My Archives: March 2003
Saturday, March 8, 2003
I always love to read about homeschooling in the news, even when it's critical of the movement, there is usually something to be gleaned from it--if nothing else--preparation for the next time someone asks about "socialization"...eh...it's bound to happen--you have NO idea!
Here's the link (btw in case some of you don't know anything that is BOLD (except that one which I made bold on purpose of course lol) in my journal is a link...just run your mouse over it and you'll have it
Home is where the school is
A few quotes from the article for those who might not have the time to read it:
"That home-schooled kids seem to be emotionally independent, self-starters is now, almost a cliché. They perform better too, averaging 75% on overall standardized tests, where private- and public-schooled children average 50%. On combined math and verbal SATs they routinely receive 50 to 100 points higher than their peers in public or private schools. In Canada, a study found that home-schooled children score on average at the 80th percentile in reading, at the 76th percentile in languages and at the 79th percentile in math, compared to 50% at state schools.
Little wonder it is catching on. Home-schooling increased 450% in the 1990s, and is now steadying out at an increase somewhere between 7% and 15% a year.
Which brings us to the cost. Parents spend, on average, about $600 a year, this compared to the $5,000-$7,000 a year the public schools claim it costs them. However, this $5,000-$7,000 does not include construction, equipment and debt financing. State schools, says Brian D. Ray in A Nationwide Study of Home Education in Canada, cost 975% more than home-schools.
Finally, by the 8th Grade, home-schooled kids are performing four grades above the national average, with 5.2 outside activities per week.
Families report that home-based education enriches their lives, because family discussions are substantive and not forced and hurried "quality-time" fictions.
The future looks rosy for this quiet populist rebellion. Elite universities such as Harvard and Stanford actively recruit home-schooled kids. Says Stanford University admissions officer Jonathan Reider: "The distinguishing factor [for admissions selection] is intellectual vitality. These kids have it."
Bringing to the mix, therefore, an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. Hard to argue with that."
Nothing significantly new or surprising here, just the facts that seem to continue to come forth from even those groups who's initial purpose is to prove that homeschooling is bad for children--and most often end up having to conceed that they were wrong. (simple poetic justice)
 (Beware!)
As I have so often said...the key to homeschooling is freedom. I don't think that the whole world should homeschool, although I do think every parent has the capability of being their children's teacher, not everyone has the temperment, personality, or discipline required to do so. That's never a slam, it's actually a "gimme five" to parents who recognize their strengths and weaknesses in respect to their children and use them to decide what will work best for their family. As for me, I love homeschooling and my children love it. If the day comes where that changes, or that I feel they need more than I can give them you can be assured that I will be actively seeking remedies that might come in the form of tutors, college classes, co-ops, apprenticeships, online courses, or distance learning establishments. The point is, *most* homeschoolers (not all, I know some very VERY out there homeschoolers) never intend to take away from the benefits of public or private schools for the general population. Almost all of the homeschoolers I know concede that EVERY parent (truly abusive situations aside) tries to make the best choices for their children--for some that is public school, others private, others magnet or charter schools, and others homeschooling. My big struggle of understanding with most people who I speak with is the misconception that because I *love* homeschooling (and I DO!) and choose this lifestyle for my family that I am somehow critical of their choice NOT to do the same...that it is somehow a slam on them and their choices...but truly it's not that...it's a complex thing that I wish could lead to better understanding. I think to most if not all of the people I know PERSONALLY this is just clear as glass...but to others that I might meet in day to day life sometimes I get that "deer caught in the headlight" look from them and they do this "oh" thing when I say we homeschool...as I can tell they are internalizing everything and trying to decide if I am the enemy lol Seriously...you can't know how often this truly happens. People are caught off guard by it, and suddenly feel like because I choose this for my family--and they do something different, that I am expressing that my way is the BEST and ONLY way to do it and anyone who doesn't is not doing the RIGHT thing for their children. I honestly know very FEW homeschoolers who feel that way, even though there are SOME who do. I'm not one of them and whatever radical factions there are in the hsing community out there, they don't speak for me or mine.
