tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13358308130156780482024-03-13T09:35:13.906-04:00Not A Stepford WifeRobinellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03117261185781086419noreply@blogger.comBlogger278125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1335830813015678048.post-38088608801060101572014-10-22T23:18:00.000-04:002014-10-22T23:18:19.042-04:00Skipping Rocks<br />
My boys love skipping rocks. Most days we take walks around our neighborhood and our walks<br />
wouldn't be complete without a pit stop at our neighborhood pier. Seeing the changes through the<br />
seasons that happen at the water with the waterfowl and ecosystem is a learning adventure.<br />
But skipping rocks is where it's at.<br />
<br />
Our journey in homeschooling has been a lot like rock skipping.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<i>How you hold the rock determines success or failure. Flat rocks work best and with a quick flick, the</i><br />
<i>rock, nestled in the crook of your first finger, lightly resting on the stack of the remaining fingers and</i><br />
<i>gently held in place by the thumb, will fling effortlessly out of your hand and across the water.</i><br />
<br />
<i></i><br />
Choosing the right schooling fit for your family helps determines success or failure. And it isn't all<br />
about the curriculum as one might think. It's also about how you school. Do you unschool, do you use<br />
Montessori? How about classical and Charlotte Mason? Or an eclectic mix of them all?<br />
We've run the gamut in our house. We chose to unschool in the younger years - learning through play<br />
and experiences. Then gradually, we introduced more formal learning through books. And now two<br />
years away from high school, we are thinking towards the future and how we might have to switch<br />
gears again.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<i>If your technique is correct, or you have tremendous luck, your rock will skim the surface of the water. At each touch it creates a rippling effect.</i><br />
<br />
<br />
Home education is even more than books and styles. It about creating opportunities for your child to<br />
grow and succeed. Homeschooling allows the child freedom to explore areas of interest in-depth.<br />
We've accomplished this by participating in statewide events, and more close to home, co-ops. Each<br />
friend we make, activity we participate in and class we take furthers those opportunities.<br />
My younger son is still exploring. My older son decided early on that acting is what he wants to do in<br />
life. He's joined theater groups, taken drama courses and camps and is in the process of obtaining an<br />
agent.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<i>Now sit back and admire the effect. Or jump around. The first time that rock makes contact and you</i><br />
<i>see it skip, skip, skip, is an amazing feeling.</i><br />
<br />
<br />
We've had our ups and downs. It's all part of the process. But after six years, we're pretty comfortable<div class="blogger-post-footer">Are you reading this in a feeder? Stop lurking and come on over. I'd love to hear from you.</div>Robinellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03117261185781086419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1335830813015678048.post-84404557583151443382012-03-13T08:00:00.000-04:002014-10-21T20:24:00.371-04:00Homeschool Doubts<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div style="color: #38761d;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Originally posted on <a href="http://homschlr4ever-loveandlunchmoney.com/2012/03/02/so-long-and-thanks-for-all-the-fish-weekend-wrapup/">homschlr4ever-loveandlunchmoney</a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #38761d;"> </span></span><br />
We all have them.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Am I doing the right thing? Are my kids progressing? Will they make it into college? Am I ruining their lives?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
My answers are: yes, yes, yes, I would do that whether we homeschooled or not, right.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Actually, my kids love being homeschooled as do most others that we know. Sometimes, my older son Pete will reminisce about those glorious years he spent in school.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Well actually that <i>one </i>glorious year he spent in school - kindergarten. But none of it pertains to the schooling, just the social aspects.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
He remembers how the other kids used to fuss over who would sit next to him at lunch, who would hang out with him at recess, and who was his girlfriend. Oh, the six year old drama.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Now, he spends every lunch sitting next to Mom and little brother, RePete. He spends “recess” doing his own thing or playing with Mom or RePete until the school kids come home or we setup a get-together with others homeschooled friends, and while neither RePete or Mom is up for the girlfriend gig, he still has co-op so the prospects are still there.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I was going to interview my boys for this post, but it wasn't all that exciting.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
My question was, “What do you like about homeschooling?”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Repete, age 8, said he liked that it didn't take very long so he had lots of time to play, he loves his co-op and friends, and math (??).</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Pete, age 12, stated that he gets to stay home with his family, no waiting on other kids to finish so he can be done and do his own thing, and his friends and co-op.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
