31 July 2013

Mega-Size Honey!

The beekeeper is a patient of our doctor, so they sell these right at the checkout window for $13.  Local honey in a three-pound size.  How long do you think it will take our family of eight to go through the whole thing, given that half the family members hate honey?  Already it's been drizzled on popcorn, crackers, eaten by the spoonful, and big plans for peanut butter and honey are in the works for tomorrow.

30 July 2013

The Summertime Carnival of Homeschooling!

Now online at Janice Campbell's.  Bloggers share how to make a paper journal, how to redeem Box Tops for Education when you're a homeschooler, and other nifty ideas.  Go check it out!

29 July 2013

The Right to Go to School

At 16, Josh Powell had never written an essay, didn't know that South Africa was a country, and couldn't do basic algebra.  That's because his fundamentalist parents had 11 children and just let them play video games all day.  Poor Josh begged the local school to let him enroll against his parents' wishes and they said no.

Shouldn't the children have a bit of a right or a say-so in their education?

Powell thinks his parents did a poor job of educating him and his siblings and says that not only should children decide if they wish to enroll in school, but that also there should be some "accountability" for parents who homeschool.  Article.

Not buying it.  At least, I'm not buying it in this case.

Sure, he had to work hard for a few years and study a little before enrolling at Georgetown University.  Georgetown University?  Do you have any idea how many kids had excellent educations, and still don't get in there?  Let's just say that if he can fix up the gaps well enough to enroll within a few years, that they were not that serious.

His sister is gainfully employed and two other siblings are enrolling in community college.  No tales of adults who can't read.  No actual documented evidence of educational neglect.  Hello, any time he wishes, he can make that call to social services.  The fact that he didn't shows he is not really that concerned about their educations personally.

I know for a fact that even in a lax state like Missouri, the social workers do follow up when there's an allegation.  They ask questions.  They check records.  They ask for references.  I have fielded a phone call and it's not a pleasant experience, even when the call is not about you.  I am actually opposed to any sort of compulsory education of any kind, but I will have to say that this social worker appeared to be carrying out her duties in a professional manner.  The matter was definitely looked into. 

It's an interesting premise, though.  What if the children got to decide where and if they went to school?  Interesting that no one gets to opt out of public school against the parent's wishes.  But opt out of homeschool?  You and I both know that if the kids decide, they really won't learn to do essays.  Mom and Dad will always have the "I'll decide to go to public school next year if you don't (whatever)" threat over their heads all year.






27 July 2013

Midwest Brony Fest


We had an awesome time at Midwest Brony Fest in Overland Park, Kansas.  This is Emperor and Elf in the vending room.  Definitely the weak spot of the convention.  There were only perhaps 12 vendors almost all selling stuff that was...

Extremely overpriced!  Are you kidding me?  I know it's handmade, but it's been all worn and napped from too much handling, the pony on the left looks like she's gonna collapse, and... are you kidding me?

We wandered to the cyber cafe nearby and Emperor was browsing more reasonably priced options.

Elf watched My Little Pony videos.  Finally, it was time to look around for a few minutes before "Greggo's Game Show."

We found Waldo!  He's married, and has a family!  Sweet.

Absolutely one of the best things about the convention is meeting other people with similar interests, hanging out and playing games.



Much higher quality merchandise.  Hand made by White Dove.  Nice stuff.

But my kids need to go to college and get smart, so that's it for that thought.

Waiting for one of Greggo's game shows to begin.  The game shows followed a "Wheel of Fortune" and "Family Feud" format, except with a My Little Pony theme.

I don't get it.  It's $2.25 for a soda, or you can get four sodas and a whole pizza for $15. Guess what we did.

Sam Vincent plays Flim on My Little Pony.  He gave a talk and is very accessible and friendly to his fans.

We left after learning a bit of My Little Pony history from an avid collector of the first generation toys.  We really had an awesome time, but I think we'll skip next year because the cost of $45/weekend or $30/day is a bit steep considering the vendor room size.  The homeschool convention is at least ten times bigger and is $40/family.  So the price comparison doesn't work for me personally.

25 July 2013

How To Fight a War

Iowa and Missouri had a huge dispute over where the border was located, leading to the Honey War.

"When Missouri mustered 600 militia men, their trip to Iowa was fruitless. There was not yet an Iowa militia organized to fight. Eventually when about 1,200 Iowans lined up with pitchforks, the Missouri militia had already gone home."

When everyone did finally get together to fight, they drank lots of whiskey together and not much got done.   Then the Supreme Court made a decision and everyone went home.  The end.

I know you desperately want to see the everlasting memorial to this great conflict.  Here ya go.

