Exposure to Bullies, Good or Bad?

When it comes to the non-homeschooling world's view of homeschooling I am greatly frustrated. It seems that many people are frustrated with our public schools and admit that homeschoolers have a better grasp on academics. But they don't like a)you are mostly around people who share your views and even more so b)that you are not being exposed to jerks. I was over commenting on an article on Two Babes and a Brain (read that comments too) about a district that is throwing out standards (you know, grades and grading). My natural response was that homeschooling was the perfect option. I was told by someone I respect that she didn't believe in homeschooling for the 2 aforementioned reasons, especially since we as parents aren't going to be around forever to protect our kids. (Don't flame her, I am just using her comments as an example of an argument I hear all the time)

Then I was reading an article on a child that committed suicide over at Why Homeschool as a result of bullying. Henry points out that the public school doesn't effectively deal with a bully nor the issue.

Then I was reading a final article over at Dr. Helen about the workplace being an extension of the school yard and workplace bullies. She began asking why these type of people are allowed to walk all over the rest of us.

People need to learn to control their emotions at work, but those who feel entitled, will continue to hurl abuse at co-workers if they think they can get away with it without any repercussions such as the embarrassment of being called out on the carpet for their tacky and unprofessional conduct.

That is when it all fell into place. As homeschoolers, I hope we are all teaching our kids to a)not be bullies and b)not tolerate be bullied. Imagine how all the world would change with that attitude. Part of the attitude I hear is that we all lived through it but is that a reason to do anything? I personally want better for my kids both how they are treated and how they behave. So I am going to hold onto the fact that we are revolutionizing the world! If the rest of the world is jealous that we are willing to do what can to protect our kids, I am sorry but you can't bully me;).

WFMW: Puzzle Organization

I was thinking up a post for this WFMW and I have to say that my best ones are not my own. The way that I organize my puzzle was taken from a book years ago. Why puzzles? For those of you who haven't experienced this yet, puzzle boxes were not meant to be used. Take the lid off and put it on a couple times and the box is broken in the corners. The other challenge with puzzles is finding the errant puzzle piece and figuring out where it goes. This is a multi-step project but I promise it doesn't really take that long. First get a box of colored pens. Each puzzle gets a number in a different color (the different colors are only important while the kids are little). Then write that number on the back of every piece. Then put the pieces into a zip top bag and write the number on the outside of the bag. Then cut out the front panel of the puzzle with the picture and all the details. Write the number on the back of the panel. Then get a folder for the panels and a box (a plastic shoebox works well) for the bag with the pieces. You can look at the panels and pick out your puzzle. Then just put it away! If you find a piece the kids left on the floor, you know right where it goes!

Out and About in the Blogosphere

I just wanted to share a couple of great Carnivals with you. Shannon over at Homeschool Hacks has this week's Homeschool Carnival. In addition to being filled with great posts, it is also filled with Presidential Trivia. Then you should pop over to Brain Cramps for God to read a gifts themed Christian Carnival.

22 Week Miracle Baby

A baby was born just under 22 weeks and appears to be doing well. It is now 2 months old and there is even talk of sending her home. What amazes me is this is how far a long I am! Something that the article said that was new to me was that 1/2 of all babies born at 25 weeks make it. It just makes you wonder how someone can think this isn't a baby.

(HT: Biblical Womanhood)

In Honor of President's Day

Someone on one of my homeschooling groups emailed this out.

It seems to just be a sample of a complete President's unit. I haven't seen anything else from them but I think this is cute. I may even use it as a refresher for me!

Pregnancy Carnival

Welcome to this edition of the Pregnancy Carnival! I saw this cute picture on a flyer at my church and I thought it would be perfect for all of us already in the baby mood. (No I don't know this child) Let us jump right in to this edition's entries.

First up is the news. Dr. Helen has an interesting article on 67 year old mother who gave birth in Freak Show or Miracle? I have many opinions on the subject but I already commented on her article;). Then Let's Talk Babies asks How Much Do Children Cost? They talk about a very interesting report put out by the Department of Agriculture.

Next, let us look at some articles that give us great advice. More4Kids give us some great help in Preparing Children for Baby's Arrival. Biblical Womanhood gives us Input Requested: Home Birth vs Hospital Birth. She takes a factual and calm approach to the up side of birthing centers. Babylune then gives us some lighthearted advice with Top 5 Movies for New Mothers. I can definately use this now and for all those nursing times after the baby comes!

Now we turn to stories and our own experiences. We start with Joy in the Morning and This Pregnant Body-32 Weeks. She shares what she is now going through at this point in her high risk pregnancy. She also announces so contests going on in regards to her new bundle of joy! Little Ida shares her joy and fun she had at her Baby Blessing-Way. The last entry is my own with Baby Announcement and no I am not telling you what it is, just go read it;).