What about all that awesome teaching I do? I jest. I'm just happy they are happy. And learning. And well-adjusted. And so far, neither child has yelled at me for ruining their life.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
~R</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<i></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Are you reading this in a feeder? Stop lurking and come on over. I'd love to hear from you.</div>Robinellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03117261185781086419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1335830813015678048.post-89642091112334536322012-03-07T10:32:00.000-05:002014-10-21T20:25:09.302-04:00Busy, busy, busyI have so many things I want to do and am spending many minutes a day thinking about how to do it all.<br />
<br />
I'm starting to plan for our school next year. My seedlings are growing fast and I need to get the containers together for planting. We've got regular doctor visits on the calendar and speech appointments. Soccer is about to consume our lives again. And on and on.<br />
<br />
Pete and I are going to be extras in a cool tv show - <a href="http://investigation.discovery.com/tv/fbi-criminal-pursuit/">FBI: Crimnal Pursuit: Investigation Discovery</a>.<br />
<br />
Should be a lot of fun. I originally sent the info for him to be an extra and the guy sent me a reply asking if I'd like to be one too since I have to be on set anyway. I said sure, why not and that's how that happened.<br />
<br />
I'm carrying my iPhone with me to get pics of the set for Pete's scrapbook that I plan to make one day...along with all the other scrapbooks I plan to make one day.<br />
<br />
But I'll have to wait to post any pictures until after the show airs. <br />
<br />
Now back to being busy.<br />
<br />
~R<div class="blogger-post-footer">Are you reading this in a feeder? Stop lurking and come on over. I'd love to hear from you.</div>Robinellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03117261185781086419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1335830813015678048.post-38587275870386054562012-03-06T08:00:00.000-05:002014-10-21T20:25:20.725-04:00To Play or Not To Play<div style="color: #6aa84f;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Originally posted on <a href="http://homschlr4ever-loveandlunchmoney.com/2012/02/25/so-long-and-thanks-for-all-the-fish/">Homeschlr4ever/Love and Lunch Money</a></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I always wanted to play the piano. When I was seven, my after school babysitter let me play around on her piano and even taught me how to play the theme from <i>The Young and the Restless</i>, one of her favorite stories. I still remember most of it.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Then we moved, my parents divorced and everything went to hell. My mom couldn't afford piano lessons and I don't even think the thought crossed her mind. And in school, I chose art, so I didn't have time for band class.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Now I'm 42 and still want to learn and I've decided to sign my boys up instead. <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Living vicariously through others and all that.</i></span> Neither of them seems particularly enthused, although neither threw themselves down on the floor in a tantrum either, and I'm not normally one to force the issue, but I think it'll be a good thing for them in the end. They'll thank me later, right? <i>*</i><span style="font-style: normal;">chirp chirp*</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anyway, there's plenty to document the good effects music has on us. I think the lessons will teach discipline through practice, empathy for Mom's inner ear canal,cooperation through working one on one with an instructor and accomplishment when they pound out that first song. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Someone tell me I'm right. These decisions are always so difficult and my husband is no help and by that I mean, he isn't agreeing with me 100 percent. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I said to him, Aren't you excited that I finally signed them up for piano lessons? </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Him: Um, not really.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Me: What do you mean, not really? Don't you think they SHOULD take the lessons. You said yourself that piano was the best instrument to learn. From there all the others would be easy.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Him: I think piano lessons are good but you can't force them to take the lessons. I mean, they have to practice an hour a day. They won't even practice drums for me and they <b>want </b>to play drums. Are you going to make sure they do it?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Me: You bet your booty, I will.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Him: Then it sounds good to me.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I knew he'd come around to my way of thinking.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
How about you? How do you handle these types of decisions in your homeschooling adventures? Do you wait for your child to ask? Do you take a firm stand as I have and sign them up? Do they hate you forever now? I don't think my heart could stand that!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
