Farmer's Market Report - Aug 30th

Did you go to the farmer's market this week? What did you bring home? Come on over and tell us all about your trip. The Farmer's Market Report is up at To Every Meal a Season.

Peter's Piper Picks - Aug 30th

Some people think images like these make us seem so small and life pointless, but as a Christian they lead me to marvel at the love of God to care about so small a creature. And if He, the God who created ALL this, cares about us, then our lives are anything but pointless....

Back in June I posted a link to a fun online software called "Wordle" which takes text and turns it into "word art". I jut thought it was fun and might be used to make fun cards or something, but over at Chartwell Academy they have taken excerpts from their literature lessons and used Wordle to make some wonderful "posters" for their homeschool classroom. What a great idea - go check it out!

Ever wonder about Kermit the Frogs abilities? Really, is he better at being green or playing the banjo? Here is a very humorous blog called "GraphJam" that will answer that question and many more. There lots of funny, funny, FUNNY graphs to peruse. I promise you'll laugh! Warning: there is some crass humor and bad language with some of the graphs. HT: The Evangelical Outpost

We all have bad days...and the saying goes it isn't what happens, it is how you respond that matters. Here are some suggestions to consider when you are having one of those days. Dig around the rest of the website, it looks interesting (Christian Personal Finance).

Ever need some inspiration for you or your kids? Try the Imagination Prompt Portal.

And this is absolutely ingenious - so smart, so awesome! Clean water pulled from a well by playing children. You must check this out!


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Weekly Reporter - Aug. 29th

I'm proud to day that we managed to get 4 days worth of school work (just the basics - math, phoncis, grammar, handwriting, literature, classics) done in 3 days. Why 3 days, well, we had company coming - and I'm no good at getting school done with company in the house.

This week we started reading our Classics rotations for my Grammar students with D'Aulaire's "Greek Myths". We also started "The Story of Dr. Doolittle". Math and phonics have been just chugging along.

I'm amazed at the change I've seen in my middle boy. He has been our late-bloomer as far as school goes. He's very smart and creative, but has found school work very frustrating. Often school with him takes all my energy and I'm left with little when it is time to teach the other two. However, we seem to have turned a corner! He seems to have made a HUGE leap forward over the summer. In the past, math facts have eluded him (he can add anything...but memorizing and quickly doing math based on memorized math facts frustrated him), but now he's zipping right through fact practice worksheets!

Hubby and I both agree that this is going to be an AMAZING year for him. He's still doing 2nd grade work in math and reading, but I have a feeling I'll be zipping through the work with him this year and we'll find him ready for 4th grade in no time.

I think our late-bloomer is about to become a ROSE!

Our eldest son will be back from his trip to Sweden on Monday evening. I'll try to post with pictures as soon as I can!

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A Shunning

A few years ago I read some of the books by Beverly Lewis (like: The Shunning (Heritage of Lancaster County)) set among the Amish people of the middle 20th century. I was familiar with the Amish and had a vague understanding of their customs and beliefs, but I learned quite a bit more reading a few of these. Not great literature, but interesting stories.

One thing I learned about that I knew nothing was the pracitice of "Shunning". From what I remember, if a baptized (baptism happens as adults) member of the Amish community makes a decision that is counter to Amish customs or belief, they can be "shunned". The shunning means the rest of the community (including all family) are not to have ANY communication with the shun-ee. I'm sure the fear of shunning helps keep most of the Amish on the straight and quite narrow way they've chosen (as does a desire to please God).

Do you think this sounds a bit harsh? A bit manipulative? Lacking in Christian Grace and freedom in Christ?

What if I told you there were other groups of Christians who did pretty much the same thing not based on their religious beliefs or practices, but on their educational choices? Would you believe me?

What if I told you that homeschoolers sometimes do this to others who have been committed homeschoolers but have chosen to send their children to public or private school?

Well, can I say that I was suprised, and yet not surprised, when I heard that this had happened to a friend of mine? She was a VERY committed homeschooler, but her family (led by her husband) decided to send their children to public school a year ago. I don't know all the reasons why, but they are their children and it is their choice to make. Apparently, she noticed pretty quickly that she was "dropped" as a friend by a few of her close homeschool friends (or is that "friends"?).

At the end of the year, this friend and her husband decided that homeschooling was best for their family after all (or at least for now) and they are planning on homeschooling again this year. Oddly, and much unlike the Amish, these "friends" have continued to shun her!

I don't know which makes me angrier - that they shunned her in the first place or that they continue to shun her. It all sounds quite graceless, loveless and legalistic to me.

