Thoughts on 4-H

Meredith did 4-H for the first time this year.  I have no background in 4-H.  I was a Girl Scout.  Although I have no background in 4-H, I've heard enough stories about Kevin's experiences, including art projects and a foray into the world of sheep showmanship, that I have definitely participated in 4-H vicariously. 

When the topic of 4-H came up in our house, I was unsure whether or not I had time to take something else on.  Would my bright-eyed, beautiful, scrawny little 3rd grader be able to do this by herself?  She is so mature, yet still needs so much help to get through much of her school work.  Visions of being up until midnight helping her paste a sub-par, quickly put-together, much-stressed-over, stupid poster, came to mind.  There was no way that was happening.  Would Meredith come through and do it herself?  Yes, she promised she would. So, we decided to start with just one project, to get our feet wet.  Meredith chose Horsemen Without Horses.

I was completely unimpressed with the online information 4-H provides.  There's no good 4-H for Dummies website!  Since we couldn't make club meetings, because Meredith had a prior commitment, it took us a while to make sense of everything.  Thankfully her project leader, once we finally figured out who she was, was super nice and held our hands through the process. 

About two weeks before her project was due, I realized Meredith was still only in the beginning phases of research.  I had taken her to the library and she had gone off to some dark recesses of the building with the children's librarian to find books that fell within the parameters of her project.  She selected four books, but had probably only read a few pages.  

I marked a sheet of paper with the exact amount of days she had left before her deadline and hung it on the refrigerator.  On day four, when she still had made no progress, I said, "Meredith if you blow off this deadline, you are going to have to write a long letter to your project leader apologizing for laziness and deliver it in person."  Her eyes widened, she disappeared into her room, and read two of her books before dinner time.  (I'm glad that a healthy dose of pride is that motivating for her!)  She read the next two books the following day.  She ended up with four pages of hand-written summaries.  I helped her type them out and then she printed pictures and pasted everything to the poster entirely by herself.  

This is what a sense of accomplishment looks like!  

In the end, it wasn't just the sense of accomplishment and the dose of confidence she got, realizing she could complete something almost entirely on her own, that made 4-H worthwhile.  The more I thought about it, the more I realized that most of Meredith's learning is hand-selected by either her teachers at school or by her Tiger Mom (yes, me). She doesn't often get the opportunity to deeply delve into something that she personally has selected to study.  4-H was an outlet for her to choose something she is independently interested in (she chose horses) and then go learn about it.  I liked that she was able to complete a self-directed project.  I think 4-H is a great tool to help kids to be motivated, lifelong learners.  

Next year Meredith wants to do four projects.  We shall see about that ... 

All American Girl

Meredith loves to come up with her own party themes.  She is creative and sweet and companionable.  She is fun to hang out with and always has lots of ideas and contributions to conversation.  She has become a voracious reader of fantasy and sci-fi.  I love the young woman she is becoming. 

Both my July birthday girls wanted very small friends parties this year.  The smallness factor, coupled with the fact that they are getting older, made for the easiest birthday parties I have ever thrown.  Meredith wanted an All-American theme.  She has always loved that her birthday (July 7) is close to America's birthday. 

Talk about easy.  All you have to do is go to the dollar store in late June and you have all your All-American party decorations!

Meredith loves raspberries. We went to Costco and bought a couple large packs of raspberries.  Then we made Ina Garten's flag cake with lots of cream cheese frosting.  Delish!

Nine year old girls rock!  They probably could have done this whole party by themselves.  I was there simply as the photographer.  Life has gotten easier (but I still have little boy parties to throw, so I'm not out of the woods yet)! 

The biggest hit of the party was this drink.  You take liquids with different sugar contents, and if you pour them slowly over ice, the colors stay separated.  The girls loved this so much.  I will definitely do this again!  I couldn't find the white drink--none of the gas stations where I normally see pina colada SoBe had it when I checked.  This drink is made with cran-raspberry juice and blue Gatorade.  