So all that said...what's the point? Well, I hope over time, as people learn more about homeschooling and it becomes more widely accepted that people will understand that the majority of us are not anti-school at all. I am all about family involvement, whatever you do, be involved--you're the parent--by golly BE a parent. And I am all about FREEDOM. If people don't know enough, or understand something it causes fear...fear leads to restrictions which leads to the stripping of freedom from people. I support the right for every single family in this country to have the FREEDOM to make the choices that are right for their family...not just about education, but all aspects of their lives right down to the number of times a week they serve macaroni and cheese with dinner to please their kids (in my house about 4)...I could say this a million times and there will always be those who don't "get it"...but the majority of homeschoolers are all about freedom...not labeling this good, this bad, this good, this bad...but about personal freedom to make the choices that fit our families, and you can bet I for one would be right there beside any of you fighting for your rights as well, including getting what your kids need in the ps system. Every choice we make from the time that we give birth (and often BEFORE) to our children is important. We should be thankful to live in a country where we have the freedom of choice we do...where the reality is it's "us against them, where we are all together in the fight for freedom and "them" are those who would rob us of our freedoms in a moments chance--and I know that although there are things in life I don't agree with, and people's opinions even on homeschooling that make the hair on the back of my neck stand on end--I leave you with this oft misquoted quote attributed to Voltaire (Francois Marie Arouet) (the curious may be interested in the history behind this quote--so here's more info for you!)
"I may disagree with what you have to say, but I shall defend, to the death, your right to say it"
That's all about freedom. The day we forget that even though people may think, say, believe, and live differently from us--even when it contradicts our own thoughts, beliefs, and lifestyle--we can support their RIGHTS without AGREEING with them*--well, that is the day that the great eagle bows it's head, the red, white, and blue will start fading, and lady liberty will slowly shift her balance--and our freedoms will slowly slip away one by one.
Be blessed!
~A
*just a note to be clear about this--I am not advocating the right to do anything which is beyond the scope of law--that might seem intuitively clear--but there's always that ONE person who will wonder haha
Posted by Angelbaby @ 03:32 PM CST [Link]
Wow...I haven't written in so long! Too long huh? This week was CRAZY with a capital C! Dh was underway last Thursday until this Thursday to New Orleans, C got a terrible cold/flu (but is well on the way to full recovery now!), and I have had SO much to do! I have been working on our new curriculum which is AWESOME, and doing the million things that are mine to do from day to day, working on this month's Cub Scout Newsletter, and also finishing up work on my new client's first site. I should be done with it by Monday so that will be cool, but I have two new sites to do for her after this one. I didn't do ANYTHING on it at all this week because of the sickie-ickies that hit here--thankfully the woman I am working for was so gracious about my taking a bit of time off--she told me that is as it should be--my first priority should be my family and then the housework/business work would be there after I have taken care of them. She has been such a wonderful joy to work with!
So let's see...a recap of the week...
First off--Dh. Oh well, you know him...his big show in New Orleans was absolutely FABULOUS!!! Here's the rundown: Breakfast in the Ward Room. The atendees included the Zulu King (of the Zulu Mardi Gras Parade), 2 different Admirals, the New Orleans Mayer, the Congressman of Louisianna, and a few other dignitaries. A total of 8 were served. The menu included fresh fruit, kiesh made with anduli sausage, bacon, eggs, cheese, belgium waffles, hash browns, grits with country ham chunks, fresh biscuits, fruit and yogurt parfaits, bacon, sausage, etc. Sound yummy huh? They had decorated the Wardroom with a touch of Mardi Gras flavor and they served them on silver platters. It was awesome and it all went BEAUTIFULLY. Later the Admiral came down to the galley and awarded each of the cooks with one of his coins--and gave them a HUGE Bravo Zulu in front of their captain. He said he was absolutely blown away by the service, presence, and work of the cooks. He was very proud of them. Then later that afternoon when they had their reception everything was just perfect. They decorated everything so nicely, including the absolutely beautiful fabrics dh and I bought to decorate with (you might notice in the pics...it turned out SO neat!) and set up the tables to where they were the absolute main attraction. They hung masks and feathered things and such all over the place with beads and mardi gras favors...they served gourmet canapes (finger sandwiches), platters of decoratively arranged cheeses and crackers--featuring every kind you can imagine--Teriaki Sautees (prounounced "satays") both beef and chicken on wooden skewers--fresh veggie crudites (pronounced crewdatay-fancy french term for a fresh veggie platter lol)with incredible blue cheese dressing--Shrimp Cocktail with sauce, a yummylicious crab dip, & fresh fruit (with a carved melon swan even). They had members in Bravo to serve wine, beer, and sodas into souvenier cups they had available. Even though the original numbers ran to have about 120 guests they had over 300!! Everything went well in spite of that and the only thing they almost ran out of was the crab dip! The command was awed by the work they did, and absolutely raved afterwards to dh and his crew. Of course, dh was so proud! Here's some pics!
