We've seen the same doctor since Big C was born and she has been an important part of our life. I credit her with being the reason I was able to breastfeed the girls until they were one. Without her guidance and support I would have surely given up! She volunteered to come babysit little c, at the height of her colic, so I could take a shower when B-real was away for work. She has been so good to us.
Our schooling choice is nontraditional and I accept people may give pause to our decision. I do believe our girls stand on their own though and are good examples of how home-schooling can work successfully. They are far beyond grade level in their test scores, read constantly, can interact with adults and children alike, are confident and friendly. Consequently I took it hard today, at little c's seven year check-up, when our doctor began to question my choice in schooling. Especially when I said we aren't the type of home-schooling family who buys a curriculum and teaches from it. I explained we subscribe to more of a unschooling philosophy where we believe learning and education is all around us. We read, talk, explore, research, get out in our communities, pursue interests of the children, take classes, travel. Mostly though I look for opportunities to teach in our daily lives. I don't believe learning requires lectures and worksheets. I believe you can cover just about everything a child needs to know, especially in the elementary years, by being available for your children and by looking for opportunities to teach. Little c has learned about division through the raspberries in our garden. I personally believe she's more likely to recall the concept because it was taught in a way that is one, meaningful to her, and two was explored initially by her. I did not force the idea on her and tell it was time to learn multiplication (because she is in third grade age), she came up with the questions and the natural curiosity and I went with it.
The doctor told me she is worried about their being gaps in the girls' educations if I am not following a strict curriculum, like the schools use. Also, she wanted to know what sort of things I am reading to the girls to ensure they are learning what they need to know. I acknowledge there will be gaps in the girls education and I'm comfortable with it. If there is something the girls need to know that we've missed at home, we'll either drill it at home (when they need it) or hire someone to tutor them. I've also read that somehow kids from all over the country manage to come together for college education. As we all know, what is taught in FL high schools is not identical to what's taught in MN high schools.
Sadly I think our relationship with our favorite pediatrician may be coming to an end. B-real said she probably feels comfortable expressing her concerns with us because she feels she is treating the whole child. Personally, I don't feel it's her place to question and condemn our families' choices in education. Our visit is intended to medically evaluate our daughter.
Do I believe public school is the right choice for kids? No, but I don't forsake my friends and acquaintances for making that choice. They are doing what they believe is best for their children and we do what we believe is best for ours. Maybe people talk behind our backs and think we're crazy for choosing something unconventional? Although I have to say it's becoming much more accepted as the years pass. Honest to God, until today I have never had anyone criticize our choice. There have been questions and inquisitiveness on the part of friends and strangers and I welcome the opportunity to inform and educate.
We have a male pediatrician who we like and who sees the girls other than for their well-checks. The older the girls get the more uncomfortable it becomes to have a male doctor do physical exams. I started thinking about it today; I'm the parent, can't I just tell the male doctor to skip that part of the physical? Or request that a female doctor pop in for that portion of the exam?
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Monday, July 29, 2013
Book Review: Katy No Pocket
Have you heard of Katy No Pocket?
It's an oldie but goodie about a mother kangaroo who is born without a pocket and has no way to carry around her baby, Freddy. The book is illustrated by the same person who illustrated the Curious George books.
Mama kangaroo talks to many friends in the animal kingdom in hopes of resolving her pocket problem. Help eventually comes in the form of a special apron that allows her to carry her baby.
A gifted education teacher introduced me to the book and said it's a good book to use for discussions regarding imperfection, overcoming obstacles and failure. I've also heard it can be useful in special education classes where some children may need adaptive tools that others don't need.
Happy Reading!
It's an oldie but goodie about a mother kangaroo who is born without a pocket and has no way to carry around her baby, Freddy. The book is illustrated by the same person who illustrated the Curious George books.
Mama kangaroo talks to many friends in the animal kingdom in hopes of resolving her pocket problem. Help eventually comes in the form of a special apron that allows her to carry her baby.
A gifted education teacher introduced me to the book and said it's a good book to use for discussions regarding imperfection, overcoming obstacles and failure. I've also heard it can be useful in special education classes where some children may need adaptive tools that others don't need.
Happy Reading!
Brent's On Vacation
Brent finished up his work and we still had about a week left to explore together. Somehow we got in our mind that we really should rent a car versus relying on train schedules and train destinations. We had enough European peeps tell us we could handle it.
Most cars, at least the less expensive rental options, are manual transmissions. This, in itself, was not a problem as both Brent and I can drive stick shifts. The problem was we could not figure how to get that six speed into reverse! I pulled out the French car manual and Brent Googled. Once we knew how to reverse we were on our way. And it was a gorgeous drive from France into western Italy.
Thank God for GPS in the car. We were able to set it for English and it made such a difference. It took one less stress out of the adventure!
