While making soup today, a weekly event at our house, I decided fresh bread would be the perfect compliment. I don't have a bread maker, or any other fancy kitchen equipment for that matter, so I assumed this would be quite the challenge.
I headed over to The Pioneer Woman and found the easiest beer bread recipe that could possibly exist. While my beer bread was baking baby was napping and big girl was outside with Daddy, who was home from work early. I used this time to avoid housework and dishes and browse PW's website, as I've done several times before. I'm also a Facebook fan and keep up there, so I should know a bit about Pioneer Woman--right?? Not so much.
What I have never before that moment noticed is that PW homeschools. I was SO surprised to see this, despite the fact that the link is right on her homepage. Funny how we are irrelevant to things until they become important to us. I read the homeschooling portion of her website and found myself very encouraged.
Later in the day I got a link to this blog from a friend, only to find another homeschooling family.
I'm beginning to think the only more obvious sign I could receive would be flashing neon lights.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Saturday, January 23, 2010
responsibility
And now some ramblings on the responsibility of motherhood.
I am fascinated by The Duggars. I should be clear that I am far from as strict or dedicated religiously as they are. In fact, I'm not sure exactly what religion they identify themselves with, or what their particular beliefs are. They are famous for being very conservative Christians and for having 19 children. Neither of these things is what fascinates me.
They teach some very practical and wise financial principles, based on living debt free and being frugal. They live in a beautiful custom built home that they built as a family, with no mortgage. Their home is extremely well-organized, despite having 19 children, and runs like a well-organized machine. Furthermore, they home school all of their children. When I watch their show I'm always so impressed by how intelligent their children are. They all have impressive vocabularies, they are well-spoken and witty, and they all seem to possess a remarkable sense of self-confidence. Clearly they are doing something right as parents. I ordered myself their book in late November, really looking for insights on what they are doing that makes them so successful as parents. The thing that stuck out at me was homeschooling. They follow a basic curriculum, but incorporate in the things that are important to them as a family. As it's done at home, they are able to build a strong foundation for their children, based on "character qualities" they deem important, in an environment free from the harsh judgment or ridicule that might come in a public school setting.
I've had some issues with Libby's schooling. I could go on and on, but those who know me know that these are certainly not imagined concerns, and they make me really question my faith in the school system. I'm not talking about little classroom concerns, I'm talking about big picture issues--such as the school going through 3 principals in 3 years, skirting around issues with staff members when numerous complaints have been filed by parents and other faculty alike...
I think Libby is bored in pre-school. It is a large class, with little to no one-on-one attention, and creates an environment difficult for engaging young minds, in my opinion. Socially, I'm honestly appalled at the tween-ish issues I've observed already, at this age. One girl told Libby she had an ugly face and couldn't play with them anymore. This girl is a "frenemy"--something I thought existed only in the much older grades, but clearly occurs here as well. A pattern of bouncing between Libby's best friend and her bully has emerged here, and I'm not thrilled with how it's been handled. Beyond that, I'm seeing Libby start to lose some of her previously overwhelming self-confidence and fearlessness. When we lived in the woods, before she went to school, and had chickens and our gardens and goat she had amazing confidence and fearlessness. She was happy to dig in the dirt, interact with the animals, touch them, feed them, and help with their care. She worked with Daddy in his garden and she had a boldness. Suddenly I'm watching these qualities slowly dissipate, replaced with tears when she gets off the bus and concerns about if she really has an "ugly face."
As the school year has gone on, I find myself annoyed with sending her to school, like it inconveniences us. I can send her to school to color another picture, or I can give her a valuable experience. Libby loves to learn, she loves reading, she loves to explore. Her sister also loves new experiences, exploring, and meeting people. We visit the aquarium frequently, we read at home, and have done projects and crafts at home since Libby was 2 years old. We go on "adventures," whether they take us to our backyard, the park, or a day trip. I think my kids get a fair amount of mental stimulation in our daily happenings.