~R</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Are you reading this in a feeder? Stop lurking and come on over. I'd love to hear from you.</div>Robinellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03117261185781086419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1335830813015678048.post-9636484587715546872012-03-01T15:22:00.000-05:002012-03-01T15:22:00.084-05:00Daily WalksBN and I talk a lot about exercise and eating right and our boys are adopting this way of life. They don't moan and groan when we want to do active things. They don't cry and gag when I put broccoli and brussels sprouts on their plates. They are understanding that these things are necessary to be healthy and free of disease.<br />
<br />
I wish I had understood this when I was 8 or 12 or 25. My mom always fed us wonderful meals and we hardly ever ate out, but there was plenty of the bad stuff around. Meaning man made "food" products. It wasn't her fault. The gooberment said it was just fine and for a busy single mom, it was quick and easy.<br />
<br />
Recently, Pete asked if he could go on my daily walks with me. At first I was hesitant because I walk briskly and use this as a main form of exercise. In the past, when I've headed out on my walks and the family wanted to tag along, it ended up being a <i>leisurely</i> walk around our neighborhood.<br />
<br />
I never complained because I enjoyed that family time and cherish that my boys want to spend time with us, but it wasn't my normal workout.<br />
<br />
So when Pete asked me this, I told him that is was going to be fast. He would have to stay with me because I wasn't slowing down and RePete had to use wheels since I knew he couldn't keep up.<br />
<br />
So far, so good. I do make a pit stop about halfway through at the neighborhood pier so they can skip rocks, and watch the water life.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eBQOK84H02Y/T06GsJx4e4I/AAAAAAAADrs/4mxDjYFu8to/s1600/Piershots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eBQOK84H02Y/T06GsJx4e4I/AAAAAAAADrs/4mxDjYFu8to/s640/Piershots.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">taken with iPhone</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~R</div>
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Are you reading this in a feeder? Stop lurking and come on over. I'd love to hear from you.</div>Robinellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03117261185781086419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1335830813015678048.post-27635489284459200892012-02-29T14:53:00.000-05:002012-02-29T14:53:07.671-05:00Seedlings<div style="text-align: center;">
I finally got my seeds in dirt. I couldn't be happier.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6HXTGyIvGEs/T06Bp9jM21I/AAAAAAAADrk/0PUXx4ai0AA/s1600/photo%281%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6HXTGyIvGEs/T06Bp9jM21I/AAAAAAAADrk/0PUXx4ai0AA/s320/photo%281%29.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> taken with iPhone</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The boys and I did an experiment to see what birds are eating in our feeders. They recognized the sunflower seeds, of course, but not the rest. The results so far are in the cups behind the seeding tray. Only one sunflower seed sprouted and the boys are diligent about watering and watching. It'll be fun when they all flower.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~R</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Are you reading this in a feeder? Stop lurking and come on over. I'd love to hear from you.</div>Robinellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03117261185781086419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1335830813015678048.post-82470871944103495312012-02-24T19:56:00.001-05:002012-02-24T19:56:52.694-05:00Pre-teen FunHaving a pre-teen can be a joy and a curse. For my sanity, I'm going to focus on the joy. <br />
<br />
Pete has a knack for entertaining.<br />
<br />
During math on Thursday, this happened<br />
<br />
Pete: Do college students get to use calculators any time they want?<br />
<br />
Me: Sure. By then it's assumed that they know all the basics, like 2+2.<br />
<br />
Pete: Well of course. That's six. Can I use the calculator today?<br />
<br />
Smarty pants.<br />
<br />
~R<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-IIMj9SCmQ8M/T0gx0pI-hnI/AAAAAAAADrc/8dVlZHCncaw/s640/blogger-image-1695533345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-IIMj9SCmQ8M/T0gx0pI-hnI/AAAAAAAADrc/8dVlZHCncaw/s640/blogger-image-1695533345.jpg" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Are you reading this in a feeder? Stop lurking and come on over. I'd love to hear from you.</div>Robinellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03117261185781086419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1335830813015678048.post-52764031336358897772012-02-23T06:00:00.000-05:002014-10-21T20:27:39.175-04:00I'm an underachieverand that's the truth of it all.<br />
<br />
This past Thursday, I met a real live bona fide barred homeschooling mom lawyer. Phew! Say that three times fast.<br />
<br />
I think back story is needed. And in the great tradition of my ninth grade history teacher,<br />
<br />
"Let me tell you a Stir-ry."<br />
<br />
So this homeschool mom tells us how she was home contemplating life and was actually <i>on her way to law school </i>when romance started.<br />
<br />
From that moment on, every other homeschool mom I met was an almost lawyer. Whether they met a rancher that sidetracked their plans or whether they accidentally got pregnant and had to delay their life goals, and myriad other reasons, they <i>were</i> headed for greatness.<br />
