Just a taste. This is sepia.

Today we froze at the pool. It was a blue lip affair. The kids were either water dogs or squealers. Morgan’s nasty cut on her finger would have dripped all over the place, but she was shivering so badly, the blood ended up shaken all over me. But we got the finger bandaged and got the blood staunched, and off we went to the next adventure.

Austin passed his swim test, Briana passed hers, and now the countdown continues. We have Jack, Dhezmond, Dawson, Adyson, Abby, Caleb, Justin, Daymon and Taylor to push out of the ramp area. It’s so nice to have the swimmers come and go and use the pool like big kids. The guards are all excited about our kids and give them a lot of love and affection because our kids are so well behaved.

Today, however, we had a lot of running. I hope parents are not encouraging running indoors. On Monday when the children come to school, they run constantly indoors.

Today would have been a perfect day to go to Lincoln and swim on Friday and Wednesday, but Sandy is out of town and Joan, her sub, was not planning such a trip. So we stayed at the pool and froze.

Tomorrow we will be building Lincoln’s home cabin with sticks, so if you have any sticks and you are reading this, bring a few in. We can cut them at school.

Just want you to know that parents are always welcome at the GS. We like having you around. Lunch is on us!

Mothers of boys – please remind your sons that dressing “completely” is important. We are beginning to stock up on underwear. I think every time we go to the pool there are 2-3 pair left unclaimed. Same with socks. Interesting how the girls seem to claim everything. We NEVER have girl underwear go unclaimed.

When the weather is more conducive to really swimming, we’re going to have a swim race. That should be a great event.

Beve P said the pictures are really good. She is doing mostly sepia or Black and White. If anyone wants something different, now’s the time to speak up.

It’s always fun to see what others are doing. It’s also nice to know USAID is there to help.

Jordan Times

AMMAN

The expansion of the Education Reform for Knowledge Economy (ERfKE) Support Project in Aqaba and the Southern Governorates — known as “Shorouk” — was launched on Monday.

US Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission Director Anne Aarnes, Minister of Education Khalid Touqan and ASEZA Chief Commissioner Nader Dahabi attended the launch, according to a US embassy statement.

As a lead donor in Jordan’s education reform effort, the United States through USAID will aid improvements in primary and secondary education, school construction and expansion of kindergarten facilities, the statement said. During the ceremony, USAID Deputy Mission Director Mike Harvey signed a memorandum of understanding with Touqan, under which USAID will allocate $6 million to fund the implementation of the ERfKE Support Project expansion.

In her address at the ceremony, Aarnes said the project seeks to “improve the access, quality and relevance of education for children and youth. This will include renovating and equipping 37 public kindergartens, establishing around 63 technology labs in secondary schools, training for using information technology in education, and promoting community involvement in education.”

She noted that the project will also prepare the schools in Aqaba, Maan and Tafileh for the roll-out of the Ministry of Education’s electronic curricula. In addition, it will further enhance the management of information stream for grades 11 and 12, which is designed to equip youth with the skills and knowledge that correspond with the market needs, according to the statement.

Since 2003, USAID has committed $40 million to support the country’s ERfKE Programme in two main areas: Early childhood education and youth, technology and careers.

In addition, USAID recently embarked on a $50 million project to construct 28 new schools and rehabilitate 100 public schools. Over the past two years, USAID has worked closely with the Ministry of Education to establish kindergartens in remote and less privileged areas in the country.

This is really a nice article from Wales, and it’s so true. I think there are a lot of men out there who really want to be good fathers, but there are a lot of obstacles that have been set up by the modern world, and the old model is corrupting now and letting people live real lives.

Terry and I saw Casablanca last night. We talked about the lives of the actors and actresses in it to some extent, and laughed at the idea that Humphrey Bogart would have been considered handsome. We talked about what their lives were like as far as we knew, and family life and the importance of children seemed about as distant and unimportant as any afterthought. I was glad to see the article that follows seems to think things are really changing.

