The other day I was sitting with a new group of people...actually some of the people at the table we had sat with the previous week, and the other couple was new. We went through the name thing, the 'what do you do" thing, and were onto the "how many kids" thing. The new couple didn't have any, yet, and seemed a little sad about that. The couple from last week knew how many children we had, so laughed when the new couple asked us. The couple from last week had one son. We have 6 sons. And 4 daughters, so that is always a fun time. We try to avoid saying we have 10 kids unless we are planning on really knowing the people.
Anyway, when the new couple expressed surprise at the number of kids we had, they said the usual, "wow, you must be busy". Yes, we are. I am used to these responses, so have them pretty down pat. Then the woman from last week said that she had a friend with "4 or 5" (some friend, she didn't know?!) and that SHE had said that once you have 4 or 5, it isn't that much more work to have... more.
Really?! Of course, I couldn't think of a response right then, but I thought about it a lot that day. Yes, my children help me out with the younger ones. Yes, my children help with running around, chores, cooking, and even teaching. But raise themselves? The way she said it implied that these are just herd animals, not individuals with their own thoughts, preferences, ideas, likes, dislikes and personalities. Besides being different ages (except the twins, of course), they are different genders, and are going through different things at different times. It isn't like I am raising 10 identical people. I can't imagine someone telling a mom of, say septuplets that they are all the same, yet that is what she said to me. My adult son is *slightly* different from my preschooler daughter.
Wow. I just can't account for some people.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Snow Day
For two days , we have been preparing for a snow day! I love snow days - when I can prepare for them. As a kid, I just loved them, but as an adult I want gas in the car (have you seen the price of gas lately?) and food in the frig and cupboards and I want to be ready. So, I started on Monday, since we all knew the big snowstorm was coming.
We got new wiper blades for the van and the car, stocked up on groceries and were all set. I even picked up some birthday presents I needed for later in the week in case we couldn't get out right away. I was all set, just ready to sit and play with the kids and even get some schooling done. No homeschool co-op, no outside activities, just some school, warm food and fun in the pretty snow. I even shovel, so that wasn't even going to spoil my snow day.
The only concern was my mom and dad. She is very sick and hadn't been feel well anyway, and dad was up there going to have to deal with the snow, so I called this morning to see if I should camp out there to help them out. When I called, my dad said it wasn't a good time, the ambulance was there for my mom, who had fallen when she had gotten up that morning. That was the end of the fun part of the snow day preparation. All of the sudden I had the dilemma of where to go, what to do. I had several "orphans" that needed to be at drama that afternoon, and I really didn't want to leave the children and home for days. This is getting so hard, having my heart divided between my parents and my family. I want to be a great daughter, but they live an hour and a half away, so it isn't easy to just "drop in" when they children have so many activities here.
So, I did what any good sister would do, and asked my big brother. What a guy. He took my text, called me right away and helped me out. Between him and my sisters, we kept in touch with what was going on and tried to get things helped for my dad. In the end, I stayed home. Dad is safely at home, and hopefully we have someone to plow him out in the morning. Mom is safely in the hospital, and I got to spend the day with the kids. I guess I am ready for my snow day tomorrow after all. We will be praying for Dad and Mom all day.
We got new wiper blades for the van and the car, stocked up on groceries and were all set. I even picked up some birthday presents I needed for later in the week in case we couldn't get out right away. I was all set, just ready to sit and play with the kids and even get some schooling done. No homeschool co-op, no outside activities, just some school, warm food and fun in the pretty snow. I even shovel, so that wasn't even going to spoil my snow day.
The only concern was my mom and dad. She is very sick and hadn't been feel well anyway, and dad was up there going to have to deal with the snow, so I called this morning to see if I should camp out there to help them out. When I called, my dad said it wasn't a good time, the ambulance was there for my mom, who had fallen when she had gotten up that morning. That was the end of the fun part of the snow day preparation. All of the sudden I had the dilemma of where to go, what to do. I had several "orphans" that needed to be at drama that afternoon, and I really didn't want to leave the children and home for days. This is getting so hard, having my heart divided between my parents and my family. I want to be a great daughter, but they live an hour and a half away, so it isn't easy to just "drop in" when they children have so many activities here.
So, I did what any good sister would do, and asked my big brother. What a guy. He took my text, called me right away and helped me out. Between him and my sisters, we kept in touch with what was going on and tried to get things helped for my dad. In the end, I stayed home. Dad is safely at home, and hopefully we have someone to plow him out in the morning. Mom is safely in the hospital, and I got to spend the day with the kids. I guess I am ready for my snow day tomorrow after all. We will be praying for Dad and Mom all day.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Michael
Today is my hubby's birthday! He has been such a joy to me these last ... many years. I wish that I could give him the best Birthday Gift ever, but unfortunately I can't. But I do thank God for him. He is a considerate husband, helpful and supportive of all I do. He is a loving and caring father, who cherishes each of his "only" children. And most of all he is a Godly man, striving after God each and every day.
