Mommy Break

From Spring 09

Luke and Owen are off visiting their Grandma for the week. That picture up there is of their napkin rings; Ben put them up on the windowsill, so that they could keep a lookout for when their owners come home. Think maybe he is missing the kids, just a little? I know I am... while I appreciate the quiet, and the chance to think entire thoughts without interruption, I definitely miss the boys.

That said, I've had more time to peruse the blogosphere, during daylight hours at least, than I ever have before! It is fun, and I thought I would share some of what I've been reading.

First, Lenore Skenazy, author of Free-Range Kids and the great blog that goes with it, has this great post up about kids, books, and the lead law. Try not to shake your fist too hard at the stupidity of this law while you read...

Then, by way of Principled Discovery, one of my new favorite blogs, comes this: an arrogant, I'm guessing fairly young, teacher opening up a can o' whup-ass on homeschoolers! Even I, with all my copious current spare time, could not read all 625 comments, in which he is lambasted thoroughly by probably more homeschoolers than he even thought knew how to read, or access the internet.

I did, however, read this Dude's next post, Homeschoolers: Do They Care Too Much?, along with most of the 142 comments - I even threw in a few myself, because it was either that or my head might explode from the sheer arrogance and ignorance of this blogger. I must caution you: if you read these, make sure that you've already been to the bathroom or you might just have an accident from laughing too hard! We homeschoolers can be pretty darned funny while we're putting pompous ignoramouses in their place.

And now, on to more positive posts! This week's Carnival of Homeschooling is up at Why Homeschool, with lots of great posts to read. Some of my favorites: if you enjoyed The Princess Bride, you'll love Home Spun Juggling's take on the Fire Swamp (note: scroll down, for some reason the post itself isn't hypertexting). Also, Homeschool Bytes has a review of a fun, free math game that my guys love in Timez Attack!. Finally, some food for thought - my friend Susan writes about rethinking higher education here.

Over at Topsy-Techie, volunteering is happening this summer; read about it in this funny, inspiring post. And finally, Susan of In The Kitchen is waxing philosophical about Thomas Jefferson's desk. I'm still trying to figure out how she's even finding time to post as they continue on their away-from-the-kitchen adventure!

So, get yourself a frosty beverage - or, a cup of tea - and settle in to enjoy these. I'm off to read some more, or maybe I'll go talk to the chickens for a while... when are the kids coming home again?