I am not a Waldorf adherent. By no means...I am, in fact, more fond of the theories of Maria Montessori, a practical physician who believed in solid, realistic, respectful learning at a child's own pace, implementing hands-on manipulatives and child-size tools and furniture. However, the draw of Waldorf is the belief in the magic of innocence, a concept that is fairly absent from the Montessori method.
The brilliant Rudolf Steiner developed Waldorf Schooling as a wholistic system to prioritize protecting the innocence and magic of childhood. Creative play is the cornerstone of the early Waldorf experience, and Steiner developed a curriculum that corresponds to appropriate age and developmental levels for various subjects. Just because the children are able to learn a subject does not mean that they are ready for it. He believed there are optimal developmental points that correspond best to different subjects, and I respect that opinion and the wisdom of his curriculum choices to a certain degree. Therefore, I very much enjoy looking at the Waldorf curriculum and seeing how I can supplement my children's experiences and education with a 'whiff of Waldorf'.
Since Fiona and Alex are 2nd and 5th grades, respectively, I have lots of room to fudge with which activities I pull out of that curriculum, especially since I also view any activities younger than 2nd grade as still fair game, if my kids haven't already mastered or been exposed to those subjects.
The Greek myths were a 5th grade level subject. Perhaps they were a bit advanced for Fiona, but she has enjoyed them thoroughly, nonetheless, and Alex is trying to create car trips for us simply so we can listen to more of the Greek mythology-based Percy Jackson stories!
I was comforted to see that both recorder and a string instrument are recommended for third graders, thus validating the choice to let Fiona start recorder. I am SO pleased that we did so, as she has been so tickled about the recorder that she totes it around with her and is now Alex's recorder instructor! Yes, he is happily practicing with her and they play a perfectly fine rendition of Hot Cross Buns. It's cute, though we had a tragic moment when she dropped her recorder from the upper floor of the mall only to smash 20 feet below! The tears were awful, but the happy part for me was that I had no compunction about replacing the inexpensive instrument. If her violin had dropped and smashed, it would be a different tune I'm singing!
The Waldorf environment is based on simplicity and nature. Plastics and synthetics have little to do with an appropriate Waldorf environment. Toys and furniture are wooden; clothes are cotton, wool, linen and silk; and lunches arrive in wicker baskets. Even the school learning environment is a bit of a throw-back, as Steiner believed in employing rote learning to a significant degree...remember the old days of children reciting their multiplication tables? I've visited a Waldorf school (in Seattle, WA), and I felt transported into a past day and age, reminiscent of a Little House on the Prairie schoolroom, combined with a storybook/fairytale magic, as they implemented poems and stories throughout the day.
You may recall a year or so ago when I tried to start reading Laura Ingalls Wilder's collection of Little House books to my kids, hoping to take them likewise to a more innocent, wholesome time and place. Instead, we were assaulted with graphic animal death and dismemberment! Well, that was book one, Little House in the Big Woods, and we only got a few chapters into it before I gave up and started another, less disturbing story (almost anything!)...
Meantime, though, in my perusings of Waldorf curriculum, I found a specific recommendation for the book Farmer Boy for 3rd grade Waldorf children. Farmer Boy is perhaps the 3rd or 4th book in the series, but it seems to be a stand-alone as far as subject matter goes, since Laura is relating the story of the childhood of her husband, Almonzo.
I'm not without misgivings, but so far the book has been exactly what I'd hoped for when I originally purchased the collection. I won't be surprised if she gives way to chapter after chapter on the delightful slaughter of the farm animals, but so far it has truly been just lovely and wholesome. She paints a vivid picture of the life of ordinary, white American children in the second half of the nineteenth century. Almonzo came from a good home with good parents, but we are all aghast at some of the common elements of life that were accepted back them. Corporal punishment and the 'children should be seen and not heard' maxim are our big reactionary points so far, but I believe it's helpful for our kids to gain some perspective by being aware of those elements of life. Despite the difficulty of those elements, Almonzo has some very enviable perks in life...the structured, solid family; the connection with farm animals and his food; innocent pleasures such as sledding and snowball fights with brothers and sisters; and a certain degree of duty and independence, even at the age of 6 or 7.
