The Turtle

The Common Room: The Turtle
This was to cool! Go over to the Common Room and read all about it!

Food and Education

So we are always looking for ways to get kids interested in math and science. What could be better that doing that and teaching them practical life lessons. I originally found this site because it has a cool conversion calculator over at the Science of Cooking site. If you further explore the site, there are cool kitchen lab experiments. They even break down the structure of the Maillard Reaction and how to make salt sculptures. Even in the most basic issues, they deal with both the practical and the scientific. One example of this is their answer to why hardboiled eggs have the green ring and how to avoid getting it. So get your kids in the kitchen doing math, science and eating!

The Answers Are....

Here are the answers to the Wednesday feature and remember that they are not according to me;). They are according to the Star Tribune. Let me also say that Julie from Family Jules rocks because she got the most!

1. About 71 percent of the earth's surface is covered by water.

2. The single cells in the brain communicate through electrical and chemical signals.

3. No. Dinosaurs went extinct at the end of the Cretaceous period, 65 million years ago. Modern humans did not appear until around 200,000 years ago.

4. Darwin's theory of species origination says that natural selection chooses organisms that possess variable and heritable traits and that are best suited for their environments.

5. A year, 365 days, is the time it takes for the earth to travel around the sun. A day, 24 hours, is the time it takes for the earth to spin around once on its axis.

6. Solar radiation sunlight is scattered across the atmosphere by a process called diffused sky radiation. The sky is blue because much more short-wave radiation -- blue light -- is scattered across the sky than long-wave radiation -- red light.

7. Rainbows can be seen when there are water droplets in the air and the sun is shining. Sunlight, which contains all colors, is refracted, or bent, off the droplets at different angles, splitting into its different colors of red, yellow, blue, etc.

8. Influenza viruses and others continually change over time, usually by mutation. This change enables the virus to evade the immune system of its host so that people are susceptible to influenza virus infection throughout their lives. Bacteria mutate in the same way and can also become resistant if overtreated with antibiotics.

9. About 3.8 billion years; they're bacteria-like organisms.

10. Adding salt to snow or ice increases the number of molecules on the ground surface and makes it harder for the water to freeze. Salt can lower freezing temperatures on sidewalks to 15 degrees from 32 degrees.

Extra credit: Seasons occur because the earth is tilted at an angle of 23.5 degrees. At certain times of year the top half of the earth leans to the sun and therefore gets more sun and has summer. When that same half of the earth leans away from the sun it gets less light and has winter.

21st century kids

As the rate of technological changes increases (and we approach the Singularity), I'm fascinated with the world my children will accept as normal. Growing up, the 21st century was the future. For my kids, the 20th century will be before their time.

My children think it's normal for TV programs to be paused and commercials to be skipped. That movies and music should come on shiny metallic discs. (They have never seen a vinyl record and are suspicious of audio tapes.) That you can make a phone call from anywhere. That news and weather information are always available on the computer. That there is a computer in the living room!

On Gizmodo today, I saw the end of something kids have "always" had to endure. I'm certain GyroBike, or something like it, will replace training wheels.


What typical things did you grow up with that kids today have no concept of? And what's normal today that 21st century kids will see as icons of the past?

New Weds Feature - Why is the Sky Blue?

Here is a little nerdy quiz to take the place of the quote feature. I will be posting the answers Friday. This is from the Star Tribune in St. Paul, Minnesota

Think you know you know your science? Recently, several science gurus -- Nobel Prize winners, institute heads, teachers and others who spend most of their time thinking about science -- were asked, "What is one science question every high school graduate should be able to answer?"

Take their quiz and see how you do.

1. What percentage of the earth is covered by water?

2. What sorts of signals does the brain use to communicate sensations, thoughts and actions?

3. Did dinosaurs and humans ever exist at the same time?


4. What is Darwin's theory of the origin of species?

5. Why does a year consist of 365 days, and a day of 24 hours?

6. Why is the sky blue?

7. What causes a rainbow?

8. What is it that makes diseases caused by viruses and bacteria hard to treat?

9. How old are the oldest fossils on earth?

10. Why do we put salt on sidewalks when it snows?

Extra credit: What makes the seasons change?

