tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8851610094020768162024-03-13T19:08:59.869-07:00Good things come in small packagesAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05264863253531187300noreply@blogger.comBlogger865125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885161009402076816.post-9433093779369646182017-10-27T22:57:00.000-07:002017-12-22T22:58:18.478-08:0029 Weeks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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He's Incredible. <br />
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(It's okay to be biased.)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05264863253531187300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885161009402076816.post-76527815219183693802017-10-26T22:53:00.000-07:002017-12-22T22:55:22.843-08:00October CelebrationsOctober is, without question, our favorite month of the year. <br />
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We have so much to celebrate in October!<br />
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Like our 9th anniversary. Wow. <br />
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And Casey's birthday. He's officially old, so someone really nice made him this from-scratch chocolate cake.<br />
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With a baby on her hip at least 80% of the time. I had to throw that in there. I like the sympathy vote.<br />
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Of course, there were other things (besides food) to celebrate. Like pumpkin patch visits.<br />
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And costumes to be worn.<br />
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This costume brought to you entirely by my husband. He has been plotting this baby for several years. Of course, this year, we were one too many to go as just the Incredibles. Fortunately, Livvy didn't mind taking on the role of Syndrome.<br />
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So, something interesting we discovered while out and about? When you dress as the Incredibles, people will talk to you <i>as if you are</i> the Incredibles, and stop you often for photos. <br />
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<i>Oh my goodness, it's Mr. Incredible! Can I get a photo with you? My daughter loves your movie, it's her favorite! </i><br />
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That one definitely caught me by surprise. Of course, the kids completely loved it. I'm pretty sure they thought they were actual celebrities by the time our day at Boo at the Zoo was over. Maybe it was because we had all the genders in the right order? Or because we came complete with Jack-Jack? I don't know. But, it was pretty cute to have little kids running up to us in sheer delight.<br />
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The adults who came <i>without</i> children to pose for photos? Well... that wasn't quite so cute.<br />
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We also stayed up late to enjoy a fun Family Night, complete with glow sticks, flashlight tag and smores.<br />
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We got <i>really excited</i> about the first snow of the season. <br />
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It wasn't much, but ooooh, we do love the white stuff.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05264863253531187300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885161009402076816.post-57450995465743295262017-10-20T17:52:00.000-07:002017-12-24T09:26:44.491-08:0028 weeks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Well, the sweetest of sounds came out of my big guy this week. His first word.<br />
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What was that long awaited, much-treasured word?<br />
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<i>Mama</i>.<br />
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I got a mama out of my big boy, and of course it was music to my ears.<br />
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Hooray for Luke! I'll take as many of 'em as you can give!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05264863253531187300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885161009402076816.post-32455754380416269372017-10-13T14:48:00.000-07:002017-12-22T20:44:26.175-08:0027 Weeks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Oh my goodness. The wonderful things we are doing this week. Luke can now sit up, all on his own, with full dexterity. I no longer have to worry about him falling over, he's mastered the concept. <br />
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He is growing like a weed. At 6 months, he weighs 18 pounds even, and his "little" head is still floating somewhere waving down at the 99th percentile far beneath it. <br />
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He is happy all the time - with the exception of the five minutes immediately before he goes to sleep, when he cries and tries to tell me how he's <i>totally not sleepy, mom, </i>before his eyes roll backwards and he drifts off. <br />
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Luke is still rocking the nine month clothes, and at this point, we can't even attempt anything less. <br />
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We love, love, love that sweet baby. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05264863253531187300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885161009402076816.post-34309268603530733222017-10-07T20:36:00.000-07:002017-12-22T20:36:58.239-08:00CC Cycle 3 Week 5: George WashingtonHands down, this week has been our favorite. Which is basically what I said last week, too, so if I'm overselling just how much we've enjoyed our sojourn through the revolutionary war, you'll have to forgive me.<br />
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<br />
For the record: we really, <i>really</i> love George Washington.<br />
<br />
We cheer when Washington successfully crosses the Delaware. We boo at the deceit of that treacherous villain Arnold. We root for the downfall of the dastardly Cornwallis. <br />
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Many a squabble was had this week over just who was going to be Washington and who had to be Cornwallis.<br />
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In the end, they abandoned Cornwallis so that they could play together and fight on the same side.<br />
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Seems a good trade to me.<br />
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This week's reading list includes:</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/George-Washington-Ingri-dAulaire/dp/0964380315/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1514002750&sr=8-1-fkmr1&keywords=ingrid+d%27aulaire+washington" target="_blank">George Washington by Ingri d'Auliare </a>(Our Favorite of the week!)</div>
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Liberty or Death by Betsy Maestro</div>
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This Country of Ours by Elizabeth Marshall: The Birth of a Great Nation</div>
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The 4th of July Story by Alice Dagliesh</div>
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Story of the World</div>
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Book of America: Yankee Doodle</div>
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Paddle to the Sea by Holling C. Holling</div>
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Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne</div>
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The Burgess Animal Book by Thornton Burgess</div>
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Poetry: When We Were Very Young by A.A. Milne</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We used <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Draw-Write-Now-Book-Forward/dp/193340759X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1514003040&sr=8-2&keywords=draw+write+now" target="_blank">Draw Write Now</a> to practice drawing our hero, and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Interactive-3-D-Maps-Easy-Assemble/dp/0439241146/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1514003122&sr=1-1&keywords=interactive+maps+american+history" target="_blank">mapped out Washington's Delaware</a> crossing.</div>
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As it is a new month, we began studying a new virtue. October, as our favorite month of the year, brings us none other than Joy: choosing to praise God in all things.</div>
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We are nearing the end of our composer study on Bach, but, being the month of Halloween, they were particularly enamored with this one, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ho9rZjlsyYY" target="_blank">Toccata and Fuge in D minor</a>, for reasons that become obvious the moment you hear it. YES! That's good stuff.</div>
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For picture study, we tackled (yes, you guessed it!): <a href="https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/11707" target="_blank">George Washington by Charles Willson Peale</a>.</div>
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Although next week we will move out of the Revolutionary War and on to the next amazing chapter of American history, this has been such a fun place to linger. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05264863253531187300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885161009402076816.post-41572604325197556392017-10-06T12:47:00.000-07:002017-12-22T19:48:44.070-08:0026 Weeks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05264863253531187300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885161009402076816.post-21275527871769995112017-10-05T20:40:00.000-07:002017-11-01T20:51:42.433-07:00Recovery. It's okay not to be okay, or so the saying goes.<br />
<br />
One of my passions during the time I studied for my Masters degree was the physiological effects of trauma on the brain. It has been so helpful to me over the last year and a half as I've attempted to raise a traumatized teenager here in our home.<br />
<br />
Trauma parenting is <i>so </i>different than regular parenting. Parenting in general is hard and worrisome, but if parenting is like riding a bicycle, then trauma parenting is like trying to ride one backwards on a tightrope. That may or may not be on fire.<br />
<br />
