We've got another driver in the house!

Buzz Boy's driving test appointment finally arrived yesterday afternoon. He had a healthy bit of nerves, but with all the driving he has done, was confident. He passed with flying colors, and even thanked me for encourging to take the little Saturn instead of the huge Navigator (I would have totally blown the parallel parking in that beast! ) .

Way to go Buzz!

Curricula Dilemma for Homeschool Science Revisited

For years I have struggled to find a scientifically sound yet affordable science curricula for middle and high schoolers. Every year, I hold out hope that someone is going to see this huge hole in our market, and fill the niche.

Last night, our co-op offered a workshop on "Homeschooling the High Schooler." Our state, PA, has some very definite academic requirements to fill for high schoolers: 4 English, 3 math (including algebra and geometry); 3 science (including biology and chemistry), American and World history, as well as number of other electives in humanities, PE and health. This can seem quite daunting to homeschoolers considering the high school years, so we hoped the informational seminar would show people just how easy it can be.

At the same time, I have been in the process of trying to create a four-year rotation for our co-op , so that parents could plan ahead for those subjects that they did not wish to teach at home or would just prefer covered in a classroom setting. As director, I am seeking opinion and feedback from parents as well as the teachers in creating this rotation to ensure that we are offering classes that meet the needs of our families.

I am finding that upper level science is again proving to be a dilemma, especially for an ecumenical group like ours. Our group is strongly committed to academic excellence and our core classes are geared toward college preparation. Apologia curricula is without a doubt the most popular science curricula for homeschoolers, but it's extreme New Earth Creationist bend is hard to swallow even for many devout Catholics, let alone secularists. Traditional high school materials, while less problematic in that middle area where science and faith overlap, is extremely costly for families and ridiculously expensive for teaching materials. Computer based courses are a nice middle ground, but limit the need for an instructor and class.

As director, I realize that I am faced with a near impossible task. There is no way to please everyone. In talking with the upper level science teachers (one an MD; the other PhD) I find them diametrically opposed on curricula as well. Sigh . The best option: allow each teacher to choose their own curricula, asking each to take the time to write up a brief outline to their position/method of teaching on those touchy issues like evolution, Creation that will be available for parents who ask. Those who are not comfortable with either can elect to teach the class at home (as I have done in the past). The lab portion of each will be open for students opting for a different text at home, with approval. Sigh!

I challenge those academics out there to strongly consider the challenge to step up and fill that need for the homeschooling community!!! I bet you'd be surprised at how profitable it could be for you.

Halloween Dream

My creative writing class has been studying the elements of tone and mood, using Edgar Allan Poe's "The Raven." It might seem a daunting poem for middle schoolers if we were focusing on analysis, but it is ideal to illustrate how word choice and meter can be used together to create something really creepy!

Their assignment last week was to take a stab at it themselves, by creating either a five stanza poem or five paragraph narrative (minimum) in Poe's style. As usual, they challenged me to the same. I generally look at these challenges as "one more thing" for my overflowing to-do list, I actually had a blast with this. Sharing....


Halloween Dream

Amidst the autumn leaves a' rustling,
Comes the howls of spirits bustling.
Waking from their haunted slumber
To hues of gold, orange and umber.
As an inner compass points them,
Guides them to my humble door.

Early on bright smiles abound
Costumed innocents dance all around.
Politely prancing amongst lighted gourds
Like miniature ladies with their lords.
Laughing gaily on their swift ascent,
Drawing near my cottage door.

I watch them file down the leaf-strewn street,
Bonfires flicker; the mood complete.
I organize baskets, bowls, and trays
Of heaping, confectionery displays
I listen for the expectant knocking.
Rapping hopeful at my humble door.

Two young cowboys in red bandana;
Seven Hanna's, all from Montana.
Ninjas, puppies, stars in jewels
Witches, goblins, ghosts and ghouls.
I greet them, smiling; how I adore!
I tell them gladly,
“Take More, Take More!”

