Susie-Q&A
• Oct. 7, 2008 - Nod Over Coffee
• Oct. 7, 2008 - Teeth All Sparkly
All is well, dentally speaking. No cavities this time around.
It was a fun trip. Everyone likes this dentist because he has a huge cylindrical saltwater aquarium in the waiting area, plus a sheet fountain, plus a widescreen tv for movies, plus a Thomas train table, plus video screens over the chairs playing the movie of one's choice! Not to mention the prizes, prizes, prizes.
Did I mention he's a pediatric dentist?
Pudge would have none of it, though. He clamped his mouth tight and shook his head at the hygienist. At least he didn't scream. The dentist did get a quick peek at his teeth. That dentist is really persistent while remaining non-scary. I admire than in a medical professional.
It was an all-day trip, because we stopped for lunch rather than starve during the hour's drive. I met another mom of seven at McD's. How often does that happen? Usually, we only meet numerous people who say, "My you have your hands full."
We got home, and baby wouldn't be put down, and Buster wanted a game of "Go Fish," so dinner is very late, and so are our library videos, which didn't renew online. I've got to run them to the libe before it closes, but dinner's not ready yet. What to do?
Later! |
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• Oct. 7, 2008 - "Other" Blather
So, what else have we been up to lately?
1. Enjoying the baby's super-cuteness. Yes, Fuzzy is hilariously cute. I speak not from natural motherly bias, but the objective testimony of every passing stranger who sees him. (He always goes shopping with me.) He really is stinkin' cute.
2. Looking for a church home. And looking, and looking some more.... Just praying and trusting we will get that divine "yes" when we find it.
3. Joining a homeschool group. We were already casual, some-time members, but the group instituted a membership fee and began requiring official paperwork. So, I ante'd up. Our first official activity this fall was a field trip to the local newspaper, last week. It was scheduled in the evening, so we got to see the presses run. The kids also learned a little bit about their mother's former aspirations toward news reporting--and how grateful I am to be their mommy instead right now. :)
4. Filling our pond. Still. Making slow progress with that.
5. Doing our usual household stuff. Today, it was straightening and vacuuming bedrooms.
6. The kids are big on Club Penguin. Mopsy just got a membership for her birthday (she turns five this week). She is so thrilled to be able to dress her penguin and decorate its igloo. Nevertheless, they've felt the call of the wild as well, the weather being fine this time of year. Pudge wore himself out in the backyard this afternoon playing with the older kids.
7. Being inundated with bugs. It's beetle season around here. These things are swarming everywhere, inside and out. Also, we've caught one of these in the act of impaling and eating its victim. And these get in the house, too. And these. And we still have ants. I'm canceling our bug policy. I think I can do better myself with ant traps, and put that money to better use. |
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• Oct. 7, 2008 - Our Bedtime Stories
We've finished Little Britches, and are almost all the way through Man of the Family.
I'll tell you this: when I'm tempted to whine or get frustrated, I think about Mame Moody and get pulled up short.
Another observation: Grace = Olivia (Bug). Really, they are very similar personalities!
After this, I think the children will insist we go on to Mary Emma and Company, so I'll feel obliged to indulge them. But then I'd like to take a long enough break to read Collard Greens, authored by our very own Uncle Ard. They loved Aunt Artie's stories, so I know they'll love his take on the family farm as well. It's nice to have our own family stories in book form. |
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• Oct. 6, 2008 - Nonspecific Blather
Well, if I can't blather at my blog, where can I?
I have to take all the children to the dentist tomorrow--an hour's drive--so I'm up late getting the necessary laundry washed and dried.
So how about that silly stock market, hm?
I haven't written much about homeschooling lately...an irony, given my blogging is hosted here at HomeschoolBlogger. I haven't even been reading much about homeschooling lately. Nor did I attend a conference this year, for the first time in many years. I've perceived a distinct lack of inspiration as a result.
So, Re: homeschooling....
Well...we have been. Really, we have. It's just not thrilling right now, so there's not much to say about it.
My plan, as mentioned on this space a while back, was to give it everything I've got for a few weeks, and then see where I stood.
