Ina's 5 & our Native Homeschool Blog

Homeschool Xmas Party

2011-12-03T01:21:00.001-05:00

Today was our homeschool Xmas party. Everyone brought either a potluck dish or activity. I brought ginger bread cookies.

Ko-Ko made a 3D snowflake that one of the Moms found instructions for on You Tube (easy search but my iPhone doesn't always like to give me you tube links).

Another Mom brought simple foam Xmas crafts. Ko-Ko enjoyed both of these a lot. Then it was off to the gym. It was a good day for kids and Moms.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Attawaiskat housing crisis

2011-11-21T15:01:00.001-05:00

Attawapiskat has been in the news while we have been learning about Shannen's Dream. What started out as an education in politics, finance, the state if education and pollution had grown. Ko-Ko is learning about the very tough realities of our people, even here in the province we live in. It's a lot for a child to learn, however is is a lot harder on the children living this reality. Our lesson lengths vary, dependent on what she cam handle in a day. Could I be following a curriculum with easy topics and realities removed by the passing of hundreds of years? Sure. But what is the more relevant education? That once long ago Canada did not treat Native people in a good way? Or that here, today, nothing had changed?

Another video

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

More On Attiwapiskat

2011-11-19T23:37:00.001-05:00

Attiwapiskat has made the news
again. And again it is not good. Again the government is failing in it's financial duties. Attiwapiskat is in such dire circumstances that they are begging for evacuation.
Read the news article here.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

A Varied Discussion.

2011-11-15T01:52:00.001-05:00

So as our exploration into the book Shannen's Dream for a school continues we spent a lot if time discussing different educational options and how those vary place to place. We talked about how lucky we are to live somewhere with many options. We also talked about how not everyone had those options, even here in Ontario. She was surprised that in some countries not everyone can go to school and that those same people may not have the option even to homeschool. I think this will be a good lead into our next book where educational options will be an underlying them to another issue.

On Friday we joined our roommate and her family at a Remembrance Day service where their family was invited to lay wreaths for the soldiers in their family who have passed on (both from WWI and WWII). Today we followed up by watching a program about Vimy Ridge and the art the soldiers left behind. She finished up with some art. It was a good and very full day. I should have broken it up more though I think she was intellectually tired about half way through the Vimy Ridge program.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

A DAY OUT

2011-11-10T22:19:00.001-05:00

*With pic
So after some regular school work Ko-Ko and I went out. While on the bus we planned the weeks meals together and then created the grocery list from the plan. While out she practiced using the bank card and we used the calculator on my phone to see if we were keeping the grocery list in budget ($6 over). To finish off out trip we went for sushi. She read the menu and tried to teach me how to use chopsticks. I failed again. A good day and I believe ad much learning out of the house as in the house.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Schooling Out

2011-11-08T20:47:00.001-05:00

Yesterday while Ko-Ko worked on her math I created some school work for today. The work was all based on the boom we have been reading "Shannen's Dream For A School". We covered spelling, vocab, and some pages dealing with both geography and whats going on in the story. With no computer I had to handwrite it all. I do miss my computer and printer.

Today we were heading to the Native centre to pick up a support letter and make copies of my court papers. I brought the school work with us.

Ko-Ko worked away with great dedication and zero issues. With and ADD child this is not always the case and required patience and creativity on my part, sleep on hers ;) Maybe (I thought) we should work here everyday. LOL Ok in reality I know that is not the real solution. There are simply good days and difficult days in real life. It's just nice when the good days happen when you have an audience :)

Also I think the return to our old style is a good thing.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Old Lessons

2011-11-08T02:36:00.001-05:00

When I started homeschooling in December 2008 I went with school at home. I didn't realize there were other methods. In less then a year I was looking for other methods and became a unit study, lab book, educational games, projects and experiments, living book junkie type :)

Well old lessons need to be re-learned sometimes. I went with a curriculum this fall out of fear (custody case).

It wasn't great. For Ko-Ko it just doesn't sink in doing worksheets.

So we are back to our old ways (still using curriculum for math).

Right now we are reading "Shannen's dream for a school". A true story about the kids in Attawapiskat (northern Ontario). We are doing vocabulary and spelling from words in the book. Chosen when she asks what they mean. Geography and geology based on the book. Plus the book is about currant history and politics. What more could you ask for? Art, well she has made some lovely protest signs just like the kids in the book.

So glad to be back at it our way. And I totally recommend this book.

http://www.janetwilson.ca/shannen-and-the-dream-for-a-school.html

You can also learn about the Shannen's Dream foundation and watch you tube videos of the kids speaking so google away "Shannen's Deam".

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

I'm Back

2011-11-03T22:10:00.001-04:00

Soy blog suddenly died. And if you were following my blog you probably chalked it up to summer and expected me to get back at it come September.

The thing is life changed over the summer. I am now a single Mom, staying at a friends apartment while I try to find an apartment of my own that I can afford. the details of the end of my relationship will not be posted but I will say that there are circumstances under which a Woman should leave and this summer I lived through some of them.

A week after leaving my (now) ex and sending kids back and forth he didn't send the kids back and filed for custody. Ko-Ko snuck out of his house and came to me. SW wanted to stay since he no longer had rules and restrictions. Unfortunately that has the same effect it would on most 13 year olds and is not a good story. Poor little Runner and Indy have no choice due to their age and I have barely seen them. Hopefully that changes when custody is felt with. Sunny Not (different dad) still goes back and forth between my place and her Dad's. The only one I am still homeschooling is Ko-Ko. And I will continue here with our homeschool journey.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Planners and Portfolios

2011-08-24T15:32:00.001-04:00

(not sure how this originally had a different title)

So this year SW is going to be in grade 8. This means preparing him for highschool (weather that be of the homeschool or public school variety or a bit of both). So that also means prep and learning for me. This year I am going to keep records showing what he (well maybe all of them) had learned. I know he has also been pushing for public highschool. I have been sad about this but I have a secret that may bring him fully on board. Sadly I can not share it yet.

So my next step is style if record keeping. I have looked at my options. But once I got real about who I am, I realized the conventional would never work for mire them a month. So I am going to keep portfolio samples of work them keep a digital record (other then this blog) on my phone (which I can update wherever I am).

Location:Transcripts & Portfolios

Powwow Trail

2011-08-19T16:59:00.001-04:00

First my apologies for my lack of summer blogging (again).

So we have been to the Kingston powwow, Scugog powwow, Algonquin Park powwow, Tyendinaga Powwow and are now off to Golden Lake Powwow.
It is just Sunny Not and I as well as some friends. Some from where we live and some from up north meeting us there along with all our usual powwow crowd. I look forward to this powwow each year as it is vacation for me and on of the older kids each year. I even got my nails done up for powwow.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

I'm not dirty!

2011-07-26T16:04:00.001-04:00

Today Indy had a peanut butter sandwich for a snack. When he was done he announced "I'm not dirty!" rather matter if factually. He had (of course) peanut butter on his face and some (unknown) little dark spot in his nose. Why do boys dislike being cleaned?
He didn't want me to take a pic if his dirty little face to prove he was in fact dirty.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

A Day For Mom

2011-07-24T19:36:00.001-04:00

I have today (or I should say tonight) off of work. So what to do with myself :)

To be a good Mom I did a few chores (floors and folding laundry).

Then it was time for myself so my good friend C and I went bra shopping. I needed something nice, something other then my old nursing ones (especially since I am now done nursing). We had a good time and since we were by my work we headed over. Fir some frozen yogurt and chatted away. After (back at her house) she should be her plans for the kids rooms. She has put a lot of thought into it and it will be great. Next we listened to some great music. We checked out some favorites such as Keith Secola and Black Lodge Singers. We also found some great hand drummers on you tube that (I am sure) will hit it big in powwow country someday soon.

I really enjoyed myself and find I am feeling ready to throw myself back into my Mom role until my next time out.

Meeting An Artist.

2011-07-22T16:54:00.001-04:00

Today at the Native Centre artist / photographer Greg Staats from Six Nations came to do a presentation. He showed us his work and talked about it.

His muse is his community. The people he knows, the people he meets, his family. The landscape he grew up in and the items past down such as journals and recordings from the past. I really enjoyed it. This was school for the kids and I today. We will talk about it later.

After he pulled out his old polaroid and took pics of people in our community who were interested. We got to keep the polaroid and he keeps the negative (I didn't realize polaroids had negatives). After there was the usual community socializing. SW and Ko-Ko stayed with Grandma Clause for family night.

The pics here are the pics of the polaroids, the originals are better of course.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Sandbanks Provincial Park Beach

2011-07-21T17:15:00.001-04:00

Today is to be the hottest day of the year. With the humidex 44C (111F). This is big news and is all over the radio and tv. I have never felt temps so hot. Luckily it is very windy. the wind from the water is saving us because on the other side of the sand dune it feels like an oven.

Arriving at Sandbanks Provincial Park and stepping out onto the sand was amazing. The sand is so soft. The water beautiful and we got two picnic tables.

Indy started playing with his trucks in the sand. Then my dad got him down by the waters edge. The other kids are in the water where I am going now. Add more later.

The waves are great the sand is great. The water is a beautiful blue and green. Reminds me of the ocean (despite the differences), which I miss.

The kids and I jumped in the waves. Floated on the crests (well I did, they tried). Then we came in for some snacks. Indy is back to playing with his trucks in the sand. I am heading back to the water.

Came in for lunch. I feel a little queasy. SW is doing his own thing. We were enjoying the waves but sometimes you get a mouth of water. I am exhausted and going to take a short nap under my new sunshade (got it yesterday, it's by ozark trail).

Went back to the water (of course). Sat in the shallowest part with my Dad, sis, Indy an Sunny Not. Runner and Ko-Ko joined.

They have been playing here for a while. I told everyone time to put on some sunblock. The UV index today is 10. Even my kids are getting a bit pink.

Sunny Not, Ko-Ko, Runner and I headed back to the waves. We had a great time. When we came in for a snack it wad 4:30. So we got a bite and then packed up. Now we are in various cars on the way back. It had been a great day.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Super Sunny Scugog Powwow

2011-07-17T19:03:00.001-04:00

We spend the weekend at Scugog Powwow. We always enjoy this powwow. We see almost all our powwow friends at this one as it is huge for a traditional powwow.

It is also the hottest powwow of the year since it is in mid July and not a tree in sight.
The above pic of Sunny Not is all white cuz it was so bright all the pics turned out this way unless in shade

A pic from under the canopy where we sat with Rose's family
This year was the hottest yet. And the thing about Ontario is that we do hot a little different. 33c (91.4F) may not seem to bad to some of you but add 90% humidity to that.

This is an evening pic when the sun was less bright

Of course the rain bringing the humidity missed us....Scugog; the powwow where you wish it would rain.

talking in air conditioned feast hall after feast
Enough about the heat
Let's talk powwow.

The powwow was awesome. I enjoyed seeing people, dancing, talking an feasting.

And the Fireworks (which they do every 5 years). In fact I loved the 20 min show. My phone died after the first minute so i only have opening shots.

As did the kids. The kids played and danced. And SW was offered a job with a good vendor. My husband said no. I agree. It would be different when he is older. But spending the summer living with family we don't know isn't OK at 12. Hopefully they will reconsider in a few more years.
We hit McD's (how come they eat more every year?) and are heading home.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Off to the Scugog powwow.

2011-07-15T18:16:00.001-04:00

So it is 6:08pm and we just hit the 401 (main highway here in Ontario). We had planned on leaving earlier ( at 2 or 4 ish) but DH had to fix the kitchen sink. He had done a few basic snakes before but we were clogged again quickly. It did need to be done (yesterday may have been better :S ). But we are on our way and the kids are excited.

Out new van has more packing room. The stow-&-go makes a great difference. We are however, still packed with out leg room. Buy the kids are not sitting on top of things :). C and her daughter Rose will be keeping as much space available for us in our usual space. The kids found an awning frame and so we packed that and will put a tarp over it for shade from the sun. I think it will be a great weekend.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Waiting in line for midnight showing of...

2011-07-14T22:13:00.001-04:00

....Harry Potter! (no spoilers here) So Excited!

We are in the shorter line (smaller theatre, not a 3D fan). 3 kids (Sunny Not, SW, and Rose) came at 5pm. Myself, Runner, Ko-Ko and C (Rose's Mom) came at 9:45. Ko-Ko joined the others in line. This isn't "allowed" but she looks cute and little. No one complained.

Runner is waiting with us grown-ups. The other 4 will save out seats. People are dressed up, others wearing HP shirts. Runner wishes he had some such thing to wear.