I am pleased with this book, thus far, which prompted me to scan the Waldorf curriculum to help create future plans and ideas for activities and readings with the children.
One important element that I've 'neglected' is that of handcrafts such as knitting and crocheting. These are critical in developing fine motor skills and provide a valuable service in allowing children to create a substantial, serviceable item. Unfortunately, I'm not a handy sort of person with those things, though I have at times both knitted and crocheted, without great success. I found the process a bit tedious, honestly, so I wouldn't be the best teacher! In contrast, I'm very enthusiastic about our stories and music, which influences the kids to be that way as well. Maybe at some point, though, we'll do a knitting or crocheting project together...
All in all, though, I've kept in mind the Waldorf curriculum at least a bit over the years. Our home is increasingly embracing plastics and modernities, but I view our wholistic attempts as creating balance in our lives.
Our chicks are actually part of that attempt! They are finally starting to look like real chickens, which is too adorable! How fun to see them running all over the yard and peeping! They spent their first night outside in the coop yesterday, and all went pretty well, it seems...
While discussing some basic cow anatomy facts yesterday while reading Farmer Boy, I mentioned that I really needed to get the children to spend some time on a real farm, with real farm animals. They piped up, "we spend time with chickens!" and I felt a vibe of happy satisfaction at the truth of this... that I am managing to provide them with a 'whiff' of an innocent, magical connection to nature.
Did I say "I"? Yes, I may prompt it, but Michael is so very supportive. He builds the chicken coop and garden boxes, fixes the sewing machine, and does whatever he can to support us physically, financially and emotionally. While he's less of a Waldorf and Montessori adherent than even me, he is the backbone of our success!
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Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Avoidance
Funny the things we'll do to avoid feeling guilty. Classic 'cut off your nose to spite your face' behavior, really! The child who avoids her parents comes to mind...
Anyhow, I just got off the phone with a very sweet woman from my church. She was calling with concern because we haven't attended for a couple of months. I realized that the truth was that I was avoiding going to the church because I felt pressured. I could totally see their point and how they wanted help with their programs and projects, but I didn't like feeling guilty! Part of me thought, "well, why don't I just do it? I could, I have time enough," but the part that won is the part that rebelled. I did not want to feel guilty, so I stopped attending.
Anyhow, it's funny how we can make such a big decision based on such a small thing. I could easily have volunteered some time, and I may even have enjoyed it. I simply didn't want to feel guilty, so I stopped going. I didn't want to feel pressured into anything.
Strangely, though, I baffle even myself... I'm not sure how the other folks are supposed to do all the work without complaining. I know they didn't intend to drive us away with their demands for help (new 'requirement'). I completely understand the unfortunate situation they are in and how everyone working together in concert can lighten their load.
Anyhow, it does give me a new perspective, though. We don't like being told what we 'should' do and being made to feel guilty about it, even if we understand why and sort of inherently agree with the logic.
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Anyhow, I just got off the phone with a very sweet woman from my church. She was calling with concern because we haven't attended for a couple of months. I realized that the truth was that I was avoiding going to the church because I felt pressured. I could totally see their point and how they wanted help with their programs and projects, but I didn't like feeling guilty! Part of me thought, "well, why don't I just do it? I could, I have time enough," but the part that won is the part that rebelled. I did not want to feel guilty, so I stopped attending.
Anyhow, it's funny how we can make such a big decision based on such a small thing. I could easily have volunteered some time, and I may even have enjoyed it. I simply didn't want to feel guilty, so I stopped going. I didn't want to feel pressured into anything.
Strangely, though, I baffle even myself... I'm not sure how the other folks are supposed to do all the work without complaining. I know they didn't intend to drive us away with their demands for help (new 'requirement'). I completely understand the unfortunate situation they are in and how everyone working together in concert can lighten their load.
Anyhow, it does give me a new perspective, though. We don't like being told what we 'should' do and being made to feel guilty about it, even if we understand why and sort of inherently agree with the logic.
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Thursday, September 24, 2009
My Remarkable Singer Sewing Machine
Enchanted, I am, by the magic that my newly operational Singer 404 sewing machine wields.