Recently, my son in law took a week’s vacation to be home with his new born son. When it was time for him to go back to work, he plainly didn’t want to go. It’s now easy to relate to that. Years ago, I think Rob would have been made fun of.

Last night I remembered being a child back in the 50s and kind of aware of the “fast lane” which my own parents worshiped. Life in the fast lane was the treasured experience, and it meant no children allowed. We lived in California and my parents had the kind of money that allowed them to travel in the fast lane sometimes. Sterling Hayden’s family lived down the street from us, and we kind of grew up with his children who suffered the fast lane blues as well. The whole idea back then was wild life first and family second. I don’t remember that my parents were ever home. They would take off nearly every afternoon about 4:30 and not return home till morning. Or they would take off on vacation leaving us home alone. Consequently, neither my mother nor my father had any concept of being a parent. I think a lot of the model for fatherhood came out of the desire to travel in some kind of fast lane life that put what children there were in a kind of limbo. The idea for the child was to grow up fast and depend on his own wits to survive and enter the fast lane and continue to provide new dimensions to the parents’ life.

When I opted out of the fast lane for the slow lane, I was shunned. I was laughed at and became persona non grata. I discovered what it meant to be a parent the moment my son was put into my arms and I never regretted it one second. I look back at that wanna be movie life, bar hopping, musical beds and shudder. They were the guides to a happy life back there for some and a dream life for others, and now I think the pendulum is shifting and people are REALLY living.

Today I see lots of men chivalrously go off to battle – work – so the mother’s of their children don’t have to. And some wives do the same for their husbands. I see parents whose lives are focused on their “family” and that includes the kids as a center focus, and it’s beautiful.

Men desperately want what women have traditionally had – the love of family, the need of family, the slow lane of tiny steps, laughter and affection from the most wonderful beings – children. A good father is a magnificent person.

ICWales.co.uk

Call for Fathers’ Support Groups to Be Set Up
Jun 5 2006
Madeleine Brindley, Western Mail

FATHERHOOD has been made cool by a new generation of celeb dads – but in reality men don’t receive enough parenting support to help them bring up their children, research claims today.

Despite the likes of David Beckham and Jude Law helping to show that a father’s role has changed dramatically, Barnardo’s Cymru said ordinary dads are not getting the support they want.

Figures show fathers are responsible for a third of parental child care as they take a greater hands-on role with their children.

Dads in the media are increasingly seen caring for their children and speaking about what it means to be a father.

But the children’s charity report Our Fathers reveals that many dads still feel the parenting support available is aimed at mothers and their needs are overlooked.

It found that men who had separated from the mother of their children felt most isolated and alone, and others have spoken of their frustration that being forced to work away from the family home meant they had less time to spend with their children.

Shon Devey, Barnardo’s Cymru children’s service manager, said, “The traditional role of the father has changed dramatically over the years. High profile dads such as David Beckham have influenced the public image of fathers, making it cool to be, and to be seen with their children.

“We wanted to find out what being a good dad means and whether their needs were currently being met.

“We could only do this by listening to their experiences, and it is obvious from the findings that we need to create better support networks.

“Needs of fathers are different from mothers. Most don’t feel comfortable sharing their problems or experiences with strangers; many are worried about confidentiality and others don’t like asking for help.

“About a third of active childcare is carried out by fathers and there is consistent evidence that the quality and content of fathers’ involvement has an impact on children’s outcomes so it’s very important we establish support programmes which meet fathers’ specific needs.”

The Our Fathers report, which will be launched in Blaenau Ffestiniog today, was carried out by Gwilym Euros Roberts from iGER Associates, to determine what fatherhood meant to dads living in the North Wales community.

The charity is now calling for a fathers’ support partnership to be set up in the Blaenau Ffestiniog area which would see organisations and individuals working to improve the quality of services for fathers and their children.

One of the fathers interviewed for the report, who now uses the charity’s Ymbarel Incredible Years parenting service, said, “I found it very difficult to cope with the children for years and there was no help available. Then someone told me about this programme.

“Having this kind of support much sooner would have made me a better father and I would also have been able to cope better.”