I am so excited.
Our line will have 150 people in the end. The other lineup photoed here us for #6, which holds 240. This line up

would be most crazy is #10. It holds 400 people. But they made a cool chalk drawing

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Twilight....caught up in books

2011-07-12T12:32:00.001-04:00

So I am a pretty voracious reader. I have read most if the books in our house...we probably have at least 1,000. Some I have read several times. On Sunday I walked into Aunty Claus' bedroom for a chat and she was reading Breaking Dawn. So I asked if I could read Twilight. She warned me that she wouldn't be done Breaking Dawn till the end of the week. Sizing up the near 500 page book, and the next two I didn't think it would be a huge problem. She laughed knowing I read near 100 pages an hour. So I started reading. Turned out Monday was a quiet day if watching Runner and Indy play out side so I read some more. I didn't work Sunday night an had a short work night Monday. The point? I finished Eclipse last night before bed. Now I have to wait. This weekend we are at the powwow in Scugog so unless I plan on a killing my eyesight trying to read by lantern I have to wait for Monday.

The series really is much better then the movies. I think the movies really tried to please the readers but I think two of the actors missed the memo. I remember seeing Twilight with SW and Runner (them and Sunny Not are big fans) and finding it almost painful to watch Bella and Edward and their awkwardness. Also the book made me understand their relationship. In the movies I just could not understand why she would choose anyone other then Jacob. I will of course always think an Indian Man is always the best choice, but I understood her choice....up until the end of eclipse. At which point I decided it was the stupidity of youth. Oh well, poor wolf :) So now I anxiously await the end. Hoping I am satisfied with her choice. I guess choosing Jacob would not have made as good a story.

So why am I telling you all this? A confession I guess. I am completely shocked that I am so hooked :)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

"I Named Him Spencer"

2011-07-10T13:43:00.001-04:00

I hate bugs. My heart races in fear around bugs. I know I am bigger but somehow they are not always so easy to kill. Plus anything with many legs or no legs creeps me out.

Ko-Ko brought a pet home from my parents. One that may not cross the threshold of my bedroom. He is a firefly. She told me of him proudly from my door (I am in bed reading). She continues and says: "I named him Spencer cuz it is a boy/girl name and I don't know what he is". She made me laugh.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

A Day With My Oldest and My Youngest

2011-07-09T17:06:00.001-04:00

The middle 3 kids are at my parents kayaking. So Sunny Not, Indy and I went to fabricland. Sunny Not helped get some fabric to replace her bibs, leggings and the ruffle on her dress for powwow.

I need to get creative in the next few days. At home the two of them played together in the trampoline and then with Indy's trucks. Ge was happy to have so much of her attention today.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

The Car From Zoo Keeper

2011-07-08T20:34:00.001-04:00

Zoo Keeper came out in theaters today and added a small excitement to our minimum wage jobs. Apparently a local bought the King Cobra car used in Zoo Keeper, the one Kevin James drives in the movie. Even had part of a script in the glove box.

The car was brought to the theatre and the couple who now own it were letting people have their pictures taken in it. A group of us went out. It wad sunny so we were squinting

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

A Beautiful Day At The Park

2011-07-07T20:53:00.001-04:00

Our homeschool group has regular park days while the weather is nice. My Friend G and I started doing park day as soon as the weather could be called spring. It was chilly and we were the only ones.

Now it is summer and others are joining in. Park days are even organized to rotate through various neighborhoods in our city making it more access able. (hmm.. Spell check made that two words, didn't know that).

Anyway....

Today was in our old neighborhood and we saw old neighbours along the way. I also picked up some back packs so the kids could carry their own stuff when we are out.

The park had the wadding pool filled. Bathrooms open and park clean. We sat in the sun, later moved to the shade and enjoyed a gentle breeze. The kids played wonderfully together. There was only three families this week (but it is hot and humid) but we enjoyed ourselves. G brought toys (she thinks ahead better then I do). We all enjoyed our time so much we stayed till nearly 5. Indy fell asleep on the bus home. I am so thankful to be part of an activity/social based homeschool group. It has benefited both my kids and I.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Additions to our dino movie

2011-07-07T02:26:00.001-04:00

The kids and I filmed some more of our Dino movie today. We could have wrapped up filming today but they wanted to add some scenes. This is good. I must have chosen this project well if they wish to expand it.

First was a decision to expand the filming of finding the bones. They added a 3rd paleontologist.
The third one does not find any bones. They (correctly) decided this was more realistic. Also they set up tents.

They wanted to show it taking several days. I suggested that may take us several days, so that was omitted. Instead we will infer that they spend more time digging.

Also we zoom in on one and then another. The second paleontologist uses a small explosive to get inside a rock. That took some creativity.

The other addition occurs when we next film. After the skull is airlifted out of the badlands they would like a third set where the fossils are taken to a museum.

So I suspect it will be next week before we get to editing. This is perhaps a project we will repeat for other subjects we learn. Not all however as it is clearly time consuming. So far we have shot over 700 photos for this movie. Some photos will be used more then once (when there is a repetitive action).

It has been good so far and as a homeschooling Mom it is always nice when a learning experience is so well enjoyed.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Butter them up with cookies.

2011-07-04T14:41:00.001-04:00

Community politics in Indian County

(still working on claymation movie, kids gone swimming today)

I have a bylaw committee meeting today. The committee has been working hard bringing the wishes of the community into the bylaws. Among them is giving the youth rep a voting position on the board and making sure the bylaws don't take away rights of community members. This is widely anticipated by the community, all except for one board member (a fan left over from the lawyers we got rid of). She has sent emails and is trying to undo much of what we have accomplished. Her threats seem real if you are new to this arena. The CC'ed emails appear to give credit unless you notice it is only the ones she has sent and never any replies.

She can't make the meeting :0)

She is relying on her emails and a friend.

I have truth...and cookies.

Manipulation cookie recipe
A.K.A. Cocoa Oatmeal Cookies.

Ingredients
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar(or 1 cup white and 2 tbsp molasses)
1/2 cup white sugar
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups rolled oats
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg.

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Beat butter or margarine and sugars until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla; beat well. Add combined flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt; mix well. Stir in oats and raisins, mix well.
Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 10 to 12 minutes, until cookies are almost set. Do not over-bake. After-bake 1 minute on cookies sheets, then move to wire racks. Cool -

-My Tupperware deli meat storage thing holds 2 dozen cookies. As for deli meats, well Things that are hidden in a fridge are never good.

Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Kayaking

2011-07-03T19:42:00.001-04:00

Today was my sisters birthday. We had a good time. The kids went kayaking and did really well. It was great to watch them.

My sister's request fe her bday gift is for us all to go spend the day at the Picton Sandbanks. It is the best beach for hours and I haven't been since I was a teen. Time to change that :)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Time Outside With Indy

2011-07-02T16:53:00.001-04:00

It was a sit around do nothing day. Mostly cuz I got home from work at 4:55am. We had a staff screening of transformers )which is long but great). We can't start staff screenings till after last show is out and building fly closed.

So I parked some lawn-chairs in the yard and Indy and I talk, watched, laughed and cuddled. I enjoyed all our flowers. We really are so lucky.

Indy chased butterflies. We heard dives cooing. Watched a bird hopping and flying around. And we examined seeds.

Then he rode his tricycle up and down the driveway. It was a lovely afternoon. Now I need to think about getting ready for work again.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Family Travels

2011-07-01T17:54:00.001-04:00

Still filming our dino movie.

(in this scene a hiker had just stumbled across a bone and us about to call the authorities.

We got a new van! We are thrilled -but I forgot to get a picture :( it is a red 2010 dodge caravan. It does not have a DVD player and yes, I am happy about that.

Our kids have learned to play traveling games, listen to music (chosen by the adults) and take part in family conversations. As a whole and also amongst themselves while the adults talk. They have also learned to be quiet and enjoy their own thoughts.

I glad that none if this will be list with the addition of a DVD player in our van as we head out to the powwows this summer.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Day 1 of shooting out Dino movie

2011-06-30T13:26:00.001-04:00

So day 1 of shooting is complete. All the kids had a role and I was behind camera. We had an extra as Ko-Ko had a sleepover with my BFF's daughter (they are also tight). We will call her The Rose.

SW was the director. Kept track of number if photos so we knew when we had enough.

Indy kept track of him and commented lots. And added our layers of dirt as the last 65 million years past by.

Ko-Ko was in charge of the T Rex (she made) and the foot prints.

The Rose was in charge if the Pteranodon she made.

Runner was in charge of the Triceratops and the volcano.

Ko-Ko and The Rose were in charge of the lava flow after it left the volcano... Being that they were the artistic directors.

We next need to change sets for our paleontologists to cone on the scene and find the fossils. I also have to get all the pics on the computer.

And now we are off to park day.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

A Crafty Dino Day

2011-06-29T15:55:00.001-04:00

Today we did much prep work for our next big project, a claymation movie. Our movie will be about how some (dino) fossils are formed.

Today's prep work was making our plot, storyboard and clay figures. We lacked enough clay.

To compensate we will ask some friends if we can borrow their volcano or make a cardboard one.

We also have some Lego paleontologists.

Research was required. This was generally review but we needed to know for sure that our Dinos would have been alive during the same time.

We also needed to confirm that their fossils would be found in the area out paleontologist would be in. I can't wait to get more done and to share our hard work here.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Carnival Of Homescchooling is Up

2011-06-28T11:23:00.002-04:00

The Carnival is up over at As For My House this week. Go take a look!

Remember When...?

2011-06-27T17:57:00.002-04:00

Remember the last time I cleaned at night after kids were in bed and how happy I was with the results? Did I keep that up? Obviously not cu several months later I came up with a cleaning an that worked beautifully but left us short on school time and energy.

Well last night when I got home (1:30 this morning) it was a pigsty. I was in a very bad mood about it. Mostly at the adults. Seriously popcans on the floor!? Who does that?

Then I realized that my bad mood would be ten times worse come morning. So I picked up the mess, then stacked the dishes. Before I knew it the time was about 4:30am and the whole upstairs was clean and tidy. I was very eased. Went to bed in a good mood and wine up in a good mood...at 11am.

Ok so this won't work as a daily plan but maybe once or twice a week....if I can stick to that. Yes our chore charts are working well but not when I am busy.
My good mood resulted in us playing our geography twister (previous post), baking and relaxing. This time my co-workers will be having the treats which is blueberry cheesecake brownie. I have blogged them before but I start work in four minutes so a link will have to wait.

Twisted Geography

2011-06-26T05:18:00.003-04:00

This is a Carnival of Homeschooling entry, check out the others.

Edit: they love it!

The other day I was lamenting on an online homeschool group the loss of our geography twister game. We had worn it out over the years. Buying a new one did not seem practical as my kids needed one more challenging the just the continents.
I thought it would be neat to make one.

After that rolled around my mind for a day, I took action.

On Friday the kids and I went shopping for supplies. I even found the perfect material for the mat. It is cotton with a vinyl back. The reverse of a tablecloth.

Mapping out the map was my next challenge. I printed a map off the computer. Then I reloaded the same piece of paper and printer off a grid.

The kids them helped me draw the grid on the fabric mat. Well they started. I ended up filling it in. I really needed a yard stick.

Then came drawing the map. This took a ling time. And the middle section if the country looks a bit squashed to me. All in all I think I did a good job.

Next it needed colour. I used fabric markers. One pack barely made it through the whole map. But I got it done. I added some land features (mountains, volcanoes, arctic circle, Canadian shield) and Capitol cities.

The capitols are the only things marked. Everything else us unnamed. Adds to the difficulty.

Next are the spinners. Since I have 24 possible options to spin to I have decided I need 2 spinners. One for places. One to tell you which foot or hand. I still have to put the spinner together. Bit since I have stayed up almost all night doing this, it'll have to wait. I also need to gem the mat.

I can't wait to get playing. I think this turned put well!

I will let you all know how it went.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

A (Photo) Walk Down Memory Lane: Sunny Not

2011-06-23T23:56:00.020-04:00

I am going to take a look back over Sunny Not's life (and eventually the other kids too). In the search for these photos we found it was harder to find pics before facebook and cellphones as cameras. Our being so poor that we often couldn't afford to develop the roll on the disposible camera didn't help. Some pics are pics I took a picture of :)

This is Sunny not at 5 weeks. My brother is holding her. (Yes I am adopted so I don't look like my siblings).
This is a pic of her at a few months.
I remember being so happy that i won an in home photo shoot of my new baby. I think the photographer was disappointed that I refused to buy more. I hadn't yet figured out that free always had a catch :)

This is Sunny Not at nearly one year. I loved this dress.

This is her first year dancing t the powwows. She is 2.

