Dec 28 2022

Five More Years

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I hinted in my post about 2022 in review that we have five more years with the kids before they both go to college. Actually, it is five years with the youngest. The oldest is in ninth grade, which means we only have three more years with him at home. I am not counting the next semester.

Christmas tree with gifts

Our 2022 Christmas tree with some of the gifts for the kids

When our oldest was eight years old, I wrote a post about having him at home for 10 more years. I re-read it recently and smiled. He is 15 now. Where have the last seven years gone? Continue reading »

Dec 27 2022

Good Lessons, 2022

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This year, 2022, has been very difficult and stressful for me. Learning how to parent a teenager pushed me to the limit. It revealed things in my character which are not flattering. Starting high school as a homeschool parent – that was another difficult task. Last but not least, we started a new routine of driving to co-op, orchestra rehearsals, violin and harp lessons. That is a lot of time away from home and traditional academics.

Sunsphere in Knoxville, TN

The Tennessean Hotel and the Sunsphere in Knoxville, TN – we spend a lot of time in this city now.

In a way, I feel like saying, “Good riddance, 2022,” but that would miss the point. Instead, I should say, “Good lessons, 2022.” Homeschooling is not only for our children. We, the parents, learn plenty in the process, and not just about history, science, grammar, or math. Continue reading »

Dec 26 2022

Merry Christmas 2022

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I hope you had a merry Christmas; #merryandbright, as they say in our social media world. We stayed home and enjoyed wrapping gifts for our children on Christmas Eve. When it is -2 F (-16.7 C) outside, you do not feel like going anywhere.

Teens building LEGO kits

Our children building their respective LEGO kits

Now that they are older, our teens give us a list of wishes. One of the wishes is that we also give them something they do not expect or know about. They like to be surprised. Continue reading »

Dec 19 2022

Violin Recital

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It is not December if our children do not have a violin recital. We have been doing this for nine years and it does not get old. Let me emphasize something: our children are not prodigies and it is a struggle to get them to practice more than 20 minutes a day.

Violin Recital

Our son playing at the recital

Somebody once told me that violin lessons (or any music lessons for that matter) are about much more than the violin. Continue reading »

Dec 11 2022

Tripledemic

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We had the flu last week and it stopped the schedule, which I do not like at all. I had milder symptoms than any members of my family, which meant I had to drive to the doctor, the pharmacy, the store, and the dump (to get rid of the trash).

Entire family sick meme

Our daughter made this meme to illustrate our week with the flu.

Plus, of course, make sure everyone is taking their meds at the right time and drinking plenty of fluids. Continue reading »

Dec 4 2022

Colorful Smoothies

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This post fits the category “Taking care of mama.” Sure, your children might enjoy a smoothie, too, but this is especially for you, the homeschool mom who does not have that much time for herself.

Smoothie, before

Smoothie ingredients before being blended

A smoothie can feel like an indulgence – a moment in the day when you focus on your nutritional needs: greens, fiber, dessert. People are religious about their coffee or tea rituals. I am religious about my smoothies. Continue reading »

Nov 25 2022

Happy Thanksgiving 2022

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If you live in the USA, you probably celebrated Thanksgiving last Thursday. For me, this year was different because I did not even attempt to engage my teenagers in a turkey craft. It did not even cross my mind. That ship has sailed.

Thanksgiving Plate

What I made for Thanksgiving: veggie turkey, cranberry salad, dressing, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, creamed spinach, green beans, corn, stuffed eggs.

I am enjoying this new phase, don’t get me wrong. As I browse through curriculum options and different classes available, I cannot believe PreK-8 does not apply to us anymore. Continue reading »

Nov 18 2022

In Search of Lost Time

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Marcel Proust, French novelist, one of the most influential novelists of the 20th century, passed away 100 years ago today: November 18, 1922. As I reflected on Proust’s reach across cultures and his influence over the human experience in the last 100 years, I felt inspired to make Madeleines.

Madeleine cookies

Madeleine cookies

Alas, I forgot all about the linden tea which he dipped the Madeleines into. In case you do not know, Proust’s magnum opus is “In Search of Lost Time,” a seven-volume novel, which showcases over 2,000 characters. Continue reading »

Nov 14 2022

Dodgen Invitational, Science Olympiad

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Last week, our children participated in the Dodgen-Walton Science Olympiad Invitational, together with their team, Cedar Springs Homeschool. This invitational happens at the Walton High School in Marietta, GA. We compete against teams from public schools, private schools, magnet schools, charter schools, and there was another homeschool team, as well.

Cedar Springs Homeschool Team

Cedar Springs Homeschool Team for Science Olympiad

Invitationals are tough competitions which we attend in order to learn. We build on this experience. By the time we go to Regionals, State, and (hopefully) Nationals, we feel prepared. Continue reading »

Nov 5 2022

Feeding The Mouth That Bites You

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With 30 years of experience as a clinical psychologist, Dr. Ken Wilgus specializes in adolescent therapy. In 2015, Wilgus published a book which he titled “Feeding The Mouth That Bites You.”

Feeding The Mouth That Bites You

Planned emancipation

Wilgus describes a “Planned Emancipation” – a plan on how to prepare teens to become full adults. Continue reading »