Halloween 2011

Just some pics tonight...

Hidden Lake

We went on one of my favorite hikes today...a bit chilly, but fun to see the lake with fall colors about it. Hidden Lake is such a great trail because it is relatively flat and easy to get to the lake (1/2 mile, I think), but then if you want a bit of adventure, you can go around the lake which is more of a challenge. As you can see from one of the pictures, the snow line is pretty low after last night's rain and cold temps.

Good Intentions

There are so many places around my house that I see evidences of good intentions...a wall chart here, a marble jar there, a list here, a half finished project there. Some of them have legitimate reasons for not being utilized/completed, but most of the others have just gone by the wayside. I've realized it's very easy to have some grand scheme, but so much harder to follow it through. I think it would be better to have less intention and more action...few things done well than many done shoddily.

“It is not good enough for things to be planned - they still have to be done; for the intention to become a reality, energy has to be launched into operation.” Walt Kelly

“The smallest deed is better than the greatest intention.” Unknown

I realized I never posted a picture from the homecoming dance James went to...

Culture

A day or so ago, I was talking with a fellow homeschool mom about standardized testing and how especially we, as homeschoolers, get concerned about the scores. I believe a lot of that has to do with the need to vindicate our choice to homeschool and show that we are doing a plenty fine job, thank you very much (not that we'd say that, but I know I feel that way sometimes). And, yes, I completely realize that standardized testing is a means of showing progression in knowledge, but it is not the end all which is an easy trap to fall into. Then yesterday, I was reading a smidge in A Charlotte Mason Companion and came across this quote that clarified the downfall of focusing too much on standardized testing and not enough on as she calls it, culture.

We owe it to our children to stimulate in them a wide range of interests in their elementary years. Wherever we go, whomever we talk to, whatever we see can be of some interest to children if we stand aside and let them question and consider or examine and research. It should not be "How much has our child covered?" but "How much does he care?" and "About how many things does he care?" Charlotte's method of education that teaches children to care supports culture. Children go beyond just becoming interested in someone or something. They develop a deeper understanding - a greater appreciation - when relations are formed. They become cultured. A system primarily supports cram. Make your choice - culture versus cram. Others may feed the sausage machine. I would like to remain outside the factory and, like Mr. Gibbon suggested, "Look on education as something between the child's soul and God." As he says, "Modern education tends to look on it as something between the child's brain and the standardized test,...There is an issue at stake. It is part of the whole modern policy of quick returns, of the substitution of immediate and temporary values for ultimate and absolute ones."

Pumpkin carving, super fun and completely a new thing for James

Shadow Hawk

We actually finished a book around here today. :) It has been a little sparse on the reading lately as well as this book, Shadow Hawk, is long and small print...a bit hard to get through quickly. There really aren't a lot of living books written for ancient history (probably because we are lacking quite a lot of information during that period) This is one that takes place in 1590 BC during the time the Hyksos had invaded and overtaken some of Egypt. The story follows one man, Rahotep, as he seeks his fortune among the Pharoah's household as they work to route the Hyksos from a stronghold. Overall, it is a good and exciting book that weaves in a reasonable amount of historical information. Realistically, it was probably a little advanced for where my kids are at right now...I had to do a decent amount of explaining to have them follow the story line. Also, as in all stories taking place in foreign countries, lots of peculiar names are hard to keep track of. I would also caution that there are quite a lot of fighting scenes that although they aren't gruesomely depicted, do have a bit of reality to them that some children might have trouble with, but that was an era of close combat. So, bottom line, I would recommend it as a good resource for that historical period, and as long as the child is mature enough to not be bothered by a measure of violence.

Some pics from a favorite fall outing of our, Smallwoods Harvest

10

Whew, it's been a busy last couple of days...I didn't think Hannah's birthday festivities would ever end. But, there's been a lot of fun. Here are a couple pics from a most lovely bike ride around the loop yesterday for Hannah's birthday. She also picked Spring Lotus to go to for dinner before BSF which has the yummiest food (same curries as Mai Lee Thai) (much better than Red Robin in my opinion). We had a fun day yesterday - a little bit of school, a treasure hunt, then biking and BSF. She received a large number of fun hats that I hope to post some pics of sometime here. It's neat to see how her fashion is evolving...not too much like her mother in that regard. :)

Almost 10

It's been a busy couple days full of birthday parties for Toodle (that's Hannah). Since this is her 1oth birthday, we had a friend birthday party for her with wacky cake. Her theme for that was cats and dogs. And, today, we had her family party with cheesecake. Lots of fun...

Math Idea

Not too much tonight...just wanted to pass along a fun math idea we've done a couple of times the last few weeks. We have a most wonderful white board - which I think every homeschooling family needs, really, I don't know what I'd do without it. Anyways, they have a lovely assortment of dry erase markers at Costco that come in different colors that I purchase because having color makes things better in my opinion. So, here's my idea...take an extra minute and write out math problems on the board in different colors, maybe even two or more in each color. Then, hide each of the markers somewhere - in the room, all around the house, etc. Have the kiddos go find them...each child finding the same number of markers. Then, they go to the board and complete the problems in their marker color. Voila! more happy times! :)

Pics of the kiddos introducing James to the joys of mountain climbing
I'm not sure he was as impressed as the kids are. They don't have relatively
steep hillsides with snakes on them where he is in China :)

Soda & Mentos

Just wanted to share an experiment that I came across a while ago...Fun to try this and see it work the first time. Here's the link if you want to try it yourself.

School Update

One day last week, I asked the kids if they have missed being at VAL at all this year. They both said no. Having no attachments has definitely been a needed thing so far. I'm not sure how we would be accomplishing much if we were doing other stuff. So, it's about a month into the year, and I am really enjoying our new schedule. I love that we have two days with not a whole lot having to get done on them. I feel like we have done a lot more fun activities and that the kiddos have enjoyed the outdoors and each other more this year. We also aren't terribly behind (even though I feel that way frequently) when I really look at our progress.

I was watching the kids playing outside today in their created fort and all the accessories they made to go along with it...it just made me happy...no, there wasn't a pile of worksheets completed, but there was a lot of creativity going on as well as a lot of creating a deeper relationship between the two of them...I guess I believe those two things will be more important in the long run...and, I guess I also believe that they will glean enough academic knowledge in the remaining years to be functioning and capable adults in some occupation. The best of both worlds or naivete? I guess time will tell. :)

kid-made decorations and pictures

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

One of my favorite fall smells and tastes is Pumpkin Bread. A sweet friend baked me a loaf a week or so ago and it was delicious...so I had to get making some around here as well. Bread always does so well frozen that I like to make multiple batches at one time so I can easily pull some out when needed. For this recipe, a triple batch uses a whole large can of pumpkin so that worked out real well. And, spices are a favorite of mine, and this recipe has a nice variety.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
from Allrecipes.com

1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 1/4 cups canned or cooked pumpkin
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 cup chocolate chips
1/4 cup chopped walnuts

GLAZE (I don't do this):
1 tablespoon heavy cream
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter. Gradually add sugar, eggs and pumpkin. Combine dry ingredients; stir into creamed mixture and blend well. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts. Pour into a greased and floured 9-in. x 5-in. x 3-in. loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 45-50 minutes or until loaf tests done - I seem to need a bit longer with the three loaves. Cool on a wire rack. Combine glaze ingredients and drizzle over cooled bread.

Super Yummmmmmmm!

My friend sprinkled raw sugar on the top which was tasty, so I added some as well