Bubbles Pop, You Know

My mind is still on bubbles.

I spent Monday morning checking that everyone's bubbles were heavy and dark before sending them off to the testing places to be marked. I have to say, I've noticed that my test anxiety has expanded to include their testing. It didn't take long for my hand to cramp with childhood memories of filling in those little circles.

Children in our society really take a beating from our need to know, to measure, to compare. We demand that they perform; jumping through hoops to prove that they are worth it. Why? Because we're taxpayers! A good portion of our tax money goes to the schools. We need to know that those kids are pulling their weight, that their teachers are doing their jobs. We test them because it is the easiest way to prove that they are learning...something. But what? Testing is stressful. Children aren't stupid. They know it's important. Make sure you fill in those circles. Make your marks heavy and dark. If you change your mind, erase your mark completely and fill in your new answer heavy and dark. If there any other marks, your answer won't count.

We homeschoolers tend to get criticized about the way we teach and the reasons why we choose homeschooling. We keep our kids in a bubble.

Have you ever studied a soap bubble? I recommend it, it's amazing. I used to catch the soap bubbles on my wand and watch the colors swirl on the surface. After a time, dark patches would form and eat away at the color until the bubble finally popped. The colorful bubble became heavy and dark. Then it burst. Interesting.

Carnival of Homeschooling at Janice Campbell

I have Spring Fever. Do you? Go check out the latest Carnival of Homeschooling: The Spring Fever edition at Janice Campbell. There are some interesting articles this week, so make sure you check some of the links and leave comments for the contributors!

Home Spun comic strip #337

I've always been laid back when it comes to my children's eating habits. After all, I was a picky eater. I don't think I have the right to force my children to eat something they don't want to eat. On the other hand, I've always tried to offer a wide variety of food and my only restriction on snacks is that I won't buy them unless they are on sale.

This does not mean that I let them get away with eating nothing but sweets. I try to regularly discuss smart food choices and healthy habits and encourage them to try new things. As a result, I'm reasonably certain they eat better and smarter than I do. But I'm learning.

Finding Lemonade

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Before you get lemons, pack your bags and find out how others managed to squeeze the most out of life.

My sister passed this link to me, From Here to Uncertainty. Watch the video, it's awesome! They are homeschoolers she knows who have decided to undertake what sounds like an interesting experiment. They are going to spend a year traveling "searching for people who are taking control of their lives in these uncertain times." I know many who are feeling the pain of our slow economy. This family will be looking for people who are finding new opportunities in spite of the economy. I think of this as a celebration of the creative spirit. What a great idea!

Our Earth Hour...

We just finished our Earth Hour. This was an international event where you show your support for the earth by turning out your lights for an hour at 8:30PM. For Sierra, the draw was being able to light candles. Because I'm me, I thought we should also turn off other major energy users like the computers and the TV. If you're going to turn things off, why not go all the way?

The first 15 minutes were spent chasing down our cat Hobgoblin, who managed to run out the door when I stepped outside. Luckily he's an orange cat. Much easier to find in the dark than Merlin. We brought him back in and found Sierra and Chase taking pictures with one of their light up lightsabers. Chase did some flashy swinging with it. This lasted all of two minutes and then everyone sat down. My husband was in the middle of a good book, so he curled up with a flashlight, while I started a sing-along with the kids. We sang The Mermaid Song and The Rattlin' Bog and passed around Gobstoppers and carrots. Then Marina curled up with a book near a candle and I started a game of Name that Animal. This is our version of Twenty Questions. You ask questions that can be answered with a yes or no only. I have them get into classifications and biomes as well as the physical appearance to figure out the animals. I thought I had them stumped with mine, but Sierra suddenly guessed "Is it an octopus?" I'm sure she read my mind, because nothing was said that would have led her there. Chase later stumped me with his animal, the cuttlefish.

The game helped to make our last half hour pass quickly. Sierra didn't want us to turn the lights on right away. In fact, she now wants us to do this every night. We shall see...

Home Spun comic strip #336

There is one downside to the PASS test. I had explained to Marina that she should check her answers when she was done. I had not explained that the test book at that time contained several levels of tests. The system has since been improved and you now only receive a booklet with the appropriate level. I'll bet we weren't the only ones confusing levels!

Home Spun comic strip #335

Guess what we're doing this week?