Trauma and attachment issues present themselves in literally every aspect of a child's day, from getting dressed to selecting food to choosing friends and going to school. Loss, grief and lack of trust govern much of their thought process and behavior. They are terrified of intimacy, keep people at a distance, hide their feelings, they are prone to prolonged periods of fear, and have a limited ability to trust. They manipulate and lie. They take literally ten times longer than children without trauma to learn new skills (even simple ones) and new patterns of behavior. They make the same mistakes over and over (and <i>over </i>and <i>over </i>and <i>over</i>).<br />
<br />
Let me be clear, because it cannot be overstated: <i style="font-weight: bold;">none of these things are the fault of the child. </i>Only deep love, compassion and the formation of secure attachments can begin to promote new brain growth and impact the biological and emotional development of trust (<i>I am safe</i>), self-worth (<i>I am precious</i>) and self-efficacy (<i>I am heard</i>).<br />
<br />
But the parenting process. It is exhausting. It is constant. It is overwhelming. It is neither natural nor instinctive in many ways. It is <i>necessary, valuable, and worth doing</i> - but it is all those other things, too.<br />
<br />
Parenting is the ultimate exercise in leadership. When we agreed to take on a child with trauma, we instantly became responsible not only for his physical well being, but also his emotional development and his relational healing. We had to build connection when we were virtually strangers, identify and heal wounds that we didn't inflict and redeem ground we didn't lose. We had to quickly become experts on a child whose 14 year history we barely knew so that we could become the agents of healing he needed us to be. We became versed in neural rerouting and self-regulation and trigger responses, and most of all, <b>we had to have the tools and time and self-reflection to develop and put in place strategies and environments that would promote healing. </b><br />
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Most of that fell on me, partly because of Casey's travel schedule, but also because it is "in my zone" professionally and personally. Meanwhile, there were three small children to be cared for and schooled, a home to be run, a pregnancy and life happening abundantly all around us. Major transitions - whether positive or negative - are always difficult to navigate in the life of a family, and we have had a LOT of them.<br />
<br />
And then... sixteen months later... this opportunity came up for him to go home. He had struggled with the loss of his friends and his life as much as with the loss of his father, and now he had a shot at going back to a place where he felt more "normal." Where he was more securely attached and hopeful. <i>He </i>felt that way, and because we love him, we did, too. <br />
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But it was a loss for us too, particularly for the kids who truly opened their hearts with love and compassion in the most amazing ways. Love, as they say, is a verb, and theirs was so much more than just lip service. <br />
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We feel a little like the team that goes to the Superbowl and loses: proud that we made it this far, gratified by our efforts and teamwork. As a family, as individuals, we know that we left <i><b>everything we had</b></i> out there on the field, but ultimately, it didn't go the way we would have liked.<br />
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And now... we have to pick up the pieces. To stop and recalculate.<br />
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It's <i>hard</i>. <br />
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<br />
I'm physically and emotionally exhausted after the work and the non-stop stress of the last year and a half, compounded by what we went through in the spring. The kids are sad, and we all have a little bit of our own PTSD (mild on the spectrum, but real nonetheless) to contend with. <br />
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<br />
We are not okay. And, while I know that we will again be okay, it takes time to get there.<br />
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We took September <i>really </i>slowly. We stopped for no reason to do fun things and build happy memories. We focused on connection above all else. <br />
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We did things that made us laugh. <br />
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<br />
We took lots of breaks and were very intentionally aware of our commitments. We applied grace liberally to every aspect of life. <br />
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We got out of our routine and enjoyed beauty. Because <i>we can.</i><br />
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We focused on joy, peace and rest.<br />
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I don't see much changing for us in October.<br />
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In many real ways, we're rebuilding our family. We are different people on the other side of this experience. <b>I know that our foundation is still there, and that foundation has proved, and continues to prove, incredibly strong.</b> But it is again a matter of establishing our new normal. <br />
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We will get there, and we will get help if the path becomes too difficult. We are worth fighting for. <br />
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And while it's hard, there is grace. And <a href="https://crazylittleprojects.com/free-printable-halloween-bingo-game/" target="_blank">Halloween Bingo</a>.<br />
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For parents dealing with attachment and trauma: <b>Don't miss these amazing resources!</b> <a href="http://empoweredtoconnect.org/" target="_blank">THIS </a>is what we used during my MA program as foundational for connecting with "kids from hard places." It is a <i>game changer</i>. Also: <a href="https://www.attachmenttraumanetwork.org/" target="_blank">this</a>, and <a href="http://www.drdansiegel.com/books/the_whole_brain_child/" target="_blank">this</a> are phenomenal. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05264863253531187300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885161009402076816.post-4597477065547197022017-10-01T15:43:00.000-07:002017-10-29T16:13:03.402-07:00CC Cycle 3 week 4: The DeclarationIt is probably going to become obvious pretty quickly: I am taking fewer and fewer photos as the weeks go on.<br />
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So, to fill a little space (or to help you get your baby fix... whatever...) I give you...<br />
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Luke! Covered in baby food, because we're perfecting the art of eating. It's not exactly school-related, though certainly a relevant part of our school day. </div>
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We are thoroughly enjoying our time in the Revolutionary War. The people, the courage, the wonderful oration. It is incredible to me how much more we're able to pull out of this subject this time through. Leah has amazed me with her ability to comprehend the reasons for war and remember dates, events and names. She is beginning to see the link between cause and effect, and anticipates outcomes appropriately during reading. And Logan. Holy moly. I'm delighted to say that Logan has such incredible enthusiasm for the subject as well, despite his young age. That child remembers <i>everything</i>. </div>
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Of course, he is much more accustomed to and practiced in studying history than Leah was when we last did this cycle. Logan has already been through the middle ages and World Wars with us, so what's a little War of Independence? </div>
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Such is the plight of the firstborn... they always go first. She and I are both more practiced at the Classical Method this time through - no doubt, that makes a huge difference!</div>
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This week's reading list:</div>
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Liberty or Death: The American Revolution by Betsy Maestro</div>
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Sam the Minuteman by Nathaniel Benchley</div>
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Story of the World vol. 3</div>
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The Revolutionary War by Russell Roberts</div>
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Independent Dames by Laurie Hals Anderson</div>
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A Spy Called James by Anne Rockwell</div>
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Book of America: The Bravery of Abigail Adams</div>
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Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne</div>
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Paddle to the Sea by Holling C. Holling</div>
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The Burgess Animal Book by Thornton Burgess</div>
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Poetry: Oxford Illustrated Book of American Children's Poems</div>
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We listened to a reading of the Declaration, and used the first few famous lines for copy work.</div>
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Once we were thoroughly familiar with the Declaration, it seemed only fitting that we make our own.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4F7nrVq0cfNPDPZgKEhMHXLz-zBD1IVQnOov3cfgNqvvI9eikr6_irztyESVOwnBtw8womAqKTG8F2B-vaAk3MYiSmae8FdazxPR7Am9xms1ud3hT4FMDx6pyn3WytWm0IWR6Ke4XrI/s1600/DSC_8642-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4F7nrVq0cfNPDPZgKEhMHXLz-zBD1IVQnOov3cfgNqvvI9eikr6_irztyESVOwnBtw8womAqKTG8F2B-vaAk3MYiSmae8FdazxPR7Am9xms1ud3hT4FMDx6pyn3WytWm0IWR6Ke4XrI/s640/DSC_8642-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I started this activity by finding a full copy, with signatures, that I could print off. Then, we tore off the edges.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKIpVxXhlaOd-LSwInFx9DKElQkPaJZcnyGvoQbs2du4oE7aOXXia7UOr5kwWnIzlQdHnBHQNfHrLVMSV9Lkkjjz7kwEdHrJbYMPVAYlw3E4f5TgNuPYJSma1Fx88ThkHp-QVoTnUa8k8/s1600/DSC_8644-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1063" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKIpVxXhlaOd-LSwInFx9DKElQkPaJZcnyGvoQbs2du4oE7aOXXia7UOr5kwWnIzlQdHnBHQNfHrLVMSV9Lkkjjz7kwEdHrJbYMPVAYlw3E4f5TgNuPYJSma1Fx88ThkHp-QVoTnUa8k8/s640/DSC_8644-001.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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This gave the paper that authentic, parchment-style feel.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvWhyphenhyphenLeSJRcc1OZZ30I5koID5Cjbo_GcBQdo8h_Ix4lWdsljwu9JQZYn9S0p9M3BhYewwS4uPD_Z1qpGmp2_vGwUBhxEyw3JCRKtV6b_wKGu8T18v3wNipAzo0bPqz3k8vwA6sRX4Lvk/s1600/DSC_8650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvWhyphenhyphenLeSJRcc1OZZ30I5koID5Cjbo_GcBQdo8h_Ix4lWdsljwu9JQZYn9S0p9M3BhYewwS4uPD_Z1qpGmp2_vGwUBhxEyw3JCRKtV6b_wKGu8T18v3wNipAzo0bPqz3k8vwA6sRX4Lvk/s640/DSC_8650.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Next, we had to give that bright white paper more of an aged feel. Tea bags provided just the right tool.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWzPONXZBXMVwDKzjvyO4-H9hnfk0YS3UE7UMhJ38zvQwUhFHcdV9Q_vxXEGc6ZH8VTZVtkxIGEErBzd_RJwghAAOfYKuOm_kX3s3qgxW4tf_LiUvlJhjNY_4zs3sw-6RxatSdSbmmD5A/s1600/DSC_8653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWzPONXZBXMVwDKzjvyO4-H9hnfk0YS3UE7UMhJ38zvQwUhFHcdV9Q_vxXEGc6ZH8VTZVtkxIGEErBzd_RJwghAAOfYKuOm_kX3s3qgxW4tf_LiUvlJhjNY_4zs3sw-6RxatSdSbmmD5A/s640/DSC_8653.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I keep telling you, there's lots of coffee (and tea!) in homeschooling, but a serious lack of hair brushing.</div>
