How I Spent My Summer Vacation

So how did I spend my summer vacation? Like all good homeschoolers I spen it in school! In this case beauty and business school. To find a creative writing assignment explaining it all go check out my newest website www.mrsmarch.com! Enjoy! and leave comments!

Can Brownies Save the Day?

When Mr. March got home Tuesday night the neighbor came knocking at the door to let him know the dogs had been barking. His wife had a headache and the other neighbor's wife was also very upset.

It makes me long for the days when we bought this house. None of the other houses were built. I could see the mountains from my front window. Beyond our backyard fence there was a large field where the girls would dig in the dirt. Now, everything is crowded.

I think back to waking up at 5:30 am every morning last summer when the contractors were putting up an addition on the house next door. Nothing like waking up to big machines and pounding hammers. But it never occurred to me to go yell at them about it! I mean, that's life stuff happens. And this went on for months!!! I didn't go get all the other neighbors involved either!

Did I mention that until their dog died it barked all the time? Again, not worth mentioning. Dogs bark.

So now that I am done whining. We are making brownies. The girls are going to take them to the neighbors and say they were sorry for how noisy the dogs have been. Hopefully this will bring peace to the neighborhood. I mean, can you really stay mad at little girls who come bearing plates of brownies made from scratch? I know I can't. Cross your fingers that we will be bring peace.

I hate the sick feeling I am getting in my stomach when I come home. I'm just sure that I am going to get yelled at!

Homeschooling Makes Parents Smarter

Everyone has heard the stories of how homeschool kids are really smart. They are winning competitions right and left. They do amazing things in their spare time to save the world. Let's face it they're a great group of kids! After all, isn't that why we homeschool?

But I think we have left out a very important and unexpected benefit of homeschooling. Homeschooling makes parents smarter too!

Just to name a few things, I know more about history now then I ever learned in school. I am writing more now in different genres, for different purposes and with a much larger reader audience then ever before. My math skills are at an all time high, and they are nothing compared to Mrs. Hannigan's. (The math involved in those coupon deals scares me!)

I recently started a home based business. This was directly linked to homeschooling. As in, I didn't want to have to send my girls to school so I could go back to work teaching, but my income as a teacher is being missed. Something about $4.39 for a gallon of gas + 1 '96 Chevy Suburban.

I had the great idea of linking my business to my blog. A new and separate blog but using a tradition web page, like a store front tying the blogs together. In order to do this great idea, I needed to change from Blogger to Wordpress. No problem. They are both free and Wordpress can't be that much more difficult right? After all, the really cool blogs are on Wordpress. So I started to work with wordpress. If I could just be happy with a premade run of the mill template, I'd have no problem. But...I couldn't. Part of the beauty of being a blogger is creating your own look. It goes with your own voice. After all, even if we all claim we shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, it's the first thing we all look at!

Sooooo I finally broke down and got Wordpress for Dummies. I can learn to do this no problem. I have a college degree. I am an intelligent resourceful woman (you can stop laughing any time now) I must say, I do think the book was great. It pointed out all my computer deficits. I had to go back to the book store and get Head First HTML, XHTML, and CSS.

Um, yeah, that means I am now teaching myself how to write HTML. Which is why I haven't been posting. The time I would normally be spending writing has been spent building my soon to be released new website. Which is really, really, bad for keeping my blog interesting and worth coming back to.

That isn't even taking in to account the new things I am learning about my new business! (More on that to come! I promise!) I haven't pulled hours like this since I was in college. Actually, college was much, much, easier!!!

So thanks to homeschooling I can now add that I am a small business owner, a freelance writer, and soon to be webpage developer!

Putting Things in Perspective

Evey once in a while something happens to help put the rest of life back into perspective. I can hyper focus on the stupidest things. Then something happens to help bring everything back into focus. What is really important and how do I really want to spend my time?

Thank you Punk Rock Mommy for taking the time to share your light with us. God Bless you.

Things I Love

Maybe I'm just bossy, but I really love telling people my opinions about homeschooling. I know that ultimately they will take what I tell them and go their own way. I know that they will make their own decisions and do their own thing. That is one of the things I love about homeschooling! But the time I spend with a mom who is taking those first steps into homeschool world are so priceless. I want to help ease the transition. I want to help her face her fears and doubts as she considers curriculum and plans her upcoming year.

Today was extra special because I have known this mom since we were in high school. It was so great to see her and see how much her children have grown. It was fun to hear how her oldest daughter was doing in school. Another area that I laughed about because it was the school I graduated from! Needless to say, things are not working out as well as could be hoped for. (After all if things were great, would she be considering homeschooling?)

I hope that I was helpful. I know she will do an incredible job meeting her daughters educational, emotional, and spiritual needs. Best of Luck! You know how to get a hold of me if you have questions or need help!

Thanks for the Advice!

I just wanted to take a moment and thank everyone for their input on my hair. I got lots of great ideas and really appreciate that you took the time to offer feedback! So Emama, Darla, Emily the Great and Terrible, Tracey, Abbreviated, Nette, Emileesings, and That Lady with Six Daughters, thanks for all of the advice!

Help! Frump Winning Hair Battle!