Against my better judgment, I even decided to test Sierra. In New York, I have the option to have her evaluated by a NY certified teacher. I hate to impose on the teachers I know, so I haven't used that option in years. It was easier to just test Chase and Marina after third grade. The thought of trying to gather up all the scraps of paper Sierra has used for various subjects makes me tired. I know, it's lazy of me, but I'm reporting three children right now. It's hard enough managing my time as all three test on different levels, and in Chase's case, on a different test. Sierra and Marina are using the CAT test because the PASS test (which I prefer) only covers grades 3-8. The PASS test gives a more detailed report on how the child is doing and strategies for improvement in weak areas.

For me, the worst part of testing is reading the instructions to them. After reading for the tenth time, "Fill in the circle completely and make your mark heavy and dark," I can't help laughing at the absurdity of it all. My kids will really know how to fill in bubbles when this is over. It's a skill I would not have thought to teach them on my own.

Editor's Note: It was pointed out that I forgot to add links for those of you who might like to have your kids take a test. Links are now available. But remember, education is not the filling of a bubble, but the floating of a creative spirit. Or feeling the soap between your fingers. And popping attitudes.

Home Spun comic strip #334

Am I the only one who forgets? I hope not. It's a little embarrassing to not know what grade your child is in, especially when they don't know either.

Home Spun reprints #59-61 Losing Sleep

We all have weeks when we have a million things to do and we don't seem to be getting any sleep. Last night, I had one child complaining about nausea, another ended up sleep walking in front of the bathroom (she needed to go, but she didn't seem to realize the bathroom was open and empty), and then nauseous child started snoring. Loudly. You would think I would have had a little sleep once the snoring stopped, but when it stopped my mind filled with thoughts of sleep apnea and I had to check that everyone was breathing. They were.

Add on to this my monthly struggle with insomnia, a backache (I threw out my back doing yoga. Ironic, eh?) and hypothyroid and I'm not exactly Miss Perky in the morning. I'm more of a Miss Percolator. I know coffee isn't the best thing for me, but some days it's the only thing that keeps me going. There are places to go and things to do. Homeschooling can't stop every time I lose sleep.

But it will slow down a bit. Time to unschool.

Home Spun reprints #77-79 Planting Seeds

Marina and Sierra have been planting seeds this past week. Looking back at this early set of comics, I see nothing has changed...except for the number of cats tramping through the seedlings! I know I've said this before, but our preferred method of seed starting is to use peat pellets. They are much neater than the bags of dirt we used in our early years of planting. For seed trays, I reuse the plastic containers my husband gets from ordering Chinese food. They are deep enough for the inch high peat pellets and they have handy clear plastic covers that protect fresh planted seeds from cats and act as mini-greenhouses. Now I just need a way to stick them to the shelf so that they can't be pushed off by a stretching cat.

Dirt Happens

Last weekend was my first opportunity of the year to get down and dirty in my garden. It's been getting into the 50's here, and all of my crocuses have started popping up. They always take me by surprise, so that I have to carefully lift the mulch of leaves I left on from last Autumn. The earlier I lift the leaf cover, the better, as some of the flowers have speared through the dry leaves. Once their flowers have opened, it's sort of like trying to pull an open umbrella through a hole.

Why do I leave those leaves when neighbors all around me are banishing them with blowers? Simple. Leaves are a cheap mulch. My oak tree is more than happy to dump a ton of them onto the garden bed, so I don't have to lug bags around. They keep the ground insulated so that my plants don't heave in the freeze-thaw-freeze cycle. And as they degrade they add nutrients to the earth.

When I lift the leaves at this time of year, they are added to the compost pile. I have several compost piles cooking in my yard. To make the pile decompose faster, you can turn it regularly. My husband likes to help with that. I think it has to do with wielding a pitchfork. It's a very manly activity compared to weeding and planting flowers.

Of course, turning compost isn't necessary. The nice thing about compost is that it doesn't need any help. Eventually, everything breaks down and becomes rich black dirt. When we had to remove one of our trees after a windstorm, we kept a large pile of woodchips. I did some neat science-y things with the kids. We looked at some of the various fungi growing on the pile. I also shoveled into it to show how warm it was inside. That pile has diminished in size since we first made it, without any interference from us. If you are patient, dirt happens.

I hope everyone has a lovely green day!
Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Home Spun reprint #80

Whenever you feel overwhelmed, it's good to be able to call for help. I am very fortunate to live close to my parents. I'm doubly fortunate that I have a good relationship with them. My parents each have something to contribute to our homeschooling. Grandma has been there for numerous math crises and museum trips. Buelo offers his talents in playing the cuatro, a ten-stringed instrument, and Spanish language and culture. And if I ever need a good story about growing up in poverty in Puerto Rico, he's the man to call. (Yes, I do need those stories. Especially when toys are pushing my children out of their rooms.)