I've had visions of us ditching preschool and spending our days reading together, having day trips and play dates. Visiting the aquarium and spending time with our hands in the touch tank. Going to the zoo and saying hello to the monkeys and the baby giraffe. Or visiting museums, taking our time in exhibits, letting the girls guide themselves through them, deciding what they want to take in. Of Libby and I at our kitchen table, conversing with her new friends from the alphabet.
Opportunities to teach pop up all the time, and we take advantage of these opportunities. Libby has expressed a desire over the past several weeks to learn about letters. I researched different programs, gave it some time to see if it would come up again, and when I was convinced she was truly interested, ordered this. I've flipped through it and decided we'll start Monday.
I went to the library and collected a stack of books on homeschooling, and ordered books on socialization of homeschooled children, things to consider when making the decision, and different types of homeschooling. I've read countless articles online, forum and blog posts written by other parents, and contacted the leader of a very active local (and surprisingly large for our little corner of the world)homeschooling group for more information.
The sum of all of these things is that I am giving homeschooling some very serious consideration. I'm not saying it's something I'll definitely do, and it's not at all a decision I take lightly. (Which is why I've been researching it since November and now in January am still very much fence sitting and continuing to research the options.) But the more I think about it, the more I think "I could do this." I could tailor their education to their needs, work one on one with each of them. Help foster their interests. Teach them about something, and then take them to go see it. They could continue to participate in programs at the zoo, aquarium, and museum. I see them having meaningful educational experiences, building confidence through creative play and problem-solving, and learning the "character qualities" my husband and I feel are important.
Social interaction would be my biggest concern, but I think we could keep that up as well. We have fairly regular play dates with kids their ages. Libby does gymnastics and will be signed up for soccer once that gets going. If I could continue to allow the opportunities for socialization, I think this could be a great option for us. I still have lots of thinking, praying, and researching to do, but I'm excited at the prospect of taking on this task.
I am fascinated by The Duggars. I should be clear that I am far from as strict or dedicated religiously as they are. In fact, I'm not sure exactly what religion they identify themselves with, or what their particular beliefs are. They are famous for being very conservative Christians and for having 19 children. Neither of these things is what fascinates me.
They teach some very practical and wise financial principles, based on living debt free and being frugal. They live in a beautiful custom built home that they built as a family, with no mortgage. Their home is extremely well-organized, despite having 19 children, and runs like a well-organized machine. Furthermore, they home school all of their children. When I watch their show I'm always so impressed by how intelligent their children are. They all have impressive vocabularies, they are well-spoken and witty, and they all seem to possess a remarkable sense of self-confidence. Clearly they are doing something right as parents. I ordered myself their book in late November, really looking for insights on what they are doing that makes them so successful as parents. The thing that stuck out at me was homeschooling. They follow a basic curriculum, but incorporate in the things that are important to them as a family. As it's done at home, they are able to build a strong foundation for their children, based on "character qualities" they deem important, in an environment free from the harsh judgment or ridicule that might come in a public school setting.
I've had some issues with Libby's schooling. I could go on and on, but those who know me know that these are certainly not imagined concerns, and they make me really question my faith in the school system. I'm not talking about little classroom concerns, I'm talking about big picture issues--such as the school going through 3 principals in 3 years, skirting around issues with staff members when numerous complaints have been filed by parents and other faculty alike...
I think Libby is bored in pre-school. It is a large class, with little to no one-on-one attention, and creates an environment difficult for engaging young minds, in my opinion. Socially, I'm honestly appalled at the tween-ish issues I've observed already, at this age. One girl told Libby she had an ugly face and couldn't play with them anymore. This girl is a "frenemy"--something I thought existed only in the much older grades, but clearly occurs here as well. A pattern of bouncing between Libby's best friend and her bully has emerged here, and I'm not thrilled with how it's been handled. Beyond that, I'm seeing Libby start to lose some of her previously overwhelming self-confidence and fearlessness. When we lived in the woods, before she went to school, and had chickens and our gardens and goat she had amazing confidence and fearlessness. She was happy to dig in the dirt, interact with the animals, touch them, feed them, and help with their care. She worked with Daddy in his garden and she had a boldness. Suddenly I'm watching these qualities slowly dissipate, replaced with tears when she gets off the bus and concerns about if she really has an "ugly face."
