So about this Homeschooling Stuff

Its that time of year again when the sun shines that much brighter... when the birds are singing and there are so many other things to do besides sit at a table filling in the blanks. When our motivation leans towards calling it quits to another year of SCHOOL... at least the paperwork part of it anyways.

I have given up trying to count what year we are in... while I am sure the kids will say "I am in Grade Three/Two" I have never been one to name the Grades. We have accomplished our main goal this year... and that is to have both brats reading.. and they are!

I was asked on the weekend how things work with homeschooling by a local store clerk... as gradually in the small town people eventually clue in on why my kids are with me 24-7 and not in school. My answer was... however we want it to work!

I always try to resist the urge to spill the smart ass comments, and smile as I explain the basics.

1. No we do not have to spend from 9am-3pm sitting at the table filling in the blanks. When you are teaching two kids and not twenty the learning happens faster.

2. No we choose not to follow a curriculum... if I wanted that I would send them to school. The kids decide (this is where that unschooling thing comes in) If they want to do subtraction with borrowing ALL week long...so be it.. they can ... and they do. And reality says... these days ... you can pull anything off the Internet! Be it worksheets, lesson plans, or online learning games...its all there... available and free!

3. We DO have various rules ... like the Monday to Friday rule that says... you cannot Facebook until you have done your reading, and your expected 'learning on paper' So should they choose to not do their work... they do not get their facebook... and while I declare ... it must be done by 2pm... there are those days when they do not... when my patience to sit has wained, when Aspen will spend her time creating her art, painting, coloring, designing, and going through my paper like there is no tomorrow and when Ryki spends his day molding his clay, reading his comics, or just running around outside, stick in hand and adventures ahead. Around here ... THAT IS OK!

But most of all... we learn from everything around us. The fractions and measurements are learned when we are cooking, animals and classifications are learned when we are in the yard, or the window with our books identifying the little wildlife running around, and following their tracks, making our shopping lists for the week, searching for the best deals, while learning how much things really cost. And while we will bring the school year to an end earlier again this year.. I like to think the learning will continue, as we plan and plant the gardens, begin another fishing season, maintain and ride the wheeled toys, and master the watercrafts .... whatever we choose to build and create along the way, and of course... manage the farminals... Ryki current mission right now, to check on our chickens, checking for eggs, sneaking treats from my fridge and ensuring his birds R happy birds.

And of course... the number one question that people seem to ask, a true test of their own intelligence I have found... "DO YOU SOCIALIZE YOUR CHILDREN?"

I have to admit... this is my WTF moment in the question period on homeschooling. While I understand the question, the reasoning.. its the moment when asked that just makes me go hmmm. Like when I am sitting on the beach or in the park watching as my children play... not just with themselves, but with others, always quick to make new friends... this is when those mom's ask the stupid question... DO I SOCIALIZE MY CHILDREN? hmm... do you see them playing happily over there with stranger~friends? Are they walking around whacking kids cause they do not know how to play? Socialization can come in many forms, around here having two kids to bounce off each other ... it happens every day. Ryki gets bullied into doing what his big sister wants, Aspen learns the consequences when he flips her the bird and says NO WAY, we have made and maintained friends from all over, thru our travels and play, and YES I am proud to say... my children are more social than some teens (even adults?!) I know!

My Love will always complain when we get the 'report card' home from the Beach Boy.. the terms and classifications, the explanations of what he is learning... confusing to say the least giving you the moments of WTF? does THIS have to do with education? WTF? does that mean? While I am sure there should be names and classifications for the learning we do... I am also sure the learning is understood... retained in their little minds for future use and reference. Ryki .. my little book smart guy, quick to even overtake his sister's abilities to read, and multiply, and Aspen my little brainIac ...a creativity star... and I am sure the girl you wanna call if you need something built as she spends her time working side by side with her Dad in the shop, building this and helping out with that, often even giving him an idea that will work (BETTER) than his own.

LEARNING is part of our EVERY DAY!

During an early morning match of cribbage... learning the art of combos to 15, how to count your points to take the lead, and pegging your way thru math....

or learning to cut a circle of mirror from Dad, and the how to's of reflecting the sunlight to 'shoot' your sister in the eye, or finding the right angle to shoot Dad playing poker from across the room....

or mastering the art of mixing just the right amounts of Vaseline with that tube of fake blood ... just to play an April Fool's Day joke on Mom

or just plain old... enjoying the spring sunshine and a fresh crop of wild leaks, helping Mom and Dad clean'em up and get them ready for DINNER! Learning the art of cooking your own french toast for breaky... or mastering the techniques of dumpling making...YUM!

Education is all around us... it doesn't JUST have to come from a book!