My dearest Mrs. Fussypants and her wonderful squad of beauty advisers,


I am joining my first Fight the Frump, not as a wise and helpful advisor, but as one in need of your wisdom! I haven't had my hair done since November of 2007! Yikes, GASP, Quick... Someone get some water...I think Mrs. Fussypants may have fainted.


So here's the deal. I know I need to do something but I feel like I don't speak the right language when I enter a beauty salon. I try to use the picture books but it never seems to translate into something stunning! Ladies, I implore you...I NEED to look stunning!!!! (part of the new job thing)


I need a hairstyle that does not take a lot of time to create. I need something that when you look at it makes you think...Hollywood Hottie...(Hey I can dream can't I?)


And...I know this is going to be a challenge. I need to keep as much length as I can. Mr. M. is so warm and supportive about anything that I do with my hair. He never complains...But I KNOW he likes it best long. He has this thing for long blond hair, (Comes in right after his thing for Southern Redheads who make killer Pecan Pie, but I can't ever pull that one off. However, if you have a killer Pecan Pie recipe....)


So please, please, please, Fussy and Friends, Send me your best advice!!!!


Here are the really scarry before pics.



Thank you, thank you, thank you!

New Job!

I have decided that I have too much free time so I got a new job.

Well, actually I got three new jobs, two on Friday and one on Monday. The two jobs that I got on Friday are freelance writing jobs. The one I got on Monday is still a big secret! I'll be keeping you updated, but let me tell you that right now I am learning a WHOLE lot about computers because of this! I feel like I'm back in College again! In the meantime check out my first Suite 101 Article! Yeah Me!!!!!


http://homeschooling.suite101.com/article.cfm/homeschool_learning_centers

Wild Science: Nature Journaling

This is a Reprint of an Article that I wrote for Yakima Family Times.

The girls grab their back packs and quickly head for the door. I grab my own backpack filled with water bottles, colored pencils, drawing paper, and my copy of The Handbook of Nature Studies by Anna Comstock and we are out the door.

The drive to Cowiche Canyon is short and we are soon off on what has become one of our favorite family activities. I park the car in the parking area and the girls unbuckle their car seats, we are on our way.

We are greeted by two white geese with brown spots on their heads. They have become the welcoming crew as we enter a new world. A little farther on two donkeys named Misty and Glory stand silent watching us as we walk past.

A short walk and we come to the first bridge. The girls grab some sticks from the nearby area and play a quick game of Pooh Sticks. This innocent childhood game was taught to my children by their Uncle Dave, from England, when he accompanied us on one of our adventures. One, two, three, the four sticks are dropped from the bridge into the water, the girls rush to the other side of the bridge and eagerly watch to see whose stick comes out first.


Further along the trail we come to the area my children have named The Moss Garden. When we first discovered it in February it was a beautiful frozen waterfall, by mid March the frozen ice was gone and a small trickling waterfall was visible. In April my girls had discovered the velvety green moss that grows on the rocks feed by the trickling stream. To them this is a magical place where fairies hide.

Now, the search begins. Each child looks for a new discovery. It may be a plant, flower, rock, track or animal. Their eyes search and their voices quiet as they look for the item of interest. When found, each child sits down and pulls out her drawing pad. With varying levels of skill they draw whatever item has captured their interest. Once, Beth’s sharp eyes found a deer track in the mud. Some days the girls take the time to color their drawing on the trail, other days a quick sketch is all that is done, then its off for more searching.


While the girls are sketching their discovery, I pull out The Handbook of Nature Studies and quickly look up the new discovery. This book is a goldmine of information, not only providing wonderful facts about a wide variety of plants, trees, flowers, animals, rocks and stars, but also providing thought provoking questions, and even poetry when applicable.

I read out loud from the book while the girls draw. We talk about what I have read and study the item intently. When all of the girls are finished with their drawing we pack up our supplies and begin the walk back to the car.

Along the way the girls point out previous discoveries. The bush with red sticks that was discovered in February, the red standing out against the then gray landscape, bloomed into a fuzzy grey pussy willow in early April.

By the time we reach the first bridge again, Amy’s legs are usually tired and she begs a piggy-back ride. We load back into the car and drive home, the girls more relaxed after their excision outside.

At home the girls get their Nature Journals, they glue the picture they have drawn into their book. They then take a piece of lined paper and write about the days discovery. If I found a poem in The Nature Handbook the older girls will copy it and add it to their journal.

Survival 101 the Basics

Everyone who attended Survival Camp last year was back for more and we were joined by some new faces! Mike started with a review of basic information that everyone should know if they are ever lost in the woods. Then he had everyone work on starting fires. For those who had been there last year this was a review but I know my team sure needed it. Meg did very well finding the pitch she needed to start her fire using a knife and metal match. Beth was able to get a fire started. Jo came very close. I think if we had more time she would have got her fire started but we ran out of time.

Jo did find a baby chipmunk that she fell in love with and wanted to take home. I was able to convince her that it was better to leave it with it's parents. I'm sure they were around somewhere.

After practicing fire starting we built a shelter. Again this was a review from last year, but Mike took it to the next level allowing those who were interested to stay in the shelter over night. Since none of the girls at camp decided to spend a night under the stars I lucked out and didn't have to sleep out either.