As the school year has gone on, I find myself annoyed with sending her to school, like it inconveniences us. I can send her to school to color another picture, or I can give her a valuable experience. Libby loves to learn, she loves reading, she loves to explore. Her sister also loves new experiences, exploring, and meeting people. We visit the aquarium frequently, we read at home, and have done projects and crafts at home since Libby was 2 years old. We go on "adventures," whether they take us to our backyard, the park, or a day trip. I think my kids get a fair amount of mental stimulation in our daily happenings.
I've had visions of us ditching preschool and spending our days reading together, having day trips and play dates. Visiting the aquarium and spending time with our hands in the touch tank. Going to the zoo and saying hello to the monkeys and the baby giraffe. Or visiting museums, taking our time in exhibits, letting the girls guide themselves through them, deciding what they want to take in. Of Libby and I at our kitchen table, conversing with her new friends from the alphabet.
Opportunities to teach pop up all the time, and we take advantage of these opportunities. Libby has expressed a desire over the past several weeks to learn about letters. I researched different programs, gave it some time to see if it would come up again, and when I was convinced she was truly interested, ordered this. I've flipped through it and decided we'll start Monday.
I went to the library and collected a stack of books on homeschooling, and ordered books on socialization of homeschooled children, things to consider when making the decision, and different types of homeschooling. I've read countless articles online, forum and blog posts written by other parents, and contacted the leader of a very active local (and surprisingly large for our little corner of the world)homeschooling group for more information.
The sum of all of these things is that I am giving homeschooling some very serious consideration. I'm not saying it's something I'll definitely do, and it's not at all a decision I take lightly. (Which is why I've been researching it since November and now in January am still very much fence sitting and continuing to research the options.) But the more I think about it, the more I think "I could do this." I could tailor their education to their needs, work one on one with each of them. Help foster their interests. Teach them about something, and then take them to go see it. They could continue to participate in programs at the zoo, aquarium, and museum. I see them having meaningful educational experiences, building confidence through creative play and problem-solving, and learning the "character qualities" my husband and I feel are important.
Social interaction would be my biggest concern, but I think we could keep that up as well. We have fairly regular play dates with kids their ages. Libby does gymnastics and will be signed up for soccer once that gets going. If I could continue to allow the opportunities for socialization, I think this could be a great option for us. I still have lots of thinking, praying, and researching to do, but I'm excited at the prospect of taking on this task.
Friday, January 22, 2010
loves to loved
Next, our happenings this week.
First, Makenzie loves eating with her hands. The messier the better. Anyone who knows Makenzie could tell you this.
Now, we must change loves to loved. This week she decided she prefers the fork. Suddenly she eats like a little lady. Well, a little lady that makes a whole lot of silly faces.
It makes sense--she has a great role model:
Libby recently told me she loves letters, and sees them at school. She suddenly realized that I can read, and was fascinated by it. She asked if I learned about letters at my school, and if she could read too. I took this opportunity to pick up some really basic letter recognition tools. We started this week with A, B, C, and D. We went through daily and named each letter by sight, as well as tracing each letter. I didn't push or force. At one point I told her we were done and started to clean up and she begged to keep going. It feels good to see her wanting to learn.
Tuesday morning I was opening the blinds and saw this. Reminds me why I love where I live:
Thursday we hit the library and picked up some good resources for some research I'm doing (more on that in another blog), and I let the girls pick a book. When we got back it was nice enough out that the girls could spend some time outside. They had a blast and I got soooo many adorable pictures of Kenzie. She loved walking around the yard "exploring" and Libby loved running around.
At one point Libby discovered she could see the moon and the sun, which led to a great discussion about the moon coming up as the sun goes down. She watched with awe, as though it would happen in one great burst.
After running around outside we made muffins--carrot and orange cranberry, and were off to bed early for a big day today. I let Libby "skip" preschool and brought her to the Providence Children's Museum instead. It was fantastic. The museum is so well done and offered activities and exhibits that engaged both girls, not just one or the other. We loved it so much that we bought a membership before coming home. We'll definitely be back soon. It was a fantastic opportunity for Libby to learn in a relaxed, play-oriented environment.