Spring Is In the Air

It's hard to believe that just over a week ago we were out on the frozen lake fishing! That our yard was still filled with snow... Spring has Sprung in the north, despite the still chilly temps, our snow has gone, the lake is melting and the winter toys have been stored for the year.

Around here the signs of spring are popping up everywhere. Peeking through the winter muck, and the mess in the gardens there are signs of green, signs of new life popping thru ready to grow and bloom into summer. Exciting for me as I find them... knowing where they will soon become!

Replacing the snow and dirt, and mulch with blooms a plenty, colors a many and flowers for my table!

The kids have been busy in the yard, cleaning up their wrecking yard, Aspen cleaning her kitchen and preparing daily treats. I was served my first serving of MUDFUDGE last week, with an added bonus of hot MUDCHOCOLATE sauce to top it off.

"how does it taste Mama?" she asked with a smile.

I replied with the look, the look of "RU serious" to which she replied...

"you don't have to really eat it MOM, just fake taste it and tell me what you think!"

Yes there are signs of spring everywhere, from the bikes that park outside my door, to the baskets tied in the tree's. Little spots around the acres that make way for play, for the imagination to run wild, and for the free range kids to explore.

March Break came to an end, a fantastic week full of giggles and smiles, with the Beach Boy finding his groove, his comfort zone ... and his need for speed! Trying out and mastering the summer toys, the quad, the dirtbug, the things on wheels that make you go zoom!

Now I know we are spoiled, spoiled to live in such a space, full of life, nature and beauty, but I am also grateful, that my kids not only can...but DO run, play, imagine and explore. I think kids these days miss out on that fun, miss out on the learning that comes from ..just playing. With so many sports, and dance and clubs to be treked to, so many activities organized and planned, there is little time left for just that... just the time to play and pretend. Don't get me wrong.. I am not ANTI~CLUB sorta thing, but do wonder... if life is planned and always scheduled for kids these days, always with something to do... where does that leave our kids? Are they learning to occupy their time alone? Are they able to plan for themselves? or do they grow with the expectations that it will be done, planned and taught for them? I admit I do hold small grudges, grudges against the man who only gives credit to those with a receipt. To those who trek their kids to activities, to be taught by others, to spend time learning from the teachers, coaches and experts. There is no credit given to fams like us, to our receipts for minnows, worms, seeds and dirt. For the time we actually spend teaching our own kids, spending time together as a family, instead of standing on the sidelines holding our Timmy Ho's cup ... pointing to the head on the team that is ours. YES~ another favorite memory as a Loony child growing up was exploring the backyard at my Aunt Joan's, myself, my sister, my cousin Debbie, building small bridges and forts in the 'swamp' carefully staying dry so we could return, pretending and playing....I believe every kid needs moments like this! It is fantastic to see our own kids now, playing, getting dirty and doing just the same... having FUN!

So its onto the spring clean up, patiently waiting to clean up the gardens, leaving the muck and the mess to protect my tiny plants. Time to clean up the coup, cause while I was planning a Head Chopping sorta party... my farminals have decided with spring and warm weather... the eggs shall return. And while its still not at a rate (more than one a day!) I would prefer...I will be patient, tuck those invites away, and wait and see.

And of course its not all sugar and spice...there are those facts of life that come with the snow

melting , with the things that lay hidden, frozen beneath the snow, the leftovers of winter, and the damn dogs and those things that they find... bring home, and deposit for Mama at the door. I thought the dead rodents around the yard were bad...nothing prepared me for Daisy's gift... her special find... dragged from down the road, over the pipeline...the gift that keeps on giving, and like the cats... always comes back?! The pets are enjoying spring with the cats enjoying the sunshine on the sidewalk, the dogs excited to know that though the skidoo runs are over...the quad runs have returned, tracking us thru the bush at breakneck speeds, keeping those watchful eyes open for a rabbit, or a scent of something good. Smokey... our wee kitty remains a wee kitty? What she seems to lack in kitty size, she makes up for with kitty FAT! Guessing of course her tail situation is the cause of her size, she is a happy feline, learning the art of stalking chipmunks and squirrels, following and harrassing our other 'Mamakat' and hanging with her BFF Ryki.

And now the wait begins, waiting for the Northern air to stay warm, for the fear of a snowstorm to leave, and for the green to be greener, the flowers to pop, and the gardens to give us those tasty snacks.

Cheers! to the sun shining on us all! and a big WOOT WOOT for Spring!