Meredith's snow cone maker from Aunt Christy has been put in constant use since we got it. Of course, we stocked up on Red and Blue colored flavors.  

Meredith makes these snow cones herself.  Every family should have a nine year old girl like her!

The only real "game" we played was Capture the American Flag in the backyard.  This was Meredith's idea. 

Movie time!

Doughnut time!

My oldest and youngest.  

December Snow, March Snow

 

Do you see this happy scene?  The scene above is that first December dusting of snow that brings out the kid in everyone, if you let it.  Everyone loves December snow.  Now it is March.  Very few people love March snow.  

The weathermen predicted a harsh winter and they weren't kidding.  Last November I told a friend who had moved here from California, "Indiana winters aren't bad. You just pull out all those cute scarves and boots and bundle up and it's just fine."  I texted her in mid-January and said, "Sorry, I lied."  

Despite the aversion to March snow, we were grateful that we did get one more big snow the first week in March, just in time for the kids' spring break.  We took the older two kids to a ski resort just outside Cincinnati.  It was one of the most perfect days I can remember.  I guess I was just grateful that we were able to have some quality time with Meredith and Clara, who are growing up so fast.  

It was the kids' second time to snow ski, as Kevin took them by himself last year.  They were amazing.  By the end of the day, they were going down all the intermediate slopes with flair and grace, snow plowing very little.  For me, it had been 10 years.  Yes, 10!!  I think it had something to do with helping to populate the earth and breastfeeding small babies for the better part of a decade.  I'm glad the long hiatus is over and I plan to go as much as I can from here on out.  I now remember why I always thought downhill snow skiing was one of the most fun things to do on earth.  

Here we are on one of the lifts, taking in the scenery, and watching the freckles grow on the girls' noses.  How I love them. I'm so glad for this day and the chance to make this memory when they were age six and eight.  I want to hold on to these moments forever but I guess the still shots will have to do. 

Camp Out Birthday

The Tween stage has snuck up on us! We allowed Meredith to have her first sleepover birthday party and she wanted a backyard camp out theme. This one was a fun one to plan ...

 

 

 

 

 

And I'm the lucky duck who got to sleep with these two adorable Wanna Be Tweens. I slept all night with no air mattress and I must be getting old because I kept waking up every hour or so thinking, "I am SO uncomfortable!" but I was too tired to do anything about it!!

 

A Prize that Counts

I sat on the edge of my seat at Meredith’s end-of-year recitation program yesterday.  The speaker was about to announce the winners of the cursive penmanship contest.

Meredith wanted to win so badly.  One boy and one girl would be chosen from each class in the lower school.  She had worked painstakingly to make sure all her cursive letters touched all the proper lines on the paper and had all the right slants.  After her work was complete, she walked around the room and carefully scrutinized all the other kids’ handwriting.  Later she told me, “I think I’m going to win!”  She also told me which boy in her class she thought would win. 

I told her that I was proud of her, regardless of what happened, because she had worked so hard all year long and had learned so much.  I was hoping she wouldn't be crushed but knew this might be the life lesson she needed to learn. 

“By the way, what do you get if you win?” I asked.

“I get a ribbon.  I have never gotten a ribbon before.  Well, we got one in gymnastics but that didn't count because EVERYONE got one.”  Kids are smarter than we give them credit for.

The speaker at the program said, “And for the second grade class, the winner is …. Meredith Koons.” 

She beamed out at the crowd, with her little side pony tail bouncing as she walked up the stage to receive her prize.

And, lo and behold, the boy she predicted would win, also won.

Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up with helping our kids overcome their academic weaknesses.  But, as I clapped loudly for her, it was good to help Meredith celebrate her strength. She has an eye for the beautiful.  She is a good artist.  She is a perfectionist and she loves copying things.    

It has been a pleasure to see Meredith flourish at the HighlandsLatinSchool.  She is exactly where she needs to be.

And my kindergartner, my sweet Clara, has been home with me this year.  She has also been exactly where she needed to be.  Clara has come a long way as well and it has been so rewarding to see her grow in every way. 