<br />
It's become kind of a trendy catch phrase. Go ahead. Try it on. "I was headed to law school." <i>Ooo how slippery.</i><br />
<br />
So this past Thursday, I was talking with a homeschool mom that I love. She's a totally unassuming, down-to-earth, kind person. So when, in the course of our conversation, she said, "I went to law school", my hackles started rising and my bullshit meter was ready for action. But it turns out she really did finish law school and passed the bar in another state.<br />
<br />
And there probably isn't a real point to my story except that I never had any intention of <i>going to law school</i>, whether real or imaginary.<br />
<br />
Then again, I'd sound so much more cool and motivated if I did. <br />
<br />
~R<div class="blogger-post-footer">Are you reading this in a feeder? Stop lurking and come on over. I'd love to hear from you.</div>Robinellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03117261185781086419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1335830813015678048.post-87266705594905016942012-02-22T06:00:00.001-05:002014-10-21T20:27:49.510-04:00My Parachute Has HolesForget about figuring out the color and because of that, I've spent about 10 years in college.<br />
<br />
<i>Oooo</i>, you must be saying. <i>What did you study? You must have a PhD by now.</i><br />
<br />
In reality, I have five, that's right, five associate's degrees. Whoopee, right.<br />
<br />
In order:<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Business Administration</b> - took this because when I finally got out of the Navy, I could a get a job anywhere with this magic degree. Then decided it was lame and stopped at the AS.</li>
<li><b>Accounting</b> - once again, who doesn't need an accountant. I'm good with numbers, I like order. Nah. Not so much. Besides, some of our taxes are unconstitutional and piss me off.</li>
<li><b>Nutrition</b> (certification) - and then I spent 180 hours in the hospital interning and realized the FDA is full of shit and gastric bypass patients have trouble eating a 1/4 cup of anything resulting in a return to the hospital where the staff call them "frequent flyers" behind their backs.</li>
<li><b>Nutrition </b>(transfer) - did this in tandem with the certification because ODU promised me I could get my master's in tandem with my undergrad in Human Services. And the only college that offered an RD only offers the courses when the professors feel like it. My short attention span doesn't work like that. See above.</li>
<li><b>Interior Design - </b>was a three year degree and by the time I finished I was thinking about homeschooling. </li>
<li>Oh and I almost forgot to mention all the art classes that I've taken and probably qualify for a degree for that too. </li>
</ul>
So, here I sit. Contemplating going back to school just so I can say I did it. I started looking for the degree that would require the least amount of work. What? I homeschool my boys. Like I have time for this.<br />
<br />
Typical BN: If you are going back to school, at least get a degree that you can use, like Photography.<br />
<br />
Typical Me: Photographers don't need degrees. They need a good eye and a camera. And I have both.<br />
<br />
The thing is, I have no intention of going back to work. Not that I'm not employable or perfectly capable of self-sufficiency. But by the time my kids are are both gone, I'll be 52. I plan to finally sit on the sofa, eating bon bons, watching smut TV all day and greeting my husband at the door in nothing but an apron. I jest.<br />
<br />
But it still bugs me that I never finished school. Hmmm. I'll have to keep thinking about this. <br />
<br />
~R<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Are you reading this in a feeder? Stop lurking and come on over. I'd love to hear from you.</div>Robinellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03117261185781086419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1335830813015678048.post-26161726893652989572012-02-18T09:00:00.000-05:002012-02-18T10:56:54.269-05:00A typical text tryst with BNMe: Three hours and counting. :o)<br />
<br />
Me: Oops that was supposed to go to Pogo.<br />
<br />
BN: Geek alert<br />
<br />
Me: Takes one to know one.<br />
<br />
BN: Your mama<br />
<br />
Me: Yours.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
~R<div class="blogger-post-footer">Are you reading this in a feeder? Stop lurking and come on over. I'd love to hear from you.</div>Robinellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03117261185781086419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1335830813015678048.post-30281370342829717222012-02-17T09:36:00.001-05:002012-02-17T09:36:45.869-05:00Homeschooler's Valentine's DayIt's true. We homeschooler's don't all avoid the holidays. <br />
<br />
As I said before this is RePete's first Valentine's card exchange and probably his last since he'll be 9 next year and too cool for such things. Everyone seemed to enjoy the exchange. Several children, including my own, kept checking their bags to see how it was going. Oh the anticipation.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yntRE4qQWA8/Tz5ld68Ek-I/AAAAAAAADq4/oPq2O7SqiR8/s1600/photo-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yntRE4qQWA8/Tz5ld68Ek-I/AAAAAAAADq4/oPq2O7SqiR8/s320/photo-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vaEac5_a3x0/Tz5lhifKPKI/AAAAAAAADrA/EGTRGL-jjEs/s1600/photo-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vaEac5_a3x0/Tz5lhifKPKI/AAAAAAAADrA/EGTRGL-jjEs/s320/photo-3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Ignore the blobs on the photos. I had to blur out other children.<br />