If you dare, post one or more of the answers (or your guess;)! I haven't even given NerdDad the quiz yet!

Everyone, Talk Among Yourselves

I love it but what does everyone else think?

Yom Hashoah

Today is Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day. This is an Israeli holiday but is observed by many everywhere. This is a day in which you remember the 6 million Jews and millions of others killed in the Holocaust. There are a few places to learn more including the Wikipedia and about.com. I recommend reading up on it because the history was very interesting (ok, I'm history nerd). There is also a good editorial in the Jerusalem Post. A question you may have reading this is, "I am not a Jew, I wasn't part of WWII, why should I care?" Well, America and the church stood by while all of this happened. There were many postns at which someone could have effected the outcome. I am not just speaking of military options. I am speaking of the heart. When I think of the extermination of the Kurds or of the outrage in Darfur. What are we to do? These atrocities happened in Eastern Europe and nothing was really said. So what can we do to prevent this terror from being revisited bu anyone. I know that we as a church can support the efforts the US to introduce freedom into the Middle East. Just today I read about an effort to send school supplies to Afgan children. I know that there are missions going on in Darfur. These may seem like little things but if we mobilize it will speak to the world governments. It causes me to think about some of the points in Bono's speech to the National Prayer Breakfast. I just ask everyone to reflect on the reason for the holiday and to think of our roles to prevent these tragedies from occuring again. Be grateful if you live in freedom and pray for all those that don't.

17th Carnival of Homeschooling- Better Late Than Never Edition

The 17th Carnival of Homeschooling is up. Go on over to the Common Room to check it out!

All the News that's Good News

So I am making an effort to not just spread negativity in the blogosphere. So in that vein...There is a website that only shares good news. It is appropriately HappyNews.com. So when you need to see the good in the world or just need a pick me up, pop over.

(HT: With Reckless Abandon)

Oh Happy Day!

Since good news should always be shared! This was taken from the Ben and Jerry's website!

Tuesday, April 25th is Free Cone Day at Ben & Jerry's, and you know what that means... free ice cream for you!

As a way to thank our customers for their support and to celebrate 28 years of scooping the chunkiest, funkiest ice cream, frozen yogurt and sorbet, Ben & Jerry's scoop shops are giving it away!

Around the world, scoop shops are opening their doors from noon to 8:00 pm, to serve up a free scoop of your favorite flavor (or better yet, a new one you've been wanting to try, like Turtle Soup™, Peanut Butter Swirl or Lemonade Sorbet).

Another Snapshot, the NerdPie

So as promised here is a further look into the kooky chaos of our lives. Last week I took my potty training NerdPie (2 1/2) potty before naptime. I was very please that her Pullup was still dry and I told her to tinkle (yes, that is what we call it;). So she stands facing the potty chair. I ask her what she is doing and she delares that she is now "big". Since that wasn't an answer that had anything to do with the question I asked again. She maintains that she is big like her brother. It clicks, I ask if she thinks she is going to tinkle standing up. She says yes and I say no. She is very insistant that she is bit and I state that I sit when I tinkle and that all girls have tosit because we have different private parts. She says once again that she is big. I then say that I am bigger than brother. It finally clicks and she sits down to pee. Next snapsot...the NerdBug.

Click here to read the previous post in this series about the Nerdling.

Life Verse

I have always heard a lot of talk of a "life verse" within the Christian community. I must admit, I always thought it was hooey when I was a kid. The verse people picked were usually because of 1 life altering incident but never really seemed applicable to their whole life. Well, I am reversing my previous position. The year I was married to NerdDad I found my life verse. It is Romans 8:28(NIV version here):

28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

It has always helped me remember that God is bigger than the junk and jerks in our lives. It is also important for me to remember that God is also bigger than the good and ourselves in our lives. So when you are asking why or think you have it all handled, remember that God has had it all planned and handled from the beginning. Read the rest of the chapter if you get a chance, it is life changing.
(HT: With Reckless Abandon)

The Wednesday Feature Answer

Our winner is NerdDad! The quote is from Lord Acton.

