Parenting a Teenager: Can't Get Away With Anything

Sitting down this morning to discuss the school agenda for the week, I informed the kids of their assignments.

We began with highlights of the history assignments, going over geography and timelines. I explained that this week they will continue to study Ancient Greece, reminding them that they should take note of the prominent character of the times, such as Hippocrates, Pythagorus, Socrates, and Plato.

I made note that there wasn't a ton of reading (of the text) this week and told them they would need to "look up men on the internet."

To which the 13 year-old replied, "Uh, mom, don't you think that's a little inappropriate."

It's going to be a long week.

Oh Happy Day!

I just got word that my sweet friend Charity had her baby very early this morning! I don't want to steal her moment by posting before she has a chance to post, but I'm sure her blog will be updated at some point soon, so be sure to go over and see the baby!

Meanwhile, back at the ranch we are neck deep in schoolwork. Which is satisfying, and also very much like daily knocking your head into a wall. Somedays, you go back see that wall multiple times...just because it feels so good.

Normally I manage to keep a positive spin on things, but I think I may have underestimated teaching both a teenager and a preteen at the same time. For I am out-numbered and apparently, I've lost all credibility and must be challenged on all sorts of reasoning.

I never did this as a preteen or a teenager...I never "knew it all"...I never had to be told fifty-bagillion times to do things...at least thats the way I remembered it. Plus, I didn't have the luxury of being educated at home...I had to walk to school up hill, in the desert, with the blistering heat without shoes...both ways!

My kids are also prone to exaggerating.

I think they get that from their Dad.

But I digress...

(But thank you for letting me vent)

Where was I?

Oh! Happy Day! That's where I was....

I have been happily crocheting while at soccer practice, and when I have 10 or 15 minutes in between coming and going...so i've finished a couple of projects.

You'd like to see them? 

Why I thought you'd never ask!

Here they are:

I made this shrug, and it didn't come out quite like I envisioned. It's a bit bulky and makes me feel, well, I won't go there...but maybe I won't be concerned about vanity when it gets cold outside. We'll see.

This pic is a little blurry. I thought about asking the kids to stop studying to take my picture, but then decided that might be bad form.

I also had a couple of custom orders for hats, which I am 50% finished (although this pic is a couple days old so these aren't quite done.)

All right, my pre-algebra student is here and wants the computer to do his math (of all things!)

I hope you have a great day!

Weekend Report

I know you are just dying to know how I spent my weekend....

So I'll tell you.

Actually, I'll just tell you the fun parts, because you probably folded five loads of laundry too. I won't bore you with the finer details.

On Friday night The Girl and I started cutting, gluing, and organizing the lapbooks she will be doing for school this year. There are four of them (one for each semester) and they come as stacks of paper (as seen in the top of the picture) and you cut, fold and paste to make what shown in the bottom of the picture.

(I swiped this photo from Homeschool Creations...Hello Jolanthe!)

I've learned that if I suggest watching a movie marathon she will work at just about anything (even folding towels!) It was TOTALLY worth watching all three High School Musicals (again) this weekend to have this project (and the laundry) knocked out. It took us about  an hour and 15 minutes/lapbook, but it would have taken much, much, longer had we done it alone. 

I also made these:

I have several friends having babies right now. I've have been wanting to try my hand at these burb-cloths for awhile...I think I'm hooked. These are great one-hour projects.

I also made some good progress in my winter afghan, putting on about 5 rows.

And I tried to make a crochet flower necklace using this recipe: 

Would you wear this? I liked it immediately when I saw it on the model. But when I put it on....I thought "It's cute, but I'd never wear it." I felt exactly how I do when I am trying on jeans... or bathing suits.

However, I'm not a huge accessories girl. I mean I like them, but I never actually wear them.

Do you know how hard it is to take a picture of your neck 

when a gully-washing, lightening-striking storm is overhead 

and your house is completely dark? 

And the piece de resistance of the weekend.....

Do you remember this?

