October 24, 2007
I took these last night from my backyard (with my new camera..thanks Em!!)
Okay, maybe I do like fall.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Thursday, October 18, 2007
The "why's and how's" of living and eating "healthy"
(click links in blue)
The "why".
1 Cor 6:19 "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?"
And, because I care what I am putting into my body, and the bodies of my family. God entrusted me with raising these little people, I intend to do my best.
People often wonder WHY 1 in 4 people are diagnosed with cancer, WHY the diabetes rates are so high, WHY obesity is an epidemic, and WHY heart disease is the #1 killer. I will tell you why. Look at the way we eat, and treat our bodies.
The "how"
It's much easier to eat the standard American diet (SAD) than to scrutinize everything.
Here are some of the changes I have made, and why.
- no longer use white sugar. Evaporated cane juice crystals, turbinado sugar, and sucanat are much healthier options. Available at the grocery store.
- no longer buy regular milk. Organic milk, or raw are much healthier options. Perhaps try Rice Milk. Regular (store bought) milk contains hormones (that are given to the cows so that they will produce more milk), and antibiotics (given to cows because of their living conditions, and mastitis due to milk production). These things are passed on to you in the milk. Research shows that this is why young girls are reaching puberty at a much younger age. Also a contributing factor as to why we are immune to all but the strongest antibiotics.
- no longer use white flour. Zero nutritional value in it. It has been bleached with a chemical similar to chlorine bleach. Whole grain flours are much healthier. I do use organic AP flour sometimes.
-no longer buy commercial meats/poultry. We raise our own chickens, and occasionally buy meat from farmers we trust. My family also likes venison, which we always have on hand (thanks to my hubby, and Jackson)
-I only buy 100% juice. No sugar added. My kids are allowed 1 cup a day, the rest of the time they are encouraged to drink WATER.
-buy organic whenever possible. Organic produce and grains have not been sprayed with toxic pesticides, and herbicides. Organic dairy products (milk, cheese, eggs, etc.) have been fed organic diets, are free of pesticides, and herbicides, and have not been given growth hormones nor antibiotics.
- make my own bread whenever possible. No, I don't knead and roll the traditional way. I dump all the ingredients in my handy-dandy bread machine, push the button, and walk away. 3 hours later...home made bread. Yum!!!
-I buy organic packaged, and canned foods when I buy canned and packaged. Kashi brand is really good. I buy that brand of cereal for the kids, we also buy their granola bars, and snack crackers. My local grocery store (Meijer), has it's own brand of organics, that are very affordable.
-no longer use regular laundry detergent. The perfumes, etc.. that are added are toxic to our bodies. Your skin is the largest organ right?? Well, it's absorbing whatever is placed against it, slathered on it, etc... I switched to "Free and Clear" from the grocery store. Every brand makes it now.
-no longer use body lotion. I can't even pronounce the chemicals that are in there. I now use (for me and my entire family) organic, unrefined coconut oil.
-no longer spray perfume directly on my skin. When I do use it, I spray it on my clothes.
-no longer use regular body soaps/bars. Sodium laurel/laureth sulfate is bad, bad, bad. I buy homemade soap, or Dr. Bronners castille soaps.
-no longer use Cascade type automatic dishwasher detergent. It contains chlorine (toxic), and I don't want my family ingesting chlorine. I use BioKleen brand instead.
-no longer use antiperspirant/deodorant. Contains aluminum which has been linked to Alzheimer's disease, and cancers. I use the health food store kinds.
-no longer use toothpaste containing fluoride it is toxic. Research that one, it is very interesting.
-we try to only eat "out" twice a month. Note: try. :)
-Oh yes! and last but not least: We DO NOT VACCINATE. I do not want my kids immune systems compromised by poisons (mercury or thimerosal) that don't make them "immune" anyway. I wrote about it here and here. Read more about vaccine dangers here.
I have been asked "how do you afford to buy organic and the healthy stuff"?? Honestly, I quit buying the other stuff. I no longer buy soda pop, packaged convenience foods, junk food, frozen pizza's, and sugary snack items. This leaves a lot of money to spend on the good stuff.