We inherited this early 1960's sewing machine (in its own sewing table) about 5 years ago from Michael's Nana, but we've only used it as a study desk since then, as we never found the power cord for it. Michael had looked into it some time back, and so, when I mentioned to him a couple of days ago that I'd like a functional sewing machine for Christmas, he followed up with a local Singer sewing machine specialist--who has been at it for about 50 years! The semi-retired specialist instantly supplied the power cord and told Michael the secret to plugging it in (upside down and jiggle!). So, for $15 and no extra space requirements, I now have a functional and fabulous old sewing machine! It's a heavy-duty, no-frills machine--a workhorse with just the basic straight stitch.
Michael's mother, who we affectionately call 'Grammy', came by and gave us some basic instruction on how to thread it and engage the bobbin. After she left, I hemmed up several school slacks for Alex. As old as this technology is, and as 'antique' as the machine is, I am still reveling in how remarkable it is. I have been hemming clothes by hand for years, and it takes forever. The machine makes such straight, even little stitches, and I hemmed at least 5 pairs of slacks and shorts in hardly any time. Amazing! That would have taken hours for much messier hand-stitching!
At one point, however, the machine locked up. Michael opened up the machine to oil it and otherwise attempt to get it to work. He was intrigued by all the gears that work in concert to produce the sewing action.
It reminds me of how delighted I became with our bicycles, at one point. I still find it miraculous that sheer cleverness can help to transport us so much further with NO extra energy applied. No gas, no extra labor before or after. By simply reducing friction and putting in levers and gears, we can travel much greater distances with no extra work. Fantastic!
I feel a similar way about the sewing machine, though of course it does use electricity. The clever arrangement of gears makes sewing so much more efficient.
It's my new toy!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Silk Disappointment
I finally did it...I sent the Silk soymilk company a letter of complaint via their website.
One day early this past summer, I had been rather tickled while with my kids at the grocery store, as I spotted Silk for $2.99 again. It was that price a couple of years ago, but the price had risen modestly to $3.19 or so in the past year or two. I was pleased, and I told the kids that perhaps the reduced transportation costs were finally getting back to the consumer (you remember how all the food costs escalated dramatically with the high gas prices but never really came back down?). Anyhow, since I was with them, I bought the plain soymilk, and I let them pick up some chocolate soymilk AND very vanilla soymilk. I rarely, if ever, get both treats, but, as I said, I was pleased with the reduced price. I bought at least 4 or 5 cartons that day.
Over the years I've been a big soymilk fan, and Silk had impressed me by appealing to the masses with an ORGANIC, tasty product. They even touted their ethical support of green energy in their business. Silk became widely available and more cost-effective than other soymilks. Yay! I've recommended it to many friends and acquaintances.
On that fateful day, I was praising the Silk product to the kids and mentioned that it was organic. Hmm...well, I'm sure it is, though it says 'natural' here where I thought it said 'organic'. No...the label doesn't mention organic either...
The company had retained EXACTLY the same packaging, excluding the substitution of the word Natural for Organic, and essentially the same price for an inferior product! I felt betrayed. Consumer loyalty ruined.
How many other folks were tricked like that? I always check out new products, but you like to assume that the products you know are still as they were.
I am pleased to report that I have found a couple of other brands that work really well for us. The Nature's Place brand is available at Food Lion and is equal to Silk plus being organic for a fabulous $2.99! Kroger has its Private Selections Organic Soymilk, which I've caught for $2.29 on sale many times recently, but it's still only $2.79 at it's regular price. The kids didn't like the Kroger brand as much at first, but I think the formula has improved, as our last couple of cartons didn't have the issue with coagulated tiny bits.
After finding these alternatives, I feel a certain satisfaction at following through and letting the company know my disappointment. Silk succumbed to the big business lack of ethics. Apparently, they were bought out by Dean Foods just before this happened, so there was a change in ownership and thus a change in ethics. How sad that happens so often to the few tremendously successful and ethical small businesses, who build a consumer base largely on the combination of solid product and ethical production. So sad for us who have customer loyalty to those companies and don't get the memo about change in ownership. Everything LOOKS the same on the package, has the same name, etc., and we conscientiously choose the 'same' product based on incorrect beliefs. What a shame...
