The Farm Report

  • Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

    Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

    Today in class we talked about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his significance in history. At this age, we try to find a gentle way to talk about this subject.

    We began with a basket of eggs in a variety of colors. We gave each child an egg and asked them describe it—color, size, and shape. Then one at a time, we asked for the eggs back, cracking them into a big bowl. What we noticed was that while the shells of the eggs looked very different, for the most part, the insides of the eggs looked very much the same.

    We talked about how this was much like people—we look very different, but on the inside we are very much the same. We told the children that this was the work of Dr. King, to spread the idea that he felt all people should be treated equally, regardless of the differences we might see on the outside. We all deserve love, respect, and a chance to thrive.

    (I wish I could say this was my original idea, but some brilliant mind thought it up some time ago.)

     

  • Getaway

    Getaway

    Tom and I got away this past weekend, just the two of us, to belatedly celebrate our 10th anniversary.

    Here’s my summary of the weekend:

    1. There is something that goes on in my new bag that turns my camera on repeatedly and runs out the battery. I love my new bag. I do not like this problem.

    2. As a consequence of said camera incident, I only have these half-hearted camera phone photos to show for it.

    3. I love my husband.

    4. I love my kids.

    5. Sometimes I need to be away from them to remember how much I love them.

    6. It’s possible all Tom and I need on a getaway is a couch, tv, good book, bike, and solid internet connection. In hindsight, we could have done this more cheaply closer to home. But it WAS really nice to see the ocean.

    7. We have some of the most amazing friends and family. There are not many people who would willingly take our three crazy children on for more than a few hours. Amazing, I tell you.

    8. I only took photos on one day since the year began. ONE DAY.

    9. I finally got the blog caught up. (January was kind of a freebie, considering that whole one day of taking pictures thing.) Being caught up is incredibly liberating. Telling myself that putting the camera down every now and then is as well.

    10. “The Hunger Games” series has managed to reel in both Tom and myself and now we are fighting over who gets to read Book Three first.

    Yep, I’m ending on a schmaltzy teen novel rather than tying up this whole rambling mess neatly. How’s that for shaking things up in the new year?

  • Sewing

    Sewing

    The kids have always had an interest in sewing, crafting things for their dolls and stuffed animals. The Husband and I both sew off and on. I don’t do it anywhere near as often as I’d like.

    The Oldest just completed a sewing unit at school as part of their STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Program. The whole class sewed these amazing stuffed creatures. This seems to have re-invigorated the desire to sew around here.

    But I like my sewing machine, and I get a little itchy when I think about the kids using it. So when a friend told us Bernina had come out with a line of basic sewing machines at an affordable price, we decided to spring for one for the kids.

    It was supposed to be here in time for Christmas, but I sort of think things worked out the way they were supposed to. We picked it up right before the new year, right as the newness of to holiday gifts wore off. We’ve been hearing a steady hum over there ever since.

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  • Star

    Star

    The year after I got Ellie, she ran off. About an hour later, someone called who had found her. I was so grateful that I remember thinking to myself that I hoped someday I could repay the favor.

    Fast forward about 15 years, and I seem to have become some sort of magnet for lost dogs. Remember that lost dog named Daisy? She was just one of many, but she happened to stick around.

    ANYWAY, as we were on our way to Barb’s house to celebrate Christmas, Neko noticed this dog in our yard. I’ll try to abbreviate this story.

    Dog has tags, we call the number, leave a message.

    Dog is (strangely) from the Big City, so we take her with us just in case the man calls back.

    Neko entertains fantasies of us keeping the dog.

    Man finally calls, and we offer to drive the dog over.

    Neko cries. Is really sad. Demands we take a photo before we hand her over.

    But really, we did not need and eleven-year-old dog named Star, did we? (A certain 8-year-old would vehemently disagree with me.)

  • Christmas

    Christmas
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    I only took these photos today. But we did set the time-lapse camera the night before. My favorite part is that the kids were all like, “Oh, we just got out and took a look at the presents for a few minutes, that’s all.” But, I don’t know about you, but I see a whole lot of investigating going on.

    A fantastic American Girl, Star Wars Lego, skateboard deck, car radio, whole lotta family time day was had by all.

     

  • Xmas Eve visit to Chris’ new apartment

    Xmas Eve visit to Chris’ new apartment

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  • Santa

    Santa

    As is tradition, we went to the Museum with friends on Christmas Eve. It’s always been empty, and we have the run of the place.

    Except this year they moved the downtown train exhibit to the Museum, and we suddenly found ourselves fighting a crowd. I have no idea what we’ll do next year.

    But in the meantime, we managed to find that moment when there was no one in line for Santa, and Ellery had him all to herself. He spent a huge chunk of time listening to her list and introducing her to his reindeer.

    Magic moments, I tell you. Magic.

     

  • School

    School

    It’s the first day of winter break. No longer the student, Ellery has decided that her stuffed animals could use a little instruction.

    You know, on the anatomy of the brain.

  • Carbo-love

    Carbo-love

    This boy has had a love affair with bread since the beginning. I once put him down for a nap, clutching a bagel, because he simply could not be calmed down without it in his hands.

    So after a long day of errands, I took the kids to Panera as a reward, letting them choose any one thing from the case.

    But my boy looked past all the pastries and smoothies, as he had his heart set on just one thing—a baguette, which he declared he would eat all by himself. I can’t even describe the glee with which he clutched that loaf.

    Eat up, kid.

  • Softies

    Softies

    Neko’s class just wrapped up a unit on sewing as part of their STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) curriculum. I really can’t even stand how amazing the creations that came out of this class are. Those kids, every one of them, managed to create a work of art.

    This is one of those moments when I know exactly why our kids go to school here.