During the edible plants lesson the group also found a doe moose. She had been injured and was obviously dying. The sheriff was notified and came up to put her out of her misery. I think the older kids at camp understood what was going on, but I know my younger three never caught on. Non of the campers were around when the moose was shot.

The campers learned how to build rabbit snares, deer snares, and bird snares. They were really cool. During the time we were at camp non of the snares caught anything. Jo asked Mike to teach her to build a trap that would catch a rabbit without killing it. Mike took the time to show her how. While Jo never actually caught a rabbit with her trap, she didn't come home empty handed either.

On the last day, the campers built a log raft. It was great seeing them work together to lift those heavy logs! They had a blast paddling out on the lake.

The Chihuahua's were at camp too wearing sporting camo doggie sweaters thanks to Grandma! They were the best dressed pups up at camp!

Things You Should Know if Your Lost in the Woods

Before going out into the wilderness you should always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to get back. If you follow through then someone will at least be able to report you missing and let rescuers know where they should look.

If you have followed this safety rule, and find yourself lost, you need to begin to actively start signaling so that rescuers can find you. You should find a clear meadow where airplanes or helicopters can spot you. Then you will need to start three fires in the shape of a triangle about 40 feet apart. Write the letters S O S in block form about 20 feet high and ten feet across.

Keep your fires going and keep hydrated. It is safer to drink the unfiltered water and stay hydrated then to to get sick from dehydration. Eat charcoal from the fire the same size as your thumb every 20 minutes to keep from getting sick. The three water sources you should never drink are salt water, alkaline water (water with a
white ring around the edge) and chemically contaminated water.

The average length of time it takes rescuers to find a missing person who is actively signalling is 72 hours. Unfortunately, 80% of people decide that they are going to die after only six hours of being lost!

Surviver Man...March's?

The girls, the dogs, and I will be going up to Silver Creek tomorrow for our second year at Survival Camp. Last year was just an absolutely incredible experienced. We built several fires starting with a basic "How to Start a Fire" and graduating to "After Three Days of Rain Using Only Wet Wood You Too Can Start a Fire." We never used matches for any of these. We built a shelter, leaned about edible plants, how to safely drink water in the wild, and many, many other things. My head was swimming for days after we got back.

This year Mike Lowe our instructor from Wilderness Way will be taking the training up a notch. We will be building a raft, snaring rabbits, building a shelter AND sleeping in it, and I am sure we will play with fire again. It's just so much fun!

The rabbit population is well established up at Silver Creek, due to the release of some domesticated rabbits a few years ago. White, black, carmel, silver, and a variety of other darling rabbits and young bunnies can be seen scampering throught camp constantly. The kids were able to catch them with bare hands alone last year.

Jo made the cutes rabbit snare. She tied a carrot to a string and hid behind a log. She waited so paitently for a rabbit to come. Then Beth, trying to be cute, crawled up and ate the carrot. Boy, was Jo ticked, she still reminds Beth about it!

Mike is one of those amazing people who can spin a tale and capture his audience. When he tells about eating banana slugs you can practically feel the chewy texture as it slid down his throat. Not only did Mike get the slug down, he made another guy throw up just watching!!!

Mike keeps the kids moving fast and having a blast which is a talent in and of itself. But he also encourages the guys to be gentlemen and the gals to be TOUGH! After all, there's nothin' tougher then a five year old girl with a knife striking flint, making sparks burst into flame and getting ready to snare a poor baby bunny!

I want to be on D.G.'s orienteering team again this year. That guy is a robot with a built in compass, he didn't care if there was a tree in his way, he made the tree move I swear! Besides, I just get lost, I need to be with someone who will get me back to camp even if I am "supposed" to be the adult.

So as you enjoy your comfy bed tonight, think of me outside, on the ground, with a bunch noisy kids and a whole lot of smoke....

Introductions

Auntie Manners dropped in again today for the Miss March's weekly lesson. This week the little ladies will be PRACTICING a very important life skill, Introductions. Let's face it. No one is born knowing how to be properly introduced, nor are they born knowing how to properly introduce others. This is a skill that must be taught.

The girls were given the opportunity to see Auntie introduce me, their mother, to them. Then she intruded them to me. The girls found this highly amusing as they have known me all their lives. However, as Auntie pointed out, it is much better to LEARN a new skill in a safe environment before being expected to use it in the real world.

The girls were then given a chance to take turns introducing a sister to anther sister, what pearls of laughter occurred during this entertaining game. Once the girls were good at getting the basic name information exchanged Auntie took it to the next level. This involves knowing your friends fairly well and helping them to establish a common ground for conversation, not only are names exchanged but a helpful bit of information which both parties are interested in so they can begin a conversation. Script as follows:

Meg: Jo, I'd like you to meet my sister,
Beth. Beth, I'd like you to meet my sister, Jo. You are both my
sisters. I though you would find that interesting.

Jo: Nice to meet you Beth. So,
how do you like being Meg's sister. Personally, I find her a bit bossy at times.

Beth: Nice to meet you Jo. I
understand what you are saying. Over all I enjoy being her sister however,
she can be a bit authoritarian at times.

At this point I am shaking with laughter, tears, and embarrassment. I think next week we may have to work on uplifting conversation.

Amy's Baby Pics

I am sorry that I have not been posting like I should. I've just had an awful lot to deal with lately. You know the old saying "If you don't have anything nice to say don't say anything at all." Well, let's just say that Mrs. March will do her best to practice good manners.

