Book Review: The Eagle Tree by Ned Hayes

I am a proud Amazon Prime member.  And what, you ask, does that have to do with a book review?  As an Amazon Prime member, I get first and free reads of The Kindle First Pick books!  (Read one of next month's new releases now for FREE as a benefit of your Amazon Prime membership.)!! 

In the month of April, this book, The Eagle Tree by Ned Hayes was on the list.  Honestly, what drew me to it was the cover.  I know, I know, never judge a book by it's cover . . . but I did and I am glad I did.  

                                              

I was not prepared for such a touching and engaging read.  The author must have had some very insightful experiences that enables him to so convincingly offer the first-person perspective of a 14 year old autistic boy.   As we meet and follow Peter March Wong, we seem him processing all that is going on around him as his home life is changing.   While he doesn't seem to quite grasp a lot of the reasons and effects of the transition, we can surmise a lot from what he does tell us.  The one thing that remains of steadfast importance are the trees. And it is from the trees, or should I say the tree-tops, that the plot of the story begins to take shape.  This journey that March is on, regarding the Eagle Tree, leads him on a personal journey to make sense of and interact with the world around him and those in it in a new and different way from how he has interacted in the past.

There are many other characters introduced in this story that surround March and play very important roles.  From his mother & uncle, to fellow students and other tree lovers, these characters are as important to March as the vast varieties of trees are to a forest.  March frequently discusses the roles each tree, regardless of variety, age or, even if it is dead or alive, play in the ecosystem and that is reflected by the importance and variety of the characters that surround March as he grows.

That said, there is a LOT of tree information.  Due to the character trait that March has - focusing obsessively on one topic - trees, I learned about tree growth, decay, death, the importance of trees on the world and much, much more.  I did like that about this book.  While I was following this engaging story, I was also learning something.  I enjoyed the way the author used a common trait of autistic children to convey a vast quantity of fairly specialized information.  

But what I learned most about, and has given me a fresh perspective on those with autism, those who have an autistic child and those who relate (especially those who relate well) to an autistic child, is the difficult beauty of autism.  True to many of the characteristics and traits of those with autism, March's perspective gave me insight into the mind of an autistic child and the conviction that someone with autism sees the world in a way that is different from those without, but that is wonderful on it's own.  

I would highly recommend this book.  It was an enjoyable read, with an insightful and compelling story, from a perspective I had never read from before. And it's coming out in May!  You can reserve your copy today ;)

Rita

Changing How We Do Chores - In 4 Easy Steps!

Last month, I wrote a post here about how we are in the process of changing how we do chores and technology at our home.  This is a follow-up post-most likely one of many-as this is a process that we are working through, not just a quick, easy fix.  A quick, easy fix would be: 1) Hire someone to clean my home, 2) Get rid of all the technology in our home.  Granted, I like quick, easy fixes, but I don't think either of those are realistic for us right now :)  I guess I could start a Go-Fund Me site for my cleaning bill?


Step One:

Since this is not a quick, easy fix . . . I did some research (aka browsing Pinterest) and printed off LOTS of printable,Thankfully, I also have a super-organized friend who has made her own printable!! (and she's letting me share it with you!) She uses it for her Spring Cleaning and breaks down what needs to be cleaned in each room.  Since her form is for Spring Cleaning, there were a few things on it that I could take off for our weekly cleaning - they don't need to be done every week or even, every month.  I do not use all the printables, but when processing all this, I need something in my hands to look at.

Step Two:

Next, I looked at what our week looks like - this is important because every family their own rhythm, their own routine.  For example, we have co-op on Wednesdays for 12 weeks in the Spring and 12 in the Fall.  This means, that on Wednesdays, there will be no cleaning!!  After a busy day at co-op, I'm lucky to get dinner on, let alone tackle anything else.  Our trash gets picked up on early Tuesday.  Also, I like to keep Sundays as a day of rest (no chores, no technology-unless it's a family movie).  Take a look at your family rhythms and routines and decide what would work best for you!