I am thankful that God guides us in all these things.  Sometimes we don’t know what the right course is, but I know He always helps to direct us when we seek Him.  Parenting choices can be difficult.  And I’m sure we are not out of the woods yet!

How I Discovered That I Don't Want a Dog

Well, that's not true actually. I have always known that I don't want a dog. Other people's animals are okay, except for a friend's dog who always constanly has his nose in my rear end every time I visit her. He is a big dog and his head is just the right height. And he has really bad breath too. And then when I sit down he puts his head in my lap like he wants me to pet him. Seriously bad dog manners!

The reason I don't want a dog is I can barely take care of my four kids. And I'm not really keen on dog hair floating around the house and getting in my food. And dogs smell. And I really don't want the expense. And I complained about having to clean out the fish bowl when we had a fish. So I really don't think I want a dog.

My kids beg for a dog, but I say no. I am so mean.

This brings me to my main point. My stance against dog ownership was confirmed after Meredith participated in a "Foster Chick Care Program" through our local library. We had three chicks, all hens, named March, April, and May.

It was a wonderful, rewarding, and enriching program. The kids really did learn a lot about chick development and the care of animals and that animals are a big responsibility. The temperature in the cage had to be just right and the food and water had to be refilled and everything had to be cleaned often. The kids were entertained by the chicks constantly for about four days into the two-week program. The cage remained clean for about that long too.

Then, on day five, something magical happened. The novelty wore off and, although the kids played with the chicks now and then, it was no longer as interesting or exciting. And cleaning out the cage was, sure as anything, definitely not exciting.

So, this was the best type of pet to have ... one that could be returned after two weeks!

Here is my Meredith with her project:

 

The chicks were popular with all the neighbor kids:

 

And here is Mer, doing her least favorite part of the project, cleaning the cage:

 

This one is an Americana variety, or an "easter egg" chicken because it lays colorful eggs.

 

 

And this one is a Golden Comet, named April:

 

Pink!

Oh yes, and an important development for Meredith.  Her long-awaited dream of having her own room came true.  I let down my defenses for a moment and agreed that she could choose her own paint color ... whatever she wanted.  So, this is what we got!  Actually, she did let me talk her down a few shades of pink. She originally wanted it much darker than this.  One night when Kevin worked late I painted the room all by myself and I do think that it turned out nicely.  We ordered a picture from the Costco image gallery--which I love!!--and hung up a few other pieces of art we inherited from a friend.  Said friend also gave us this Pottery Barn bedspread, that her daughter had outgrown.  And wha-la!

We decided to buy this trundle bed for Meredith because we still want Clara to be able to have sleepovers with her sister.  And, in fact, nearly every Friday night they have a special sleepover together.  I want them to keep the bond they developed from sharing a room these past five years.  Clara is always asking, "Is it Friday night yet?"  

Meredith especially likes her French Memo Board.

How did I get such girly girls?  They are super into nails and love to give each other pedicures.  Actually, I can't complain.  Meredith can give a pretty decent foot massage and I have been the happy beneficiary on several occasions! 

 

Of Studies and Granola

The pace of the new school year is starting to feel more comfortable and familiar.  Clara and I plod along with her kindergarten books every day and I think she is enjoying the extra attention from her mom.  She is reading really well, with occasional complaints because the work is getting more challenging for her, and she seems to enjoy phonics/writing and math.  Her favorite thing, however, is sneaking off to play with Sophia.  They are best of friends right now.  Clara also loves to do puzzles and bake stuff.

Here are Clara and Sophia on Clara's first day of kindergarten.

 

 

 

Clara, with her phonics book:

 

Meredith is really loving her Highlands Latin School experience.  It has been really wonderful to see her grow and be excited to learn.  One day she came home and said, "Mom, I learned about DIPTHONGS today!!"  She sets her alarm for 6:30 on the three days she attends classes and has been really responsible to self-manage her morning, get herself dressed (and allow extra time for doing her hair, which is really important you know!), and make sure she has all her books and homework to get out the door.  She needs to leave around 7:15 and so far we have been able to have about 20 minutes of bible time, God's World news, and reviewing her memory work before she leaves.  (My pregnant self can nap later in the day!  I love starting out the day with her in a peaceful, constructive way, and I want to still do these things with her every day.)

