I'm sure you've seen this bumper sticker. Now I know why its out there. I don't know why, but I've been running into more than my share of mean people lately. I'm losing faith in humanity big time.
Yesterday DS10 had his MRI, and I was butting heads with the "anti-Dawn". The first nurse we were greeted by, who happened to share my name, was giving me attitude about our decision to not sedate our son for the MRI. I knew DS10 was mature enough to understand the importance of the medical scan and he follows directions. After the hour long scan, the MRI tech, (who was warm and friendly), said DS10 did better than most adults at staying still! Of course the anti-Dawn had to get her two cents in and make a comment, but I felt justified. I know my children better than any professional.
Later that day we were suppose to see the neurologist, but the clinic had changed our appointment on us and failed to notify us. DH had taken the day off from work, so needless to say, this was annoying. They could have said, "We're sorry. We made a mistake," but this never came out of anyone's lips. Instead we got to hear, "We always notify people if we change appointments." We however did not receive any notice so obviously, someone dropped the ball. I needed to hear a simple, "we're sorry," but heaven forbid anyone admits fault.
My other mean people experience this week was at my part time job. We had a tornado warning and had to evacuate the pool. I was surprised to find out parents were angry about the interruption during the swim lesson. You would think their child's safety would have been their first concern. This truly shocked me, and I couldn't understand why people were blaming me for the weather!
People have lost their compassion. Or maybe they never had it to start with. I'm always amazed at how clerks rarely look you in the eye. Occasionaly I've run into people who haven't lost the art of pleasantry, and it causes me to step back for a second because the action is so unfamilar!
I know I need to look harder for the good in people. I'm just bummed out that I have to look for it. It should be something that shines from all of us.
Friday, May 26, 2006
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Out of the box
We spent last weekend at an antique flea market. When DH and I led our BC life (before children), we loved to go antiquing even though we couldn't afford anything. Now that the kids are older, we thought it would safe to visit the flea market once again. We still can't afford anything, but at least we didn't have to worry about a baby stroller knocking over something we couldn't pay for!
As I was walking around, I realized none of this stuff could be bought at Target. We were out of the Big Box store mode. My children could see things from years past. It became a historical field trip! They each found a personal treasure for only $1.00, and I have to consider the added value of the environment.
Their grandmother bought an antique goose crate she'll use as an end table. You're definitely not going to find that at Target! It's really cool and an awesome example of living and thinking out of the box.
As I was walking around, I realized none of this stuff could be bought at Target. We were out of the Big Box store mode. My children could see things from years past. It became a historical field trip! They each found a personal treasure for only $1.00, and I have to consider the added value of the environment.
Their grandmother bought an antique goose crate she'll use as an end table. You're definitely not going to find that at Target! It's really cool and an awesome example of living and thinking out of the box.
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Over the Hedge
We saw Over the Hedge last night for "Family Fun Night" Friday. It was a really cute movie with an underlying editoral on how we humans worship food. Of course it didn't stop us from gorging on movie popcorn. I must stop my food worship!
DH has been losing so much weight, he's leaving me in the dust. He's on the treadmill at least an hour each day. DS7 has been out enjoying the sunshine riding his bike. DS10 and I have to get off our butts. Yesterday I told DS10 to go outside and he asked me if I had been on the treadmill yet. He was so right on target to throw that in my face. Of course at the time, I was left speechless with guilt.
This was just another reminder of how I must continue to unschool myself. I can't ask my children to learn and grow if I'm not willing to. For some reason, Thursday night I had a rare panic moment about whether I was doing the right thing homeschooling my children. This happens mostly when I'm lacking confidence. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to help my children become self sufficent, self motivated, independent adults. I know my children are 10 and 7, but for some reason, it feels like they will be 20 tomorrow.
I suppose this is because lately DS10 is talking about getting his own apartment. He used to tell me he'd live with us forever. Now he wants his own apartment. He's trying to figure out how he's going to pay for his necessities. He was pretty pysched to learn for the price of a french fry at McDonalds, he could buy a huge bag of potatoes. "All I need is a microwave mom, and I can live on baked potatoes!" I guess I shoudn't worry about my children's resourcefullness so much.