I make my kids "snacks", baked items, etc.. And they eat a lot of fruit instead of snack crackers and potato chips. We did not do this all at once. I started replacing things one at a time. I didn't want my kids or husband to starve to death, or to think that Mommy flipped her lid. :)
I would love to hear your thoughts (positive or negative) , or healthy ideas. I'm always learning. And don't misunderstand me. I am not claiming that my diet is perfect. But I try. I still have a couple of hang-ups. I love Coke, love it (so I don't keep it in the house). And I love coffee, which I'm not even sure how to function without it. Rumors are that it is indeed possible.
(click links in blue)
The "why".
1 Cor 6:19 "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?"
And, because I care what I am putting into my body, and the bodies of my family. God entrusted me with raising these little people, I intend to do my best.
People often wonder WHY 1 in 4 people are diagnosed with cancer, WHY the diabetes rates are so high, WHY obesity is an epidemic, and WHY heart disease is the #1 killer. I will tell you why. Look at the way we eat, and treat our bodies.
The "how"
It's much easier to eat the standard American diet (SAD) than to scrutinize everything.
Here are some of the changes I have made, and why.
- no longer use white sugar. Evaporated cane juice crystals, turbinado sugar, and sucanat are much healthier options. Available at the grocery store.
- no longer buy regular milk. Organic milk, or raw are much healthier options. Perhaps try Rice Milk. Regular (store bought) milk contains hormones (that are given to the cows so that they will produce more milk), and antibiotics (given to cows because of their living conditions, and mastitis due to milk production). These things are passed on to you in the milk. Research shows that this is why young girls are reaching puberty at a much younger age. Also a contributing factor as to why we are immune to all but the strongest antibiotics.
- no longer use white flour. Zero nutritional value in it. It has been bleached with a chemical similar to chlorine bleach. Whole grain flours are much healthier. I do use organic AP flour sometimes.
-no longer buy commercial meats/poultry. We raise our own chickens, and occasionally buy meat from farmers we trust. My family also likes venison, which we always have on hand (thanks to my hubby, and Jackson)
-I only buy 100% juice. No sugar added. My kids are allowed 1 cup a day, the rest of the time they are encouraged to drink WATER.
-buy organic whenever possible. Organic produce and grains have not been sprayed with toxic pesticides, and herbicides. Organic dairy products (milk, cheese, eggs, etc.) have been fed organic diets, are free of pesticides, and herbicides, and have not been given growth hormones nor antibiotics.
- make my own bread whenever possible. No, I don't knead and roll the traditional way. I dump all the ingredients in my handy-dandy bread machine, push the button, and walk away. 3 hours later...home made bread. Yum!!!
-I buy organic packaged, and canned foods when I buy canned and packaged. Kashi brand is really good. I buy that brand of cereal for the kids, we also buy their granola bars, and snack crackers. My local grocery store (Meijer), has it's own brand of organics, that are very affordable.
-no longer use regular laundry detergent. The perfumes, etc.. that are added are toxic to our bodies. Your skin is the largest organ right?? Well, it's absorbing whatever is placed against it, slathered on it, etc... I switched to "Free and Clear" from the grocery store. Every brand makes it now.
-no longer use body lotion. I can't even pronounce the chemicals that are in there. I now use (for me and my entire family) organic, unrefined coconut oil.
-no longer spray perfume directly on my skin. When I do use it, I spray it on my clothes.
-no longer use regular body soaps/bars. Sodium laurel/laureth sulfate is bad, bad, bad. I buy homemade soap, or Dr. Bronners castille soaps.
-no longer use Cascade type automatic dishwasher detergent. It contains chlorine (toxic), and I don't want my family ingesting chlorine. I use BioKleen brand instead.
-no longer use antiperspirant/deodorant. Contains aluminum which has been linked to Alzheimer's disease, and cancers. I use the health food store kinds.