Step Three:

After looking at what needs to be done and what days we have to do it, I then began placing specific rooms to be cleaned and chores to be done on a specific day. I ended up using the blank chore chart from this site.  I've opted to print her blank page with the days out and laminate it . . . I like the flexibility of that option :)

Step Four:

And here it is . . . I started to s-l-o-w-l-y implement these.  So far, these have all been a whole family effort.  Really, it's "ok guys, it's time to all clean the kitchen.  Here is what needs to be done, what would you like to do?"  It was helpful that half a week into it we had Spring Break.  That meant all the kids were at home and we had a little bit more time.  It wasn't helpful that I went out of town for 3 days . . . I guess that is where adjusting one's expectations come into play.  I did leave a list of things to be done each day - not the complete list - and they did get done!  For me, that's a win.

We are now officially on week 2 - and I am making some adjustments as we go along.  For example, do I really need to wash our sheets every week?  After reading this . . . yes, yes I do!  But our extra blankets - I'm OK washing every other week, less in the summer if we aren't using them.  And cleaning those windows . . . in my dining room (where the dog slobbers all over the back door) every week or twice a week! Bedroom windows . . . I am good with once a month.  Again,this is where there is no set rule, but it is best to look at your family and your schedule and do what fits best for you!

And I've had one unexpected blessing come from this.  I can look around my house and not feel ANY guilt for the things I see that need to be done. I know they are on the schedule and will get done by the end of week.  And that is WONDERFUL! Oh, yeah . . . any my house is clean! Win, Win!

Below is what I've come up with:

• Daily - Fill/Empty Dishwasher, Wipe down Kitchen, Make Bed

• Monday - Kitchen & Dining Room; wipe table & counters, sweep/mop floor, vacuum rugs, dust, clean windows, wipe down stove, micro, fridge, dishwasher & oven. Take out Trash. Laundry; Boy 3, kids sheets.

• Tuesday - Bedrooms; Pick-up, dust & vacuum, clean windows (1/month). Laundry; Baby Girl, kids blankets.

• Wednesday - Laundry; Husband, Master bedroom sheets & blankets.

• Thursday - Living Room & Back Room; Pick-up, dust & vacuum, clean windows (1/month). Laundry; Boy 1, Bathroom rugs, towels & kitchen towels.

• Friday - Bathrooms; floors, counters, sinks, tub, mirrors & toilets.  Take out Trash. Laundry; Me, all Norwex.  

• Saturday - Breezeway & Entry; floors, pick-up, dust, clean windows (1/month). 

• Sunday - Rest! Laundry; Boy 2.

Next up . . . adding extra chores for pay/tech time, putting parameters on technology use . . . oh, the fun to come . . .

Rita

And again - my disclaimer: "And, with anything, please do not let these add to your list of 'things I should be doing' or 'yet another thing I need to do', but use these resources as ideas, motivation to lighten your load, not add to it!"

On Guard Essential Oil Party Make & Take - Easy How To!

I'm getting ready to host my 2nd Essential Oil Make and Take!

My goal has been to hold a Make & Take every other month.  You can read about my first Essential Oil 101 Class here.  The 101 Class is a great intro to Doterra Essential Oils and the rollerball Make & Take's were easy to do and a big hit!

This month I am focusing on Doterra's Protective Blend (aka On Guard).  With all the sickies going around this year, I thought this one would be a great one - and we get to make some fun stuff!

So what do I love about the Protective Blend??  It's main ingredients are Wild Orange, Clove, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus and Rosemary.  It supports the immune system*, is a natural way to clean around the home and diffuse to clean the air, supports the respiratory system*, supports the body's natural antioxidant defenses*, protects against environmental threats and it smells amazing!

So, what are we making?

On Guard Foaming Hand Soap - $6.50
On Guard Hand Sanitizer Spray - $4.50
On Guard Cleaning Spray - $4.00
Flu Bomb Rollerball - $5.00

Once I had set the day, time and location (Thanks again for hosting, Mom!), I set up a FB event.  FB events are an easy way to get the word out, invite friends and have a central location to post information and updates.  I also sent out the class information in a monthly email to all those on my Doterra email list.