Sunny Not and I at her 3rd birthday.
It was at the Native center, they had space, I didn't...and yes I was one of those Indians with bleached out hair :(
Ash and her friend K at the same party.Watching over Ko-Ko Halloween night while I put SW to bed. Age 4Christmas, age 5.All 4 kids. Sunny Not age 6Age 7. Ballet class. Picture taken with dance teacher and Ko-Ko
Sunny not and her friend C at a powwow. Age8.Powwowing with friends C & D Age 9.
Age 10. Sunny Not and C t my wedding Shower.Sunny Not (11) with friends K, C & D at powwowSunny Not and C looking after Indy. 12 years old.
Christmas at the Native center. Age 13.
Sunny Not, her friend K, and Mr & Mrs Claus (not my inlaws, the other ones) Sunny Not (13) and Cousin C at Algonquin Park Powwow Sunny Not and I at her grade 8 grad last year age 14Sunny Not watching Indy at Scugog powwow with friends.

Sunny not (this year) getting her new tattoo

Reading and Backyard Campout

2011-06-23T19:11:00.001-04:00

One of the things we have been doing in school us reading the breadwinner trilogy that I recently bought.

Another thing we do is read the paper. Generally not the whole thing. I read a headline and if anyone wants to hear more then the article is read.

Now we can combine the two. The kids have increased their interest in world conflicts and issues because of this book.

After school the kids all went out to play. Then took a trip to the store. This is what I found when I went out to do some weeding in the gardens.

They also included a picnic area.

And I saw some of my new and rescued roses blooming.

This is a rescued one in the garden that separates out yard from our neighbour. Much nicer then a fence :)

And this is one of the new ones.

So glad I baked myself into a better mood so I could enjoy all this. Now we have to see if the kids tented and tarped well enough for the rain.

I invented a cake an it needs a name.

2011-06-23T18:37:00.001-04:00

I need you all to name this new cake.

It is an amazing cake. Perfect for summer. I needed to make a cake today. I needed something calming followed by desert. Yep it is that time and I was starting to sound like I was perhaps raised by the wicked witch of the west.
...
The pause was Me waiting for those who know my Mum, to stop laughing.

So this cake is clearly created by a Gemini who couldn't make up her mind (me). It is a yellow lemon cake and it is a berry/ (white) chocolate cheese cake. I made both and swirled them together (reminiscent of the blueberry cheesecake brownie but a LOT lighter, being cake. The icing is similar to the one from my birthday cake. It is frosting mixed with whipping cream. This one has lemon and lime juice. It looks almost the same as my birthday cake when finished, until you cut it. Then you can see a light bit of cheesecake running through it.

The only thing is that I have no idea what to call it. A cake must have a name. If it doesn't how can my kids ask me to make it again. What am I to call it at a potluck so everyone can ooh and ah over it. Ok I may be getting carried away at this point but you see the issue....so please help me name my new cake :)

So without further delay here is the cake:

Ingredients
I Betty Crocker yellow cake mix
3 eggs (large)
1 egg (large)
1/3 cup Oil
1 1/4 cup Milk
2 lemons
1 lime
1 (8oz) light cream cheese
1 can Betty Crocker whipped vanilla icing
1 box nutrawhip whipping cream (keep in fridge until use)
I bag white chocolate chips
1 cap vanilla extract
1 pint raspberries
1 pint blackberries.
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp cream of tartar

Cake
Preheat oven to 350.

Mix yellow cake mix, 3 eggs, oil, milk, rind from lime and one lemon, juice from on lemon. Mix well. Set bowl aside.

Mix cream cheese, I egg, sugar, 1/2 pint blackberries, 1/2 pint raspberries. Mix till smooth.

In double boiler (I med pot of water on high with a smaller pot inside it containing white chocolate chips and vanilla) stir chips and vanilla constantly and firmly until smooth.

Immediately poor into Cheese/berry mixture an mix.

Grease a smooth bunt pan (I use cooking spray).

Pour 1/2 cake mix into pan. Pour cheese/ Berry/ white chocolate mix into pan in a circle staying away from edges. Pour remaining cake mix in. ** (I poured all the cake mix in first. In hindsight I am suggesting to split it)

Draw a knife through mixtures swirling them.

Bake on middle rack approx 60-70 min

Icing
With a sharp knife cut peel off lemon in spirals. Squeeze lemon and lime juice together in a glass

Make whipped cream; beat cream in bowl, when fluffy add 1/2 cup sugar and cream of tartar. Mix well. Add in Betty crocker icing, and 1/3 the lemon/lime juice. Place in fridge

When cake is done poke with fork and pour lemon/lime juice around top. When cake is cooled, ice it. Then add lemon peels and remaining berries. Place in fridge until served.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

A Good Supper

2011-06-22T19:07:00.001-04:00

Chicken Salsa Casserole.

This is a supper everyone in our house enjoys. It probably takes an hour total. 1/2 hour prep (with kids, I am sure it is faster without) and 20-30 min in the oven.

Chicken salsa casserole
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups uncooked white rice
3 cups water
Pkg taco seasoning
6 skinless, boneless chicken breast cubed.
1 pkg (or 2 cups) cheddar cheese shredded
1 pkg (or 2 cups) Monterey Jack cheese shredded
* this time I used the cheddar garlic herb and the southwest cheese blends. *

1 can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 can condensed cream of celery soup
1 onion, chopped
2 cups salsa.* I used medium to appease all the family taste buds
1 tub Sour cream

Directions
Place rice and water in a saucepan, and bring to a boil. Or cook as desired. We use a tupperware rice cooker.
Meanwhile, place chicken breast into a large saucepan with taco seasoning and fry on medium covered until done. Remove chicken from water. When cool enough to handle, cut meat into bite-size pieces.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

In a medium bowl, mix together both cans of soup, onion, and salsa. In lightly greased 9X13 ( mine broke I am using an 8X11 plus a small loaf pan)

layer the rice then chicken then salsa/soup/onion mixture then finally the cheeses.

Bake in preheated oven for about 20-30 minutes, or until bubbly. Serve with sour cream.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Home made Protractor

2011-06-22T10:55:00.004-04:00

So unlike the description on the instructions I found my child did not have a big math test. Nope this was a case of a homeschool Mom ready to do a unit on triangles and totally forgot about protractors.

Google to the rescue. I found a few resources. I went with ehow The instructions were easy and simple and became a small project. However I suggest you use this picture. Just realized it failed to add before.

I really like the idea on wikihow.

However I do not have any more of the self adhesive vinyl from the dollar store.

A Dino Field Trip

2011-06-20T23:31:00.001-04:00

This morning I got up with the three younger ones. We were heading out to Miller Hall to learn a bit about Dinosaurs. SW stayed home and later went to his drama group. This was a trip for the 10 and under crowd.

The children and museum guide discussed a bit about dinosaurs and fossils. He asked lots of questions and was awarded with many raised hands waiting to answer.

They also discussed what tools you would need if you were out digging for dinosaur bones in the Alberta badlands. One young volunteer was dressed for the job. Everything from hiking boots to camping supplies was discussed.

Fossils were shown and passed around. The children searched for bones in a sand pit and checked out the exhibits.

This is a small museum. And while there are fossils there are no large assembled Dino skeletons. Ko-Ko and Indy liked digging in dirt and anything big.

However the session was lively and well enjoyed. Runner really liked making his own imprint fossil and seeing a diamond in rock.

After we got lunch from a chip truck and spent some time in the nearby park. So did two of the other families so everyone played for a bit. Indy proudly built some (small) sandcastles.

Then we headed off downtown for a walk. We ended at Indigo books. Had some smoothies and left with a few more books and a bit less money. We did get some good deals though.

At home we enjoyed put books and Aunty told us we would be getting a new van this month. Perhaps we will not need to rent for the trip to Scugog powwow :)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Powwow Day.

2011-06-17T19:23:00.001-04:00

Last night Ko-Ko finished up a ribbon dress that she had been planning since she wanted to sell one at the powwow. So it was a late night (nothing new) and she did an excellent job. She had minimal help from me.

Then up early this morning for our local powwow. I have several picks to share. I did want one with everyone together including me but somehow that didn't work. I will focus harder on it tomorrow. We did get lots of pics bear the end of the day.

Ko-Ko with the Woman's hand drum. not something you see everywhere but up here Women use hand drums and water drums. but never bug drums. you got to know the territory you at in.

Runner taking pics of himself.

SW hanging out.

SW at the drum. H is in the white hat.

The head dancers, including my Runner:)

Indy and out neighbor. Also a homeschooling Native family.

Indy.

Runner

Ko-Ko taking a rest.

It wad a good day and we can't wait to return tomorrow. Although Runner an SW are already there. They were invited to stay with the firekeeper, along with another friend. The powwow committee ha a youth shadowing each adult role. What was truly lovely to see was the young man shadowing the MC, a role both his father and grandfather have done in this community.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

And It All Worked Out.

2011-06-16T17:55:00.001-04:00

So it all worked out with the tree and our moon ceremony. Our fire keeper came got it all chopped up and the kids helped stack it along side the garage for now.

He also helped trim the bushes that were damaged when the tree fell. I cleaned of the ground, hung some screening and placed potted bushes. The downfall was that I felt so overwhelmed that I didn't think it all through straight. Basically, I spent more money then I needed to.

The potted plants were a huge expense. Aunty Claus came through with the screening idea and to check the dollar store. Yep straw mats, bamboo poles and rope from the dollar store. In the end that did the job and the rest became decorative. It all looks lovely but I still feel the sting of spending money I didn't need too.

The ribbon shirt I had planned with horse appliqué and then realized I didn't have the right colour fabric or thread worked out too bi left it for a few days until the new idea for a design and colour pallet came to me. And I live the result. I think it's beautiful. I hope it and the others sell well tomorrow.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Our Chestnut Tree

2011-06-15T03:02:00.001-04:00

If you remember back about a month ago I was thrilled to have created a beautiful and secluded spot under our chestnut tree at our new house. This spot was our new circle for ceremony. I was thrilled with the results and couldn't wait for the roses to climb up over the trellis'.
(You can see the post and picture here)

Well today when the kids headed put for recess they discovered that half the tree had blown over. It took out one of the wood trellis' (beyond repair) as well as the table we put our medicines on. One of the bushes that give us a fair amount of privacy from the street had the tree over it.

Our firekeeper will come a bit early tomorrow with his saw to clear the fallen tree. Then I will have a quick repair of the circle and our privacy.

Even when done it will not be the same. If there is but one good thing (and there always is) it would be that the roses will get more sun. I didn't realize how much shade we got till after I planted. I was beginning to worry. That is a worry I can let go of now. Amazingly the tree fell around the roses.

I also got the waistband and elastic on Indy's regalia (powwow clothes). He helped me sew. He does this by sitting on my lap with a hand on my hand as I guide the material. He also holds down the reverse button.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Runner's 1st Karate Tournament

2011-06-13T23:53:00.007-04:00

(two videos, one of each of his Kata's)
On Sunday Runner and I got up early to head to the hotel we swim at on Fridays. It was the location of the Kingston Kicks Karate tournament. It was a first for both of us. I do this for other first timers as I had no idea what to expect. Not knowing how they go we arrived at 8:45 since registration was at 9am and we wanted to get registration confirmed to get a good seat. Next time we won't be so early. People move around since you never know where you next competition will be or what time. This drove me a little nuts. And since Runner is used to my peculiarities it seemed to drive him a little nuts too.

I packed a bag with books and pitas and dip I had figured we could get a proper lunch and drinks at the hotel. I was glad I had brought some food because no schedule, order or time table meant I had no idea if we could head to the restaurant for 30 minutes. Instead he or I ran to the vending machine.

We found his club. We also met people from other clubs It was a very friendly atmosphere that in ways reminded me of the camaraderie of powwows. Other Moms were able to explain to me a bit of what to expect. They all seemed cool with the no schedule thing. I met another first timer Mom and she was as lost without an order as we were. It is true powwows do not have an order but since it all happens in one spot and any exhibitions and specials are well announced you do have time to grab food or hit the port-a-potties ...Karate has toilets though :) Also I know the order of a powwow....much like the non-first timers at the tournament. The other difference is there is lots of general powwow time (intertribals).

