Alyssa and Josh decided to include Gracie in their Engagement photos. At first I was a little skeptical, but these photos just turned out great! The photographer, Lisa Shepard, has been a photographer in Austin for a long time. We met with her and fell in love. She was so sweet, and took so much … Continue reading Alyssa + Josh + Gracie + Bluebonnets = FABULOUS PHOTOS!
Month: March 2012
Calvin’s Magical World
My Walk with the Elements
Spring always make me think about Nature. Sure, I think about all kinds of natural occurrences in all the other seasons, but particularly in the Spring, I've started thinking about the Natural Elements: Earth, Air, Water, Fire. So in my nearly-daily walking around the lake, I'm trying to distract myself with the Nature that surrounds … Continue reading My Walk with the Elements
Blossoming Gardens
In 1997, we were in our second year of keeping our kids out of school. Michael was 8, Katie was 6, and Alyssa was 3. We were trying to create a community of unschooling and relaxed homeschooling families in Alaska, so I agreed to publish a newsletter called Chart & Compass. It was only available for … Continue reading Blossoming Gardens
Interesting Homeschool Graphic
This is from the College at Home Blog. While I don't think we're in this to dominate anybody, I think it's nice to be able to show that those who learn at home are doing just fine thankyouverymuch! Glancing at the sources a little, I see where they get their numbers. Not sure it's all that … Continue reading Interesting Homeschool Graphic
What About Exercise?
My exercise plan is in full swing! Even though every day I have to talk myself into doing it. But it's happening. I topped 200 lbs. when Alyssa was born - 18 YEARS ago! I don't think you can blame the fat on The Baby for 18 years, can you? No. I've never gone below … Continue reading What About Exercise?
Vegetarian – Week 1
So far so good! I've been sticking with the vegan choices and trying hard to stay low-calorie. The chip bag still calls me late at night, but I'm trying to resist. Another thing I need to work on is the the pre-planning of meals. My standby meals include: A bowl of cereal with Almond milk … Continue reading Vegetarian – Week 1
Happy Pi Day!
Unschooling Your Teens – FB Resource
Have you ever noticed how great information simply scrolls off the bottom of a Facebook page? That may change with the new Timeline format that's coming, but for now, I lose things all the time! I think something sounds worthwhile to read and plan to come back to it later when the house is quieter, … Continue reading Unschooling Your Teens – FB Resource
Updates, Birthdays and Baby Pictures!
2 weeks in one! We had a busy couple of weeks so I missed my Friday Family Updates. I'm never good on any kind of schedule, so why that surprises me, I don't know! So here's a bulleted list of what the Pattersons have been up to for the last couple of weeks: Alyssa turned … Continue reading Updates, Birthdays and Baby Pictures!
Conferences 2012
When we were first homeschoooling, I wanted to learn as much as I could. I found a conference that was nearby and went to it. It was referred to as "a Christian" conference, but I didn't think much about it. We were Episcopalian, that seemed like it would be fine. It wasn't long before I … Continue reading Conferences 2012
Going Vegetarian
My love of food has been no secret! And now, 51 years later, my Carpe Diem attitude about eating is staring me in the face. NOT a pretty sight! I have the diagnoses of Hypertension, High Cholesterol, and Pre-Diabetes - and medications for all of them. And then there's that All-American diagnosis of Obesity. Last … Continue reading Going Vegetarian
Following a Passion
When we lived in Alaska, a small horse stable was located on the outskirts of the Air Force base. We'd have to pass it everyday, as we drove in toward the neighborhoods. Alyssa was mesmerized. She and Ron would identify which horses were out in the pasture. As winter approached, the horses spent a little more … Continue reading Following a Passion