Jack O’Sullivan, co-founder of Fathers Direct, the national information centre on fatherhood, said, “We know children thrive when they see plenty of their fathers – when the couple are together or if they have separated – so it is really important we try to support these relationships.

“We have been through a period of rapid social change and the latest figures suggest fathers are now doing a third of parental childcare for the under fives, in a typical family.

“A lot of child centres and family services now realise they need to change and they want to help dads but they are not too sure how to do it because they are so used to looking after mums.

“I don’t think this is deliberate discrimination – these institutions are just slow to catch up with very rapid change.”

There’s a spring in my step every morning

Speaking about his responsibilities as a father, after he missed a Manchester United training session, David Beckham said, “I put my duty as a father and the health of my son ahead of my football. I think I would always do that. Any parent would, in the same circumstances.

“Being involved is being involved whether you work at a job or work at being a father – men who are closely involved in being fathers are more, not less, likely to be successful at work – men who care, care about their work as well as their children – it’s not an either-or situation.”

Actor Michael Douglas, who has two children – Dylan and Carys – with wife Catherine Zeta Jones, said, “I probably care a whole lot less about (acting) roles now because I’m happily married.

“And I’ve got my own lovely children, as opposed to somebody maybe of my age who was alone and their career was the only thing in front of them.

“My priorities have clearly changed because family comes first, which I could never say earlier in my career.”

Actor David Jason, speaking after the birth of his first child Sophie Mae with partner Gill Hinchcliffe, in 2001, said, “It is getting more and more difficult to pull myself away after the weekend and to stay away for a few nights. “But the only answer is to say no to work and not do any more. I would be happy to be paid to stay at home.”

Actor Russell Crowe, speaking in 2003, before the birth of his son Charles Spencer, said, “Priorities shift with age and maturity as well, not just because you get married and not just because of impending fatherhood. People keep asking me what kind of father am I going to be. I don’t know who my boy is yet, but hopefully I’ll be the father he needs.”

Chancellor Gordon Brown, said of his son George, who was born in 2003, “There are sleepless nights but there is a spring in my step every morning.”

Post-Pregnancy Nutrition Overview,
An article from BabyFit

The day is finally here! After fussing over what you eat, censoring menus, and doing without some of your favorites for nine months (or more), you’re finally free!! Now you can eat whatever and whenever you please…right? As you have probably already guessed, unfortunately, the answer to that question is “No.”

Even if you’re not breastfeeding, you’ll still be “eating for two” in many ways. Nursing moms need to monitor their menus and watch for changes in their baby’s behavior. And both nursing and formula-feeding moms are going to need plenty of energy, strength, stamina, alertness, endurance, and drive over the coming months. That means loading up on nutrients and eating a well-balanced diet.

Not the Time to Diet

Immediately post-pregnancy is not the time to be cutting calories. You will have plenty of time later on to lose the pregnancy weight. But right now, your first priority is to give your baby what she needs. Restricting calories will only deprive her – and yourself – of much-needed nourishment. And these nourishment needs can be very specific. In fact, here you can find a list of these new nutrient needs.

As you enter the postpartum phase, one of the first things you should do is make changes to your nutrition program to reflect your body’s changing nutritional needs. Most importantly, pay attention to your calories. While pregnant, BabyFit set your daily caloric needs about 300 calories higher than your normal (non-pregnant) weight maintenance level. If you’re breastfeeding, you’ll want to bump that up by another 100 calories for the first couple of months (for a total of 400 above normal). If you’re formula-feeding, you can simply subtract that extra 300 calories. More details about these changes can be found in Making the Nutritional Transition.

Healthy Weight Loss

That’s not to say that you can’t or won’t lose weight during this time. If you happen to lose weight as the result of a balanced diet and moderate activity (as your doctor allows), that’s great! It just shouldn’t be the focus of your dietary and exercise decisions. If you’re breastfeeding and want to lose weight (after nursing has been established and is going well) do so gradually (about 1/2 -1 pound weekly). Eat a nutritious diet, exercise daily and cut back on foods high in fat and sugar (such as potato chips, cookies, candy, soft drinks, and fried foods). Do not try diet pills, liquid diets, or other weight loss products. Not only do they not work, but they can also be harmful to you and your baby. If bottle-feeding, continue to follow the USDA Food Guide Pyramid.