I did not, in fact, give it every last little thing I've got. Who me? Rise at 6 a.m. without fail? Ha.
Rather, we eased back into the Basics and have yet to crack open the unit study. We'll be re-opening the unit study later this week, most likely. (We did read one library book about the Parthenon, but that's been the extent of history.) I like our unit study. Really, I do. But we have just not been having fun with our schooling. I was at a crisis of confidence. As in, "I must really stink at this, far worse than I originally thought I did. And this isn't false humility, either."
I think if we'd had the funds, I might have been very tempted to consider private Christian school this year, to be thoroughly honest. (Public school is out of the question, as we homeschool under a religious exemption.)
To be even more honest...aside from the expense? Their need to "catch up" in math would be the biggest barrier to being put in school. Our math program is not graded, so I have no clue at what "grade level" each one is supposed to be working. We go by skills mastered instead.
I am happy to let the kids take all the time they need here at home to get their arithmetic facts down as solid as stone. Each level must be mastered fully because it's the foundation for the next level.
But I have the feeling they are behind "grade-level" according to state standards. That doesn't help me feel warmly, fuzzily "adequate" as a homeschool mom.
On the other hand, what they do know about math, they know well.
Which, now that I think of it, was one of my reasons for homeschooling in the first place. What's the point of being pushed through work you have not mastered? We don't want them tumbling in the wake of classes moving too quickly, or twiddling their thumbs in classes that don't move quickly enough. I have always objected to the one-size-fits-all classroom model of learning and considered the tutorial model far superior; that was before I had seven children, though, and actually had time to ponder educational theory, or tutor each one individually.
It all boils down to my having been pretty down in the dumps about the whole homeschooling experiment those few weeks ago. Happily, while I'm still wondering how to reach homeschool nirvana, circumstances have let up a bit.
1. We are more settled in the house now. I've done some shuffling and pitching and, while it's still not Better Homes & Gardens around here, it isn't as overwhelming, either.
2a. Fuzzy has reached a more independent age and isn't Mommy's Little Barnacle so much any more. He has developed an appreciation for self-propulsion. Sissy has taken to hauling him around more, too.
2b. Pudge is still very temperamental, but easier to communicate with now. While his screaming habit has not abated much, he does obey me when I give him words to say: "Yes, mommy." "I'm sorry." "Help, please." "Thank you." And so forth. And he's discovered "drawing": the perfect preschooler occupation during lessons.
3. I finally have a workable routine in place for the rote stuff (memory work, math drills, math lessons,
spelling, typing, etc.) The children have adjusted to this routine and know what's coming, even if they're not always terribly thrilled about it.
4. Two or three of the children are advancing to new math books, so I have a sense of accomplishment. I only hope they do, too. Mopsy's starting math this year, just as soon as I can get the workbook under her pert little nose--and she actually wants to "do school." (She's halfway through her phonics program right now.)
5. After nearly forty days of Sequential Spelling, I still think it's a great program. Highly recommended. It was exactly what my children needed, especially my weak spellers. I started all of them (12, 10, 8, and 6) at the earliest level possible, and they'll just work their way through the book together. The 6-year-old is doing far better than I'd expected. We are covering "spelling rules" in a logical, yet casual...almost an implicit way. They love homophones. Go figure. They always want to know if we're covering any homophones today. "No, but we've got some nice heteronyms for you."
So yes, despite some minor frustrations, I see progress. And that's a good thing. We may not be whooping it up here in a fun-filled carnival of awe-inspiring discovery, but they are learning. I have a few scheduling obstacles to overcome before we crack open Learning Adventures, but that's likely to happen before the week's out. |
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• Oct. 4, 2008 - First Steps
Oh, the applause for Fuzzy tonight when, while I was reading to the children, he let go his hold on the recliner and took two steps all on his own! Up he went, into Sissy's arms, and waved to his adoring public with a proud grin on his face.
Here goes! |
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• Oct. 1, 2008 - Ten Months Old!