There were noble knights and a tortured queen,
A hoard of pirates from the Caribbean.
From Frankenstein to Mickey Mouse,
All descend upon my house
In search of sugared, sweet surprise
Waiting just behind my door.

With “Trick or Treat” upon their lips
And sacks of goodies on their hips,
Jovial masks hid the inner wanting
Of these spirits , oh so haunting.
A darkness lingers in their eyes
Piercing my soul with dread surprise
Unease became the mask I wore,
As I tell them,
“Take More, Take More! “

This grand parade of costumed feet
Kept marching faster, down my street
Frenzied forces quickly gather
All possessed by chocolate lather.
Glancing down, with grave foreboding
My cache of goodies; their hands unloading
Still they crash in waves galore,
I tell them feebly,
“Take More, Take More.”

My bowl of candy, quickly depleting
I weigh the option of retreating
From these grasping clawing creatures,
Adorned to hide their inner features
I tremble meekly behind my door
When I must tell them,
“There is no more.”

Those few words strike dark and quick
Sudden fog rises, dense and thick.
Angry tricksters without treats
Bang the glass, demanding sweets
I huddle, frightened, on the floor
As the costumed mob chants at the door,
Screaming as a demon choir,
“Give Us More”

The riotous throng continues growing
Louder torments , attacks they're throwing.
Their smiles replaced with ghoulish stares
If zombies mad for sugared fares
Overflowing porch and path
I shiver as I watch their wrath
Quickly rise to bolt the door,
To their building chants,
“Give Us More!”

Robin's Men, now far from merry
Circle round, their mood contrary
Princesses, once so demure
Hurl venomous taunts, hardly pure
Scaling walls, they shake my core,
I fret inside,
“There is No More.”

Lucifer's Hound! What sin so vile
That I deserve such tormented trial!
I hurriedly throw ope' the cupboard,
With sanguine bid, appease this hoard.
Macaroni or cans of soup
Will never calm this frothing group!
Outside the pulsing chorus implore,
“Give Us More! Give Us More!”

From the back I hear glass shatter
I need not look to know the matter.
The restless mob is closing in
Chanting o'er and o'er again,
“Give Us More”, endless repeat
I run and stumble in retreat.
Resigned I cower on the floor,
Knowing that there is no more.

A chainsaw motor rips to life
Soon to end my worried strife.
Great irony my life so fleet
Killed by those possessed with sweet.
As I prepare my flesh for coring
I hear not screams, but someone snoring?
My mind flings open this coma's door,
As dawning reveals a mighty snore.

Bated breath escapes with relief
Eyes blink back tears of disbelief.
Horrible dream! So soon surmised.
The night of mischief not yet realized.
A chuckle escapes, then a shiver.
I shudder, yet seek a merchant to deliver,
Safe, but still, I call the store,
My mind suggests,
“Get More, Get More!”

Dyslexia...beyond reading and writing

Honeygirl was unofficially diagnosed with dyslexia five years ago. After a brief panic and visit to the local school , I quickly realized that the best option for her was for me to learn how to help her adapt and continue homeschooling.

In the following two years, we tried many alternative methods, helping her ot make connections and practice through baby steps. It was a lot of hard work for her, but by the end of fifth grade, she was reading ABOVE grade level. Most importantly, she has developed the ability to read for pleasure, something I had thought impossible a few years before.

The next two years, we focused on her writing skills. She needed special help developing her own way to organize her thoughts, as well as practice to strengthen her fine motor skills. She took to the keyboard like a duck to water. Two years later, she was writing organized stories and papers on the computer, and she had begun teaching herself cursive.

And I sat around, praising her and patting myself on the back. Ignorantly, I was guilty of assuming that since she could read and write, her dyslexia issues were gone. Yet this year HoneyGirl is facing new and different presentations, now in math. We selected Math U See, as Buzz has been having great success with it for three years now, and the workbook format is extremely helpful (less chance for copying mistakes). I was admittedly too distracted to pick up on it quickly, and fell into the habit of pressuring her to focus more and stop being lazy. The more I did that, the more frustrated she became. Instead of looking for the source of the frustration, I compounded my error in assuming it was just hormones.