After six to eight weeks, talk to your doctor; if your body has recovered and your energy levels are sustained, it may be okay to start losing weight. The Link between Nutrition and Breastfeeding Your diet not only determines which nutrients your small one gets, but your food choices can also affect your entire breastfeeding experience. For example, your diet actually impacts the amount, taste, and quality of milk you produce. Here are some general tips for using your diet to support your breastfeeding efforts:

Choose liquids like water, juice, and milk whenever you feel thirsty. Drink at least six to eight cups of water a day. This will help with milk production and also prevent dehydration, constipation, and clogged milk ducts. Drinking a cup of water each time you nurse will ensure that you are getting plenty of fluid each day.

Limit caffeinated beverages (coffee, tea, and soda) to less than 2 cups daily. Caffeine can pass through your breast milk, causing your baby to be irritable, fussy, and jittery.

Occasionally, foods you eat may upset the baby. Be aware of your baby’s reaction when you eat spicy foods, gas-producing vegetables (onions, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, broccoli), garlic, and beans. If your baby seems to be sensitive to a food item, discuss it with your pediatrician. Do not “diagnose” irritations or allergies on your own. If you suspect foods you eat irritate your baby, keep track of your menus and discuss your suspicions with your child’s pediatrician.

Avoid cigarettes and secondhand cigarette smoke. Smoking interferes with your milk flow, exposes you baby to harmful smoke, and is dangerous to your health.

It is best to avoid alcohol. If you do have an occasional drink, drink it right after nursing and try not to nurse again for at least two hours.

Take a vitamin-mineral supplement that is specially formulated for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.

Nutrients Critical to Breastfeeding

Zinc supports a healthy immune system. It promotes cell reproduction, wound healing, tissue growth and repair, and is essential for adequate growth and development. Zinc is involved in appetite regulation and taste and it assists in the utilization of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

Best Sources: meat, oysters, poultry, legumes, eggs, fish, seafood
Good Sources: wheat germ, whole grain products, black-eyed peas, miso (fermented soybean paste)
Amount Needed: 25 milligrams

Calcium strengthens bones, builds density, and is vital to the formation of teeth. Small amounts of calcium circulate in the bloodstream and help with muscle and heart contractions, nerve functions, and blood clotting. Calcium will be leeched from a nursing mother’s bones if she does not consume adequate calcium to meet the needs of milk production and growth of the baby’s skeleton.

Best Sources: milk and milk products such as cheese and yogurt
Good Sources: green leafy vegetables, canned sardines or salmon with bones, calcium-fortified juices
Amount Needed: 1,200 milligrams

Iron is an essential part of hemoglobin, which transports oxygen to the cells and utilizes the oxygen when it arrives. Iron is widely distributed throughout the body. It is found in the blood, liver, spleen, and bone marrow. An iron deficiency can lead to anemia, along with fatigue, weakness, and an increased risk for infections. During pregnancy, the fetus stores enough iron to last 4-6 months after birth.

Best Sources: liver and other organ meats, oysters, and black strap molasses
Good Sources: spinach, beans, peas
Amount Needed: 70 milligrams (aim to get 15-20 mg. from your diet and supplement the additional amount)

Irritants & Allergies

New moms commonly wonder if their breast milk can irritate or cause allergies in their newborns. If you think your baby might be suffering from food irritation or allergies, please consult with your child’s pediatrician or specialist rather than trying to diagnose the problem and solution yourself.

To help with this discussion, some pediatricians suggest keeping a food journal. Include specific details of not only of what you eat, but also the time you ate the foods, the time you fed your baby, how much he ate, and how he reacted in the hours following the feeding. Note any fussiness or possible reactions and discuss these with your doctor.