24 July 2013

A Crazy Mom Post!

Yesterday some lady came into the local McDonald's screaming at the top of her lungs that she was getting ready to BEAT THE S*** out of her kids, and she went on and on and on. The oldest kid decided that would be a great time to sass her mom. Manager tries to see if there is "anything he can do to help" and she tells him, "You see I'm busy!" Then she started screaming at the kids about how they were going to bed when they got home. She put all the kids into her truck and drove off, still screaming.

 What a winner! 

But ohh my. I can understand parental frustration, because I'm worn out this summer myself.  Today, I had to go do some laundry and fix some stuff and I heard that "phone is off the hook" sound.  No idea how long Woodjie has been messing with it.  He said he has been talking to a girl.  She has been singing to him about cheeseburgers and how they are yummy.  After a while, he said, she didn't talk any more and that was the sound that happened.  He was able to give me some of the numbers he dialed, and I sure hope he is WRONG.  Otherwise, we are on the hook for charges to the Netherlands.  The Netherlands.  Oh boy.

So now, I've got the master bedroom locked from the OUTSIDE during the day.  Up high where little fingers can't reach it.

You would THINK running around outside for half the day with the hose running would wear kids out but ohhhh no.  I am starting to think that the admission price to a water park might be worth the cost, for all I've spent on water today.  But.  I am thinking we are "watering the grass" at the same time.  RIGHT??

Elf has been a great little helper this summer.  I just am so proud of how sweet he is, and how loving to everyone.

Mini Mr. Coffee.  SO basic.  SO cute.  I just bought him yesterday on the advice of one of my older children.  I can't believe the Royal Family swiped that poor kid's name.  The days of his getting, "Well, that's an unusual name, you hardly hear that one any more" are all. over.
The phone just rang and I thought, "It's the phone company wanting to know why we called the Netherlands!"  I know.  I'm not thinking right.  I got off the phone (stupid crank caller... grr!) to find this.  "I hungry so I eat it a apple," Woodjie explained.  Siiigh.


22 July 2013

A Teeny Bread!

Woodjie has been pestering me to let him make A teeny bread ever since we got a bag of the vegetable from our neighbour.  Here, Elf has helpfully grated two cups' worth.
Woodjie buttered the pans using an old bread bag.  No mess!

I dunno.  At this point in the process it looks like dirty flour with grass in it.  And it smells weird.

But it turned out so well that my children ate their vegetables tonight!  And, we have more zucchini for another batch soon!  Chef Woodjie can't wait to help bake!  He has asked for a chef hat so that he can do alllll the helping.

Homeschooling Should Be Illegal!

Crazy Comment Monday!
"I really hope you are not a liberal. I'm so tired of wussy liberals that don't have the stomach to do what is necessary.  Progressives recognize that every child raised by a parent that teaches them to be a racist, anti-choice, anti-immigrant, anti-gov't, or anti-social just takes us one step backward."

"We are moving the country forward, we don't have time to back up.  We must spend more money to ensure the next generation is properly educated to be contributing members of our society."

What would you say to someone who says there are certain viewpoints or attitudes that shouldn't be tolerated in a civilised society, and therefore, we should have compulsory schooling?  In light of recent news events, do you think that public education makes for a more racially tolerant and inclusive world? 

21 July 2013

Justice for Darius Simmons

Where is the outcry for this young man from Milwaukee?  He was 13 years old and shot while he was taking empty garbage cans toward his house.  I'm dismayed and sickened that this case is not getting more attention in the news.  Darius deserves more than this, and so does his family.

Here's a beautiful story about a woman who saved children from the Nazis.  At the bottom?  Is a video of Darius being murdered by his neighbour.  It is undeniable that this young man did nothing to provoke such a vicious attack.

I want to hear why this story is in the news here, and why I'm reading this in the British papers.

20 July 2013

US Bureau of Labor Statistics is Stalking Me.

A letter arrived in the mail from a government agency, "requesting" information.  I ripped it up and recycled it.  Three weeks later, a "reminder" note arrived.  Also pitched.  And another about a month later.  And a new form still later.  And a reminder form, and so on and so on.  I think they spent very close to $30 in postage.  Meh, whatever.

But on Thursday, I was exiting a van in my driveway and minding my own business.  A man jumps out of his car, 1970's movie style, and corners me next to the van door.

This little old man with glasses, blue eyes and a casual business outfit flashed a badge in a little red case.  Apparently the United States Government needs my help to set the Consumer Price Index.  It's important to determine the cost of living! 

