me, questioningly, and said, "bubbles?" I said, "no honey, that's mommy's...um...book. No bubbles. The bubbles are on my <i>other</i> Kindle." <br />
<br />
I understand that there are about 15 things inherently wrong with this whole conversation, knowing, as you do (in my narcissistic reality), that I'm a Charlotte-Mason-inspired,-Classical-Education-fan-with-a-slight-bend-toward-unschooling kind of momma. If you have no idea what any of that meant, just know that I obsess too much about what matters to me and how I will ever <a href="http://barefootstories.blogspot.com/p/our-homeschool.html">teach it to my kids.</a><br />
<br />
<div style="color: purple;">
<b>So here is my actual, <i>actual</i> problem:</b></div>
<br />
1) Why am I <i>reading </i>when I should be making eye contact with my child or singing or teaching her the a-b-c's or something useful? Frankly- because it's about the only chance I have to read these days.<br />
<br />
2) Why do I need 2 Kindles? The answer is actually another question: Why do I feel a need to explain the difference between the two to my <i>toddler? </i>The real answer of course is that I don't like major reading on a backlit screen and the old Kindle just doesn't do what the Fire does.<br />
<br />
3) Is it really a <i>book</i>? I'll leave the answer to this one to the experts. The debate rages on.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, you can follow my reading trends on <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/">Goodreads</a>. There's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Goodreads/dp/B005AKD836">an android app for that</a>. Thru a Tori-lenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14510894741605608131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969853827792284452.post-39907694124932830232011-11-22T07:22:00.001-08:002012-01-19T00:10:39.898-08:00Homeschool kid confesses: I don't like books.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwO_A-RfLn_9FShMrrxWdTNtqN7P5-Kd1PN1Kdtb_jWJd5GVmWsOYHjT5Sx11gApXhNyeDSOIrWMd4TypWBW1p3vQdW9DGtOPKMye2fzrlQAphkCl18ffdwWQlcP5Ze7xiKwt2uZ_l_5p3/s1600/reading_writing_kid1242430280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwO_A-RfLn_9FShMrrxWdTNtqN7P5-Kd1PN1Kdtb_jWJd5GVmWsOYHjT5Sx11gApXhNyeDSOIrWMd4TypWBW1p3vQdW9DGtOPKMye2fzrlQAphkCl18ffdwWQlcP5Ze7xiKwt2uZ_l_5p3/s200/reading_writing_kid1242430280.jpg" width="161" /></a></div>
My five year old daughter told me the last week that she doesn't like books. Seriously? We read at least an hour every day, what with school reading, bedtime reading and in between reading. Probably more than an hour a day. I never thought I'd be seeking advice on how to instill a love of reading in MY kid. I feel like a dentist who just found a cavity in my own child. I sell <a href="http://barefootbooksoregon.com/">children's books</a> for crying out loud.<br />
<br />
My first instinct:<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>PANIC</i></span><br />
<br />
WHAT? Of COURSE you love books! Of COURSE you're just saying that because you don't want to hear me read the books I've picked out, right? Right?<br />
<br />
But she told me she doesn't like reading on her own, either. *sigh*<br />
more panic.<br />
more mayhem.<br />
more self-inflicted pain and suffering.<br />
<br />
Then I decided to get to the bottom of the problem.<br />
<br />
"Mom, we just have too many books. And they're boring. I like books about how to do things, and science books and stuff."<br />
<br />
Ah ha. Panic over. She's ready for harder books. And it's time to downsize.<br />
We spend a great deal of time in the non-fiction section of our children's library, but I do still pick up picture books now and then for the four year old we watch a few days a week, for our baby, and for the five year old, too. <br />
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I was able to explain that reading is a gateway to independent learning. That when she is able to read on her own she will be free to learn about things that are interesting to her and she can learn them in her own way. I explained that most of the books we have we are saving until her baby sister is ready for them. Said five-year-old is truly beyond most of them.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, we took a little break. I didn't push it. I skipped the library one week *gasp* and played charades one night instead of bedtime stories. So what. Go ahead- put me in homeschool jail.<br />
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We finished reading "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" today. We charged through a couple chapters because she wanted to finish it. She's excited about our library trip, tomorrow. She's been reading on her own, more. Maybe she just needed a break and maybe I'm a good mom for stopping to listen. <br />
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Just curious:<br />
How do you handle disturbing revelations like this? Do you panic, like me, or are you more gracious?Thru a Tori-lenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14510894741605608131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969853827792284452.post-56232707219151999262011-10-25T22:27:00.000-07:002011-10-25T22:27:00.629-07:00Small hands, big world<br />
When I feel I've lost my way and am out of touch with what lives outside my window (which actually happens to me quite often- several times a day, usually), we all head outside. Regardless of the weather. Sometimes it's a walk around the neighborhood or a more organized activity like a hike, but most often we just hang out in our yard, enjoying the space we inhabit. Sometimes we just stay in our pajamas.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nature Journaling in dinosaur jammies</td></tr>
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One of my favorite things to do with my five year old is Nature Journaling. We started when she was four, loosely following <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Handbook-Nature-Study-Botsford-Comstock/dp/0801493846">Anna Comstock's Handbook of Nature Study</a> (also available <a href="http://www.archive.org/details/handbookofnature002506mbp">free</a> in a digital format of your choice). <br />
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I keep a backpack
prepared for her with her binoculars, magnifying glass, colored pencils
and journal. The backpack usually lives in the car because it's the
most common place I am when I wish I had it with me. And yes, my Anna Comstock is actually in the car right now, too.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Journal, binoculars, magnifying glass, pencils and a subject to study</td></tr>