First, Makenzie loves eating with her hands. The messier the better. Anyone who knows Makenzie could tell you this.
Now, we must change loves to loved. This week she decided she prefers the fork. Suddenly she eats like a little lady. Well, a little lady that makes a whole lot of silly faces.
It makes sense--she has a great role model:
Libby recently told me she loves letters, and sees them at school. She suddenly realized that I can read, and was fascinated by it. She asked if I learned about letters at my school, and if she could read too. I took this opportunity to pick up some really basic letter recognition tools. We started this week with A, B, C, and D. We went through daily and named each letter by sight, as well as tracing each letter. I didn't push or force. At one point I told her we were done and started to clean up and she begged to keep going. It feels good to see her wanting to learn.
Tuesday morning I was opening the blinds and saw this. Reminds me why I love where I live:
Thursday we hit the library and picked up some good resources for some research I'm doing (more on that in another blog), and I let the girls pick a book. When we got back it was nice enough out that the girls could spend some time outside. They had a blast and I got soooo many adorable pictures of Kenzie. She loved walking around the yard "exploring" and Libby loved running around.
At one point Libby discovered she could see the moon and the sun, which led to a great discussion about the moon coming up as the sun goes down. She watched with awe, as though it would happen in one great burst.
After running around outside we made muffins--carrot and orange cranberry, and were off to bed early for a big day today. I let Libby "skip" preschool and brought her to the Providence Children's Museum instead. It was fantastic. The museum is so well done and offered activities and exhibits that engaged both girls, not just one or the other. We loved it so much that we bought a membership before coming home. We'll definitely be back soon. It was a fantastic opportunity for Libby to learn in a relaxed, play-oriented environment.
staples
I have several updates, each equally deserving of its own post, so I think I'm going for three in a row here. Work with me.
First, Sunday was Libby's birthday party. It is times like these when, in my opinion, we see who the most important players are in our lives. The "staples" so to speak. People we can truly consider integral parts of our lives, dependable friends and family...our true support network. (This party was somewhat of an exception, as two aunts and their families were absent, and they are most certainly staples in our lives.) I went for low key this time, excusing myself from the usual party prep I go nuts with. Instead, I did chips and dip, and ordered pizza. Made special cupcakes, and ordered some quick, ready to use decorations. It went well.
I hadn't invited my grandfather, as his wife was in ICU and he's preparing for a surgery. I didn't want to burden them with driving over an hour to our house, finding a gift, etc. Apparently word got out, and they showed up. He announced proudly when he got here, "I heard there is a party, and I'm here to crash it!" So cute! And very thoughtful.
Thanks to everyone who came and spoiled the Libster. I have two very blessed kiddos.
First, Sunday was Libby's birthday party. It is times like these when, in my opinion, we see who the most important players are in our lives. The "staples" so to speak. People we can truly consider integral parts of our lives, dependable friends and family...our true support network. (This party was somewhat of an exception, as two aunts and their families were absent, and they are most certainly staples in our lives.) I went for low key this time, excusing myself from the usual party prep I go nuts with. Instead, I did chips and dip, and ordered pizza. Made special cupcakes, and ordered some quick, ready to use decorations. It went well.
I hadn't invited my grandfather, as his wife was in ICU and he's preparing for a surgery. I didn't want to burden them with driving over an hour to our house, finding a gift, etc. Apparently word got out, and they showed up. He announced proudly when he got here, "I heard there is a party, and I'm here to crash it!" So cute! And very thoughtful.
Thanks to everyone who came and spoiled the Libster. I have two very blessed kiddos.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
looking for a clue
On Thursday Libby and I ventured outside to enjoy the snow, before it all melted. At 48 degrees (a virtual heat wave for January in Connecticut) it was the perfect temperature for playing in the backyard.
First, we had a snowball fight.
We then cleared the snow off the ice in the flooded area of our yard (that's another, far less pleasant, story) and "ice skated" like the princesses at the ice show.