Last week's illness gave me a little time to slow down enough to really see that her problem's were not for lack of trying. PreAlgebra, with all of its' parenthesis, powers, and negative signs is a mine field for a dyslexic to wade through every day. Conceptually, she understands well, but there are just so many things for her to visually take in it is overwhelming.

I got some great advice from a dear friend (a special education professional and homeschool mom). This year I need ot help HoneyGirl not only to develop new adaptation in math, but to find productive ways to channel her frustration on a daily basis. Most of all, I need to slow down and trust her input. This year is critical for her self-esteem, and accelerated academic pressure from Mom is not going to help.

After an infamous Bee Family pow-wow, we decided to give extra time to math. We are going to try some different tactics, like using red to make parenthesis stand out, etc. until we find one that works. We are also going to start allowing her to use a calculator for basic computations when learning new concepts, so that her energy can be focused on the skill at hand, instead of being misdirected into long division,etc. I am giving her my undivided attention from 11-1 pm for this, as it is a strong learning time for her. While it probably wont' ever take that long, having a larger block of time is helpful so she doesn't feel rushed.

Honey admitted that she has been struggling with lots of anger, because she is just so tired of having to work five times harder at everything. She agrees that she needs an outlet, and after much discussion, wants to take up running. We talked with one of the moms from the co-op who is a physical therapist and marathon runner, and she was happy to work up a program to get her started out right.

We have that great dog-friendly park with grass trails that is all but vacant during mid-day. This week, we went twice after math; her running ahead with our Bernese/Rottie mix, and me walking behind iwth our overweight Golden Retreiver. She and Bear played ball in the field when they were done with their 2-mile walk/run, waiting for us. It's a win-win all around.

On a positive note, she has decided that she wants to counteract her feelings of frustration with math by stepping up and taking more individual responsibility for her other subjects after last weeks' success. After our walk on Wednesday, she sat down at the computer to work on her spooky narrative. After an hour, she was still typing away when Buzz and I went out on errands. She was still writing, hours later, when we returned, proudly printing off her three page rough draft. (it was a five paragraph assignment!)

I am constantly relearning that I need to bend myself to embrace the positives that she creates, and let go of my own constructs. We've both been much happier this week, and of now small consequence, math was a breeze as well.

Seeing the Light at the End of the Tunnel...

That metaphor has deep and varied meanings for me this week.
The obvious is that I am finally almost on top of things again after my bug. My kids did a great job taking care of themselves and feeding us, so that I could rest and recover quickly. But, I was still left with two weeks of other folks' kids work to correct, the next month's lessons to plan, and a challenge from my class to write a narrative poem in the style of Edgar Allan Poe (we've been studying "The Raven", and we're all inspired!)

Add to that all the administrative and planning duties of the co-op, and for next week's parent's informational meeting on "Homeschooling the Highschooler." This is also the final week before our big pancake fundraiser for BoyScouts as well, so I have been called away to planning meetings and set-ups as well. I cannot stress enough how much I want my over-committed October to be over!

Still, the week has not been a rushed chaos. I've been sleeping in. HoneyGirl has decided to continue doing most of her work independently, except math. It is a real positive move for her, as she has been struggling to develop some new and necessary coping skills. I had a very insightful and constructive conversation with a dear friend who is also a specialist with learning disabilities, and found that I had been inadvertantly mislabeling new issues, or presentations, of her dyslexia. We have totally shifted focus with some new techniques, and have had a wonderful week. I'll post more in detail on that later.

At the same time, I've been profoundly aware that I am in the final stretch with BuzzBoy. As I put together that American HIstory syllabus, I was all too aware that he could, according to the academic requirements of the state and his diploma program, graduate at the end of this year. Early graduation is a bit spooky to ponder.

Buzz made a point to ask what direction he would be taking next year multiple times this week. I assured him that we will not be shipping him off to school any earlier than planned. He seemed much relieved. He wants to try his hand at a few community college classes, and take some additional classes at the co-op purely for interest while he researches colleges and finishes his Eagle project.