<br />
~R<div class="blogger-post-footer">Are you reading this in a feeder? Stop lurking and come on over. I'd love to hear from you.</div>Robinellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03117261185781086419noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1335830813015678048.post-85986377922746945862012-02-16T06:00:00.000-05:002012-02-16T06:00:16.787-05:00Extreme PhotographyI may need a new hobby.<br />
<br />
Tuesday before last, the moon was gorgeous. Low in the horizon, slight orange tint. Gorgeous!<br />
<br />
So, I put on the telephoto glass, extended my tripod out fully and proceed to walk down the first set of steps on our deck for a better vantage point.<br />
<br />
I missed the last step. Rolled my right ankle over my toes. Not to the side. Of course, if I am going to sprain my ankle, it has to be the weirdest type of sprain. I won't have it any other way.<br />
<br />
Good news is that it was just a bad sprain, no breaks.<br />
<br />
Greater news is that I saved my camera. Probably made my fall worse.<br />
<br />
Bad news is that I missed a killer shot.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Riz5tTbwf-k/TzvUDb4PTWI/AAAAAAAADqw/pbad6m1Fbh8/s1600/foot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Riz5tTbwf-k/TzvUDb4PTWI/AAAAAAAADqw/pbad6m1Fbh8/s1600/foot.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
~R<div class="blogger-post-footer">Are you reading this in a feeder? Stop lurking and come on over. I'd love to hear from you.</div>Robinellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03117261185781086419noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1335830813015678048.post-83583609495542043862012-02-15T10:25:00.000-05:002012-02-15T10:25:25.015-05:00Sweets from my Sweetie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I love that BN always gets me two cards at Valentine's Day. One is funny and one is serious. And he writes which is which on the envelope.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qp65tGmd1Ow/TzvM-Gb7aKI/AAAAAAAADqg/BiaBwrWX9sI/s1600/cards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qp65tGmd1Ow/TzvM-Gb7aKI/AAAAAAAADqg/BiaBwrWX9sI/s320/cards.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
I love that even though year after year, I assure him that I will be just fine without flowers, he still sends them to me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MpMQmIEU0pA/TzvNLataOpI/AAAAAAAADqo/fQPYsRRSmJA/s1600/flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MpMQmIEU0pA/TzvNLataOpI/AAAAAAAADqo/fQPYsRRSmJA/s320/flowers.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
I love that this year, the note with the flowers said we have reserved seats to see <i>Wicked</i>!!!!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ugT8llVvK10/TzvLGXByPoI/AAAAAAAADqY/4aD0dGz5ZM8/s1600/wicked" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ugT8llVvK10/TzvLGXByPoI/AAAAAAAADqY/4aD0dGz5ZM8/s1600/wicked" /></a></div>
<br />
I can't wait.<br />
<br />
~R<div class="blogger-post-footer">Are you reading this in a feeder? Stop lurking and come on over. I'd love to hear from you.</div>Robinellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03117261185781086419noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1335830813015678048.post-21268711821809882492012-02-10T11:00:00.000-05:002012-02-10T11:12:08.794-05:00ValentinesRePete has never been to school. Ever. Not even preschool. A couple of years ago, I had a Valentines party at our home and our kids exchanged goodies. But he's never experienced the thrill of getting a bag full of Valentines from twenty-something of his closest friends. *snicker* Not that his life would have a void if he never did, but it's a fun thing and I wanted him to experience it. <br />
<br />
AND this may be the last year RePete is not too cool to exchange Valentines with his friends, so I took the initiative and set up a craft table at our co-op today to help him grow out of it with style.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">And I did it on crutches. (different story for another time)</span><br />
<br />
I bought several sets of different colored bags, markers and lots and (I thought) lots of stickers. Do you know how hard it is to find Valentine stickers that boys don't think are too "girly"? But we made do.<br />
<br />
I spent about $30 on stickers. I <i>thought</i> it was a lot of stickers. I <i>forgot</i> how much girls like stickers.<br />
<br />
<br />
I'm used to my boys. One or two stickers, their name and they're done. The girls spent lots of time at my table today. Everything was perfectly decorated and coordinated and beautiful. Luckily, the foam stickers held out until the very last crafter, but next time I work a craft table, I'll know to bring more. <b>Much more</b>.<br />
<br />
<br />
I think we ended up with close to 30 kids who made bags that will be used to collect Valentines from their buddies next week.<br />
<br />
I can't wait and I need to remember to take a picture.<br />
<br />
~R<div class="blogger-post-footer">Are you reading this in a feeder? Stop lurking and come on over. I'd love to hear from you.</div>Robinellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03117261185781086419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1335830813015678048.post-18496791005012859782012-02-09T07:00:00.000-05:002012-02-09T07:00:15.032-05:00I love knitting videosI do, I really do. I feel so inspired when I watch them and each knitter has his or her own special little techniques that I like to borrow. Most of the time the video itself doesn't do much for me, but the little details...how this person binds off or how that person carries her yarn, that's where it's at.<br />