Another Season for the Books Comes to the End

The sun is shining, the snow is melting and spring is just around the corner. For most, their favorite time of year, time to say goodbye to the winter blah's, the shovels, and the long cold nights of winter. For us, another season ends, time for us to say goodbye to our little cottage on the lake, and our peaceful sunsets with poles in hand, our season on the ice fishing is over for yet another year. It was another great season out on the ice, smiles and laughter, FISH and times with family and friends. We have yet to compare this year to last, our catches carefully recorded on the fish calendar, marking the days we ate, and the days we were skunked, happy I am to report...there are more days with fish than without. And a new trophy to add to the shelf for another winning catch by the Crew...third year running we brought home the prize!

A season that started early for a change with the ice being ready the first of January, and ended with a bang. Cold nights made for great ice this past week, the final days of the season. Also making for an easy removal of the shack... a blessing really after last year and the foot of slush on top to trek the truck and shack thru. Last week, with our last of the season visit with our favorite Uncles Fred and Bob, we ventured out to explore the big lake, the islands out from 'The Rock'. In summer, our favorite swimming hole, in winter...wow! Fric and Frac roaming the islands, exploring, and finding treasures, and walking about the frozen Lake, freedom to roam and play. Definitely beats sitting behind a desk in school all day!

And the view?! Forget fishing! I could spend all day snapping shots of this and that, wondering with my bff The Rebel, waiting for the sun to hit just the right spot, to sparkle and shine thru the ice, the tree's, my kids!... total Loony fun for this camera junkie!

So now its time, to put away the skates, bring the pots and pans home from the shack, and tuck away the ice fishing rods for the next season to begin. Collect the 'year round' fishing stuff, to be ready for May when the season of fishing begins again.

Ice Fishing Season 2009/2010 another successful year with the crew!

and a FINAL FUNNY

I rushed to the store last week for essentials, grabbing a tub of ice cream along the way. While dishing it out after dinner, Ryki asked..."what kind is it Mama" from the living room to the kitchen. "Its pecan, caramel swirl" I replied. Ryki came into the kitchen for his bowl, with that puzzled kinda look on his face, peering into the tub

"do they really put SQUIRREL in ice cream MOM??!!!"

just don't forget... Flour Your Balls~!

Recently I was tempted by the grocery store flyer to make use of a sale, one of those $4.99 deals where you get a box of premade meatballs... just heat up and serve. I was quickly reminded by My Love that those are really 'just crap in a box' and reality says they wreak havoc on our systems. Meatballs are like a staple @ our dinner table here, for the picky little Ryki who eats like FIVE grown men, non stop "I am hungry", and for me .. the chef who likes to get the job done in less than an hour and normally... just in time for Cornation Street to come on. And really...one of the easiest things to make and sooo tasty! But there are tricks to this trade of homemade goodness... so today ... lets share! First there are always those pesky bread crumbs, and me being picky... if I can't get the ones I like than I do it myself. Easy as toast...literally! Two pieces of bread toasted once, and then lightly gain, cut into strips and crush! After that I add the garlic (of course!) a tablespoon of onion soup mix, if I am feeling peppy... maybe even some Parmesan

But the trick my friends to the perfect meatball... when you R ready to fry....

FLOUR THOSE BALLS!

A quick roll in flour before they hit the pan... something I learned in a favorite old book of mine from 1909. The trick happens when the flour browns before your balls... leaving the most perfect little morsels in the pan...without burning them! And... a secret tip for tasty balls... when they are just about done...to add a little sweetness? sprinkle a little sugar (I prefer brown) and give them balls a whirl... adding a quick sweet glaze and flavor galore!

And with Ice fishing season here... and our lucky ways of catching those delish fish? works great on them fillets too!!!

And for a final note... from my Loony kitchen a cost saving trick that keeps the cheese fresh, frustrations low, and more money in your pocket. When it comes to storing stuff around here... my dream is that everything would fit in a mason jar. I have my own Loony issues with plastic, and the wrap that doesn't stick, or the foil that foils my fresh factor. When it comes to cheese...in this house it comes in a block, rarely 'in a bag' as Ryki calls those plastic slices. And when it comes to keeping the block fresh... I say ...keep it in the package. I must confess my visual aids today involve My Love's lack of paying attention... lack of listening when I say... CUT IT BIGGER! but the trick comes out the same... forget the additional wrap, or finding a container... use the package it comes in! go figure...it fits and keeps the cheese fresh!

note... another Loony issue comes to uploading these pics... WHY do I have to drag them thru the blog? WHY do they go left and not right?

WHY WHY do I have to be so gifted in the kitchen and so challenged at the keyboard? insert giggle here!

On a family note... we attended the local Callander Bay Ice Fishing Derby again this year... third year running... third year we brought home a trophy!!! Claiming first prize for the biggest Northern Pike... Ryki was very proud to bring home ... a BIGGER trophy compared to years gone by. And while I am willing to confess... it was Dad who actually brought in the fish, I am also proud to say that once again my kids have clocked many hours out on the frozen lake... fishing EATING, skating and playing in and around humble little shack. Our Beach Boy's first year on the frozen lake...fishing with his Dad, smiling and laughing with the fam...LOVING ice fishing like the rest of us! (AND besides...the adults do not get trophies! only the kids do!)