On To The Big Stuff
Runner must have been nervous cuz his appetite was that of a birds. We had some good time talking. He also chatted with some members of his club after settling in a bit. He watched the other competitions and applauded everyone...regardless of club. This makes a Mother so proud to see the good sportsmanship. He waited as patiently as an 8 year olld boy can. We were there from 8:45am till 5pm for 2 competitions. He practiced when now and then with a smile on his face. He talked to other kids he did not know. He helped a lady with a door. I beamed and planned to take him for dinner.His competitions were Kata and open Kata (where they make their own Kata). He had wanted to do 3 (sparing) but when I registered there was no sparing listed. I learned that sparing is also called point fighting and Kumete...I will know for next time. He decided he will do three next time and the time after that a forth. He also announced he would not do sport jujitsu as it is dangerous. He did however enjoy watching it First up was Kata. He competed in his belt level (yellow) and age group (8-6). He and all the others looked nervous. The guy who seemed to be the head judge really knew how to but the kids at ease. I was very impressed. Runner presented well before starting (they have to announce their name, club and Kata). When he was done he took his place. During the scoring I was a nervous wreck LOL I know winning isn't everything but in the moment your thinking "Oh he would be so happy if he placed".He did in fact place...GOLD! He received his medal and shook hands with all the judges. He was beaming, very pleased but not cocky. He was thrilled when they announced him as a Champion. He smiled at me and when we were alone he smiled again and said "Mom they said I was a champion!" We then had a long wait. It turns out that open Kata is generally last...it was. There was not many people left. Sport Jujitsu was wrapping up. Weapon had just gone. All mats but 2 were put away and many people were leaving. I was pleased to see his Senpai and some club members left to cheer all competitors on.Open Kata apparently is not a big event. Runner wondered why. I told him that I suspected the idea of creating your own Kata was more overwhelming to some then the idea of competing. He was surprised because he had enjoyed working on his Kata. Editing it, adding, deleting till he was happy. His Senpai came for encouragement. Just a teen in years but a good supportive teacher...a skill some never learn.Runner placed gold again I could not figure how to upload two videos but here is the link for the video of his open Kata. Then it was 5 pm I had to rush off to work. I had so wanted to take him to dinner. Instead I asked his Dad to let him choose his supper. He picked pita pick. He and I will have to have some time together later.
The medals seemed to have two different but similar designs within each group (gold, silver, bronze) runner was pleased to have gotten one of each.

What I Observed: (good for other first timer parents)
When a mat was unused kids and adults practiced side by side with other clubs. I was pleased that people realized the joy of competing rather then the "I will kick your butt" attitude. there was one local club with that attitude. Everywhere they were there was scowling adults and crying children. Also when I arrived they were discussing if they were well labeled and visible :0 Yeah so glad my son doesn't go there. Also I noticed their club members did not socialize outside the club and did not participate in kata competitions. I also didn't see them in self defense only fight based ones. I thought that was sad. So if your kid likes karate and you live in Kingston I would say all the clubs seem to be well mannered and friendly...except Impact Zone.

To Summarize:
Bring food, (snacks and lunch) and drinks.
Meet others; 98% of the people are friendly.
Be prepared to listen carefully, there are no schedules.
Apparently most run in a similar order. Start learning it, in time I suspect a basic concept will emerge.
Have money for a tournament shirt for your kid...no better souvenir.
Join a club that is in it for the love of karate, not the love of money and fighting...it is easy since most seem to be in it for love of karate.
Enjoy yourself.

Indigo's relationship with my bankcard.

2011-06-11T15:58:00.001-04:00

I love books. Getting a library card was a choice that I am sure Indigo and Amazon both felt. So I should have known a quick trip to Indigo for a birthday gift was a foolish folly...but you should have seen the deals!

Indy, Ko-Ko and I took the Bus downtown for this little adventure. Indy found a musical Thomas book, and we found the gifts I had set out for. I also found a Dino claymation set. I think that will be fun for the kids and I. Also great to learn how it is done. For $2 I found an anatomy colouring book. These are already put away.
Other books I found for some summer education are...
Time For Kids Almanac 2011

Tales Of The Greek Heroes

Now You Know Big Book Of Answers

Complete Idiots Guide To The Great Depression

The Breadwinner Trilogy. This one looks really good.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

It must be powwow season....

2011-06-10T02:56:00.001-04:00

...because once again I have been sewing till 3am. I made another ribbon shirt. Going to take it to the friendship centre tomorrow and see who would like to buy it. It is a verry classic shirt.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Another Great Park day.

2011-06-09T16:21:00.001-04:00

This morning we all got plenty of rest and woke up between 10am and 11:15am (Ko-Ko). So when my neighbor offered to drive us to park day in an hour (at 12:15) I thought there was no way we would make it.
Yes our Neighbors at our new house are a homeschooling Native family...amazing eh?

However my slowpoke kids decided we could be ready. Amazingly they were. We all got dresses brushed hair, ate breakfast (lunch depending on how you want to define it) and were ready. SW even made it to the store and back for snacks. If only other things motivated them like that.

The park was gorgeous. It was hot. Ducks and geese were fed. Games were played and an adventure was taken. Best of all we met new people.

And this leaves me feeling very thankful to those who started our homeschool group. When I started homeschooling I felt Luke I just didn't fit in. The "open and diverse" group we joined was neither open nor diverse. I thought we would be homeschooling on our own. However the group we now belong to truly is open and diverse. I have met others similar to us, vastly different from us and found friends in all because the group is so open. I wonder where many if us would be if the founders of our group had not had this vision.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Blueberry Cheesecake Brownie

2011-06-06T16:34:00.005-04:00

Most of my baking happens for birthdays and Full Moon ceremonies. When I read Mrs White's open house for the week I knew that the recipe day was on I would join for sure.

The recipe freshest in my mind was my birthday cake but I had just posted that on Friday. So I had to think back further. When looking at them all I realized there was one I had posted a picture of but never shared the recipe.

So here now is the recipe for Blueberry Cheesecake Brownie. What is different about this one is that the brownie, cheesecake and blueberries are all swirled together. Every mouthful is a different amount of the three. It really is a treat.

Cream cheese part:
1 cup sugar,
1 pkg. (8 oz. each) Cream Cheese, softened
1 tsp. vanilla
1 eggs
1 cups fresh or thawed frozen blueberries
2/3 cups flour

Beat cream cheese, 1 cup sugar and the vanilla in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Add sour cream; mix well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition just until blended. Puree the blueberries in a blender or food processor

Brownie part:

1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

In a medium bowl, mix together the oil, sugar, and vanilla. Beat in eggs. Combine flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt; gradually stir into the egg mixture until well blended.

Preheat oven to 350. Grease pan well. Pour in some brownie, then some cream cheese. When done pour in blueberries. Swirl it all with a knife and bake for 20-25 min or until done when tested with a fork.

Here is the original blog post mentioning the cake: Original post from midwinter Moon.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Gardening

2011-06-05T02:51:00.001-04:00

Aunty Claus has a friend who is a gardener. He came over today to assess our garden. He went around the garden with me and told me what was what. What should go, what needed a trellis and what should be moved to another area of the garden.

We have a lot of great plants here...that we ate aware if. Who knows what I still under the earth waiting to appear.

However the previous gardener passed on a few years ago so there us some work to do. He estimated 8 hours if weeding! Plus some transplanting, edging and a couple trellis' to hang and of course pruning.

There will be the odd Bate patch to fill in but badly out house is ringed in potentially beautiful gardens.

It seems I have my work cut out for me, and perhaps we should hire this guy to help.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

My Birthday.

2011-06-04T01:43:00.001-04:00

I had a great birthday today. DH and I went grocery shopping. Day Lee Hong for groceries for my supper. Loblaws for my birthday cake.

While we were out we had lunch and the kids tidied up the house so I could sweep, mop and polish the floors. After I enjoyed making myself a birthday cake. I used the Betty Crocker Raspberry lemonade cake. It is not from scratch but it is a work of art (recipe at bottom).

DH made mean sushi feast. We had philly roll, Boston roll, flying roe roll, and spicy salmon roll. It was amazing!

While waiting my friends, sunny not, Aunty Claus and Grandma Claus played scruples, then I received some gifts. Indy made me two necklaces. One at the Native centre (grandma took him so we could get work done here) and one with SW. Aunty Claus made me a new skirt out of material I have had my eye on for over a year. She will add ribbon later but wasn't sure where or what colour so I for to add my input. And Grandma Claus gave me a documentary on the trail of tears my parents sent money to get my nails done.

Then we went to see the new xman movie; xman first class. Loved it! Loved it!

All in all I am so thankful for the day, the friends, the hours dh put into my dinner and that others put into my gifts.

Cake recipe.

Raspberry lemonade cake

Ingredients

1 cup very hot water
1 box (4-serving size) raspberry-flavored gelatin
1 box Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® white cake mix
1/2 cup frozen (thawed) lemonade concentrate
1/4 cup water
1/3 cup vegetable oil
4 egg whites
1 container (12 oz) Betty Crocker® Whipped vanilla frosting
1 cup frozen (thawed) whipped topping
1 1/2 cups fresh raspberries, if desired
Lemon peel strips, if desired
Directions

Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). Spray bottom only of 13x9-inch pan with baking spray with flour. In small bowl, mix hot water and gelatin until gelatin is completely dissolved; cool slightly.
In large bowl, beat cake mix, 1/4 cup of the gelatin mixture, 1/4 cup of the lemonade concentrate, the water, oil, and egg whites with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds. Beat on medium speed 2 minutes. Pour into pan. Reserve remaining gelatin mixture and lemonade concentrate.
Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Poke warm cake every inch with fork tines. Remove 1 tablespoon of the reserved gelatin mixture to microwavable custard cup or small bowl. In another small bowl, mix remaining gelatin mixture and remaining 1/4 cup lemonade concentrate; pour slowly over cake. Cool completely, about 1 hour.
In medium bowl, fold together frosting and whipped topping; frost cake. Microwave 1 tablespoon gelatin mixture uncovered on High 10 seconds to liquefy. Using 1/4 teaspoon measuring spoon, place small drops of gelatin mixture over frosting; with spoon or toothpick, swirl gelatin into frosting. Garnish each piece with raspberries and lemon peel strips. Store covered in refrigerator.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Park Day

2011-06-02T15:47:00.001-04:00

Today was park day with the homeschool group. We all got to "play". I had a good time talking with the other Moms. The kids played.

Well SW was not interested and the big kids don't come so he was my legs for keeping tabs on Indy. It was a nice day. The splash pad was open but it was chilly. Then the sun came out and it was too hot for our hoodies. Then back behind the clouds, wind blowing and hoodies back on. Some kids (like Ko-Ko) braved the splash pad anyway.

I also finished another ribbon shirt. And tonight we have a bug quiz in Mohawk Language class. It is an oral quiz an this Lakota feels like she will rock the Mohawk quiz :)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Summer Is Coming

2011-05-31T23:23:00.001-04:00

Today the temperature soared. It was down right hot.

I headed out into the heat for FIC (fat Indian club). I was bringing snack which was homemade salsa with tortillas. I used Aunty Claus' Tupperware salsa maker and recipe. It was delicious and perfect on a hot day. and
I lost 4 lbs!!

At home the kids found their own way To cool down

Then they were told to dry up the kitchen floor. We kept cool inside cleaning, making supper and sewing cuz we have central air here in the new house. This is a luxury we are thrilled with :). And a far cry from last year sitting around with our feet in cold pots of water.

Supper was special cuz we had fiddleheads. This is the brief time of year when they are ready to eat.

Then I finished up my night sewing. This ribbon shirt will be sold or raffled.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Indy's New Powwow Regalia

2011-05-30T02:03:00.001-04:00

I worked on Indy's regalia for powwow some more today. All that is left is fringe and elastic (which I need to buy).

We are to work on beadwork etc over the winter months. However when sewing for children that can backfire. So for the kids I do a fair bit of waiting. I did however buy the materials over the winter (except for elastic and fringe).
I also planned it out. I chose green because it is Indy's gave colour. That's my St. Patty's baby's Irish quarter showing I think. I picked the maple leaf design because not only was he born on March 17th, he was born during sweet water time (when the sap runs from the maple trees). He is also named after this time (online we call him Indy as his middle name is Indiana). I think I picked the white to torture myself when it comes to cleaning. All of Runner regalia's have had a fair bit of white also.

You may notice there is no vest. But with the humidity levels in Ontario I forgo the vest until the are old enough to handle the extra layer. This is his first year with leggings (the green shorts). When they are diaper age I skip these for much the same reason. Instead I am left to worry about his ability to keep them, the aprons and side drops clean in a porta potty. This will become the job of whoever is in charge of running him to the bathroom.

Indy likes his new "powwow clothes" very much. However he thought it meant we were off to powwow today (I don't leave things that last minute).

Next is checking mine, Ko-Ko's and Runners regalia for repairs and adjustments. We will be wearing last years again. I had planned a new one for Ko-Ko but I believe she will still fit last years and with the expense of moving into our first (owned) home I decided it could wait.

Sadly I am not making Sunny Not a regalia this year. She did not look after hers last year plus she barely danced. She would bring her regalia then decide not to. I just not putting out the expense under those circumstances. I often wonder if such decisions are harder on the child or the parent.