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One day early this past summer, I had been rather tickled while with my kids at the grocery store, as I spotted Silk for $2.99 again. It was that price a couple of years ago, but the price had risen modestly to $3.19 or so in the past year or two. I was pleased, and I told the kids that perhaps the reduced transportation costs were finally getting back to the consumer (you remember how all the food costs escalated dramatically with the high gas prices but never really came back down?). Anyhow, since I was with them, I bought the plain soymilk, and I let them pick up some chocolate soymilk AND very vanilla soymilk. I rarely, if ever, get both treats, but, as I said, I was pleased with the reduced price. I bought at least 4 or 5 cartons that day.
Over the years I've been a big soymilk fan, and Silk had impressed me by appealing to the masses with an ORGANIC, tasty product. They even touted their ethical support of green energy in their business. Silk became widely available and more cost-effective than other soymilks. Yay! I've recommended it to many friends and acquaintances.
On that fateful day, I was praising the Silk product to the kids and mentioned that it was organic. Hmm...well, I'm sure it is, though it says 'natural' here where I thought it said 'organic'. No...the label doesn't mention organic either...
The company had retained EXACTLY the same packaging, excluding the substitution of the word Natural for Organic, and essentially the same price for an inferior product! I felt betrayed. Consumer loyalty ruined.
How many other folks were tricked like that? I always check out new products, but you like to assume that the products you know are still as they were.
I am pleased to report that I have found a couple of other brands that work really well for us. The Nature's Place brand is available at Food Lion and is equal to Silk plus being organic for a fabulous $2.99! Kroger has its Private Selections Organic Soymilk, which I've caught for $2.29 on sale many times recently, but it's still only $2.79 at it's regular price. The kids didn't like the Kroger brand as much at first, but I think the formula has improved, as our last couple of cartons didn't have the issue with coagulated tiny bits.
After finding these alternatives, I feel a certain satisfaction at following through and letting the company know my disappointment. Silk succumbed to the big business lack of ethics. Apparently, they were bought out by Dean Foods just before this happened, so there was a change in ownership and thus a change in ethics. How sad that happens so often to the few tremendously successful and ethical small businesses, who build a consumer base largely on the combination of solid product and ethical production. So sad for us who have customer loyalty to those companies and don't get the memo about change in ownership. Everything LOOKS the same on the package, has the same name, etc., and we conscientiously choose the 'same' product based on incorrect beliefs. What a shame...
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Saturday, September 19, 2009
Extracurricular Activities Unlimited!
Wow, the kids had their first full week of school (after two 4-day weeks) and are doing great! They are both chipper and even-tempered. I'm truly amazed.
Alex has had difficulty adjusting nearly every year in the fall, but he's taken to his new teacher and classmates this year without a glitch. Not a single issue so far (knock on wood). It's very encouraging. He's also really excited about starting soccer this fall, which is a first for him, though he's been asking for years. Without any inducements, he's been going outside to practice at home on days that he doesn't have team practice.
Fiona has a packed schedule, but she's amazingly enthusiastic and willing to work. On Thursday, even I was dismayed, as she had ballet before school and violin class and taekwondo after school. Three activities on one day! Yikes! Then, we came home and she practiced piano and did her reading for school. Wow. I hover between worry about overtaxing her and elation in giving her the opportunities I wanted as a girl and seeing her explore and excel in them.
I received a permission slip in her bookbag asking if she could be in a recorder class during the school day. I threw out the form at first, thinking, "No way, she's already playing piano and violin...she has enough to do...this could conflict with the Gifted class schedule..." After a bit, though, I started feeling guilty and remembered how excited I had been to play the recorder in third grade. I LOVED it, and I sort of think it was my precursor to the flute--similar note fingerings and such. I reasoned that she's not playing a woodwind instrument yet, it's during the school day and therefore shouldn't count as another extracurricular activity, etc. Besides, I'm so impressed that the recorder only costs $2.50 that it seems like we should do it for the sheer economy of the instrument and free instruction! I still remember that my elementary school recorder cost only $3.00 back in the century past, which I was thrilled about then. The fact that the same instrument is even cheaper now simply blows my mind. Anyhow, with a little trepidation, I asked her if she'd like to take the recorder class, and of course she enthusiastically said, "Yes!" Alex cautioned that she might have to go to recorder class during recess, and she shot back, "I don't care!" He just shook his head in disbelief and seemed to be thinking, "it's your own grave you're digging..." So, of course I had to fish out that permission slip...