Most cars, at least the less expensive rental options, are manual transmissions. This, in itself, was not a problem as both Brent and I can drive stick shifts. The problem was we could not figure how to get that six speed into reverse! I pulled out the French car manual and Brent Googled. Once we knew how to reverse we were on our way. And it was a gorgeous drive from France into western Italy.
Thank God for GPS in the car. We were able to set it for English and it made such a difference. It took one less stress out of the adventure!
Milan
I had read about the lakes district in northern Italy and thought it would be neat to see Lake Como. The closest town with a Hilton (we have to stay at Hilton hotels!) was in Milan. We arrived in Milan after dark and realized it was not a particularly nice place. In fact it was downright scary! I was glad we could park our car directly outside the hotel and ske-dad-dle in there mighty fast.
The following morning we high-tailed the Citroen Picasso out of Milan and were in Como, Italy within 30 minutes. And Como has a McDonald's (perfect 'special' spot for lunch). This is B-Real making that face like 'I must really love you to be eating at McD's again while we are in freaking Italy'.
Como is on the southern most point of Lake Como and is a cute town with lots of restaurants, shopping, and water based activities. We knew we wanted to get out on that big lake and were trying to figure out the best way to do it. I met some English speaking girls in line for the ferry and asked about their plans. They were going to take the ferry to Bellagio and hang out there for a while. B-Real and I decided this would be our plan too.
Neither B-Real nor I realized the size of Lake Como. It is one of the largest and deepest lakes in all of Europe. The northern most part of the lake is actually in Switzerland. Actor George Clooney has a home on the lake and B-Real was able to point it out to me thanks to his Google research as we ferried! It's the yellow one, right down on the water in the middle of the photo, mom. My mom has th hots for George. Como takes a lot of pride in the fact that he owns a residence in their town. We read that many of the stores showcase his photo in the picture frames they sell!
Bellagio was very pretty! Lots of steep hills as you got away from the lake with charming stores. We stopped and got gelato (aka Italian ice). I have a problem with Luigi's Italian ice from the grocery store at home. It's only three points on Weight Watchers but takes about an hour to eat, especially if it's frozen solid. It's good choice for TV nights. Anyhow, I got a cone and Brent got a small scoop of the lemon gelato. We thoroughly enjoyed our gelatos and realized that we really needed more. We went back and I got the LARGE cup and he B-Real got a granita. I'd never had one of those before and it was really good!
Wanting to get more time on the lake we choose the slow ferry boat ride back to Como with multiple small town stops. It took about 2 1/2 hours to get home versus forty to get to Bellagio. We sat on the top deck and just took it all in -- we observed quite a few people had the same idea as us. Many people had even brought bottles of wine with them to share. It was so relaxing and peaceful. The weather in the lakes district was cooler than along the coast; which was a nice reprieve from the heat and humidity on the Med.
The following morning we high-tailed the Citroen Picasso out of Milan and were in Como, Italy within 30 minutes. And Como has a McDonald's (perfect 'special' spot for lunch). This is B-Real making that face like 'I must really love you to be eating at McD's again while we are in freaking Italy'.
Como is on the southern most point of Lake Como and is a cute town with lots of restaurants, shopping, and water based activities. We knew we wanted to get out on that big lake and were trying to figure out the best way to do it. I met some English speaking girls in line for the ferry and asked about their plans. They were going to take the ferry to Bellagio and hang out there for a while. B-Real and I decided this would be our plan too.
Neither B-Real nor I realized the size of Lake Como. It is one of the largest and deepest lakes in all of Europe. The northern most part of the lake is actually in Switzerland. Actor George Clooney has a home on the lake and B-Real was able to point it out to me thanks to his Google research as we ferried! It's the yellow one, right down on the water in the middle of the photo, mom. My mom has th hots for George. Como takes a lot of pride in the fact that he owns a residence in their town. We read that many of the stores showcase his photo in the picture frames they sell!
Bellagio was very pretty! Lots of steep hills as you got away from the lake with charming stores. We stopped and got gelato (aka Italian ice). I have a problem with Luigi's Italian ice from the grocery store at home. It's only three points on Weight Watchers but takes about an hour to eat, especially if it's frozen solid. It's good choice for TV nights. Anyhow, I got a cone and Brent got a small scoop of the lemon gelato. We thoroughly enjoyed our gelatos and realized that we really needed more. We went back and I got the LARGE cup and he B-Real got a granita. I'd never had one of those before and it was really good!
Wanting to get more time on the lake we choose the slow ferry boat ride back to Como with multiple small town stops. It took about 2 1/2 hours to get home versus forty to get to Bellagio. We sat on the top deck and just took it all in -- we observed quite a few people had the same idea as us. Many people had even brought bottles of wine with them to share. It was so relaxing and peaceful. The weather in the lakes district was cooler than along the coast; which was a nice reprieve from the heat and humidity on the Med.