<br />
My newest favorite is <a href="http://verypink.com/">verypink.com</a> . I've learned a lot from her videos and even more from her website. My next project will be purchasing her <a href="http://verypink.com/2011/03/18/learn-to-felt-easter-basket/">easter basket pattern</a> and making them for my boys and my sisters'. So cute. And felted!<br />
<br />
~R<div class="blogger-post-footer">Are you reading this in a feeder? Stop lurking and come on over. I'd love to hear from you.</div>Robinellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03117261185781086419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1335830813015678048.post-5190342561199134922012-02-08T07:00:00.000-05:002012-02-08T07:00:12.999-05:00I'm a simple galfor the most part. I don't need or particularly like fancy things.<br />
<br />
So when I recently decided to up the ante on my knitting, I pulled out an intermediate level sock pattern which happens to be called Ribbed Lace. It's in Charlene Schurch's book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sensational-Knitted-Socks-Charlene-Schurch/dp/1564775704">Sensational Knitted Socks</a>.<br />
<br />
But as I started the stitches and saw holes, I realized these socks just would not do. Holes in socks? I mean really. Why bother wearing socks for warmth if they are laced with holes? So, I pulled out all the stitches and started over with a simple basket weave. Still intermediate level.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6yVqiKSX74c/TzGDi41g2kI/AAAAAAAADqQ/r9vwBo03M2k/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6yVqiKSX74c/TzGDi41g2kI/AAAAAAAADqQ/r9vwBo03M2k/s320/photo.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I likey much better.<br />
<br />
And the color...Matador by Felici at <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/knitting.cfm">Knit Picks</a>. Oh my. Can't wait to wear these. They actually remind me of the scene in <b><i>The Birdcage</i></b>* when they try to play off Albert as the straight uncle. He walks in wearing a dark suit and sits down. When he crosses his leg... a flash of pink from his socks! Classic.<br />
<br />
~R <br />
<br />
<i><b>*</b></i> my favorite movie<div class="blogger-post-footer">Are you reading this in a feeder? Stop lurking and come on over. I'd love to hear from you.</div>Robinellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03117261185781086419noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1335830813015678048.post-59452378135830417462012-02-06T21:44:00.000-05:002012-02-07T15:16:53.811-05:00Christmas StockingsMy sister asked for one thing for her birthday, a stocking for the baby.<br />
Apparently, many years ago, I made one for my nephew who is now 17. I have absolutely no recollection of making a stocking except for the detail of the “T” hanging off the end of the cuff. That rings a bell. The rest..not so much. <br />
His was crocheted. I’ve all but forgotten how to crochet anything more complicated than single and double stitches. Seeing a picture of the old stocking does nothing for my memory, so the baby’s stocking had to be knitted. I waffled back and forth on designs and after several false starts decided on a simple pattern of my own design. The yarn in my stash played a part in that decision as well. I wish I had had more of the green. <br />
So I knitted and knitted and finally came up with this.<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-A2LV_3t8UXE/TyydAkN0iLI/AAAAAAAADpQ/GIOmTerX518/s1600-h/IMG_0792%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0792" border="0" height="386" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xP6N3mU7Q9I/TyydBE5BE4I/AAAAAAAADpY/dMtaan6CYjI/IMG_0792_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0792" width="281" /></a><br />
But because the yarn I used wasn’t that thick and I used a bigger needle to knit this, I decided to try felting. As is, the stocking is limp and holey, although I think the lettering turned out nicely.<br />
Here is my first ever attempt at felting.<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1VCnLeSDh5E/TyydCIvAVbI/AAAAAAAADpg/fjF86u2Lhyk/s1600-h/IMG_0795%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0795" border="0" height="383" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OvunMy8V8ts/TyydColSKPI/AAAAAAAADpo/iHlaqAOMA-o/IMG_0795_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0795" width="279" /></a><br />
This phone pic does not do it justice. The picture is blurry due to low lighting, but the stocking <i>is</i> fuzzy. The lettering is not quite as nice as before the felting process, but the stocking has weight to it and feels more like it can handle all the Christmas goodies my sister will place in it next year. <br />
And hopefully, it’ll last as long as his big brother’s has lasted.<br />