About two months ago I used paint-stripper and elbow grease and perhaps a few expletives and got it cleaned up. Then The Mister sanded it and did a few repairs.

This weekend, The Girl and I slapped some primer on it, and then I started the painting process.

By Sunday afternoon it was ready for delivery and set-up.

I love the way it turned out. More importantly, The Girl loves it too.

So that is the very-long story (although I did spare details) of my weekend. 

School Marm

This is the scene this morning.

I've got my schoolmarm hat on and I am currently trying to get all the agenda's, maps, and weekly assignments into folders for the first nine weeks of school. Plus, I need to get my "brain" (aka, the binder that keeps me organized on a semester to semester basis) put together.

I was planning on doing some of this work this week and a lot more of it next week, but I made a slight miscalculation in my schedule.

Turns out that The Mister has the ENTIRE week off next week (LOVE that!) Which means I will not even want to think about homeschooling. Hanging out with him is one of my favorite things.

So, I'm cramming.

Its just as well.

I injured my (other) knee while running yesterday and I'm paying today for not listening to my PT's advice. Since I'm sitting here, icing bilateral (doesn't that make me sound smart) knees, I might as well work.

Since I'm short on time I gonna leave you with some links of other posts I enjoyed reading this week...but first, I have to mention the fun dinner I had last night.

I'll won't tell you about the margarita special or how I accidently walked into the men's bathroom....I'll just tell you that the company was wonderful and the food was fantastic. Oh and the entertainment was awesome!

Moving on....

The following Link is from a in-real-life friend of mine who recently moved to Belgium. I thought this post about the convenient packaging of beverages was interestingly humorous. It smacks of what could be a modern-day Anne of Green Gables Raspberry Cordial mistake in the making...one that I might make!

On a different note, I am gonna find a reason to make some of these cookies. I think they are so pretty.

I'm also planning on making one, or a dozen, of these (with added monogram) for some new girl-babies. Pictures to come.

Happy Friday!

Testing 1-2-3

We've come to that time in every homeschooler's life (at least the ones in North Carolina) that bring fear and trepidation: Standardized Testing.

I wish I could say that I'm cool, calm and collected. But the reality is that it is a bit stressful for me.

Its not hard, really. Its just that these are the benchmarks that let me know if the goals I made for my students at the beginning of the year have been met.

I have done my best to keep on a standard course of study (as compared to a national standard) but the truth is that homeschooling isn't like traditional school -- no matter how hard you try to make it so.

Home educators have opportunities that reach far beyond what a conventional classroom can offer. We can get more done in less time, or we can take opportunities to spend more time on subjects of interest.

For example, when we go on a nature hike for science and we see a small snake, that might lead us down a herpetology trail. We might come home and learn about snakes in our area, which may lead to a study on reptiles of North Carolina, and so on.

Learning in this way is fantastic (even when its about snakes), but there are only so many hours in a day. When you seize every opportunity as a teachable moment you do so knowing that many things we learn will not be "testable" material.

We have chosen to educate our children in this way because its how I want them to approach the rest of their life -- always seeking to learn, not because it means we'll have higher test scores but because its fulfilling, enjoyable -- its what we're meant to do.

Standardized testing is a great tool. I would do it even if it wasn't required by law. Most things in this life are measured by test taking, and the skills they learn while filling out bubble sheets are also going to serve them as they enter the world.

However, I must remember the test is here to serve my students educational purposes, not for them to be its survey-able slave.

On days like today, as I hear pencils scratching across bubble sheets, I must remind myself that the world may measure educational gain by standards of testing, but being well-trained for life-long learning can never be measured by rank and score.

In our homeschool, success is largely immeasurable (even by the teacher) and for that I am thankful.

To my homeschooling, and traditional schooling, test takers: May you do well...and learn more!

Humble Places

I've been thinking a lot about humble places.

Mostly because I'm living in them.

Like most of us, I dream of greatness. I desire to be known. To do something big!

Yet, the lines for me have fallen in humble places.