Ko-Ko is learning to bead. I am thrilled. She is of course mostly going it on her own (and doing well). I hope she will take some time to do some sewing with me though to keep up her skills.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Almost Ready To Powwow.

2011-05-28T17:24:00.001-04:00

Got ribbon shirts sewn today for SW and Indy. I also have the appliqué (mostly) cut for Indy's regalia. Then I jus have final checks to do of last years regalia for those who still fit last years. It is that time of year when I generally done sewing for others and sew for my own and u really do enjoy that.

-
Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Another Beautiful Outside School Day.

2011-05-25T17:44:00.001-04:00

It has been beautiful outside. We have a beautiful yard and we are enjoying homeschooling outside.

We finally got started on the music career unit study I made the kids.

After our success with "wandering Wally " in the "All Across Canada" unit I got on currclick ($0.50) we have moved onto Hiking Holly as we move around Hudson Bay. I have created the same kinds if activities as we did with wandering Wally and hoping for the same results.

With our trampoline back up recess is mostly spent there.

Mine and Runner's Mohawk is improving. Ko-Ko struggles and looks just lost.

I am seeing how summer homeschooling may pan out. I will share when it is a fully formed idea.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Time To Plant Weekend

2011-05-22T10:59:00.001-04:00

...in southern Ontario.

Well if you aren't powwowing, or general camping that non-Indian types do (campsites and cottages I think) then this was the weekend to plant. Ideal would have been the night of the full moon (Tuesday) but Tuesday was busy enough for me.

Since I didn't get to go powwow to Hiawatha powwow :( I planted.

Runner and Ko-Ko went to the garden store with me. Runner picked out some marigolds. (planted by blueberries we also picked out).

Ko-Ko a clematis. She grew these in our old garden downtown.

I got my climbing roses that I have missed since my rose garden when we lived downtown.

I also picked out some decretive grass and sage (for Grandma) but they just had garden sage, not what we would normally pick. We will work on a medicine garden too.

We also picked out a hanging basket for Aunty

And a lilac bush, also a memory from my old garden.

My friend Christina joined us. Age an I went for a second trip when I realized I needed a sturdy trellis in a different location and a proper spade. We listened to White Tail singers sad that we were nit dancing at the powwow but happy to have a nice weekend with family.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

The Siblings I Wanted Them To Be

2011-05-21T12:56:00.001-04:00

When My kids were young they played together. Ko-Ko and Runner were best friends. They managed to maintain this in kindergarten. I think because they were in it together. (Ko-Ko was in K a year behind her friends do to age and maturity as tiny October baby). Them she went to grade 1 and was taught that her brother was too little. This ended their closeness and she tried to fit in with SW. Since neither of them had many friends this worked somewhat

The following year I started homeschooling as I watched SW and Ko-Ko fall apart in public school.

Over the years of homeschooling I have watched many wonderful changed in them. Best of all I have been watching my kids become friends again.

Last night Ko-Ko and SW went to the movies together with 2 friends from the Native center. they went early to get a good seat for Johnny Depp's new Pirates movie. So I had opportunity to check on them and see these 2 siblings laughing together with shared friends.

When I returned home I checked in cuz SW was having a sleepover (the 2 friends were both boys). I discovered SW, The 2 boys, Runner and Ko-Ko all in sleeping bags on the schoolroom floor talking and watching movies together.

These are the siblings I always wanted them to be.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Baby Crow

2011-05-19T13:51:00.001-04:00

Today we saw a baby crow on a neighbours lawn. It was in the same vicinity as the dead crow the kids saw a few days ago. We were very concerned. We finished our chore while I phoned a friend at the Native Centre.

I asked what we should do. He told me the best advice would be difficult especially with the kids but that we should let Nature take it's course. I said that made sense but my heart wanted to help. He pointed out that I didn't posada the proper knowledge or time to rehabilitate a baby crow but perhaps I could get a hold of a bird sanctuary.

On the return the bird had moved into the lawn about a foot. We were curious and concerned. I headed to the nieghbour's door. Others saw me and came to tell us that the household there had been putting out food. 5 other crows had been protecting it for a few days but had given up today. They are calling the bird sanctuary.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Parenting Fails!

2011-05-19T08:45:00.001-04:00

On the message board I frequent an amazing Mom of 4 little ones asked this as our Question Of The Day:

QOTD: What has been your most epic parenting "fail" moment thus far?

Here is my answer:

AOTD. I think I have had many...mostly cuz my kids are daredevils. Yes I know where that comes from. Not my husband who is scared of rollercoasters and fair rides. It is my fault (I have bungy jumped over 50 times in my youth). I have discovered my kids giving themselves rides from the ceiling fan (they did it many times before I caught them). I have had to go get my 4 & 6 year old off the roof. I have caught them as they fell off the banister (trying to use it like a balance beam). I have stopes them in the middle of creating a zip line. Found they had built bridges from bunk beds to dressers. Seen YDD use the top of the swings at the park like a bar at gymnastics...I decided to just wait below and hope I could catch her...she was fine and later climes down a swing. I have learned not to freak about these kinds of things unless they will wreck the house. (in hopes of reducing my anxiety). But despite all this my worst parenting moments are knowing that I am responsible for my kids potty mouths...but it is really hard not to gasp in horror and swear when you see your kids doing this crazy stuff.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Playgroup.

2011-05-18T19:51:00.001-04:00

Took Indy to playgroup today at the Native centre. All my other kids did this from a young age.

Indy was excited to go. He rushed getting ready and asked me to do his hair (instead of running from the hair brush). Here is a pic of him ready 30 min before everyone else.

When we got there I discovered that it wasn't like when the others were young. The group is about parents actively playing with their kids. I get that some parents need this. But some of us do this anyway.

I wanted a group that encourages the kids to play and interact with each other.

If they don't offer what I am looking for I may create what I want. Maybe organize one in our homeschool group.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Full Moon Ceremony...

2011-05-18T00:47:00.001-04:00

...In The New House

The last few months we had our Full Moon at our d house (thanks to the new tenants). Moving our ceremony to the new house was a big deal. As I mentioned in a previous post we can be fined for having our ceremonies in city limits due to the small sacred fires.

Well after much discussion we decided to have our circle where we first thought would be good (isn't that always the way?) Then I spent a long time planing. As trees bloomed it became obvious that there was some natural cover. The only difficulty being that we couldn't use the eastern door as it is a rocky flower bed. We are using the North-East.

DH finally cut wood for me. So today I got the area ready. I built to lattice trellis'. In a week or two I will buy some climbing roses for them. On the bottom
inside of each trellis lashed some smaller denser ones from the dollar store. When all was done j was thrilled. It looks beautiful, like a room where f the walls as well as the ceiling are built by nature. Between now and next month I will add the roses as well as colored ties for each direction. I may add a 3rd trellis behind the bench my future plans are a higher side table to ace the medicines on. These are often on a blanket on the ground but Grandma Claus needs them where she can reach from her wheelchair. I may also look into a box for the wood (instead of moving it in and out of the garage) and a patio stone walkway to get Grandma Claus more easily to the circle. This will also make it easier for some of the Grandma's who come in their walkers. There are two bushes on the north corners and in the southern corner is a tree that hangs over the area like a roof.

It was a small circle. We have be told it will rIn all month including today. It was a beautiful night. But since we got through our first ceremony in the new place without having the pics called to disturb us , our community will feel more at ease. It has a huge impact as the thought is very distressing for some. My decorations and planned gardening paid off though there is only one spot where flame was (a little) visible. I am excited for next month. It's lime we made this new a place home tonight. Now j am off to sleep. And j get to do it with the smell of an outdoor fire in my hair.

Provinces and Capitols

2011-05-16T02:52:00.001-04:00

SW and Ko-Ko have some sort of geography brain block. OK so perhaps they won't make maps for a living. However a basic knowledge of the country you live in is required. You would think think that since they do well in geology that they would do well on geography, but no. They may be able to tell you the difference between how the Appalachian and the Rockies were formed, just don't ask them where they are.

So we have been working on correcting this. Sometimes simple is best. Well this week (for just 50 cents) I found "All Around Canada" on currclick. I ordered and downloaded it! There are three cute, simple stories about characters traveling the different areas of Canada.

I then made some worksheets to correspond to the stories.

Here is my plan:
Week 1, Wandering Wally -western Canada.
Day 1 read story do cut and paste work sheets (really simple, especially at my kids Grades but I want it to be easy and quick).
Day 2 read story. Go on computer and get pictures of the sights...kind of like a virtual trip with a virtual camera. Print pics.
Day 3. Read story. Map quest the journey from
Capitol to Capitol. Print, and draw onto a map of Canada.
Day 4. Read story. Choose the thing you would most want to do if on Wandering Wally's journey, read about it, and share with the rest of us.

Week 2&3: same thing but with the other stories.

At first I was working on much more academic work that one would expect to find at their grade levels. But then it occurred to me (which hasn't occurred to me in all this time we have spent on this subject.) My main goal for these two: knowing the provinces and capitols. Why does it need to be hard based on age? Well it doesn't. And when they do know the basics the rest will fall into place, like knowing where the mountains are.

I will post their progress at the end of the week.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Playgroup

2011-05-15T10:34:00.001-04:00

When my kids were little I took them to playgroup. This was not always easy. When I had Sunny Not I was in my early 20's and looked like I was 15. Needless to say the other Moms were not so welcoming. I did however become sympathetic towards teen Moms. After all supper from other Moms is something that is very emotionally helpful as Mom.
Then I discovered the Native centre and started attending their playgroup. The Moms were very welcoming. They ranged in age and I wasn't the only one who looked years younger then I was. I made some great lifelong friends, my kids made lifelong friends. Us moms had more babies together it was a great time in our lives.

Then the kids got older, us Moms got older and our playgroup years were done.

Then I had Indy and started homeschooling. He is 3 and has not been to playgroup. I feel awful about it but I keep not going because it would mean another day out of the house, away from school work. And having taken on 2 committees at the Native Centre cuz of political struggles (typical, there is money to expand and people show up and cause problems...lawyer types of course). And now I am looking at meetings once or twice a week.

This has to mean some changes. For one I will need more independent work that kids can take with them, and some they can do while staying at home. If I do playgroup on the same day as healthy living I will bring all the kids with me. And on meeting days we will have to get started earlier... It feels like I keep saying that. Why is it so hard to return to an old schedule of starting our days earlier? This will be the key I need to figure out.

As for today I need to go to work, cutting into my school prep Time as I have a day shift back to back with an on-call night shift. And the non-stop rain means we will be busy.

Enjoy your weekend all!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Tuesday in Toronto

2011-05-11T10:00:00.001-04:00

It was a great, packed day!

We started out at the CN tower as it was a much anticipated part of the day.

--Runner looking out at CN tower-
We took the basic trip up the elevator. Once up (it travels a 22km an hour) we walked around the indoor observation deck, nearly got blown away on the outdoor observation deck and stood on the glass floor looking down.

-------going up the elevator--------

-------looking out at city below-----

----city/airport from outdoor deck-

----------on the glass floor-------
Runner bought a CN tower glitter lamp and 3D puzzle. I got Indy a (regular) puzzle.

Next we went to Union station and got transit day passes for my Sis and I and kids tickets for the kids. And then we took the subway up to the Eaton's center.

---------SW in Union Station-------

----------boys on subway----------
when we got out and came up to street level we saw a huge crowd. We went to take a look and discovered that Dairy Queen had created a gigantic cake. We did not stay in line for cake (it would have taken much of our day).

----------giant DQ cake------------
Then we went to the Eaton's centre. I remember the Eaton's centre (from my kid memories)
as having way cooler stores then we had at home. However it was much the same sort of thing as we have at home. But it was so much bigger of course. We had lunch in the food court and looked around the "path" a little. Then we took a streetcar down Queen street to Spadina.

---------Ko-Ko on streetcar---------
Once there we looked around the shops in Chinatown. There was deals galore. Markets of food and herbs. Stores with toys in boxes with Chinese writing. SW found some great shoes for only $35!

We went to Kensington Market where Ko-Ko loved the clothes (I knew she would) she got a skirt (I will have to add elastic to the waist)

-----------Ko-Ko's skirt-----------
Then (with sore feet) we stopped for some DQ in the Dragon Mall (still in Chinatown)

---------Runner's DQ --------------
We took streetcar and subway back down to Union Station. Unloaded our bags into the car and grabbed some hoodies and fresh socks. We were going against the flow as there was a steady stream of suit heading to Union station to catch go-trains home.

------------flow of suits-------------
Then we went to East side Marios for dinner. Ko-Ko and Runner ate for $2. We enjoyed our meal slowly with some good conversation.

