Three cheers for another successful Midwest Homeschool Convention! This year it took place in beautiful Cincinnati, Ohio. In our down time, we visited the zoo, ate at excellent restaurants, and attended a major league baseball game, which Grayson loved. He told us that he plans to live in Cincinnati when he grows up.
I was invited to participate in a panel titled "Teaching Through Technology." As more homes connect to the Internet, we as homeschoolers would do well to take advantage of this new technology to expand learning opportunities. There are many fun websites that teach phonics, mathematics, and even world history. I mentioned some of my favorite sites, and the other panelists shared some of theirs. I am just so excited to see how technology will shape homeschooling over the next decade or two!
My husband continues to struggle with chronic pain resulting from his leg inury. Although his mobility is returning, the doctors say the nerve damange is permanent. He seemed in good spirits until we stopped at an exhibition designed to teach elementary-age children about human anatomy. As the boys explored, he walked around shoving the medical dummies and muttering about the fragility of the human body. Luckily, I was able to calm him down before he caused a scene. On Monday I'm going to call his doctors about switching him to a pain medication that doesn't cloud his judgement.
We left the convention with a lot of great "merch." The mugs, t-shirts, and drink koozies will always remind us of this wonderful trip — looking forward to next year!
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This month we had the pleasure of hosting Ebba, a foreign exchange student from Sweden. Grayson and Clayton immediately took a liking to her — the "three pals," as we liked to call them, spent many afternoons playing in our backyard.
Sadly Rich, our youngest, made several insensitive comments over the course of Ebba's stay. He called the rågfrallor (traditional Swedish bread rolls) she made "poor people food," and when Ebba called her parents from our family room, he yelled, "Unless you start talking English, I'm going to hit." The whole family was shocked by his views toward Swedes and their beautiful culture. Going forward, Rich and I will have many conversations about the importance of welcoming everyone into our hearts.
Ebba handled Rich's behavior with grace and poise. She is a remarkably self-possessed young woman, and my husband and I have no doubts that she will earn high marks in Swedish college, where she intends to study mathematics. Ebba is always welcome in the Hutchins household!
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I would like to shine a light on this underappreciated root!
Ginseng has antioxidant properties and can even reduce blood pressure. I prefer to drink it in tea, but if, like my husband, you can't tolerate the flavor, it can easily be added to your favorite dishes without changing the taste too much.
The boys and I set up a booth at the farmer's market to raise awareness about gingseng. Many people approached us wanting to buy some, so we had to inform them we were there for a different purpose: to educate. As I have striven to instill in our boys, education does not stop after high school or college. It continues throughout adulthood! At 39 years old, I greatly enjoy learning about ginseng and other natural remedies.
A nice woman told us that ours was one of the most unique booths she had seen at the market. She especially liked the 3D poster about ginseng that Clayton made with the help of Grayson and Rich.
We may do more informational booths in the future. Stay tuned!
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I am blessed to have shared another Christmas with my husband and the boys. We didn't take any trips to see extended family this year, as my husband is still recovering from his leg injury. Our family dog, Mabel, seemed to enjoy our company — she is usually with the dogsitter this time of year.
It pains me to write that all was not well this Christmas. My husband has not been himself since the injury, and he seemed to grow more bitter amid the general merriment of the season. During my preparations for Christmas dinner he told me, "The good times are behind us now" — which was shocking to hear from a man who, just six months ago, was happily absorbed in woodworking and raising our boys. My friend Sheila recommended a book on chronic pain I am urging him to read.
Our sensitive boys knew that something was "off" with their Dad. To make him feel better, Clayton kept bringing him drawings of Transformers (he is in a Transformers phase). But my husband could not muster much enthusiasm about these drawings, and actually began to criticize Clayton for, in his words, "not putting enough effort into the shading and coloration of the Transformers." This comment led to a huge marital argument.
Clayton (who, being an artist, is the most sensitive of the boys) is now worried that he doesn't have the technical skill to succeed in the creative arts. I just can't forgive my husband for shaking his confidence. I recognize that the injury causes a lot of pain and prevents him from participating in many of his hobbies, but it's our responsibility as parents to show love to our children, regardless of the circumstances.
The sour mood in the house came to a head during Christmas dinner. Rich asked if we would mash his food for him, since he dislikes the texture of most meats and vegetables in solid form.
My husband pounded his fist on the table (something he has never done before) and yelled that Rich is too old for us to continue mashing his food. He went on to tell Rich that if he wants his food mashed, "you can d--n well do it yourself."
Needless to say, I was aghast, and sent the boys to eat their dinners in the playroom while my husband and I discussed this latest lapse in his parenting. If he insists on treating the boys this way, we may need to seek professional counseling services.
As the new year approaches, I hope we can find a way to restore familial harmony. Here's to a healthier and happier 2004!