Next, we discovered animal tracks throughout the yard.
Which naturally led her on adventure, to find clues about what animals might have visited. If you know Libby, you know this will cause her to break into song:
There were a variety of tracks, and I decided it was safe to assume at least one pair belonged to deer. Obviously these deer would be hungry when they came back, so Libby made them snow cakes. Just having celebrated her birthday a week earlier, she had birthdays on the brain, and thought a baby deer might also be celebrating its birthday. So, she put candles in two of the cakes, just in case.
With that out of the way, Libby went on to make a snow angel. And then two snow angel friends. Her headband fell off during all the arm flapping, and left the appearance of a halo--too bad I know better.
And finally, back inside to get Makenzie up from her nap.
First, we had a snowball fight.
We then cleared the snow off the ice in the flooded area of our yard (that's another, far less pleasant, story) and "ice skated" like the princesses at the ice show.
Next, we discovered animal tracks throughout the yard.
Which naturally led her on adventure, to find clues about what animals might have visited. If you know Libby, you know this will cause her to break into song:
There were a variety of tracks, and I decided it was safe to assume at least one pair belonged to deer. Obviously these deer would be hungry when they came back, so Libby made them snow cakes. Just having celebrated her birthday a week earlier, she had birthdays on the brain, and thought a baby deer might also be celebrating its birthday. So, she put candles in two of the cakes, just in case.
With that out of the way, Libby went on to make a snow angel. And then two snow angel friends. Her headband fell off during all the arm flapping, and left the appearance of a halo--too bad I know better.
And finally, back inside to get Makenzie up from her nap.
Monday, January 11, 2010
sew happy
In 2007, when asked what I wanted for Christmas I told my mother I desperately needed a sewing machine. I wanted to make Libby curtains, as I couldn't find any that were quite what I wanted for her room. I had visions of myself starting with curtains, then quilts, then clothes. Next I would learn to knit and make cute hats, sweaters, baby blankets, and more!
I got my sewing machine for Christmas, and soon after rushed out to a craft store and bought all the accessories--pin cushions, needles, assorted scissors, and iron and ironing board, fabric, zippers, buttons, etc. I tore down the curtains in my living room and studied them. I decided I didn't need a pattern, I would just start cutting and sewing.
After sitting down in front of the machine I realized I should have read the manual. The thread kept breaking free from the needle, I jammed it several times, caused knots and ripped up many seams. Brian apparently knew far more than I, and I could only sew when he was home and able to fix whatever I did to the machine while I worked.
Eventually I finished the curtains, and could not have been more proud of my accomplishment. I might have free-handed them, but they looked better than store bought. My frustration with the process, however, got the best of me, and I packed up my freshly purchased gadget and accessories and tucked them away. Since then, two full years ago, I've spotted my sewing machine, my fabric, my needles and threads, and thought of all the things I could do with it. But I was always quickly reminded of just how impossible it was.
Now that we've moved into our new house, I've decided I'm ready to get going again. This time I'm taking a new approach. I started by reading the manual. Next, I read this. Friday night my husband and I had our "date night" and we sat on the floor in the back corner of Borders, flipping through sewing books and writing down titles of things I'll need to read. I've just picked up this. And although I can't wait to get started, this time I'm going to do it right. I'm going to figure out what the hell I'm doing and stick with it. I might even do it all without Brian's help.
I got my sewing machine for Christmas, and soon after rushed out to a craft store and bought all the accessories--pin cushions, needles, assorted scissors, and iron and ironing board, fabric, zippers, buttons, etc. I tore down the curtains in my living room and studied them. I decided I didn't need a pattern, I would just start cutting and sewing.
After sitting down in front of the machine I realized I should have read the manual. The thread kept breaking free from the needle, I jammed it several times, caused knots and ripped up many seams. Brian apparently knew far more than I, and I could only sew when he was home and able to fix whatever I did to the machine while I worked.