-----My Sis and Ko-Ko at dinner--

---------me at dinner--------------
Then we headed back down by the CN tower, past skydome to Roundhouse park for our play. We saw many scalpers on the way. Once there we took pics of the roundhouse and trains for Indy.

We saw a playground and headed over. Ko-Ko and Runner burned off some energy. SW, my sis and I didn't have any.

Then we headed into the play. We saw the Railway Children. It was wonderful. We lived it. The staging was brilliant. And most amazing if all. A train (yes a real one) came in and out of the theatre.

We headed back to the car. Enjoyed the view of the CN tower from its base at night.

Then we got in the car (and saw a policeman director traffic,

and headed to a hotel in Whitby (more points) for the night. It wa a great trip.

Read about our first night in Toronto Click Here
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Homeschooled Canadian Nobel laureate dies

2011-05-10T08:17:00.001-04:00

Read the article here.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Arriving in Toronto.

2011-05-09T22:22:00.001-04:00

We are on our spring break this week. We will school lightly. When my sis and I planned this trip it was full of educational to do's. Museums, science center, Queen' park (Provincial parliament). But then my sister and I realized that we would spend much of our trip inside not seeing Toronto.

So we are Here to see a city and that is educational as well I believe.

We arrived today. Driving down the 401 on North America's widest and busiest section o highway. The pic here shows the 12 lanes as best as I could.

The kids spotted the CN tower edited we even reached the DVP. I tried continuously to get a pic of it a that point and eventually (on the DVP) I did.

We are staying at the Intercontinental Toronto Centre. Between the 5 of us we have 2 rooms at a cost of $0!!! My sis has been saving points....smart isn't she. We also have a view the kids would die for

CN tower from our room in the day...

From the kids room at night.

The roundhouse an roundhouse theatre where we will see a play tomorrow.

And the sky dome..yep this view was free!
Then we went for a swim. The pool was lovely and had salt water instead of chlorine which was so nice.

Next we headed to the movies and saw Thor in AVX. No that is some way to see a movie. My sis and I used our passes and cineplex cards and scene points...again we kept it nearly free. On the way back to the hotel we walked by some movie trailers.

It was a great first day. Tomorrow w are off to adventure around the city.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Mother's Day

2011-05-08T23:11:00.001-04:00

I hope you are all having a great Mother's Day.

I worked today but came home to a clean house. DH made sushi including Philly rolls (mmmm). The kids thought a BBQ would be nice so Aunty got that going and BBQ'd up some dogs and burgers. An odd combo but well enjoyed. The table was set and upped with flowers. I am a happy Mom tonight. And I have some packing to do. Tomorrow my sis and the middle three kids head to Toronto.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Learning Mohawk Phonetically - The Mohawk alphabet

2011-05-06T19:51:00.001-04:00

Mohawk is My husbands language. Mine is Lakota. However there ate bit a lot I Lakota's out here in Mohawk territory.

The classes we are taking to learn Mohawk teach you to read Mohawk using phonics. I prefer this approach as it allows you to learn more if the language on your own as well as making sure you understand how to pronounce the language.

Here is the alphabet.

Vowels
A- ah
E -eh
I - ee
O -oh
EN - on(nasal)
ON -oon

Consonants:
H -h
Hi - hee
I -y (so when pared with a it sounds like yah)
K - g
Ki - gee
Kh - k
Khi -kee
S -z
Si - zee
Sh -s
Shi-see
R -r
Ri- ree
N -n
Ni-nee
T - d
Ti -dee
Th -t
Thi -tee
W -oo
Wh- f
Kw- goo
Kwh- foo
Ts -j
Tsi-ji
Tsh- tsz (like a sizzling sound)
Tshi - tszee

Hope I got them all. It was good practice anyway.

It' Been A Busy Few Weeks

2011-05-06T15:16:00.001-04:00

Politics In (Urban) Indian Country:
It is that time of year when politics at Native Friendship Centers start to heat up. It us possible we are more heated up Gavin just gone through another Canadian election. (not ready to talk about that yet as I am angry and happy).

So in an especially hot political atmosphere where I live Bylaws are one topic that are hot for debate. The board has a currant proposed bylaw. And now thanks to me (and with much community input) so do the community members. I am so glad to finally be done. I feel like I can see the light at the end of the tunnel (in June).

The kids pitched in. They cleaned up the mess they made. SW took Indy and joined Grandma Claus for lunch at the Native center. Ko-Ko, Runner and I got ready or swimming (which had a 2 week hiatus). We also admired the flowers blooming around our house thanks to our homes previous owner...we also noticed that we have some weeding to do.

Our trip to Toronto is also near so we have laundry to add to our weekend.

Is It Time To Go To Sleep Yet?

2011-05-05T04:03:00.001-04:00

In the Healthy Living Program (Fat Indian Club) we learned that dealing with stress in a healthy way is key to healthy Living and getting rid of fat. One of the things to do is to get 6-8 hours of sleep a night.

So I got up this morning. Started to freak that the schoolroom was a mess. A calmed down and switched to a firm voice Check 1
Got everyone to clean up that mess and get ready. Got ready myself. Got them helping me clean up the kitchen. Sent SW to get Ko-Ko out of bed (instead of yelling at her) Check 2

We all had a morning of quiz games. Somewhere along the line Ko-Ko decided to to participate any more. I resisted the urge to scream and set her up writing lines "I will show respect through attentive participation." Check 3
We got the rest of our day under way. Ko-Ko rejoined us with a good attitude when she was done.

I made tea biscuits for tonight instead of cake Check 4
Helped Grandma Claus get ready for work. Then got on the phone and Internet and tracked down the legal info needed to back the staff at the Native center at Saturdays board meeting (we currently have a terrible board that needs to get voted out in June).
Had fun with Kids tryin to take close up pics of eyeballs Check 5 for having fun. The three middle kids all have hazel eyes that change colour so when we do this they never seem to get the same colour twice.
Sent kids to store for chicken breasts in the discount bag for supper. Yelled when they brought home the wring item :( calmed down and sent them back to exchange. The came bak with a refund. Thanked them and went myself. I think that is a Check 6 for being grateful.
Made chicken Broccoli braid for supper. A recipe from All recipes.com. Did it with the kids helping, feeling rushed but not going crazy. And all this calm had resulted in no needs to snack Check 7
So Runner got off to Karate and the Women showed up for singing. We took a break for tea biscuits and juice....well that was the plan Someone brought pop....but we had a good time.
My friends went to get their girls from various sports, Indy went to bed and I worked on finishing some Mohawk language flash cards for the kids.
Then Ko-Ko and I rejoined the ladies to see (drool over) Fast Five. Yep by this time it is the late show (10pm). Ko-Ko spent the preshow under a light reading cineplex magazine featuring Johnny Depp in the new Pirates movie. So happy that my once "non reader" finds a place to read while waiting.

Did not buy movie popcorn and large pop Check 8 Did eat some candy that one of my friends got a the dollarstore...you know, the one friend who didn't join the fat Indian Club...sabotage maybe LOL.
Came home And finished the flash cards, went to bed and am now (at almost 4 am about to lay down and sleep for 4 hours. Big Red X. I need to have less going on in a day if I am to sleep properly.

So fellow homeschool Moms, How Do I Do That?

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

The Election (May 2011)

2011-05-03T02:33:00.001-04:00

Earlier this year my kids learned about governments. They learn about governments in general as well as the ones in Canada. They learned about various Native perspectives also. We of course covered Canada's political parties. Some children (Runner) formed vary strong opinions.

Tonight they watched the election coverage. My poor Runner loomed like he was going to cry when they announced that the conservatives had a majority government. I have to say I felt about the same. He was happy for the NDP and also for Elizabeth May, but his disappointment was greater. He asked if people did realize the conservatives were the bad guys. I explained that not everyone felt that way. Runner was shocked. "But Mom," he said " they got kicked out for breaking rules". Sometimes I wish adults saw life this plainly. Often I wish adults knew this much before they voted.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Dumbing Us Down

2011-05-01T21:09:00.001-04:00

So I got "Dumbing Us Down" by John Gatto from the library. I have heard about it from the on-line homeschool community that I have been come a part of.

I am really enjoying this read. Now I had been told that the book had a condescending tone but I disagree. I simply think that the author speaks with confidence. Plus he speaks from personal experience.

I think the book is brilliant. I am going to have SW read it as well. In fact if any of the kids are considering partial enrollment for highschool (as SW is) then reading this book may be required reading first.

Anyway go check it out!

-Posted from my iPhone.

Healthy Living update 1

2011-04-30T17:58:00.001-04:00

It is harder then it sounds. What I have learned this week is that to live healthy you have to be prepared. I was not prepared yesterday and ended up having McDonalds with my sister between closing at the theatre and watching a cast screening of Fast Five (loved the movie by the way). Tonight I was prepared and made myself supper to bring to work. I have avoided many offered snacks at home and out. Sometimes it is easy. Sometimes I spend to much time dreaming about a bag of chips.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Schooling Outside

2011-04-27T15:57:00.001-04:00

Finally the weather was beautiful enough for an outside day. It was 20C (70F).

We really enjoyed ourselves. Our lapdesks were very useful not just for writing on but also to keep our stuff from blowing away.

Indy used the time to practice skateboarding on Ko-Ko's board.

SW's is a little bigger but Ko-Ko keeps her trucks lose so it tips easier but he finally figure out the balance.

He didn't ride it, just standing, balancing and stuff. Still makes a Mom dream I a possible future career :)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

2011-04-27T00:18:00.001-04:00

Today I joined the healthy living program at the Native center. I have some popcorn-baking-quit smoking pounds to get rid of. This is not a diet program. It us amount healthy living.

Changes to start with: stop snaking on junk, drink water, plan work suppers so that I don't ear popcorn on break and then McDonalds at midnight for supper.

I snack when bored, tired, stressed and watching movies. These are some big changes.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Healthy Living

Disney Nature's African Cats

2011-04-26T00:26:00.004-04:00

Today (Monday, i haven't went to bed yet so it is still Monday) our homeschool group went to see Disney Nature's African Cats. I am not a big Disney fan. I don't own Diney movies (Except Earth and Oceans). I am the Mom that does NOT want to listen to singing princesses or pretend that highschool is full or G rated teens. Yep that's me. But I love these Disney Nature docs.

This year instead of taking my own kids to see African cats on Earth Day I decided to make it a homeschool group activity. The problem was that earth Day was a statutory holiday and you can't get school bookings on stat days. But you can on PA days, s we went today.

Initially my kids whined about having to go on a field trip when the PS kids didn't have school. Some of us Moms (like me) invited PS friends and their kids...those kids were thrilled to go. The always-homeschooled-have-no -developed-a-stinking-public-school--attitude-kids (you now, the ones who are not mine) also seemed happy.

My kids came out of the theater much better children then when they went in. It seems some field trips are good enough to occur on a day that PS kids don't have school...imagine that, I knew what I was doing after all :)

The movie was fantastic. You fell in love with the two main cat families. You cheered for their successful hunts. Were sad and worried when they were to be hunted. Crazy mixed up feelings of life, I know. Yes big cats are predators so there was predator activity in the movie. But thanks to Disney it was not gory. It is a documentary so reality exists, but with out some of the nature channels detail. I point this out as a theater employee because yes we have had people return tickets so upset about this...they are African Cats people not AristoCats.

Yes I think the movie put me in a caty mood :)

Ok the good educational part...Disney has down-loadable PDF teacher material. Just click here! I have not read through it all, I worked tonight, but I have downloaded and will be checking it out for schoolwork this week. So my advice is see the movie, check out the PDF.

The Debate Over Prison Farms

2011-04-25T03:03:00.001-04:00

Where I live prison farms is a hot issue. I live in what is known as the prison Capitol of Canada. And the prison farms were an institution. It always made sense to me that learning to farm was a skill and that work with animals and the land would be therapeutic. However the "Harper government" got rid of them despite much protest and debate.

However it seems that (if elected) the Librals (Ignatiaff) and the Greens (May) would look into bringing back the farms (here at least).

In Kingston this decision could win the riding (unless the vote gets split).

I asked the kids what they thought on the subject ( well the younger ones, older ones were busy). They like buying plants for the garden from the one in the country. They are worried about what happened to the animals. They also think that if the inmates can make their own food and work on a farm that they wouldn't steal and fight and stuff but if they sit around doing nothing then they will probably think up more trouble. I agree.

What do you all think?
Prison Farm Video from APTN

Read the Liberal opinion.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Allergies

2011-04-23T16:54:00.001-04:00

I suffer from allergies. So Many that they should probably lock me up in a lab and study me. I need a bubble and special suit like the guy from Northern Exposure.