I had thought Meredith could use a little more outside accountability, and positive peer pressure in a class setting, to do better in math.  This theory has proved to be true.  Math is now her favorite subject, after P.E. of course.  I have really appreciated getting emails from her teacher encouraging me to push her to master her facts.  Otherwise I might still be content to let her battle out the problems on her fingers.  It has been wonderful to not feel like everything rests on me but I am part of a team to help her in her school work.  I also love the schedule of three days of classes because we still have time on the home study days to continue doing all the things that we really loved about full-time homeschooling.  We take long nature walks, have good conversations, do Story of the World, and work on fun projects that Meredith is interested in like learning to sew.  So, I feel it is the best of both worlds.  I am really grateful God has opened up this opportunity.

 

I have learned a valuable lesson: We can think we have a good long-term plan but if we are open to new things, something even better can come along.

Here is Meredith on her first day of school:

 

Here is Meredith completing her homework, with her friend and carpool buddy, Solomon:

 

We have had some early mornings, lately, and here is my precious night-owl daughter:

 

Sophia deserves a completely separate post, all of her own.  (And I will deliver one, soon.)  She is hysterical these days.  Kevin and I have both said numerous times that we have never enjoyed a toddler as much as we have enjoyed Sophia.  Maybe it's because this is the biggest space we have had between children.  Or maybe it's because we are older and finally are more relaxed in our parenting.  Or maybe it's just because she is so outrageously cute with her independent-thinking, nothing-is-going-to-stop-me, third-born personality.

 

Here she is after a "Mom's Day In" (a MOPS-like type program) I recently signed up for.  She is eating some peanut butter granola that I made with the other ladies during the morning session.  I met a woman at my neighborhood pool a few weeks ago and she convinced me to sign up for MDI.  It had been two years since I had done MOPS.  I thought to myself, "I was really happy when I did MOPS.  I really like this lady I have just met at the pool.  YES.  I will do this."  It has not been a mistake.  I really needed those two days a month to just sit and have coffee with a group of supportive moms.  It has been a real shot in the arm so far.  And there are other side benefits, too, like sometimes you get to bring home yummy homemade granola!

 

I never expected that Sophia would be so excited to be in a "class."  The only regular thing I have ever taken her to so far is nursery (i.e., non-structured activity).  When I took her to her MDI class she was so ecstatic.  When I went to pick her up, she did NOT want to leave.  Finally, she resigned herself, but kept walking around saying, "Where's my paper?"  She had colored a picture of a leopard, as a part of learning the Creation story.  For the rest of the day she kept pointing to that picture, which I had hung on the refrigerator, and saying, "That's my lipp-urd. I made it in my class!!!"

 

Other than having little time to write these days, which I really miss, life is good.  As the weather cools and the leaves change and fall, this feels like a new season, in more ways than one.

 

A Golden Birthday

Somehow Meredith figured out what a "golden birthday" is and that she was going to have one. She kept reminding us that she would be seven on July 7th, and this was the only golden birthday she would ever have, in her entire life. I love this little girl. She is so passionate, creative, generous, friendly, and loves the outdoors. Most recently she has pulled out two of her own teeth, that weren't even all too loose, because she was tired of dealing with it. (You are a brave, wonderful girl, Meredith! Life is so much better with you in it.)

Meredith asked if I would take her to a "real salon" to get her nails done as a birthday present. I did not complain!

 

 

We had a Hawaiian Luau party, complete with grass skirts and leis from the dollar store. In the second picture below, the girls are learning to do the hula. I found some kid-friendly DVD with instructions on how to hula. Even the grownup dads got involved in learning how to hula. It was a hoot!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is Meredith with a magic kit, a gift from her grandparents. She had been asking for one for at least six months.

We love you Meredith and hope your one and only golden birthday was special!