Later this morning, Buzz, KingBee and I will spend the morning at an University Open House sponsored by the Science Department at his "safe" school. Not his first choice, but a solid and affordable school that is close enough to the area that he could come home occasionally with little trouble. Its a smaller school than the others, and a great place for Buzz to begin his search.

A relaxing November is so close, and soon enough, Buzz will be graduated and moving into the world. How is it that the days seems to go so slowly, but the years too quickly?

Trumped..

I had mentioned those quarterly reviews a bit ago. Last week, I was able to gather together info from both kids' classes at the co-op as well as through the subjects we are doing at home. And I find that I had spoken too soon.

I was quite aware of the shift needed for HoneyGirl, and she proved to be diligent in doing the work for her co-op classes. Buzz Boy turned out to be a different story. He is missing full and partial assignments for almost every class, not studying for simple tests, and doing poorly in Algebra II. Of course, he has only been spending 2.5-3 hours a day on work, despite my questioning.

This time, the frustration was not just my own, as this is a typical scenario we seem to run into year in and out. KingBee knows how closely college is looming, and realizes that unless work habits change, BuzzBoy has little chance of success outside of the hive. KingBee and I discussed all of this at length, and planned a family meeting for when he returned from camping.

Typically, BuzzBoy owned all of his failings with "I know, I should have
a) followed directions, b) reviewed my notes, c) asked questions in class, etc. All the usual concerns are larger in light of the fact that he is hoping to have the privilege of driving and getting a part-time job next month. How can he expect us to allow more freedoms and probable distractions if he isn't even doing the minimal now?


We again asked if he really wants to pursue college, or if he just wants to work, reassuring him that either choice is admirable. Again, he reassured us how much he wants to go to college. KingBee was fairly quick in noting that he said he "wants to go to college" rather than "he wants to get a degree in ____." He discussed the folly in not separating the "experience" from the "education" in his mind.

Our discussion was really making progress when BuzzBoy made a major faux pas. He fell back on the bad habit of scapegoating someone else for his lack of focus, while that someone (me) was in the kitchen getting tea.

"I really would be doing better this year if I had a heavy course load like I did in years past," BuzzBoy tells KingBee.

"Please explain that further, " asked KingBee.

"Well, usually I have at least two more subjects than this five. It's easier for me to organize my week then there is so little work. I keep pushing everything off to the end, and I just forget things and run out of time," BuzzBoy elucidates.

(Meanwhile, I am in the kitchen absolutely baffled, wondering if he is either so arrogant to think his father might believe this hogwash, or so foolish that he doesn't realize the repercussions such a claim.)

To his credit, KingBee agreed that must be a difficult adjustment, and called me into the room. I knew by the glint in his eye exactly the direction he was going, but poor BuzzBoy was clueless, sitting smugly while he waited for me to be properly chastised.

"QueenBee, it seems as if BuzzBoy is struggling because his course load is so much lighter than last year. You really should have known that he can't handle too much free time, " KingBee stated.

I did my best to act convicted. "You are right, and I must apologize for that. I promise, I will have a remedy by nightfall. I'll be down going through the curriculum cabinet, and will have a syllabus for both American history and German to add."

The look on BuzzBoy's face was, well, priceless. KingBee spoke before a complaint could be measured. "Since you are spending less than three hours a day on work, with no productive hobbies or activities filling the rest of the time, we will grant you request for more work. I expect to get bi-monthly progress reports, so that you can show us that you are working diligently, and have earned driving privileges for hte next two weeks. "

Trumped....indeed.

To his credit, he started right in on both subjects yesterday, and spent the day completing any unfinished work to turn in. He called his Algebra II teacher for help and set up his schedule for the next two weeks.

When we were driving to scouts later than night, he chuckled and said, "You got me, Mom. I will never again try to blame you for my laziness."

Progress, it seems, is that he can joke about it so quickly. Silly boy...underestimating the Queen!!!

On the Mend at Home...

As feared, my head cold decided to spread south and settle in a while. Every October I get a cold, so I suppose that experience has made me wise.
I may be incredibily stubborn in most things, but I know how bad it can get if I try to push an autumn infection, and cancelled my weekend plans.