Next on the list - put together a supplies list.  For any EO product, storing in glass containers is the best option.  Aromatools.com or Amazon.com are both great places.  I have an Amazon Prime account, so I get free shipping too! Just be forewarned - some of the bottles I ordered were NOT glass - I should have read the fine print better :(  I use glass containters for the sanitizing spray, rollerballs and cleaning spray as these will last longer.  Because of the shorter usage life of the foaming hand soap, I purchased some plastic bottles from DoTerra.  They work well and are a great price.

Once I had my containers, I browsed through some EO books and Pinterest for some great recipes.  I did tweak the hand soap and sanitizer recipes a little.  But that is what I love about making my own products at home - I can add any of my favorite oils, try a few different options out and see what works best for me!

Foaming Hand Soap

Hand Sanitizer

This past weekend, I spent some time making copies of the recipes, posting the costs for each Make & Take product and a reminder on the event page.

And I think I am ready to go!  Happy Oiling!

Here are my recipes for you to use:

On Guard EO Recipes

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

5 Tips for Surviving and Thriving at a Homeschool Convention

It's that time of year for a homeschooling mom.  The time of year when we are already planning the next year, even before we've finished this year.  Maybe it's because we've started spring cleaning and are downsizing our book shelves or maybe it's because we are ready to be done with this year and move on.  And part of moving on is looking forward to what is to come, right?

It may also be because we are beginning to run on empty.  In Northern Indiana, a long winter and slow to get going Spring only adds to that feeling.  We are trying to finish strong . . . or just finish!  Enter  - the homeschool convention.

Each state usually hosts their own homeschool convention. In Indiana, the IAHE (Indiana Assoc. of Home Educators) hosts their convention in Indianapolis.  This convention funds most of it's work here in our state.  Besides the state homeschool convention, there are secular and religious conventions, unschooling and any other sort of educational theory conventions.

This year I chose to attend the Great Homeschool Convention in Cincinnati.  I had heard about this convention from other homeschool moms, all with positive reviews, and made my plans to go.

Why go?  This is a great opportunity to get some encouragement, look at all sorts of curriculum, hear a variety of speakers on subjects such as parenting, homeschool laws, worldview, specific homeschool needs, homeschool methods, etc.  And there is something to be said for being surrounded by people who are like-minded and have made the decision to educate their children at home and share many of the same joys and struggles.

Here are a few tips to help you make the most of it:

1.  Go with someone!  This can be a sister, a homeschooling friend or two, or, even better, your spouse.  You will be presented with a LOT of information.  It is not only great to have someone to hang out with, but someone with whom you can discuss and process all the information you hear.  You can also split up some of the topics/speakers you want to hear and compare notes.  This is also a great time to just be YOU (not mom or teacher) - whether with a friend or spouse, getting out of your normal routine is always rejuvenating.

My sister and fellow homeschooling mom - can you tell she's happy to be here?!

2.  Make a list! Do you already know what writing program you want? Are you trying to decide if you want to use Math-U-See or Saxon?  Are you in need of a planner?  Writing down a specific list will help you keep focused when you walk in the vendor hall.  There are a lot of resources out there . . . some are for you and some are not.  When you have a list of needs, curriculum to look at (nothing like actually holding it in your hand and looking through it) and items you could use, it will help you stay focused.

3.  Pick a variety of speakers and topics!  These conventions offer a vast array of topics and speakers for about every viewpoint, need or want as a parent and homeschooler.  The best advice I got was to choose some encouraging speakers (So You Want to Quit Homeschooling?) along with ones that may meet a direct need (The Struggling Reader).  Looking through the speakers and topics ahead of time will help you weed out what you don't need and focus on what you do.  And don't be afraid to slip out (tip 3b . . always sit on the end of the aisle in case you want/need to leave) if the talk is not what you thought it was going to be.