A Snapshot of the NerdFamily

If you really want to laugh you need to read the next few posts. I was going to put them all into 1 large post but a)it would be to long and b)your sides would hurt from laughing. So I will start this series with a story in which the Nerdling (9 months old) is at the center. So the enire Nerd Family went out of town for Easter to NerdDad's parents. A day and a half before we left the toilet handle in the master bath broke (actually the plastic arm connected to it, but it isn't important to the story). So we arrive home Monday late afternoon but I must go out to get a piece for the toilet and dinner while I was at it. So I get home and NerdDad greets me at the garage door. "I have something to tell you but, you have to remember we have 3 kids", he saids. Ok, all you moms out there, imagine what is going through my mind. We have 3 kids so... if we have only 1 permantly scarred that is good odds? It was a matter of time until we had a broken bone? Emergency room trip time? So NerdDad goes onto say that the Nerdling was playing nicely on his little blanket. NerdDad was being productive. The other kids were watching VeggieTales. All of a sudden the NerdBug (4 1/2) yells for Dad. The Nerdling has managed to (we assume) crawl about 4 feet and no one has seen it. He has not crawled since so we are not sure if he scooched or crawled. It figures......
Click here for the escapades of the NerdPie...

Is eBay Discriminating against Homeschoolers?

I recently caught a discussion in one of my groups as a little known eBay policy.

Teacher's editions of textbooks and solutions manuals that are intended solely for use by teachers are not permitted by eBay.

Come to find out, Amazon and Half.com (owned by eBay) have the same policy. Now, some people feel this is against homeschoolers. For those of you who don't know, buying used books in order to bargain homeschool. There are 2 real solutions to this quandry. A)You can make your own answer key or B)pay full price. Personally, I think this is an unintended result of this policy. I truly believe this policy is to prevent student cheating. Am I being naive or are others paranoid?

Humor and Truth about Grades

I think this is so cute. I believe that this is a quiet truth. It is unfortunately indicative of the public school system.

Title IX goes to the Math and Science Departments

So over in the Weekly Standard is an article about the expansion of Title IX into math and science departments. Can you say over reaching? How about useless? Here is the premise

Assistant Secretary of Education Stephanie Monroe announced that the Department of Education would be teaming up with the National Science Foundation to investigate the sex disparities in hard sciences--particularly engineering, physics, and computer science--that got former Harvard University president Larry Summers into so much trouble when he broached the subject in an academic meeting last year.

This is the part that really urked me:

She told Inside Higher Education, for example, that because the discrimination faced by women in math and science is often "subtle," the government would investigate policies that result in women "feeling unwelcome" in their pursuit of advanced degrees or tenured positions in the hard sciences. Although Monroe promised to "not simply look at the numbers," the unwelcoming environments for women she intended to investigate were in fact schools where a relatively small number of women pursue postgraduate work or where relatively few women are hired as faculty in math and science.

Now remember that I am a female math and science nerd (and found my loving husband that way;). I think that Sara, over at Reckless Abandon, will agree that we never felt as if we were outsiders. Frankly, nerdy math and science guys are very happy to see girls at all, much less ones that will talk to them. I do know that most math and science departments want women (and not just as eye candy;). Frankly, the more girls they have as students the more $$$ and having female faculty means you can qualify for more grants. Now I do believe that there is a disparity between the male and female enrollment in math and science programs. I do believe that a little part of it does have to do with natural interests but I think more of it may be society based. I think that aiming at younger girls (less than 8th grade) may be a more apropriate effort. Unfortunately, I do think this non math and science bias is past from woman to girl and not male society, but more thoughts on that later.

Wednesday Feature

"Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely"
Think you know? Email me here. Due to the lateness of this post, I will not post the winner until Thursday Afternoon!

Battlestar Galactica/Gilmore Girls Crossover

So I am watching Gilmore Girls with with NerdDad and it happens. Lorelai Gilmore says, "No frakking way". I knew Battlestar was popular but this popular?1?! I am pleased!

Top 20 Advantages to Homeschooling

20. Your kids never tell you that you're a lot dumber than their
teacher.

19. If you can't find matching socks for your child first thing in
the morning, who cares?

18. Cleaning out the refrigerator can double as chemistry lab.

17. Your kids have good reason to think they might get spanked in
school, but no reason to think they'll get beat up by a gang.

