So Lulu and Mr. T want to learn about China. Here’s their brainstorming list: learn to write in Chinese symbols with ink read about Chinese goddesses and myths write a Chinese version of an American Fairy tale (Lon Po Po comes to my mind) learn the history of chopsticks research and prepare Chinese food (“Potstickers!” [...]

I’m a traditionalist. I don’t believe in not going to school until after Labor Day. So yesterday that’s just what we did. You following me? Most mornings my kids and I work together for a few hours. I refuse to call it “school” or “schoolwork”; on the other hand, the routine of it means we [...]

For the first time, one of my kids has started school. Granted, he’s sixteen and more than ready for this. Still, it feels like a big step. Growing up, H was always happy with his status as a homeschooler. He’s a very stubborn willful independent-minded kid, and he liked how homeschooling gave him the freedom to make his [...]

1. Watching all the colorful teens gleefully bounding about the hotel like oversized 4-year-olds, not a sullen face among them. 2. Inspiration! Inspiration from new ideas** and new twists on old ideas***. 3. Seeing people of all ages crafting everywhere, with workshops on mosaics, amigurami (small Japanese crocheted animals), artist trading cards and matchbox shrines, [...]

After whining about how one of my children did not share my boundless enthusiasm for the 100-Species Challenge in my last post, I decided it best to proceed on my own. Once I did that, of course, interested family members began to sprout up as quickly as the unnamed plants themselves. Mr. T gladly ate [...]

Okay, so I came across this challenge on Melissa Wiley’s blog. It originated here, when scsours contemplated a quote that most people can’t recognize 100 plant species within a mile of their home. The challenge is to go out and learn the names, and a bit more, of 100 plants in your neighborhood. Ooh, I [...]