You Better Take Away My Nice Award

After the last week, I apparently have no time for anyone’s criticism, least of all a stranger. So as I sat in the chiropractor’s office, listening to two teenagers mock of the conversation of an elderly couple, I was quickly disgusted.
When a few minutes later, the secretary asked me a question about homeschooling, as she is considering it for her child who is having major surgery.

The parent of the two ingrates blurts out…”You homeschool? Don’t you know your kids won’t be normally socialized?”

My not-very-nice response:
“That is a big concern for me. I mean my kids are polite and helpful. They respect authority and their elders, and they don’t feel a need to put others down to feel good about themselves. I really worry that they aren’t more self-absorbed and shallow. ”

I then sat down with my book.

She never said a word in response.

I may have to use that one again.
It felt really good to not be nice right then!

Dropping Back to Punt…

This is not a long and painful post about pre-season football. Instead, I borrow the football analogy to what I am going to be doing in our homeschool for the next two weeks. Only three weeks in, and I am wisely putting the plans on the shelf.

I have been doing this long enough to see the signs of homeschool doom on the wall. NatureGirl is losing her steam, watching Scout run out to play golf day after day and do little bookwork. He will be doing that for the next week, as the golf season is short but intense. I also ask, how could fractions stand a chance with that adorable little critter in the other room? I too, am distracted by health issues, and learning to live and cook differently. Add in exercise, bloodtests and doctor visits to keep the week full.

As if that is not enough, I looked at the calendar. For the next two weekends, we are also slated to first help my in-laws paint their new house and then move into it. I still have to organize and prepare the lessons/paperwork for the classes I will be teaching at the learning center starting Sept 10. I also need ot have everything organized for NatureGirl’s 13th bday party a few days after that. And I still haven’t painted the hall.

Who am I kidding? Instead of driving myself crazy and stressing us all out…I am punting. We are going the easy route. The three “R”s are a must. NatureGirl is four chapters into a new books she is writing, so she can continue on that for the time being. This fantasy lit theme is making reading a joy, and we can find 45 minutes for math. But I cannot go two weeks without social studies, science, art, health, etc. either.

My solution is to turn to technology. I also found that Brainpop has a two week free trial. They also have printed quizzes and activites on a wealth of subjects. I am going to order a slew of dvds from Netflix to work on our geography, history and arts. The kids can journal and timeline and such, or just extend the shows with a little online map work.

Punting never looked so good.

Nice Matters Awards

Nice Matters

Originally uploaded by all4reagan

Being nice is something we mothers tell our children, and try to live by example for them to see. Being nice to others is more than just good manners- it feels wonderful to be a supportive and caring person in another’s life.

My dear friend Sara has bestowed me with an honor, The Nice Matters Award. Thank you my dear, for your kind words! But only five others to hand out??? That is NOT very nice. I really need at least another ten awards. I have met more NICE folks in blogland than I encounter in my daily life!

I will happily pass this award on to some exceptionally “nice” blogging friends…who go above and beyond on the nice meter!

Laurel at Plodding Toward Holiness
-Laurel should get extra points here, for I am lucky enough to see her weekly and share many hours on the phone with her. She is one of the nicest people on the planet, and one of my dearest friends.

Patience at Homespun School
- Patience is one of those rare folks that you are sure has traveled out of time, and gives the gentle wisdom and ways of days gone by. Always a joy…

Jove at Tricotmania
- is full of wisdom and support. I can always count on her to help me see the big picture in all things!
Kate at Homeschooling in The Garden State
is one of the sweetest folks out there. Hopefully we will have an in-real life get together soon.
Anne at Twice Bloomed Wisteria is one of those women who does it all. Not only does she speak to my inner farm girl, she is a techno-whiz, a great homeschooling mom, and so nice that she always finds time for a nice word.