Fuzzy is growing up too fast for his mama's comfort. He tries to speak. The other morning, I pointed to his brother and said, "Ian!" and Fuzzy answered several times with a grunty little "eh." So, that's his word for brother. He also tries to say "Kitty," although it comes out more like "Kiddiddiddi." I've even heard him "singing" in imitation of the older children.
This is the only one of my children who has ever bothered to sign back to me. When we finish his diaper change, I sign "All done," and he grins hugely and waves his little hands around like mad in imitation. Very cute! Patty-cake is also a big hoot, obviously.
He's in the pointing stage. Seems like yesterday it was Ian silently pointing at things. That teeny index finger is always out front.
He can stand independently for a few seconds, and can scoot the little toddler car. He can climb on the counters and tables (eek), and up the basement stairs (with mommy spotting him). Next we have to learn "down the stairs, tootsies first."
He can point to pictures in books. He likes the "Spot" books, and peekaboo lift-the-flap books.
He is very, very attached to his oldest sissy. Loves her to pieces. But it's still me who gets to cuddle him to sleep. :) |
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• Sep. 28, 2008 - New Pond Pictures...
• Sep. 27, 2008 - What Caused Our Current Crisis?
• Sep. 25, 2008 - Morning Doings
Here we are, first thing in the morning. We've already made a mess of the living room, and we're not much to look at, pre-grooming, but if you forgive those minor transgressions of good taste, you get baby pictures. Good trade-off, no?
Mopsy prompted me to retrieve the camera from its toddler-proof hiding place when she asked for a picture of her new foal.
Of course we didn't buy a real foal! Her sisters picked this up for her at the toy store a couple of days ago. Poor Mopsy was the only child that day with no spending money, and was feeling a bit left out. I thought it was generous of the big girls.
The cat agreed to stand in the background, just to give our dear readers a sense of scale.
Proud owner of foal:
Here's a better picture of Neena, the old-lady cat. She's going on twelve.
Oh...were you taking my picture? Let me studiously ignore you while you snap another. It's my better side anyway.
Oh noooooo! Really, though, she's not the demonstrative type; her ear positioning says it all.
Heeere, kitteh, kitteh! Mmmm. Kitty fur + drool.
Yes, he can climb on the window seat now. Never fear, though, he knows the way down is feets first.
I did it!
"He MADE me pick him up!" Frequently heard from big sis.
He does too. The minute she sits down, he beetles over to her as fast as his four appendages allow. Then it's up on her lap before she can make her escape.
It's all vertical from there.
"Ha ha, I've got her now! Up! Up and walk me around!"
How he does love his sissy.
She's a sucker!
Meanwhile, cat reclaims sunny spot.
Baby-free.
Not a morning person:
Better, though blurrier:
This is what morning looks like in our house...children ensconced in blankets, lying on the living room floor:
There really is a child under here:
Neither of us morning persons, but we're trying:
Good morning, sunshine! |
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• Sep. 22, 2008 - O Frabjous Day!
Hubby, in spite of being socked with a stomach virus on Friday, managed to get our water softener up and running last night.
My dishwasher works! The stains are coming out of the laundry when I scrub them! And my hair--it's...so...soft!
Yippeeee! |
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• Sep. 21, 2008 - Fill 'Er Up
It's not photographically dramatic, but the pond is at its highest level right now, after night-time fillings from the well.
Dad's pond crew:
2nd from right: J-zilla |
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• Sep. 21, 2008 - Serious Economy Stuff
I'm told Mark Levin gives a thorough assessment of the bank situation here (September 19). I've only listened to the first few minutes, myself.
I think Levin is quite cogent on constitutional and economic issues. I just don't like the way he cuts off his callers. ("Shut up" is akin to cussing in our house.) So, I don't usually listen to him. However, I've seen several people link to this, recommending it, so I plan to listen.
Meanwhile, I'll just be over here re-memorizing Matthew 6:25-34.
UPDATE: Here's the actual text of the bailout plan. (Via Yuval Levin at The Corner.) |
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• Sep. 21, 2008 - Oh, No No No
Fuzzy's newest trick is dangerous to the max.