-no longer use toothpaste containing fluoride it is toxic. Research that one, it is very interesting.
-we try to only eat "out" twice a month. Note: try. :)
-Oh yes! and last but not least: We DO NOT VACCINATE. I do not want my kids immune systems compromised by poisons (mercury or thimerosal) that don't make them "immune" anyway. I wrote about it here and here. Read more about vaccine dangers here.
I have been asked "how do you afford to buy organic and the healthy stuff"?? Honestly, I quit buying the other stuff. I no longer buy soda pop, packaged convenience foods, junk food, frozen pizza's, and sugary snack items. This leaves a lot of money to spend on the good stuff.
I make my kids "snacks", baked items, etc.. And they eat a lot of fruit instead of snack crackers and potato chips. We did not do this all at once. I started replacing things one at a time. I didn't want my kids or husband to starve to death, or to think that Mommy flipped her lid. :)
I would love to hear your thoughts (positive or negative) , or healthy ideas. I'm always learning. And don't misunderstand me. I am not claiming that my diet is perfect. But I try. I still have a couple of hang-ups. I love Coke, love it (so I don't keep it in the house). And I love coffee, which I'm not even sure how to function without it. Rumors are that it is indeed possible.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Friday, October 12, 2007
T.G.I.F
(above: Savannah's first piggy tails) Don't let her cuteness fool you. She has become lovingly known as "the tornado", going from room to room, leaving behind complete destruction. So far this week she has emptied the pantry, cleared several bookshelves, dumped the dogs food/water bowl(many times), and figured out how to open the toilet-bowl lid, and put EVERYTHING in there within reach (toys, toilet paper rolls, sippy cups, books and my.hair.brush) I won't even start on the list of things she has thrown away in the kitchen trashcan. Guess what I am buying this weekend..you guessed it! A new trashcan, with a lid.
Adrian's new favorite hobby: self photography.
Have a great weekend!!! :)
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
This "MeMe" at Adventures In Babywearing made me smile. Of course she is much more cool than me, just check out her answers.
1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car)
Patches Windstar
2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie)
Chocolate Chocolate Chip (umm...I'm the wrong color for that name)
3. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name)
Slaw (oh dear.why can't I be cool????)
4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal)
Blue Flamingo
5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, hospital where you were born)
Jo Rose
6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first)
Lawst (Lost is my Star Wars name????...I am so not cool)
7. SUPERHERO NAME: (”The” + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink)
The Pink Teaser (as in Ice Teaser)
8. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers),
Clarence Clarence (I couldn't have made that one cool if I tried)
9.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names ),
Eldon (My mom doesn't have a middle name so this one doesn't really work)
10. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter)
Pink Pasadena
11. SPY NAME: (your favorite season/holiday, flower).
Summer Sunflower
12. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”)
Pineapple Skirty
13. HIPPIE NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree)
Granola Palm
14. YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: (”The” + Your fave hobby/craft, fave weather element + “Tour”),
The Bloggin' Thunderstorm Tour
Can't wait to see yours!!!
1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car)
Patches Windstar
2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie)
Chocolate Chocolate Chip (umm...I'm the wrong color for that name)
3. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name)
Slaw (oh dear.why can't I be cool????)
4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal)
Blue Flamingo
5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, hospital where you were born)
Jo Rose
6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first)
Lawst (Lost is my Star Wars name????...I am so not cool)
7. SUPERHERO NAME: (”The” + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink)
The Pink Teaser (as in Ice Teaser)
8. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers),
Clarence Clarence (I couldn't have made that one cool if I tried)
9.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names ),
Eldon (My mom doesn't have a middle name so this one doesn't really work)
10. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter)
Pink Pasadena
11. SPY NAME: (your favorite season/holiday, flower).
Summer Sunflower
12. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”)
Pineapple Skirty
13. HIPPIE NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree)
Granola Palm
14. YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: (”The” + Your fave hobby/craft, fave weather element + “Tour”),
The Bloggin' Thunderstorm Tour
Can't wait to see yours!!!
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Hope you are having as nice of a weekend as I am. :) This morning Savannah and I went out to breakfast with a friend, then shopping. She is growing so fast. My little baby girl is now very much an independant toddler. She was so cute at breakfast, quiet as can be, inhaling her happy-face pancake at IHOP, while us girls had time to catch up.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Friday, September 21, 2007
Me and my conservative ways. 
I hesitated to add this, worried that I would run off what few readers I do have. Oh well...here goes.
I have added a new button to my side bar. Maidens for Modesty has a list of values, values I hope to instill in my sweet daughter as she grows into a young lady.
Growing up I remember several times my own mother saying "Don't even think about wearing THAT out of this house"
In this day and age, I think it is so important to teach our daughters dignity and respect for themselves in the way they dress and act.
Maidens For Modesty values:
*We believe in dressing in modest apparel, as it says in 1 Timothy 2:9 - "In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, ....."
*We believe in saving our bodies and not exposing them to others, but protecting what God has given us.
*We believe in being modest in the way we act, talk, walk, and carry ourselves.
*We know that true modesty begins in the heart, and is an attitude more than what we wear.
*We believe in behaving discreetely and with modesty.
However, our clothing usually displays our true self, and we believe in dressing modestly to be a witness to others.
*We know that modesty isn't a legalistic set of rules, but rather guidelines to help determine what we should wear.
*We believe in presenting discretion and dignity in what we wear and how we behave- "As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion. " ~ Proverbs 11:22
*We believe in helping to protect men from the visual attack by dressing modestly as their sisters-in-Christ
*We believe in dressing in a way that glorifies God, not our body.
*We believe that modesty and purity are always in fashion!
*We believe that modesty isn't old-fashioned - you don't have to wear colonial dresses (like the ones in the picture) or have waist-length hair to be modest!
*We believe that fear of the Lord is the most beautiful thing - "Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised." ~ Proverbs 31:30
I hesitated to add this, worried that I would run off what few readers I do have. Oh well...here goes.
I have added a new button to my side bar. Maidens for Modesty has a list of values, values I hope to instill in my sweet daughter as she grows into a young lady.
Growing up I remember several times my own mother saying "Don't even think about wearing THAT out of this house"
In this day and age, I think it is so important to teach our daughters dignity and respect for themselves in the way they dress and act.
Maidens For Modesty values:
*We believe in dressing in modest apparel, as it says in 1 Timothy 2:9 - "In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, ....."
*We believe in saving our bodies and not exposing them to others, but protecting what God has given us.
*We believe in being modest in the way we act, talk, walk, and carry ourselves.
*We know that true modesty begins in the heart, and is an attitude more than what we wear.
*We believe in behaving discreetely and with modesty.
However, our clothing usually displays our true self, and we believe in dressing modestly to be a witness to others.
*We know that modesty isn't a legalistic set of rules, but rather guidelines to help determine what we should wear.
*We believe in presenting discretion and dignity in what we wear and how we behave- "As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion. " ~ Proverbs 11:22
*We believe in helping to protect men from the visual attack by dressing modestly as their sisters-in-Christ
*We believe in dressing in a way that glorifies God, not our body.
*We believe that modesty and purity are always in fashion!
*We believe that modesty isn't old-fashioned - you don't have to wear colonial dresses (like the ones in the picture) or have waist-length hair to be modest!
*We believe that fear of the Lord is the most beautiful thing - "Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised." ~ Proverbs 31:30
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Lincoln Park Zoo
Did you watch Oprah today??? Vaccines were called out onto the carpet today. Jenny McCarthy and Holly Robinson-Peete explained how their childrens autism was caused by vaccines.
Friday, September 14, 2007
New DressThis morning I ordered this beautiful little dress for Savannah, from a fellow blogger Audrey, at Sewing the Seams Of Love. She has some really beautiful items, at extremely reasonable prices.
Pop over there and order one for your baby girl!!!
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
How Ever Will I Do It?
How will I be able to raise my daughter to be a lady, in this society?
I hate shopping. I know, I know. Weird. I shop only when it is absolutely necessary. And since I discovered online shopping, really the only time it is necessary, is groceries.
I hate shopping because it reminds me of everything I despise about this world. Teen girls in short, shorts with "naughty" written across the bum, complete with a too-snug tee shirt banishing "My moms thinks I'm at the library". Teens on cell phones. Belly rings, glitter. Rows upon rows of plastic made-in-China toys.. Screaming, demanding children "I want thhhhhat!!!!!" All of this, topped off at the checkout, with racks of magazines of scantily clad women, and Paris Hilton worship. Did I mention the non-verbal cashier? I leave most stores as if they were on fire.
I won't even talk about the "keeping up with the Jones's" plague.
How am I going to raise my daughter to be a lady, in this society?
In a society where bad girls are good....and good girls are.. weird.
Titus 2:12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
I have been doing a lot of self examination lately. How I dress. How I speak. What I say. How I react to things.
I know everything I do, my little ones are watching. My daughter is watching.
And I know, that more is caught, than taught.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Summer Fun
This is what my boys have been up to lately. Fishing, fishing, and more fishing.
This is what my boys have been up to lately. Fishing, fishing, and more fishing.
(above) Jackson, 9, with his biggest bass ever, his Daddy, and Tess in the background.
(above) Austin, 7, with his biggest bass, and a bunch of tough-guys!!!
(above) Adrian, 4, with the Petersons kitty, doing what he does best.
And, last but not least...my kiddo's with Emma, dear friend, and babysitter extraordinaire. Kinda looks like a mug shot. :)
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
No go.
I spent the perfect end of summer day in Chicago trying to coax Andrea into labor. But at the end of the evening we decided, or shall I say her baby decided, that it was not the day. But the day was not wasted, I learned so much, and we had the best Moroccan dinner downtown.
The kids had an awesome time...and Austin (age 7) caught a huge bass. He was so proud. :)
Can anyone tell me how to get pictures from email (from my camera phone) to my computer?? Apparently I'm an idiot.
Maybe today is baby day..............
I spent the perfect end of summer day in Chicago trying to coax Andrea into labor. But at the end of the evening we decided, or shall I say her baby decided, that it was not the day. But the day was not wasted, I learned so much, and we had the best Moroccan dinner downtown.
The kids had an awesome time...and Austin (age 7) caught a huge bass. He was so proud. :)
Can anyone tell me how to get pictures from email (from my camera phone) to my computer?? Apparently I'm an idiot.
Maybe today is baby day..............
Monday, September 03, 2007
Labor Day
I have already had the BEST weekend. My sister was here for 3 days, and we had the best time catching up, and chasing kids. I regret not using her camera, and stealing some pictures for my blog. Not much I can do about it now that she is on a plane.
Another dear friend of mine, Brooks (and her kids) were in town from Virginia for the weekend. It was nice visiting with her, even if it was only for an hour. (By the way Brooks, you look fabulous!)
I have a wonderful Labor Day picnic planned for this afternoon, complete with dear friends waiting for us. But, it's LABOR DAY. A first time momma in Chicago is anxiously awaiting the birth if her first child, and plans to "take something" to get things going this morning. I wish she would just wait for nature to take it's course...but I also know the 10-months-pregnant feeling. So I am waiting for the call from my senior midwife.
My poor, poor children (kidding) will probably miss the picnic (Daddy is working making the big-holiday bucks). Assuming I leave for the birth in Chicago, they will spend an afternoon at their very favorite place. The Peterson's, who have a beautiful house on a lake, where they get to do their very favorite things..fishing, and tubing. I know that as soon as they get out of bed I will hear that familiar "has that lady went into labor yet or what???" because they are ready to go. (Thank you Emma for giving me a wonderful place to take them when I go to births, I love and appreciate you so very much!!!! I also appreciate the love and care you give Savannah while I'm away.)
Have a wonderful and safe holiday! :)
Friday, August 24, 2007
Home Sweet Home School
Deuteronomy 11:19 And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
20 And thou shalt write them upon the door posts of thine house, and upon thy gates:
Ephesians 6:4 .... but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
I am super excited to get back to school. That probably sounds strange. I am thinking of starting the day after Labor Day. I am still waiting for some of our new school books to arrive. Here are a few of things I am using this year:
Simply Grammar: Some old-fashioned teaching models are timeless. In this revised and expanded edition of First Grammar Lessons by Charlotte Mason, you'll discover one of them---the simple method of narration that focuses on conversation as a natural means of teaching grammar to your fourth to eighth graders.
Considering God's Creation: This hands-on approach to learning science is a wonderful alternative for all types of students! Chapters cover all aspects of God's creation, including the natural world, solar system, the human body, animals, plants, weather and more. 
Spelling Power is a multi-sensory, multi-level spelling customized program.
This is by no means all that I am doing. This is just a few things I am excited about. I am still using Abeka math. Hoping to find a new curriculum next year for math. I am not excited about Saxon. We will see.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you home schooling mommies out there, that are still reading this.
Have a great school year.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Welcome Aboard!!!This is my fifth year "home schooling". My intention was never to be the "teacher" and my kids the "students". I never had any intentions of turning one of our rooms in our home into a classroom...with little desks lined up, etc.. That is just not what we do. I have read sooo many home school books. So many ideas. So many curriculum's. What I do has evolved in so many ways.
I heard about "unschooling" and a light came on!!!! Most people have no idea what unschooling is. This is not exactly what I do..but you get the idea.
I plan to put all of the stuff I'm going to use this year up soon. I am so excited for school to start this year. :)
The following is from http://www.unschooling.com/
Ever hear of the private school Waldorf? (click link) This is what they do.
What is unschooling?
Have you ever described 'red' to a person who is color blind? Sometimes, trying to define unschooling is like trying to define red. Ask 30 unschoolers to define the word and you'll get thirty shades of red. They'll all be red, but they'll all be different. Generally, unschoolers are concerned with learning or becoming educated, not with 'doing school.' The focus is upon the choices made by each individual learner, and those choices can vary according to learning style and personality type. There is no one way to unschool. Click here for more definitions.
If you don't do school, what do you do?
Read, play, sing, dance, grow things, write. All of these things and more are things unschoolers do. We do them because they interest us and bring us joy or because they help us accomplish our dreams. We do the things that have meaning in our lives and contained within those activities is real learning.
You mean I'm supposed to let them run wild?
Unschooling doesn't mean not being a parent. Children need loving adults interested in helping them grow and learn. Choosing to build a lego village will include the opportunity to learn math and culture, maybe even history depending on the type of village. We do chores, have a family life, and participate in the wider community. The children are actively engaged in living and learning during all of this.
But, what about math?
It's easy to see how children can learn many things without using traditional, formal methods of teaching, but many people see math as a huge stumbling block, mainly, because most of us have learned to hate math because of the way it was taught in school. There are a great many ways to encounter math in the real world. Geometry can be found in quilt making, algebra in painting a room. Shifting perspectives, from textbooks to the real world is sometimes difficult, but math that is actually used is math truly learned.
Is this legal?
Yes. Each state has its own specific guidelines that many unschoolers choose to live within. Some, like NY, are more difficult than some others, but there are unschoolers in every state in the union.
How do you know they are learning?
You will know by listening to them speak, by watching them play, just by being with them. You will know they are learning at 8 the same way you knew they were learning at 18 months. You will see them use their skills and knowledge. This does take some effort on the part of the parent. The information is not contained on a worksheet or within a report. It is not all nice and neat and tied up with a grade. It's spread out over the course of the day while the children are living their lives. You have to be observant and tuned into your child, in order to know.
The nice thing about this is that it's great fun to observe your children so closely, to be so in tune with their lives. It brings contentment to both parent and child to know each other so well.
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