On Education

This is an interesting article on formal education and learning. Obviously there are differing opinions on this subject; however, no matter where you stand on the issue, I have little doubt you'll find it thought provoking.

And if you are homeschooling this year, I just have to share these links:
Check out the great homescooling blogs at the Homeschool Blog Awards
I love Colleen's blog for new unschoolers.
More on unschooling
Don't miss this article by Joyce Kurtak Fetteroll
These are just a few fine resources I've stumbled upon lately. There are loads more out there. If you have a favorite please share it in the comments of this post.

And lastly, a few favored quotes:
Education is..."The inculcation of the incomprehensible into the ignorant by the incompetent."
Josiah Stamp

"Education is a state-controlled manufactory of echoes."
Norman Douglas

"It is little short of a miracle that modern methods of instruction have not already completely strangled the holy curiosity of inquiry…. I believe that one could even deprive a healthy beast of prey of its voraciousness if one could force it with a whip to eat continuously whether it were hungry or not…"
Albert Einstein

"I have never let my schooling interfere with my education."
Mark Twain

"Education is not filling a bucket but lighting a fire."
William B. Yeats, poet

Labor Day Lessons

Beyond burgers and beach time, Labor Day is a celebration of the community contributions of everyday workers in America. Do you know the history of Labor Day? This is a perfect opportunity to teach little ones about the jobs people do that keep our communities running. Apples4theteacher has some great resources including suggested reading lists and coloring pages for preschool and early elementary ages. Check out Kids turn central for discussion points on what working teaches us. And visit The Holiday Spot for more history and a comparison of wages by state. For even more fun printables, don't miss about.com's homeschooling page.

Over the holiday weekend our family will be hitting a museum, laboring in the yard and having a good old fashioned American barbeque. So, how do you plan on celebrating?

Wordless Wednesday

Revelling in the first taste of birthday cake...ahhh, life is sweet!

Pet Peeve Tuesday

I recently visited Mommywizdom's blog and stumbled on her Pet Peeve Tuesday meme. Have to say, I like it. A little venting now and then cleanses the soul. So I've decided to participate. Here goes:

My pet peeve is when I'm out with my kids, say grocery shopping, and some one comments on how cute or sweet or well behaved they are (eh hum...just play along) and then they take it a step further and actually tickle or squeeze my child. Uh, yeah, hands off the kids lady. They don't like it and I sure as hell don't think it's appropriate. I'm sure you are nice and germ-free and have no psychological disorders and all, but still, it's a little creepy and kids hate that stuff. Admire them if you wish, but just as I tell them (several times a day), keep your hands to yourself!

For more Pet Peeves click here.

The Daily Dog Bone

Today was a very sad and difficult day for me. After a few days of limping from what I had thought was arthritis, I took Max to the vet, which was in itself a challenge with three kids in tow. After an hour long wait to see the doc, an x-ray was taken and the diagnosis came. Bone Cancer. Osteosarcoma. It was a total shock. Not at all what I was expecting from the limp and some swelling at his wrist joint. After reading up on it now, I should have known better. I should have known more, questioned more at previous vet visits, researched more, done more...but here we are. And I am beside myself with grief.
As far as blogging about it, I have so much to say and so few words. Perhaps in a few days I'll get my thoughts together. For now, I am just too sad and too tired. Max was put on pain medication and it was not recommended that we pursue surgery or any rigorous protocol. He is what they call an elderly Dane, a senior at 6 years old. He seems far too old for his young age and I long for the days when he would run laps in the yard like a crazy rabbit. I simply can't imagine life without him.
If you have an inclination to prayer would you please say one for my dear sweet Max, for whom I have boundless love and devotion. He is such a good-hearted soul, kind and gentle, silly and sweet. May the days he has left here in the earthly world be joyful ones. May he know how very much he is loved and valued. May he not suffer, but find comfort and peace.

One Year Ago Today

Happy 1st Birthday Jack!