At first it was difficult.

Pride and ego are hard to set aside.

Yet, the burden is in the holding, not in the letting go.

What do I mean by humble places?

Well, in all I have ever done, from tap dancing to mothering to bible teaching (and all things in between), I've always wanted to be the star.

I've done all these things with joy and love and passion. Because I was certain I could do them, or at least fake my way through.

Until I was called to homeschool.

The Artsy One, called to do something that she never really liked: school.

Homeschool is a place where no one sees what you do. (Other than your biological students, and they don't really count.)

No one tells you how awesome you sound... or how cute you're dressed... or how the subjects chosen were thrilling. They don't let you know that the history book you assigned, or the words you spoke, really moved them. Some days you wonder if all your effort is making one iota difference in there young lives.

No one tells you that your doing well, or what a great teacher you are, or how amazing it is that you are able to accomplish so much in a day.

As a matter of fact, many people will think you're weird, or too religious, or that you're actually harming your kids.

Others will say, "I could never do that!", and, "I could never be organized like that.", or "That's a lifestyle that isn't for me."---when what they really mean is: I'm scared I might become weird too.

How do I know these things?

Because once upon a time, before I was a homeschooler, I thought and said those things.


Out loud.


On more than one occasion.

To more than one homeschooling mom.

On the Daniel Safari this week we are focusing on:

  Exploring: Humility          Conquering: Vanity

We were asked to write about this question:

Talk about a humbling experience in your life. 

What did you learn from that time?

The truth is that I am still very much here, in my humbling experience. Where every-blessed-day, I lay down my own agenda...I choose to be content with what I have, and where I am. I close my ears to those who are opinionatedly verbal, who don't know, or don't want to know, why we are on this homeschooling road.

I'm learning that this center-stage girl is really OK with working behind-the-scenes.

In fact, I've grown to love the ways the Lord works through me when no one else is aware.

I'm learning that my desire for God to use me in a big way! to do big things! (read: in a very public way with myself at the center) takes my focus away from the truth: God's willingness to work in my life IS the big thing.

He's taken this Coffeegal, who never considered herself "smart", set her apart from her natural talents, and placed her in an arena where she HAS to depend on Him.

And the biggest gift of all? I get to learn these lessons of humility in the safest place of all: the center of my home.

That alone is proof that we serve a merciful God.

I'm not perfect. I still clamor for attention. I still (privately) pout when I don't get my way. Sometimes, when insecurity is running high and my ego begs for preening, I am far too quick to feed it. Every once in awhile I am prideful enough to compare myself with others, or worse, judge someone else who may have the position I once desired...

But I'm learning...that although humble, "the boundary lines for me have fallen in pleasant places." Psalm 16:6

*If you'd like to see what others are seeing on their Safari of the book of Daniel, click here!

Checking In

I've been a bit preoccupied this week.

First, The Boy has been sick since Sunday. I thought it was just a head cold because it started with just a mild sore throat, but no fever. Then yesterday he woke up with a cough and lots of congestion. Still, no fever.

Today, the fever has come.

I'm praying no body else catches our bug.

Second, my embroidery machine arrived on Monday! Which is why it has been quiet here for the last 48 hours. I have been taking my free moments throughout the day to learn this new machine.

Oh! He's magnificent. He's a Brother and I am just loving all the things he can do.

I'm also thinking about a name for him...because I'm weird like that.  I'm leaning toward Gretchen's suggestion of Clinton, after Clinton Kelly of What Not To Wear fame. I loved this idea because I think Clinton is a cutie. He helps people with a bland sense of fashion to see their full potential. I think that's exactly what my Brother is going to do...only with fabric.

Here are few little "practice" things I have done:

Third, a conversation with The Boy:


Boy: Mom, how come I have to do school if I'm sick?

LVCG: Because that's the beauty of homeschool. You don't have to get behind when you're sick. You can still read all that stuff in the comfort of your bed.

Boy: Ya, but I was thinking it would make me feel better if I didn't have to do school.

