tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612255949290013608.post1635686535807957914..comments2024-01-10T05:26:18.695-05:00Comments on Moments With Mother Culture®: Short LessonsKaren Andreolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12135239838790568639noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612255949290013608.post-21041792411989932432012-05-25T14:28:01.944-04:002012-05-25T14:28:01.944-04:00I have been intrigued by the Charlotte Mason style...I have been intrigued by the Charlotte Mason style of education for quite sometime. I have read your books, "The Charlotte Mason Companion", and "Pocketful of Pinecones". We also used "Story Starters" this past school year and loved it! <br />I am not one that has been "doing" a Charlotte Mason style education in our little homeschool consistantly. However, I am always pulled towards her ideas. <br />I just started a blog about our family's homeschool, and yours was the first blog I listed as one of my favorites. <br />Coming to visit your blog always inspires me. You have such a beautiful way of sharing with your readers. <br />BlessingsCindyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07196817003367588042noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612255949290013608.post-38918930179882425812012-05-24T06:55:25.417-04:002012-05-24T06:55:25.417-04:00What beautiful pictures in this post! Your house ...What beautiful pictures in this post! Your house looks amazing. I thank you for your words too. As I am beginning to consider our home studies for our next school year I am reminded again that I would like to do a better job at what Miss Mason advised - a variety of subjects in shorter chunks. Don't know why that is so hard for me to do sometimes! Thank you for the encouragement on your blog.Lisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06306217651417023803noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612255949290013608.post-7791681891953805192012-05-22T18:08:04.626-04:002012-05-22T18:08:04.626-04:00I happened to drive a car with a sun roof a coupl...I happened to drive a car with a sun roof a couple of years ago. I was spellbound/discomfitted by the gray hair that was throughout the top of my head. Who knew there was THAT much up there already? My mother's hair began graying when she was sixteen years old. By 40, she was completely gray. She tells me that once your hair turns gray, people think you stop aging! <br /><br />SusanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612255949290013608.post-43031703405879513342012-05-22T13:50:25.285-04:002012-05-22T13:50:25.285-04:00My appreciation goes out to all who took the time ...My appreciation goes out to all who took the time to comment. <br /><br />Lupines remind me of Maine in May and of Miss Rumphius, too. The illustration of her long hair, turned white at the temples, makes me feel normal. <br /><br />Yes, I begin to feel grumpy when I'm doing something for too long - mostly on occasions when I'm in the kitchen for 4 hours at a stretch - although how doing things in "batches" saves time later on. <br /><br />Aren't coincidences fun? The two ladies with swans is one of my favorites, too. I like their muffs. I have a black muff. It came in handy once when mittens alone were not enough for a very cold day. <br /><br />At age 4 my Nigel (in the photograph) would watch Mr. Roger's Neighborhood at 11 am in a separate room at the close of the activities we did together - in between - the lessons his sisters did with me. For preschool activities please visit the website Homeschool Highlights.com. You'll see, in the "articles" one on preschool suggestions. <br /><br />A good way too keep teens busy is to involve them in service of some kind. My children played music for nursing homes and church - thus rehearsals were necessary. They helped out with crafts and painting elaborate backdrops for VBS. When we had hospitality they helped with the cooking of food, the washing of dishes, and the sweeping of floors. One teen friend saw our little kitchen (not the open one I have now) and with a smile said, "Mrs. A. you have the messiest kitchen I've ever seen." I took it as a compliment because the food was good and the piles of pots and mixing bowls were proof that someone cared enough to let it get that messy for him. <br /><br />The skill of cooking meals is a most useful skill for anyone. Let teens choose a recipe, be creative, messy, and make mistakes (safely). This is good responsibility for them. Then sit down and be served, Mom. <br /><br />Thank you all for visiting,<br />Karen A.Karen Andreolahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12135239838790568639noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612255949290013608.post-11650376770272793952012-05-20T23:40:18.560-04:002012-05-20T23:40:18.560-04:00Mrs. Andreola,
Would you mind doing a post on act...Mrs. Andreola,<br /><br />Would you mind doing a post on activities for older children during the summer? I have 2 teenagers that have yet to succeed to find employment and I don't want them in front of screens or hanging at the mall all day. Oh, we live in an apartment in a sprawling metropolitan city. Thank you for even considering helping me. <br /><br />I've mentioned this before, bug I would love to read a 3rd installment of Carol's family!Farrahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00884648840608072747noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612255949290013608.post-84637181806238429052012-05-18T07:39:01.093-04:002012-05-18T07:39:01.093-04:00As an avid photographer of flowers (strictly amate...As an avid photographer of flowers (strictly amateur!), I really enjoyed your pictures. The owners of the house we're renting have planted lots of purple perennials of all varieties, so we are reaping the benefits of their labors.<br /><br />As a reader of your books and blog, I have certainly reaped of your (and Miss Mason's) labors also. Thank you.Carriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14755652309595005430noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612255949290013608.post-17148404759468303282012-05-17T17:17:25.206-04:002012-05-17T17:17:25.206-04:00Karen,