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My Grace-Girl has drawn pine cones, butterflies, flowers, rocks, grasses, and, most recently, sunflowers. I had her pick a specific flower to draw and study. She went to work looking at it from all angles, examining it, understanding it. First she drew the heads and leaves of the multi-headed sunflower, then she drew the entire plant as she saw it. We counted stems and leaves as
well as flowers. Here's the finished work.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pages from the journal</td></tr>
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Of course I had some books from the library on the topic in anticipation of the moment and we read them before we came out. Back inside we finished our study of the sunflower with a nice craft I made up with cut out pictures of the plant's life cycle separated by arrows circling a sunflower we pasted together with bits of paper and actual sunflower seeds. Fun. </div>
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But back to Nature Study. Here is Baby Rain experiencing her natural world. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby nature study</td></tr>
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It was warm this day and she had been playing in the hose water while sister worked on her journal. </div>
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I'm mostly writing this to encourage myself not to forget to get outside, regardless of the weather or the incessantly needy state of my house (or my blog). This is not what we do everyday, but it's what I strive to do most days. :) Thanks for listening. For more inspiration, check out this <a href="http://handbookofnaturestudy.blogspot.com/">amazing blog</a> with great Nature Journal challenges. <br />
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<br />Thru a Tori-lenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14510894741605608131noreply@blogger.com4Redmond, OR 97756, USA44.2702527 -121.213582944.0883372 -121.5294399 44.4521682 -120.89772590000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969853827792284452.post-61096584920039356482011-10-18T21:51:00.000-07:002011-10-18T21:51:42.406-07:00Workboxes!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our work-boxes- a versatile rolling cart</td></tr>
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I usually shun the word "work" when engaging my kinder-kid in home learning, but it's just so catchy: "Workboxes." She absolutely <b>loves</b> the workbox method. She asks for it. Recently she asked if they use workboxes at NASA training camp (she's contemplating becoming an astronaut).<br />
<br />
As a homeschooling parent, my top tools for teaching are
books, hands-on activities, and real-life stuff. But it's fun to add in
these tools and tricks to help make learning fun and a well-rounded
experience for the kids. My Grace-girl (5) needed some help becoming
more independent (i.e. let mom walk out of the room for two seconds to
make sure the baby isn't eating the pet fish). I think workboxes are a
great way to do that. Also, repetition is key with the <a href="http://www.welltrainedmind.com/classical-education/">grammar stage</a> and where I lack in repetition, I know these games and activities will help pick up the slack. <br />
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We only use our boxes a few days a week when I'm busy with projects, planning or cleaning and she needs a few hours of review time (great for practicing new things we learn together on other days). There are only six boxes, but that seems to keep my kid busy for hours. She likes to take her time. The pink box on top is her "tool box" where I put pencils, dry erase markers, or whatever else she will need for her activities. She looks at the activity, decides if she needs a tool, then goes for it. Yay for independent thinking and learning!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Practicing word-family recognition</td></tr>
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After reviewing just about <a href="http://www.google.com/search?ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=navclient&gfns=1&q=workboxes">every blog that talks about workboxes</a>, I decided to invest in some <a href="http://filefolderfun.com/SearchKindergarten.html">folder games</a> (with the help of a friend's laminator) and wound up making my own number cards that detach by velcro and reattach to the "done" card (on top of the boxes in the above pic- though I later mounted it on the side of the rolling cart). Couldn't find any I really liked online.<br />
<br />
Here are some things I've put into her boxes:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.makinglearningfun.com/themepages/MathDomino.htm">Domino math</a>. I laminated the worksheets (one for adding, one for subtracting) and include the dominoes in the box. </li>
<li>One game that uses clothespins (great for manual dexterity training). </li>
<li>Several write-on/wipe-off writing mats that I'll usually rotate through (just one at a time- I'm not crazy about them, but they seem fun for her). </li>
<li>A mini-book project that will become part of a larger lapbook (we love lapbooks, too- <a href="http://barefootstories.blogspot.com/2011/09/what-heck-is-lapbook.html">check out this post</a>). </li>
<li>A movement oriented activity, like a series of our favorite <a href="http://store.barefootbooks.com/yoga-pretzels.html?bf_affiliate_code=000-03e6">Yoga Pretzel cards</a>, for her to get some wiggle time, often accompanied by a snack. </li>
<li>Reading flashcards or a reading book with a little card that says, "with Mommy."</li>
<li>A fun cut and paste project or puzzle book. <a href="http://shop.highlights.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=16151&productId=685230&catalogId=17603&categoryId=241897">This one</a> was fun, thought not terribly educational. It's good, I think, to end with something fun. </li>
</ul>
I usually space out the difficult items involving reading and writing between easier ones (or ones that utilize a different skill, like cutting and pasting). The downside is that she is quickly outgrowing the folder games I made a few short months ago. Perhaps it's time to think about swapping with a like-minded mama...<br />
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Share your experiences, fellow home-educators! What systems do you use and why?<br />
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<br />Thru a Tori-lenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14510894741605608131noreply@blogger.com1