Dh & His Crew--(he's on the right)...notice the new Chef Coat his FS1 is wearing that dh bought him for a going away present =o)
notice the chunk of something floating in there--dh's idea--a block of ice with mardi gras beads and favors frozen in it! Too cool! (literally!)
notice the melon swan?
The Zulu King's Crew
The Zulu King
And of course...the aftermath
And finally, when the boat pulled up the pier at the end of canal street there was a crowd of people and press waiting...the Zulu Crew came off the boat dancing to the music of a live band, and proceeded through the crowd to start the parade! It was awesome! Here's two pics...captioned by me...
The Zulu Crew Departs
The Insanity
I'm just too proud of my dh in case you couldn't tell...although this was NOT his first big gig at this unit (he did the initial change of command ceremony the season we moved here alone because his fs1 was in the hospital...he handled the decom and commissioning even though he had his fs1 to help...but at any rate (sigh)...) this was the FIRST show he put on that the COMMAND acknowledged as being HIS alone. They raved to him and told him they were exceptionally impressed with the way everything went and that they were glad they trusted in him for this event!
As for me and the kids...C was down and out most of the week. She is not a happy camper when she doesn't feel well, and she just mostly layed around and moaned and complained and bossed the rest of us around lol I'm glad she's feeling better now--so I don't feel bad for putting her nose in the corner when she pulls her grumpy attitude on me now lol B and R and I were thankfully spared so far from getting sick which is a relief. We went out this week to the Christian Bookstore and bought the new Veggie Tales video that is out (it's so cute ya'll!)...and it rained ALOT this week so we spent alot of time INSIDE unfortunately...however, we played alot of games, had a couple of mommy & me movie nights, and read a few books along the way. I'm sure I am missing alot of detail...which is the bad thing about not writing every day huh?
Well, now my big goals are to finish the website I am working on...to move this whole site to a new server--which is awful...I *want* to use the company I am with now because they are a Christian company and I love to support them...but maybe even ya'll have noticed the down time...and worst it's usually in the middle of the day which is when I am making changes most of the time. I can't reccomend people use my service when I find it unreliable myself...so...I am probably going to move to the place I trust and stick with them. They have been really good to me. I don't anticipate alot of down time at all...and I will let everyone know as I get to it. I have another big project lined up but am not going to start work on it until I get what I am working on now done.
Well, off to work. Dh is out working on the car with B. The girls are playing upstairs and I haven't marked anything off of my "to do" list so far today...oh...I'm going to go mark of "update journal" right now!! Hip Hip Hooray!!!
Be blessed!
~A
Posted by Angelbaby @ 02:37 PM CST [Link]
Sunday, March 2, 2003
Well, let's see...dh left for his trip to New Orleans on Thursday. Friday afternoon he called asking if I could come pick him and two other guys from the boat up. Sure thing! Left around 2:30...but got there before the boat was there lol we stopped at a BK to eat some fries while we waited. Eventually, I did get to the boat in spite of TERRIBLE directions from crew members who didn't know what in the world they were talking about making me insane--did I happen to mention that it's time for Mardi Gras? Did I mention that I *love* New Orleans on FOOT!?! Driving in NO the weekend of Mardi Gras is like taking a hammer and hitting your hand with it every few minutes and then wondering why it hurts! ahh...duh!? We did finally get there and we picked everyone up...then the real challenge began--getting home! EEK!
