The Found Notebook

I did find the notebook I was looking for...It seems as though I've looked for many things this past month. Getting back to work as a homeschooling Mom has proven more difficult than I had thought. We are now on our tenth week of Classical Conversations, and I'm still trying to fit in all the work that is assigned. The curriculum of CC is good, great, wonderful work to do, but life in general in very demanding of my time(and the time vortex of facebook). 

If you use facebook, I may be caught up with you, but unless you can follow the "thread" of my conversations, you'd probably say, "Huh?" in regards to the happening of my family's lives, as I have difficulty following myself as well. 

In an effort to catch you up (you-one of those people who keep looking at my pages with great disappointment)with myself, I will reveal(that word makes it sound like something exciting or "juicy" will be "revealed," but not so much) what it "was" I wrote in that notebook. I do have editorial license over the content, it that, I can change what I had previously written, and add to it as well.

Here goes:

"Saturday (Oct.11) our visit to P-land was probably my quickest visit yet, as I am still recovering from my surgery. My intent to "take it easy" in recovery, seems to be going just fine. Paul drove up and back for me, and I must say I appreciated being the passenger. That's a rarity for me.

Van and I did EEL work for Classical Conversations most of the way up. I teach best when I'm strapped in, as the seat belt was suffice.

The shower for Morgan was absolutely lovely. Elsa prepared a tasty spread for the guests. Scrumptous food,  and beautiful flowers were plentiful. Lindsay did confess to creating some of the georgous flower arrangements.

The guest included many of the ladies from my family, along with some of Lindsay's long time guests. 

Morgan received adorable baby clothes and some entertaining toys for baby Owen. I'm fairly sure that Carlos will enjoy them also.

Although most of the ladies of our family attended the shower, I didn't have much time in the way of catch-up conversations. It seemed much like what speed dating would be like-but you're not trying to date your relative.

We did have some time with a smaller group: Matt, Elsa, Morgan, and Lindsay, post shower. Aslan the Nelson's ginormous puppy came out to play. Matt has met his match. Aslan is on of the biggest "puppies" I'd ever seen. 

While Emma and I were enjoying the shower, Van and Paul took a trip to see the house that Matt and Elsa were in the process of buying."

So, that's what I was able to write during Van's grammar class three weeks ago! 

Morgan hasn't had her baby yet, as he's due next week.

Matt and Elsa did get the house in Lake Oswego.

Now if you want any other details of this past month, check out my friend, Bellaartgirl's blog, we'll you'll find me and the kids.

K- Falls Education

A friend and I travelled to Klamath Falls on Monday morning to participate in a three day practicum through "Classical Conversations." I thoroughly enjoyed myself, but using this forty-something brain beyond the norm, is well-out of the norm for me. 

First, although I claim to be the consummate traveller, I have only passed through Klamath Falls maybe twice. Although it has amazing lakes, the town is a bit sprawled out, and we found it difficult to find it's epicenter. 

I did not snap any photos, as my friend and I filmed a "Momumentary" soon to be coming out in theatres near you. 

When I find the cord to the video camera, I'll upload some of the film's raw footage. 

Meanwhile, here's a taste of what I did during the practicum...

July 1, 2008
I am in Klamath Falls Oregon, in a strip mall style church, in a darkened, stuffy chapel, participating in a parent practicum through “Classical Conversations,” watching a DVD of a guy teaching writing instruction. I don't have the material that is being referenced to during his talk, so I feel a bit out of the loop. I am excited to help teach my children this fellow's techniques, but I have missed something. I was late to the viewing yesterday, so I may have missed some info. given out then. It's just that the young lady at the Starbucks worked rather slowly, thus, my being late to the seminar. Not my fault.
I'm just too embarrassed or proud to say I don't have the reference material. Not the instructors fault.
Our family is enrolled in a program called, “Classical Conversations” where “tutors” “model” various subjects such as Latin, Spanish, mock trial, and writing. I am thrilled to begin this program, and excited to educate my children in more of a community setting.
Unlike my HomeSource experience, I am to be more involved in the classroom. I did not want to be a tutor during this upcoming school year, as we are unsure of what our plans our for Emma and high school.
I'd love to say I have a clear definition of a “classical” education. It has to do with something call the trivium, as this program teaches at the level of grammar, rhetoric, and logic. Perhaps I will have a better understanding a year from now. 