Just a few of the speakers - Jason Beardsley, Steve Demme, Ann Voskamp

4.  If you like a speaker - show it! Go to more of their talks, go talk the them afterwards, buy their book, sign-up for their email lists.  I found out I was enthralled by how the brains of boys and girls work differently (Michael Gurian), so I looked up his next talk and went to that.  Most of the speakers are there at a vendor booths also and love to interact, answer questions and talk about the information they've given you.  This is a great chance for you, yourself, to learn more - take it!  Take notes, photos of their slides, etc.

I'll be checking these books out soon!

5.  Purchase the curriculum you know you need!  I went in knowing I needed some consumables (workbooks for math, writing books).  I could pick these up and save some money by not paying shipping.  Even if the vendor didn't have a copy on hand, some offer free shipping if the order is placed at the conventions (Math-U-See and Rainbow Resources were two suppliers I ordered from and could choose this option).  You can always look for wants later, but get the stuff you need now. (tip 5b . . . bring a rolling cart or suitcase. This saves your back and arms when lugging that curriculum around!)

That's it!  Not only is a homeschool convention a great place to go to expand your own learning and help you as an at-home teacher, but it is a great place to browse and purchase curriculum and get some much need encouragement on this journey of educating your children.

Happy Homeschooling!

Rita

Changing How We Do Chores & Technology!

Oh how I dislike chores . . . hence the reason they are called chores - "An unpleasant, but necessary task" . . . yes, yes, they are!  And what a love/hate relationship I have with technology!  So, why do a post about both of them?

I am trying to rethink the way we here at the Gorbics house do chores and use technology and am going to try and process that here on my blog.  It was much easier when the kids were younger - they loved helping out and technology didn't surround them nearly as much as it does now.

As much as I dislike chores, I do like a clean, orderly home.  And as much as I dislike some aspects of technology, I do use it quite frequently for learning, communicating, finances and to find out all sorts of information.  And yes, I wouldn't be able to blog without the wonderful world of technology.
BUT, how many times have I chosen to ignore the accumulating dust on my entertainment center to check in with Facebook, real quick?  And how quickly that "real quick" turns into much longer.  And not just for myself, but it appears my kids have this tendency also.  Shocking isn't it?!  There are times I see them with spare time and they quickly turn to an app, the computer, Netflix or a video game.  I have no idea where they get that from - - - > (ME!).

So, I've been perusing the technology world, aka Pinterest, for some ideas to help out in both of these areas.  Here is what I've found:

I am not the only parent with this problem!  Aaaah, there is comfort in knowing you are not alone :)

There are a LOT of great ideas out there! And . . . I am going to try and implement some of them and then update you on how it goes.

While we use the Gorbics family as guinea pigs, there are a few things I need to keep in mind.

• We do expect some chores to be done with no reward, monetary or otherwise.  I feel it is important that we all contribute to the running of our household.  
• My kids are more than capable and do not need a reward for being part of the family.  
• That said, I also think that using some sort of reward system can be a great learning tool (how to budget time and money, thinking long-term, etc) and we can all use some external motivation at times. 
• I will be adapting some of the sites below to implement my own system that will get our chores done, allow my kids to earn money and/or tech time and hopefully, make our home run smoother overall!

I liked these sites in regards to managing technology:

Near Normalcy

Sports Mom

Mudpies and Make-up

They all have great ideas and PRINTABLES!  I just love printables.  I like having something tangible to look at and to implement.

For some age appropriate chores, charts and how/when to do them:

My 3 Monsters

Money Saving Mom

Happily Unprocessed

Again, it is so helpful to read through their ideas and glean what may work for us.  And more PRINTABLES! :)

And, with anything, please do not let these add to your list of "things I should be doing" or "yet another thing I need to do", but use these resources as ideas, motivation to lighten your load, not add to it!

Hopefully I'll be updating soon with how we've been implementing these!

Rita

Book Review - The Boy Who Played with Fusion by Tom Clynes

The Boy Who Played with Fusion: Extreme Science, Extreme Parenting and how to make a Star by Tom Clynes

One of my unofficial goals for this year is to read more - YOU can read about that here.  And not just to read more, but to share what I am reading.  I like to read all kind of books; fiction, historical fiction, non-fiction, self- help and the occasional light-hearted novel.

