Tornado Research

We had some wind blow through our backyard after dinner. Rachel asked about tornadoes. We (Megan joined us) got the iPad out and started looking for answers. (It was one of the only times 'siri' has actually worked for us. I would give more details - but, that would be a story in itself.) As we were exploring, we talked about what tornadoes were, places where they are common in our country, and gathered some general information on the topic. As we were searching, Rachel started making up a scenario about a tornado coming to our house and washing away the iPad. She said that would be 'the saddest'. I asked her why and she responded with the idea that we wouldn't be able to find 'stuff' out anymore...and she wouldn't be able to play games. (I think the last one might have been the real truth.) I loved exploring and being excited about learning something new - and getting questions answered. It was just for a few minutes - but, they were learning new things and will hopefully remember them a little better because they were getting the information as they wanted it.
I love it when exploring means we get to cover several 'subjects' at once. I think that's how we utilize the information anyway. So, why not learn and discuss it that way?
I also think it's great that a 7 year old knows that we have the technology to get answers when we want it. We didn't have to wait to ask someone next week...or, make a trip to the library in the next day or two. We could do it right then - and be excited about it. She was glad to be reminded that we have more than just the iPad to 'look things up'. We are grateful for technology around here. (I'm not sure what we're going to do when Layne goes back to work and takes his phone with him. We won't have 'data' anymore while we're out and about. Maybe I'll just have to get my own really cool phone.)

Dinnertime Miracles

It was about a half hour before dinner time and I was not even in the kitchen. I'm not sure Layne knew that, but he sent the boys to ask what they could do to help. I told them I didn't even know what we were going to have and if they would figure something out and fix it that would be great. The odd part was - they did! I was so grateful. There were no complaints or comments about never asking again...just a 12 and 14 year old heading to the kitchen. I think they considered it their excuse to have pizza. They pulled a couple of frozen ones out of the fridge and did some veggies. Dinner was fixed with basically no help from me. Jonny also commented about how there would be less to clean up (not much in the way of pans/prep dishes). It wasn't gourmet - but, it did the job and we're on to other evening happenings. Hooray for capable and willing children!

The Painting

We went to a performance the other night. During intermission we were out in the lobby looking at a painting. I asked the kids (Rachel, Megan, and their cousin Kate) some questions about it. Things such as what they thought the picture was about and what was their opinion of it? Why did the artist use those colors? What message do you think the artist wants us to get from this work of art? (OK, so I might not have gotten to that one.) One of the questions led to a discussion about the large sun in the painting and the fact that the person depicted was not really that close to the sun. I asked them why they thought that. Kate made the obvious statement that you can't get that close to it because it was too hot. The way she said it also let us know that her six year old brain knew that was an obvious answer and that I should have been able to figure that out without asking them. I almost laughed out loud. But, I didn't (although, her father did). Sometimes things like that happen and you can have even more fun with it. So, I asked if they could think of any other reasons. (I also like to extend ideas whenever possible.) Megan came up with the idea that the sun is made of gasses and they could hurt you if you got too close. Kind of fun to explore the mind of a child. Kind of fun to learn/be reminded of what you know in an everyday setting. After all, I think most of what we learn is applied in an everyday setting anyway. So, we might as well learn it that way. I also think it's fun to find out what my kids know by the ever probing question. Wouldn't it be a great world if everyone kept questioning enough for us to continually be learning?

Sunday Discussion

Our Home Teachers were just here. We talked about General Conference a bit and as we did so the conversation turned to missionaries and missionary work. The boys were asked where they wanted to go. Jonny responded with Australia and Jacob stated that he'd want to go to Japan. Those opinions didn't surprise me a bit - they actually sounded a little familiar.
It came time to end our visit with a prayer. Right before we did, Megan made a little 'ahem' sound (or something like it). We weren't sure what was going on. So, we asked and she stated that she wanted to go to Brazil. We then asked Rachel where she wanted to go. She couldn't really think of anything so our home teacher jokingly suggested Disneyland. She could talk to Mickey Mouse and all the Disney Princesses about the gospel. A couple of other thoughts were shared about how missionaries could set up a booth or talk with people while they were in line. Then Rachel came up with the idea that she wanted to go to Mapleton. I asked if she wanted to go on a mission somewhere in Utah and she responded with resolve that she would go to Mapleton. Hmm...we'll see. She obviously feels like it's a place where she likes to be.
I felt bad for a minute because I didn't think to ask the girls about it. We've talked about it before - but, I think in the moment we had just been talking about older kids or those who were about to go so I didn't think to ask the younger kids. I'm glad Megan spoke up! (Her mention of Brazil was not a surprise either - she's been saying that since the stake did a primary activity about missions and that's where she 'served' her mission that day. So grateful for all those who have a positive influence in our children's lives.)

It's the Glue

While having lunch we were listening to Ben Folds (edited by Layne) and enjoying the rain. The day is overcast and yet it's fun to see the colorful flowers and blossoms that are beginning to emerge in the yard. Jonny asked about Family Home Evening and decided to rotate the assignments and inform us of our assignments. (I love it when children think of a great idea themselves and then just do it. I also love that our kids look forward to FHE and that it's a regular part of our schedule.)
It's moments like this when I'm glad we homeschool...especially since we were actually productive this morning. I'm grateful we have the opportunity to spend time together as a family.
It's times like this when I have thoughts pop into my head about everyone homeschooling. I'm not saying it has to be for everyone. I'm just saying, I think every family would love a few moments of making memories in an everyday kind of way. It wasn't a big event - but, it was time with the family. It's the everyday stuff that memories are made of...the glue that holds the memories of the big events together.