~R<div class="blogger-post-footer">Are you reading this in a feeder? Stop lurking and come on over. I'd love to hear from you.</div>Robinellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03117261185781086419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1335830813015678048.post-42481332545062277182012-01-12T20:10:00.001-05:002012-01-12T20:10:34.745-05:00Family Photos<p> </p> <p>I love our photo sessions. I take all of our pictures using a remote and sometimes my remote can be temperamental. These were the “mess ups” and I love them the best.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xNWsDD2NbXw/Tw-EY_lugdI/AAAAAAAADoQ/GR_4YxWAB1I/s1600-h/Fun%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="SONY DSC " border="0" alt="SONY DSC " src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wShFtrYCLHk/Tw-EaZAtUFI/AAAAAAAADoY/kiy2xUEsxvw/Fun_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="345"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_vRhxi2vvgc/Tw-EdZH7ycI/AAAAAAAADog/vrfx3YXl_8A/s1600-h/Remote%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="SONY DSC " border="0" alt="SONY DSC " src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LznN4KNy-MY/Tw-EeZzMoFI/AAAAAAAADoo/15GH7lVDSL4/Remote_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="489" height="346"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CuoFe3ug2MQ/Tw-EhQsm08I/AAAAAAAADow/-RffoHl0WJw/s1600-h/We%252520kiss%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="SONY DSC " border="0" alt="SONY DSC " src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pqaaODDuhds/Tw-EipM5pyI/AAAAAAAADo4/6sTwC1xkZ9c/We%252520kiss_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="492" height="348"></a></p> <p>~R</p> <div class="blogger-post-footer">Are you reading this in a feeder? Stop lurking and come on over. I'd love to hear from you.</div>Robinellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03117261185781086419noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1335830813015678048.post-77743696286646055892011-12-15T09:00:00.000-05:002011-12-15T09:00:03.624-05:00The OJ ExperimentRePete saw the commercial about orange juice where they show a straw in an orange (as if the juice in the container is so fresh that it is like drinking straight from the orange).<br />
<br />
Experiment: He wanted to try it. Pete too.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j9blazHBFKg/TujPIX_89_I/AAAAAAAADnw/Zl6-D1-_SWg/s1600/100_3250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j9blazHBFKg/TujPIX_89_I/AAAAAAAADnw/Zl6-D1-_SWg/s400/100_3250.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Outcome: RePete got a tiny drop or two of juice and Pete got pulp.<br />
Lesson: Don't believe everything you see on television.<br />
<br />
~R <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Are you reading this in a feeder? Stop lurking and come on over. I'd love to hear from you.</div>Robinellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03117261185781086419noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1335830813015678048.post-85653618320816862772011-12-14T09:00:00.000-05:002011-12-14T09:00:11.335-05:00Our futureBN and I feel stuck. We want to live in/near the mountains, but in this world we have to have a good job. His is here in Hampton Roads.<br />
<br />
So we dreamweave about the day he retires or we spontaneously become independently wealthy. We both see the same piece of land in our future and until this past weekend, we didn't have a picture. In our perfect dream, we see a house on a hill, a pond or other water source nearby and mountains in the backdrop.<br />
<br />
As part of my researching for mom on genealogy, I came across another member of our family in a different branch that posted a picture of my great-great-grandfather's homestead as it looks today. When I saw it, I immediately showed it to BN to which he replied, "Is it for sale?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-isetofKKGSY/Tuef_fj3Y2I/AAAAAAAADno/0w4NqmsQTo4/s1600/Homestead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-isetofKKGSY/Tuef_fj3Y2I/AAAAAAAADno/0w4NqmsQTo4/s640/Homestead.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
That land and our house plans...dreamy.<br />
<br />
~R<div class="blogger-post-footer">Are you reading this in a feeder? Stop lurking and come on over. I'd love to hear from you.</div>Robinellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03117261185781086419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1335830813015678048.post-78153810196790308962011-12-13T13:51:00.000-05:002011-12-13T14:05:04.738-05:00GrammartasticYesterday, as Pete was reading his grammar assignment, he asked,<br />
<br />
"Mom, what does semile and metoffer mean?" ( I used these spellings to try and show the sounds he used. Syllable emphasis on "mile" and "off")<br />
<br />
I cracked up laughing. He started laughing because I was laughing and then I explained the correct pronunciation.<br />
<br />
He was asking about similes and metaphors. <br />
<br />
~R<div class="blogger-post-footer">Are you reading this in a feeder? Stop lurking and come on over. I'd love to hear from you.</div>Robinellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03117261185781086419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1335830813015678048.post-79913654711030868522011-12-08T20:09:00.001-05:002011-12-08T20:27:46.210-05:00The Nutcracker BalletI should have known better about buying tickets for a ballet in little old Suffolk, but I thought, hey, I'll give it a try. Our town converted the old downtown high school into a cultural arts center. There have been numerous events, ballets, productions, etc and this is the first time I've bought tickets. It's a beautiful building and I love old architecture like this.<br />
<br />
What made it such a flop for me is that there were no props. The
last Nutcracker ballet BN and I saw was so beautiful and elaborate. You
could spend the entire show looking at the scenery and props and never
need to actually watch anyone dance. It was that good. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The ballet in Suffolk? Well, I think they did a fine job with the dancing although a few of them looked less than thrilled to be there. The top performers for me were the two guys. Men ballerinas or whatever they are called really are fun to watch because they are so strong and tend to do the most fantastical things. The "Nutcracker" guy, however, had on white tights and after the show, Pete said they should not wear pants like that. He could see the guy's butt in detail. <br />