16. If the principal gives the teacher a bad evaluation, she can
stick her icy feet against his legs at night.

15. You can post the Ten Commandments on your school room wall and
won't get sued.

14. You never have to drive your child's forgotten lunch to school.

13.Your child will never go to their 20th high school reunion, meet
an old flame, and recklessly abandon their marriage.

12. You get to change more than diapers, you get to change their
minds.

11. If you get caught talking to yourself, you can claim you're
having a PTA meeting.

10. It's better to be slightly concerned about socialization than
very concerned about socialism.

9. Your child will never suffer the embarrassment of group showers
after PE.

8. The only debate about the school lunch program is whose turn it
is to cook.

7. You never have to face the dilemma of whether to take your
child's side or the teacher's side in a dispute at school.

6. If your child gets drugs at school, it's probably Tylenol.

5. The teacher gets to kiss the principal in the faculty lounge and
no one gossips.

4. Your kids recognize that this list is numerically in reverse
order.

3. Your honor student can actually read the bumper sticker that you
have on your car.

2. If your child claims that the dog ate his homework, you can ask
the dog.

1. Some day your children will consider you to be a miracle working
expert and will turn to you for advice.

(HT: Shasta)

Winner of the Wednesday Feature

The winner is Melissa Markham. FDR said this during his First Inaugural Address. Next week will have a new quote and perhaps a new format (I am still refining;).

"We are democrats and progressives." -- The Euston Manifesto

No, not the NerdFamily. We're more of a Ain't You Glad You Joined the Republicans family, and we hate Liberals just as much as anyone else on Dick Cheney's payroll. But what bothers me the most about "democrats and progressives" is that my end political goals (freedom from tyranny, minimization of poverty and its effects, fair treatment for all) are the kinds of things that the Left swoons over.

However, ideas promoted by the Right are attacked as motivated by evil, rather than discussed on their merits. Does a capitalistic marketplace for healthcare actually provide better, cheaper medicine or is it just there so the rich can be heathier? Would tighter borders raise wages and create better working conditions for laborers, or does it just keep "those people" out?

That's why I'm very interested in The Euston Manifesto, a statement of beliefs of a few liberals put out today who are able to see past minor political squabbles and look to the end results. It's primarily focused on foreign policy, but I think it moves the discussion a direction that can really be fruitful. Here's a few samples:

No apology for tyranny.
We decline to make excuses for, to indulgently "understand", reactionary regimes and movements for which democracy is a hated enemy — regimes that oppress their own peoples and movements that aspire to do so. We draw a firm line between ourselves and those left-liberal voices today quick to offer an apologetic explanation for such political forces.

Opposing anti-Americanism.
We reject without qualification the anti-Americanism now infecting so much left-liberal (and some conservative) thinking. This is not a case of seeing the US as a model society. We are aware of its problems and failings. But these are shared in some degree with all of the developed world. The United States of America is a great country and nation. It is the home of a strong democracy with a noble tradition behind it and lasting constitutional and social achievements to its name. Its peoples have produced a vibrant culture that is the pleasure, the source-book and the envy of millions. That US foreign policy has often opposed progressive movements and governments and supported regressive and authoritarian ones does not justify generalized prejudice against either the country or its people.

Now I'm not ready to become a Euston Manifesto signatory (frankly, there are parts of the UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights that leave me a little queasy) but I do support the idea of looking at our core beliefs first, and making political judgements later.

Happy Passover (Again)

Just wanted to wish everyone Happy Pesach and provide you with these lighthearted Passover Greetings.
First, You gotta love JibJab's "Matzah!" (A disclaimer, they do use a bad word but it is quick and painless;). Then you have to toddle over to American Comedy Network's Matzo Man. Last but definately not least, Taglit-birthright Israel has a Passover greeting featuring Elijah the prophet played (sort of) by Elijah Wood.

(HT: Volokh Conspiracy)

Random bits: Fantasy sports edition

This left me speechless. Suffice it to say that when I played RBI baseball (a Nintendo game) with my brothers, it was never quite this dramatic. (Its about eight minutes. Drama takes time.)



