A far-off view of the Ushuaia, Argentina airport, where we arrived 3 days ago. We walked past this charming field the first time that we went into the city center. We're at the very southern tip of Argentina, and it hovers between 0 and 10 degrees Celsius right now, even though it's the end of their summer.
Links I loved this week:
Crockpot Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli @ Stacy Makes Cents. I am SO missing my crockpot while we're traveling! For those of you that are blessed with one of those magical appliances, have you checked out Stacy's ebook Crock On yet? So many great recipes!
Energy Efficient vs. Green Friendly @ Green... Your Way. Essentially, this is the issue of planned obsolescence in today's manufacturing realm, which unfortunately includes things like major household appliances-- so how do we, the consumers, make a difference in the rate that these appliances are filling up landfills?
45 Uses for Baking Cups or Cupcake Liners @ A Delightful Home. Anyone have more uses to add to the list? I'm sure Stacy would love to hear them. :)
Our Response to Kraft's Letter: It's Time to Surrender Your Artificial Dyes @ 100 Days of Real Food (go, Lisa, go!)
Because Friendships is a Gift @ (in)Courage. If you're one of my girlfriends back home... know that today I am missing you greatly and recognize just what a treasure it is to call you friends. When I get back from this year abroad, I look forward to walking arm-in-arm with you, sitting on your couch sipping coffees (or mine, when I actually have one again), or holding hands as we pray together. Thank you for loving me so well, sweet friends.
I Want to Run Away @ (in)Courage. This one is for anyone who has ever found themselves feeling stuck and desperate in the midst of a hard season. (Thanks for being full of gems this week, (in)Courage!)
Should the Government Tell You What to Eat or Drink? @ Kelly the Kitchen Kop. Excellent food for thought. I would be on the side that says it is NOT the government's role to determine these things, but up to us as individuals to make our voices known to companies, and to vote with our dollars as consumers. What do you think?
Why can't learning look like this? @ FIMBY. I really resonate with Renee's thoughts in this post, and yet I struggle with some of the questions she brings up. I truly want the best learning experience possible for my children, but even though I recognize how it was lacking in so many ways, my own public school background taunts me with the safety of feeling like I'm teaching my children well by covering all of the appropriate subjects and completing the right books. Any other homeschooling moms struggle with this?
The Risk of Parenting While Plugged In @ New York Times
Getting Ryan geared up for Antarctica... high quality sunglasses are a must, so that his eyes aren't damaged by the strong glare of the sun off of the snow and ice.
This week...
What I'm doing: Preparing to say good-bye to my husband for 11 days while he takes an adventure tour to Antarctica, a trip of a lifetime for him! The kids and I will be staying in Ushuaia, Argentina (the southernmost city in the world) while he's gone, and we'll take some amazing field trips like viewing sea lion and cormorant colonies from a boat trip in the Beagle Channel, walking among two types of penguins on a nearby island, visiting a small glacier, hiking in the Tierra del Fuego national park, among other things. This is the best kind of homeschool. :)
Caden in front of a map in the Yamana Museum, which taught us about the aboriginal people who originally lived here in the harsh climate of Tierra del Fuego. Ironically, Caden's lips are pointing to where we currently are-- the very southern tip of South America.
What I'm enjoying: The views here. Everywhere you look in this small city, you can see the mountains rising up sharp and snow-covered. The houses and buildings are a bit run down (perhaps partly because of their exposure to this harsh climate?) but with views like these outside your front door, who really cares what your house looks like?
Years ago I read a book about the southern tip of South America. Ever since I have wanted to visit there. Enjoy!
Stephanie, Thank you for linking to my post. I will raise my hand I say I am a homeschooling mom who struggles with this (smile).
I know what you mean about safety, and you're right, it's a security of sorts, in the same way a steady job is security. We take a more entrepreneurial approach to education, (you might call it that). Less of "at least they'll know what everyone in public school knows" security and more of "learning on your timetable, according to our family values, and your interests" freedom. And it's a bit freaky and full of uncertainty and lots of leaps of faith (just like entrepreneurship) for the very reason that there isn't the same safety net that accompanies a more prescriptive approach to education.
But this kind of education is not without security and safety, either. There is the safety of relationship with each other (which is huge) and the safety of knowing that our children really love to learn, and are self-motivated. And they will apply themselves to the things they want to know, to reach their goals. And that's a powerful combination and offers a lot of security I think, just different from the security of covering the correct subjects and completing the right books.
I'll stop now before I write a book. I'm actually writing a course right now for this and I just get so excited about this kind of living and schooling, can't help myself (smile). Thanks again for linking and thanks for asking the question.