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The finished product came out amazing. The kids were incredibly proud of themselves and their contribution to "history." It looks just like the original in the <a href="https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration" target="_blank">National Archives</a>, or so I'm assured by my experts. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSW5IMJ70jdsEvPkEltkwQejO6zXFoG20ys9su6ARAQ2lUw4OjkVJii3Sk-BGuja3lO6MSlHb39HVShNXiw09Q6SrqXJgTa0gsxRuYPvTOFGmaDx2Q9N3YSTPSHsxCcpDQ-Ks7bA8VAcI/s1600/DSC_8667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSW5IMJ70jdsEvPkEltkwQejO6zXFoG20ys9su6ARAQ2lUw4OjkVJii3Sk-BGuja3lO6MSlHb39HVShNXiw09Q6SrqXJgTa0gsxRuYPvTOFGmaDx2Q9N3YSTPSHsxCcpDQ-Ks7bA8VAcI/s640/DSC_8667.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And, here's a good example of the kind of activities Livvy does while we do school. A little fine motor practice was on tap on this particular day. This is something that keeps her content and busy for literally hours. I'm a big fan of anything simple and self-contained, something that grows her creativity, skills or independence, even though we are not doing formal preschool.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP54XCKqbDVdu6BSUpU0yR_lQCO5Aby_F9TG-UcZL2NJZ-aQMW-Bo7nNfh173SE_nFluBVB3uM19Uo9fJ1E6gbThOM8TKTnGzJRGUEV6VdgEQPW3GoU9aT-00fpsiMwk9_BnlxEcRow2Y/s1600/20170927_165841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP54XCKqbDVdu6BSUpU0yR_lQCO5Aby_F9TG-UcZL2NJZ-aQMW-Bo7nNfh173SE_nFluBVB3uM19Uo9fJ1E6gbThOM8TKTnGzJRGUEV6VdgEQPW3GoU9aT-00fpsiMwk9_BnlxEcRow2Y/s640/20170927_165841.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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My favorite reading of the week was <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Spy-Called-James-Lafayette-Revolutionary/dp/1467749338" target="_blank">A Spy Called James</a>, the true story of James Lafayette, a slave who, serving under the Marquis de Lafayette, was also a double agent. He played a critical role in reporting on the activities of Benedict Arnold - <i>after </i>his betrayal - and British General Cornwallis in the days leading up to the Battle of Yorktown. I am sad to say that I had never heard of James Lafayette, and I don't think it is an understatement to say that without his information, it is possible that the seminal battle of the Revolution might have turned out very differently. </div>
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Despite his loyal service, James was not granted his freedom after the war as he had been promised. Ironically, after the battle for America's independence was won - in part due to the information he passed on - he was denied his freedom because he had been a spy rather than a soldier. It was the testimony of General Lafayette that ultimately helped him to gain emancipation, at which time he decided to take the man's name as a tribute. </div>
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It is an amazing and humbling story, and one I wish I had learned long ago. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05264863253531187300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885161009402076816.post-61254347071849269972017-09-29T16:22:00.000-07:002017-10-27T16:22:52.910-07:0025 Weeks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQJfrL6TM59ZDPWm_0sWPOJ3DMA9MZngD9yUztcDnJpoOlPGZ2kk1IDOOc_Ui4gKL4DRcRloBbgHudypeYqBvyQh3fIMkab6RuzIZlqIWsPKiYpuxqLxxjxOTgyVXZbaVYe6V3z8P9DhY/s1600/25+weeks.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1289" data-original-width="1600" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQJfrL6TM59ZDPWm_0sWPOJ3DMA9MZngD9yUztcDnJpoOlPGZ2kk1IDOOc_Ui4gKL4DRcRloBbgHudypeYqBvyQh3fIMkab6RuzIZlqIWsPKiYpuxqLxxjxOTgyVXZbaVYe6V3z8P9DhY/s640/25+weeks.2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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That little smile has returned this week! He's back to himself, with no teeth to speak of (go figure). I'm getting very excited to see what this little chunky monkey weighs! <br />
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He is coming along with solids. And stealing our hearts little by little each day.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05264863253531187300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885161009402076816.post-7790929444229280122017-09-23T15:25:00.000-07:002017-10-27T15:52:25.835-07:00CC Cycle 3: The Boston Tea PartyA while back, we read <a href="https://www.amazon.com/George-Washington-Patriot-Heroes-History/dp/1883002818" target="_blank">George Washington: True Patriot</a> from the Heroes of History series by Janet and Geoff Benge.<br />
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The kids absolutely adored learning about Washington, his fascinating, courageous and often difficult life during the time of the Revolutionary War. So it was with great excitement and anticipation that we came to this week's study: the Boston Tea Party! They were already familiar with some names that came up often this week. Names such as Adams, Revere, Henry, and Franklin. Watching their faces light up when they come across information they are familiar with never gets old.<br />
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We learned a little about Washington's spies, and did a cool activity writing spy letters with lemon juice.<br />
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Just add fire, and the message reveals itself.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgw3CoyxNYzmfQIGGzDKlLtrZvdThQ6VaQpvmsNs-dGr-DMfCpguN1SETMEqOIHtSavTWMiMYuGJXKEGzLyUEpQPHlJ4gzulepVfO0AiQLPhqjmPQStaEsxutd83JOxr5BSReMkcn2Dgk/s1600/DSC_8548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgw3CoyxNYzmfQIGGzDKlLtrZvdThQ6VaQpvmsNs-dGr-DMfCpguN1SETMEqOIHtSavTWMiMYuGJXKEGzLyUEpQPHlJ4gzulepVfO0AiQLPhqjmPQStaEsxutd83JOxr5BSReMkcn2Dgk/s640/DSC_8548.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Although I'm sure Washington would have envied the ease of my lighter.<br />
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Spying is a <i>very </i>serious business. We also may have briefly discussed what exactly happened to the spies when they were caught. I tried to edit that one out, but we have entirely too many resources in our house... Leah read about Nathan Hale all on her own.</div>
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This week's reading list: </div>
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This Country of Ours: Paul Revere's Ride</div>
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Liberty or Death: The American Revolution by Betsy Maestro</div>
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We Were There at the Boston Tea Party by Robert Webb</div>
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The Boston Tea Party by Russell Freedman</div>
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Paddle to the Sea by Holling C. Holling</div>
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Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne</div>
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The Burgess Animal Book by Thornton Burgess</div>
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Poetry: When We Were Very Young by A.A. Milne and Paul Revere's Ride by Longfellow</div>
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Picture Study: <a href="http://www.mfa.org/collections/object/paul-revere-32401" target="_blank">Paul Revere </a>by John Singleton Copley</div>
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Composer Study: Bach and the <a href="https://www.classicsforkids.com/pastshows.asp?id=248" target="_blank">Brandenburg Concertos </a></div>
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This week has been my favorite so far. There's just so much great stuff to cover: Paul Revere's daring ride and Longfellow's beautiful retelling; the stirring words of Patrick Henry; the bravery of the minutemen who stood at Lexington and Concord. We had a blast!</div>
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And, it was reflected in our Thursday Think, which turned out <i>amazing</i>. Their best work by far!</div>
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They took in so much information this week, it was incredible. And their drawings... WOW! </div>
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The growth I'm seeing each week as we do gather to do this activity is incredible.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05264863253531187300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885161009402076816.post-10768650137121445892017-09-22T14:34:00.000-07:002017-10-27T14:34:59.869-07:0024 weeks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It has been a rare sad week for Mr. Luke. A week filled with few hours of sleep and lots of tears. That's not his MO, which has me suspecting that his teeth are bothering him. <br />
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When there isn't crying, there has been LOTS of singing. Oh my goodness, so much singing. I'll take it.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05264863253531187300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885161009402076816.post-91745649461883917062017-09-20T10:37:00.000-07:002017-10-27T10:37:55.294-07:00Solids and the fourth child.Its one of my very favorite parts of the first year. <div>
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Solids. Oh, they're so stinkin fun! </div>
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In our house, a baby always begins solids on carrots. I'm not really sure why, exactly. Probably because we're creatures of extreme habit, so we like to carry on in a consistent fashion.</div>