Progressive Nutrition for Your Child

After about 4-6 months, your can probably introduce your child to something besides breast milk or formula. But even then, there is no need to rush. Your baby needs to be physically and developmentally ready for solid foods. When introduced too early, solid foods can be hard to digest. Here are some signs that your baby might be ready for food:

Your baby can sit with little support.
Your baby can move food from the front to the back of the mouth.
Your baby shows interest in the foods you are eating.
Your baby’s weight has doubled since birth.

For more information about introducing solid foods, check out BabyFit’s article series “Starting Solids: Step by Step”. Learn when your baby should start and get more tips & guidelines.

Babyfit Article: A great way to get back in shape.

How to Choose a Jogging StrollerFeatures Worth Paying For
By Liza Barnes Rothfuss, Health Educator

So you’ve been cleared for exercise after the birth of your baby and you’re anxious to get outside and get moving! But who’s going to watch your little one? If running or walking is your thing, you can take baby along in a jogging stroller. You get the exercise you crave, and baby gets a scenic tour of the neighborhood, with some fresh air to boot.

Jogging strollers have become more popular in recent years, motivating manufacturers to create even more models. This gives the consumer a great variety to choose from, but actually choosing which stroller to purchase can be a daunting task. Here are some features to consider when choosing a jogging stroller:

Wheel Size
In the world of wheels, size matters. A true jogging stroller has three large wheels: one in front and two in the back. The larger wheels mean a smoother ride because there is less rolling resistance. Wheels come in 12”, 16”, and 20”+ sizes. To decide which size is best for you, think about how you will use the stroller.

· 12″ Wheels are best for walking on smooth surfaces, like sidewalks, bike paths, and indoors.
· 16″ Wheels are great for frequent outdoor walking or jogging on fairly smooth surfaces, with light off-road use (like cutting across a grassy field).
· 20″+ Wheels are made for frequent long-distance running and off-road use.

Alloy or Steel
Look for alloy wheels and hubs, rather than steel. Steel is cheaper but is heavier and has a tendency to rust. If you have to get steel and live in a “salty” place (winter road salt, ocean salt), rinse the wheels and hubs after strolling to prevent rust.

Front Wheel: To Swivel or Not To Swivel?

Most jogging strollers have a fixed front wheel, one that doesn’t turn. This is ideal for jogging, because this feature provides the stability and straight tracking that you need. But if you’re using the stroller at the mall for example, a fixed wheel may become a nuisance when you have to tilt the stroller back onto its rear wheels to make a turn.

Manufacturers have created a “hybrid” jogging stroller with a swiveling front wheel, which boasts superior maneuverability for those indoor situations. However, a hybrid isn’t the best choice for everyone. The swiveling front wheel is usually 12” or smaller, and although the wheel can be locked in position, the small size decreases the stroller’s handling abilities—especially outdoors on rough terrain. So if you plan on doing a lot of running (or off-roading), you might consider buying a true fixed-wheel jogging stroller and a traditional stroller for trips to the mall. But if you just jog occasionally, a hybrid makes sense. Think about how you will use the stroller when making this decision.

Five-point harness
For your baby’s safety, a five-point harness comes standard with most models. They are especially important when traveling at fast speeds—when you’re running like the wind!

Canopy
An unhappy passenger can bring your run to a halt, so make sure baby is comfortable underneath a large, adjustable canopy to shade her from the elements.

Seat construction
Look for a padded seat that reclines. Reclining seats are great for
running during naptime, and for young babies who have less head control. A neck roll is sometimes included, or can be purchased separately.

Suspension
Depending on what type of terrain you anticipate encountering on your runs, you might consider a stroller with shocks. If you intend to take the baby speed walking through the mall, then don’t waste your money on this feature.

Arm Leash / Wrist Tether
This feature comes standard on a good jogging stroller. Basically it’s like a dog leash attached to the back rear of the stroller, with the loop end worn around your wrist. It is necessary because these strollers are built for speed, and if you lose your footing you may have a runaway baby carriage.

