Back to School

 Kyra
8th grade
organized school supplies and folders yesterday
reviewed independent study plan
got up 2.5 hours before school bus arrival

Allen
10th grade
threw some paper, a pencil and two pens in his backpack 20 minutes before leaving for school
woke up 1 hour before school bus arrival

Civics

I am for the next few months home schooling Kyra in Civics.  Social studies here at the American school runs on a different schedule than in Fairfax County.  Given the timing of our move here and then back to Virginia, Kyra would entirely miss any instruction in Civics.  As both Kyle and I feel this is important subject matter, I have worked with the school here to free up a class period in Kyra's schedule so that she and I can study Civics together.

I am sure in future blogs I will be reflecting on the joys of home schooling one's pre-teen daughter and the lovely attitude one enjoys when spending one on one time with someone who believes you are an idiot.  Fortunately we are not yet there.

What I have realized is that Kyle and I are more civic minded than I would have initially characterized us.

According to Kyra's text book civics has to do with the rights and responsibilities of citizens.   Kyle has recently begun to work on our taxes (responsibility).  We are both quite diligent in voting in whatever election is held (right and responsibility).  Kyle recently wrote our senators and representative about mixed seating for the parties during the State of the Union (right).  I signed a petition to the President about ending human trafficking (right).

I hope we are making civics come to life for Kyra.  This isn't just something in her book, this is something her parents actively participate in.  At least we have her attention, she was quite surprised that Kyle and I both take the initiative to communicate with our elected officials at whatever level of government.

Have you given any thought recently about your practice of civics?  What rights are you enjoying?  What responsibilities are you addressing?  Are there services, protections and freedoms you take for granted?  I'm certainly more mindful of this these days and grateful for the opportunity to share them with Kyra.  She may find it boring, but she's learning more than she thinks.

PTA Fall Bazaar

This weekend the kids' school is having their Fall Bazaar.  As entry is free and the location convenient, Kyra and I went to check it out.

Vendors were local professional crafters, antique sellers, home crafters and food sellers.  The products were of uneven quality but some items were really quite charming and interesting.  There was wine, chocolate and cheese.  There were the ubiquitous Belgian waffles for sale - by Americans.  One stall had antique mantle clocks.  Several tables displayed jewelry - mostly hand made.  Christmas ornaments were also a popular theme.

I'd show you photos of things I bought, but all are Christmas gifts and my gift recipients all read this blog.  I don't want to spoil the surprise.

 My favorite item was a handmade manger scene from Poland.  It is soft sculpture with the figures standing about 7 inches tall.  Jesus can rest in his manger or in Mary's arms.  The kings are all well detailed with gold braiding and lovely fabrics.  The animals are soft and fuzzy.  The donkey is particularly charming.  By the time I purchased Christmas gifts, I did not have enough cash to purchase this.

The bazaar is still going on tomorrow.  Kyle reads this blog and Kyra is also aware of my love for this item.  Hint, hint, hint.....

Flat Stanley

When Kyra was in second grade, Flat Stanley came into our lives. Flat Stanley has become a popular teaching tool amongst elementary school teachers.  Stanley's story is read, the kids create a Stanley and then mail him off to relatives.  Children map out where Stanley has been and report on his adventures.

If you don't know Stanley's story, the short version is that one night when he was sleeping a bulletin board fell on him and flattened him.  This was an unfortunate event but had some advantages, one of which was cheap travel - just postage stamps.

Kyra's Flat Stanley first traveled to visit her Grandma and Grandpa Reeves in Arkansas.  Flat Stanley rode a horse while there.  He also played golf and ate pancakes.

Since then Flat Stanley has traveled to Panama, Mexico, Afghanistan and London.  As he is flat he is very easy to pack and whip out for a quick photo.  He can be accessorized like a paper doll.  You see in this photo he is wearing his camouflage pants - he got those when he went to Afghanistan.

He has not yet been on any outings in Belgium but we did remember to take him to Luxembourg.  The first photo is of Kyra and Stanley in the Bock casemates.

Here is another one of Stanley in front of a pretty house in Luxembourg.

Hopefully we'll remember to bring Stanley along on other European adventures and you can read about his travels here.  We don't have too many relatives still of elementary school age, but Stanley would welcome any visitors of the flat or three-dimensional variety.