Holy crap, really?  I asked if I would be arrested or otherwise prosecuted if I refused to answer their questions.  He told me no, but - and I said, "K. Bye." and turned away until he left.  Yes.  I was rude to the Government Man.

If I disappear, you know why.  Creepy old man in an old gray Ford with a TJ Hooker complex.  Some of the people who work with G were standing nearby gaping and when he left, one said, "Well, that was one of the strangest encounters I've ever witnessed."

19 July 2013

Parcheesi Math

Still enjoying our summer, and I'm not ready to start our curriculum for a little while.  But Rose needs a way to know how many hops her men need to make on the board!  We count the numbers on the dice and then write a simple equation.  Rose traces the numbers.  Did you know that 1 + 3 is the same as 3 +1?  So Rose gets a choice on which equation to trace.  I won this game because I rolled quite a few double sixes.  :)

People Pooping on the Lawn.

A man filmed some jogger pooping on his lawn on several occasions.  KCTV5 even helpfully distributed a video.  The property owner is a bit perplexed as to why she has chosen to make his place her "personal toilet."

See, I could see an emergency like this happening.  Once.  But yuck.  She doesn't even wipe or bring a baggie or anything during the other 400 times. I think this woman needs to cut her jog in half, return home to use the toilet, and go around one more time.  If you know you're going to have the "runner's trots," please do have the courtesy to plan ahead.

17 July 2013

New Windows!

I was just too lazy to sew, so I did the "put a piece of cloth up with clips" version of decorating my new windows.  Not too bad!  I've also had the table flipped about so that it is smaller.  This table folds together on its hinges for an entirely new look.

This is what it looks like with the curtain open.  I put some sticky medallions up just to add a splash of colour.  I'm so used to a million wasps hanging out inside my window, so I had to put something up to look at.  Can you see the pie table in the corner?  It's been in my family about forever.  The edges of the table are all scalloped like a pie crust.  :)

Ending Compulsory Education in Utah

State Senator Aaron Osmond proposes ending compulsory education in Utah.  He says this will lead to better behaviour from students and more respect for teachers generally.  Predictably, some commenters don't get that this won't mean mass hysteria.  Others still seem to think it will end all behaviour problems, vandalism, cats and dogs fighting, and everything else. 

I think we'll trade some problems for others, but we'd save a lot of money and allow people to make what society considers to be bad decisions as well as good ones.  Or even great ones.  Being freed from the expectations of the curriculum would inspire some great parents to do some novel things.

Please notice that at no point did he say he'd cut education funding!  He simply wants people to have a choice, real choice, in what they learn and when.

I do wonder if the federal government wouldn't get involved and stop any statewide movement to disengage from the Matrix.  It would be disguised as a civil rights or funding problem.  You watch.

Hat tip:  Joanne Jacobs.

15 July 2013

Do You Pay for Chores?

Have you seen "the box?"  Apparently if your kid leaves stuff lying around, you're supposed to take it and put it into "the box."  To get the item back, your child must pick a "chore card" from the deck located on the box's side.  This is a great way to teach kids that chores are punishment, and that they can't just have a messy day here and there.  It also sets up an adversarial relationship, if you don't have one already.  Eesh, who thinks of this stuff?

But then there's the flip side of that.  The lax parent who couldn't be bothered to correct her child or make him do anything that he doesn't wanna.  That includes saying please or thank you.  Why raise the child to be inauthentic and thank you if he isn't truly thankful, right? 

I think theory and "what you do when you're actually in the situation" are really two different things.  I won't even get into my fantasies of how nicely my children would actually behave before they were born.  Ha!  My uncle always said that when he had kids, he'd have a whistle.  When he blew it, all the children would line up by size, just as they did in the Sound of Music. He was a really funny guy, and could say it in such a way that you weren't quite sure whether he was serious.  I'm still not sure.  It didn't work out that way, obviously.

Guess what, though.  Chores have to be done!  It can't be all me, all day, doing absolutely everything.  I tell my children that the money they get for their chores is really just a tip.  No way anyone would clean three toilets for $2 in the real world.  But on the flip side of that, we do feed you every day, you know?  So there's that.


14 July 2013

Cricket-Hunting.

Did you know only male crickets chirp? They make a lot of noise at night in the hopes of getting lucky.  We had a cricket in our house recently and it drove D nuts while he was trying to get to sleep.  He offered a $2 bounty for its capture and release out of doors, and with great teamwork, G and Elf were able to split the reward.  D looked all over for the stupid thing, but do you know where the children found it?  Hiding in the folds of a curtain.  Sneaky.

13 July 2013

Posting Untried Recipes is Now Criminal.