That brings us to the end of this edition of the Pregnancy Carnival. After you read all these great entries please submit your article for the next Pregnancy Carnival on March 2nd. It is Easy! Just go over to BlogCarnival to submit.

Small Children and Kitchen Chores

We all want to have responsible and helpful children, right? But the questions start popping up when it comes to issues of how much resposibility, when and frankly is it worth it when it takes you so much less time. With children 5, 3, and 1 I understand these quandries. So let me share with you what I have my kids do. Both the 3 and 5 year old are fully capable of taking their dirty plastic plates off the table along with their empty cups. The 5 year old can now put these straight into the dishwasher (the challenge being to get them straight in the rack). Then you can start involving them in setting the table. I count out all the forks and napkins and then tell them to give everybody 1 each. Start this when you start cooking. That way if it takes them a while to get it straight it doesn't delay them meal. Little kids can also help empty the dishwasher. Now I admit, the only things my kids can reach to completely put away is the silverware but we have found other ways for them to help. We have them get out all the plates and bowls and just stack them on the counter. You can start with just the plastic ones but very quickly they can do them all. This is something else you can have them do while you are otherwise occupied in the kitchen so it doesn't mess up the schedule. Another way this helps is if you are pregnant. Now all the plates are at counter level instead of having to bend over to get them;).

Motivation is always an issue. First, I recommend letting only 1 child help at a time. Then they feel special and it encourages them. If no one wants to help that is fine but there are mild consequences. No one can do the next thing until you are done with everything you have to do. For instance, mom can't play a board game with the child or they can't go outside. The important thing is to make the family a unit with the mentality that eveyone chips in so everyone can play. Also, have it as a reward for the "big" kid. "You are so helpful, how would like to come help me in the kitchen and do some jobs?" That is always a winner in our house.

You don't want to wait to long to start teaching your kids responsiblity. Just give them small, easy steps and be positive. Also a big helper always gets to dump the chocolate chips in the cookies (and have 2 to snack on;).

How could you educate for $25000 a person?

I am assuming better than the Washington DC schools. According to the Washington Post the kids of the district have a few ideas:

Among the things that they wanted to see in every public school: "books when school starts," "heat in winter," "air conditioning in summer," "healthy meals," "water fountains that work," "music and art classes," "counselors who are able to help us" and "teachers who care about their students and can teach."

My question is what are they already spending the money on? This is yet another reason for vouchers or even tax credits for schooling.

(HT: Joanne Jacobs)

Tech Cakes

Gizmondo has pictures of 10 tech cakes. This one seems the easiest to do. Since it doesn't have any set patterns it won't matter that I am bad at piping;). The Linux penguin was attainable but that is a lot of fondant.

(HT: BoingBoing)

This Week's Carnival of Homeschooling

Welcome to the Carnival of Homeschooling! I have the pleasure of hosting this week of many wonderful entries. I am going make a feeble attempt at a theme (for the first time) that is inspired by our new house. There are a lot of entries so let us jump right in!

First things first, come on in and get a cup of coffee and a snack. Go ahead and sit down at the kitchen table and let's have a chat. Squiah in, I think we will all fit. Consent of the Governed asks a great question for the group in Hey Homeschoolers - What Does Success Mean To You? At Home, On Fire has a great post about her realization that home needs to come first, and everything that doesn't fit has to be re-evaluated, especially with regard to homeschooling in train a "child" in the way he should go .... Grizzly Mama starts to growl at what she finds when carefully reviewing a newspaper article on unschooling in Unschooling. Fuel has made A Shocking Realization in regards to her kids. The Imperfect Schooler talks about how today's young people have a goal of becoming famous, and schools are subtly encouraging this idea in Raising Stars. Marjorie at Life Without School as How Much is Too Much? in regards to kids and their input on their own education. Dana at Principled Discovery has a great entry this week with If you want your child socialized...a public school satire. Mother Crone's Homeschool offers us Thoughts of Love. It is a sweet story of a conversation between this mother and her homeschooled tween. Alasandra's post Chinese New Year has resources for celebrating the Chinese New Year and is about how she is feeling overbooked. Phil for Humanity has a discussed having motivation for college before entering in Motivation for College. Nose in a Book tell us all "I went to a great support group meeting last night". Gina at Home Where They Belong tells about a Teacher Arrested After 4th Graders Witness....

While we are near the kitchen, let us stop at the island where we do all our messy projects. No Fighting, No Biting! talks about Science: the subject with the most prep and cleanup. The Scratching Post has a great project for us: DIY Wind Vane. Henry at Why Homeschool writes about how eating and education have some similar issues in Eating and Education.