I am concerned, of course, about the fact that I seem eager to give her every opportunity that I had AND every opportunity that I wanted. She is optimistic and enthusiastic and tries to do her best at everything. Despite the worry, I do love how coordinated things seem to be. Time management is at our best ever right now. The fact that the dance and violin classes are right at her school and immediately juxtaposed to the school day saves an immense amount of time. I think she can, I think she can...
Alex seems to have gotten a grip on the ability to select his choice activities. He says no all the time to choices that I offer him, and I'm often both disappointed and relieved at his clear "I don't think so." He takes his responsibilities seriously and places a premium value on having some down time to play games and just chill out! So long as he's doing well in his current schooling and activities, which are plenty, I'm happy and a bit relieved.
Anyhow, the kids are both doing well for now. They had a long restful summer, and I'll have to just focus on that bedtime and be vigilant for signs of burnout!
Alex has had difficulty adjusting nearly every year in the fall, but he's taken to his new teacher and classmates this year without a glitch. Not a single issue so far (knock on wood). It's very encouraging. He's also really excited about starting soccer this fall, which is a first for him, though he's been asking for years. Without any inducements, he's been going outside to practice at home on days that he doesn't have team practice.
Fiona has a packed schedule, but she's amazingly enthusiastic and willing to work. On Thursday, even I was dismayed, as she had ballet before school and violin class and taekwondo after school. Three activities on one day! Yikes! Then, we came home and she practiced piano and did her reading for school. Wow. I hover between worry about overtaxing her and elation in giving her the opportunities I wanted as a girl and seeing her explore and excel in them.
I received a permission slip in her bookbag asking if she could be in a recorder class during the school day. I threw out the form at first, thinking, "No way, she's already playing piano and violin...she has enough to do...this could conflict with the Gifted class schedule..." After a bit, though, I started feeling guilty and remembered how excited I had been to play the recorder in third grade. I LOVED it, and I sort of think it was my precursor to the flute--similar note fingerings and such. I reasoned that she's not playing a woodwind instrument yet, it's during the school day and therefore shouldn't count as another extracurricular activity, etc. Besides, I'm so impressed that the recorder only costs $2.50 that it seems like we should do it for the sheer economy of the instrument and free instruction! I still remember that my elementary school recorder cost only $3.00 back in the century past, which I was thrilled about then. The fact that the same instrument is even cheaper now simply blows my mind. Anyhow, with a little trepidation, I asked her if she'd like to take the recorder class, and of course she enthusiastically said, "Yes!" Alex cautioned that she might have to go to recorder class during recess, and she shot back, "I don't care!" He just shook his head in disbelief and seemed to be thinking, "it's your own grave you're digging..." So, of course I had to fish out that permission slip...
I am concerned, of course, about the fact that I seem eager to give her every opportunity that I had AND every opportunity that I wanted. She is optimistic and enthusiastic and tries to do her best at everything. Despite the worry, I do love how coordinated things seem to be. Time management is at our best ever right now. The fact that the dance and violin classes are right at her school and immediately juxtaposed to the school day saves an immense amount of time. I think she can, I think she can...
Alex seems to have gotten a grip on the ability to select his choice activities. He says no all the time to choices that I offer him, and I'm often both disappointed and relieved at his clear "I don't think so." He takes his responsibilities seriously and places a premium value on having some down time to play games and just chill out! So long as he's doing well in his current schooling and activities, which are plenty, I'm happy and a bit relieved.
Anyhow, the kids are both doing well for now. They had a long restful summer, and I'll have to just focus on that bedtime and be vigilant for signs of burnout!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Ballet Again...
Fiona is signed up to take ballet again, believe it or not! Maxine Patterson is an instructor who is beginning classes at Ellis. Michael had nixed Fiona returning to her former dance classes, as they focused on too much ridiculous, cutesy, sexy jazz stuff and practically zilch real ballet. Maxine Patterson is supposed to be much more focused on ballet and real training (not just memorizing the recital piece).