Attention Young Filmmakers!

I received an email today from Donna, a children's book author who has a website called Meet Me at the Corner. She asked me to take a look at it and possibly mention it on my blog.

This is an impressive site, geared toward 7-12 year olds, full of virtual trips that have been filmed by children. The most recent episode features author Robert Sabuda who talks about his work and shows how to make a pop-up card. Marina and Sierra were looking at some of the movies and thought they were very good. I watched a movie where one of the young hosts explains how to make a movie to submit to the site. I may have to charge up the camcorder batteries and have Chase give it a try.

Other interesting sections on this site include the Learning Corner, where activities are tied in with the movies, and the Kids' Corner, which lists links to contests that children might be interested in and tips for real life trips to some of the places mentioned.

This is definitely an interesting site that is worth exploring!

Home Spun comic strip #333

I'll bet everyone thought I forgot to name the kitten! Her official name is now Nutmeg.
One of the reasons we gave up having the bird feeder outside of the kitchen window was that our fuzzy bird watchers kept bending the cafe curtain rod. They don't build those rods to support ten pound cats. Go figure.

I will be taking a break next week. I need to start getting the children ready for annual testing and we have a number of activities next week, including my storytelling workshop. I thought it might be nice if I prepare for it! I will try to post some repeats. Hopefully something you haven't seen in a while.

Carnival of Homeschooling at Life Nurtuing Education

I'm thinking life has gotten a bit crazy around here, I can't seem to keep up on anything lately. The latest Carnival of Homeschooling: The Top Ten School Supplies edition, is happening at Life Nurturing Education. Please stop by and enjoy some articles by your fellow homeschooling bloggers!

Home Spun comic strip #332

Editor's note: In case anyone else was wondering, no birds or squirrels were harmed during the ransacking of the feeder. The screen, however, has seen better days.

Home Spun comic strip #331

One of my favorite pastimes is birdwatching. I've tried to include the kids from time to time, depending on how busy they are with extracurricular activities. One of my favorite bird websites is eBird, which I still use to keep track of our backyard sightings. We have also made bar graphs of the number per species. I'm pretty sure all of my kids can identify most of the birds that visit our feeders, as well as a few species of birds of prey. And we get lots of squirrels. I don't mind. They keep us entertained.

Italy: Assisi, Spoleto, and Heading Home!

With fresh batteries in her camera, Marina was all ready to spend a busy final day in Italy. It started before dawn in Assisi, where she listened to the monks chanting in the catacombs at St. Francis Basilica. She thought the catacombs were cozy, because they were warmer than the cathedral. It was a cold day.

Here is the entrance arch at the Basilica.


Do not adjust your monitor. Those white flakes you see are snow!


She found this beautiful fresco of St Francis on one vine covered building.

The Roman Temple above is now a Catholic Church. When it was converted, all pagan symbols were removed. In the closer view below, you can see the Corinthian columns.

This lion fountain was in Assisi's main square.

From Assisi, they stopped at a ceramics studio. All the artwork on the pottery is hand-painted.

After the studio, they headed to Spoleto. This is the Spoleto Cathedral. They had planned to walk to the Roman Aqueduct from here, but the Aqueduct was closed, as were many places in Spoleto. They had gone during the off-season, so many buildings were having repairs done.

A street in Spoleto. Marina liked the bridge that connected the buildings.

Back on the bus, she was able to take some pictures of the Aqueduct.

The last Italy sunset of their trip. She took this picture outside of Rome.

It sounded like their tour director, Margaret, did a wonderful job of showing them the sights of Italy. Below, Marina says goodbye to Margaret.

Because they were flying on a clear morning, Marina had the opportunity to take some pictures from the air. She took this picture as they flew over the Alps.

I hope you enjoyed taking this virtual tour of Italy with me! All the pictures and some extras are on my Flickr page. There are 108 pictures in the Italy Trip album, edited from the 1000+ that she took! I added notes for anyone interested. If you happen to look through the album, let me know how I did with putting it all together.

Home Spun comic strip #330

Every once in a while someone surprises me by telling me how good I am at what I do. Words like "organized," "supermom," and "multi-talented" get thrown around. I don't know where they get these ideas.