I have surrounded myself with hot lemon and honey tea, microfleece blankets and flannel pajamas. Friends have driven children for me (thanks Laurel!) and brought big pots of homemade chicken soup (thanks Mari!) , while the kids have stepped up and taken on not only my chores, but their schooling as well. If it wasn't for all the tissues, I might feel as if I was on vacation!

Between naps, I celebrated in a small way a true milestone. After a decade and a half, this Mama can actually be truly sick again. Gone are the days of struggling to breathe while making sure the kids are still being educated (for homeschoolers don't have substitute teachers). Past is the need for me to push through the pain while taking care of all the cooking, cleaning, and errands so our lives didn't fall apart.

Instead, I had three days where I could sleep at will, with caring teenagers checking on me or bringing me unsolicited cups of tea or another cover. They made not only breakfast and lunch for themselves, but soup for me. They even cooked dinner (grilled BBQ chicken and herbed rice one night; spaghetti & italian sausage the next). They did the dishes, switched the laundry, and took care of the critters.

As teacher, my only duty was to check over a weekly planner, and a little help with math. One afternoon, BuzzBoy and I watched "An Inconvienent Truth" together; on another, HoneyGirl and I sat mesermerized by NatGeo travel show about Belize. We watched the last debate together, and they walked to rent a few movies.

Now, three days later, I can rejoice a little in knowing that the world will no longer crash around us if I get sick. I can take the time needed to get better on the front end, without guilt. This realization certainly makes up for any disappointment over missing my weekend away. A cold may be a lemon, but when it can be added to hot tea and served by your kids, it's not a bad thing at all!

Busiest week of my year...and I'm sick!

Go figure! I started with a major head cold on Monday evening. Struggled through teaching at the co-op after a sleepless night, and came directly home to bed. Woke in the evening with fever and chills. This morning, it's spreading south to my chest. Ugh!

I cancelled my chaperoning at the Shakespeare festival for today, hoping against hope that I can somehow recover quickly enough for my weekend at the cabin and Rhinebeck festival. Otherwise, I'm going to spend the weekend in bed, recovering.

First Quarter Assessment

I realized looking at the calendar that we are getting quite close to the end of our first quarter. Holy Cow, where did the time go? The next week will fly by in a hurried rush, and I really take a minute to step back with eyes open.

Assessing every two months is something I do to help keep us (and me) on track. It's a great chance to change direction, find holes, draw projects to conclusion, and even identify bad habits before they become a lifestyle. I like to be actively working on our homeschooling in this way, instead of forcing something that doesn't fit or finding out I have dropped the ball on something at the end of the year.

This quarter shows some real positives. Both kids have gotten quickly into a rhythm. Our school week has rotated a bit, using our Tuesday's at co-op as the first full day. I have been pleased with the way both kids will sit down on Wednesday morning and plot out their assignments in their planners for the week, so as not to forget anything.

By their own choice, they are accomplishing the majority of their work by Friday, leaving only quizzes and odds and ends for a short Monday. BuzzBoy encouraged HoneyGirl , new to the Math-u-See format, and they decided early on that it was better to hammer out two math lessons a day and be done with it than have to do any over the weekend. It only adds a half hour to their days, but the rewards are huge for them.

Not only do they still have full weekends, but we now have free Monday afternoons! An informal homeschooling group near us often has Monday afternoon bowling or movies, and they wanted to be able to take part. If we don't meet with others, we sometimes go for a hike in this lovely fall weather, or play board games and watch a DVD together. I like knowing there is extra time to have each of them work on the calculator skills program, or reviewing general math skills.

I have to say, I am really pleased with the overall picture. Their work habits are solid. HoneyGirl was miserable after throwing her back and spent Wednesday in bed resting, doing no school. As agreed, she made Saturday a school day instead. I, however, was not giving up my Saturday plans, so she did it all on her own. I came home and it was all setting out for me to check. Awesome!

