A ‘Low Key’ Day July 1, 2008

We started the day off with some sign language lessons on DVD. Since hanging out with baby Renae:

Sadie has become very interested in learning sign language. Renae’s mom, Misty, teaches parents how to communicate with their infants/toddlers through sign language. Renae, at 9 months old has about 26 signs under her belt and uses them all the time to communicate.

We got a very large cactus from a Freecycler that needed some TLC. The kids and I got a bigger pot for it, trimmed off the pieces that were pulling it over, and generally brought this beautiful plant back. First we drilled holes for drainage in the bottom of the pot. Here Elijah and Sadie put gravel in the bottom of the pot to promote drainage and prevent root rot.

Then they place the soil in.

Sadie set up an obstacle course. Elijah: “Are the cones there for us to shwiggle and shwaggle between?” Indeed- shwiggle and shwaggle.

Isn’t she lovely? And Sadie’s cute too This is our new cactus. The little one in the front is an attempt to root the branches that had to be cut off so that the main plant could stand up on its own again. We’re crossing our fingers that they’ll root and hang with us.

Ballet- Okay! July 1, 2008

From left: Kaylee, Sadie, Marley, and G. Today was ballet session #2. Because there were so many interested, we divided it up into two groups. This group was much more interested in ballet ‘instruction.’ While I was a little busy during the ‘class’, this is the post-class free dance which was full of leaps and twirls and princess discussions.

At back- Brett, Kaylee, and Kenzie. Front- Tamara (Kaylee’s neighbor friend), Elijah, Sadie, and Marley. The kids frolic in the pool post ballet.

Daddy Weekend July 1, 2008

Daddy came home this weekend after 9 days in New Hampshire! He was given many pictures…

We finally got new nuts (we left the other ones in California) for Elijah’s training wheels. Yay! Bike riding is in our future.

We dug into the invention box- a random collection of recyclables and interesting home finds that the kids are totally into making into new and interesting inventions.

We played the letter game. Sometimes we call out letters and numbers and Sadie runs to them. Sometimes she runs over them as fast as she can while we try to keep up with calling out what she’s on.

Lijey drove his remote control car and set up obstacle courses complete with ramps.

We got the band back together.

We busted out the marbles!

On the road again- told you bike riding was in our future.

There were many other homefront adventures. We had a lovely weekend just hanging around and catching up with Daddy.

Humans Being #1- Unschooling: General Introduction July 1, 2008

What you’ll find in this episode:

A general discussion of the whats, whys, and hows of unschooling.

Click here for a direct link to the show to stream on your computer!

Are you ready for a complete shift in life philosophy? To respect your children as the people they are rather than concerning yourself with what they will become? Do you mean it when you say that you will be happy as long as your children are happy- no matter what? These only sound cliche if you aren’t able to recognize that children are capable of directing their own lives. As unschoolers and gentle parents we understand and live this. Humans Being will discuss facets of unschooling and gentle parenting as well as how they relate and work in our family and others. We’ll talk about a variety of unschooling philosophies, literature, and media as well as hearing from unschoolers all over the world who will share their experiences.