So here is My First Book Review of 2016!

The Boy Who Played with Fusion by Tom Clynes . . . sounds exciting doesn't it?!  Ok, well maybe not at first glance, unless you are a big science buff, which I am not.  What did attract me was the "Extreme Science, Extreme Parenting and How to Make a Star" part.  I don't even recall if is saw it on FB, Goodreads or at a bookstore, but I added to my own Goodreads account and let is sit there. Since February is a great time for reading in Indiana, I placed a variety of books on hold at our local library and waited to for them to come in . . . and this was one of them.

First off, no, I am not raising geniuses (though every parent thinks their kid(s) are at one time or another) and no, I don't encourage my kids to play with fusion!  But what this book did challenge me to do was to really watch my children and see what interests them and encourage them in those interests.

This book tells the story of Taylor Wilson.  A boy with a very strong interest in all things science; rockets, space, fusion, fission, etc.  It begins with a 9 year old version and ends shortly after his high school graduation.  The story of Taylor is a fun one, mostly because he is an energetic, gregarious boy and does everything with all that is in him.  In amongst the story of Taylor, we find information on parenting, science, fusion, fission (do you know the difference?), gifted and talented kids, science, the history and future of gifted and talented programs, science, difficulties with inclusive education and more science.

As a homeschool mother, there were many things I could glean from this book.  One, was how Taylor's parents, Kenneth and Tiffany provided and encouraged their son, even when they were unsure about his path.  "Most significant, Kenneth and Tiffany adapted by opening up opportunities that were outside the mainstream of what's available to most kids in southern Arkansas.  Plenty of parents support their offspring's interests by buying things for them or dropping them off at the best schools or art centers that money can buy; far fewer put real time and effort into creating customized, hands-on opportunities that meaningful expand their children's - and often their own - range of experiences." (Emphasis added) Hmmm, how often do I look for experiences for my children?  I am challenged to find actual experiences for us as individuals and as a family that will enhance my children's learning.

Another thing I gleaned was to continue on in our decision that I have the ability to decide how/when/if/where/what kind of testing my children need.  It was encouraging to know that I try to "put the value of learning above the value of not failing" What I try to do in our home, is not to dictate to my children what they need to know, but to ask them to tell (or narrate) to me what they have learned from a lesson.  This not only encourages participation, but also allows absorption of material. Over the past few years, the mainstream culture has issued high-pressure testing for many children.  This is high-stakes for not only the students, but for the teachers also.  While I fondly recall testing as a child (I was one of the few, I am sure), I learned quickly how to absorb and regurgitate the information without really learning anything.  "When students have a growth mindset," says Dweck, (Stanford University psychologist Carol Dweck) "they understand that intelligence can be developed.  Students focus on improvement instead of worrying about how smart they are and hungering for approval.  They work hard to learn more and get smarter."  When we have done testing, it is to gauge and see if there are any areas that they may need some more time, a different approach  or specific focus on. How can I continue to create an environment that fosters real learning and engages my children to become active participants in their education?

When I was in Jr High, I was part of the new gifted and talented program.  I don't really see myself as gifted or talented, except that I was gifted, by my father particularly, with the value to THINK.  And I feel strongly that the capacity to think for oneself has gone out of style, not just for the gifted and talented, but for the education of all students. "Acquiring knowledge for its own sake has gone out of fashion, replaced by a high-pressure talent track onto which promising, prosperous children are pushed. . .  Maybe that's not what education for the gifted should be all about. Maybe it should be about (1) encouraging supersmart kids to discover who they really are and who they want to become and giving them the support and freedom to pursue their passions; (2) developing talents into suitable and fulfilling careers that enhance interesting, rewarding live; and(3) encourage curiosity and intellectual risk-taking that might lead to  original, useful ideas that propel a field - or even a civilization - forward." How do I, even if my children aren't "gifted & talented", try to do this every day?

There is a LOT of science talk in this book.  Some (read: MOST) that I did not understand.  Micah is learning the elements on the Periodic Table this year, so that was fun to come across one we have studied. I also learned the difference between fission and fusion!