(from 1986 World Series Game Six Re-enacted in RBI Baseball)

If that wasn't enough for you sports fans, here's Covering Teen Wolf: One Coach's Guide. which reminds you that "you're not going to stop Teen Wolf entirely, but you can try to contain him".

Wednesday Feature! Who Said It?

Welcome to my new Wednesday Feature, Who Said It? How you play is read the quote and just post a comment saying who and if you are really good when. No Cheating;). I am starting with an easy one so amaze me with your brilliance.

"Only thing we have to fear is fear itself"

Democrats are out Recruiting Again!

Supposedly this was being handed out at a yesterday's Dallas illegal immigrant protest. According to Wizbang this was photographed there. While I don't have any empirical evidence it doesn't suprise me at all. Even if this was not handed out, you can't tell me that this isn't the Democrats goal and point.

A New Feature

So in the spirit of all these Friday Features, I have decided to start a weekly Wednesday Feature. Want to know what it is? Well, come back and check it out;).

A Passover Greeting!

Passover Begins April 12th this year. Have a Happy Passover and enjoy this Greeting! Thanks Richard for the email.

Watch Bono!

So I hope;) everyone who remembers my post on Bono at the National Prayer Breakfast. Well, I now have the video. I will warn eveyone that it is about 20 minutes but I feel well worth it.

I really appreciate his (what I hope are changing) views on believing in God but being cynical of organized religion. I think through all this he (and I hope others) see the power in the community in communion with God. While I have gone through my own issues with churches I believe in them and that I need to be in one. Churches are made of people, all of which are flawed and some (including me) are extremely flawed. This means that there will be failures of the church but hopefully there will also be successes. I also think we need to remember that many people would, like Bono, rather turn to the MTV people and shows than deal with hypocrisy. So we need to be aware that we (Christian or not) are always portraying our beliefs or lack of faith in them.

Journalist Detained for Internet Remarks

Ok, so this is in Saudi Arabia. According to the Arab News:

Saudi journalist Rabah Al-Quwayi, 24, has been detained by Hail authorities in connection with his writings posted on Internet forums, which they allege place his Islamic faith in doubt.

The real reason I am mentioniong this is this part of the article:

The story of Al-Quwayi’s detention goes back to November when he was based in Hail as a part-time reporter for the Okaz newspaper. He said that unidentified people had been tracking his postings on Internet forums regarding religious extremism. His car was subsequently vandalized and a note was left on the dashboard that said: “In the name of God, the Most Gracious and the Most Merciful: This time it is your car but next time it is you. Return to your religion and forsake heresy. This is the last warning.”

Is this not an example of talking out of both sides of their mouths? This contrasting double sidedness does not speak well of Islamic tolerance of ideas. It is similar to an episode of the West Wing were someone said that his district was so patriotic, that if the President came down there he might not make it out alive.
(HT: GOP Vixen)

It a Peep's World!

I have moved this over to my new blog, Nerd Family Things. Go check it out!

Some Reasons to Homeschool in the News!

Ok, so the news doesn't say you should homeschool but these incidents might. First up, a 5 year old has to write a letter apologizing for hugging a little girl back. You read right, she hugged a little girl back. According to TheBostonChannel.com:

At issue is a hug Savannah said she got on the playground from a friend named Sophie. Savannah hugged Sophie back. The hugs resulted in Savannah having to write a letter, complete with teacher corrections, that read, "I touch Sophie because she touch me and I didn't like it because she was hugging me. I didn't like when she hugged me." She said, 'I'm really sad that I got in trouble for hugging,'" Brier said."

There of course is a dispute of the facts:

School Superintendent Mark Masterson told NewsCenter 5 there was a "dispute of the facts between a hug and a lifting of a child off the floor." The superintendent said the school reported "one girl bear hugged another girl and lifted her off the ground. The aide who was monitoring told the teacher. The teacher asked several students to write a note to their parents and describe what happened."

Ok, so if it was just a hug get over it. If it was the bear hug situation, isn't that a learning experience in how to get along (there appears to be no record of a complaint by either child). Not to mention you asking 5 year olds to write a letter of description. 5 year olds, who if they start kindergarten reading they are advanced. The parents are now looking for a new school.