Now I know why I pull out your book, Charl...Karen,<br /><br />Now I know why I pull out your book, Charlotte Mason Companion from time to time. It keeps me on track. And take this from a mother that started formal homeschooling her children in 1989! ( in other words I am not a rookie) Constant reminders are still needed.<br /><br />As far as the holes, there is absolutely no education out there that does not have holes. We are not in Heaven yet! But The Lord certainly does supply. You put it so beautifully about walking faithfully in what Christ has prepared for usCathyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09710910366858293660noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612255949290013608.post-60619552126321612582012-05-17T17:05:08.056-04:002012-05-17T17:05:08.056-04:00I needed these gentle reminders as I try to get my...I needed these gentle reminders as I try to get my students to "buckle down" and finish those last lessons before a summer break, and before I launch into planning for next year. In fact, I'm off to re-request Charlotte Mason's Homeschool Companion from the library. I am needing a refresher.Nicolehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08053965057224582328noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612255949290013608.post-69632039651695202132012-05-16T22:07:14.804-04:002012-05-16T22:07:14.804-04:00Thank you for your wise words which I found especi...Thank you for your wise words which I found especially apt and helpful as the school year is wearing down along with the energy and enthusiasm of this mother. Reading your lovely blog almost always brings a sense of rest and renewal. Many thanks.Annehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08407636240006454920noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612255949290013608.post-27061539462133762992012-05-16T18:38:01.611-04:002012-05-16T18:38:01.611-04:00Your photos of the Ephrata Cloister bring back suc...Your photos of the Ephrata Cloister bring back such fond memories. I spent many a spring and summer day there in my childhood. I am far from home now, but the beautiful flowers warmed my heart! <br />Speaking of coincidences, my children and I are just reading Miss Rumphius, and we were thrilled to see the lupines, since ours haven't yet blossomed. <br />Thank you for the lovely inspiration, and schooling encouragement!Abbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04437220853554478443noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612255949290013608.post-62375208559662096652012-05-16T14:02:18.014-04:002012-05-16T14:02:18.014-04:00What lovely photos, Karen. Not only the flowers, b...What lovely photos, Karen. Not only the flowers, but yourself! I really like your outfit - it's cute and feminine, but still casual and stylish! Did you make that denim skirt, or buy it?<br /><br />As for the main topic: Thank you for all your advice, as always. This is my first year homeschooling my 7 year old son full time, and keeping his attention is a real challenge. One thing I struggle with is media - it's easy to let my 3 year old son watch a DVD to keep him occupied while I'm doing lessons with his older brother, but then the older one gets distracted because he knows the video is on and tries to sneak peeks.<br /><br />I know tv and computer should be limited, but sometimes they are just so convenient. Add to that, the children of course love them, and my husband thinks it's cruel to remove the tv from our home entirely. So I wonder sometimes exactly how I should handle the situation. If you have any more specific advice on the topic of media in the home, I would love for you to do a post in the future.Laura Jeannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10485192062219909619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612255949290013608.post-59435518460505091152012-05-16T10:33:55.097-04:002012-05-16T10:33:55.097-04:00AHHHHH. So refreshing. Your photos and thoughts mi...AHHHHH. So refreshing. Your photos and thoughts mingled with Charlotte's are just perfect!!! I've have Larkrise to Candleford on my to-read list for awhile now. Your card with that painting is beautiful...how neat! :)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11291951073853426272noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612255949290013608.post-70190658022515509122012-05-16T03:37:37.198-04:002012-05-16T03:37:37.198-04:00Thanks for reminding us also to be careful with me...Thanks for reminding us also to be careful with media. Sometimes, I am scared what effect media will have on the generation just growing up - they are surrounded by it like no generation before. I notice the attention span is really suffering.<br />As to the lovely coincidences: when I discovered your blog last winter and enjoyed reading your archives, I came across the picture of two ladies feeding a swan on a frozen lake. I had never seen it before and found it so very beautiful. The next day, there was a tiny advent calendar on a card in my mailbox from a friend, featuring this very picture! It was on my writing desk all December, reminding me of your lovely blog and shared favourites.Martinahttp://www.martinasommerer.de/blognoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612255949290013608.post-60224985625386191972012-05-15T23:40:12.370-04:002012-05-15T23:40:12.370-04:00How very encouraging! Thank you for the reminder t...How very encouraging! Thank you for the reminder to keep lessons short. I tend to want to see the page "completed"...