Italian Coastline
The Italian coastline was our first stop in Italy. We had read about a town called Portofino and I had also met someone at the pool who recommended we see it. And it did not disappoint. On our way we stopped in a town called Santa Margherita Ligure. It was my favorite place on our trip!
I loved the color of the sea, the pink hydrangeas, artisans painting, the colors of the buildings, the moderate temperatures, the food!
We got hungry in Santa Margherita Ligure and found a street-side Italian restaurant that looked good (after reviewing the menu). We sat down and 'tried' to converse with the restaurant owner who spoke NO English. I mean absolutely none. I pointed to what I wanted on the menu and she shook her head and said "no", she pointed at her special of the day. We pointed again at the menu item I wanted and Brent tried to explain (in probably way too many words) that we wanted this particular item for lunch. Eventually we figured out if we wanted to eat in her restaurant I would be eating the item on her special board. Afterwards we realized because we were eating at such an odd time of day that the specials might be all that were being served. And you know, that ended up being o.k. I am not a fine diner but her pesto lasagna was the best meal I've had in my life.
B-Real was the bomb with his driving, working that manual transmission on those narrow, curvy two lane roads with motorbikers flying around us! But he safely got us to Portofino and life completely slowed down when we arrived. Again, we walked, we shopped, we people watched, and we oohed and aahed at the yachts.
I personally preferred the Italian riviera to the French riviera and would love to go back someday. I am sure there are some other tranquil sea towns to visit!
We got hungry in Santa Margherita Ligure and found a street-side Italian restaurant that looked good (after reviewing the menu). We sat down and 'tried' to converse with the restaurant owner who spoke NO English. I mean absolutely none. I pointed to what I wanted on the menu and she shook her head and said "no", she pointed at her special of the day. We pointed again at the menu item I wanted and Brent tried to explain (in probably way too many words) that we wanted this particular item for lunch. Eventually we figured out if we wanted to eat in her restaurant I would be eating the item on her special board. Afterwards we realized because we were eating at such an odd time of day that the specials might be all that were being served. And you know, that ended up being o.k. I am not a fine diner but her pesto lasagna was the best meal I've had in my life.
B-Real was the bomb with his driving, working that manual transmission on those narrow, curvy two lane roads with motorbikers flying around us! But he safely got us to Portofino and life completely slowed down when we arrived. Again, we walked, we shopped, we people watched, and we oohed and aahed at the yachts.
I personally preferred the Italian riviera to the French riviera and would love to go back someday. I am sure there are some other tranquil sea towns to visit!
Mommy Clothes
Although I by no means live a glamorous life as a full-time mom, I still like to look stylish and enjoy the pursuit of a cute wardrobe. My biggest hang-up has been finding fashionable comfy, sweatshirts that don't look like workout wear. There are days that require comfort but I don't mean yoga pants and hoodies.
Here are a few of my favorite fashionable, full-time mom appropriate clothing options:
1. EVY'S TREE-- cute, femininely embellished hoodies, wraps, sweatshirts, tees, and dresses made by a full-time mom.
Evy's Tree
2. SOPHIA CLOTHING -- modern sweatshirt dresses and classically beautiful jackets are my two favorite items on their Etsy website.
Sophia Clothing
3. VICTORIA'S SECRET -- usually makes me think lingerie but they also have some stylish, comfortable sweatshirts. There is something very sexy about an off the shoulder sweatshirt and something fun about a sweatshirt with a big, glittery heart, don't you think?
Victoria's Secret
By the way, full-time mom is replacing my former title of stay-at-home mom. What do you think?
Here are a few of my favorite fashionable, full-time mom appropriate clothing options:
1. EVY'S TREE-- cute, femininely embellished hoodies, wraps, sweatshirts, tees, and dresses made by a full-time mom.
Evy's Tree
2. SOPHIA CLOTHING -- modern sweatshirt dresses and classically beautiful jackets are my two favorite items on their Etsy website.
Sophia Clothing
3. VICTORIA'S SECRET -- usually makes me think lingerie but they also have some stylish, comfortable sweatshirts. There is something very sexy about an off the shoulder sweatshirt and something fun about a sweatshirt with a big, glittery heart, don't you think?
Victoria's Secret
By the way, full-time mom is replacing my former title of stay-at-home mom. What do you think?
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Birthday on the Big Boat
Little c likes a good party! She's seen the big Al and Alma's boats on Lake Minnetonka and said she'd like to go on one someday (me too!).
B-Real surprised us with a boat trip for our birthday. It was
unseasonably cool for 7/26 (think sixties and wind) but we made the most
of it. The girls made a friend on the boat which made it much more fun for them.