That being said, I have been so blessed to have my sister, her hubby, and my darling nephew here in the States. I was helping my sis with her blog. (I will send you links soon, once she is up and running) I was laughing at the files of pictures.

JC week one

JC week two

JC week three

JC week four

It kept going and going. They are wonderful darling shots too. I remarked to Mr. March that I didn't have that many pics of our kids. I don't think I have any of Amy. Poor Unloved Orphan Child.

Anyway, Mr. March sent me these and I just HAD to share them with all of you.

Darling aren't they....

She is such a cutie.

At what point do I tell Mr. March that these are pictures of BETH not AMY??????????

Portland Fieldtrip day 3: Zoo, Children's Museum, Japanese Garden

We left the hotel early and got to the Portland Zoo at 8:00am. It was cloudy and cold but had not started to rain yet. The Zoo was practically empty. We saw several zoo staff but no other visitors. It was great.

The Sea Lions were swimming in intricate patterns in the water. It always amazes me to see Sea Lions under the water. They are so graceful and beautiful. Totally unlike how they look on land.

Two of the Polar bears were out playing with toys. They had put a giant brush from a street sweeper into the cage. The Polar bears were rubbing against it "brushing" their fur. It was funny to watch.

The Sun bear was eating its breakfast. The girls were amazed at it's twelve inch long tongue.

Then it was time to see the dinosaurs. Walking along the forest path, surrounded in trees and blooming rhododendron bushes you suddenly come upon a dilophosaurs! Further along the trail you meet stegosauras, ramphorinkus, and several other dinosaur friends! Having experienced the robot dinosaurs at the Seattle Science Center and at Omsi, I have to say, the Portland Zoo's exhibit was my favorite. It was fascinating to see them outside in a "natural" setting! I enjoyed talking to one of the zoo staff near T-Rex. Apparently they had to turn her roar down because it was upsetting the male elephant. If your wondering how I know T-Rex is a she...well, the three baby T-Rex's hidden in the bush were a pretty good hint. The girls all got a fossilized shark's tooth from the zoo keeper.

We were beginning to see more people but remanded ahead of most of the crowd as we worked our way through the rest of the exhibits. The girls enjoyed riding the 3D dinosaur ride. The last time we went on it Beth was terrified. This time she was the one who kept begging to go on it. All four of the girls bravely entered the ride and buckled up. Amy sat by Mr. March, Meg and Jo sat together, and Beth sat by me. Less then thirty seconds into the ride Beth was saying she needed to throw up! Luckily she didn't and we got out with no major trauma. Jo, Beth and Amy all said that they didn't like the ride. (After an hour of listening to them beg to go on it I was not in the most comforting of moods.)

We got onto the zoo train and enjoyed seeing the different parts of the zoo. I think the train gives the girls a chance to settle down and rest their legs for a while. We stopped at the Zoo Grill for lunch on our way out. I took the girls to the Children's Museum and Mr. March went to the Japanese Garden.

The Children's Museum was the highlight of the trip for Amy, Beth and Jo. Meg seemed to enjoy herself as well. The girls enjoyed playing dress up in the doctor's office. They made delicious meals for me to enjoy at Butterfly Bistro. The Hannigan's joined us and the fun intensified. The ten girls had a blast putting on a play in the Theater room. Mr. Hannigan showed off his artistic ability in the Art room making clay sculptures. Mrs. H thought he had made a Trojan warrior, but he correcter her, pointing out that it was an Indian! By the time the girls were done painting each other's faces they were no longer recognizable. If I find my phone and figure out how to down load pictures I'll post some of them.

Mr. March meanwhile was enjoying the Japanese garden. He was able to get in with a guided tour. The 45 minute lecture ended up being over two hours. He really enjoyed the information that he learned. He was able to ask the guide lots of questions that he hopes he will be able to implement in his garden.

On the search for dinner we ended up at Seven Dees a Japanese influenced garden store. Mr. March found a rain chain for his garden. Yea! now I don't have to get him a birthday present!

We headed back to the hotel where the girls enjoyed a short swim. Unfortunately someone forgot their swim diaper and the pool ended up being closed for the rest of our trip. I was thankful that we are past that stage of life!

Portland Fieldtrip day 2: The Gratto, Omsi, End of the Trail

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel,plenty of sugar and carbs, we headed to The Grotto. Dedicated to Mother Mary, The Gratto is a Catholic Garden retreat and shrine. This was my first time enjoying this Portland Treasure. The girls were dressed in yellow ponchos to keep off the rain. We wandered along trails under beautiful trees enjoying the surprise as we found different statues hidden thought the garden.

Mr. March got us tickets to the elevator so we could travel the 110 feet up to the raised gardens. There is a monetary, two chapels and several other shrines tucked among winding garden paths. After this tranquil moment the girls expressed their desire to "get with the program" and it was off to Omsi.

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry aka Omsi is a family favorite. Dinosaurs Invade Portland is the current theme. The girls enjoyed seeing several dinosaur skeletons. They also dug for fossils in sand pits. I had a moment of practicing my good manners as I watched a teacher with her group of students at an exhibit. Beth had been patiently standing in line, when this woman physically moved her out of the way so "her students" could go through the exhibit. How can we pick on public school kids, when the TEACHERS are showing them how to be RUDE!!!! (Don't worry, a group of teenage ninjas will be encouraging her to attend manners classes.)