Thank you God, for Michael...
Sunday, November 2, 2008
All Hallows' Eve
We had so much fun for Halloween! Richard went to a party with his friends...and the rest of us went to a party with ours. The weather was absolutely perfect, and we all had fun hanging out. The men took the kids out while the women handed out candy and watched the food. Then dinner, card games and candy. What fun! Didn't get home until after 11, then Michael had to try and get the sugared-up kids to bed while I went to pick up Rick and his friends. A good time was had by all. Whew! We survived it for another year! Thanks, friends!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Back To School
Bright Yellow Schoolbus, shiny red apples, squeaky new shoes, it is BACK TO SCHOOL TIME! While most parents enjoy the extra time "off", and the kids get to see their friends again, this time of year is a little different for the home educator. Now comes the ... interesting ... transition from full time Mom to Full Time Mom and Full Time Teacher. Not only does she have to pass out the homework, but check to make sure they do it, and correct it- not my strong suit. This year we started today, September 2, with the rest of the schools in Michigan. This is always a transition week for us while we start to get up on time, go to bed on time, and get used to a schedule that is much, much more structured. And then there is the dreaded homework! Yes, homeschoolers have homework, too. Sometimes quite a bit.
This year is going to be busy; 2 High Schoolers, 2 Middle Schoolers, 3 in Elementary and a new Kindergartner. Not much time for relaxing during the day. While most of my friends enjoy a much needed breather, I have to gear up to get the teaching done and maintain the household. Schooltime just came a bit too early for me this year. At least we got started, that is always to goal for the first day, just get started!
This year is going to be busy; 2 High Schoolers, 2 Middle Schoolers, 3 in Elementary and a new Kindergartner. Not much time for relaxing during the day. While most of my friends enjoy a much needed breather, I have to gear up to get the teaching done and maintain the household. Schooltime just came a bit too early for me this year. At least we got started, that is always to goal for the first day, just get started!
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Ladies Night Out
Have you ever been new to a place? Almost 9 years ago, my husband and I moved to a new area. We were thrilled to be able to live where we wanted to live, after looking for a year. We had a great house, a great family (about to expand, again...) and everything we needed, but a church home and friends. On Memorial weekend, we found Gingellville Community Church, and tried it out. To make a long story short, we liked it and stayed. After the twins were born and we had survived most of the first year, we figured out we needed some LOCAL friends. One day at church, a group of women were talking and they were going to go together to go shopping for a gift for a woman in the church (Lenora!) that was having a baby. They invited me! I was so excited. I remember meeting them and going to Babies R Us to go shopping, and even meeting some other people there (Kim and Mawmaw). I remember that Helene paid, and I was desperately trying to remember that it was Helene that I owed money for the present to... then we went out to grab some dessert.
While we were there, someone mentioned that we should go out more often, more regularly. Someone should plan it. So, I volunteered. I knew that if I volunteered to do it, it would get done. I didn't know these people, but I knew that I needed them. Right then LNO was born! Not out of some "Higher purpose". Not out some feeling that we should have a women's ministry at the church. Not out of some obligation, but simply because I needed some friends.
It has been about 8 years since LNO was born, and most months (11 out of 12) we have a night out. We have had as few as 4 people show up (and had a blast) and as many as about 30 when we had a potluck. We have been to many varied restaurants, and I have learned what gets a bigger turn out and what doesn't, but it has always been great. These women are wonderful. It is fun to get to know new people (in and out of the church), and I love going out to dinner once a month with them.
It is wonderful to see who God brings to the table to break bread with...I have never regretted going.
With love, my Sisters,
Kristin
While we were there, someone mentioned that we should go out more often, more regularly. Someone should plan it. So, I volunteered. I knew that if I volunteered to do it, it would get done. I didn't know these people, but I knew that I needed them. Right then LNO was born! Not out of some "Higher purpose". Not out some feeling that we should have a women's ministry at the church. Not out of some obligation, but simply because I needed some friends.
It has been about 8 years since LNO was born, and most months (11 out of 12) we have a night out. We have had as few as 4 people show up (and had a blast) and as many as about 30 when we had a potluck. We have been to many varied restaurants, and I have learned what gets a bigger turn out and what doesn't, but it has always been great. These women are wonderful. It is fun to get to know new people (in and out of the church), and I love going out to dinner once a month with them.
It is wonderful to see who God brings to the table to break bread with...I have never regretted going.