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Whether it's 2010 or 2017, beginning solids means a trip to Whole Foods and a reunion with a few faithful old friends.</div>
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It should probably be noted that even my hand blender is tired and thinks we'd better not have any more kids. This baby, which has prepared virtually every meal all my babies have ever eaten, is definitely on its last legs. </div>
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But still managed to get the job done!</div>
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My favorite part of beginning solids is the faces. Both from the parents and the tiny baby.<br />
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That's it. That's the face. <i>Why would you do that to me?!</i></div>
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A few more...</div>
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Oh yes. Carrots is a success!</div>
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And, because we can't resist a good trip down memory lane...</div>
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Her bib sums it up: Happy.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05264863253531187300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885161009402076816.post-61189631019626910772017-09-17T10:11:00.000-07:002017-10-27T10:15:43.176-07:00CC Cycle 3 week 2: The Pilgrims<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On deck this week? The Pilgrims. <br />
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We spent our first two weeks immersed in the world of the Native Americans, so the transition into Jamestown and Plymouth colonies for the last two weeks has been a natural one. <br />
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Plus, the timing of these activities in the fall is just so perfect. Lots of good crafts and accessories in stores (cough... <i>Hobby Lobby</i>... cough) in preparation for Thanksgiving.<br />
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That's where I found these little figurines:<br />
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...which provided my kids with their favorite activity of the week. They carefully painted their Pilgrims and Indians, and we had a great conversation about colors and which would be appropriate and realistic for the time period (even though they often ultimately went a different way!)<br />
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They worked SO hard on these little guys, with such care and diligence, it was fun to watch.<br />
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This week's reading list:<br />
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This Country of Ours: The Story of the Pilgrim Fathers</div>
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Pilgrims of Plymouth by Marcia Sewell</div>
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The Adventurous Life of Myles Standish by Cheryl Harness</div>
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If you Sailed on the Mayflower by Anne McGovern</div>
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Story of the World Volume 3</div>
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Who's That Stepping on Plymouth Rock by Jean Fritz (which, by the way, my kids hated. And we don't often hate books!)</div>
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Book of America: The Pilgrims and the First Thanksgiving</div>
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Paddle to the Sea by Holling C. Holling</div>
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Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne</div>
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Burgess Animal Book by Thornton Burgess</div>
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Beautiful Stories from Shakespeare by Edith Nesbitt: Two Gentlemen of Verona </div>
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Poetry: Oxford Illustrated Book of American Children's Poems</div>
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We watched a few of these selected webcasts from Plymouth Plantation to give us a bit of <a href="http://www.scholastic.com/scholastic_thanksgiving/webcast.htm" target="_blank">real-life inspiration</a>. Imagine what it must have been like to live in those times! Fascinating!</div>
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Composer Study: Bach's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-tipS-fA5A" target="_blank">Cantatas</a></div>
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No picture study this week because... well, we simply didn't have time!</div>
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We kept up with our daily Bible study, math, memory work phonics and First Language Lessons as usual, and the rhythms of our weeks are beginning to unfold themselves so nicely. </div>
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I am so grateful for the opportunity this year to <i>just go slow.</i> Of course, that's not to say that the words <i>hurry up!</i> never issue out of my mouth. But the biggest reason we did not join a CC community was to ensure that we could go at our own pace, that the thousand interruptions that happen when you have two, an active toddler and a baby, would not be allowed to derail us academically or relationally. </div>
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My goal is, naturally, to ensure that my children have a high quality education; at the same time, though, I am so grateful that I don't have to rush them through it. That they can linger where their hearts and minds wish to linger and explore the things they find compelling. That they can stop to play while I put the baby down for a nap. That life flows so much more organically when we're not constantly watching the clock to make sure we "get it all in." </div>
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What a blessing!</div>
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Our Thursday Think made its return this week.</div>
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The kids LOVE this activity! I hope to keep it that way, so for the time being we're not doing it every single week so they are not overloaded.</div>
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I am amazed by the natural creativity and curiosity it pulls out of them!</div>
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And the sweet, often unseen aspects of their individual personalities that emerge around this table. So fun. Logan is still very much enjoying writing, and prefers to write over drawing (which <i>shocked </i>me. Who saw that coming?!)</div>
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Leah has a grand time expressing herself through her artwork, and it is truly amazing to see how much they both remember.</div>
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Livvy works the hardest, though. Her contributions are some of my favorite. They may not look like much now, but I love her dedication, creativity and enthusiasm. Who knows what these seeds will grow into?</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05264863253531187300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885161009402076816.post-5974937405450704052017-09-15T21:26:00.000-07:002017-10-27T08:07:34.524-07:0023 weeks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We've had a <i>fat guy, little coat</i> conundrum around here for the past few weeks. One which I've finally caved and remedied by putting him into 9 months clothing, even though he's only five months.<br />
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But really... it was time.<br />
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It's hard to believe just how quickly he's growing up. I just adore this baby.<br />
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Next up: Solids!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05264863253531187300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885161009402076816.post-11122303650739120092017-09-12T16:16:00.000-07:002017-10-24T16:24:49.192-07:00So what is the Classical Method, anyway?When you hear the term, do you get an image of fancy dresses or white wigs? The cast of Downton Abbey, perhaps? Or does your imagination take you even further back...Togas, anyone?<br />
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You've heard me talk about how much I love it, but just what <i>is </i>classical education, anyway?<br />
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<b>At its core, classical education is an approach that emphasizes not <i>what </i>to teach, but how to awaken the curiosity within ourselves that causes us to seek knowledge, chase wisdom and create beauty.</b></div>
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It begins with the premise that every child's mind is promising, fertile ground, especially when information is presented in a series of three developmental stages (referred to classically as the <i>Trivium</i>):<br />
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<b>Grammar Stage </b>(birth to approx. age 11): Children are naturally adept at memorization. During this phase, we plant seeds by singing, chanting, rhyming, drawing and developing the vocabulary (grammar) of a subject. In Classical Education, the greatest emphasis is not placed on developing skills such as writing or even reading (though, of course, those things happen during this time). This method assumes that a child's skills will develop naturally throughout his or her lifetime, and places instead an importance on growing factual knowledge during this window when the brain is particularly open to it.</div>
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<b>Dialectic or Logic Stage </b>(approximately ages 11-15): Having developed rich background knowledge on a variety of subjects, the early teenage student is naturally more argumentative and begins to link ideas together, question validity, and seeks to learn the "why" behind the "what" they've already come to know. In this stage, students are practicing reasoning, schooled in formal and informal logic, and learning to argue with wisdom and elegance. </div>
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<b>Rhetoric Stage </b>(ages 15-18 and beyond): As students gain greater independence and autonomy over their learning, we as educators begin to see the fruits of their study. They are equipped to be independent thinkers and communicators, employing rhetoric that is persuasive, factual and pleasing to listen to. They have gained mastery over wide variety of disciplines, and see the world not as a series of isolated subjects, but a tapestry of causes, effects and outcomes, powerfully - if often mysteriously -interwoven and worthy of careful consideration. </div>
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<b>Why I like it.</b></div>