I am grateful for a husband who remembers things we mention might be fun! And for a husband who takes over my mom responsibilities (all of the driving!!) for a day so I can have time to do activities I enjoy (massage, painting the dog house, reading my new book, a long bath). Our dinner on the boat was the first thing he'd eaten yet that day. He told me he had been too busy to find time to eat breakfast or lunch. Ahh, welcome to my world honey!!
It was a great birthday, shared with my favorite seven year old!
I am grateful for a husband who remembers things we mention might be fun! And for a husband who takes over my mom responsibilities (all of the driving!!) for a day so I can have time to do activities I enjoy (massage, painting the dog house, reading my new book, a long bath). Our dinner on the boat was the first thing he'd eaten yet that day. He told me he had been too busy to find time to eat breakfast or lunch. Ahh, welcome to my world honey!!
It was a great birthday, shared with my favorite seven year old!
Fourth of July with Friends
It's our third annual Lake Minnetonka Fourth of July celebration with the Mein family! And woo-hoo, how much fun do we all have together. It's pretty special when you find a family where the kids get along, the moms click, and the dads gel! And we've found that in the Meins! Last year Mom Mein, Big C, and I spent part of our fourth in the emergency room while they treated Big C for a broken arm. This year was much less 'eventful' but fun as always!
Saturday, July 27, 2013
Stuff they don't write about in the parenting books!
Home Depot can get to a girl! Especially if you are a sensitive nine year old girl!
Big C and I went to the Depot this week for a quick paint pick-up. No biggie right? A particular advertisement got to her in a way I could not understand. There was a sign suggesting you, the consumer, not throw your money away and showcased a toppling cute white piggy bank. The bank never hit the floor, in fact there wasn't even a floor in the ad. Big C broke into tears and told me she found the ad upsetting but could not expand on why. So here I am, trying to get my shopping done at the Depot, all the while attempting to avoid the aisle with the offensive ad, and dodging the Home Depot guys asking if I needed help finding anything. How do you explain "Can you help me recall which aisle has the piggy bank ad because we need to go around that aisle?"
These are the tricky parts of parenting. Do you push your child through the uncomfortable feeling they are experiencing? Life is full of them and you won't always be able to walk around them. Do you force your child to express what's unsettling to them and hope you can find some sort of resolution so they can move on? Or do you just honor their 'uniqueness' and skip around the Depot, running down each aisle ahead of your child, looking for that darn pig, protecting her from feelings that may be too big for her to understand?
These are the tricky parts of parenting. Do you push your child through the uncomfortable feeling they are experiencing? Life is full of them and you won't always be able to walk around them. Do you force your child to express what's unsettling to them and hope you can find some sort of resolution so they can move on? Or do you just honor their 'uniqueness' and skip around the Depot, running down each aisle ahead of your child, looking for that darn pig, protecting her from feelings that may be too big for her to understand?
Key Lime Rice Krispie Bars
Walmart carries key lime flavored marshmallows and key lime is one of little c's favorite things. We whipped up some key lime Rice Krispie bars and they were a different take on a summer favorite. Simple but delicious!
Key Lime Krispie Bars
1 bag key lime marshmallows
5 cups Rice Krispies
3 T. butter
Melt butter on stove.
Add in marshmallows and stir constantly until dissolved.
Remove from heat
Mix in the krispies
Smoosh into a pan
Let cool and serve!
Key Lime Krispie Bars
1 bag key lime marshmallows
5 cups Rice Krispies
3 T. butter
Melt butter on stove.
Add in marshmallows and stir constantly until dissolved.
Remove from heat
Mix in the krispies
Smoosh into a pan
Let cool and serve!
Friday, July 26, 2013
My Baby's Birthday
Today is my baby's seventh birthday! And my 37th! Seven years ago today she made me a mommy for the second time and it's not possible for there to be any better of a present. She came into the world easily and quickly and gave us a run for our money those first two years with colic. Since then, I haven't met anyone as flexible, easygoing, happy, fun and upbeat as the sweet daughter who shares my birthday!
The doctor told me her due date was 7/22 and I told B-real on the car ride home from our appointment that I was sure she would be born on my birthday. At 11:54 p.m. on my 30th birthday I reached down and pulled her out of me. Hands down the most beautiful experience of my life.
The years only get better. Today I feel like the luckiest girl in the world. I have a husband who adores me, two children who bring me such joy, so many friends from different parts of my life, the opportunity to travel, time to do things that I value and enjoy, family who lives close by and can be a part of my weekly life. Most importantly my life is peaceful and I value that more than anything.
I never knew 37 could be this good! I hope little-c feels the same way about 7!
The doctor told me her due date was 7/22 and I told B-real on the car ride home from our appointment that I was sure she would be born on my birthday. At 11:54 p.m. on my 30th birthday I reached down and pulled her out of me. Hands down the most beautiful experience of my life.