One-Step Folding
Make sure it doesn’t take two people to fold up the stroller. Have the salesperson demonstrate, and then try to do it by yourself a few times. Wrestling with the stroller in a hot parking lot probably isn’t the kind of exercise you’re looking for.

Size
Does the folded up stroller fit in your trunk? Some strollers are a little cumbersome, and some are downright huge, so if you’ve got a small car, look for one that can travel with you.

Frame construction
Jogging strollers with a welded aluminum frame, although more expensive, are lighter and much more sturdy than their competitors, which are made with metal tubes connected with plastic joints.

Adjustable Handlebars
If you’re extra tall, this might be worth considering. If you buy your stroller from a store, take it for a test drive before purchasing to make sure it’s the right height for you. If you go with large wheels, the stroller will sit higher too. To determine your optimal handle height, stand up straight with your shoulders back, arms to your sides. Bend your elbows so that your forearms are parallel to the floor. The distance between your hands and the floor is your optimal handle height.

Weight Limit
If you plan on jogging with child in tow for a while, consider the total cargo-plus-passenger weight limit. The higher-priced strollers usually have stronger welded aluminum frames and can support more weight. Remember that kids don’t travel light, especially when you factor in the diaper bag, snacks, drinks and toys.

Cost
Although not really a feature, jogging stroller prices can range from $75 to over $400, so cost may factor into your decision as much as many of the features above. Quality strollers are easier to use, last longer, and retain their resale value. You really do get what you pay for.
running during naptime, and for young babies who have less head control. A neck roll is sometimes included, or can be purchased separately.

Today’s Babyfit:

Q: If you are already overweight is it possible to lose weight while you are pregnant by healthy eating and moderate exercise?

A: During pregnancy it is important to “baby your baby and your body” with nourishing foods. If you are overweight, this is NOT the time to try to lose weight. Healthy weight gain is mandatory during your pregnancy, and prepares you for the strenuous demands of motherhood. It is also one of the indicators that your child is growing properly and getting the nutrition it needs. There are also a variety of reasons why moderate exercise is beneficial but one of the key reasons is to assist in accomplishing a healthy weight gain.

It is recommended that women that are overweight (BMI 26.0 – 29.0) pre-pregnancy aim for a total weight gain during pregnancy of 15-25 Pounds. [Obese pre=pregnancy (BMI over 29.0) a pregnancy weight gain of 15 Pounds.] So even though dieting during pregnancy is not a wise idea, that does not mean you should not watch your caloric intake and the foods you select. YOU SHOULD! It is important for your baby to get proper nutrition from the foods you eat and to prevent excessive weight gain, so choose wisely.

Becky HandLicenced Nutritionist and Registered Dietitian

It was fabulous fun yesterday when Beve arrived to take pictures. She set up my classroom and stretched out a long white sheet and everyone had to take off their shoes and socks. The kids all wanted the same thing: the girls wanted Faith’s yellow dress and boa and they all wanted the big brimmed white hat with the big red flower. So pictures were easier than we thought. They all borrowed the dress and Faith was so sweet to lend it.

This shoot was for them, and we wanted them to dress up but we wanted them to participate and choose what they wanted to wear, and they did. Lots of kid chose a plain picture – no costume. Some kids, like Mateo, wanted real character shots, so he’s Dracula complete with top hat, cape and teeth. It’s hilarious.

Participation is important to children, and these kinds of choices healthy and fun. They are not choices made from spoiled, but from planning. We told them in advance what we were doing, we showed them the props and we let them try on the hats in front of a mirror.

Lots of the kids stayed around the shoot scene to watch the photography and fell in love with it. We’re going to let some of the kids take pictures today when we go to the zoo. We discussed photography as a job, and we mentioned that Taylor’s dad is a photographer. This is where careers are built. The preschool years are where lots of people begin to be interested in something that lasts a lifetime.

We are getting serious about those puzzles, and the big children are helping the little children build the frame and work on obvious color schemes.

We watched Shirley Temple yesterday, and I thought the kids would take one look and run for their lives, but they watched two shorts and enjoyed the hour. They asked a lot of questions and laughed at the silliness. It was interesting to observe them.