With love, my Sisters,
Kristin
Monday, April 21, 2008
House Bill 5912
Dear State Representative Bert Johnson,
Thank you for your reply. While I can understand your point of view, I still do not agree. Whereas regulations similar may be applied to children in non-public schools, it is unnecessary for those who home educate. While children in non-public schools are still under some supervision by the government already, those who are home educated are under their own supervision, and performing quite well. Parents are perfectly capable of teaching their children without the "supervision" of the government.
You mention that "If this bill is passed, the children who are home schooled in a mischievous manner will be recognized and helped." If there is nothing more to this bill than
The bill would require the parent or legal guardian of a child being educated at home to furnish the following to the superintendent of your local school district: the name and age of each child who is being educated at home, the number/name of the school district and the city/township and county in which the parent or legal guardian resides and the name and address of the parent or legal guardian.
then how would you recognize that the children who were being home schooled in a "mischievous manner." It is simply another way for the government to get into the home and try to take over the task that parents have to raise their children. I can assure you that those who home educate have higher goals and more of an interest in the success of their children than the public schools demonstrate.
I again urge you to not co-sponsor this bill, and also to address your time and energies to the areas in the education field that need fixing. Again we have lay-offs for teachers. Again we have schools closing. Again we have no textbooks, leaky plumbing and buildings that are unsafe for our children. Despite all the money that comes from the lottery. These are problems that can be solved with the proper resources and the concern from those who are supposed to be working for Michigan's good. Parents who can't work, and can't trust the schools to even be there and teaching our children to an acceptable level is a problem we have in Michigan. These are the subjects that ought to be addressed in your legislative sessions.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Kristin Peake
District 5
Thank you for your reply. While I can understand your point of view, I still do not agree. Whereas regulations similar may be applied to children in non-public schools, it is unnecessary for those who home educate. While children in non-public schools are still under some supervision by the government already, those who are home educated are under their own supervision, and performing quite well. Parents are perfectly capable of teaching their children without the "supervision" of the government.
You mention that "If this bill is passed, the children who are home schooled in a mischievous manner will be recognized and helped." If there is nothing more to this bill than
The bill would require the parent or legal guardian of a child being educated at home to furnish the following to the superintendent of your local school district: the name and age of each child who is being educated at home, the number/name of the school district and the city/township and county in which the parent or legal guardian resides and the name and address of the parent or legal guardian.
then how would you recognize that the children who were being home schooled in a "mischievous manner." It is simply another way for the government to get into the home and try to take over the task that parents have to raise their children. I can assure you that those who home educate have higher goals and more of an interest in the success of their children than the public schools demonstrate.
I again urge you to not co-sponsor this bill, and also to address your time and energies to the areas in the education field that need fixing. Again we have lay-offs for teachers. Again we have schools closing. Again we have no textbooks, leaky plumbing and buildings that are unsafe for our children. Despite all the money that comes from the lottery. These are problems that can be solved with the proper resources and the concern from those who are supposed to be working for Michigan's good. Parents who can't work, and can't trust the schools to even be there and teaching our children to an acceptable level is a problem we have in Michigan. These are the subjects that ought to be addressed in your legislative sessions.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Kristin Peake
District 5
Dear Ms. Peake,
Thank you for contacting my office with your concerns regarding House Bill 5912. I greatly appreciate hearing from constituents and other Michigan citizens about issues of importance to them because it helps me know what I need to be paying attention to. Your willingness to communicate with us allows me to be up-to-date and aware of those whom I represent.
HB 5912, introduced by Representative Clack on March 19, is much less an intrusion on privacy and more an accounting mechanism to see who is learning where. The bill would require the parent or legal guardian of a child being educated at home to furnish the following to the superintendent of your local school district: the name and age of each child who is being educated at home, the number/name of the school district and the city/township and county in which the parent or legal guardian resides and the name and address of the parent or legal guardian. The very same regulation is already required of those that attend nonpublic school.
Please let me assure you that this bill would not affect the way you teach your children or limit your choice to home school. If the intent of this bill were to do so I most definitely would not have cosponsored this bill. The bill would simply bring home schooling under the same umbrella as other nonpublic school entities. This "umbrella" currently does not nor does it seek to regulate non-public schools. This bill is not an effort to ease in regulations on the home schooling community.
The concern of home schooling parents, children, and other advocates is reasonable, though I urge you to consider the positive aspects of the present bill as written, rather than the possibility for negative legislation in the future. If this bill is passed, the children who are home schooled in a mischievous manner will be recognized and helped. Although these children make up a very small percentage of those who are home schooled, we cannot justify leaving these children behind and letting their guardians get away with neglecting our youth's education.
Once again, I thank you for contacting me about House Bill 5912. I assure you that your thoughts, concerns, and suggestions will be considered when I am asked to vote on HB 5912. Please feel free to contact me again regarding this or any other issue.
Sincerely,
Bert Johnson
State Representative
District 5
517-373-0144
bjohnson@house.mi.gov
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