The years only get better. Today I feel like the luckiest girl in the world. I have a husband who adores me, two children who bring me such joy, so many friends from different parts of my life, the opportunity to travel, time to do things that I value and enjoy, family who lives close by and can be a part of my weekly life. Most importantly my life is peaceful and I value that more than anything.
I never knew 37 could be this good! I hope little-c feels the same way about 7!
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Monaco
Our second stop and main reason for our European tour was a conference Brent was attending in Monaco. My first impression of Monaco is that it's expensive and that I was glad IBM was paying for our accomodations. The short cab ride from the Nice airport to our hotel was $140. I guess we could have taken the helicopter instead; for reals, there is helicopter service from the airport into Monaco!
This was the view from our hotel room. I have a thing for boats, although I would call these vessels yachts, not boats! My grandparents had one growing up that they kept on the inter-coastal waterway along the East coast. Some of my most favorite memories are the times I spent with them on their boat.
I spent one morning at the hotel pool reading my book and magazine. I wish I had done more relaxing!
But a girl must see the sights! While Brent worked I decided to take the train from Monaco into Antibes, France and explore. The topography is amazing -- ocean and mountains in the background.
I stopped at the beach and noticed the topless sunbathers. I realized the people who choose to go
topless are not the people who should be flaunting it. Brent said it
is a generational thing, the younger people don't do it as often. How
does he know these things?
Another day I went on a tour of the French Riveria. I met a sweet, older couple from Iraq. It was interesting to hear their true stories about their life in Iraq during and after Saddam Hussein's reign. Sadly they felt forced to move to Jordan because it had become too unsafe in Iraq. We visited Cannes and the site of the film festival, Grasse, a perfume factory, medieval towns, and drove our little bus down the route of the Monte Carlo car race.
I had read about a private, quiet beach within walking distance of our hotel. Swimming in the Med was on our bucket list and we accomplished that dream on the private little beach. I think there were maybe five other people there! We decided to try to walk home along the ocean and I was so glad we did it. There were some parts of the walk that could be barricaded if the surf was too strong. I got a little panicky at those parts.
IBM hosted a James Bond themed party for its customers and we were invited to attend. They gave away diamonds in a few of the drinks but I heard from the other ladies that the diamonds were pretty small. Brent and I were wiped from my long travel day and his long work day. We decided to hit the casino and have a romantic dinner instead. The casino was pretty but not as large as I would have imagined. I enjoyed watching roulette and wanted to try it, mostly because only men were playing, and I thought it would be cool to be the only girl. The cars outside were amazing. My personal favorite was the Honda CRV next to the Bentley! That had to be an ooops on the part of the valet.
One of my favorite parts of Monaco was a dinner we shared with some of Brent's British colleagues. We happened to be at the same outdoor restaurant but dining separately and they asked us to join them. Just interesting, intelligent conversationalists. I personally love the manners and language of the British. They rarely say "um" or "like". I remember thinking to myself, "Remember this moment, the way the air feels and smells, the stars, moon, and mountains". It was one of those nights I never wanted to end!
Even Monaco has McDonald's. I was happy about that too as I was on my own for all lunches and sometimes dinner too. Having the Happy Meal as an option was pretty nice!
This was the view from our hotel room. I have a thing for boats, although I would call these vessels yachts, not boats! My grandparents had one growing up that they kept on the inter-coastal waterway along the East coast. Some of my most favorite memories are the times I spent with them on their boat.
But a girl must see the sights! While Brent worked I decided to take the train from Monaco into Antibes, France and explore. The topography is amazing -- ocean and mountains in the background.
Another day I went on a tour of the French Riveria. I met a sweet, older couple from Iraq. It was interesting to hear their true stories about their life in Iraq during and after Saddam Hussein's reign. Sadly they felt forced to move to Jordan because it had become too unsafe in Iraq. We visited Cannes and the site of the film festival, Grasse, a perfume factory, medieval towns, and drove our little bus down the route of the Monte Carlo car race.
I had read about a private, quiet beach within walking distance of our hotel. Swimming in the Med was on our bucket list and we accomplished that dream on the private little beach. I think there were maybe five other people there! We decided to try to walk home along the ocean and I was so glad we did it. There were some parts of the walk that could be barricaded if the surf was too strong. I got a little panicky at those parts.
IBM hosted a James Bond themed party for its customers and we were invited to attend. They gave away diamonds in a few of the drinks but I heard from the other ladies that the diamonds were pretty small. Brent and I were wiped from my long travel day and his long work day. We decided to hit the casino and have a romantic dinner instead. The casino was pretty but not as large as I would have imagined. I enjoyed watching roulette and wanted to try it, mostly because only men were playing, and I thought it would be cool to be the only girl. The cars outside were amazing. My personal favorite was the Honda CRV next to the Bentley! That had to be an ooops on the part of the valet.
