Soapbox

Forgive me on my soapbox but here goes.

On this whole Miley Cyrus incident, which I did not see but have heard about...
It makes me angry at our culture and sad for her.
I don't know if someone never taught her to be a lady or if someone thought that it was better to make a little money than to preserve her dignity. 
Can anyone dare to tell me that teaching our daughters to be modest is not necessary?  That it is ever too early?
That to say no to this culture of anything goes, this culture that makes our girls into objects is ever wrong??
Call me prude, old-fashioned, whatever.  I don't care.
To me, it is one more reason to say no to the Target clothes marketed to my 9 year old that even I wouldn't wear.
One more reason to be an example of modesty to my girls and their friends.
One more reason to say no to music that encourages girls that to be "cool" they have to have a boyfriend and look a certain way.   Ridiculous.
Sometimes "no" is the best thing they will hear.
Our daughters have value because they were made in the image of God.  They are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Let them be children and teach them while they are young.  Otherwise I fear that it will be too late.
Teach them to say "yes" to being ladies, to self-respect, to dignity.

Friday

I think it's been a pretty good first week of school.
Especially since we took yesterday off and went berry picking.  I figure there are plenty of school days ahead of us but not many berry picking days.
So far Latin through a dvd has been a hit, even for Lucy who likes to watch along.
Beowulf has been exciting for both me and Jack.
Kayla is reading a book called The Candymakers and laughing out loud as she reads.
Sammy gets the favorite quote for today (after a rocky start to the day):
"It sure is hard not to get into trouble."
His day got better, though, and he's a happy guy now.
Happy Weekend!

Picture Re-Try

Today was the first day of school. 
We, or should I say I, was done by 12:30.  It wiped me out!  Tomorrow is a new day and we will press on.
Jack wins for quote of the day:  "When I think of math, I think of summer that's past, good things gone,..."  That still makes me laugh.
And here are the Lucy pictures I tried to post.  Kayla took them on a roadtrip.  Hopefully they'll work this time! 

Getting Back to School

So ready or not, school starts here tomorrow.  It's time, and I think in some ways we are all ready.  Ready for a more of a routine, ready to dive into those books that the UPS guy brought Friday evening.  We're taking a break from CC  (Classical Conversations) this year in the hopes of freeing us up to do some other things.  Here's what we're starting with this year:
*math- the usual Saxon.
*language arts (some form of spelling/handwriting/word study/grammar for everyone)
*classical roots vocabulary for Jack
*medieval history/geography
*writing assignments based on our history (IEW)
*astronomy- I am excited about this one.  It's mostly for Kayla and Jack but I'm sure Sammy will get in on some of this.  Sam will start out studying animals- hopefully with some caterpillars that will turn into butterflies.
*Latin- excited but intimidated
*logic (mostly fun brain-teasers)
*reading- my favorite.  Jack is starting with a prose version of "Beowulf" which we will follow up with the poem.  Kayla is starting out with From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler.  Sammy and Lucy are going to enjoy a heavy dose of both classic fairy tales and tall tales.
*read alouds- Two titles we'll read in the next few weeks are Robin Hood (to go along with history) and Jack and Jill by Louisa May Alcott just because I heard that every family should read this aloud together.
(Amanda- does that satisfy your request?)
Now to get some of those books on the shelf.

40

"Lordy, lordy, look who's 40!"
Me! 
Today is a big birthday for me.
I didn't even think about that little saying until my brother and his wife sent me a fun package with that written on it.  Somehow that makes 40 sound even older!!  But it has made me laugh several times!
I wanted to get up early this morning when it was still dark.  Mostly, I think I was hoping for a little (quiet) time to reflect.  And what I keep coming back to is that this most undeserving woman is abundantly blessed.  I don't know that I could ask for better family- husband, kids, parents, in-laws, brother, siblings-in-law, grandparents, cousins, uncle, aunts, etc...  The Lord has seen fit to give me 40 years full of His goodness so far and I am thankful for them.
My cup is full.

Back!

It has been a loooonnngg time!
Soon there will be a picture blitz.  I didn't even finish putting up beach pictures! 
For now:
*I have less than one week left in my 30s.  I'm going to enjoy entering a new decade but I am also going to enjoy being 39 until Friday!
*Just ordered our school materials for this year.  I think this is my favorite part of homeschooling.  I LOVE picking out curriculum and waiting for the UPS man to bring that box.
*We just got back from a fun trip to my parents' and tomorrow the kids and I are going to Ohio to see Brian's sister and her family.  After that I think we'll be done traveling and get ready to start school.
*But not before we go blueberry picking at least one more time.
*I finished East of Eden.  A scary mind wrote that book.
*I'm starting Phil Robertson's book Happy Happy Happy.  Also reading a biography of Elizabeth Prentiss.
*Time for some ice cream.