<br />
He was right. It was slightly obscene.<br />
<br />
Here's what I heard the entire time:<br />
<br />
BN: ( I heard nothing...he kept dozing off)<br />
Pete: How much longer is this thing?<br />
Repete: I'm starving and I'm sooo bored. (several octaves too loudly)<br />
Me: (to myself) <i>Damn, this really </i>is <i>lame. I can't stop staring at the nutcracker's nuts. I can't believe I paid $80 for this. Those white pants are too revealing, I wonder what the boys are thinking. I'll never be able to get the kids to agree to a ballet again. </i><br />
<br />
~R<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Are you reading this in a feeder? Stop lurking and come on over. I'd love to hear from you.</div>Robinellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03117261185781086419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1335830813015678048.post-84041102716836651212011-12-03T21:19:00.001-05:002011-12-03T21:40:22.520-05:00I finally saw it.Twilight, that is. My sister had a free night and needed to take her son to meet his date at the movies, so we decided to double date with them. The fact that we couldn't go in together or watch the same movie didn't bother us one little bit.<br />
<br />
And I learned a valuable lesson: <i>never chew wintergreen gum at the movies during a quiet scene</i>. <br />
<br />
I don't know how it happened but the theater was so quiet and I switched from popcorn to gum during the scene where Bella is laboring and Jacob is in shock at her "death". I stopped chewing - because it was so quiet in there I could hear myself chewing even with my mouth shut - and then it happened.<br />
<br />
Somehow, wintergreen infused saliva slid down the back of my throat and into my windpipe. I had to cough but it was so dang quiet in there, I tried not to. The force of trying to hold that cough in made me pee my pants just a little (my bladder will never be the same after my 9 and 10 pound babies), so I tried to get enough breath to tell my sister I was leaving my purse and needed to go to the bathroom. She, a nurse, was poised and ready to perform the Heimlich or CPR or something drastic and I put up my hand - like hold up a minute, I'm fine really - and my eyes were starting to water at this point and I was walking down the steps and across the aisle to the lobby exit.<br />
<br />
A couple in front of me held open the door and I'm sure because of my tear stained eyes and slight convulsive-type heaving (still trying to be quiet and not wet my pants), they probably thought I was all choked up over Bella "dying".<br />
<br />
Finally, I make it to a stall and pee, cough, pee, cough, etc. Cough a few extra times as I wash my hands and then make my way back to the theater hoping I didn't miss Jacob shirtless or anything.<br />
<br />
And that's how I learned to never chew wintergreen gum at the movies.<br />
<br />
~R<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Are you reading this in a feeder? Stop lurking and come on over. I'd love to hear from you.</div>Robinellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03117261185781086419noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1335830813015678048.post-56819302154534837802011-12-01T16:19:00.001-05:002011-12-01T16:31:28.159-05:00Success!The boys took their ornaments to the craft show today at our co-op and sold out!<br />
<br />
They raised $31 to give to our local food bank.<br />
<br />
I was going to take pictures, but forgot my phone and my camera is out for repairs. But the display was nice if I must say so myself. *pat pat*<br />
<br />
Our friends are so generous with their time and money and I love that the boys decided to give to others. <br />
<br />
Here is the poster Pete and RePete created that I framed for the table display. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ys59TOK46NI/TtfxLPHuPpI/AAAAAAAADng/80rJt0GzzV4/s1600/ArcSoft_Image6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ys59TOK46NI/TtfxLPHuPpI/AAAAAAAADng/80rJt0GzzV4/s400/ArcSoft_Image6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />How crappy is that picture taken on the webcam. Anyway, the drawings are beautiful. Great job to my boys!<br />
<br />
~R<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Are you reading this in a feeder? Stop lurking and come on over. I'd love to hear from you.</div>Robinellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03117261185781086419noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1335830813015678048.post-62650848398457308342011-11-29T18:12:00.001-05:002011-11-29T18:15:16.152-05:00Deer PoopYou know you are a homeschooler when... <br />
<br />
Three days ago, BN walked out front and came back in saying that the deer ate all my roses again <i>and</i> pooped on our walkway.<br />
<br />
For whatever reason, nobody cleaned up the doo. And then it just became a curiosity.<br />
<br />
The boys and I have been examining the poop every day since. First, the flies came. Then the slug. Then the rain. <br />
<br />
Now there's nothing left but grasses of some sort. <br />
<br />
I was certain I'd find roses.<br />
<br />
~R<br />
<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Are you reading this in a feeder? Stop lurking and come on over. I'd love to hear from you.</div>Robinellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03117261185781086419noreply@blogger.com0