The only holes I am finding are my own to address. I've been letting history drop to the wayside. We are piddling around a bit, but with no real direction. I need to take some time to create a solid outline for the program. I am not liking any curriculum I have found...too boring and dry. Plus, it relies heavily on reading historical fiction, her least favorite genre. HoneyGirl agrees a change is needed, and we spent a lot of time discussing options.

We are thinking instead to shape the unit around a similar format she loves when studying art and music history: timeline research. I will create an outline of the explorers, and assign a chapter to read in one of the myriad non-fiction children's books I have found for a quick introduction. She will then need to go online and do some research on the explorer, and write up a time line entry. I have some great B/W pics she can cut and paste, and a nice selection of maps which she can trace the route. She seems pleased with this compromise.

We also want to get back to cooking together in the evenings. Many days I am just so hurried that it is easier for me to just do it myself. Yet I know the kids are learning so much when we work together. I need to take time at least twice a week to include them in this process. Better planning on my part and it is simple to include again.

All in all, I am very pleased in our direction. It's going to be a very good year indeed!

Self-Induced Buzz Kill

My son is enduring a self-induced buzz kill. He didn't pass his test. He didn't even get to take his test. Alas, my boy dropped the ball.

It seems that an appointment is needed to take the test. It states it right on the website in BIG BOLD LETTERS. It states it again on the bright slip of paper he received when he got his permit, and in the book he studied prior to the permit test. I am even pretty sure the woman at the desk told him this verbally at the time he got his permit card, but that is their word against his.

Getting a driver's license is a rite of passage that I feel must be child-driven, no pun intended. Driving is a priviledge that brings a lot of responsibility with it. He got his permit months after his birthday even though he had a car sitting in the garage for five months because he wasn't motivated enough to read and study the book and learn the material. When he passed, he was instructed to track his hours practicing with one of us in the car. I told him all along that this was one of those things that I was not going to handle for him in this new phase of "higher responsibility. "

So when he started mentioning that he wanted to take his test, I did give a few helpful reminders a few weeks ago to check the website to see what he needed to do. I reminded him again earlier this week to double check. I got a little nervous this morning when he first mentioned needing two forms of ID and insurance paperwork. I was even more curious when we arrived for the 8am opening and saw that the DMV didn't open until 9am.

So when the tester came over to our car and started looking for BuzzBoy's name on his list, I watched panic wash over his face. He hadn't set anything up, but rather just picked a day to go. Upon further questioning, he hadn't brought his hourly tracker (which I later found out he had stopped filling out in June despite lots of hours behind the wheel).

I wasn't mad, feeling he had learned a very valuable lesson. That is, until he started yelling at me in front of everyone in line, asking me why I didn't set it up for him properly and why I hadn't checked the website for him.

Oh... No... He... Didn't.

I calmly reminded him that it was his responsibility not mine, and that he can just make an appointment for a future date.

To which he threw his arms dramatically in the air and shouted...

"Of course! It's all my fault. "

Oh... Yes... He... Did.

Lucky for him that there was a crowd, or I might have pummeled him right there. As it was I took the keys and told him to stop the drama queen crap and get in the car. Argh!

I suppose it will be a very quiet night as he rethinks this lesson, and steams a bit. I understand that he was frustrated with himself. I comprehend that he will now be embarrassed after bragging to all his friends about driving this weekend.

Thankfully, he came out a little bit ago and owned the screw-up, and apologized. Let's hope it is a lesson well learned. Maybe it would help if I made him pay me to drive him around the rest of this month? ;)

Hopeful About a Partial Lay-Off

From my chauffering career, that is! The big day for BuzzBoy has arrived...his driver's license test. WHile we won't be just throwing him the keys willy-nily , it is nice to know that over the next few months my duties behind the wheel will be decreasing dramatically.

From one tired mama to another...I'm asking all to aid the cause : send up prayer, light candles, channel positive vibes and zap them our way. I am thrilled for him, and simply giddy about all the time I will no longer have to waste waiting around!!!

