Monday, February 20, 2006

Field Trip!

Get me, I'm blogging again!

Yes, we took a field trip. We went to see the thrice Tony nominated "A Year with Frog and Toad" based on the book "Frog and Toad All Year." It was my oldest son's favorite book when he was little. He and my mom would read it every night when she was visiting. She could almost recite it from memory.

I found out there was a production of the play near us and knew my mom would love it. Not such an enthusiastic response from my children. J, being the advanced age of 9, felt the story too young for him, and D dislikes all things new. J asked, "Do I have to go?" to which I replied, "Yes. And you will like it and will show no unenthusiasm around your Grammy!!" When D asked the same question my wise elder son told him the rules.

Cut to the finish, all had a great time even the reluctant ones. It was a wonderful production! They were very faithful to the book, which Grammy appreciated. The big hit of the show was Snail, the "running" gag through the story. Also it was nice to see a story of friendship and devotion. And to make the day even more of a blessing, we got to have lunch with dad.

Thursday, February 16, 2006

OK I'm going to do this

OK I'm doing it. I'm Blogging. I feel so techno. I'm not technologically gifted. If I get on the computer to get my mail and check the headlines I feel like Steve Jobs (we're Mac users around here). I'm also not a writer. I don't do it well. I'm sure you recognized that very soon after beginning to read this. So why am I doing this? Well, we just began homeschooling in September and I figure this is a good way to record our adventures. Of course, that would require me to blog more often than once every 4 or 5 months. I'll do my best.

We are a family of four: Dad, Mom and two delightful, if challenging sons. J is 9 years old going on 50, and D is 6 years old going on, well it depends on the day. We, meaning me, enjoy homeschooling very much. The boys are getting used to it. J was in Christian school from preschool through third grade, so it is a big adjustment for him. He misses his friends and the recesses. He is a born learner so he will learn no matter where he is. During his Christmas vacation in third grade he told me he didn't like vacations because he missed his education. A proud mom moment.

D went to one year of 3 day 4 yr. old preschool. He seems to think that all school should be like that and complains greatly about all the work he has to do (all 3 or 4 subjects done in about 2 hours total). It's a hard life. J tries to tell D he's got it easy but nothing will convince him. I am the driving task master.

I was (and still am) very excited about homeschooling. I believe the Lord led us to homeschooling and is and will bless us through it. Nonetheless, it's definitely a big adjustment. After two weeks of D constantly telling me, and anyone else who would listen or ask, he didn't like homeschooling I finally was able to convince him that it really was easier homeschooling than going to school every day. A sigh of relief. The next day J says, "Mom, I don't want to offend you, but after this year of homeschooling could I go back to school?" I left the room and was a sobbing what-have-done-I-can't-do-this mess. I called my husband and he was able to talk me down. He suggested lots of field trips and easing up a little. Bless him. That's my first homeschooling story. I have another that I'll save for another day.

This was fun and cathartic. I do hope I'll do this again soon.