Overall, this book was an encouragement to me, as a homeschool mom, particularly.  I have the privilege to step out of the "norms", the bureaucracy, the testing and the "this is how we have to do it" attitudes and create for each child of mine an environment, education and experience tailored just for them. So, maybe an encouragement and a challenge?!

Fitting It All In

“No man has the right to be an amateur in the matter of physical training. It is a shame for a man to grow old without seeing the beauty and strength of which his body is capable.” 

Socrates

This quote in on the wall of the gym where the kids and I go each Friday morning for our workout (Not the first quote from my gym I've used here). I began my journey to see the beauty and strength of which my body was/is capable of about a year and a half ago at Rockstar Gym.  Rockstar is now just one part of my fitness routine.

Why do I like Rockstar Gym and why do I take my kids there?  The answers to these go hand in hand. Rockstar focuses on Functional Training . . . "Functional training is a classification of exercise which involves training the body for the activities performed in daily life "(Wikipedia).  So, me, only better.  Each workout, whether group or individual, is like a personal training session.  The trainers are always offering suggestions to modify the exercises to make it simpler or more challenging depending on where you, as an individual, are.  They are there to instruct you on proper form and want to make sure that your form is correct before any increase in weight/difficulty.  Functional training isn't necessarily just about losing weight or bulking up either!  This is the part that I feel is important for me to pass onto my children and that many gyms miss the mark on.  Being healthy and fit isn't about how you look - it's about how you feel and that you are able to be an active participant in life!  

After working out at Rockstar, I decided to ask about classes for my kids.  As a homeschool mom, if I find something I love, I want to share it with my kids and others.  Rockstar was willing to host a homeschool class on Friday mornings!  I love that my 6 year old, 11 year old, 18 year old and I can all go and participate in a workout together - we are not only getting fit together, but are also having fun together! 

Originally, when I started exercising, I wanted to just zone out and get it in (running, walking).  However, due to my personality and the lack of my ability shut down my mind, I need something that engages my mind during the workout.  If my mind is focused on the movements and exercises I have to perform, then I can't think about all the other things going on in my life!  Functional Training at Rockstar means that I don't get bored!  I came away from my first workout mentally and physically energized.  Each workout is different, moving from one exercise to another, changing intensity and focus.  And honestly, that is one thing that makes working out so much easier for me.  

Since we work out at Rockstar only on Friday's, I wanted to add something to the rest of my week. It needed to be mentally and physically challenging to me - see "bored" above.  The choice - Yoga!  Yoga offers me the mental challenge of focusing on breathing, relaxing into each pose and the physical challenge of attempting each different pose.  Enter - Yoga Studio:

There are so many reasons I love this app:

• I can do yoga in the comfort of my own home! More specifically, in my bedroom, with the door shut, so I am alone. I can even turn on my diffuser or apply a drop of doTERRA Peppermint oil before the workout to enhance focus and breathing
• I get to choose how much time I want it to take! There are 10, 15, 30, 45 and 60 minute classes. Just pick a class, download it and you are ready to go.
• I get to choose the difficulty! There are beginner, intermediate and advanced classes.
• I can schedule them in! There is a calendar feature (that will sync with your phone calendar) to schedule out the day/time/class.
• I can mix up my yoga classes! As I mentioned before, I get bored easily.  This app allows me to select from over 65 pre-made classes. Or I can put together my own.
• I can select what I want to focus on!  Strength, flexibility, balance, relaxation or a combo.
• I can go to the "Pose Library" for a demo of any specific yoga pose!
• Lastly, it only cost me $3.99!

I started out scheduling a 15 minute, beginner yoga class 4 mornings a week.  I thought, "I can do 15 minutes, right?"  Ok, it was more like "Will my kids be able to leave me alone for 15 consecutive minutes??"  Now I am ready to move to 30 minutes of intermediate.  Wish me luck - the kids are doing great ;)

With these tools, I am learning the beauty and strength my body possesses, I am training my kids to do the same and I am able to engage and function better in every area of my life. I hope this gives you some ideas of how to fit in the "fit" part of your life.