With only a couple weeks left of the season...here's hoping for many more fish in the pan!

Some Get Therapy From Shopping... I Make Soup

One of my most cherished childhood memories is going to my Aunt Bettie's house on the weekend to play with my cousin Jackie (and usually Julie..if we were lucky ...maybe Becky too!) It wasn't the fact that their house was so cool, filled with my Uncle's large collection of Antique's, or the hours we would spend in the basement imagining our ways through a war, a time long lost, or just clicking at the antique register "running" our own shop. No it was the big old pot of soup on the stove. My Aunt Betty would get up, and fill the pot, letting it simmer for the day ready for any hungry belly that might pop thru the kitchen. Whether it was chicken noodle, beef barley or just a plain vegetable soup... it was always there warm and hot and ready to be gobbled.

It took me more than a few years to learn the art of soup making... many concoctions created that tasted more like stale water than a flavorful broth. But after years in the restaurant business, and all those misses... finally I have a hit ... just like Aunt Betty used to make... served up in a wooden bowl... one of the many I have collected over the years...also a big part of those memories cherished.

I started a pot'o'soup yesterday, despite the fact my freezer stash was lacking for fillers, I went back to the basics...no cheaters (well a couple SMALL bags...but still... from scratch)

Of course you have to start with the basics, making the starter broth and some flavor, and for the record...there is rarely anything on my menu that doesn't involve garlic and lots of it!

One bag of mini carrots, three onions, lotsa garlic and 4cups of water (just above the food line in your pot) I bring all this to a quick boil and let simmer for almost an hour. I once worked at a bistro where the first thing on the list for the week was to make the veggie broth. There was no broth from a can, just a big'ol soup pot on simmer for the day. The Chef as he liked to be called didn't even peel the onions, are clean the carrots...all in the pot and drained at the end of the day for the week ahead... those skins hold flavor he said!

Being in an ambitious mood, (seeking my therapy from a SOB known as our Ford truck) and knowing the goal and destination for my soup would be in the shack on the weekend, while simmering my broth I pulled out a pork roast. Simply..the basics once again. Roast in pot, add an inch of water, shave some garlic for the top, lots of pepper, a dash (or four) of basil and a half pack of dry onion soup mix sprinkled on the top. In the oven on low (250) she spent the day roasting ... ready for dinner and lunch sammy's for my love for the week ahead.

So, pork roasting and veggie broth simmered on to the finishing touches. Now lucky for me, I happened to have one last bag in the freezer of venison stew meat... but for those not so lucky...that beef stuff really does taste ALMOST as good. Into the pot went the venison, a large can of diced tomatoes, one package of onion soup mix (I honestly couldn't live without it!), some diced potatoes (sadly not from my garden...we ate them all!) a small ziplock of leftover Lorne (homemade) beans, and another with some leftover stew and two more cups of water... slam that lid down and its back to simmering and onto the dishes. A couple hours later...when you smell that yummy goodness, I shut down the burner, throw in a handful (or three) of corn and replace the lid... voila... mmmm soup ... good!

Last week while visiting the hometown, and stupervising my Uncle Fred...gimped up from a double knee fix up I made some turkey soup... still the same with just the basics, with lots leftover for the old man to heat up in coming days. It was on that trip that while listening to one of my various CBC radio stations that come in along the four hour trek that I heard an interesting tidbit, relating to my last post and the miracle (FREE) pot scrubbers I called MILK tags. For my yankee friends they must have wondered... what the hell is she talking about? I am glad (think) I may have referred to them as bread tags as well... but as it turns out... our province of Ontario is one of the few places in the world where you buy Milk like this!....and THIS is the Milk/Bread Tag... miracle (FREE) pot scrubber....

go figure? and to think I never knew... and really can't imagine milk any other way! The ONE thing I can think of that would be good about NOT getting milk in the bag? is all the hours I would have had free as a child, NOT cleaning to reuse those bags, NOT spending 30mins a bag to dry up those pesky water drops inside. I confess... I love to reuse, I love to recycle, I know these bags are good and sturdy...but give me a ziplock and I am a happy girl... and for the record...I will never put my kids thru the torture of drying out the milk bags... hmmm??? maybe that's why I never dry my dishes???!!!!

EDIT NOTE : to think I forgot the MOST IMPORTANT tip of all... when making soup... NEVER put it on high... below medium (LOW) heat will bring it to a boil... simmer it perfectly and never burn the bottom of your pot... there by leaving you free time after and no need for those FREE pot scrubbers!!!!