He's figured out how to climb onto the dining chairs, and up the rungs of the chair back.
The kid can't even walk yet!
WhatamIgonnadoooo?
UPDATE: Caught in the act...
This probably means he can climb into the bathtub, too.
Arg. |
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• Sep. 20, 2008 - Ninja Cat
• Sep. 18, 2008 - Hate and the "Reformed Christian"
It seems for the lefty Christian, one's favorite Bible snippet--"love your neighbor"--applies only to registered Democrats.
Her spiritual adviser tells her: "They [those like Palin] are everything He or She [God] hates in a Christian."
I think she might do better to skip the middle-man and simply read the Bible. (N.B.: "Let go and let id" is not to be found anywhere in its pages.)
Of all people, Anne Lamott. I once read a little memoir by this lady about the first year of her son's life, and found it enjoyable. Hope she recovers from P.D.S. soon, and comes to Christ instead of whatever false gospel she professes right now.
(Hat tip: James Lileks)
More from Jay Nordlinger, that consummate gentleman, on finding hate in unexpected places. Very sad. No mention of whether his friend claims to be a follower of Christ. It's not that shocking from non-Christians. It's the ostensibly Christian haters who feel completely justified in their hate that floor me. |
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• Sep. 18, 2008 - Submit a Review/Win Free Books!
• Sep. 17, 2008 - Makeover
Mopsy had a trim the other day, because she got gum stuck in her hair and decided to take action on her own. She cut a pretty good chunk out of one side of her hair. The only way for the hairdresser to fix it was to angle the side-hair down to the length. I think she did a pretty good job:
Her hair stays out of her eyes now, for the most part. |
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• Sep. 15, 2008 - It's So Beautiful Here
I'm sure our house would be considered dumpy compared to the grand maisons attached to equestrian estates scattered all over this Northern Virginia countryside.
Nothing can compare, though, to the expansive feeling of standing in my own front yard of my own little dwelling, and watching the clouds sail past the full moon--a moon bright enough to play cloud pictures by. I saw a mermaid!
It's the same moon that shone over the townhouses we left behind, but for some reason I always did my moon-gazing there with a sense of longing. It seemed further away there; or there was too much in the way. It wasn't *my* moon. Now, I watch fully content. I can see the sky here. I'm not elbow to elbow with the neighbors. Nothing stands between me and the heavens. The moon and stars are all mine.
Today was warm and breezy, a perfect day for hanging out the laundry, which is what we did (along with a little math). The wind practically scoured the sky, but still couldn't sweep away all the clouds before nightfall. It sent huge, fluffy, white clouds wafting over, and dark, heavy, gray clouds, too, but nary a drop of rain did fall. Storms seem to pass barely north, south and east of us without dropping more than a sprinkling of rain. For that reason, hubby has taken to filling the pond at night from the well. Such impatience!
It's an autumn sky already, but still plenty warm enough. My very favorite time of year. If I were unattached, I'd be off traveling. It's easy to empathize with Kenneth Grahame's Ratty in The Wind in the Willows.
I decided to cut way back on my blog & forum reading, but I'll still be blogging for family and friends here. We can't be depriving you of baby pictures, now can we?
Not that I took any today. (Sorry.)
It was a good day, though. I made sure to concentrate on my tasks, and we have finished out the day with the major chores done. I could have done better at the schooling, but math is what requires the greatest consistency (that, and spelling). Tomorrow, we'll read the Greek myths, history, and the like.
I got a call from the children's dentist. It's that time of year again. The semi-annual trip to the dentist, an hour away, is a major outing for them. They just love to go. He's a pediatric dentist, so to say the office is child-friendly is an understatement.
My goodness, I do have a sweet tooth, but it's a little late to make brownies, I think. A cup of hot tea will have to do.
Good night! |
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• Sep. 14, 2008 - Scrub-isms
Scrub, my 6-year-old, says to me, "Mom, someday I want to be famous."
"Why do you want to be famous?" I asked.
"'Cause I LIKE myself!" says he, smiling and hopping in place. |
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