The titles of the subjects that are to be offered at Classical Conversations sound intellectually stimulating for both myself and the children. The book list looks appealing, perhaps I'll read a book.
Although the setting in the church may not be an ideal academic setting, a philosophy of learning is being conveyed that I appreciate. This belief is along the lines that our becoming educated is to be a form of worshipping God. Again, I'm just putting this worldview together, and don't have a complete picture, or definition of what this looks like, and may only ever have pieces of this idea of "worship."  
I have spent only a small amount of time studying the idea of what it means to “worship” God, but again, I haven't pulled the ideas together. It's enthralling to be introduced to this something new to me. This becoming educated and reflecting what we've learned towards God and His glory is surprisingly joyful. I look forward to explore more of these ideas.

Mt. Hope Academy

As we speak, I am in a race to post our morning at Mt. Hope Peace Academy...

On our drive to meet our new blogger friend, at an unnamed location, somewhere in one of the western states, my friend Bella and I discussed how the forthcoming rendezvous with this cyber friend seemed a bit like a blind date.

I had met this woman's mother and sister at the Poet's Garden, but I don't recall if she had ever assisted us in our trips to the garden. I have read, and gleaned information about all sorts of subjects from her blog, and was thrilled to be meeting her. 

Being so excited to meet our friend in the country, we passed her house, and had to do a quick turn around. As we went up the drive, the photos I'd seen on the blog, became real life. I had imagined what the setting was like, having grown up in a Western state, I've walked down plenty of gravel roads and played in the long grass at Grandma's house, nonetheless, Heidi's home appeared just as inviting as it does in her posts. 

What I expected of our time was true. Her sweet boy Luke greeted us as soon as we arrived, and our kids were fast friends. Heidi was welcoming and made us very comfortable. I was a little taken aback at first, as I was "cewebrity" struck at first (Heidi's photo of me reveals a slight "deer in the headlights" look on my face).

I went into her kitchen (she gave me permission) to put some lunch items away, but having a bit of a surrealistic moment, I quickly turned around to let her know that I felt like I just walked into the computer. Her house was very lovely, and presented a very high level of "mantel health". If she had those overflowing drawers, or rooms, as I do, she hid them well. If she did have such collections, she wouldn't have to hide them from me, as I have too many drawers, or rooms to count (In fact, I think one needs one of those Wilderness Permits to go in at least four rooms in my house at present!).

The boys were absolutely adorable. I do say I felt a little grandma-esk, feeding grapes and lemonade to Leif (although I might have previously heard a faint "No" from Mom). Levi gave Evander, the city boy, a run for his money, lapping the house as they played chase. Heidi's photos showed the "Gentle Giant" spirit of Luke and Leif around Wilder.... 

 We ladies talked and talked, and talked over each other, asking many questions, but not necessarily finishing our answers. Despite of our talkity, talk, Heidi was very kind in fielding our myriad of questions.  Perhaps our blogging will answer the unanswered questions... 

Our hostess, met my expectations in regards to a section of the New Testament that I recall in which the apostle Paul wrote in regards to a person being who they are in real life, not just who they are in writing. Heidi embodies this truth as a pleasant, gracious and hospitable woman, and my hope is for more "real time" together. 

Catch up

Last Tuesday, the kids participated in their school's "Open House". Evander displayed "The Great Wall of China" that he built with his buddy Caleb. Emma and Evander shared some writing projects from their writing class, Emma a video story, and Evander a "Fractured Fairy Tale" featuring "The Gingerbread Man." 

Evander read his book in front of the crowd of parents and adoring grandparents. Auntie, Uncle Tucker, Lily, Wilder and Grandma Judie were part of the crowd. He eagerly read his book, without the prodding of the teacher, or myself.

I don't even remember Wednesday. In fact, I barely remember Wednesdays at all. I had forgotten at least half of all of Evander's chess classes. I must have some sort of Wednesday amnesia. I can get the kids to karate, then I think I have nothing going on the rest of the day.  Perhaps it's not a good idea for me to sign up for Wednesday classes.