On to the next case. A coach and teacher in Texas was distributing flyers (made and copied with our money on our time) to students encouraging them to attend a political rally protesting immigration law. I don't know what bother me worse the slant, the waste of our tax money and time, or the poor grammer.

Rios, who still retains his duties as an English-as-a-second-language teacher, was copying and distributing a flier that read: "We gots 2 stay together and protest against the new law that wants 2 be passed against all immigrants. We gots 2 show the U.S. that they aint (expletive) with out us (sic)," according to district officials.

At least this teacher is getting disciplined. But it brings us to the issue of "reeducation camps". Now teachers are trying to corrupt them so young you can't even fairly call it "re". Are these the people you want to give influence over your children. Put them in a position of authority, when they contradict you? These are issues to contemplate.....

Mr. & Mrs. Smith

So I just watched Mr. & Mrs. Smith a couple days ago. It was both good and bad. The worse part was if you saw a single commercial you knew the entire plot. It wasn't a portion of the plot or an aspect of the plot, but truly the whole plot. Now that said, it was an ok movie. There was lots of hand to hand fighting without any real gore, so I always enjoy that (uhoh, My violent, agressive side is peeking out). Angelina Jolie really seems made for these type of parts. And yes, that means that I enjoyed Tomb Raider. It was another example of bloodless violence. Brad Pitt was ok, just a standard male action role and portrayal. This is definately not little kids friendly. Between the violence and the sex (it was almost all within the confines of marriage and you didn't see much)it wouldn't make it to a family movie night. So there is my 2 cents;).

Concept Cars and Mobile PADS

GMC has this new concept car, the PAD. I really don't think that this vehicle is a new concept at all. It is a RV aimed at a younger, hipper audience. It is cool looking but I don't know how it would do. I will be watching this to see how popular it becomes. It was at the LA Auto Show and appears to be aimed at people using it almost like an apartment. Do you just park it in a lot or do you have to plug it in? A lot of questions to be answered.
(HT: BoingBoing)

The Mommy Wars

Once again NerdDad came home with a great blog post for me to read. We all know about the mommy wars; working moms vs the stay at homes. Jane Galt was commenting in why there is a battle at all. I really agree with most of what she said about why the battle is raging, especially:

If there's One Right Way to raise a child, I certainly don't know what it is, so I'll stay out of that battle. But I would like to point out that if you think you've found the One Right Way to raise YOUR child, then it does indeed make sense to fight hard to persuade as many other women as possible to make the same choice. If you are at home, working mothers are your enemy, at least until they chuck the rat race, and vice versa.

Why do I say this? Simple: having the majority of people live the way you do has significant positive externalities.

I don't agree with the idea that having NerdDad compete with working mother is a problem for him and his salary. Now, we all know that NerdDad is brilliant and can throw down in the software areana with anyone, so there is no worries;). Go read the article and let me know what you thought!

Lazy Sunday/Monday Raps

Ok, I can't speak for anyone else but I have been overwhelmed with ads for the Chronicles of Narnia DVD by everyone from Christian bookstores to Blockbuster. I got the Lazy Sunday Rap in my head so I decided to just repost an oldie but a goodie....

NerdDad came home with the SNL Lazy Sunday Rap and I loved it. It is hilarious and if you missed it, please check it out. (Just click the Narnia Rap on the side) And now there is the West Coast response with Lazy Monday. Check them out and let me know which is your lazy day;). Do we west coasters really go to Color Me Mine? I have never been but I know I am not cool, so how about the rest of you....

Finally, We Picked a Winner

So, one of the many shows we watch is the most popular American show in the world. According to an article on CNN.com, CSI Miami is the most popular in the world. This is despite its 12th place rating in America. Now, I must say that I am not sure that this truly means this is a good choice for us;). Previous #1 shows are Hunter and Baywatch, both shows I have never liked. As a justifier, it is definately not our favorite show but something we Tivo. So has the world choice get better? Has our taste gotten worse?

Homeschool Carnival

The Homeschool Carnival is up! Go check it out!