Calculator Curriculum from Texas Instruments

Last month BuzzBoy took an excellent SAT Prep course at our local library. The instructor for the math section enlightened us that calculators were indeed allowed during the test and could be a real difference maker. She suggested purchasing a Texas Instruments TI-83Plus graphing calculator, a step up from the TI-30X IIB he had been using. This new calculator offers many added features, the best being the ability to store formulas.

BuzzBoy has kept in email contact with the instructor, who was kind enough to offer us to visit her so she could upload programs from her calculator directly to his. She took some time explaining all the great and useful functions as they pertain to the SAT testing. It was lovely to spend some time with an educator that has such passion about their subject , even for students that are not her own.

Upon her suggestion, I visited the Texas Instruments website when I got home. You can imagine my excitement to find a series of downloadable lesson plans that teach and apply the different functions of BOTH calculators. What a wealth of ideas here to add to any math and science curriculum!

HoneyGirl was thrilled to have her new hand-me-down from her brother, and eager jumped into the first activity. BuzzBoy isn't even wasting the time to print them out, but is just flying through the activities to acclimate himself with all the functions. Take some time to check out all the goodies here!

Success of Public Address &Political Science at home

Since wiring my jaw shut was going to be seen as unnecessary elective surgery that wouldn't be covered by our insurance, I decided to take the next best step: a public address to the entire co-op. I refuse to sit around waiting for things to deteriorate into ugliness, and frankly, I have faith in these kids to do the right thing when it is pointed out to them.

At lunch, I made a quick and simple speech. I reminded them that we are a diverse group based on respect. I reminded them of our constitutional rights of freedom of speech and opinion, as well as our duty to treat others as we wish to be treated. Talking straight, I pointed out how name calling over political views brings no positive change, and only causes divisions among us. I told them that I believed that they were mature enough to show everyone out there respect despite difference.

The kids were great about it, and the political tension had dissipated. They returned to complaining about sports teams and dissecting the ending of the newest book of the Eragon trilogy. Phew! Unfortunately, that meant I was perfectly able to have two slices of the delicious banana bread my girlfriend brought in, instead of sipping liquid protein through a straw and dropping a pants size by weeks' end.

My two came home, eager to watch the debate on television. Discussion in BuzzBoy's government class had pointed out the difference in lighting between conservatively owned Fox coverage where OBama's skin appeared darker and a liberal based major where McCain looked washed out and older. Side by side comparisons of the same view were significantly different, which makes one wonder about the other little tricks the media migh play to influence voters.

Yet once the candidates started talking, we completely forgot to look for those comparisions. They were all about the issues, asking questions, and noting the differences in demeanor. They showed uncanny bipartisanship in their comments, which pleases me that they are actually hearing those lessons instructing htem to focus on the issues, the larger picture of the candidates' records, and the real plan for rescuing the future.

HoneyGirl's statement that she thinks the youth of America are too used to questioning the how and why of everything to just accept patronizing statements like "we can get it done; it's not hard" . They don't have such a fear of elders or officials that my generation and those before me had. They want to hear the plans; they expect the details as rights.

It is exciting to hear her speak this way, and to realize the potential of such ideas. Today, we are going to spend some time reading the debate reviews, and discussing the issues more in depth. HOneyGirl wants to know more about Ronald Reagan, and why current administrations policies are so different than his great Republican policies/stance she keeps hearing about . BuzzBoy is going now fascinated with Kennedy and his policies, and wants to know more as well. These kids never cease to surprise me.

Woulda thunk the girl who hates history would backdoor her way in through current events? I'll definitely pretend my jaw is wired on that epiphany, so as not to put out the fire!

Time to Get my Jaw Wired Shut

A few years back, a woman I knew had her jaw purposely broken and wired shut. At the time I thought it would be a terrible ordeal. When I asked her how she got through it, she told me that it was a life changing experience. I agreed that her facial structure look amazing and noted that she had lost fifteen pounds to boot. She shook her head, stating that the best bonus was learning the patience to not feel the need to reply when the people around you are raving like idiots about one hot topics after another. It has changed her entire outlook and increased her ability to enjoy work more fully.