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I like it because it follows what I know to be true about the progression of cognitive development. As an educator, my Masters work was in neurological development, and I always struggled to reconcile what I knew to be true about the brain with what we consider to be "best practices" in the classroom. </div>
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That struggle is absent with classical education: Children are presented with <i>concrete </i>facts which build their academic schema; middle schoolers test and challenge their perceptions with <i>analytical </i>thinking; older students cement their education as they practice <i>abstract </i>thinking and articulation. In our world, with all its understanding of cognition from brain imaging, it is amazing to me that the methodology I find to work best was practiced for thousands of years, and has fallen out of vogue only recently in the midst of our modern, "progressive" era! </div>
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But -- there's more.</div>
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As my children grow in this environment, the pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty has woven itself into the very fabric of our family's culture. Our teachers are the likes of Lewis, Shakespeare, Ingalls-Wilder, Homer, Haydn and Monet. By virtue of our reformed education, we are able to commune with some of the great minds and talents and experiences history has to offer, until it becomes second nature to wonder, to enjoy, to discuss, to notice, to observe, and to find in one another kindred spirits whose souls are similarly awed, inspired and delighted by the journey. </div>
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Plus... We read.</div>
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Together. From great books. On every subject. Books that light up our minds and our souls alike. All the time.</div>
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<i>We are not reading books merely to check off a list or to be able to say we have read them. We are reading to grow as persons, to know more that we may understand more, and ultimately, it is to be hoped, to act according to our great wisdom.</i></div>
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- Karen Glass, author and educator</div>
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Visions and ideals need a pathway; wisdom a road map. What we find buried in the pages of great literature is courage to inspire us, ideas to challenge us, and friends to come alongside us. </div>
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<b>A rich inner life is developing here, day by day. </b> </div>
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It cannot be measured or tested. It must instead be nurtured, inspired, and protected. It is like a fire whose embers are carefully fanned and tended lest they be squelched and allowed to go out. But, fed properly, the fire will grow into a strong and unquenchable flame that will carry them through the rest of their lives. </div>
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I don't share this to incite arguments. Neither do I wish to debate or belittle the merits of <i>any </i>other form of education. I share for two simple reasons: 1) I love the classical method (can you tell?!). When we love something and find it valuable, it is only natural to want to share it. 2) This is a form of education that, despite my MA in this very subject, I had never been exposed to. </div>
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There are so many great resources and ways to learn more! A small sampling (yes, several of these are Charlotte Mason. The more I learn, the more I am convinced that Charlotte's principles underscore and reinforce much of the classical methodology) is below.</div>
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It is a rabbit hole whose adventures you won't ever be sorry you embarked upon!</div>
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Books:</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Well-Educated-Mind-Guide-Classical-Education/dp/0393050947" target="_blank">The Well Educated Mind</a> by Susan Wise Bauer</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Core-Teaching-Foundations-Classical-Education/dp/023010035X" target="_blank">The Core </a>by Leigh Bortins</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Case-Classical-Christian-Education/dp/1581343841/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1508885753&sr=8-1&keywords=case+for+classical+christian+education" target="_blank">The Case for Classical Christian Education</a> by Douglas Wilson</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Educating-WholeHearted-Child-Clarkson-Sally/dp/1932012958/ref=pd_sim_14_6?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=WB1Q677WR8MM1VN7NTKT" target="_blank">Educating the Whole Hearted Child</a> by Clay Clarkson</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Philosophy-Education-Home/dp/0648063372/ref=sr_1_12?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1508885886&sr=1-12&keywords=charlotte+mason" target="_blank">A Philosophy of Education</a> by Charlotte Mason</div>
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Podcasts:</div>
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<a href="http://www.adelectableeducation.com/" target="_blank">A Delectable Education</a></div>
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<a href="https://amongstlovelythings.com/" target="_blank">Read-Aloud Revival</a></div>
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<a href="http://iew.com/help-support/podcast" target="_blank">Institute for Excellence in Writing</a></div>
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Happy learning, friends!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05264863253531187300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885161009402076816.post-24047319270129376842017-09-09T18:53:00.000-07:002017-10-24T12:25:31.332-07:00CC Cycle 3 Week 1: ColumbusSo, I have a confession to make.<br />
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This is our first repeat cycle with Classical Conversations. Although I very fervently believe in the process (and I do), I wasn't exactly sure what our first repeat cycle would look like. After all... the last time we learned about American history, my kiddos looked like...</div>
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....<i><a href="http://strassnerfamily.blogspot.com/2014/09/she-goes-to-kindergarten.html" target="_blank">this</a></i>.</div>
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Oh my. Blast from the past, right? </div>
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When we began CC, Leah was four and a half and beginning kindergarten. Logan was just two, and little Livvy was all of about one month old. Back then, I was extremely impressed by the incredible acquisition of facts, retention of dates, and advanced vocabulary CC provided. </div>
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But. Three cycles? The <i>same </i>three cycles repeated for the next seven years? Would it really work?</div>
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As we began this week, it took literally three minutes for my faith in the Classical method to be confirmed. Because, my kid? She <i>knows this stuff</i>. She doesn't remember it all, exactly, but this information is definitely in there. </div>
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It was so much fun to see the marked difference between Leah and Logan - who learned everything together last year at roughly the same pace. Logan is going through this information for the first time, and I have to go slow, pause often and repeat many times (which is perfectly normal. This is the foundational part of the Classical process, and he is doing an amazing job!).<br />
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What is so incredible, what I had heard stories of but had never yet witnessed for myself, is the incredible growth that happens as they go through the information again. Leah hears it once and has it because <i>she remembers this information from three years ago</i>. It's CRAZY! AMAZING!! And most of all, delightful. Such a joy to bear witness to this beautiful learning process. Because she has the vocabulary down, we can begin to go deeper and explore topics with dimension and enthusiasm. </div>
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This week's focus was on Columbus, who, I'll be honest, we've read rather a lot about in the past. So, although we refreshed our memories on the basics, we didn't spend a ton of time on him and focused our attention instead to what life was like as the first colonists began to build their lives in the New World.</div>
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This week's reading list: </div>
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This Country of Ours by H.E. Marshall: The Adventures of John Smith</div>
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Story of the World: Columbus</div>
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Roanoake: The Lost Colony by Jane Yolen</div>
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Paddle to the Sea Ch. 3</div>
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Burgess Animal Book by Thornton Burgess</div>
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The Adventurous Life of Myles Standish by Cheryl Harness</div>
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Beautiful Stories from Shakespeare by Edith Nesbit: Two Gentlemen of Verona</div>
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Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne</div>
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Poetry: When We Were Very Young by A.A. Milne</div>
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Composer: J.S. Bach (Becoming Bach by Tom Leonard)</div>
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Picture Study: <a href="https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/10835" target="_blank">Mrs. Noah Smith and Her Children</a> by Ralph Earl (1798)</div>
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We are focusing our attention on one virtue per month. This month, we're learning about Respect. They've defined it and memorized a Bible verse to support the virtue.</div>
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This week, we identified and practiced some ways that we can show respect in our actions, and read about how even wolves use respect as an important part of their pack dynamic.</div>