A Case for Homeschooling

So I have decided to address specific issues given to me by my non-homeschool friends. These are wonderful parents who, on the whole think homeschooling is a wonderful idea, but are afraid it isn't for them. This is being discussed a lit right now because a bunch of us has kids that will be going into kindergarten next year.
1. Time, Time, Time: Ok, you are preaching to the choir. None of us have enough. Really homeschooling is a more efficient use of time. As our children start attending school the main complaint I hear from my friends is that they have become professional chauffers. You drive them to school and then all the activities. Well, eliminate the driving to school and that frees up a lot of time. As I am doing preschool I start asking around as to how much time I should be devoting. One friend (who is homeschooling 4) said about 1/2 hour 3 times a week for preschool Then start at 1/2 a day for kindergarten and add 1/2 every year until 4th grade. There are sites that advocate an hour a day, 3 hours a day, and 5-10 a week. That is also considering all homework and independent time. Considering the 2 hours a day you spend taking kids to school? I think that more than makes up. Then school is done and you can form your own schedule.
2. Can I really teach them?: Between the wonderful curriculm available and the tutoring clubs for kids in traditional school I say of course. Traditional, we all went through high school. I recommend that you read the lessons before them but are you smarter than your 3rd grader? I hope so;). Also think about all the time most parents spend on homework, reading logs, etc. Aren't you already teaching them?
3. Cost? I am amazed at the great deals that are out there. There are used books, workbooks at Costco and libraries that carry a ton of great books. I bought brand new Explode the Code workbooks at Majesty Bible and Gifts for about $5 each. I also bought a 2 workbook set for kindergarten in Math and reading for less than $12. I just have to watch my Starbucks.
4. I work so I am going to send to private school.: Well, in my area tuition is roughly $5000 a kid, a year. So if you have 4 kids....$20K a year. That means pretax you are looking at 30K a year. The question becomes, do you need to work if you take them out of that pricey school? Not to mention all the people reading this saying, "No one can afford 4 kids". Well, not in private school.

There are many pluses to homeschooling and I am not going to present all of those. These are for all of you out there looking at homeschooling but think you can't or for any of us who happen to know these people. Later I am sure I will present why homeschooling is superior to public school And as all of you are saying "I lived through that" just think, is that all you want for your kids...suvival? But that is another day.

How Mother's of Old Managed it All!

The initial answer to that question is that they didn't. Now to be a little more complete;). Once again I have seen 2 different things on a subject I want to blog upon. The second always serves as a swift kick in the backside. So let me begin at the beginning. A couple of weeks ago NerdDad was watching a Tivo'ed espisode of Modern Marvels on home appliances. I was busy "doing", as a mom does, while he and the Nerdlings were watching. So through the show they were talking about the history behind house maintenance. They talked about the fact that the normal middle class homes all had domestic help. Maids were very commonplace, if not completely necessary if you were going to have children. Today I was reading over at
The Common Room on Schedules. It is a fascinating piece on a Victorian mother and her dilema's, as documented in a Parents Review at the Library of Congress (go over and read it, it is a great piece). Ir refers to her cook and children's nurse.

So the question arises, who lied to me? I always believed that with the advent of home appliances I had sooo much more tume. That just doesn't appear to be true. I do know that in the 1950's domestic help wasn't as common but, that is when Jello and Tang became common. Also that is about the time of the advent of tv dinners. So why do we dog ourselves for not managing it all? It has taken me over 2 hours to write this one post. During that time I washed a load of laundry, made 3 batches of sweet tortilla chips for a Pampered Chef party I am doing tonight, convinced the 4 year old he really did need to poop, washed dishes (by hand even), changed the baby and put hime to bed, made his next bottle, helped the 2 yr old with her puzzle, and a couple other little things. Did mothers of old juggle this much? Shouldn't we show ourselves a little grace? I say this like it will effect how much I do (audible laughing ensues). Well, hopefully we won't judge ourselves quite so harshly.

Search Suprises

Ok, I don't know which is more suprising...What people search for or what we come up on? One of the fun things about having a counter on your blog is that you can see what sites are refering people to you. Well I have found some interesting searches that we come up number one on (at least at the time of posting). Now all these are Google searches.
kol hamesameach
Nerd Particle
was charles spurgeon pro- israel
There are many others that we rank pretty high on and I just find that very interesting!