With five weeks to go, I am thinking it is about time to schedule my jaw wiring surgery. I am trying so hard to rise above all this politicking and respect others rights to their opinions. Moreover, I really try to respect the teacher/student relationship, and I have no right to push my politics on any of my student's , undermining their family's view. I have found that very few people have the maturity to separate one's politics from one's person, and when religious convictions dictate those views, it becomes even more problematic.

It was really challenging when a certain Diocese in our state (oddly from Joe Biden's hometown) sent out a statement telling parishoners that the only way to be a good Catholic is to vote pro-life and conservative. I had huge issue with this. Firstly because it is using faith issues to interfere and influence politics, and secondly because such influence is illegal for non-profit organizations. Many of the people, adults and teens, began making strong claims for McCain /Palin, and acting horrified for anyone who didn't agree.

I took the high road, and encouraged my kids to do the same, and just stating that it is great that our constitution gives everyone the right to elect officials and have opinions. And walk away...because as much as I love to discuss politics with others, it is a futile exercise to do so with ultra conservatives.

My son got attacked just for mentioning the fact that Palin is the VP candidate, and maybe everyone should focus more on McCain and Obama. A fury of females came to her defense, touting that any woman who can raise run a state and a family of five can handle the job. He sarcastically countered that "If you are using her experience as a mom as her highest credentials, then how does her teenaged daugther getting knocked up figure in." (We are still working on leashing that tongue, but he did feel backed in a corner for a non-critical comment already;)

The tensions rose last week when another friend offered me a "Read My Lipstick" t-shirt, carrying on about how wonderful Sarah is and how great it will be to have someone 'just like us' in the White House. It took so much control to not respond that neither she nor I, nor anyone I happen to share the bench with at a hockey match would be remotely capable for running this country. Yet I listened as the other moms cooed over the idea, as if the presidency of our nation had become a popularity contest devoid of substance. Granted, I do not want a commander in chief who is completly out-of-touch with the middle class, but am I the only one who sees this tactic as utterly frightening?

I again countered the direct questions of a few of my students with poise when I responded that I did not support Palin for many reasons, but that I truly feel that she is actually stepping outside of the conservative ideals in putting herself and her career before her young family. This was accepted without question, and actually with a bit of thoughfulness.

This may seem odd coming from a feminist like me. But if you analyze the situation from the ultra conservative perspective, her choice to accept this appointment, while still having so many young children is hypocritical. VP entails a great deal more than governor of a remote state with such a low population. I am not criticizing working mothers or the diminishing the role of the father. I am just pointing out the hypocrisy of her riding the "hockey mom" wave into office. The same Conservatives who have criticized women who put career first are embracing her. I don't get it!

But this week, I might just get into trouble. Our county is all atwitter becuase McCain/Palin are speaking at Lehigh University together. There is to be a huge rally, and local groups are already stating to organize sign making parties and plan their week around it. The kids, following their parents lead, will probably hope to be bringing that into the co-op today where about a 1/3 of the folks are equally strong Obama supports ( but who have been more polite about their views so far.)

You get the picture. Pray for me!

Outrageous October...

October has always been my favorite month. By this point, we are into a comfortable rhythm of school work and activties. The cooling temperatures mean polar fleece and wool sweaters. The autumn colors call me outside more and more to walk the dogs, also thrilled to not become easily overheated.

This year it is especially exciting, in that we have so many fun things to look forward to during the month. BuzzBoy will be going for his driver's license, PSAT's, a hiking campout to the Grand Canyon of PA, and numerous hours of scout service. HoneyGirl will be going on her first date, a day hike with geology activities ; a Shakespearean theatre workshop at a local college, a youth group party, and a corn maze.

Usually, I am simply a happy chauffer for all this and more. But this year, I am heading off with my best friend from high school and some other women for a weekend in the mountains and the Rhinebeck Sheep and Wool festival Nothing better than being surrounded by gorgeous fall foliage and yarn products!! Better still, it looks as if I will get to celebrate a few IRL meetups with some dear bloggy friends.

I can hardly wait!