One of my favorite parts of Monaco was a dinner we shared with some of Brent's British colleagues. We happened to be at the same outdoor restaurant but dining separately and they asked us to join them. Just interesting, intelligent conversationalists. I personally love the manners and language of the British. They rarely say "um" or "like". I remember thinking to myself, "Remember this moment, the way the air feels and smells, the stars, moon, and mountains". It was one of those nights I never wanted to end!
Even Monaco has McDonald's. I was happy about that too as I was on my own for all lunches and sometimes dinner too. Having the Happy Meal as an option was pretty nice!
Prague
B-Real and I traveled in June. The trip was partly in celebration of our twelve year wedding anniversary and partly because he had work in Monaco. Figuring it would be his first and last trip to Monaco, B-Real wanted me to see one of the most expensive places in the world.
Our first stop on our thirteen day trip was a two day layover in Prague. Holy heck were we tired when we arrived there at 10 a.m. but we've both learned NOT to go to sleep. We power through until at least seven, maybe eight at night. I also find Melatonin helps me get on a regular sleep cycle when we transition into a completely different time zone. When we traveled with the girls to London and Paris I used Melatonin to get the girls on a the European time zone too.
Prague was historic, beautiful and very walkable. I love the old buildings, red tiled roofs, Prague Castle on the hill, and the Vltava River. There is so much going on all over the city, especially on the Charles bridge over the river and the squares. People drinking and eating at restaurants in the plazas. B-real liked being able to grab a beer on the street and walk around while enjoying his Pilsner Urquell. It's less about specific sight seeing and more about taking in the vibe of the city.
Here are a few of my favorite photos from Prague
Love locks in Prague, wish we had one to lock onto the bridge. It symbolizes everlasting love.
That's B-real with the tour group we 'joined'. It was a group of people
from India but their tour guide spoke English so we followed them and
listened to their guide. Brent so tried to blend in but it was pretty
obvious he was a little different!
I'm glad we saw Prague and felt like two days was enough to take in the city. Off to Monaco next!
Our first stop on our thirteen day trip was a two day layover in Prague. Holy heck were we tired when we arrived there at 10 a.m. but we've both learned NOT to go to sleep. We power through until at least seven, maybe eight at night. I also find Melatonin helps me get on a regular sleep cycle when we transition into a completely different time zone. When we traveled with the girls to London and Paris I used Melatonin to get the girls on a the European time zone too.
Prague was historic, beautiful and very walkable. I love the old buildings, red tiled roofs, Prague Castle on the hill, and the Vltava River. There is so much going on all over the city, especially on the Charles bridge over the river and the squares. People drinking and eating at restaurants in the plazas. B-real liked being able to grab a beer on the street and walk around while enjoying his Pilsner Urquell. It's less about specific sight seeing and more about taking in the vibe of the city.
Here are a few of my favorite photos from Prague
Love locks in Prague, wish we had one to lock onto the bridge. It symbolizes everlasting love.
I'm glad we saw Prague and felt like two days was enough to take in the city. Off to Monaco next!
Friday, July 19, 2013
Just Between Us
How does your child communicate with you?
Are you one of the lucky moms who children share their thoughts and questions easily as you are driving in the car?
Does your child ask for advice easily?
What if that doesn't work for your child?
What if she is a true introvert?
Like my first born.
Although social, I consider myself to be an introvert too. My energy comes from being alone and I find myself needing solitary time after a long day of socializing. Interestingly enough I prefer expressing my feelings in writing versus an oral dialogue. Why would I expect something different from my eldest child?
I started out writing to Big C in an old cupcake ridden notebook. The exchange might begin with a question for her or a comment or complimentary observation on her behavior. Eventually she might respond asking for advice or expressing a less than positive emotion. We pass the notebook to one another underneath our pillows.
This is her way of communicating. This works for her and for me too. We've come so far from a child who covers her vulnerability and emotion with anger to a child who will gradually float an envelope down from the second floor addressed to me. Her note will end with please write back or please come up and talk to me. There are more tears and more honest feelings. I want her to grow up knowing it's o.k. to be the way she is; maybe it's safer to be vulnerable in the written word. And eventually she may realize she can trust me with her spoken thoughts too. But, if that never happens, I'm o.k. with the conversations we've created in our old notebook.
There will be more private, embarrassing questions to be answered in the coming years. Questions she might be too uncomfortable to say to my face. I imagine what we've started now will evolve into something I appreciate even more as she grows older. Here's the best part...the gift of writing gives me the chance to think before responding. There have yet to be thoughts that anger me but I don't doubt those will come. With the chance to process I hope I can cover my daughter with love and wisdom rather than anger.
