A Song and A Search

The other day I was listening to this. It's by Peter Hollins and friends.

Jonny came and listened with me. He started asking questions. He looked this guy up on Wikipedia. We both learned some things that we didn't know. I was also reminded of a couple of things that I thought I'd forgotten. We continued the discussion with politics and politicians now. We both have a great respect for the Founding Fathers and their ability to focus on their objectives. They didn't always agree. But, I believe respectful and meaningful discussions happened. They worked together - even though they might not have agreed. There was a willingness to come up with the basis for a country where all could agree. It wasn't a perfect scenario - but, it does seem better than what we have now.

It's That Time

It's that time of year again. We're moving into Fall. It's nice to think of the weather being a bit cooler. It's also that time of year when others talk about starting school. It's nice to not have to worry about changing our schedule in order to rush everyone out the door in the morning...or deal with the afternoon/evening routine.

I still look forward to starting new routines. We need them after a summer full of camps, reunions, and adventures. I do better with routines - this summer felt like getting the kids ready for one event after another. I'm hoping that getting back to the routines will help us a bit. We'll see. I just want some down time. We homeschool - but, still feel the effect of the changing of the seasons.

Learning Outside The Box

The girls and I watched this video the other day. Rachel exclaimed, "Hey, that's that one place.". Megan chimed in with, "Ya, where they have the presidents.". We continued the conversation. We talked about how it was a cool place and they would love to go there. We talked about where it was and how far away it was from our house. As we spoke, it was clear to me that they know about Mount Rushmore. (I linked it just in case you'd like to learn more too.)
It's interesting to me that there are people who think homeschool kids don't learn much or don't really know anything because they're not in a classroom. There are so many other ways to learn. Something as simple as a song can lead to conversations about national monuments, geography, US Presidents, and history.
Not too long ago our sons were talking with some of their friends about homeschool. One of the kids (teenagers) asked if Jacob knew about Einstein. I'm guessing he had a confused look on his face - not because he didn't know who he was - but, because he couldn't figure out why a teen in a first world country wouldn't be familiar with the man and at least some of his work. I told him that he should have asked his friend about Tesla. It may or may not have stumped the kid.
I'm so thankful we live in a country where we're able to be a homeschool family. There is so much to be grateful for - freedoms that I don't ever want to take for granted. I started this post trying to share a patriotic song for the 4th of July and then went to a different topic. I guess things in my head connect - just not always immediately. I truly am grateful for a season we've had to learn together. What a great country we live to have the opportunity to experience life together.

Leaving For Camp

Megan just left for Brighton Camp. It's the first time she's ever headed out for a week by herself. I know she'll be taken care of and have a good time. But, it's still hard to see her go. I have missed the boys when they've gone too. There's just something about that first time. And, it only gets a little bit easier with each occurrence. I always miss them and wonder how they're doing. We'll see how I end up doing with Megan being gone for a week. I'm looking forward to hearing all about her adventures when she gets back.
We didn't have a camera to send with her. I think one of her friends has one - so at least there's a possibility we could end up with a couple. I'm one of those people that takes pictures as part of the experience. So, I usually feel like part of the puzzle is missing if there are no pictures. Although, the boys have never taken one either. I don't have any pictures of any of their Scout Camp or EFY experiences. That's a little unheard of with all the technology that's out there these days.
The boys leave in a couple of days for their scouting adventure of the summer. They're heading for Lake Powell...better make sure they have a swim suit.:}

Rainbow Captain America

Today Jonny noticed a picture on Instagram. Someone had shared a picture they had drawn of Captain America. They changed part of the red/white/blue stripes for a rainbow. He thought it was kind of cool. I asked if he knew why they might have thought to draw it that way. He responded that he did. I asked, "Because of Orlando?". He nodded. We've already had at least one conversation about that so we continued with the current topic. He mentioned the comments he saw in response to the drawing. I asked about them. Did people not like the idea of changing Captain America? Were there comments about gays? He said it was mostly "mean stuff about gay people". We talked some more. The comments made him angry. He knew things were being said that were mean and hurtful - unnecessary words.
I remember stating some of my own thoughts and feelings. I didn't think it was right either. It's okay if people are different than we are...we still get the opportunity to friendly and be kind. We can choose love. There are so many families and other loved ones hurting right now that it should be a time of pulling together and showing support instead of spewing hate. (I'm not sure I used the word spewing at the time...but, it fits.)
I was grateful for several things in that moment. I am still grateful for them. I have a son that recognizes when hurtful and hateful things are being said. I have a child that doesn't like those things being said. I have children that I can have conversations with every day where I get to share my ideas/thoughts/feelings - and just as important I get to hear the same from them. These are conversations - not lectures. I'm thankful for a son that has a big heart and has a desire to include everyone.
My daughters were there too. They have also now heard - again - my thoughts and feelings about showing love and being kind. I'm sure there will be future conversations with all of them.

Blogger App

I just discovered the Blogger app. Pretty excited! Now it'll be easier to blog using my phone. At least that's the idea.

March Madness

Our weather is fickle. Today I remembered a conversation that I had a year or two ago with a mother of young kids. It was around this time of year. She had commented that her kids were cold because she had already packed up their winter clothing. I would have made a comment about it being her first year here in the area - but, from previous conversations, I knew that wasn't the case.
The reason I was reminded of that as I walked out the door this morning was because today was cooler than it has been the last few days. It was also overcast and wet - bringing snow by the end of the day. Someone new to the area might not have guessed that the weather would do that. Someone that's been around for a bit - knows that it happens every year. It starts to warm up and then we have a couple of cool days...and then it switches around again. It's usually pretty safe to put winter gear away by the time Mother's Day comes around. Okay. Maybe all of the gear doesn't need to stay out - but, at least a jacket and some long sleeves. It's a little deceiving...but, we will never have summer weather during all of March. It's just how it goes around here.