Anyhow, I bought Fiona one black leotard, one pr pink tights, and one pair of ballet slippers. She instantly said, "Just one?!?" We'll see... I actually would like to get her more, but there's also the truth to the question, "how many can she wear at one time?" I hated giving away all her cute, perfect leotards that she'd outgrown, and she'll just have one or two classes per week. Maxine hasn't quite hashed out yet how she's structuring the classes. They'll be at the school, immediately before the schoolday.
Anyhow, Fiona has been repeatedly trying on the dance outfit and I'm just so full of admiration of how exquisite she looks in it! So pretty and perfect! I hope these classes go well. I have a feeling Maxine will have some kinks to work out!
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Anyhow, I bought Fiona one black leotard, one pr pink tights, and one pair of ballet slippers. She instantly said, "Just one?!?" We'll see... I actually would like to get her more, but there's also the truth to the question, "how many can she wear at one time?" I hated giving away all her cute, perfect leotards that she'd outgrown, and she'll just have one or two classes per week. Maxine hasn't quite hashed out yet how she's structuring the classes. They'll be at the school, immediately before the schoolday.
Anyhow, Fiona has been repeatedly trying on the dance outfit and I'm just so full of admiration of how exquisite she looks in it! So pretty and perfect! I hope these classes go well. I have a feeling Maxine will have some kinks to work out!
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A Puppet Movie
We all watched The Dark Crystal last night, after Michael identified our awkwardly-feathering black Australorps as 'Skeksis'.
Great movie! We watched a little documentary on the making of the movie afterwards, with Jim Henson (Kermit!) and Frank Oz (played Yoda). They worked on creating the movie for five years! Wild! It was neat to see how they were filming it...some of the larger creatures (Skeksis, Masters, Gartham) were actually people in elaborate costumes, with parts being manipulated as puppets by other people as well. The land strider creature was actually a former clown on four stilts! Amazing! It almost felt like we were in a real-life theatre, as it's so different from all the computer-animated stuff of today! Gives me real-life theatre urges! What a work of art!
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Great movie! We watched a little documentary on the making of the movie afterwards, with Jim Henson (Kermit!) and Frank Oz (played Yoda). They worked on creating the movie for five years! Wild! It was neat to see how they were filming it...some of the larger creatures (Skeksis, Masters, Gartham) were actually people in elaborate costumes, with parts being manipulated as puppets by other people as well. The land strider creature was actually a former clown on four stilts! Amazing! It almost felt like we were in a real-life theatre, as it's so different from all the computer-animated stuff of today! Gives me real-life theatre urges! What a work of art!
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Not Quite Dumpster Diving!
I had the funniest conversation with a close friend, X, yesterday. She went with another friend who dumpster-dived! X initially claimed to have done it, and I was so excited, with a mostly sincere "Oh, wow! I want to do that!", but I had to burst her bubble when I found out she hadn't actually gone in the dumpster and hadn't actually taken anything! She can't claim to have dumpster-dived! Her friend did, though!
Fun! I think it was the Dollar General or Family Dollar or some such. Too bad they don't give stuff to Goodwill instead of just throwing it away!
Anyhow, with my funny, safe spin on things, I was inspired to go to Goodwill yesterday! (My own version of eco-friendly dumpster-diving!) Anyhow, I bought more cups--they were so cute, little Wexford-style 8 oz glass cups. Very perfect for juice for the kids. I sometimes use juice glasses, but most are wider than the kids like and don't have handles. These were perfect.
Michael gave me a look of disbelief when I told him. He couldn't believe I'd bought MORE cups. We have cups practically falling on our heads when we open the cabinets now! Also...I bought all 6. ARGH! Where will they go? I LOVE cups and mugs. I have such a weakness for them! Therefore, it's really hard for me to get rid of any!
Yep, I also picked up a Chinese vase of sorts (much-needed, of course!) and a bigger cheap vase, which I actually did want and have been needing for years, since I 'accidentally' gave my really nice one to an old neighbor. I had a new bouquet of flowers in it, and Michael and I had to leave town, so I asked her if she'd like the flowers. She said sure and thanked me and happily took my really nice vase and flowers. She never offered back the vase, and I was too embarrassed to ask for it back!
Anyhow, I found some cute 'stuff' that I mostly don't need at Goodwill. We miss Value Village in Washington...the Goodwill here seems to have such a small selection! I don't actually shop there much at all, but it is such an environmentally-friendly thing to do.