They had blocked off a good 80% of the roads...oddly enough all of the ones leading OUT of NO! Even Canal Street was TOTALLY closed both directions. It took us 40 minutes to find the interstate. Dh finally gets on there, I am in the back telling the story of "Cassilocks and the Three Bears" and I make a comment about how ironic it would be after all of our efforts to get on the highway if we were going the wrong way. Yeah...ironic. In particularly ironic when I hear dh's first class say to him for the THIRD time "I think we are going the wrong way"...yes I did say the THIRD time. I didn't hear the first two, but it was later confirmed that Phil had definately said it not one, not two, but yes my dear ones, THREE times. We were 40 minutes the WRONG side of New Orleans. Wow. Of course dh's 3rd class was in the back of the car with B reading stories out of his atlas (B brought it along to read) so he was actually completely unaware of anything that went on, until he looked up and says "isn't that New Orleans?" ehh...yah...oops. hehe good thing these guys are such good natured guys or we'd have been in trouble lol We DID eventually make it home. Praise the Lord!
On Saturday I got a wild hair and decided that we should rearrange R's room. BIG MISTAKE...one that I have YET to recover from lol I still have stuff in containers in every room from HER room. When will I ever learn--if it's not broke DON'T touch it. I'm done messing with it for now...I'm saving the rest of the fun for Dh.
We did stop working on that as we had a visit from Tabitha and the kids--and then we had Michael a friend of B's over to spend the night. He is such a great kid and they had SO much fun! B was so tickled that he had TWO friends visiting at the same time haha Kids get excited over the cutest things.
My dear C has her first crush. It's on Michael. I mentioned it to dh as I thought maybe she did and he was like NO. No. Period. End of discussion. lol He can't even begin to imagine that she will EVER crush on anyone...I asked my Mom when I talked to her last night if that was possible at her age (almost 4) and she said yes it was. I thought so! I noticed that C was following him around...then she said to me "he is a nice man" (lol) and she was helping him...if he went to pick something up she would do it for him...stuff like that...now he's a sweet boy and he was very kind to her and R totally. At dinner we said the blessing and he apologized to me because he had already taken a bite...told me he didn't know if we said a prayer or not...I told him not to worry at all...that he couldn't know different family's traditions and that we just loved having him here. C grabbed my arm and whispers--"tell him what I said" and I am like "what did you say?" and she says "that I love him" (EEK!) lol well, you have to know C to know how unusual that is for her!! So I told him and he blushed and she smiled it was funny. I told dh about it and he pulled his knees up to his chest and started rocking back and forth repeating "there's no place like home" over and over. Scary stuff this "crushing".
Later, we were fixing popcorn for them to watch a movie and C says to me "tell him what I said" and I said again "what did you say" and she says "that he's so cool" So I told him that too and he told her thanks and that she was cool too...and then she FELT cool let me tell you lolol of course B started fussing about how she specifically told him that he was NOT cool but that Michael was. hahahaha I think dh believed me after that. lol C & R both bawled when I made them sleep in my room and let the boys camp out by themselves. Today when Michael went to leave C cried and told him bye. How sweet.
So today I have to go out and get some stuff from the store even though I really want to stay in and go to bed lol I'm tired. My Dad left for Florida today and he is going to be doing a huge presentation down there that is such a big deal--he sent it to me to see and it was AWESOME! He is going to knock their socks off! Then dh has his big shindig tomorrow--please pray for both of them to be total successes. I know they both will be because they are so good at what the do, but God can at least calm their nerves about it! They both have worked so hard on what they are going to be doing. =o)
Dh left this morning at 4:30. Poor guy. Hope he got to sleep some on the way at least. He will be home on Friday. Yeah! It's not too long of a trip, and I have lots to keep me busy. I am doing really well on my client's page (that's so cool to say!) She really does love it and I'm just now fine-tuning the flash intro page which is gorgeous. I bought the most perfect music for it which just sets the mood so perfectly. (perfect!) I'm excited about it. I have been careful to balance EVERYTHING about this, which is why I haven't put the page out in my normal 4-6 day period of time. I have actually paced myself which has worked very well for me AND my family. It's a challenge for me though, I admit, I tend to become absorbed in a project to where I eat, sleep, and breath it--but God really has helped me to keep this project in perspective to all of the other responsiblities I have. It has been a bit of a challenge but the Lord has been consistant in pointing out things to me which have helped me to handle everything.
At any rate, I have things to do besides this ongoing chatter lol I will write again soon. I love you all very much! OXOX
~A
Posted by Angelbaby @ 12:54 PM CST [Link]
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