What are we teaching our kids??

As a former public school parent turned home school parent I have seen the world from both sides of the fence.  I must say my family and I are much happier on this side.  Not only do we get to choose what and how our children learn their school subjects, but we get to teach them about life.  

I could go on and on for days about the benefits of homeschooling.  But today I would like to address the benefit of a child being able to explore who they are outside the confines of a school setting.  Both of my children know who they are and have good self-esteem. They like what they like and don't really care if others don't share their views.  They explore and change without ridicule for the most part and have become well rounded individuals.

In the past I worried that my children would get caught up in the label obsessed world we live in.  Yes, my kids and I like name brand clothing and products, but we like them for our own reasons not because we must have them to be somebody.  For the most part we all choose items that are what we want, no matter the brand.   I've never understood those parents who will spend their last dime so their kid can have latest whatever so that they won't be the only child without it.  And that thing will be tossed aside the next week for the new must have thing.

I tell my kids all the time, things don't define who you are.  They have taken that to heart.  I am so proud of the young adults they are becoming.  Yes, we are looked down upon because we aren't trying to keep up with this world.  But the way I see it that is just another part of this  low-self esteem, label obsessed existence that our society has created.

Okay that's my soapbox for today.

Update on what's going on...

Well, hello all!  As usual my crazy life has not allowed me to blog as I would like.  But I thought I might drop a few lines to keep you posted on what is going on around here since January 1.

We made some changes in several school subjects which I will tell about in a later post.  Most changes have been in the area of everyday life and dance.

As most people we struggle to keep to a budget, especially with the rising cost of everything.  I began this year using a free program for budgeting call Mvelopes.  It is really easy to use and I even have an app on my phone to track spending.  However, tracking is the only thing we have to do to trim the budget.  I have been experimenting with making more food items from scratch and I have to say it has worked wonderfully. 

I received a new Ninja Cooking Systems for a holiday present and I have been putting it to use regularly.  Between the Ninja and my bread maker I have been able to make decently healthy and cheap meals for my always hungry family.  

I hope to share more of my cooking from scratch adventure in the months to come.

In other news, my sweet Poogie had an exciting January.  She was put on pre-pointe at our dance studio.  It was so much fun and exciting.  It just reminds me of how fast she is growing up.

 

T also has news in dance.  He auditioned for and received an invitation to go to the Kansas City Ballet Summer Intensive.  We initially just let him audition for the experience but low and behold he got in.  His dance ability has improved so much since moving here I am amazed.  This experience will only help him improve to become quite the dancer.  I am so proud of him.

More to come. 

 

It's Nutcracker Time!

I can't believe it's time for Nutcracker again.  This will be our 4th season being involved in a production of this wonderful holiday story.  We are in a different city, but we found our way back to the world of Sugar Plum Fairies, Clara and dolls.  T will be in this production but my little Poogie will not.  The new dance company has older dancers in it, so Poogie will have to wait a year or two.  But she is totally fine with that.  After doing this for 3 years and dealing with the stress and craziness of it she was ready for a break. 

T will be dancing in Act I as a boy child and a mouse.  He has had a blast, stress free.  This studio has been a blessing.  The schedules are up by Wednesday.  They start and end on time.  Everything runs like a well oiled machine.  It has been wonderful.  I will post pictures of the production. Sadly, we are not allowed to post video like I have in the past due to copyright concerns. But I understand this as our director has worked hard to make this production her own. 

Since we had more free time this season we were able to go to see a professional performance of the Nutcracker by the Moscow Ballet.  Such a wonderful treat for my kids and me. It has been 3 long years since I got to set in the seats and watch a production with them. It was a magical night at the beautiful Peabody Opera House. 

Now we are off to the Land of Sweets.