After Omsi, we went to The End of the Oregon Trail Museum. The Miss Marches had a lot of fun dressing up as Pioneer women and packing the wagon. They also played school and store. We enjoyed a movie following four pioneers as they traveled to Oregon. According to the film the addition of chlorine to drinking water has saved more lives then any other medical breakthrough. While flipping through a book on fashion at the museum I found some interesting information on the damage corsets could do. The things women do in the name of fashion!

Near the End of the Oregon Trail Museum, Mr. March found an art store. We decided to wander through and he found a tea tray for the tea house. Happy Father's Day! I'm off the hook for a father's day present now.

We finally headed back to the hotel for some swimming time then bed. Tomorrow's going to be a big day.

Road Trip!

The amazing ties of technology are allowing me to post from my hotel room in Portland, Oregon. Right now I am sitting at a desk, Mr. M. and Meg are playing cards on my bed. Jo and Beth are laying on the next bed watching cartoons, and Amy is playing with magnetics on the table behind me.

It is a time of calm and almost peace during what will be a whirlwind week.

We left home around 7:00 am this morning. Which was very nice since Mr. M. has been saying "On the road at 4:00 am for the last week." The drive down was fairly uneventful.

After checking in to our hotel room we went to Powell's Bookstore. For those of you who have not had the pleasure, Powell's takes up a full city block in downtown Portland. The technical books are in a totally different building. I got the girls comfortable in the "Rose Room" children's section. Meg had chosen her books and was keeping an eye on the younger girls so I wandered over to the grown up section to look for a book for myself.

"Mrs. March, Jo is paging you to meet her in the Rose Room" I hear over the loud speaker.

I go running back to the rose room and see Jo standing next to the children's desk with a store clerk.

"I'm so sorry" I say to the clerk, taking Jo by the hand.

"Jo, what's the problem, why didn't you stay with Meg?"

"Mommy, Amy put two books into the basket, not one. You said ONE choice and she won't take the book out."

"Jo, couldn't this wait until after mommy picked a book? Did you HAVE to get the clerk to page me?"

"No, it COULDN'T wait, you said ONE choice!"

Amy begins to defend herself pointing out that her book cost less. (4 year olds aren't supposed to argue like that are they?"

I gather up the girls, and get the books sorted out, by this time Mr. M has joined us and we head out of the store. I never did find the book I was looking for.

We then headed over to the Chinese Garden. I think that there were more flowers in bloom then I have ever seen there. After enjoying the peaceful walks and therapeutic setting of the garden we sit down to enjoy tea. The girls are getting restless waiting so I challenge them to think up poems as we wait for our tea. The moon cake and coconut cookies were a big hit.

Here is Mr. March's contribution:

Chattering Children Invade Tranquil
Garden

Flute Serenades Waterfall

Tea and Treats Bring Quite

How Long Will it Last?

I think that's a pretty good place to end for tonight.

Shall We Start a New Movement?

I was deeply impressed by this post that Sage Mommy wrote about Feminism. I think she hits on some very important issues, not just with feminism but with our recent election in general.
http://sagemommy.blogspot.com/2008/06/radical-feminists-daughter-speaks-out.html

I believe very strongly in equality. I believe in equal pay for equal work. I believe that women are as intellectually capable as men. I also believe that staying home and educating my children is not something I should have to apologise for.

A woman who plans nutritional meals, cleans, chauffeurs, and decorates her home for the enjoyment and nurture of her family is doing no less work, with no less value then a woman who puts her child in daycare to pursue another career. A woman who chooses not to have children has no less value then a woman who has fifteen.

I will only be 48 years old when Amy graduates. Even if I stay home during these early years I will still have 28 years to devote to a career. I can't even think of anything I want to spend 28 years doing right now.

When will we as women begin to value one another for what we are doing rather then being intimidated by what others are doing? When will we stop the mommy wars and encourage and support each other where we are at this phase in our life? Why does it have to be all or nothing?

I am proud that my daughters have had the privilege of seeing a woman in the running for the presidency. I am proud that they have seen a black man in the running for the presidency. I just wish that they could see more then a diet coke vrs diet Pepsi debate. Let's face it, if you turn off the T.V. and only listen to the voices green tea or whisky just aren't an option. When will we have a voice that represents more then a party line?

Mr. March's Theme Song

Mr. March found his theme song today. Those who have had the privilege of having Mr. March for a Sensi soon learn two things. 1) He is an excellent Sensi. 2) He CAN'T SING! Mr. March is very aware of his lack of singing ability, but that will not stop him from bursting out in song in the middle of a class.

Today, Mr. March found his theme song. After playing it on You Tube for over an hour, he found a link with the lyrics. He is now going around the house singing at the top of his voice.

We are leaving for Portland tomorrow with the Hannigan's and I know he is going to sing the whole way there. I am about to live down every teenager's worst nightmare. And he's not even my father, he's my husband! Uhggg. What did I get myself into?