Seems to me that as homeschoolers we should be all about supporting FREEDOM of CHOICE in schooling - unless we aren't actually interested in freedom, but more interested in being homeschooling purists/perfectionists. Good Gravy - save us from ourselves!

Have you seen or experienced this within your local or online homeschool community?

Last fall, I ran across an excellent series of articles that certainly speaks to this issue called "The Curse of the Standard-Bearer". I've seen this curse running through the homeschool community and was swayed a bit by it - more than a bit, sadly. It can affect they way we parent, the way we educate, the way we behave, and the way we love others - all negatively. I encourage you to read at least the first article (I doubt you'll be able to stop there).

After recognizing this in myself (through reading this and a few other situations that contributed to this awareness), I feel like I am much freer to be myself IN CHRIST. And freer to love others as they are IN CHRIST.

While I don't agree, necessarily, with all the reasons the Amish might choose to shun a member, I do know that as Christians there is a time to seperate ourselves from those who have chosen not to repent from a habitual and grave sin. However, I do not think you can make an honestly biblical case that sending your child to school is a sin and certainly not one over which to seperate ourselves.

Not wanting to leave you with the impression that I have a beef with the Amish, here is a simple explanation of the practice. Notice the reason they give for shunning is to encourage a quick repentance in the straying member:

Do the Amish practice shunning fellow church members?

The term "church members" means those who are baptized as adults and voluntarily commit themselves to a life of obedience to God and the church. Yes, those who break their baptismal vows are shunned by the Old Order Amish. Belonging is important and shunning is meant to be redemptive. It is not an attempt to harm or ruin the individual and in most cases it does bring that member back into the fellowship again. Actually, the number of members excommunicated and shunned by the Amish is small.

The Biblical basis for shunning is found in these two verses:
But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner -- not even to eat with such a one (I Corinthians 5:11)

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and of fences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. (Romans 16:17)

The families of a shunned member are expected to also shun them. Families shun the person by not eating at the same table with them. The practice of shunning makes family gatherings especially awkward.


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Carnival of HS - Aug 26

This week's Carnival of Homeschooling is up at Life Nurturing Education and the theme is Woman's Independence Day. (Did you know women got the vote in America on this day in 1920?) Lots of REALLY great posts - don't miss it.

Simple Woman's Daybook - Aug 25

You can find out more about the Simple Woman's Daybook here. I'm a day late, I don't know how I forgot this yesterday.

For today, August 26th, 2008

Outside My Window... it is warm, drizzly and green

I am thinking ... how surprisingly perfect the weather is for my birthday - makes me want to curl up with a good read.

I am thankful for... thoughtful friends and family who've called or emailed me today.

From the kitchen ... I'm keeping it simple today by defrosting a quiche for dinner.

I am wearing ... a new vibrant blue scarf jauntily tied around my hips like a swashbuckler. Heh, I just wanted to say "swashbuckler" and "jauntily" - is that a word?

I am creating ... a crocheted baby blanket for our to-be-adopted daughter. I started it a couple of months ago and, as usual, put aside briefly...which turned into not so briefly. Time to pick it back up.

I am going ... to finish "Gilead" today, finally!

I am reading ... getting ready to pick back up the book "In Defense of Food".

I am hoping ... my mom gets to come for a visit on Thursday. She's in a very tough season right now and I enjoy having her come here to get away from the stress of her everyday life.

I am hearing ... Hubby on the Wii Fit, children and friends enjoying some cookies.

Around the house... oh, the laundry is piling up as usual, but it's my birthday, so it'll just have to wait!

One of my favorite things... is my new prayer beads given to me by (and hand made by) my dear, dear friend and neighbor (known here as DN - or DDN - hehehe).

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:

• Putting the "final touches" on our school plans for the year. I'm almost done!!


• Laying some stepping stones to my new compost bin area.


• Getting out for a "date night" with hubby sometime this week or weekend.


• After the school plans are done, I plan to start on our landscaping plans (we have a date set for mid-September to spend a week getting some major yard projects done).

Here is picture thought I am sharing:

My kids all crammed in the back of the van as we drive to the airport to drop off big brother (in the middle) and my Mother-in-Law for their trip to Sweden.

DD said, "I almost cried when we watched him walk into the airport, but I had to hold it in!" We miss him, but have heard from him by email and he's having a WONDERFUL time.

We miss you Doodlebug!


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Menu Plan Monday?

I used to participate in the OrgJunkie's Menu Plan Monday on this blog, but have moved it over to my food-focused blog: To Every Meal a Season . Come on over and see what's cookin'!