I've learned to work with what God gave me. Instead of trying to change my daughter into what I think she ought to be, I've chosen to love her the way she is and accept her personality. It's been a puzzle to figure out what works best for her but I am so glad I put in the effort. Our relationship is worth it.
This book is a great option if you would prefer something prettier.
Are you one of the lucky moms who children share their thoughts and questions easily as you are driving in the car?
Does your child ask for advice easily?
What if that doesn't work for your child?
What if she is a true introvert?
Like my first born.
Although social, I consider myself to be an introvert too. My energy comes from being alone and I find myself needing solitary time after a long day of socializing. Interestingly enough I prefer expressing my feelings in writing versus an oral dialogue. Why would I expect something different from my eldest child?
I started out writing to Big C in an old cupcake ridden notebook. The exchange might begin with a question for her or a comment or complimentary observation on her behavior. Eventually she might respond asking for advice or expressing a less than positive emotion. We pass the notebook to one another underneath our pillows.
This is her way of communicating. This works for her and for me too. We've come so far from a child who covers her vulnerability and emotion with anger to a child who will gradually float an envelope down from the second floor addressed to me. Her note will end with please write back or please come up and talk to me. There are more tears and more honest feelings. I want her to grow up knowing it's o.k. to be the way she is; maybe it's safer to be vulnerable in the written word. And eventually she may realize she can trust me with her spoken thoughts too. But, if that never happens, I'm o.k. with the conversations we've created in our old notebook.
There will be more private, embarrassing questions to be answered in the coming years. Questions she might be too uncomfortable to say to my face. I imagine what we've started now will evolve into something I appreciate even more as she grows older. Here's the best part...the gift of writing gives me the chance to think before responding. There have yet to be thoughts that anger me but I don't doubt those will come. With the chance to process I hope I can cover my daughter with love and wisdom rather than anger.
I've learned to work with what God gave me. Instead of trying to change my daughter into what I think she ought to be, I've chosen to love her the way she is and accept her personality. It's been a puzzle to figure out what works best for her but I am so glad I put in the effort. Our relationship is worth it.
This book is a great option if you would prefer something prettier.
Thursday, July 18, 2013
A Week in the Life
To follow up my earlier post on the socializing of a home-school family, I present into evidence....
Side note: When we were pondering the possibility of home-schooling, I remember speaking with more experienced home-schooled moms who relayed there were almost too many opportunities for socializing. Surprisingly, I have to agree! Families can be as busy as they want but must be prepared for lots of driving! Friends and activities are all over the place!
A WEEK IN THE LIFE OF OUR HOME-SCHOOLED CHILDREN
Sunday: The girls returned from attending a Father/Daughter dance in Rochester with B-Real.
Little c had a friend from gymnastics over to play. We also helped our neighbor
by watching her son and daughter for a few hours.
Monday:
We attend a home-school morning at a Field House. Little c has
gymnastics for two hours. Big C tries out a yoga class with a friend from
our home-school group. Later that evening she has her Girl Scout meeting with kids from
our local school district.
Tuesday:
Big C has her piano lesson at our house. The teacher, also a
home-school mom, brings her daughter along. Little c and her daughter
play for about 45 minutes together Little c takes a hip-hop class. Big C comes along because she has made friends with one of Little c's classmates sisters. They play for an hour together. It's Little c's turn for her Girl Scout meeting with kids from our local school district. I drop Big C at a community ed class for kids who'd like to be able to stay home alone.
Wednesday:
The girls favorite day of the week! We get together with our
home-school group at various locations throughout the west metro. Last
week we went sledding for three hours. There is a huge variety of ages
and the kids all get along well together. Our girls get attention from
12 and 13 year old boys and also have the opportunity to be role
models to the younger children. This day allows for a lot of
unstructured play for the kids. In the warmer months we meet at parks
and I recall on a rainy, rainy day, 45 of us standing outside getting
wet. (That's little c in the fairy costume hanging out with two ten year old friends.)
Thursday:
We volunteer with Feed My Starving Children alongside many of our
home-school friends as well as people from the community (business
people, senior citizens, etc.). Little c has two hours of gymnastics
again. We stay for an hour at our gymnastics carpool friend's house and
the girls play with their two girls.
Friday:
We volunteer at the food shelf in our neighborhood for two hours every
Friday. The girls have the chance to interact with different adults.
Saturday:
Big C attends an art class. We spend the afternoon at a friend's
house. The girls run off with our friend's children and we barely see
them all afternoon.
Side note: When we were pondering the possibility of home-schooling, I remember speaking with more experienced home-schooled moms who relayed there were almost too many opportunities for socializing. Surprisingly, I have to agree! Families can be as busy as they want but must be prepared for lots of driving! Friends and activities are all over the place!