Thursday, was the last of the kids outside classes. Emma excelled in her Spanish class. She's looking forward to next years class, but isn't so excited that I scheduled her Tuesdays this Summer for a conversational class-at our home. I, on the other hand am so excited to share our home in this way. 

Friday, we had glorious weather for an end of the year picnic at Shotgun Creek. The kids were able to play with their buddies, and I was able to chit-chat with my fellow educators. 

I didn't want to leave the party, but this was the beginning of a busy weekend, as we were off to be prepared for a Cub Scout Campout Saturday and Sunday. We also were on our way to the graduation party for one of the old youth group kids.

Saturday, "Little boys, little boys every where I go I see little boys (sung to the tune of "Little Girls" from the Annie soundtrack). I had a good time, but really my heart was elsewhere. Our dear neighbor girl, and also and old youth group kid, had a graduation party while I was at the campout. I had committed to go to the campout before I knew it was her party. I've been told it was a fabulous party, and my sweet Emma gave her a gift of a slideshow/movie with pictures and interviews of people who love her from her community. I have yet to write something more personal for these young people who graduated this year, as they will always have a very special place in my heart, as I loved them, and loved "The Thing." 

Sunday, I helped close out camp and headed home to get ready for another graduation party, and  for the 70th wedding anniversary of our church's patriarchal family..

At the anniversary party, I was all teary when Jack had family come forward to stand with Dale and Linore to show the legacy of the Crabtree's love. There were what seemed like endless amounts of Crabtrees. What an inspiration.

Monday, Emma's best buddies from when she was three began their stay at our home. They all seem mesmerized by our computer, as I see that it's a lovely day outside. The girls woke up early to go with me to take my Emma for her seventh grade test. She claims the test was easy, as well as a waste of time.

Although I had literally quadruple booked myself during the day, we had a great visit with Auntie Rachael and her three cherubs. These kids are really sweet, smart and cute, cute cute.

Tuesday, that was yesterday. I don't remember that. Oh yeah. We went to the U of O's Museum of Art, the Jordan Snitchzer Museum of Art. It was closed. We did, however, have a nice treat at the Marche with our grown up neighbor girls. 

The girls spent their evening with their old library friends. Their mom invited the girls over to enjoy pizza and dessert. The kids seemed to get reacquainted, as they ended the evening singing around the campfire. 

Wednesday, I taxied Evander to the first day his third grade test. I sat in the car, talked to Jodi, did some detailing of the car, and went through my  e-mail in-box. I've been moving since then, getting ready for a double baby shower up in Portland. 

Now the girls are preening themselves for a sleepover at the neighbor girls. Evander will be joining us at a rally at the 4-J school district office, as 4-J has plans to discontiue additional students to be allowed from the district to take classes at HomeSource. Let's see what happens...

Special times with Indy kids

On his return from California this evening, my husband was quick to comment that he didn't know what I was doing because I had not made a post these past few days. I told him I was just too busy.
These busy times make for exciting posts, but I don't have time to go through all the details, so here is one of the great highlights of the past few days.
Our children's friends from Indiana joined up with us Wednesday after the kids were done with karate. As I am busy readying myself for visits and grand celebrations of Emma's thirteenth birthday, I have had errands and cleaning on the agenda these past couple of days. The kids obliged by having lunch at Costco, with a promise of a trip to the park afterwards.
I haven't commented much on homeschooling as a blog author, however, our conversation at the Costco table was quite fascinating. I'm not sure how the discussion began, but the children "talked amongst themselves" about their fondness of a home school education, and compared their likes and dislikes of a subject like math and history. The younger children discovered that they had all recently studied Roman history. They debated over the reasons why Romulus killed Remus, for quite some time (I asked Van how to spell these names, he replied, "How can you write about someone who you can't spell their name?"Ouch).
Who'd a thunk such a conversation would take place at the Costco hot dog kiosk.
The photos reveal the fun the kids had at the park. As we drove home I asked the kids how they liked the park. I had commented that Emma was almost too big for the park (she's grown taller than some of my adult women friends). Payton interjected with this question,
"How can someone ever be too big for the park?"