Eventually I finished the curtains, and could not have been more proud of my accomplishment. I might have free-handed them, but they looked better than store bought. My frustration with the process, however, got the best of me, and I packed up my freshly purchased gadget and accessories and tucked them away. Since then, two full years ago, I've spotted my sewing machine, my fabric, my needles and threads, and thought of all the things I could do with it. But I was always quickly reminded of just how impossible it was.
Now that we've moved into our new house, I've decided I'm ready to get going again. This time I'm taking a new approach. I started by reading the manual. Next, I read this. Friday night my husband and I had our "date night" and we sat on the floor in the back corner of Borders, flipping through sewing books and writing down titles of things I'll need to read. I've just picked up this. And although I can't wait to get started, this time I'm going to do it right. I'm going to figure out what the hell I'm doing and stick with it. I might even do it all without Brian's help.
Friday, January 8, 2010
four
My baby turned four today. FOUR. She had a fantastic day - special breakfast (french toast, strawberries, whipped cream), got a visit from Auntie Amy and Laura, and sat front row at Disney Princesses on Ice.
I woke up at 615 am to her screaming "MOM! MOM! MOM!" After rushing to her room she asked, "Can I get out of bed now? I've been waiting in my bed for sixty months!!" She jumped out of bed and immediately surveyed herself to see if she had gotten bigger. Apparently you can only grow on your birthday. Satisfied that she had indeed turned into a four year old, she randownstairs for breakfast, and the fun ensued.
I can't believe she is four. I remember each of her birthdays like it was yesterday. And her sister is truckin' right along behind her, almost 16 months old. I remember my parents saying how fast it goes, but no matter how many times you hear it, nothing will prepare you for how fast it REALLY goes.
As much fun as I had with Libby at the Disney show, I wish Makenzie had been there. She is definitely too young to have enjoyed it, and probably wouldn't have even been able to sit through it...and I don't want to rush away her baby-ness (it goes quickly enough on its own!) I look forward to when she is old enough to enjoy these things. I can't wait to see the two of them together, enjoying the same things.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Why hello
I have created a few blogs but always seem to give up. I just stumbled upon one I gave up a year ago this week. I'm not sure what happened that made me stop blogging, but I am thrilled to be in an entirely new place this time.
I'm Katie, wife of 4 1/2 years to Brian, Mom to Libby and Kenzie, 3 and 1, and full-time undergrad student, graduating in 06/2011. I suppose I'm a "young" mom, which I hear is kind of a big deal, but I don't get it. I also write a national frugal living blog, which is technically a paid gig. However, it pays like shit so I rarely update it.
Thrusting myself back into the blogosphere will hopefully help me keep track of some of the amazing moments that happen with my kiddos, that might otherwise get lost in all the buzz.
We had a fantastic day today--I hung out in my chipmunk pajamas all day (yes, adult size chipmunk pjs), played with my kiddos and watched the snow fall. I'd love to share a picture of Brian and my girls having "band practice," but Makenzie was kind enough to pour coffee on my laptop last week, and my SD slot no longer works.
After bedtime I took a cranberry bubble bath and drank cranberry riesling. Per-fect.
Christmas break is officially over for the Libster and she is back to preschool tomorrow, but we had tons of fun and are looking forward to an exciting week.
I'm Katie, wife of 4 1/2 years to Brian, Mom to Libby and Kenzie, 3 and 1, and full-time undergrad student, graduating in 06/2011. I suppose I'm a "young" mom, which I hear is kind of a big deal, but I don't get it. I also write a national frugal living blog, which is technically a paid gig. However, it pays like shit so I rarely update it.
Thrusting myself back into the blogosphere will hopefully help me keep track of some of the amazing moments that happen with my kiddos, that might otherwise get lost in all the buzz.
We had a fantastic day today--I hung out in my chipmunk pajamas all day (yes, adult size chipmunk pjs), played with my kiddos and watched the snow fall. I'd love to share a picture of Brian and my girls having "band practice," but Makenzie was kind enough to pour coffee on my laptop last week, and my SD slot no longer works.
After bedtime I took a cranberry bubble bath and drank cranberry riesling. Per-fect.
Christmas break is officially over for the Libster and she is back to preschool tomorrow, but we had tons of fun and are looking forward to an exciting week.
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