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Mexican Chicken Salad

This is great to have when you've got leftover chicken from the grill or from a roast.

Here is the recipe from Southern Living:

4 c chopped cooked chicken
2 c shredded sharp Cheddar

Use what you like of these:
2 T chopped green pepper
2 T chopped sweet red pepper
1 16 oz can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 4.5 oz can of chopped green chilis
1 med. onion, chopped

Dressing:
1/2 c sour cream
1/2 c mayo
1 pkg (1.25 oz) taco seasoning mix

Or use your favorite oil and vinegar dressing.

Corn chips
Shredded iceburg or romaine lettuce
2 med tomatoes, coarsely chopped
2 med avocadoes, coarsely chopped (skin and remove pit, of course)
1 can (2 1/4 oz) sliced ripe olives, drained

Combine the first 7 ingredients (or of those, what you want to use). Set aside.

Use the dressing of your choice (mix ingredients for Dressing 1 together). Pour over chicken mixture; toss gently, cover and chill.

Place corn chip on a plate; top with lettuce. Spoon chicken mixture onto lettuce. Top with tomato, avocado and olives. Serves 8.

When I made this I made only 2 servings. I used the oil and vinegar dressing and just poured it all over the salad rather than mixing and chilling. :) I'm never one to follow a recipe, but I figured I'd give you the "official" recipe then let you adapt it.


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Figs with Goat Cheese and Balsamic

I heard about this somewhere recently - darn, wish I could remember so I could give a link. (If you recognize this recipe and posted it recently, let me know and I'll link to you!) Anyway - we tried it and it is SPLENDID!

Here's what I did:

Take a large handful of the freshest figs you can find. Slice in half. Top each with a small amount of goat cheese. (I scooped a small amount and gently formed a clump for each fig half.) Drizzle balsamic vinegar (splurge on a good quality Modena for this if you can) over the top - you want just a splach on each fig. (We drizzled it on the plate first and then set our figs on top.)

The tartness, sweetness, creaminess is to die for! I should have taken a photo - but we gobbled them up to quickly!


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Something Spiritual for Sunday

This has been in my RSS reader just waiting to be savored. I'm not sure I really had time to savor it right now, but I did read it and found it an excellent article on the humility Christians are to seek in their lives. The author is an Eastern Orthodox priest and speaks directly to the Orthodox believer and church, but there's plenty in there that is applicable to all Christians.

How do you approach conflict through humility? I see the benefit of making this a focus in the wider Church as well as my own life. Both need a lot of work in this area. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Have a blessed Sunday!

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Farmer's Market Report is up

Did you visit your Farmer's Market today, or earlier in the week?

Share what you found, what you are making, or any anecdotes from your trip with
The Farmer's Market Report for August 23rd
at To Every Meal a Season.

Peter Piper's Picks - Aug 23rd - BIRTHDAY Edition

Yup, it's almost my birthday! (August 26th, for those of you hoping to send me birthday cards. Heh.) So, in honor of August babies, here are some August/birthday related picks...

Here's what happend in World History on my birthday! I found this pretty interesting.

August's lovely pale green birthstone - Peridot.

What is your REAL age? Hallelujah - I'm apparently 17! (I'm not sure my back agrees, though.) Or this one, which is a little bit more thorough - and, unfortunately, probably more accurate...this one says my Real Age is 36.6.

I always enjoy reading about traditions from other countries - here are some birthday ones.

Besides birthdays - there is much more to celebrate in August - like National Dog Day, Crackers over the Keyboard Day, and National Underwear Day. This website has serious and silly lists for each month.

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What we are using this year...

The Heart of the Matter Meme for today is "What are you using this year?" Boy, is this a common question among homeschoolers! We love to share ideas, gather impressions, and swap information.

So, here is what we are using this year. My kids are in 1st, 3rd/4th and 7th:


Basics

Math:
(1) Singapore 1A,B - slowly
(3/4) Singapore 2A, B - a bit more quickly in the hopes of moving on to 3A,B
(7) Saxon 8/7

Language Arts:
(1) Explode the Code 1 and 2 (with the supplemental "1/2" books as needed); Bob Books; Copy Work; Narration
(3/4) Explode the Code 3 (with supplemental "1/2" book) - possibly ETC 4 if needed; Scholastic and DK Readers; Handwriting Without Tears Cursive; Copy Work; Narration
(7) IEW's Bible-Based Writing; Editor in Chief; Papers on Newberry Literature

Bible, Saints, and Seasons:
(All) Childrens Story Bible; Rings, Kings and Butterflies
(7) The Case for Christ for Kids