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Fun! I think it was the Dollar General or Family Dollar or some such. Too bad they don't give stuff to Goodwill instead of just throwing it away!
Anyhow, with my funny, safe spin on things, I was inspired to go to Goodwill yesterday! (My own version of eco-friendly dumpster-diving!) Anyhow, I bought more cups--they were so cute, little Wexford-style 8 oz glass cups. Very perfect for juice for the kids. I sometimes use juice glasses, but most are wider than the kids like and don't have handles. These were perfect.
Michael gave me a look of disbelief when I told him. He couldn't believe I'd bought MORE cups. We have cups practically falling on our heads when we open the cabinets now! Also...I bought all 6. ARGH! Where will they go? I LOVE cups and mugs. I have such a weakness for them! Therefore, it's really hard for me to get rid of any!
Yep, I also picked up a Chinese vase of sorts (much-needed, of course!) and a bigger cheap vase, which I actually did want and have been needing for years, since I 'accidentally' gave my really nice one to an old neighbor. I had a new bouquet of flowers in it, and Michael and I had to leave town, so I asked her if she'd like the flowers. She said sure and thanked me and happily took my really nice vase and flowers. She never offered back the vase, and I was too embarrassed to ask for it back!
Anyhow, I found some cute 'stuff' that I mostly don't need at Goodwill. We miss Value Village in Washington...the Goodwill here seems to have such a small selection! I don't actually shop there much at all, but it is such an environmentally-friendly thing to do.
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Saturday, September 5, 2009
Fiona wins International Contest!
Fiona's 1st grade Gifted Class last year spent much, much time on a slideshow project called Awesome Creepy Crawlies. Fiona researched and wrote a section about moles, while the other12 kids or so wrote about different 'creepy crawlies'. Fiona worked on about half of the artwork in the slideshow, and she and one other girl co-narrated the script. This was a huge effort and experience last year, and I occassionally thought that her GEP teacher, Ms. Linda, was a bit stuck on the project, but WOW!
At the Media Festival in the library, Ms. Linda casually but proudly mentioned how Awesome Creepy Crawlies had won the local media festival contest, and had gone on to state, where judges had been unable to open the file and had sent it on to the international contest sheerly by default...but it won the International Media Festival! (I've missed National in there, somewhere, it seems!) I'm assuming that's for the first grade projects only, and I've only heard this through word of mouth, but apparently the GEP teachers are trying to pull together a banquet for the kids.
Wish I could post the slideshow, but, well, remember that problem those judges had at state? It takes FOREVER to open and I'm afraid it would lock up everyone's computers!
At the Media Festival in the library, Ms. Linda casually but proudly mentioned how Awesome Creepy Crawlies had won the local media festival contest, and had gone on to state, where judges had been unable to open the file and had sent it on to the international contest sheerly by default...but it won the International Media Festival! (I've missed National in there, somewhere, it seems!) I'm assuming that's for the first grade projects only, and I've only heard this through word of mouth, but apparently the GEP teachers are trying to pull together a banquet for the kids.
Wish I could post the slideshow, but, well, remember that problem those judges had at state? It takes FOREVER to open and I'm afraid it would lock up everyone's computers!
Chicks Visit Classrooms!
Our chicks visited the kids' classrooms today. I was surprised that the teachers made it a public speaking opportunity for Alex and Fiona. They were not prepared at all, and I would have told their classmates a few extra pertinent things about the chicks, but I think it was the best opportunity for them to get comfortable speaking off-the-cuff. Given the enthusiasm, interest, and their own excitement about the chicks, it seems like a GREAT way for them to get some public speaking experience, as they're too busy thinking about the chicks to focus too much on being nervous. Alex did mistakenly introduce Chloe as Rachel, but then introduced Rachel as Rachel. It was all nerves! They both did a great job introducing the chicks--Rachel and Bach (the two black Australorps) and Perenelle, Chloe, and Giselle (the Salmon Faverolles).
Let me mention just a bit about how the chicks are doing now. They're about two weeks old. They are getting feathers on their wings, and some have fully-feathered wings and little feathers on their rumps and necks.