I can’t tell you how well behaved the kids have been this summer. It’s been a great week.

I’m putting together a series of short books on childcare for a publisher up in MA. What topics would you pick up if you saw 10 to choose from?

WOW! Swimmers were outstanding today. Alan, Gage, Aidan, Faith, Hadley, Peyton, passed their swimming tests and all but Gage went off the board. It was a very exciting day. Because so many of us are swimmers now, I told the kids I would take them back to the pool after lunch. That means an extra hour of swimming but only for the kids who can swim. The others will remain at Fortress of Fun which is right next to the pool.

This will encourage the almost swimmers to really swim, and that means independence. What a beautiful moment when a child walks out to the end of that diving board and first looks down into the water and you can read what he’s thinking on his terrified face. With enough encouragement, he jumps! Then he comes up for air, and the smile on his face is an outstanding achievement.

The kids are really enjoying lunch and are eating more this year than ever before. Cookies are a big seller. It was Miss Hazel’s birthday today and we had more wonderful cookies and sang Happy Birthday on two occasions. Hazel is Faith’s great aunt, and also a superbly perfect person.

Meanwhile back at the farm, the kids are continuing to work on their cartoon character. Drawing and creating is a really important part of early childhood.

Tomorrow is picture day. It should be a lot of fun. We will suspend regular classes to play with the camera.

There is headway on the puzzles, and alls well.

It’s been busy already in the little town of the Garden School. Lots to do, lots more to do. Speaking of doing, one of our older children challenged me yesterday about TV. He was stunned that I failed to see the joy of TV. He said, “But Miss Judy, it’s something to do.” I replied that the functional word there was “do” and the problem is that one is not “doing” in front of TV; one is failing to do.” He laughed because he has a good brain and was trying to find an argument and he met with a whole new way of looking at TV. It was fun and we realized that deeper thought was actually used.

The kids have been absolutely fabulous. Not a green face in the lot. We’ve had a bit of temper, but it has ended with laughter and friendship. Lots of boys – lots of hitting – lots of truces.

They have literally eaten us out of house and school. I have never made so much food at a sitting and had them eat it all. My grocery bill has climbed nearly $100.00 a week. I’m counting on the impending heat to quell the nine sandwich appetites. But when you go, go, go, it’s hard not to be hungry. The tuna this year has been a big hit.

Today is pool day. We had a good time on Monday at the pool. Two boys passed their swim tests: Jack H and Ty. No one else was interested. A couple of children couldn’t do it, but it’s just a matter of time.

Yesterday we did an in-school class day. I moved Justin and Abby up to First with Miss Kelly, and am going to send Faith next. Morgan came into my class yesterday and did quite well. She has just begun to use K paper for her name and she did a spectacular job. She had no problem with the advanced bingo and tackled her first math page yesterday and she claimed the finger count formula with grace and independence and went right to work. I’m so proud of her.

The 750 word puzzles arrived and Brandon and Mateo and Danielle struggled to find the edge pieces on the Asian puzzle. On Thursday I will give one to Justin and Taylor to see what they can do with the Australian one. This is of course an activity for spare time.

Our school day is more open than a fall or winter day. We sprinkle our class time with play and recess time and of course food. The Round Table Forum read for over an hour and munched on chips, and the classes read and did their work and munched on prizes. We had other treats and other games during the day like color bingo. Every child gets an 11X14 sheet with odd shapes with numbers from 1-100. First he has to listen to the number and color called then he has to color the number he finds and keep count of how many numbers I’ve called. Hadley and Peyton chose to be partners and won.

Danielle is responsible for baking a cake every day. If she doesn’t bake, the kids have crackers, apples and cheese for snack. You should see the faces when there is no cake. It’s hilarious.

Next addition? Probably philately if I can find the stamps. My three year olds know more geography than the third graders who have come to help out this summer. They also know the pledge better, the Star Spangled Banner better and can pray. What are they teaching these days? I thought knowledge of the world was important.