LVCG: Nope, you don't get to skip school. You can rest just as easily while reading your history as you can watching TV.

(Long silence)

Boy: Mom, are you saying you never played hooker in school?

LVCG: WHAT?????!!!!!

Hooky.

He meant hooky.

Um, no, I never played hooky in school.

Very much.

Happy Wednesday!

Housekeeping and Homeschooling

When I started school several weeks ago I received comments and emails asking if I would share my schedule with y'all.

As a general rule, I have learned that sharing my schedule with others can be dangerous. Often the minute I say I do something on schedule, it will change.

However, I also know that last year (my first to homeschool) I was always curious of how others ran their home and school.

Today I am going to talk about housekeeping.

Before homeschooling I did it all. I enjoy a neat and tidy home. I like things clean, clutter-free, and comfortable. I have a hard time relaxing when I have a lot of clutter.

So you can imagine my dilemma when all the homeschooling books I read said the number-one complaint of homeschooling (after math) was the keeping of the house.

Most homeschooling moms (in these books, and honestly, in real life) had learned to live with a less-than -tidy house.

I, being but a young grasshopper, set my heels in the ground and resolutely announced that "that wouldn't be me!"

Famous last words.

By December of last year I was hit over the head with the realization that I couldn't do it all. I couldn't clean, cook, shop, keep up with an acre of yard, and do school, all by myself. I also realized that there was no shame in that admission.

Something had to give.

First, I needed to own up to the fact that my need for order isn't just about being able to feel relaxed. It's also because I care too much about what others think.

We often have unannounced drop-by visitors (at least twice a week), so my vigilance about keeping things in order was not always about liking things neat, as much as it was about wanting those who come in to my home to think I have it all together...which isn't the truth.

I realized that I had done my children (and quite frankly our family) a great disservice.

Although I was always taking opportunities to teach them value of hard work, I had never taught my kids the value of house work.

Like many things, talking about hard work is never quite as valuable as doing hard work!

In the past my philosophy had been that everyone had a job here in the La Vida Casa. The Mister worked. The kids went to school. I took care of the house.

I liked it this way because I'm very efficient at house cleaning. I had a schedule. A routine. Instead of taking the time to teach my children how to fold clothes, or load a dishwasher, or sweep the front hall, it was easier to just do it correctly, it my way, my job.

Thus began lessons in Home Economics.

I started with teaching them how to use the washer and dryer. They now do all their laundry, from hamper to drawer, completely on their own.

Then we moved to training in the kitchen.

The Mister taught them how to scrub a bathroom.

I taught them how to sweep the floors.

Of course, training is different than telling.

In a perfect world I would like to just tell my kids to do something and have them go do it...and do it well.


Reality demands that I go with them. Show them. And two days later? Show them again.

That is the hard part for me.

Wether you homeschool or not, the value of teaching our kids how to keep a home cannot be measured. It not only teaches them the satisfaction of setting to a task and accomplishing it, which feels good, but it can also help build up our home and family, as well as teach skills they will certainly need in the future.

Oh, and before I forget...I have to tell you that I have learned to live (and work) with this truth: my whole house isn't going to be spotless all at the same time. Nor will things be done the way I would do them. Which means if our plans change (and they often do) and the hallway doesn't get swept on Tuesday, then it doesn't get swept. This also means that the silverware won't be put away the way I like and the pots and pans may have new places in the kitchen (within reason!) each week.

This also means that when a friend drops by, my house may be a disaster, but in the wise words of  Gretchen: we do actually live here. 

So here it is: The Daily Chore Chart. These  jobs are the ones they get paid to finish. They get paid four Monopoly dollars a week. (you can click on it to see the full size)

Yes, I really pay them in Monopoly money...but that's a post for next week!

If you have tips on how to get your kids more actively engaged in housework, or tips on how to teach kids (from preschooler to high schooler) about helping out in the house, or you just want to share your ideas, let me know in the comments!

Happy Tuesday!