I consider myself a fly by the seat of my pants, one day--sometimes one hour at a time homeschooler. If I've learned anything from my journey, it's that a sense of humour about everything really helps keep the insanity at bay.

I have had an occasional family member, friend or acquaintance be so inspired by my life that they try homeschooling. Believe me, I try to talk them out of it. No one should walk this road because they are inspired by me. I agonized over my choice. I have days when I still agonize over it, but the kids are very adamant about continuing homeschooling. No matter how much I beg.

In all seriousness, this is not a decision to be made lightly. I would love to have more friends and family choose homeschooling, but they shouldn't base their choice on me. Each family travels this road in their own unique fashion. Each child learns in their own special way. I can offer support, perhaps some guidance, a shoulder to cry on, but I only know how to teach my own.

And some days, I don't even know that.

Interview the Kids meme

I copied this Interview the Kids meme from Mama Monkey. It was eye-opening. Obviously, I make less of an impression on them than I thought. I interviewed Marina and Chase together, which was probably a mistake. At the very least, I should have waited for Marina to finish with trigonometry. My comments are in parentheses.

1. What is something your mom always says to you?
Marina (age 15): Don't be afraid of the math. (She was doing math at the time.)
Chase (age 12): Chase, did you do your work?
Sierra (age 6): Do your work. (It's interesting. I thought the phrase I used most for Chase and Sierra was, "Pick up your toys." I guess they didn't hear me!)

2. What makes your mom happy?
Marina: A clean house
Chase: Cookies and a clean house
Sierra: When I do my work

3. What makes your mom sad?
Marina: When you're ignored.
Chase: Cats knocking things over. (he added "of value" for clarification)
Sierra: When the cats knock over the angel (on the Christmas tree)

4. How does your mom make you laugh?
Marina: Well, you're funny, aren't you?
Chase: Staring for long periods of time. (It's my nose, isn't it?)
Sierra: Jokes

5. What did your mom like to do when she was a child?
Marina: Draw
Chase: Juggle (except I learned when I was 18)
Sierra: Play with toys.

6. How old is your mom?
Marina: 40
Chase: I. Don't. Know. (Periods added to show his emphasis)
Sierra: 40 (she peeked at Marina's answer)

7. How tall is your mom?
Marina: Taller than me.
Chase: Can I get out the measuring tape?
Sierra: 41 inches

8. What is her favorite thing to do?
Marina: I don't know if you have a favorite thing to do. You like to do a lot of things. I don't like to do interviews. It's a good thing I'm not famous.
Chase: Juggle
Sierra:Go on the computer and talk to your friends.

9. What does your mom do when you’re not around?
Marina: Go on LibraryThing. Clean. Sleep. Read.
Chase: What DO you do when I'm not around?
Sierra: Work on her comics.

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
Marina: Your comic strip.
Chase: Ditto.
Sierra: Comics

11. What is your mom really good at?
Marina: Drawing
Chase: Juggling
Sierra:Reading books

12. What is your mom not very good at?
Marina: You're pretty average at math.
Chase: Keeping adorable cats out of the house.
Sierra: Getting lots of money

13. What does your mom do for her job?
Marina: Teach us. Draw.
Chase: Whatever you're paid to do. (I can see his future as a politician.)
Sierra:Comics

14. What is your mom’s favorite food?
Marina: I didn't know that you HAD a favorite food!
Chase: Pizza
Sierra: Vegetables and Fruit (No one said cereal. Amazing.)

15. What makes you proud of your mom?
Marina: That you've been doing so well with the blogging.
Chase: That you're a nice mom.
Sierra: That you help me with stuff.

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
Marina: A cross between Pinky (from Pinky and the Brain. Pinky is the zany one who everyone likes. Narf.) and Frankie (from Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends. She cleans up after everyone), depending on how you're feeling.
Chase: The mom in Family Circus. Wait, does it matter? Because we could just say your cartoon!
Sierra: Yourself in your comics

17. What do you and your mom do together?
Marina: We do Hogwarts Express together. (A discussion group on LibraryThing.)
Chase: Talk about all the people on the road who are driving horribly.
Sierra: My homework

18. How are you and your mom the same?
Marina: We both have a fear of new situations.
Chase: We both own cats. (Marina said, "Hey wow! I do too! It's like we live in the same house!")
Sierra:We're not!

19. How are you and your mom different?
Marina: I can knit and you can't. (I heard "commit" at first and was pretty shocked to hear that!)
Chase: I'm shorter.
Sierra:We have different color hair.

