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LAS in LA

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Posts posted by LAS in LA

  1. A program that pairs children with adults (esp. senior adults) can be a blessing to everyone involved. The children have a grandparent figure who is also interested in their spiritual welfare. Like godparents, I guess (we're not Catholic, so I don't know much about godparents). The adults are able to connect with the younger generation in the church.

     

    I would consider moving churches for this reason.

  2. Hmmm, that is a dilemma. We also try to limit screen time (no tv, very little computer usage by children). I do think reading from a screen is not good for anyone's eyes and will steer clear of e-readers as long as I possibly can. If I were in your shoes, I'd be having similar feelings!

     

    What about magazine subscriptions for each dc? That would provide new things to read and could be left in Japan (or brought home without taking up as much weight as a book). I'm afraid I don't have any mag. recommedations.

     

    Hth a little.

  3. Are you doing all of these every day? Maybe some subjects/projects could be done weekly or twice-weekly instead of every day. Four hours is more than I do with DS8; giving children time for "digesting" and for personal interests is important to me. If your DS is enjoying the work, seems to be retaining it, and nobody's getting burnt out, I would think it'd be fine to continue. HTH!

  4.  

     

    I really started to understand grammar while taking classes in French, Spanish and German (beginning in 9th grade at a U.S. public school). Things like direct and indirect objects, passive voice, and gerunds became much clearer. My previous lack of knowledge hadn't hindered me, so it makes sense there would be more emphasis on grammar in learning English as a foreign language than there is for native speakers. I think it's difficult for many people to take a step back and get a good look at their own language without learning a foreign one. It's like asking if a fish knows what water is (he doesn't-- until he's taken out of it).

     

    :iagree:

  5. My sister gave me a Pullman pan (the larger one) for Christmas. I love it!!!! It makes a great loaf in a size and shape which are acceptable to all family members (read, DH). I use the pan de mie recipe on King Arthur flour's website, but use half whole wheat flour and less sugar. Mine is made by AMCO Bakeware and has a silicone coating, so nothing sticks and I don't grease the pan at all. The only "problem" I've had is letting the dough rise too long (yes, I forget about it), so the lid pops up when it's baking. Mixing the dough is very easy by hand, and even easier if done in the bread machine.

     

    It's a great pan.

  6. We've never attended a family integrated church, but we do keep our children with us in the service. The older two can manage themselves now. DS3 has a bag of "sermon-time-only" toys. The lacing puzzle sees a lot of action; there are also finger puppets, crayons, little cars, a bendy man. One of those soft "busy books" might be fun, too. When the children were younger (<2), and when we attended smaller churches, I often ended up in a lobby or other room with them.

     

    BTW, I love the idea of being able to prime children for what's coming up in the liturgy.

  7. It sounds to me like moving to a smaller space is your best option right now.

     

    Thinking beyond teenagers, I'll mention that my mother appreciates her big house now that there are children, children-in-law, and grandchildren that she wants to have home for Christmas and at other times. Several live nearby, but some of us are far away and she wants to be able to have us stay with her when we're in town.

  8. I like all of your gracious solutions to this problem.

     

    My dear, non-American friend/neighbor used to ask me "Do you need to cook [dinner] now?" It took me a few times, but I finally realized what she meant and learned that the appropriate answer was "Yes, see you later!" :lol:

     

    Does anyone else remember the Wendell Berry story, from Watch With Me, in which the old Grandpa always says "Well, turn back the bed, Ma, these folks will want to be gettin' home." ? :lol::lol:

  9. If DH's job is at all connected with UVA, you should check this out: http://www.virginia.edu/housing/family.php We lived in Copeley Hill for 5 yrs. and loved the location and community (very diverse). Apts. were so-so.

     

    A family we knew (DH was employed at place along 29) lived in Greene Co. in a lovely, modest subdivision. Less diverse than "in town" but not hickville either, I think.

     

    ETA: Crozet is also nice.

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