(I still have so much to learn!) You're blog is such a source of encouragement to me as I continue to learn and strive to implement Ms Masons techniques. <br /><br />Wishing you His richest blessings,<br />Sarah in MNSarahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11422561461724308308noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612255949290013608.post-68545794950198045112012-05-15T23:34:10.499-04:002012-05-15T23:34:10.499-04:00"Little steps have big consequences, by and b..."Little steps have big consequences, by and by" - I think that sums up your wise reflections very nicely, Karen. And how true that is! Not just with the idea of short and varied lessons for the schoolchild, but also for the many small acts of kindness and mercy we can perform each day for one another. You can never know what impact you may have on others who observe your "small" actions of goodness. What is very often important to God seems of small moment to us here. Your post reminds me of these truths.<br />Thank you for the pretty pictures of flowers - I especially love that white weeping heart! And I also enjoyed the coincidences you shared with us - those made me smile!<br />I learn so much every time you share what is on your mind and heart with us. Thank you for that!<br />Teresaseashoreknitshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07313444169419481891noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612255949290013608.post-51512272265794699652012-05-15T21:04:53.765-04:002012-05-15T21:04:53.765-04:00Karen,
The flowers are lovely. Lupines are a part...Karen,<br />The flowers are lovely. Lupines are a particular favorite of mine. I think of Miss Rumphius whenever I see them.<br /><br />Many a July I would begin a schooling schedule only to find that there was not time enough in a day to accomplish all the differing pieces and assignments while protecting time for recreation, play, running a household, and sitting and staring.<br /><br />Your "cadillac curriculum" warning/admonishment is timely and appropriate. It is so easy to become enamoured with what everyone else is doing/using/studying. Thank you for the reminder that God makes individuals. <br /><br />Still, though my children have moved on to college, it helps me in my daily life to try to keep bright attention and to strive for excellence. When I attempt to clean the entire house, knit an entire project, or do all the laundry for long tedious periods of time, I find that my attention to detail lags, I feel grumpy, and there is less delight in living.<br /><br />Miss Mason's principles apply to all ages and stages!<br /><br />SusanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612255949290013608.post-56382600274944206202012-05-15T17:09:26.699-04:002012-05-15T17:09:26.699-04:00Thank you so much for sharing such a helpful artic...Thank you so much for sharing such a helpful article! I got my copy of your "Charlotte Mason Companion" book at my first homeschool convention almost 11 years ago. I have read and re-read it through the years, and yet I am always needing new inspiration for how to make Charlotte's educational philosophies work in our home. Thank you for continuing to be an inspiration!<br /><br />I also love all the beautiful flower photos in your post. The bleeding (or weeping) hearts have always been a favorite of mine, too.Joyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02988943988727801197noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612255949290013608.post-34247658891946647792012-05-15T15:38:51.771-04:002012-05-15T15:38:51.771-04:00Thank you for this post about the attention span. ...Thank you for this post about the attention span. I homeschooled two boys most of their homeschooling journey with fretting and conjoling over the whole page of problems and the unfinished text which represented ghastly "holes" in my children's education. I continue today in a gentler approach to education and life in general. We are all happier for it. I am grateful to you for your leadership in giving us an answer to the question "Isn't there a better way?"Susan McCurdyhttp://www.kneesdownchinup.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612255949290013608.post-86961308529318200442012-05-15T15:38:26.213-04:002012-05-15T15:38:26.213-04:00Mrs. Andreola. This is just what I needed to hear....Mrs. Andreola. This is just what I needed to hear. Thanks for the encouragement and the way you presented it. <br /><br /><br /><br />Warmly,<br /><br />sSilviahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17249978624747684879noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612255949290013608.post-70640851861428962582012-05-15T15:30:10.630-04:002012-05-15T15:30:10.630-04:00When I read your book so many years ago now, the b...When I read your book so many years ago now, the biggest take away that immediately blessed me was the idea of short lessons!<br /><br />I have found it to be a very positive thing. It makes them not dread their work, and they are happy to move on to something else as well!<br /><br />I see in the last photo of you, the likeness to Yolanda. Rachel started her cello lessons this past week...I think Yolanda and she are going to be a good fit!<br /><br />DeannaDeanna Rabe - Creekside Cottage Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16133684514103206137noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612255949290013608.post-63842130082445212232012-05-15T13:18:31.443-04:002012-05-15T13:18:31.443-04:00What a beautiful visit to your blog today! I am tr...What a beautiful visit to your blog today! I am truly inspired! Thank you! Have a blessed week ahead ~Emily Fayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01680496438082734417noreply@blogger.com