Here's the list of things Mr. March has done to prove how white and nerdy he is:

1. Mows his front lawn
2. Not first but top 10 of his graduating class
3. Played DND
4. Drinks Earl Grey Tea (calls it The Picard)
5. Reads Stephen Hawkings
6. Has a My Space Page (I've seen it and I was scared!)
7. Knows Pi to the hundreds, was in a competition to see who could learn it the farthest
8. Plays minesweeper
9. Does Vector Calculus
10. Foosball not Ping Pong (like that makes it better?)
11. No, you shoot the Klingon's you don't talk to them, but writes basic and cobol
12. Carried a Circular Slide Rule
13. Debated 8 track or tape for the car

I can't go on any more. It's too painful. Just to keep the record strait

Mrs. March

1. Never Mows
2. Bottom 10 in her class (of 19)
3. Never Played DND
4. Drinks Green Tea
5. Never read Stephen Hawking, but has heard of him
6. Facebook Page
7. Can't even remember the first 3 digits of Pi
8. Never Played Mindsweeper
9. Never had calculus much less vector calculus
10. Cheer Squad CO-Captain
11. Swim Team
12. Lifeguard
13. Private School
14. ASB
15. CD's I know, I'll be dated soon too, but 8 tracks were an option????

Homeschool Graduation, and why I was late with my posts!

Sometimes my work with the homeschool group gives me an opportunity that I would otherwise never had been blessed with. This year's Graduation Ceremony was one of those special opportunities that I will always remember.

For a variety of reasons our group has not put on a Graduation Ceremony for the last few years. Several families have chosen to have their own personal ceremonies rather then a larger group event.

This year in an effort to create a larger sense of family I took over graduation. Using my super secret talent, I found the most amazing graduation committee to help me.

We began with an award ceremony for the little ones. Their parents e-mailed me the "Award" each student was to receive. (This was actually a secret ploy to get families to come to the ceremony even if they didn't have a graduate.) These students each received a gold medal on a ribbon and a mini candy bar.

Then we awarded our volunteers who helped with activities over the year. These wonderful parents put a lot of time and energy into planning and organizing a ton of events for our kids. Each of them received a single rose. (Remember that secret ploy I told you about?)

Now it was time for the big event. Our four seniors walked down in forest green caps and gowns and elegantly took their place on stage. We were then privileged to see the autobiographical movies that each of them made. This gave everyone a sense of knowing who these four fantastic individuals are. (They were really cute babies too.)

I've had the privilege of knowing E.B. the longest of this group. She is a darling who works with children with special needs. The second oldest of six children, her baby brother was born with down syndrome. I have always enjoyed the sparkle that shines in her eyes as she plays with him.

At well over six foot D.B. towers over the rest his class. This "gentle giant" was always willing to lend a hand moving tables and helping set up. D.B. is an incredibly talented actor and I am going to miss seeing his performances. I know his basketball team is going to miss him even more. In his free time D.B. is very involved in 4-H and bull riding.

Tiny, doll like, B.T. brightens any room she enters with a warm winning smile. She makes you feel like your her best friend even if you've only just met. B.T. just got back from a mission trip to Peru. But don't expect this world traveler to settle down, she is off in the fall to Vietnam to teach English as a second language as she works with her family's mission.

R.W. would be the class clown, yet he has a dignity and purpose that prevent you from ever thinking he is foolish. This charismatic leader has also returned from a mission trip in Peru where he played worship music for audiences in the hundreds. At, 16, he is the youngest in the class. But, R.W. is not letting his age slow him down any, he is off to Hawaii (lucky) to join WYAM. He will be serving over seas as he completes his training.

Aren't you just in love with these guys? I know I am.

Our surprise graduate, (at least to her) was D.R. A homeschooling mom of two boys, this wife, mother, real estate entrepreneur, and board member found the time to finish her B.A. in Accounting! (That just makes my head hurt!) Since she was unable to make it back to Arizona to walk with her class, we surprised her and had her walk for us. (black gown and all) in lieu of a diploma her husband presented her with a bouquet of roses.

Then the real fun began. We loaded our Grads into a limo and moved the party to a country estate where they enjoyed an evening of swing dancing, (instructors provided) under twinkling white lights with their family and friends.

Doesn't that just sound like the ending of a fairy tale?

Well, the fairy godmother was a little busy, after these things just don't organize themselves! Also, the magic computing devices she uses to do mundane things like create programs and directions decided to wipe out its memory. It's also the same computer she uses to write post to her beloved readers. Please forgive me my darlings, I'm back! (on Mr. March's computer for now.)

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

I am a chocolate and peanut butter type of gal. These are hands down my favorite cookies. I'm sure I can blame a good 15lbs on these cookies alone. They are so easy they are great to cook with the littlest chefs.

• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened consensed
  milk
  
• 3/4 cup peanut butter
  
• 2 cups biscuit milk
  
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  
• 3/4 cup choclate chips or about 16 hershey
  kisses
  

Beat milk and peanut butter until
smooth. Add biscuit mix, vanillia, and choclolate chips. (if using hershey kisses wait) Mix well. Shape into 1-1 inch balls. Place 2 inches
abpart on ungreased baking sheet. Flatten with fork. Bake 6 to 8
minutes at 375F. If using hershey kisses place one in the middle of
each cookie when they come out of the oven.

These also make a great Thank You gift, or just whip some up for a quick dessert.