Grammar Level

Literature:
1st Grader: The Jungle Books(and selections from an Ambleside-based "Free Reading" list)
3rd/4th Grader: Tanglewood Tales, A Wonder Book (and readings from my "Free Reading list);
Both: Daily poetry from The Oxford Book of Children's Verse in America, The Story Of Dr. Doolittle, The Wind in the Willows and some other selections from my "Free Reading" list

Memory:
(for both 1st and 3rd/4th graders) Classical Conversations - Cycle 3; selected poems and scripture from The Harp and Laurel Wreath

Modern Studies:
CC Cycle 3 (US History and Geography); God's World News (Taking Off and Early Times); National Geographic Picture Atlas of Our Fifty States'>

Science:
CC - Cycle 3: 1st Semester (Anatomy) - Blood and Guts; The Usborne Internet-Linked Complete Book of the Human Body / 2nd Semester (Chemistry) - Adventures With Atoms and Molecules , The Periodic Table: Elements with Style

Classical Studies:
D'Aulaires Book of Greek Myths, Famous Men of Greece

Foreign Language:
Tutor taught (so no curriculum, yet)



Dialectic

Literature:
Newberry Literature (Magician's Nephew, Bronze Bow, Number the Stars, Amos Fortune, Door in the Wall, Secret Garden, Carry On Mr Bowditch )

Modern:
Classical Conversations - Challenge A (World Geography); Compact Atlas of the World

Science:
Challenge A (Natural Science): Nature Sketchbook, Biology Lab Sheets

Clear Reasoning:
It Couldn't Just Happen: Fascinating Facts About God's World, Don't Check Your Brains at the Door: A Book of Christian Evidences

Classical:
Black Ships Before Troy, The Wanderings of Odysseus

Latin:
Latin's Not So Tough 3 & 4

Electives:
Plants Grown Up; Drama classes (in community)



Fine Arts (All)

Art Appreciation:
CC Cycle 3 (American Artists) - Discovering Great Artists: Hands-On Art for Children in the Styles of the Great Masters (Bright Ideas for Learning); National Gallery of Art Educational packages/videos: American Painting pkg, "American Art 1785-1946" video, "American Art" video, Early Modernism 1900-1940 pkg, Art Since 1950 pkg, "20th C Am. Art" video

Studio Art:
The Young Artist's Handbook, Drawing Textbook

Music:
CC Cycle 3 (Great Composers); Minute Sketches of the Great Composersor History's 100 Greatest Composers, Story of the Orchestra; Charlotte Symphony "Children's Concert Series"


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School is Back in Session!

This week was our first week of school!

There are so many reaons that this wasn't the ideal week to start school:

• Eldest son left on Thursday for a 10-day trip to Sweden (more on that later)


• MIL was in town (she is traveling with him)


• I'm not totally finished with year's plan - I know *what* I'm doing, but not necessarily *when* or *how*.


• One kid is sick...and I might be right behind her.

One thing I've learned the past 5 years we've been doing this is that my perfectionism can really get in the way. In the past, I'd have wanted to wait until I had everything perfectly planned out (even if that plan didn't last 2 months) and everyone was totally ready to start on a full schedule. But, usually it is just best to START, even if it is at "half-power". So, that is what we did - and it went pretty well!

We just did the basics: math and language arts, but we DID it! And eldest son had his first day of Challenge A (with Classical Conversations), so he only had a little prep work to do for that. By the time we get up to "full speed", we'll be ready to start back to Classical with the younger two. (Their CC classes don't start until Sept. 3.)

When is your first day?


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Turkey meatballs and Spaghetti

These are such a hit at my house! These are a great easy meal for any time of year.

1 lb lean ground turkey
1 tsp garlic powder
1 T Worchester sauce
1/8 c. Parmesan cheese (grated)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 egg, beaten
1/2 c dry breadcrumbs
1/4 c. tomato sauce (I use Barilla Marinara), plus the more for the pan.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix all ingredients. Spray a 9 x 13 baking pan with veggie oil. Pour a very thin layer of sauce on the bottom then begin forming the meatballs and placing them in the pan. Spoon a little more sauce over the top of each meat ball (I just gently drizzle it around the pan - hitting most of the meatballs). If you have more sauce in your jar, you can save it to top the spaghetti. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Pull off the foil after 30 minutes and turn off the oven. Let the meatballs sit in the warm oven while you finish the pasta.
I use Barilla thick spaghetti noodles, boiled until al dente.

Serve a plate (or bowl) of pasta topped with a dollop of sauce and a few meatballs. Parmesan cheese is always delicious on top, too!

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