I deal with them every day but there are a few times of year where they knock me on by butt. This is such a time of year. As the trees begin to bud. When the Northern hemisphere is thrilled that the weather is finally (mostly) improving.

Tree Pollens

If I were to write an ode to tree pollens I would require a parental warning.

And so I have a puffy face, one half swollen at a time. I am attached to the nearest box of tissues and left wondering why allergie meds have not improved.

The bigger issue is I have not written any schoolwork this weekend. Thankfully I tend to have some back up and can be saved by currclick if needed. The homeschooling Mom had so little free time. Spending some of it to be prepared for times when we are felling less then stellar always pays off when we need it most.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Earth Day

2011-04-22T17:56:00.001-04:00

So the big Claus family plan for Earth Day was to clean up our own piece of earth, reading our yard for spring and organizing our recycling so it would be more functional.

I wish I could tell you we had 9 people happy to clean up their piece of earth. Taking responsibility for their piece of earth.

The reality was that I had a bunch if whinnying kids/teens who spend more time with their hands in their pocket then actually working. And DH thought the BBQ was a worthwhile project...I may agree after some burgers but until then I would ace rather have another hand raking but since he was working so hard and took cate of the compost I kept my mouth shut and smiled. Aunty tackled the recycling like a pro...yeah Aunty Claus!

I did however have one little work horse, or work pony. Indy picked up sticks all day long. And the yard did somehow get done. Just not with the happy willing participants in the great family moment I had been imagining. I probably should let go of the dream and be happy with the end result that in reality, happy o not we did pull together to get it done.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

A Crazy Day.

2011-04-22T02:21:00.001-04:00

First I have a post that is close to my heart to share but for some reason can not post pics to blogger from my pc. So it will wait. It needs the pics:(

Today Sunny Not had her bday party. Food, cake, movie fest, sleepover. Except that I was not up to par this week and did not have it in me to make the Decadant Oreo Ice Cream Cake she loves. She was ok with this...there was a few disappointed friends (LOL) She had a grocery store Oreo cake. And apparently hooking up your wii to Internet for netflicks is more difficult then hooking up an xbox. It happened at the last minute( Thanks DH). Well the rest went well except that I hadn't checked my calendar when I said "Thursday will be best since I work Fridays". Yeah and Ko-Ko has gymnastics and is practicing for the spring gala. Also Runner and I have Mohawk language class. MIL and SIL are helping, DH is driving....who is supervising the 15 yr olds...A 12 yr old brother. Worked well. Especially since poor SW does not see the social line between being a tattle tale and telling you the latest news. Luckily I don't think anything tattle worthy was planned so despite feeling like I was barely keeping all the balls in the air I need just look at that one thing. My 15 yr old planned a bday party that left me with no concerns. No drinking, no drugs, no sex...how perfect is that? All the greatest teen parenting fears a non-issue. I have worried about parties at this age for, well, 15 years. I am feeling blessed and have much to offer thanks for in the morning. Oh and I did well in language class which is good because the plan is to share it with the other kids during school time.

On a fun note during class Runner drew a picture if Godzilla stepping on cars and buildings yelling "ahta!" (shoes in Mohawk) I said to Runner "ahta?, shoes?" he says " yeah mom, it hurts to stomp on all that in your bare feet!". And I was worried he wasn't paying attention. His other pic had Godzilla roaring out Mohawk sounds. Kids pay attention in their own way.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Sunny Not gets her first...

2011-04-19T14:06:00.001-04:00

...Tattoo!

Yep for her birthday gift Ko-Ko an I took Sunny Not and a friend to get her first tattoo. She wanted a tattoo that said Live, Laugh, Love. It looks lovely and I approved it as a tattoo she would still relate to in the decades to come.

She choose the top of her foot. I warned it was said to be a tender spot. She was a trooper and didn't shed a tear. Like most people getting their first she said it didn't feel like what she thought it would feel like.

I was surprised to see the owner of the shop. A Man I had go to school with from grade 5 up. Ko-Ko was given a prime seat and Indy was fed candy. It was a good afternoon.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Our School Room

2011-04-18T22:52:00.001-04:00

Yeah I should have posted this a while ago but I kept waiting to add a few more finishing touches. A soft colour for the walls, quilts...at some point it will happen. Until then this is our school room

The school table area. The table is a whiteboard as is the wall with a times table on it. The kids are on exercise balls for chairs.

Here you see some chairs to read or watch tv in. Indy's trucks a box of wii rock band equipment, file cabinet and our traditional medicines.

Here you see the tv, and storage for books and toys. It is a little messy right now. Every now and then it needs to be organized by an adult...or Ko-Ko (she is a great organizer).

This is the computer area. It is where I create their school work. It holds the main books I use for spines, as well as paper, pencils etc.

So there it is. It is a comfortable space with lots of room. I'd like to add a few more touches. And after using it for the past few months I think I'd like to replace the chairs with a couch or love seat. Just not sure how or when.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

The Sand Pit

2011-04-16T03:39:00.001-04:00

Today the youngest three (Ko-Ko, Runner, Indy) and I met another homeschool family we are friends with for lunch and a trip to the park. The kids played during lunch while I enjoyed conversation with a friend, we walked to the park stopping by Runner's favorite place (The Sustainability Center) and finally made it to the park.

The playground structures saw the first action put then some little ones came and so they moved to the sand put and sent over an hour there.

Ko-Ko set about creating structures. This is something she has always done. When presented with several similar objects she groups them (by similarity) and sets them up in a way that always (to me) resembles a town. This time her structures mostly resembled tipis. Then everyone else joined in (from oldest to youngest) to participate. The end result was fantastic. The cooperation was beautiful and we all had a great time.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

They Want To Be Rock Stars!

2011-04-14T01:12:00.003-04:00

Yep, like many their age some of my kids want to be rock stars. It has been mentioned that they won't really need school if they are rock stars. I have pointed out that rock stars need an education to prevent being screwed in contracts. Being good at writing is important if you plan to write songs. Speaking ability would be good for promoting yourself, handling interviews and celebrity endorsements. Math would be wise for budgeting. I also pointed out that a back up career is advisable...harsh and not exactly "you can be what ever you want to be". Sort of. We often study their favorite songs as poetry. I believe in helping them with their goals. Part of that is facing reality. You can't prepare for something without all the information after all.

So to that end I have put together a unit study I have called "A Music Career". I talk about contracts, found some info on the net I had no idea about (learn so much doing this). I cut and pasted this info and some contract samples. Talked about their importance, entertainment lawyers, managers and wrote a scenario situation for them.

For the child who doesn't see the point of penmanship I explain about signing a contract in manuscript and cursive and give them practice.

There is space and suggestion for brainstorming their next great hit, as well as writing suggestions and a spot for their final draft.

You need a name, got to decide if you are a solo act or a band and design your CD cover. Again with brainstorming space and space for the final design.

Then there is the money. How much do you make if you sell 1 million albums...you know after everyone else gets their cut and costs are covered. Thankfully I found this info as well. Again cut and paste (just the percentages here) and then writing up the math questions to figure it all out.

So after you see what you have made (compared to your record label) you may want to get a few celebrity endorsements. Of course out will need to decide what you are and are not willing to endorse.

I am very pleased with myself . I managed to include: Language Arts, Math (adding, subtracting, multiplying, divideing and percentages), Reading comprehension, Problem solving, Art and ethics all together in a unit for future musicians. Yes Music is not encluded but they will be practicing their songs and perhaps they will appear on here (if the children are willing to put it out there). I will probably need to proof read later (when it is not 1:30) but I was so pleased with myself I thought I would share. I just hope it helps them understand a little bit that education is needed no matter what your goal.

On the other hand SW is doing great on his own project on Urban Farming. I will share that when he is at the next stage.

KO-KO WRITES ABOUT YESTERDAYS WALK

2011-04-12T12:39:00.003-04:00

today we went on a walk and we saw lots of things. we saw plants and flowers growing and I swung on vines. It was fun. We found a sink hole and we found streams ans a BMX trail. We went to the park and we went to KFC. Then we went home and played outside for a a little bit and me and my brothers saved worms. I found a flower for my Mom and my little brother picked it. My little brother went on a swing. I did a little bit of school and I had fun.

I was really pleased with Ko-Ko. She tells a good story but has a harder time putting it to paper. I have in the past let her dictate to me. These past few months she has been writing on her own and it has been a struggle that dragged on for hours. But yesterday when she sat down to do this she got it done. Her spelling still needs some work but she has come along way from the child who couldn't read when I pulled her out of school. this is our 3rd year homeschooling. I spent the first year researching how to teach her to read, so just started that journey last year. The freedom to move around or write outside (like she she did yesterday) have made a big difference for her. A difference I sometimes need to remind my self of. I was not expecting her to end this assignment with "I did a little school work and I had fun."

Carnival Of Homeschooling

2011-04-12T11:19:00.001-04:00

This weeks Carnival Of Homeschooling is up at Home Grown Mommy

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

NATURE DISCOVERY

2011-04-11T16:48:00.006-04:00

Indy, Ko-Ko, runner and I took a nature walk today looking for signs of spring in our neighborhood. (SW had drama)
Now the children are doing a write up of what they found. We took pictures, rather then samples except for one poor flower picked by Indy. An innocent act of a loving 3 year old. We smiled and Ko-Ko and I set up to take an "artistic photo".

I will share their write ups tomorrow I think.

The most exciting part of our walk was finding a greenspace we didn't know about in our neighborhood. The green space had a willow tree on a small bank. The kids used the willow like a swing.

Knowing that willows grow near water as the traditional stories teach us, we went looking for water. What we found next was some karst topography (our city is famous for this). We found a disappearing stream, limestone cliffs and a sink hole. We kept walking and found a small playground. Indy tried out a "big swing" and loved it. This was a big deal since he has always disliked swings It was a day of discovery and we had a great time!

The Workbox Experiment

2011-04-10T14:28:00.001-04:00

So over the last several weeks I have tried out workboxes. In the hopes of my children learning some work ethic, time management and (educational) independence I laid out a weeks worth of work. And a list of what to complete. They struggled with the time management portion. I suggested that they needed to complete more in a day. They disagreed. It took two weeks. I wondered if perhaps I had planned two much, after all on the second week they put in many hours completing the work.

The following week I looked at the work I had created for them and gave everything a point value. I made a lust if what had to be completed. I told them they needed to complete 5 points worth of work a day until it was all done. We were derailed by our week. Monday we had a homeschool science class and drama so that became our off day as we do a 4 day school week. Then there was the day that the last of Grandma Claus' boxes were delta with. And then Friday we were to spend the afternoon with our community. It should have been our off day as nothing (school work wise) was done at the Native center. Plus on another day Ko-Ko and Runner barely completed a thing.

So what does it all mean?

I think SW did well with this system. I may continue this way for him. But for the other two they will have to work under my direction. I think I will have the two of them decide together what 5 points they will complete...with me. Work boxes are not for everyone, I will try again sometime though, when they have matured a bit.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

A beautiful day.

2011-04-09T20:37:00.001-04:00

It was a truly beautiful spring day today. I went to visit a friend with Ko-Ko, Indy and another friend (sister to the one we visited) she had her nephew with her who is friends with Indy. We chatter, are grill cheese sandwiches and then toon a walk. It was a very long walk. We took a break by a park and the kids climbed and plated and then we continued. I am sore from walking. At home I laid down on the couch before work. The kids cleaned their rooms and Indy played quietly with playdough.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Create A Quiz: Endangered Species

2011-04-07T21:04:00.010-04:00

This past weekend I spent an obscene amount of hours working on a unit study for my kids on Endangered Species using our DK Eyewitness Book Endangered Species. (links at bottom of post) For this unit study the kids will create a quiz.

working on the quiz

I created pictures for the front of each quiz card and question prompts to help lead them to the question. I also made 2 question templates. One is basic question and answer format the other is multiple choice. For Each section there is a subject card with info and a picture for the front, and a question and answer I made for the back.

Runners first cards (front)

Runners first cards (back)

Runner & Ko-Ko whined a bit about having to think up their own questions. Imagine having to think, the horror...LOL.

Subject cards front

Runner was thrilled when done. He got to question people and be the one with the answers. This is of course the point to making a quiz: thinking and then playing over and over to learn the info. I used self adhesive laminate from the dollar store. I put it on the front nd back of each card to make them last. If it didn't take so long I would do lots of these. I will probably make some over the summer to bring out a few throughout the year.

subject cards back

Endangered Species Quiz Unit Study link
DK Eyewitness book link
I think this book is loaded with lots of great info. A couple of the pages I made have a website to check out for additional learning. Although I love this book, for those of you who do not believe in evolution then I do not recommend it. the book (and therefore my unit study) cover the topic of evolution and the Earth as ancient. Just wanted to put that out there since as homeschoolers we all have different beliefs that are important to us when educating our children.