Of course we are going to have a nice sit at the homeschool work table. The Learning Umbrella has a great post on Making Up Math Games. It's a post about how games can be a fun way to learn basic math facts, and describing four games they have created for their preschooler. The Deputy Headmistress at the Common Room has an interesting article on The Slow Reading Movement. Pass the Torch has a cute Spelling Test post. More4Kids has a great piece on Fine Arts For Homeschooled Children. I can say that this is an area that I need all the help I can get! Life is Not a Cereal has a great learning piece in Hand-spun Holidays: Valentine's Day. The Thinking Mother is Answering a Question About My Experience With Natural Speller curriculum. Let's Play Math presents Story Problem Challenge Revisited about how writing their own story problems can help students build understanding. And besides, it's lots of fun!

Let's make a quick stop at the mailbox. Guilt-Free Homeschooling is answering questions From the Mailbox: Read-Aloud Disruptions.

Now we stop at one of our favorite spots, the computer nook. Information Age Education discusses a new skill for the new millenium: Teach your children about creating and maintaining a positive On-line Profile and presence. Stop the Ride! has great information in Thirteen Free Educational Web Sites Kids Love.

Here we are at the prayer closet. A Child's Geography offers us a look at faith through compassion and what to teach in The Only Religion. Teaching Diligently has a piece on a way to teach kids about God in Scripture Memorization, Learning WHO God is.

Now is it time for a break on the couch, near the bookshelves and the TV. HomeSchool Buzz shares a picture book for art appreciation with Katie and the Sunflowers. HSB Company Porch takes a break and talks about a great TV show in My tip for the day: Drive thru!!

Next we go to the backyard and beyond. All Info About Home Schooling has a great piece on The Great Backyard Bird Count! New Covenant talks about a trip to the Griffith Observatory in Abstract Solar.

That wraps up this week's carnival. I want to thank you all for coming. Now go link, read and comment on our great entries. If you have an article you would like to submit for next week carnival go here for all the instructions how. Next week our carnival will be hosted by Homeschool Hacks.

The Perfect Valentine's Dinner

I think Valentine's Day is a challenge for everyone. Do you go out and pay a lot of money, not to mention the crowds? That is IF you can find a babysitter, which is always a challenge in my neck of the woods. So what is the solution? Tire out the kids, feed them early and put them to bed. Then decide on a decadent dinner you have always wanted to eat and make it yourself. I know, I know, it sounds hard but it really isn't. Here is one of our favorites, Bacon Wrapped Fillet Mignon with Whipped Mashed Potatoes. When we first discussed this (years ago) I was mortified to pay that much for meat but let us really look at it. At our Meat Market it is $14 a pound and you can get 2 good sized fillets in a pound. Compare that with at least $20 a plate and you are saving money. This way it is made how you like it, nice ambiance and no crowds. The other part is that it is so easy to make. First take bacon and wrap it tightly around a fillet. You need to overlap so it may take a few pieces. Then cook it over medium heat in a skillet on the stove. When the bacon is done give the fillet a push with your finger. If it is real squishy put it in a 350 degree oven for a few minutes. Then take the meat out of the skillet to rest. Add a little red wine to deglaze the skillet. When it has reduced a little add a pat of butter, this rounds out the sauce (or gives it a rich taste). For a finishing touch, place your fillets on a piece of toast french bread and then pour your sauce over the top. Pair with mashed potatoes that have been finished with a little cream cheese and enjoy!

Then you have a fancy dinner for a fraction of the price! Have a great Valentine's Day.

Calling All Entries!

This week I will be hosting the Carnival of Homeschooling. All entries are due by Monday at 6pm pacific. It will be posted here on Tuesday! Then on Friday, I will post the Pregnancy Carnival. Entries are due on Wednesday. Just click on the appropriate carnival to go over to BlogCarnival to submit!

Idaho Recruiting Fresno Businesses?

So I was reading the Fresno Famous Blog and there was a posting about the closing of the Old Fresno Hofbrau. True it is a bit sad because this resturant has been around for years but that wasn't the puzzling part. The resturant was struggling and then...

But at the same time, the Wagners got an offer they couldn't refuse. Business recruiters from the city of Couer de Alene, Idaho stopped here for lunch one day, then offered to help the business relocate to their city.

I just find it odd.

Baby Announcement

Friday we found out that the newest Nerdling will be a very wiggly little girl! She was darting all over the place during the ultrasound and kept squishing over to the side. I was pretty sure it was a girl and so I am now justified for the cute little pink shoes I bought.