Waaaay back in January, TooManyHats asked me why I homeschool.  And, I never replied.  It wasn’t that I didn’t want to, but to be honest, it had been a long time since I had thought about it.  Fortunately with some freetime this summer, I’ve been considering my reply.  I’m not ready to give my answer yet, but I did find some old pages that Eric and I wrote up when we first started homeschooling in 2000.  I’ve put them on this page, but please note they are over 9 years old and are probably due for an overhaul. When we first wrote these we were parenting two kids – and while we knew our boys would probably have some special needs, we as yet hadn’t run smack into the wall of special learning.  So, the pages will be updated soon to reflect our current situation, and philosophy.  But, for now, you can read what we were thinking in 2000.

In knitting news, I’ve been trying to figure out what sweater to knit myself. And, since I can’t decide, I’ve been knitting dishcloths. 3 dishcloths in 3 days! They are like potato chips – can’t knit just one!

Waffle Rib Dishcloth

Waffle Rib Dishcloth

Smocked dishcloth

Smocked dishcloth

Elvish Leaves Dishcloth

Elvish Leaves Dishcloth

So, what am I going to do with myself on my summer break?!

  • Work.  I still work for The Old Schoolhouse Magazine.  I’m blessed to work from home for them.  I’ve been working for them for a little more than 5 years now.
  • Knit.  I’m finishing a shrug for Sissy.  Then I have a lace stole for my mom I’m working on.  Finishing a winter sweater for me and then trying to decide on a lighter weight cardigan pattern to start next.
  • Cook. I’m trying to feed my family less processed foods.  I’m also challenged each week by the veggies in my CSA box.  It’s been lots of fun!
  • Quilt.  I’m still competing with Ashley & Trina with our Block of the Month.  I even made a page about it on my blog to help me track my progress.  I’m currently losing the bet!
  • Scrapbook.  Ok…really only guilt is making me add this one.  I NEED to scrapbook.
  • Geocache.  I hope we can make some time each week to Geocache.  Need to nag my Hubby I guess! 😉

I think I’m really going to enjoy my summer!

Today my mom and I (and J3) hit some thrift stores and here are my finds:

  • Purple measuring cups and spoons (new but cheap)
  • Salad spinner (new but cheap)
  • Pyrex casserole dish with lid
  • Frying pan with VERY deep sides – almost remind me of a wok
  • butter dish
  • citrus juicer (for my boy who is always sucking on a lemon or orange or whatever we have – this will be a better option)
  • Ice cream scoop

and most exciting…at the shop that was 50% off everything today…

Bernat - 100% cotton

Bernat - 100% cotton

12 skeins for…..do you want to guess?  Well forget it…it was $2.50 for all of it!!  That is $.21/skein!!  And I love using cotton yarns!

But that wasn’t all!

Tahki Donegal Tweed - Homespun

Tahki Donegal Tweed - Homespun

4 skeins! For $1.15!!  That is $.29/skein!

So I didn’t find everything I wanted, but I am excited about what I did find!!

My local Knit Night group went to Raley Field in West Sacramento, CA for a little minor league Stitch & Pitch!  I really enjoyed the company and the game was good….if you were rooting for the Reno Aces. 🙁   The Rivercats lost by 4. 🙁 But I really think I’d like to go again sometime with the kids!

stitchandpitch-001aMargaret, Krystal and Ashley

stitchandpitch-002aTrina, Steph & Ruth

stitchandpitch-003astitchandpitch-004astitchandpitch-006aThe view from our seats

stitchandpitch-008aLove this picture!

stitchandpitch-009aThe moon was gorgeous!

stitchandpitch-016aTrina & Margaret (#2 and #3 from left) leading the 7th Inning Stretch

stitchandpitch-017aIt was great fun!