Lego Fantasy

When Meg was about two years old I ask a friend of mine what her children's favorite toys were. Without a moments hesitation she said "Lego"

Great...Boy Toys...I thought. That's what I get for asking the advice of a mom who only has boys. I think she knew what I was thinking because she pulled out her Lego catalogue and showed me a girl's lego doll house. HOW COOL!!!!!

The Lego love was born, and like any truly great love, it gets better over time.

The next phase occurred the year we studied Physics for science. The motorized machine kit was one of the funnest hands on experiences ever. We built all kinds of fun stuff. We built piano keys that really "played," we built windshield wipers that really moved, we built our own draw bridge, the list goes on and on. I never knew that forces, levers, wheels, axles, gears and pulleys could be fun. (This is why I homeschool, I'm getting the education I missed the first time around.)

Then the catalogues started coming. I discovered...Robotics! and it gets worse...First Lego League. The opportunity for the girls to solve engineering problems by building their own robot and competing against other teams. Dose life get any better?

I downloaded the instructions for building the regulation table that is used for competition. My first snag. I could NOT figure out how to build the table. Not Good. I began to realize that there are limitations to my abilities.

I drew on my secret talent. My ability to find other peoples talents and exploit the heck out of them. Oh, I mean, my ability to recognize other's strengths encourage them to make the most of their abilities. (Hey, there's a reason they let me be president, no one else wanted the job!)

I started thinking, who can I get to coach our First Lego League team? Then it hits me like a bolt of lightning. I don't know about you, but most of my really good ideas seem to hit me when I'm taking a shower. I think better in there. I finish up grab a towel and call Mrs. Pevensie. Being such good friends I thought I'd tease her a little bit.

"Hello"

"Hello Mrs. P, It's Mrs. M. I was just taking a shower and I couldn't stop fantasizing about your husband."

I'm waiting for her to yell at me. Or at least get the "Ohhh Reeally?" But she just laughs and says.

"Yeah, He's worth fantacising about."

Ok that joke fell flat.

"Don't you want to know WHAT I WAS FANTASIZING?"

"Sure, tell me."

"Well, he was a math teacher, and there's this First Lego League, I thought He'd be the perfect person to coach it."

Mrs. P. is still laughing about how pathetic I am. After all, Mr. P. is a firefighter and we've all seen the calender.

Which would you have a fantasy's about:

A) Or B)

Regardless of how you vote. You really need to check out all of the awesome lego action going on! Mr. P. I'm still hoping you'll come to the realization that putting out fire's is not going to be as much fun as coaching our homeschool Lego League team!

Just in case you weren't sure. I voted for B. How can you not love the cute little hat?

Aunty Manners: Screaming

Last week's manners lesson was focused on boredom. Things went very well and the Miss Marches did well over all. Meg, starting to think that she is a teenager, seemed to be the most challenged by this new expectation. However, she did her best to rise to the new standard.

I now realize that I got off easy. Aunty Manners must have wanted me to have a nice week before we got into the real work.

This week we will be working on...Screaming, Crying, and other inappropriate noises.

When an adult asks a child to perform a task, the polite response is yes ma'am, yes sir, yes mommy, etc. Screaming, Crying and other forms of carrying on are NOT acceptable etiquette.

I confess, Amy's first response to almost any expectation is to cry. This is going to be a very challenging week.

Mrs. Pevensie, in reply to your question about teaching adults manners, Aunty was very sad to respond that it is not good manners to correct another adult on their lack of manners. One must rise to the occasion and simple demonstrate what proper manners look like.

911 and Other Dangerous Information Kids Learn at School

I have two Devon Rex cats. Mr. March affectionately calls them "That Stupid Cat" and "That Idiot Cat" He has other names but I am trying to keep this a family friendly blog.

If you don't know anything about Devon Rex they are one of three breeds of cats that are considered hypoallergenic. While not truly hairless they are a little on the ummm, bald side. They also have huge bat like ears. Oh, and they are very active. Imagine your playful kitten on speed. You almost get the idea.

Idiot Cat likes to get on the roof. I don't know why, it may be because of the four chihuahuas, or it may be because she is trying to catch birds. I'm sure in her pea sized brain it makes sense. She then proceeds to howl, and howl, and howl, until she remembers how to get down.

Well, she was up there this morning howling away when Jo decided to make breakfast. Jo, my concerned animal lover, rushed outside to help her.

I could hear her calling, along with the rest of the neighborhood, "Common Idiot, common, just jump to me, I'll catch you. Here Idiot, Here girl, I'll catch you."

I'm laughing to myself. There is no way that cat is going to jump, but it is pretty funny listening to Jo call her.

Jo comes in and tells me the cat is on the roof and needs to be rescued. I remind her that the cat gets up there all the time and will get down on her own.

Jo goes back outside and calls some more.

Then she comes again, "Mom where is a ladder, I need to get Stupid Cat." Tell her again the cat will be fine and to go eat her breakfast.

Jo goes back outside and proceeds to move a table over by the roof. She then puts a chair on top of the table. Luckily, I pass by a window and see the "ladder" she is building.

"Jo, you can't get up on that. It's not safe. Stupid Cat will get down when she is ready."

Jo comes in and gets focused on breakfast. Thinking she is distracted, I head into the bathroom and take a shower.