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Since it was our first week back with CC, we set up the science notebooks I created for them. Each week, they'll do a brief reading and activity to reinforce our science memory work (which focuses on anatomy and chemistry this year).</div>
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It's so fun to watch the little things that kids enjoy. Coloring and getting to decorate their science notebooks with stickers took so much longer than I'd anticipated, because they were so excited and took such care in their work.</div>
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When they had at last adequately beautified their notebooks, it was time to get down to business.</div>
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As my pre-writer, Logan is practicing cutting and pasting his together. </div>
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At 7, Leah reads through the information for us and can write her own answers. </div>
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And, of course, my little Livvy, hard at work. The ways in which she keeps herself busy as we do school are truly a wonder. Someday, I'll have to do a post on what she does while we do school. It's pretty impressive in its own right. </div>
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The two big ones also watched, with alternating disappointment and awe, the Disney movie <i>Pocahontas</i>. Awe because, well, it might be one of the most astonishingly beautiful movies Disney has ever done. And the soundtrack?! It <i>wow</i>-ed us. Having read several accounts of both Pocahontas's and John Smith's life, the plot line left something to be desired. </div>
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BUT --- the fact that they recognized and discussed that all on their own? I'll take it! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05264863253531187300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885161009402076816.post-49248658837439202542017-09-08T20:38:00.000-07:002017-10-19T20:40:18.858-07:0022 Weeks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My fancy guy.</div>
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Five months old (yesterday). </div>
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Love, love that bow-tie boy.</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05264863253531187300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885161009402076816.post-76727358396669043712017-09-03T16:54:00.000-07:002017-10-20T18:44:53.309-07:00Back to (home)school: week 2A few important things happened this past week, so as quickly as it began, our homeschool routine was slightly interrupted.<br />
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The great part about homeschooling is, you get to roll with whatever life slings at you. It's really no biggie.<br />
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We went to the zoo on Monday to celebrate our oldest son's birthday. Our local zoo is doing an exhibit that includes dinosaurs, and it's amazing. The kids had a great time. Plus... field trip! Bonus!<br />
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Side note: man, oh man... our number two is five!!!!<br />
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Seriously, how'd that happen so fast?</div>
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Okay, I digress. Week two.<br />
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Continuing with our Native American unit, this week's reading included:<br />
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This Country of Ours by H.E. Marshall: How America was Named</div>
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Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare</div>
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Shi-Shi-Etko by Nicola Campbell</div>
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Book of America: Father Junipero Sera</div>
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Paddle to the Sea by Holling C. Holling</div>
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Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne</div>
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The Burgess Animal Book by Thornton Burgess</div>
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Poetry: The Oxford Illustrated Book of American Children's Poems</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRZiIIjW7otTX7KbV_RHo2wzCgSniRxyhmuTrSSkNjTzcARDq2B_EilKUaIKbru_USYJ1kQsZ1DKw8FQvsCoiITCGenPhPnsDjK1ghu4KuRUb-BT6zuyAZXFF7aL2wIbIignWAgGyLxKI/s1600/DSC_8127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRZiIIjW7otTX7KbV_RHo2wzCgSniRxyhmuTrSSkNjTzcARDq2B_EilKUaIKbru_USYJ1kQsZ1DKw8FQvsCoiITCGenPhPnsDjK1ghu4KuRUb-BT6zuyAZXFF7aL2wIbIignWAgGyLxKI/s640/DSC_8127.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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(By the way... how much do you love my rock star hair? Homeschool. There's a lot of coffee, but not a lot of hair brushing.)</div>
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Composer: We began our study of <a href="https://www.classicsforkids.com/pastshows.asp?id=31" target="_blank">Johann Sebastian Bach</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYuWzTCfY-4UpSUSdhi_Ze51xsmtfX_CyZIte-CJ3j2FHOO1bxv84rCppD60iAe663DfubOiUPt_PP20jvvQyF4p7GtaNLbyhR-L2i3P9D4leNgCuwt2PyujpR2OJdbQFgikiWMO5iWV0/s1600/DSC_7881-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1142" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYuWzTCfY-4UpSUSdhi_Ze51xsmtfX_CyZIte-CJ3j2FHOO1bxv84rCppD60iAe663DfubOiUPt_PP20jvvQyF4p7GtaNLbyhR-L2i3P9D4leNgCuwt2PyujpR2OJdbQFgikiWMO5iWV0/s640/DSC_7881-001.JPG" width="456" /></a></div>
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Picture Study: <a href="https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/97.29.3/" target="_blank">The American School </a>by Matthew Pratt (1765)</div>
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We read about the symbolism behind many native tribes' jewelry and headdress, and made our own as well: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5vZDSW1OiasULCOZKSlLl8Tf4h5UydUhQ-eCeOs3_Mkp5xDBdfGruuXFP5RpMpdCzg8sQ32OsWGNnFntzQZaGvBbe1hHr_3yRt9xjwOOVHtG71PwYufzHo-kOs_P9vPhmF1_TXXRYMp0/s1600/20170919_114415%25280%2529+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5vZDSW1OiasULCOZKSlLl8Tf4h5UydUhQ-eCeOs3_Mkp5xDBdfGruuXFP5RpMpdCzg8sQ32OsWGNnFntzQZaGvBbe1hHr_3yRt9xjwOOVHtG71PwYufzHo-kOs_P9vPhmF1_TXXRYMp0/s640/20170919_114415%25280%2529+%25281%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiApKxdGxugKNgpwdS-jDE4kzHj4HlDO6dQBFMhxbzedHK3tVne1ww-1rNzztI9_BrFSo-OusQojlig9ugn7BP93yIZJ8sL6fx2-Hrn7SEG6ppv89ps2i3ktyT9omuzJXWpnUVm63dL30o/s1600/DSC_8138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1063" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiApKxdGxugKNgpwdS-jDE4kzHj4HlDO6dQBFMhxbzedHK3tVne1ww-1rNzztI9_BrFSo-OusQojlig9ugn7BP93yIZJ8sL6fx2-Hrn7SEG6ppv89ps2i3ktyT9omuzJXWpnUVm63dL30o/s640/DSC_8138.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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We also began our study of virtues with Respect.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZlUf-_vRPhAqD2Rpnfe5shS1b7c3wWb8_rzerl5fYz4zr1oYSVnriBKcvQY6dMprpw26IPvsg8Z8q_V5Qjo_1e6kWyCumciuXveGfM61Cxn2ahKHJLIK69r1IftbniRB0VknlR2Zl1I8/s1600/DSC_8124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZlUf-_vRPhAqD2Rpnfe5shS1b7c3wWb8_rzerl5fYz4zr1oYSVnriBKcvQY6dMprpw26IPvsg8Z8q_V5Qjo_1e6kWyCumciuXveGfM61Cxn2ahKHJLIK69r1IftbniRB0VknlR2Zl1I8/s640/DSC_8124.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And took a nature walk, complete with a little nature journaling.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfeyX-etCSe81SyWJKHJzYiEMnwRDkklYP549ns6dIFXfaUWai4LdyEWlQIX6d39522tIl9wdgYGkD0bJxCAYGTy9smZPSaPhCvNfhk1mubWELyp-11kqjuo3ysFrxZUp2kkYtv8y7Q4E/s1600/20170818_133143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfeyX-etCSe81SyWJKHJzYiEMnwRDkklYP549ns6dIFXfaUWai4LdyEWlQIX6d39522tIl9wdgYGkD0bJxCAYGTy9smZPSaPhCvNfhk1mubWELyp-11kqjuo3ysFrxZUp2kkYtv8y7Q4E/s640/20170818_133143.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxvOjIE6XWdC7GuxpdeAVAPJXhG-dXSSx0SCK2k_Io-m3iJ1aYCSS8n7-CRPWIZRkGCDnUSFm50rOvGr7ywfw1x1fCGV7ygea01aXQihi-bpORHebvvCFxrwL6oAkTfrCdbhjwRRsbIEw/s1600/20170818_133228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxvOjIE6XWdC7GuxpdeAVAPJXhG-dXSSx0SCK2k_Io-m3iJ1aYCSS8n7-CRPWIZRkGCDnUSFm50rOvGr7ywfw1x1fCGV7ygea01aXQihi-bpORHebvvCFxrwL6oAkTfrCdbhjwRRsbIEw/s640/20170818_133228.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmOZOIM-dOfoKtWVOFo7eOcGNFwYrZqlb6Ioa727cD335idNe4u8AUxgU6NUZGmP8zEv4RqxtMaAkn88N5fPcHy3Vov3tTSjM0SLpn5pGWrVuGaNUB3l2Q_J4jG1ljLL2MSjDUiAS_L1Y/s1600/20170818_133316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmOZOIM-dOfoKtWVOFo7eOcGNFwYrZqlb6Ioa727cD335idNe4u8AUxgU6NUZGmP8zEv4RqxtMaAkn88N5fPcHy3Vov3tTSjM0SLpn5pGWrVuGaNUB3l2Q_J4jG1ljLL2MSjDUiAS_L1Y/s640/20170818_133316.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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And, of course, finished the week with some rather emotional goodbyes. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_7WiY7bmC0zMgtrKtyqKkZYGqg9qOLgsHhuJIaEW8EPEGe5yD2BHDusQNDZ0dYN5WMQWfBU53T9sSjLZptgArWP5rmGGPyCG_BI1IRSrpQ08Y8o1GSNXoJUR5s5dz_GmDIaCQQv-W4AY/s1600/DSC_8163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_7WiY7bmC0zMgtrKtyqKkZYGqg9qOLgsHhuJIaEW8EPEGe5yD2BHDusQNDZ0dYN5WMQWfBU53T9sSjLZptgArWP5rmGGPyCG_BI1IRSrpQ08Y8o1GSNXoJUR5s5dz_GmDIaCQQv-W4AY/s640/DSC_8163.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And a whole 'lotta love.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEittt27ADCgDVHqOTh2jJusMjYRnlxGfQvNmvQ-aXSfC-J8maGL2DoU32WbXLwidv6Ooyz97hZihe2CEYGwTHtXioeppGBfS5xWl4L0v-2Ow8bPpQDW-5CgD_NjTyHRTOu1ibz1AkTxNdw/s1600/DSC_8152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEittt27ADCgDVHqOTh2jJusMjYRnlxGfQvNmvQ-aXSfC-J8maGL2DoU32WbXLwidv6Ooyz97hZihe2CEYGwTHtXioeppGBfS5xWl4L0v-2Ow8bPpQDW-5CgD_NjTyHRTOu1ibz1AkTxNdw/s640/DSC_8152.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05264863253531187300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885161009402076816.post-5131899037079053302017-09-01T14:12:00.000-07:002017-10-19T14:13:01.736-07:0021 Weeks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX9Z7NaRbBlEVgeegM7qofxHeEgwjxUX9dULehFjpVPsP5C8xcAM4UC6B6_jUkCXTuaqXIQOywDngleELEFkP5W72cSRUDKsYZfeHnDCz0CUg5vqh1nyA49NXt45jQLR3yrJ3e4IezILU/s1600/21+weeks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1325" data-original-width="1600" height="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX9Z7NaRbBlEVgeegM7qofxHeEgwjxUX9dULehFjpVPsP5C8xcAM4UC6B6_jUkCXTuaqXIQOywDngleELEFkP5W72cSRUDKsYZfeHnDCz0CUg5vqh1nyA49NXt45jQLR3yrJ3e4IezILU/s640/21+weeks.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05264863253531187300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885161009402076816.post-69657331990070401672017-08-31T22:16:00.000-07:002017-10-19T14:10:52.982-07:00On Hope and feathers<div style="text-align: center;">