20. How do you know your mom loves you?
Marina: You mean, there was a chance you didn't? I don't know. We have fun together!
Chase: Can I copy Marina's answer? Yeah, that.
Sierra: She gives me Valentine gifts.

21. What does your mom like most about your dad?
Marina: That he's a hopeless romantic!
Chase: That he is also a performer.
Sierra:That he gives you flowers.

22. Where is your mom’s favorite place to go?
Marina: The garden
Chase: Puerto Rico?
Sierra:Pizzeria

What can I say? I'm raising a pack of comedians. Thank goodness for daddy. Every family needs a straight man.

Italy: San Marino

We have a short set today. Marina's camera was running low on battery power. The morning after Venice, they walked over to a beach close to their hotel in Veneto and watched the sun rise.



The bus left for Assisi, but they were going to make a stop at San Marino for lunch. San Marino, like Vatican city, is a separate country within Italy.

I love the views Marina captured!

San Marino has a beautiful view of the Apennine mountain range. This range is nicknamed the backbone of Italy because it runs down the center of the country.




San Marino was founded by a hermit named Marino. The hermit cured the husband of a very rich woman. The couple was so grateful that they gave the hermit Mount Titano. He was later sainted, so the mountain became San Marino. Today, San Marino has expanded from its original mountain.

While they were here, Marina bought batteries and they continued on their way to Assisi.

More views on my Flickr page.
Visit grandma's blog for more notes on their trip.

Next stop: Assisi

Carnival of Homeschooling at Nerd Family

The latest Carnival of Homeschooling: NerdHouse, can be found at Nerd Family. Please take a moment or a few hours to go over and read the terrific articles from the many homeschoolers who contributed. This carnival is cleverly set up as a walk through the Nerd home. I shall be clicking links in-between my picture sorting. Only 200 photos to go! Sweet!

Home Spun comic strip #329

Home Spun comic strip #328

I've had people ask me this question more than the socialization question. Maybe it's because of where we live. It makes me wonder if kindergarten through 12th grade is just one long prep course for college. Ironically, by the time I was a senior in high school, I was so burnt out from academics I decided to take a break from school for a year.

I have never pushed the issue of college on my children. I know that if it interests them at some point, they will do what is necessary to get a college degree. Right now, Marina is tenth grade age and has so many interests she gets panicky at the thought of higher education. I try to allay her fears by telling her of my college experience, but I know it will take a while to warm her to the idea of college. Frankly, I would be happy if at least one of them decides to go into a trade. I think a plumber or electrician in the family would be useful.

Comics are in the works...

Yes. I'm late.
I slacked off this weekend. Since Marina got back I've felt a bit pressed for time rushing everyone here and there. I seem to be doing a lot more chauffering since Marina started working. Add that to my schedule of taking Chase to Tae Kwon Do, Sierra to ballet, regular library visits (because driving Marina to work doesn't count), and Marina had an early morning orthodontist appointment last Thursday (she may be getting the top brace off soon, yay!)

I also haven't been getting enough sleep lately. Partially my own fault as I've become addicted to playing Tetris and late night is the only time I can get a good score since I'm not as distracted by backseat players. I've also become addicted to this game. I'm proud to say that I've gotten 100% on it at least twice, as long as I don't have to start with a state in the middle of the country. If you play the states game, be sure to let me know how you did. If you know a similar game that includes other countries, I'd like to know that too. I'm fairly confident with the US now, and I'd like to try my hand at other maps.

But first I really should draw some comics. We're having a significant snow event and everything is closed, so I have no excuse!

Italy: Venice

Ah! Venice!
A view from the ferry coming into Venice. Cars are not allowed in Venice. Usually people park at the ferry docks and take the ferry in.

This was one of two bridges they walked over to reach La Piazza di San Marco (St Mark's Square).

A law was passed in the 16th century to keep gondolas from becoming too ornate. Gondolas are very strictly regulated.

These are parts of the clock tower in St Mark's Square.


This is a mosaic over the main entrance to St Mark's Basilica. In the arches between groups of columns, mosaics depicted the story of bringing the remains of St. Mark to the Basilica from Egypt.

The glassmaking demonstration at a Murano glassworks.

Their gondolier. All gondolas are sized to their gondoliers because the oarlock has to be the right height for balance and control. Gondoliers of different heights can't trade gondolas.


The Grand Canal is the largest of all the canals in Venice.

As the sun set, they returned to the ferry dock to go back to their hotel.

As always, you can view all the photos in my Flickr album.
Next stop: San Marino