DH has been losing so much weight, he's leaving me in the dust. He's on the treadmill at least an hour each day. DS7 has been out enjoying the sunshine riding his bike. DS10 and I have to get off our butts. Yesterday I told DS10 to go outside and he asked me if I had been on the treadmill yet. He was so right on target to throw that in my face. Of course at the time, I was left speechless with guilt.
This was just another reminder of how I must continue to unschool myself. I can't ask my children to learn and grow if I'm not willing to. For some reason, Thursday night I had a rare panic moment about whether I was doing the right thing homeschooling my children. This happens mostly when I'm lacking confidence. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to help my children become self sufficent, self motivated, independent adults. I know my children are 10 and 7, but for some reason, it feels like they will be 20 tomorrow.
I suppose this is because lately DS10 is talking about getting his own apartment. He used to tell me he'd live with us forever. Now he wants his own apartment. He's trying to figure out how he's going to pay for his necessities. He was pretty pysched to learn for the price of a french fry at McDonalds, he could buy a huge bag of potatoes. "All I need is a microwave mom, and I can live on baked potatoes!" I guess I shoudn't worry about my children's resourcefullness so much.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Another use for Legos
Legos have got to be the best toy out there. Their uses are endless. Today DS10 created an elaborate jungle gym for our pet mice. He had wanted to purchase hamster tubes at the store, but I've been putting him off. Tired of waiting, he constructed something way better than any hamster tube. He used toilet paper rolls and Legos and now these mice have quite the fort.
Each year we try to bring some type of living creature into our homeschool. A few years ago it was Painted Ladies and last year we tried growing a tadpole into a frog. This year we chose 3 mice, Cheddar, Chocolate and Chahiro. The bedding is recycled paper product so my allergies aren't affected. The mice are vegetarian eating grains, nuts and fresh fruit and veggies. I thought I would be a bit creeped out, but they actually are quite cute. You get used to grabbing their tails when you have to clean out the tank.
Today DS10 asked, "These mice are spoiled aren't they?" Yes, of course they are spoiled. These mice were once living at the pet store waiting to be bought for the purpose of filling a snake's stomach. As fate would have it, they found their way into our Heavensville Homeschool and the heart of a 10 year old willing to make their housing dreams come true.
Each year we try to bring some type of living creature into our homeschool. A few years ago it was Painted Ladies and last year we tried growing a tadpole into a frog. This year we chose 3 mice, Cheddar, Chocolate and Chahiro. The bedding is recycled paper product so my allergies aren't affected. The mice are vegetarian eating grains, nuts and fresh fruit and veggies. I thought I would be a bit creeped out, but they actually are quite cute. You get used to grabbing their tails when you have to clean out the tank.
Today DS10 asked, "These mice are spoiled aren't they?" Yes, of course they are spoiled. These mice were once living at the pet store waiting to be bought for the purpose of filling a snake's stomach. As fate would have it, they found their way into our Heavensville Homeschool and the heart of a 10 year old willing to make their housing dreams come true.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Why "Heavensville"
When we first moved to Evansville, our little cousin called it "Heavensville." The Grove has really proven to be our little slice of heaven. Homeschooling has kept our family together to grow and learn in an environment of unconditional love. I can't imagine heaven being much better than being surrounded by the people you love the most.
Every family homeschools differently. You try it all and use what works best given your needs. Some may say our family uses a "relaxed" or "unschooling" approach, but those labels don't really fit. When I hear "relax" I think couch potato. Although we do a fair share of learning on the couch, we seem to be constantly moving about. This blog will serve as a record of our adventures in life learning.
Unschoolers sometimes call themselves life learners, learning from daily life experiences. This blog for me is true unschooling. I'm learning as I go, hands on the keyboard!
Every family homeschools differently. You try it all and use what works best given your needs. Some may say our family uses a "relaxed" or "unschooling" approach, but those labels don't really fit. When I hear "relax" I think couch potato. Although we do a fair share of learning on the couch, we seem to be constantly moving about. This blog will serve as a record of our adventures in life learning.
Unschoolers sometimes call themselves life learners, learning from daily life experiences. This blog for me is true unschooling. I'm learning as I go, hands on the keyboard!
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