Beth comes running in "Mom, Mom, Jo just called 911 and told them Stupid Cat is stuck on the roof."

I jump out of the shower, grabbing clothes as fast as I can. Imagining the police or fireman are about to show up at my house any second asking why a child is at home calling 911 during school hours. I can see the evening news now "Homeschooled Child Calls 911 to Rescue Cat"

Thankfully a brief, but humiliating, conversation with the 911 dispatcher prevents any civil servants from pulling into my driveway.

At this moment I am thinking less then kind thoughts about those preschool teachers who think it is so smart to teach kids to call 911 in an "emergency"

Yes, Stupid is still on the roof and she is still howling!

When Should I Teach My Child to Read...or other school subjects?

When is my child old enough to learn to read? When should I start teaching reading? These are questions that a lot of parents ask, not just homeschoolers. There are a lot of experts who have developed several well published theories for these questions.

The real answer is your child is ready to learn to read when you are ready to invest the time and effort into teaching them. Your personal educational philosophy will largely influence your readiness checklist.

The early bird philosophy that I know the most about was developed by Glen Doman the founder of The Institute for Human Achievement and Potential. Doman champions teaching reading to children as young as five months of age.

The better late then early philosophy proposed by Dr. Raymond Moore is well known in most homeschool circles. Dr. Moore argues that a child develops the skills needed to learn to read over time and trying to force a child to learn to read too early will be counterproductive. A child, especially boys, who are not reading at the age of ten, eleven or twelve, will grow into this ability Dr. More argues.

So who is right? They both are! Children have successfully learned to read and love it regardless of which theory their parents subscribed to. The choice is yours.

Doman compares learning to read with learning to speak. If we only whispered to our babies or even refused to speak in front of them they would never learn to talk. But by speaking regularly, singing, questioning, and engaging our infants they learn to speak. By the age of three most children have functionally learned a whole language. Reading is just learning a language with your eyes rather then with your ears. Infants of deaf parents will learn sign language as easily as infants of hearing parents learn speech.

So why don't all children learn to read? The problem is their eye development. Most children do not achieve 20/20 vision before five years of age. Most print is written too small for children to see, it is like whispers in the background. There but unimportant. Doman had parents make cards with words large enough for the infants to actually see.

Meg was five months old when I heard about Doman's philosophies. It went against every thing that I had learned in my college education classes. When I discussed his philosophies with my mother, she surprised me by pulling his book off of her shelf. I devoured it. Then I tried it. I was sure that it would not work, but I figured it couldn't hurt. To my surprise is did work. Meg was reading level 2-3 beginner books independently before her second birthday. She read The Wizard of Oz before she was five. She went to kindergarten, her teacher told me to homeschool her.

Doman forced me to reevaluate the predominate educational philoshies that I was exposed to. Homeschooling has allowed me to be exposed to many more. The more I have learned the more I see that there is value in most educational philosophies. Parents must choose what is right for their family and their children. The supporters of these different ideologies often seem almost religious in their zeal that their way is the right way. It makes me wonder if like religion, the state is better staying out of education.

In his book Better Late then Early Dr. Raymond Moore sites several scientific studies that show that young children are developmentally not ready for formal schooling. He argues that children are best kept in a home environment. "Wait 'til Eight" has become a slogan in many homeschool circles.

With the number of children being diagnosed with learning disabilities at earlier and earlier ages, many site More's book as an explanation for why these youngsters are getting labeled.

While I was not introduced to Dr. Moore's book until after all of my children were reading I feel a personal sense of gratitude for his homeschool work in general. Dr. Moore was very influential in Washington State when our homeschool law was passed. He came and testified on behalf of the homeschooling community. For that, and the rights I have to homeschool, I will always be thankful.

Dr. Moore and Glen Doman may have had very different views on when a child should begin to learn to read. But they both argued that the home was the best place for a child to learn. They both saw homeschooling as THE ANSWER to our nations educational dilemmas.

Thank You Gift: Brownies!

I love brownies. They are my special secret indulgence. Mr. March often comes home from his classes with brownies that his students have made as a special Thank You.

This means that I get to sample brownies from a lot of different chefs. Mr. March has some excellent brownie chefs studying Karate with him. But as good as their brownies often are...I still think mine are the best.

I'm going to share my favorite brownie recipe with you. I hope that you enjoy it as much as I do.

• 3 1/3 cups soft butter


• 26 ounces best bittersweet chocolate (I really like Ghirardelli for this)


• 12 large eggs


• 2 tablespoons vanilla extract


• 3 1/3 cups sugar


• 3 cups all-purpose flour


• 2 teaspoons salt


• 2 2/3 cups pecans (I dislike walnuts)


• pan measuring approximately 13x9x2
  
  

1. Preheat the oven to 350F


2. Line your pan with tin foil or wax paper.


3. Melt the butter and chocolate together in a large pan.


4. In a bowl beat the eggs with vanilla and sugar.


5. Measure the flour into another bowl and add the salt.


6. When the chocolate mixture has melted, let it cool.


7. Beat the eggs and sugar into the chocolate mixture.


8. Add the nuts and flour to the chocolate mixture. Beat until smooth.


9. Pour into baking pan.


10. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes. Watch closely!