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<i><b>Hope is the thing with feathers</b></i></div>
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<i><b>that perches in the soul</b></i></div>
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<i><b>and sings the tune without the words </b></i></div>
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<i><b>and never stops at all.</b></i></div>
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-Emily Dickinson</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsp92NQc8SNTi5LiOg-c546s3Lbt1mfSp9DrfIiohxgQk7MfEjaPNaJJAf_85WY6OACnPe9bZd-e_Vw2rR_knouLiuCwcB2v8K4Hc5NbfPUFNzVr-kOKUYoP8C0Um0dQ6bG1gOVVK5SEk/s1600/DSC_8163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsp92NQc8SNTi5LiOg-c546s3Lbt1mfSp9DrfIiohxgQk7MfEjaPNaJJAf_85WY6OACnPe9bZd-e_Vw2rR_knouLiuCwcB2v8K4Hc5NbfPUFNzVr-kOKUYoP8C0Um0dQ6bG1gOVVK5SEk/s640/DSC_8163.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Our family is embarking on another big transition: Jacob has an opportunity to move back to his home town. As with so many things in this chapter of our lives, it is not my story to tell.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPsK0_hsYeeAtrq-fW1dgL2OzNEw2dwiBxiCH_WvXSW6ikEGecWJnxuR1volxtvDqcNALbygUYoEUApdNiG2NKfiXM_xfu0CyfD0ea0lQtNKBUWWu44S9ZFcHz5lQASaiMiHeBI3U0EIo/s1600/DSC_8169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1063" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPsK0_hsYeeAtrq-fW1dgL2OzNEw2dwiBxiCH_WvXSW6ikEGecWJnxuR1volxtvDqcNALbygUYoEUApdNiG2NKfiXM_xfu0CyfD0ea0lQtNKBUWWu44S9ZFcHz5lQASaiMiHeBI3U0EIo/s640/DSC_8169.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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But, after much prayer and consideration, it became clear that this was the best move for all involved. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCmlE7aezj4byKczMhg3wPD6YWBQGzmPotxFVQ84oVjKHHj7mzdcxICXy6Co5uHvqg1gHckfSFB4Bx7kiElXUhds11fX_LAxQQjIwBjJdGcsOffV_POjKb1-SHErWapfX_wjpHMK7hxVk/s1600/39.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1060" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCmlE7aezj4byKczMhg3wPD6YWBQGzmPotxFVQ84oVjKHHj7mzdcxICXy6Co5uHvqg1gHckfSFB4Bx7kiElXUhds11fX_LAxQQjIwBjJdGcsOffV_POjKb1-SHErWapfX_wjpHMK7hxVk/s640/39.1.jpg" width="422" /></a></div>
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Our goal from the beginning has been to take the next right step, out in faith. We are convinced that this is the next right step, too. After all, we were only ever standing in the gap to help this young man. </div>
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Hope has made such an enormous difference. </div>
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We love you, Jake, and wish you well!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05264863253531187300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885161009402076816.post-17959102381529582212017-08-28T14:02:00.000-07:002017-10-19T14:03:16.396-07:00A letter to my sonSweet boy,<br />
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You won't remember the day like I do. The day I walked (and walked and walked) and prayed and talked to you and smiled throughout one whole night and another whole day. You won't remember how I whispered to you over and over again, encouraging you and wishing you into the world. You won't remember the monumental effort it took to get you out, or the the way I laughed and cried when I finally (FINALLY!) saw your little face.<br />
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You won't remember how much I cherished you in that warm hospital blanket.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjor69Pp6ye1e5DcTo-XkOJsIJr0SEY4VbWpVzYGasoO24XmSc1hBe0-zRfDFDBV3QohTOJOeCIX3qjBk3FgOxSuXxISfu2BK6c6jo_W5FcaxmPrm-brmolo64wOGfm9Zpvpe7gjL9Oplc/s1600/DSC_8814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1144" data-original-width="1600" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjor69Pp6ye1e5DcTo-XkOJsIJr0SEY4VbWpVzYGasoO24XmSc1hBe0-zRfDFDBV3QohTOJOeCIX3qjBk3FgOxSuXxISfu2BK6c6jo_W5FcaxmPrm-brmolo64wOGfm9Zpvpe7gjL9Oplc/s640/DSC_8814.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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You won't remember the sleepless year that followed. The thousands of kisses. The belly laughs. The first bites of food. You won't remember how I watched, breathless, as you took your first steps.</div>
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It is my honor as your mother to carry the moments you'll never remember for both of us, allowing them to lay the path on the road to the man you are meant to be. YOU are going to be something else, my wonderful son. </div>
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At five, you are beloved of everyone who meets you. You bring smiles and joy. You give the very best hugs. You are so funny, full of motion and sometimes even wild. Your grin, with its missing front tooth, lights up every room you enter. </div>
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I love you with a fierce devotion that defies measurement. I see the way you have grown in this last year, the way your puffy hands and legs have lengthened and become strong and certain. I <i>love </i>them at five; but it is a love that carries with it the memory of tiny fingers, of chubby, wobbly legs and a soft body that once sought comfort and rest inside my embrace. </div>
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You are growing into the most amazing you. I'm so grateful to get to be a part of it. </div>
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All my love and hugs, precious boy,</div>
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xoxo</div>
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Mommy</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05264863253531187300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885161009402076816.post-17863044128670271612017-08-26T21:59:00.000-07:002017-09-14T22:19:49.147-07:0020 weeks, stats and updates<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM_STkeDTcqav5ID1WX2sPvOQKmugVykQaU8y6fihmnTSINgzdVCXZ073EQpAdyab5k-2vKHbQkdhKtl0ryznULnXJIJi_h574aFPF7EXC0MY5HcVpRlxZaQzsKq_RWQTCORgalDt5ODs/s1600/20+Weeks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1550" data-original-width="1600" height="618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM_STkeDTcqav5ID1WX2sPvOQKmugVykQaU8y6fihmnTSINgzdVCXZ073EQpAdyab5k-2vKHbQkdhKtl0ryznULnXJIJi_h574aFPF7EXC0MY5HcVpRlxZaQzsKq_RWQTCORgalDt5ODs/s640/20+Weeks.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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So this definitely should have been in my post last week, but Mr. Luke weighed in at a whopping 16.13 lbs at his four month check up. Almost four pounds <a href="http://strassnerfamily.blogspot.com/2014/12/four-months.html" target="_blank">heavier than my last child </a>at this age, but still <a href="http://strassnerfamily.blogspot.com/2013/01/excessive-thriv-ation.html" target="_blank">smaller than his brother</a>. And, also: <a href="http://strassnerfamily.blogspot.com/2010/07/big-girls.html" target="_blank">Leah</a>.<br />
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His ginormous head is off the charts. They stop measuring at the 99th percentile, so that's where he officially ranks. In reality, it sits fairly high above that growth arc. <br />
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He sleeps <i>so </i>well through the night. I'm <i>such </i>a lucky momma. He falls asleep easily between 6:30 and 7, wakes to eat when I go to bed between 10:30 and 11, and usually sleeps until around 2. It's fantastic. <br />
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But, to reassure you that there are no perfect humans, his nap schedule sucks. This child cannot get over the 45 minute sleep cycle, and would currently prefer to take 5-6 naps per day and still be cranky at me after each one. You know... because 45 minute naps suck for all involved! <br />
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I keep thinking he is going to pop a tooth or two, but so far, he continues to be a drooly, mouthy hot mess of gums. But, he does give amazing kisses, so we'll forgive him.<br />
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He is rolling. His favorite place to sleep is on his side, so long as he doesn't accidentally roll onto his stomach in his sleep. <br />
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He's just my favorite tiny person. I love that chunky monkey so!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05264863253531187300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885161009402076816.post-28178512964759896452017-08-25T21:39:00.000-07:002017-09-14T21:44:41.513-07:00Back to (Home) School: Week 1 A few additional highlights from week 1.<br />
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I'd be remiss if I didn't talk at least a little about this cool, rare(ish) thing that happened: a solar eclipse!<br />
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Someone in our family (<i>ahem</i>: I have no idea who that someone might be...) was a little slow on the uptake and neglected to get the cool solar glasses that were going around. Fortunately, amazon visits our house often, and the internet has great ideas.<br />
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We did a little role-playing to explain how the orbits of earth, moon and sun all conspire to create an eclipse.</div>
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Although, even afterward, Logan was convinced the astronomical phenomenon was purely in celebration of their first day of school. </div>
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We took full advantage of our status as homeschoolers to enjoy the entire effect. In Colorado, the eclipse was nearly total, which created a fun and eerie atmosphere in which to work and read.</div>
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And play, of course.</div>
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The light. It was SO cool!</div>
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We will begin Classical Conversations in two weeks, but since this year's cycle centers around American History, we began our own studies - <i>naturally </i>- with a short but oh-so-fun Native American unit. </div>
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The kids had a great time. Quick break-down of our readings and activities, since I didn't get pictures of everything: </div>
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This Country of Ours by H.E. Marshall: How Columbus Fared</div>
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Pocahontas by Ingri d'Aulaire</div>