DH had a birthday

2011-04-05T23:25:00.001-04:00

It wasn't an eventful birthday but that's to be expected at some point. It was however a good evening. DH, Grandma Claus the kids (sadly minus sunny not) Aunty Claus and a friend of DH. We went to a Japanese restaurant.

We ate an astounding amount of sushi, sashimi, oodon, tempura and topped it all off with ice cream. The less adventurous amongst us had vanilla. Other had green tea or red bean ice cream. Ko-Ko had what in English was described as raw fish pizza. It was a rice patty or rice cake with salmon, flying roe and the spicy salmon sauce. I have always wondered what it was but unlike Ko-Ko I was never brave enough to order.

The rule at this restaurant is you pay an all you can eat price but anything you don't finish you pay for. We were plenty full. Indy tried my flying roe sushi and loved it. Runner ate a ton of shrimp anything.

SW ordered little and tried a bit of everyone's orders. A good thing when some order a bit to much. The camera came out at the end of the night. To caught up in some good family time to think of it sooner. Came home home, sent tired kids to bed and eventually of DH's favorite strawberry shortcake. It has become a post kid bedtime event since Indy is very allergic to strawberries.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

No talking In McDonalds

2011-04-04T13:47:00.001-04:00

We were at McDonalds for lunch today. This was the good part of the day where we were all eating and talking with each other. Indy kept saying "No talking in McDonalds" This of course made us laugh. SW asked him "why, is it special?" Indy nodded his head and in a reverent whisper said "Yes, very special." I wish I had a video of that but by the time I had my phone out he was a little ticked at our peals of laughter and desperately trying to get us to be quiet.

Inspired By An English Assignment.

2011-04-01T09:42:00.001-04:00

This past week Runner read an article on the Bluenose after which he answered questions and did some grammar work with passages from the article.

He loved reading about the bluenose and really wanted to build one. Inpatient about my "this weekend" response he went to work on his own. Of course the results are much better and more heart warming this way from a Mom's point of view.

He used a carton, pencil, paper and a glue gun. It floats too!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

How To Make A Drop Waist Ribbon Skirt.

2011-03-31T02:03:00.001-04:00

On the right hand side of my Blog there is a link to a post called "the wearing of skirts". It us a blog about the social reasons I wear skirts, specifically ribbon skirts. The cultural teachings if why are not included since we do not write such things down.

In this blog I will write how to make a skirt. It is a ribbon skirt because I make it one. However it is also just a drop waist skirt. Someone else could make it and it would be just a skirt. Ribbon skirts can be of various cuts, particularly everyday ones. I like the drop waist. If you want to learn specifically about ribbon skirts then our teaching is (as with all things) that you need to talk to someone about it IRL.

Onto the skirt.

Start with your fabric. I like a Native print. That is optional. I buy usually a 44 inch across fabric, 2 meters or yards long.

* Hold the fabric the right way up. Measure down 24 inches, snip an rip across the the fabric. Repeat.
Now you have 2 pieces that are 24X44. These are your skirt sections

* now measure down 5 inches. Snip and rip across. You now have a piece that is 5X44. This is your waistband.

Do this again but just 1.4 inches, repeat. You now have 2 pieces that are 1.4X44. Together they will become a drawstring.

* now measure down 11 inches and across 23.6 inches. Snip and rip. Repeat. These two pieces are your drop waist pieces.

This time measure out 2 pieces 6X7 inches. Snip and rip. These will be pockets.

Easy ennit? No patterns or pinning.

Now to sew...and iron.
My machine in set at length 2, width 5.

1. Sew two ends (right sides together. Iron seam open. Iron your drawstring in half (wrong sides together) lengthwise. Open it up and then iron each edge to the fold. Then fold shut leaving no raw edges. Sew entire length. Now you have a 1/4 inch X 88 inch long draw string.

2. Now fold the waist band end over 1/4 inch and iron. Then iron waistband in half (lengthways). Open and turn edges under (1/4 inch) and iron. Then iron it all shut leaving now raw edges.

3. Sew the two sides of the drop waist (wrong sides) together with a 5/8th inch seam allowance. Iron open fold.

4. Next open waistband. Place drop waist onto of the opened waist band (wrong sides together). Place so that there us about 5/8 of an inch of drop waist extending past the waistband. Place the drawstring on top. Fold over waist ban enclosing the top of the dropwaist. Pin and sew shut.

5. Iron a 1/4 inch hem around all 4 sides of both pockets. Sew top hem. Place on front of drop waist about an inch up from the bottom edge. Pin and sew 3 un-sewn sides.

6. Sew (right sides) together the two skirt pieces. I always make sure the bottom edges are even. Iron open seam.

7. Set sewing machine to a length of 4.

Now sew across the of the skirt. Do Not back stitch to knit as this is a basting stitch. Next (pulling thread lightly) gather the skirt until it is the same width as the drop waist. Even out gathers. Pin the top of skirt to the bottom of the drop waist (wrong sides together). Now set sewing machine length back to 2. When done open, iron down seam and sew seam down.

8. Fold bottom edge if skirt over about 1 inch (no more) and iron. Then fold over again, iron an sew. Thisis your bottom hem.

9. Next I pin and sew in the ribbon. I do not cut it until I have finished sewing. In the meantime I just pin it up. If the ribbon is narrow I sew down the middle. In this case it us a wider ribbon so I sew along the top edge.

10. You are almost done. Now turn skirt inside out with right side together. Pin, setting bottom edges even. When done sew entire seam making sure not to sew the waistband at all.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Do I Plan To Much?

2011-03-30T20:01:00.001-04:00

I have been writing my kids curriculum the past year with the exception of math. I have enjoyed it. I have worried about it. I have spent many hours that was once free time on it and I think I have planned to much I it.

You see often I spend hours putting together pages in a uni study or to go with a boom or whatever and thought 'ok so this unit, these work pages, this science project, this history that math...that's what we will do this week. We almost never get it all done. I worry we are not accomplishing enough, That the kids waste to much time, that I have organized our time poorly. It is only now however that I have wondered if maybe I am asking for to much work in a week. I need a new plan for next week. I need to also figure out what is a reasonable amount of work. But I will. Not sure but I will think of something and then I think my kids and I will be happier people, and I re try the work box thing.

Do any if you do this?

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Every Moms Happiest Day!

2011-03-28T15:57:00.001-04:00

Indy pooped and peed in the potty. Best of all he told me when he needed to go!

WOO HOO!

And a timmies reward!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Fixing

2011-03-26T13:30:00.001-04:00

Today I had breakfast with my Dad an Indy.

After we went to a thrift store while waiting for my Mom who was taking a class on making cards. At the thrift store Indy found some tools. So now at home he is fixing everything. He says it is hard work :)

I also got some treats too:) my Mom asked if I would go to the fabric store with her and make Dad a summer house coat. Turns out there was a members sale and I am a member. My parents decided it was too good a sale not to buy fabric.

I got ten meters ($5 each), some ribbon and thread as well as fabric for Dad (a nice plaid seersucker).

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Wahtha Ceremony

2011-03-26T08:59:00.001-04:00

This week we celebrated the sap from the Maple tree, we call this sweetwater or Wahtha

So yesterday we went to the Wahtha ceremony. I had every intention if bringing you a blog full of pictures but I forgot my phone. It was an odd feeling being without it.

So I will tell you.

The day started with everyone gathering and greeting each other hugging dear friends and family who we saw earlier that week or not since last ceremony or social. Then before noon we came to gather to start. We start with the thanksgiving address (short version, about an hour) and a smudge and a good teaching about the sweetwater. We stood as a family and enjoyed the teachings that we all hold dear and know well.

This is a special time of year to me. I met DH at sweetwater and I had Indy at sweetwater. I cry every time :)

Thus year my little Ko-Ko was asked to be the young Woman who handed out the sweetwater. She did so slowly and carefully (traits she usually doesn't exhibit). She said Nia:wen to each person as they thanked her. We don't say your welcome. We repeat back thanks.

After there was goo food , lots of talking and then singing and drumming and I sang my heart out. The Native highschool came. They greeted all the old people. Gave out hug to them and their Aunties and socialized well. They hung out with SW which made him feel big and one of Sunny Nots friends incites Ko-Ko to hang out too. This was nice because unfortunately nit many kids were there. Another benefit to homeschool except that when my kids were in ps I always pulled them anyway.

The day did have somewhat of a sobering mood at times. Jan Longboat a dearly loved and respected Elder who I had just seen a month ago at the Elders conference, and a dear friend of Grandma Claus, took a heart attack the night before. She is in hospital recovering. We all prayed for her and she will be in our hearts each day as we give thanks. So I ask those who read my blog, what ever your spiritual beliefs please pray for our Elder's recovery. This is a kind lady with some of the greatest medicinal knowledge and general plant knowledge in all of Canada. Nia:Wen (thanks).

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Giving Workboxes A Try

2011-03-23T01:10:00.003-04:00

A number of Homeschooling parents swear by the workbox system. There are pages, articles, websites on how to implement the workbox system. I have read (OK mostly skimmed) a number of these. It sounds like a good system, but just not for me.

Last night however as i was on a roll getting worksheets, lapbooks and unit studies together for the week (yes I made the kids my own pre-packaged lapbook but I can't share with you due to an unfortunate delete of half of it after printing the first copy, at least I could copy for myself what I had printed, anyway, back on topic). I piled them up into the kids baskets.

You see I have baskets that hold the kids work while in the bush, on vacation, or if at home hold stuff or supplies for a few days or the week, much like a work box system but on a scale that takes way less space. just one stacking plastic dollar store basket each, plus one for me holding shared books and plastic envolopes for each kids finished work,

I know it nearly is a work box system but since they are each doing mostly the same thing they move on to the subject I say. But as I piled each kids entire week into a basket last night I though why not make a list outlining what is to be done and let them do it each part when they want. My rule I gave them is that what is not done Friday will be done on their own time over the weekend, and mostly on their own.

SW was thrilled to work at this own pace as he does in math. I pointed out that I would like to see what he is doing early on so that if he is way off base I can show him (we have had this issue in math). I also said that if he doesn't understand to google first. He likes it and was off. He did more of the reading side of things today. I hope he passes himself well.

Ko-Ko was way easier to manage since she felt more in charge (YEAH!) I am worried for sure about how she is pacing herself. If she doesn't do more she will have a lot to do on the weekend.

Runner I am hoping learns some independence. He thought he was more independant today, I didn't feel that he was but hopefully what he is feeling is the idea that he can be (baby steps). He definatly will be done if he keeps this pace up.

So I see why parents like this, and I didn't feel (yet) like I was teaching the same thing 3 times over. I hope this works for us.

....And guess what I have in store next week? SW has something he wants to learn about so we discussed how he can spend his week learning all about it on his own. So (for SW at least) next week will be very unschooly, don't tell DH, he doesn't know what unschooling is and somethings are easier not to explain, but rather let happen and speak for themselves :)

Last Snow?

2011-03-22T00:16:00.001-04:00

I was once told that the snow or storm after St Patricks day was called Sheila's Brush. Since then I have always waited fir her snow every year, relieved that we would have spring at last. Before writing this blog today I thought I would research this weather tale. Turns out it comes from Newfoundland. Makes sense since this friend was a Newfie but the tale seems to have held pretty true here too in Ontario, at least from what I can remember.

It is said that Sheila was the wife (maybe Mom or sister) of St Patrick. Each year after his day she sweeps away winter with her brush, giving us that last snow. Hopefully today's snow was that brush. The weather network has us scheduled fir one more snow. Perhaps this snow was nit enough today. I however am holding onto my Dad's weather tale that little boys who lie grow up to be weathermen.

The above picture was taken out my window at the start if today's snow. The picture below us one I took yesterday.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

The Curious George Birthday Party

2011-03-19T14:56:00.002-04:00

Indy had his birthday party today. He wanted a curious George party with bananas. He opened some great gifts, played outside with a friend and cousins and ate lunch and cake.

Now that the party is done my kids are all outside laughing and playing Toss Across with Indy.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Indy's 3rd Birthday

2011-03-17T20:50:00.001-04:00

Today my youngest turned 3.

He played trains.

Made Chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast.

Helped set the table.

Received a Tupperware Jr. bake set.

Did some reading including his 'structions (instructions).

Baked his cake & Received his St Patties hat ( a little tradition for him).

Saw Gnomeo & Juliet, and saved all his treats for home.

Had supper and cake.

He used 2 forks. When SW offered a third fork he replied "don't be diculous" (ridiculous).

It was a good day. He will have a little party on Saturday.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone