A must-read post from Zen Habits challenging traditional education : Education Needs to Be Turned on its Head. You school-at-home moms may be a bit put out – I challenge you to read with an open mind.

For the rebel educators is a post from: Paper Bridges, © 2005-2010 Monica Brand

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Too bad for him, I wasn’t about to let him go.

Peter needed two stubborn baby teeth extracted so the adult teeth had room to drop into their proper place. Thus our trip to the dentist’s office. Except once in the chair, Peter wouldn’t cooperate. That needle. The pain. As a nine year old, this was his first experience with Novocaine being injected into his gum line.

The dentist shook his head at me. Try an oral surgeon, he advised. Peter, still wearing a paper blue bib across his chest, had one hand on the door knob. He was desperate to race to the car, to get as far away from that needle as possible.

I hate watching my children suffer pain. If I could take every scrape, every scar, I would. But, alas, pain kind of goes along with childhood. Kids suffer pain. (Welcome to the rest of you life, kids. At least until you go home to be with the Lord. Forever and ever, amen!)

We’ve had our share of injuries here; my kids know pain. Two broken bones (Susan’s wrist; Lucy’s leg), stitches into the tongue (Peter), scalp glued (Lucy), severe burns (Lucy, again. Poor baby!) as well as our share of the less severe scrapped knees and bee stings. (Amazingly, Edmund is the only one to be ER-free as of this writing.)

I remember when Susan received her first vaccinations at the pediatrician’s office. My tiny newborn, a mere six pounds, jabbed by the most unsympathetic of nurses, witnessed by me, a fretful, newbie mother. All I could do was stroke Susan’s arm as I stood by feeling helpless, listening to her loud wailing. I suspect I suffered more than she, because as soon as the shots were done, her cries abated. As for my own tears and trauma, nope, not for awhile.

Fortunately, I’ve also toughened up over the years. Having four kids will do that to a mom.

As for those stubborn baby teeth still firmly embedded in my boy’s head. I needed to make a decision. Poor Peter, jumpy in his sneakers, ready to make his escape out the door into the summer sun. He was sold on the idea of an oral surgeon and anesthesia. I had my doubts. Doesn’t a surgeon equal more money? Plus, more importantly, I was concerned about the next time Peter would face the needle in the dentist’s chair. Cavities happen. I can’t promise my boy a future without Novocaine.

So I did what any other mother of a scared nine-year-old boy would do. I told him to get back up into that chair. And hold still.

As much as I hate to see my children in pain, I know life requires it. When the day calls for bravery and courage, when I need to be tough as nails for my kids, in front of my kids, to show them how it’s done, I can do it.

When Susan needed blood drawn to see if that naughty Lyme bacteria was gone from her body, I talked her through it. When Lucy needed medical care in the emergency room for her leg last summer, I held her in my arms, whispering to her it would soon be alright.

Oftentimes we need to walk through a little more pain to start onto the road to healing.

As a mother, it’s not my job to make life pain free for my children. Life is painful with it’s scrapes, broken bones, and dental needles. Broken relationships, lost friendships and heartache will eventually find my children as they mature and experience life as adults. They are going to need to be brave for that suffering too. Let the learning begin now.

Jesus was a boy once. When Jesus fell and got his rough-boy play cuts and scrapes, did Mary teach him bravery? If Jesus cut himself in the wood shop, helping Joseph, did Mary tell Jesus to be brave as she bandaged the wound?

I bet she did.

When Jesus went to the Cross, to endure suffering he didn’t deserve, did he remember boyhood lessons on bravery from his mother?

I bet he did.

The only thing I can do as their mother is to teach them to be brave.

Back in the dental chair, Peter squirmed. I took both of his hands in mine.

“Now is the time to be brave.”

Finally, after much negotiating for soft-serve ice cream and half-kidding threats of recording his tears for a YouTube video, the needle met the gum line. Tears slid down into his soft brown hair. As Peter took a step closer toward courageous man, my eyes stung with unshed tears.

My boy may have taken all the pain, but he wasn’t alone.

I never promised you no Novocaine is a post from: Paper Bridges, © 2005-2010 Monica Brand

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The summer is here. Time to catch fireflies, hit the beach, swim in the pool… and go to the library!

Of course, you expected me to say that, didn’t you?

I thought this post would be a fun thing to do, since I love the “browse before you  buy” concept that comes from our county library. Here is a list of what we found at the library this week.

Susan, almost 11:

Storey’s Guide to Raising Rabbits, Eyewitness Books: Film

Peter, aged 9

Origami Paper Airplanes by Dider Boursin, and three audio books: The Great Brain by John D. Fitzgerald, Swordbird by Nancy Yi Fan and Magic Tree House (books 33- 35) by Mary Pope Osborne

Edmund, almost 7:

Savage Earth (DK Guide)

Lucy, 4: She’s benefiting from everyone else’s books this week. I have so many preschool books that I have yet to read to her, I didn’t feel like taking anything else home.

I love the assortment of children’s magazines. Cobblestone is featuring Mark Twain and Kids Discover is about earthquakes. My children rarely browse the magazine rack on their own, I’m the one who selects what I think they will like. Peter enjoyed The Adventures of Tom Sawyer on audio as we drove to Florida last month, so that Cobblestone is mostly for him.

It’s been a long time since we’ve borrowed a computer game. The Oregon Trail is still in the CD case next to the kid’s computer. I might have to start playing before they venture forth with it.

What have your children borrowed from your local library lately? Let us know in the comments or trackback, so we may be inspired to futher library browsing fun.

Kids in the library is a post from: Paper Bridges, © 2005-2010 Monica Brand

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This month, we attended our first Milk and Cookies performance at the State Theatre in New Brunswick. Storyteller Diane Macklin had us engaged in her tales, getting us to make all sorts of animal and nature sounds or hand gestures. The younger crowd loved it – and as a fan of good storytelling – I loved it too. I was afraid it might be too simplistic for my older kids, my 10 and 9 year olds were some of the older ones in the audience, but even they participated, enjoying the show.

My tween, especially. I know how she thinks, what her strengths are, were her passions lie – that’s one of the great gifts of homeschooling: you know your child intimately. My Susan is a storyteller: whether it be writing, oral or using her Webkinz to act out her imagination, she’s good at spinning a good tale. I hope that watching a professional storyteller such as Ms. Macklin plants a seed in her heart of how she can use her gifts in the future.

If you are a New Jersey homeschooler, check out the Milk and Cookies series at the State Theatre.

And, in case you are wondering, they really do give the kids free milk and cookies before the (also free) show. Snacks and stories, can’t beat that!

Homeschool for free: Milk and Cookies at State Theatre in New Brunswick is a post from: Paper Bridges, © 2005-2010 Monica Brand

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At the A Woman Inspired conference, we learned, laughed, even crying together – all though our Internet access. Who says nothing good can come from cyberspace? Humph. I’d sign up again – and still go back for more. There is nothing like getting encouragement and godly teaching from like-minded sisters.

My final thoughts:

1. Even though I didn’t get to “attend” all the sessions, it’s okay, I’m not freaking out like I lost money. I can download them for listening at my leisure (read: when the kids are in bed and I won’t be interrupted too much).

2. Loved the chat feature. That really made it interactive and not just one gal lecturing at us. Lectures get dull fast, the chat was just enough to keep me engaged without getting distracted. On Monday, the chat wasn’t up yet; I’m so glad it worked for the rest of the week.

3. Twitter. Then when we weren’t listening, chatting and asking questions at the conference site, we were on Twitter with the #awi hash tag to talk even more. How very ladylike of us. Looking for ways to talk. The good thing about the extra place to chat, was that we didn’t fill the conference chat up with too much silliness. Twitter helped us get that out.

4. It wasn’t a conference, it was a Church. My favorite moment of the conference was Tuesday morning when Heather shared her concern about her MRI scheduled the next day. How amazing it was to watch these ladies encourage, pray and love all over this home schooling mama. It was beautiful. From what I remember, there was a bit of  “I’m crying” posted in the chat box (yes, I was teary too.)

Janice had a lot to say regarding depression and taking medication. Natalie told me if I practiced, I could have an accent just like hers. Shelly wrote a book I want to read. Ali and Melissa teamed up to talk blogging, and I heckled Mrs. F from the cheap seats. Too much fun! (FYI: If I tease you, I want to be your friend. I’m weird like that.)

I could go on and on, but I think you get the idea – I enjoyed myself.

That’s it for me. What did you like about the conference? What didn’t you care for? Heck, let’s CHAT about the conference some more.

A Woman Inspired: final thoughts is a post from: Paper Bridges, © 2005-2010 Monica Brand

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I think they were supposed to point those hoses at the machine, not at each other. Ah, well. Next time maybe they’ll get it right. Maybe.

Here is a fine example of sharing. Ha. What you don’t see in the picture is my boy smacking his kid sister’s hand out of the way. Oy. It’s tough being three going on four with so many big kids hogging all the cool stuff in the science museum.

On the way home, I realized I didn’t get a group shot in the science center; my camera had just enough battery life for one more shot.

Fun day. Now sleep! I need to recharge MY batteries. (Ha! Good one, Monica.)

Fun at Liberty Science Center is a post from: Paper Bridges, © 2005-2010 Monica Brand

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Go check it out, and if any of my non-home educating readers have questions relating to the subject of home schooling, feel free to ask me. The comments are open to all inquiries.

My latest at Homeschool Bliss is a post from: Paper Bridges, © 2005-2010 Monica Brand

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I was writing a blog post about why I home school. Husband handed me the paper with Gilbert on the cover. I read the story, I looked at the picture. I laughed. I read it again. I almost made a puddle on the kitchen floor.

Eat, Pray, Love author Gilbert gave a demon statue to a local school!?! O, the blog fodder! What a gift! Can you just see me rubbing my hands together in glee? Bwaahaahaa. Blogging is fun, but this was almost too much.

Are you ready for this? Here we go, let’s start with the facts-

Elizabeth Gilbert donates demon statue to local elementary school

According to the Delaware Valley News, Gilbert and her business partner presented Frenchtown Elementary School with an 8-foot high Balinese demon when they visited the school to talk about life in Indonesia. A contest to name the huge foam monster will be held in the fall, according to the paper. (Gilbert owns and operates a store in Frenchtown of south east Asian imports; it’s across the street from the school).

I’m sorry I don’t have a picture. I tried scanning it, but it came out poorly. Trust me when I say this demon statue is truly ugly: a screaming red-yellow striped face, wide mouth open with dagger teeth, arms getting ready to snatch, with one big foot raised to squish a student.

So, those are the facts as presented by reporter. Now to the topic at hand: why I home school. I’ll get back to Gilbert’s demon in a minute.

Why I home school

These are my three main reasons:

• To be the strongest influence on my kids. Me, their mom. Not their peers, not some unknown stranger year after year I don’t know personally. This is a biggy for me. My husband and I want our children to know us, to come to us for advice, to feel part of a team. Home education is the best way to accomplish this goal.
• To teach my children the Christian faith. We believe the most effective way to do that is though spending as much time with them as we can, talking about it, living it daily before them. Teaching my children goes hand-in-hand with being the greater influence in their lives.
• Because I can. For me, it’s a no-brainer, a logical choice. I have the freedom to home school, so I’m going to seize the opportunity. I guess I’m a bit of a rebel that way.

I’m not a home schooler to produce super spellers or math whiz kids. I’m not home schooling because I think the public school education is lousy. It’s not out of fear my children will be bullied or a gunman will attack the school. Public school (and Christian school too) is simply not the best choice.

Elizabeth Gilbert is why I home school

Okay, that’s an exaggeration. But I think you can see where I’m going with this.

As a Christian parent, I believe it’s my responsibility to protect my young ones. This demon statue is a good example of what kind of nonsense kids are exposed to under the guise of education. (I’m not going to get into whether demons exist; check out the New Testament gospels for stories about evil spirits and how Jesus dealt with them).

In this world, we battle against TV, movies, video games, the Internet, peer groups, magazines and other things to win our children, be the greater influence, to teach them the way to go. Why would I make it more difficult for myself by giving my children over to someone else?

I can think of no better task. Teaching my flesh and blood Truth and Beauty and how to live.

Final thoughts

To be clear – I don’t walk in fear. My kids go places without me, they have fun, they’re not locked away. We do watch SpongeBob and iCarly. Schools are not the devil.

We have public school friends, Christian school friends, friends that don’t believe like we do and friends that are even more radical than we are. We talk to our kids about other world views, we just don’t glorify them, treat them like silly creatures that can’t harm. And we sure as heck don’t make an 8 foot statue of it and give it a name. Good grief.

So, that’s why I home school. Comments and questions always welcome. A Stumble or a Kirtsy much appreciated.

When two worlds collide: Elizabeth Gilbert and why I home school is a post from: Paper Bridges, © 2005-2010 Monica Brand

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Children are children. No one looks down on you because you home school. It’s your choice, and I think that it’s a worthy choice! So stand tall and smile at all the people like me (who are grandma-aged!

Thanks for an interesting comment, Sally.

At 5’9″, I doubt many women are looking down on this home schooling mom. Hee hee. Couldn’t resist that one.

Seriously, though. I know for a fact some think I’m crazy and making the wrong choice for my children. The critics are out there, which is fine. Longtime readers know how I feel about free speech. Of course, I happen to think anyone sending their child to a government-operated public school could do way better as a parent, especially if they are raising their child to think with a radical Christian world view.

Before any one jumps all over me: I know there are valid reasons for a Christian to not home school. Sending your child on the Big Yellow Bus just so you can have the day to yourself is not one of them. Sorry if that sounds judgmental, but it’s my blog. Free speech for Paper Bridges!

As a home schooling mom, I do get a lot of “I could never do that!” from strangers I meet. That is often followed with “I just don’t have the patience.” And I often agree with those two statements. I can’t in my own power. Without the Lord, I would’ve pitched the whole endeavor years ago.

In the next day or two, I’m going to post about why I home school – a topic I’ve yet to address here. Stay tuned, it’s got lots of potential for controversy: a demon in a local elementary school.

Oh, and today is the last day to enter the latest book giveaway, Love as a Way of Life by Gary Chapman. Follow this link to leave a comment and enter. Winner announced tomorrow.

Addressing a reader’s comment on home schooling is a post from: Paper Bridges, © 2005-2010 Monica Brand

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Yesterday, as I packed the things I would need for the Vacation Bible School I was going to today, my eldest, Susan, asked to tag along.

At first, I didn’t think it a good idea.

I didn’t want to be a mom on duty, I just wanted to be an Advocate talking about children living in extreme poverty. I wanted the drive down to be a mental break from the house and all it’s craziness. And I guess part of me thought she would get in the way. She’s ten. It’s way better than a toddler, but still she has her moments of silliness.

But as she tried on a sarong I planned to bring as a prop, I couldn’t help but say yes.

Susan did great modeling the sarong, quick to jump up next to me at her cue, with no fear of standing in front a group of strange kids. She wore the Indonesian sun hat with pride. The best part of all: Susan watched her mommy talk passionately about children that need help, children living in a world she has only seen in a book or on DVD.

I wrote recently how I want to find opportunities for my children to learn about justice and helping others, so to almost miss this kid-friendly chance leaves me disappointed with myself. I need to stop thinking of Susan as a little girl, but as a young lady who can participate in ministry along side me.

My first Compassion International advocate presentation: An unexpected lesson is a post from: Paper Bridges, © 2005-2010 Monica Brand

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What I learned from SpongeBob Squarepants:

Lesson 1. Be determined like Plankton

Plankton is the villain of Bikini Bottom, SpongeBob’s hometown. Plankton is grouchy, he wants his way all the time, yet he does have one redeeming quality – he’s determined. He wants that secret Krabby Patty recipe, yet in every episode, he’s foiled. But does Plankton give up because his plan for restaurant domination is not going his way? No way. That’s what I tell my 9-year-old daughter as she memorizes multiplication facts- be determined like Plankton.

Lesson 2. Starfish have brains, you do too. Use your brain.

I feel sorry for Patrick. He means well, but he’s a bit of a bumbler. Contrary to what the cartoon writers tell you, starfish do have brains. So I tell my kids: God gave you a brain, don’t forget to use it. Don’t act stupid like Patrick. A few days after telling my kids this, I found myself explaining to one of my children why it’s a bad idea to burn leaves and sticks in the backyard with a magnifying glass. That child obviously needs a refresher of Lesson 2.

Lesson 3. Don’t do a Squidward

Complaining, lazy, never-satisfied Squidward is such a downer. He sits behind the register at the restaurant and looks for things to complain about. Does this guy ever smile? Don’t be like Squidward and complain when learning how to load the dishwasher, okay?

Lesson 4: Money will never love Mr. Krabs

Mr. Krabs is obsessed with his money making, he frets about it constantly, never seeming to enjoy the success he already has. I tell my children it’s okay to work hard for your money, but don’t obsess. Money can’t love you back. Be generous with the blessings in your life. Since my gang is still working on the fact that cash can get you more than toys and candy, I don’t dwell on No. 4 too much.

Lesson 5: SpongeBob is my hero

You have to applaud SpongeBob, he works in dire conditions as a fry cook, most likely for minimum wage, and he has to put up with Squidward and Mr. Krabs. But for all the negatives, our hero loves his work. Not only is SpongeBob a dedicated worker, he’s a loyal friend to Patrick. Be a patient friend too. I’ve watched SpongeBob be helpful and kind to those not so nice to him.

There you have it: lessons for living thanks to silly cartoon creatures on Nickelodeon. Be determined, use your brain, work hard, be loyal and a patient friend. Don’t love money or be a complainer.

Today’s post is dedicated to the wild creature known as the Five Year Old Boy. Especially mine with a fondness for singing the SpongeBob theme song full volume as he rides the swing in the backyard. My apologies to the neighbors.

—

Once a month, members of the High Calling Blogs community may participate in a group writing project. This month the theme is “What I learned from animals.” On June 16, the list of all blogs with a post will be listed at Middle Zone Musings.

© 2008 Monica Brand | Paper Bridges

Life lessons from SpongeBob Squarepants is a post from: Paper Bridges, © 2005-2010 Monica Brand

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Back on the road, behind schedule now. 78 East to 287 South to follow signs beyond the turnpike exit. I’m glad to avoid all parkways and tolls. Saturday traffic light.

In the parking lot, I give away a handful of Abeka readers to a mom with a white Subaru wagon. Like me, she’s left her kids home and she carries a tote bag. I love giving away books, especially books another home school mom passed to me. We walk into the convention hall together, chatty like old friends.

11 am. Workshop on teaching children to serve; taught by a mom of nine children. Lots of tips on chores; admonishment for mom to set good example. I’m disappointed. I know all this already, even if I don’t always consistently walk it.

Lunch. I sit at a round table with two women, both on their cells. I suspect they are checking on any children they left home with a daddy. I tuck my phone into my bag. It’s set to “vibrate” mode. When off the phone, we quickly jump into conversation. The gal across from me is from New York and she’s thinking of putting her only son into Christian school next year, but she’s not sure of the academics. The other mom has two. As babies they were colicky, and now she’s finally enjoying being a mom.

“I always wanted four,” New Yorker mom says as if I might ask her if she plans on more. “But this is what I ended up with.”

I know she’s about to ask me how many I have. I wish she wouldn’t. Sure enough, the question.

“Four.” I tick off the ages. She’s pleased for me, I think. I recall how I’ve looked forward to leaving them with Doc all day so I can enjoy the convention alone. I consider calling home, but don’t.

Next workshop: Debra Bell. It’s my first time to hear Debra speak and she’s funny and encouraging and a storyteller. I’m in love. Too soon she’s done and I go into the main hall to finally look at books and curriculum. I’m itching to touch the books. There is another workshop I’m mildly interested in, but I need a mental recess.

The floor is crowded now with moms, dads, some children, a few strollers. Lots of pull-along carts filled with purchases. A few moms use those carry-on size suitcases with wheels. I don’t like the look of those – it must be a pain to keep zipping and unzipping to add anything. The Rainbow Resource booth is jammed. Every year it’s jammed. I keep to the perimeter, deciding to come back later. I see a mom from the local support group, but don’t say hello, because she’s concentrating on the book in front of her, frowning. A brow furrow of consideration.

Money is tight, Doc told me before I left that morning. I don’t need anything, so it’s fine with me. Last year, I would have insisted on using the credit card.

2:45. I go to the next session with Debra Bell. Before the lecture starts, I meet a mom living in Califon, not too far from me, new to Jersey. A California transplant. I’m relieved when she says she really likes living here.

“We like the different seasons. We don’t have that in California.”

“Wait until the real hot weather comes.” All us veteran NJ moms agree.

“Monday was humid,” she says.

I smile knowingly. August in NJ is coming soon enough.

“Yes, Monday was humid.”

Debra Bell takes the podium, but has trouble with the Power Point. I take my bag of chocolate covered raisins out of my bag, eating slowly like I’m at the movies. The air conditioning is on and I wish I had my denim jacket that I left in the van. I fantasize of having Debra Bell all to myself over coffee. Her home school journey is done, all her kids grown. I’m going on Year 4.

Finally the computer behaves. I eat the entire bag of raisins.

6 pm. Before I leave, I make another pass through the hall, grabbing a few more catalogs. Some of the vendors are packing up. Most have a long drive ahead of them. I stuff the catalogs into my shoulder bag. Later at home, I’ll pour over them looking at all the new titles and wish I had a few thousand dollars to spare for Timberdoodle. When I’m done, the favorites go into a wood box next to my bed. At night on occasion, I’ll flip an odd catalog or two like it’s a fashion magazine.

Convention is a post from: Paper Bridges, © 2005-2010 Monica Brand

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Snicker.

No, really. J.Jill offers big discounts at the end of the season if you can hang on long enough and you’re okay with waiting. I’m okay with waiting. Makes shopping even more enjoyable when you find that blouse or skirt cheap. I don’t know when I’m going to my first writers conference, but I do know where I’ll be buying my mix and match dressy casual. (Sorry if this sounds like a commercial. Nobody paid me to write this, I promise.)

Another reason to be excited for the new shop?

I can’t wait to bring my kids. They’re going to love it even more than I do. Bringing my tribe to a women’s clothing store is an excellent lesson in patience and self-control for them, don’t you think? Except Lucy. She’s already said she wants try on the clothes with me. At 3 years, she has a mature wisdom when it comes to What a Girl Wants. Smart girl.

Oh, happy day! is a post from: Paper Bridges, © 2005-2010 Monica Brand

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This is what I’m looking at: tonight is home school Arts and Achievement, where Susan will sing the “50 States that Rhyme” (Her stand-by song for most public performances. It’s a good thing everyone likes it). Tomorrow I have a bridal shower for a young lady who used to sit my kids. It’s a good thing she’s marrying young, or I’d feel old.

Next weekend we camp for the first time this season. I’m not ready. I love camping – once I get there. The planning, packing and whatnots is so much work. And our pop-up hasn’t been opened since last summer when got home from Creationfest. Oy. Hope the mice didn’t enjoy themselves too much.

Then for the last weekend of May, I (sans kiddos; yeah, baby) get to attend the highlight of my home schooling year – the ENOCH convention. It’s such a kick in the pants to hobnob with all the other home schooling moms, dads. We have it all here in New Jersey, even within the Christian home schooling community. If you are into the sport of People Watching, I highly recommend your local home school convention. And then there are the workshops! Such wisdom and encouragement! Plus all the books to touch, smell, taste! No, I don’t put the books in my mouth (Only if I’m buying. Ha. Just a bit of book-buying humor).

AND in the midst of all that, I’m suppost to be writing my first Child Advocate presentation. I keep meaning to post about it, sorry I haven’t. Long story short; I volunteered with Compassion International as a Child Advocate to give short presentations in local churches.

It’s not that big of a deal, I mean, I’m a writer, this is cake for me. Tough part: the two-hour conference call I need to chime in on either May 19 or May 25. Well, the 25th is out, we don’t get home until Monday. I can’t see me delievering my presentation next to the campfire while on my cell. I’d do May 19, except it’s 2 p.m. What to do with kids? I could try to stick them all in front of the TV, but that’s no guarantee they will give me peace. That’s a big chunk of time, two hours on the phone. So it looks like June is the only date I can do.

Maybe I can beg off camping, claim prior commitment. Think Doc will go for it? Oh, and as for the Doc-hubs, he’s sick with this bizarre infection in his elbow. Who gets an infection in their elbow?? Anyway, you should see it, all fire engine red and puffy. The (real) doctor said if it doesn’t get better by tomorrow, (fake doc) husband must be admitted to hospital for IV medication.

Hmm. Maybe I won’t be camping next weekend after all.

So. How you doin’?

Everything at once is a post from: Paper Bridges, © 2005-2010 Monica Brand

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The best part about the day – I made a new friend.

She’s new to home schooling and our group this year. While our kids played in the water, we talked like old friends that hadn’t seen each other in years.

You know how sometimes you meet certain people and you just click right away, without any effort? This was one of those times. I feel like I’m finally making that friendship connection that I’ve wanted for so long.

I have a birthday next week. The older I get, the more I treasure close relationships. They’re precious like gold nuggets plucked from among mud and stone.

The Lord knew what I needed. He heard the cry of my heart and he has given me this blessing, the gift of a friend.

Gift is a post from: Paper Bridges, © 2005-2010 Monica Brand

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My first post on the New Jersey Moms blog is up today. It’s about the constant togetherness of home schooling. Go check it out and leave me a comment here or at the NJ blog.

New Jersey moms blog is a post from: Paper Bridges, © 2005-2010 Monica Brand

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I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, poetry memorization is a lost discipline we should bring back into the classroom and home school. Plus, it makes a great party trick. Anyone remember how a Jabberwocky helped me out?

I call my Susan, 9, the human sponge. She memorizes easily. A Slash of Blue by Emily Dickinson is her current poem for memorization. She already knows:

• The Bells by Edgar Allan Poe
• A Time to Talk by Robert Frost
• I Wondered Lonely As a Cloud by William Wordsworth
• The Land of Nod by Robert Louis Stevenson
• A Tragic Story by William Makepeace Thackeray
• plus a handful of poems about childhood

Do you have a favorite poem? If you do, then try memorizing it.

National poetry month is a post from: Paper Bridges, © 2005-2010 Monica Brand

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It’s not that they’re not friendly, it’s just been slow going. I suspect it’s because they are all busy home schooling their kids and they have no time for the likes of me. This was also a rare occasion of us getting together without kids. I find it difficult to have meaningful conversation when my children are around. Too distracting.

I love talking to the moms who are nearing the finish line with their home schooling journey. One mom, her face just lit up when I asked her what it was like to be in the home stretch, to be almost done. She said she was retiring.

And educating your kids really is like a full-time job, so it makes sense to look at it that way. She’s got five years to go. I figure I’ve got at least 13, Lord willing.

If you home school your children, how long to do plan to do so?

Mom’s night out is a post from: Paper Bridges, © 2005-2010 Monica Brand

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Shudder.

My gang has never, ever set foot in a public school. We are “from the cradle” home schoolers. The closest Susan came to attending with the masses was when our Awana club met at an elementary school for a few months due to church repairs. Today we were on a mission of mercy. A friend – without wheels – needed someone to pick up her girl from school, just a minor emergency. Since we are just down the road, the task fell to us.

So, we marched into the front office, where all the women can gawk at us. I said something about not being able to leave the kids home alone. I played it cool, sending up a prayer the kids will behave, wondering if I’m going to be asked The Question, and will I have to defend home schooling to these teacher’s union members.

And what of my children? Long-time readers of this blog know how they can be. My wonderful, obedient children that make me weep with frustration because of their ill manners and monkey shines in public.

They behaved. Yeah, baby. It was a good day to home school.

So I got my visitor badge (no. 18) to walk two doors down the hall to the nurse’s office. We watched a bunch of kids herded down the hall for recess, a bunch more coming in from recess. The sound of drum beats came from a music room. We peeked into the mysterious faculty lounge. Very educational. And not one of my four asked to stay.

Like I said: it was a good day to home school.

Field trip to the place-that-shall-not-be-named is a post from: Paper Bridges, © 2005-2010 Monica Brand

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