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The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush by Tomie dePaola</div>
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Jingle Dancer by Cynthia Smith</div>
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The Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare</div>
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Paddle to the Sea by Holling C. Holling</div>
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The Burgess Animal Book by Thornton Burgess</div>
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Thanks to the Animals by Sebastian Allen</div>
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The Legend of the Grand Canyon (Book of America)</div>
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Winnie the Pooh by A.A.Milne</div>
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Poetry: When We Were Very Young by A.A. Milne</div>
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Composer: Review from last year (Mozart, Haydn and Beethoven)</div>
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Picture study: <a href="http://withart.visitphilly.com/artworks/penns-treaty-with-the-indians/" target="_blank">Treaty of Penn with the Indians</a> (Benjamin West, 1771)</div>
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We made <a href="https://earlylearningideas.com/feather-necklace-fine-motor-activity-for-kids/" target="_blank">these feather necklaces</a>, and read about the culture and lifestyle of several different tribes of Native Americans.</div>
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As our weekly virtues study, we wrote and memorized Charlotte Mason's student motto to kick off our school year: </div>
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I AM, I CAN, I OUGHT, I WILL</div>
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On our first day of school, we relish getting dressed up and taking photos...</div>
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...but it doesn't take us very long to return to our natural (and favorite) attire: jammies! Although we've been working on setting an alarm and training ourselves in the morning to dress, tidy and make beds before we come downstairs - tasks that they are absolutely doing awesome with, I might add - I relented by Thursday.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN87ypZ726lv_5HjUf4PlDCaGlj7Gb3XnMPOh0f0EqraowVZmfJpl5_AfPMiEsj96jAFfL0bdWozemZJj0Ke629n2ZfM-jQY3aoZ_5MzjeV-VsNJDJ6xefqAj4SPGbtD11UftPU9P7_Sw/s1600/DSC_7912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN87ypZ726lv_5HjUf4PlDCaGlj7Gb3XnMPOh0f0EqraowVZmfJpl5_AfPMiEsj96jAFfL0bdWozemZJj0Ke629n2ZfM-jQY3aoZ_5MzjeV-VsNJDJ6xefqAj4SPGbtD11UftPU9P7_Sw/s640/DSC_7912.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Now I see the secret of the making of the best persons. </i></div>
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<i>It is to grow in the open air, and to eat and sleep with the earth.</i></div>
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Livvy Joy is a champ when it comes to keeping herself busy during our school day. It doesn't take very many activities, and she stays busy for the roughly four hours as we do school. That child is dedicated to her play, and has such creativity and imagination. Logan joined us for a "formal"-ish preschool when he was three, but I am so content to let Livvy play and touch and experience. <br />
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One thing that so appeals to me about Charlotte Mason an Classical Conversations: flexibility. We have a handful of regular workbooks - math and writing, to be precise - but so much of what we do can be moved around to suit our weekly schedule. We're not glued to the table; we're free to take advantage of the beautiful outdoors, or even, through the magic of audio books, take it on the road.</div>
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Of course, that's not to say that I don't have a schedule we adhere to regularly. Children thrive on routine, so most of what we do follows a predictable pattern. But if we're having an off day, if a toddler needs extra love or a baby insists on taking five naps instead of two, I'm at perfect liberty to can whatever we're doing, change or tweak it appropriately or simply move it around to another day. </div>
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<i>The object of education is to teach us to love what is beautiful.</i></div>
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- Socrates</div>
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I think my favorite moment of the week, however, was the addition of something new. Something I've never done before.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4E8qAyCZQOFgGTGQ41FuoO0XidWYKv2XwBbCKwUAQIiG-fvu42Aznbbsy-0FIvAIt9m14966XpfvPBaKrokxsvq87YPNidvZ3RG_N09-t8Ff_RQTZUu3x6hy_8J-nCtPVR-jrFed7KTc/s1600/DSC_7916-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1146" data-original-width="1600" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4E8qAyCZQOFgGTGQ41FuoO0XidWYKv2XwBbCKwUAQIiG-fvu42Aznbbsy-0FIvAIt9m14966XpfvPBaKrokxsvq87YPNidvZ3RG_N09-t8Ff_RQTZUu3x6hy_8J-nCtPVR-jrFed7KTc/s640/DSC_7916-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I called it our Thursday Think. It's an incredibly simple idea, really. </div>
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I wanted to know what they remembered from our week of learning. What they had taken in; what they were passionate about. Which subjects resonated with them or questions still lingered.</div>
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I rolled a large sheet of butcher paper across our table, put out the pastels and most of the materials we'd used during the week... and off they went!</div>
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I <i>love </i>what came pouring out of them. </div>
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I discovered that Logan likes to write. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfATUzOoSMse_YHVCcR8nbhhMYoH9XtMN4hjWuNWqM4GNTfRysFQcqRY15blogs6evN70t30_SDh4jfu4smophuKXp7L5Z4QaNjekuZRCwP73_rOBemCDq-EWbQadH973FleldOx5JfcM/s1600/DSC_7953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfATUzOoSMse_YHVCcR8nbhhMYoH9XtMN4hjWuNWqM4GNTfRysFQcqRY15blogs6evN70t30_SDh4jfu4smophuKXp7L5Z4QaNjekuZRCwP73_rOBemCDq-EWbQadH973FleldOx5JfcM/s640/DSC_7953.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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He wanted to write more than he wanted to draw. I did <i>not </i>see that one coming. He also has quite the knack for spelling... even if not for spacing his words. (For the record, that purple one reads, "Is Logan here mom? No.")</div>
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And Leah, as ever, is my perfectionist. This, with it's lack of structure, kid-driven, no-right-answer was way outside of her comfort zone... but she kinda loved it.</div>
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And my little artist Livvy adored this project. She sat and colored for an hour straight. We're gonna need more pastels.</div>
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And then on Friday, to wrap up our week, it was time to head to their enrichment program.</div>
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Just in case life wasn't rich enough already.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05264863253531187300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885161009402076816.post-22406562945633273822017-08-22T07:44:00.000-07:002017-08-26T07:47:35.563-07:00First Day of School 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We're back!</div>
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And it was a GREAT first day back!</div>
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I used to love setting up my classroom for the first day of school. There is such excitement in the air! I couldn't help but try to bring that same feeling into our school, even if it is predominantly at the kitchen table. </div>
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I found these adorable <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Growth-Mindset-Affirmations-Posters-for-Primary-Grades-3242609" target="_blank">growth-mindset posters</a> and decided they were just begging to become a banner.</div>
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So, there are a few big days in our house. Wonderful days that tingle with excitement. Christmas, birthdays of course, and... the first day of school. </div>
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The kids were so stinking adorable. We've been practicing waking up to the alarm for the past several weeks, and they have been doing a good job. But a full 30 minutes before the alarm went off, I could hear the eager rustling of blankets. As soon as it went off, little feel came jumping out of bed. They couldn't wait to get downstairs!</div>
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They were SO excited!</div>
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Leah is going through a "posing" phase.</div>
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Then, we started school, as we do every day, with a little dancing. Of course, between my bed rest, the hospital visits, Luke's birth and my recovery from surgery, we haven't started our school days with dancing for a <i>loooooong </i>while. </div>
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August's song of choice: <i>ABC </i>by the Jackson Five.</div>
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Oh Yeah!</div>
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We always kick off our school year with a treasure hunt for school supplies. It's one of the highlights of our first day.</div>
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They LOVE running from place to place all over our house, seeking out treasures they'll use for the school year.</div>
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Our little stone-faced Livvy. I swear, she had fun!</div>
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With a 7 and almost 5 year old, I was able to get a little more creative this year than ever before. It was FUN!</div>
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We had such a great first day. I am so excited about school with these little faces!</div>
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It's going to be an AWESOME year!</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05264863253531187300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885161009402076816.post-66005517122320071642017-08-18T07:48:00.000-07:002017-08-26T07:48:48.759-07:0019 Weeks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05264863253531187300noreply@blogger.com0