1807 Let’s get this posted already

Saucy Scale: 10

(Let’s begin by posting a previously unfinished entry written June 9, 2009)

The Big Boys are napping.

The Minis are napping, as well, but they’ve been sleeping a looong time.  So, I feel that nap-time for them will soon be drawing to a close.  Which means my OD writing time will be short, at best.  Better get crack-a-lackin’!

I’ve lived here in Our Town for the majority of my life.  We moved here when I was a toddler.  I took a few years to live downtown Chicago and a few more to try out Michigan, but mostly…I’ve lived right here, in this town.  While it isn’t nearly the size of say the City of Chicago…in some ways it is a nice big Town.  In some ways…it is very small Town. 

A few months ago I ran into a girl that I went to Jr. High with.  Turns out, she literally lives a block away from our house.

Last night I ran to the grocery store for provisions.  I ran into a friend of mine from…KINDERGARTEN!  I kid you not.  Every few years our paths cross, so we still recognize eachother.  It just seems strange to run into a guy from K when you are in the greeting card aisle at the grocery store.

Anyhoo…

Last week I attended the annual homeschool convention.  This was the 2nd year I’ve attended this particular convention.  The workshops were good (it was hard to make it through an entire lecture with The Minis), the keynote speakers were good, the Curriculum Vendor Expo was worthwhile, too. 

I spent 3 days pushing The Minis around in the stroller & trying to listen to workshops.  This is one of the more "baby friendly" groups you could possibly imagine.  Most of us looked just like "the family next door", but there were definitely some more Duggar-y looking families as well.  You get what I’m saying?  Huge families wearing blue jean jumpers & homespun calico dresses?   Riiiight.

The convention was held in a local mega-church with excellent facilities to handle this type of event & the crowds.  The church already had a dedicated "baby nursing room" complete with closed-circuit t.v. so that you don’t have to miss the sermon in progress.  This came in EXTREMELY helpful when The Minis needed some nummies.  I might not have heard all the lectures that I’d intended to go to, but at least I could see/hear whichever lecture was taking place in the Auditorium while I was nursing The Minis.

I purchased a few items, not much.  Some books for myself, mostly.  I’m feeling really encouraged about homeschooling The Big Boys this year.

Apparently there are several conventions throughout the year – both Christian & secular based conventions.  I’m thinking I might attend a secular convention sometime.  To see what material they present in the lectures and in the Vendor Hall.

TBU & I aren’t choosing to homeschool our children solely for religious reasons.  Yes, largely because we want to control the content of their schooling, including religious instruction.  We want to make sure our children want to have the best education available.

We aren’t anti-public school, exactly.  TBU attended/graduated 100% from public institutions.  (And frankly, he’s brilliant.)  I attended public school until 7th grade, when I switched to private religious schools.  I graduated from a Big Ten university.  So, we’re not anti-public schools.   

Some homeschool families are a little too lax with the education of their children, in our opinion.  Saying, "they’ll learn what they need to learn" regardless of what subjects you cover with them is foolhardy.  Eventually, it really does matter if your kids know their ABCs, can read, and counting! 

You know I’m addicted to The Duggar Family, right?  I really appreciated the recent episode of the show about homeschooling & public schooling.

 

And now I can catch you up on the rest of our summer!

On Mondays I have a Mother’s Helper.  She watches the Big Boys while The Minis & I run errands.  It isn’t the easiest way to shop at Costco, but we manage.

Gus has attended a few weeks of summer camp with the YMCA.  He’s having a great time being a big boy at camp. This week the theme is Superheroes & his best friend is attending with him.  Needless to say, the boy is in hog heaven!

Mattson is attending Parents Day Out a few times a month.  He likes playing with their toys & I enjoy a few hours to myself.

The Minis are 4 1/2 months old now!  They still nurse exclusively & weigh roughly 15 pounds each.  Clementine has been sleeping thru the night for a few months, but a few weeks ago we had to use a little "tough love" to help Rex out.  It was hardest on me, but now we’re all doing great & getting lots of sleep!

A friend of ours took some BEAUTIFUL photographs of the twins.  I’ll try to get them posted soon, but you know me & technology…we’re not good friends.

TBU continues to look for his next employer.  He’s had a few interviews, but he hasn’t found the right job yet.  He’s got a great attitude…and we know he’ll find it soon.  He’s still employed thru the end of the summer, but it would be great to have this situation rectified before this job ends.  (*Prayer appreciated*)

Funny, I thought I had more to say, but I guess not.  This is a busy season in our lives.  I take great delight in my children & I’m really lucky to be home with them.

Hope all is well with you.  I’m not around here much, but I think of you guys often.

  

5 Things That Make Me Happy:

1. Summer days with my children
2. Summer nights with my husband
3. A really shaggy & stinky doggy.  (I’ll be happier once the Mobile Groomer appointment comes around!)
4. Healthy children
5. The future looks bright ahead