There's a new Missouri law against posting recipes with delicious pictures online, unless the poster has tried such recipe and found it successful.  MO Statute 28147.3 also requires that the recipe made in the poster's home look "reasonably similar in form and appearance" to the pictures posted on any social media site, blog, or other page on the internet.

Ok, I made all that up.  But I'm so tired of coming across posts and going, "Ooh, I want to try that sometime!" and then realizing that the poster has never tried the recipe, cleaning tip, or "how to" tutorial.  Dang. I have a feeling that spraying WD40 or Peroxide on this or that is gonna ruin it forever, and besides, I already have a Pinterest account for all those things I'm never going to get around to.  

Dear friends, I need to keep my facebook and my blogs open for political snark, e-cards, YoVille requests, and "I can't believe some people act so bitchy" and "things my ex-husband just did" rants from my friends.

Thanks for understanding.

10 July 2013

Fish Heads for My Father



                          "Fish heads, fish heads, roly poly fish heads.  Fish heads, fish heads, eat them up... YUM!"  My dad keeps complaining that "fish heads" are all he can eat on his new diet, so I'm dedicating this song to him.  Start the video about two minutes in to watch this classic song. :)

09 July 2013

Notation, Notation, Notation

Rose wanted to learn it, so Emperor is teaching her.  She still isn't quite sure how to make all her letters without a model, so she has a little motivation now.  Algebraic notation is easy.  Use a K for king, Q for queen, B for bishop, N for knight and R for rook.  Then write down which square the piece went to.  For pawns, you only write the landing square.

Here is part of Emperor's recent game against Dr. C.  Emperor is white and moves his pawn to the d4 square.  Dr. C is black and during his first move, he moved his knight to f6, and so on.
It gets a little harder when you take pieces or castle.  Move 5 shows Emperor doing a kingside castle.  Rose is not even in kindergarten yet and she has many of the basics down, so I'm not exaggerating at all when I tell you that it isn't as hard as you might imagine to learn. 

06 July 2013

I'll Be Dead By the Time You Read This...

Suicide notes.  As a school assignment.  Is this ever ok?  I don't think so.  Imagine being the poor mom who comes across the note and freaks out

Unfortunately, school assignment stupidity is not a new invention.  I do remember that in seventh grade, the health teacher told us girls to go home and tell our parents we're pregnant to see what they'd do. 

I don't think I did, although my memory on this is a bit fuzzy.  No drugs involved here, but I just don't remember much about my day-to-day life as a 13-year-old. (Do you?) My mom is not dead of a heart attack, so likely I kept that little "assignment" to myself and made up some BS story about how my parents reacted.

05 July 2013

Woodjie Product Endorsement

I wanted to get a picture of Woodjie posing with his box and I kept getting this.

Ok, here we go.  I haven't seen Woodjie so excited about a new food in a long time.  He LOVES Raisin Bran Crunch and wants to let you know that everyone should eat it because it has no milk and no eggs and every children should have one.  Awww.  No one else seems super-excited/wanting to try this, though.  That's ok.  More for Woodjie!  You know you live with lots of autism going on when a new blog post discusses nothing but "my kid ate a new food."  :)

01 July 2013

Do You Teach Your Children Cursive?

I do!  But I admit that I allow my homeschoolers to print if they'd prefer when they complete most everyday assignments.  So far, everyone likes printing better.  I know Emperor gets mixed up on what he was writing and repeats blends in words ("Empereror" instead of Emperor or whathaveyou).  It's almost as if he gets stuck and it takes a minute to move on. 

But scientific studies show that learning cursive, even for young children, helps their brains develop.  And cursive uses areas of the brain not exercised when typing.  I wish I could use this amazing power and swoosh awesome penmanship across the page at 60 WPM, but I'm not that talented and/or I don't think that quickly.

Perhaps cursive makes us slow down just enough to compose our thoughts well.  I use a fair bit of backspacing and re-reading in my work, but I do remember that when I used cursive it wasn't so.  There wasn't much opportunity for correction, so essays had to spring fully-formed from my brain Athena-style.

One concern some educators and scientists have is that the new Common Core standards don't require a working knowledge of how to write in cursive fluently.  I can't say that teaching my children cursive was necessarily worth the time that it took.  I'm not sure.  To do a decent job at it, it takes a fair bit of work and practice, and increasingly we're finding that children are unable to read even neatly-written cursive letters, which means increasingly we're unable to use the cursive we learn in our day-to-day writings.

It's a shame, really.


Bringing Garbage Home

Some people up the street were throwing this table away. It was in pretty bad shape and one of the legs was off. I've glued the leg back...