Map

This is a map. It's a gorgeous map ten 7/8th graders (Noah's class) drew & shaded by hand for the school's auction that took place a few months ago. It brought in a nice sum for the school. It's a stunning piece. I just had the opportunity to create some over-sized postcards for the students to have as "memorabilia." I thought I'd share. Amazing, huh? (You can click on it and enjoy a slightly larger view.) Noah is known for his small, neat handwriting. Amongst other things, he wrote the "Key."

The Ideal Parent Me

A few days ago Noah came home from school & told me that he needed to find someone he considers to be an "ideal parent" & interview them. The person didn't have to be his parent. He could even interview the person via phone... In my head I was already taking a deep breath & telling myself to stay calm. I was sure he would choose his father who gives Noah & Nathan loads of junk food & unlimited TV privileges & "gaming time," which makes one a perfect parent in the eyes of a child. But, I was wrong. This thought was still swirling in my head when Noah asked to interview me.

So, today he fixed me a cup of tea & he interviewed me.

(1) What changes occurred in your life that made you feel you were ready to be a parent?

(2) What made you decide to become a parent?

(3) What preparation did you have to go through to be ready for your child?

(4) How did you feel when you first saw/held your baby, compared to a few months later?

(5) What changed about you as you parented your child? (Did you change your mind about how to parent?)

(6) How did you handle the financial cost?

(7) What have you learned?

(8) What qualifies you to be a parent?

(9) What is your experience in parenting someone older?

(10) What are the top five skills a parent needs?

It was interesting to reflect on these things. This interview was an assignment they have been given during the anatomy/physiology block that includes the reproductive system. I'm so glad that the aspect of the responsibility that comes with having a child is emphasized in a Waldorf school. It beats the "this is how babies are made" talk so many students & teachers have to suffer through. In the end, you probably don't need to "learn" how babies are made; chances are you'll figure that out sooner or later. The responsibility part is much more important.

Yours truly,

The Ideal Parent

(You know that next time he complains about me being too strict, I will just say, "Really?! Remember, I'm an ideal parent in YOUR mind!" I'm gonna have to milk that for awhile!)

First Day Of School

Voila! Noah and Nathan on their first day of 8th & 5th grade. My boys. They are amazing people. I just love them so much. They actually both got up at 6 a.m. joyfully; cheerfully. Let's hope each & every day this school year will be like that...

The school-cone is a German tradition for the first day of first grade. When Noah started first grade, he had a big one. Nathan, in Kindergarten at the time, had a small one. Nathan never had one for first grade (long story), so this year I decided to make the first day of school special. I surprised them with a school-cone. Nathan got the big one... a couple of years late & Noah has the lil' one as an 8th grader.

The i-tunes gift card is not part of that German tradition. Ha. As my children are getting older, I'm realizing that I need to loosen the chains a bit. He's almost 14... For some reason this is the first year ever that we are jumping on the new clothing, backpack, lunchbox... first day of school wagon (out of necessity, really). It's a very American thing we've never done.

Well, I better go & get ready before we're late on the first day because I'm blogging.

Edited to add: Just before we were leaving, Nathan said to Noah, "Why did you put your i-tunes gift card into the trash?" Noah says, "What? It's a real gift card? I thought Mom was tricking me with a fake advertisement." Oh my! :-)

School-Year Done!

Today was the last day of school. I won't officially return to teaching my class 'til mid-October. Summer break for the month of June means getting my classroom straight, writing those pretty narrative Waldorf reports, teaching two weeks of summer camp and moving. Doesn't sound like a break yet. There's hope for the month of July, though.

Last night was Noah's 8th grade commencement celebration. His teacher will be taking our first grade next year. Noah was in a 7th-8th combined class this year, technically being a 7th grader. He will be in a 7th-8th grade combined class next year, but with a new teacher. I'm glad he will have another year of Waldorf education. Each student gave a small speech. He was funny and spoke with confidence. In his thank-you to the woodworking-teacher he said, " When he told us at the beginning of the year that we would be making musical instruments, I thought he was a liar. Well, we made lyres & I want to thank him for that." Nice word play.

It was such a simple, yet lovely celebration. The flowers were amazingly beautiful & the home-baked treats just made it even more special.

Music Night

I had another opportunity to be proud of my teenage son today. He played soprano, alto & tenor recorders as well as the cello at the school's music night. The skill level amongst his classmates varied widely; students have played anywhere from one to five years. You can use this link to get to the school's Facebook page. No need to have a Facebook account to do so. You can see the video of the performance Orpheus in the Underworld there. He is the cello on the right.

Cherry

It's been a busy day. I had a parent evening at school & decided I would "sneak" some pictures of Noah & Nathan's work. Nathan's cherry tree is currently decorating the hallway in a frame. He is very proud of this tree - painted using watercolors on dry paper. Then on to the woodworking room. One of my favorite places. I love woodworking. Noah has been working on this pentatonic lyre all year in woodworking class. In the beginning there was a solid piece of cherry wood... Pegs & strings still needed. I can't wait to hear the sound! The tree cut-out he actually made into a Christmas ornament back in December.

Unlike their watery Mama, my boys are both solid earth children. - A bit of it is reflected in their work. I'm just so proud of them. And after this long day I came home to two children practicing soprano & alto recorders, playing beautiful music. Yay for me!

Noah's Balloon Ride

It was so amazing to witness. If I had $750 just laying around, the three of us would go on a balloon ride. Nathan was totally intrigued. I love how the pictures turned out. Story goes they tried to land on a field close to a high school, but didn't quite make it, thus they landed in someone's front yard & the whole subdivision came out!

We got up at 4:15 a.m. this morning for them to launch as the sun was rising. Both boys are taking a nap. How sweet. Noah's class is off tomorrow to accompany the 3rd grade on their farm trip, while Nathan and I will attempt to hold down the fort & get some packing in.

Enough said. Enjoy the story the sequence of picture tells!