Is it socialization or socializing?
Did you know there's a difference?
People who are opposed to homeschooling worry about the socialization of children who do not attend school. Socialization means learning the norms, values, behavior, and social skills appropriate to his or her social position, according to dictionary.com. I don't think a child needs to attend school to learn these things. In fact, I would prefer my children learn these values, behaviors, and social skills from time spent with me rather than their peers. "Traditionally" schooled children spend more time with their peers than their parents and can easily pick up their behaviors and values rather than those from home. In our experience I found it frustrating to have spent six years modeling good manners for Big C to have them essentially disappear once she began spending the majority of her time with immature, un-socialized, poorly supervised children. We, as adults, have had years of experience being socialized. Children have not and need good, consistent role models to become well mannered, kind, thoughtful people.
Socializing, on the other hand, is the opportunity for people to engage and interact with other people. One aspect of homeschooling I appreciate is the opportunity our children have to interact with a wide variety of other children and adults from all walks of life. I think it's important for them to learn how to play and communicate with children who are younger, older, and the same age. That's real life. School is the only time in your life when you are segregated into groups based on your chronological age. Think, how many of your adult friends are identical in age?
Maybe the more appropriate question for critics of home-schooling is, "Are your children socializing?", to which I can confidently respond, "Without a doubt!"
People who are opposed to homeschooling worry about the socialization of children who do not attend school. Socialization means learning the norms, values, behavior, and social skills appropriate to his or her social position, according to dictionary.com. I don't think a child needs to attend school to learn these things. In fact, I would prefer my children learn these values, behaviors, and social skills from time spent with me rather than their peers. "Traditionally" schooled children spend more time with their peers than their parents and can easily pick up their behaviors and values rather than those from home. In our experience I found it frustrating to have spent six years modeling good manners for Big C to have them essentially disappear once she began spending the majority of her time with immature, un-socialized, poorly supervised children. We, as adults, have had years of experience being socialized. Children have not and need good, consistent role models to become well mannered, kind, thoughtful people.
Socializing, on the other hand, is the opportunity for people to engage and interact with other people. One aspect of homeschooling I appreciate is the opportunity our children have to interact with a wide variety of other children and adults from all walks of life. I think it's important for them to learn how to play and communicate with children who are younger, older, and the same age. That's real life. School is the only time in your life when you are segregated into groups based on your chronological age. Think, how many of your adult friends are identical in age?
Maybe the more appropriate question for critics of home-schooling is, "Are your children socializing?", to which I can confidently respond, "Without a doubt!"
Across the Pond
Dining in Monaco
with three Brits
talk of ed
came up as we ate our pomme frites
Teacher said
his kid can't subtract
might not move on
it's just a fact.
Dad in car
says to son in the back
Let me hear your subtraction.
Intentional errors
Keeps teasing at bay
Son is learning it's not good to be smart.
Better to just be o.k.
Kids can't be themselves
Even across the pond
Teased for intelligence
Nearly not moving on.
Fear of bullying
outweighs
advancement.
with three Brits
talk of ed
came up as we ate our pomme frites
Teacher said
his kid can't subtract
might not move on
it's just a fact.
Dad in car
says to son in the back
Let me hear your subtraction.
Intentional errors
Keeps teasing at bay
Son is learning it's not good to be smart.
Better to just be o.k.
Kids can't be themselves
Even across the pond
Teased for intelligence
Nearly not moving on.
Fear of bullying
outweighs
advancement.
Letters after Death
We went to a funeral a month ago for a man who died after falling from his roof. I told our friend that he ought to go into the business of funeral planning because it was the most lovely done visitation I've witnessed. Beautiful flowers were arranged in three areas of the funeral home. Each area represented something of importance to his father-in-law. They brought in his old ladder, favorite wheel barrow, old fishing buckets. Each was lovingly planted with flowers, photos and quotes. It was a great conversation starter for those of us who gathered to celebrate this sweet man's life.
What I really wanted to mention though is the gift he left his wife, children and grandchildren. About 10 years back, when he was diagnosed with cancer and thought he would die, he purchased a fill in the blank journal and secretly began writing in it. Upon his death his children found the journal. As they made difficult decisions as to whether to continue with life support they took cues from what he had written himself. He also gave them the gift of laughter and the opportunity to smile alongside their grief. Although my friend never mentioned it, I would bet he would say out of anything his dad left for him, the only thing that really mattered was the journal.
What a tremendous gift to his children, but also his grandchildren, and great grandchildren who will have the chance to know him through his words.
This is one of my favorite options.
http://www.amazon.com/Book-Myself--Yourself-Autobiography-Questions/dp/1401303099/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1374167897&sr=1-3
I bought it for my dad years ago and 'hope' he is using it. The completed journal is the best present he could ever give me!
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