The Black Australorps are bigger and have glossy, bold black and white feathers coming in. They're actually calmer, too, than the Salmon Faverolles. Rachel seems to be the calmest, in my opinion. Alex named Bach, and he insists on referring to Bach as 'he', which is easy to get sucked into, as Bach has the most 'masculine' appearance of any of the chicks, being the biggest and having more yellow to her face and all. Fiona named white-faced Rachel. The Australorps seems cleverest at figuring things out, too, and they both go for the highest perches.
Perenelle is my baby. Peri is the runt of the group, and she has very few feathers at all. She's so funny that she tends to want to lie down in and monopolize the food trays! She's still a darling ball of yellow fluff. I noticed when I got them home that she was the only one to run under the heat lamp to warm back up. I think the others' feathers protect them a bit more.
Giselle, Michael's pet, has the most feathers of the Salmon Faverolles, and I think she may take the prize as our very prettiest bird at this point. She is gorgeous! I've seen her fly across the entire cage (3 ft or so).
Chloe, also named by Fiona, is our four-toed Faverolle. I remarked off-handedly that perhaps she's not a pure-breed Faverolle, given that she only has 4 toes instead of the Faverolle trademark 5. The kids both told their classmates about this, and simultaneously asserted that Giselle and Peri are pure-bred Faverolles! Hmm, we don't know that for certain...
Anyhow, the kids in their classes were all very, very interested. Some were afraid to hold or touch the chicks, but mostly they all loved the chicks. The teachers were interested in having the chicks return periodically throughout the school year so that the children can see their growth!
One blonde child in Alex's class approached me as I was leaving. He had a gleam in his eye and intensely asked me where I had bought the chicks. He seemed a little confused when I told him the name of the website, and he clarified, "I want to get a chick. Where can I buy one?" I again told him the website, and he seemed mollified when he repeated the name and I nodded confirmation. I hope he gets to have some chicks, as he was obviously struck with Cupid's arrow. He reminded me of Alex's intensity as a toddler after first meeting a huge Thomas the Tank Engine toy in the mall!
Let me mention just a bit about how the chicks are doing now. They're about two weeks old. They are getting feathers on their wings, and some have fully-feathered wings and little feathers on their rumps and necks.
The Black Australorps are bigger and have glossy, bold black and white feathers coming in. They're actually calmer, too, than the Salmon Faverolles. Rachel seems to be the calmest, in my opinion. Alex named Bach, and he insists on referring to Bach as 'he', which is easy to get sucked into, as Bach has the most 'masculine' appearance of any of the chicks, being the biggest and having more yellow to her face and all. Fiona named white-faced Rachel. The Australorps seems cleverest at figuring things out, too, and they both go for the highest perches.
Perenelle is my baby. Peri is the runt of the group, and she has very few feathers at all. She's so funny that she tends to want to lie down in and monopolize the food trays! She's still a darling ball of yellow fluff. I noticed when I got them home that she was the only one to run under the heat lamp to warm back up. I think the others' feathers protect them a bit more.
Giselle, Michael's pet, has the most feathers of the Salmon Faverolles, and I think she may take the prize as our very prettiest bird at this point. She is gorgeous! I've seen her fly across the entire cage (3 ft or so).
Chloe, also named by Fiona, is our four-toed Faverolle. I remarked off-handedly that perhaps she's not a pure-breed Faverolle, given that she only has 4 toes instead of the Faverolle trademark 5. The kids both told their classmates about this, and simultaneously asserted that Giselle and Peri are pure-bred Faverolles! Hmm, we don't know that for certain...
Anyhow, the kids in their classes were all very, very interested. Some were afraid to hold or touch the chicks, but mostly they all loved the chicks. The teachers were interested in having the chicks return periodically throughout the school year so that the children can see their growth!
One blonde child in Alex's class approached me as I was leaving. He had a gleam in his eye and intensely asked me where I had bought the chicks. He seemed a little confused when I told him the name of the website, and he clarified, "I want to get a chick. Where can I buy one?" I again told him the website, and he seemed mollified when he repeated the name and I nodded confirmation. I hope he gets to have some chicks, as he was obviously struck with Cupid's arrow. He reminded me of Alex's intensity as a toddler after first meeting a huge Thomas the Tank Engine toy in the mall!
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