Most high school graduates, regardless of where they are educated, are excited to start their lives which usually includes job training or college. Both experiences require a desire/quest/thirst for information. You might even call it a love.... And if it's true that public school doesn't drown the thirsty, which is proven by the "deschooled" home school moms, then inspiring the love is not unique to home schooling, but rather it is merely a shared human trait. We all love to learn when it's necessary and in our self-interest. Public school doesn't alter that love. Bored/disinterested isn't something someone else does do you, but rather a condition/excuse you (general you, of course) allow yourself.

Of course I'm justifying my position. :D That's necessary in an exchange of ideas to lend credibility to one's position. It's logical because she's the goods....she's the valedictorian who wrote and delivered a great speech that complete strangers who are adults are talking about! She's obviously bright and well taught. That fact that we're discussing her proves that. Regarding my defense mechanism, not sure what to say, but I like to think my mechanism is pretty good. :lol:

I think if you get one truly excellent teacher/mentor in your whole life, you are extraordinarily lucky. One chance to hang out with Socrates would be more than enough.... With regard to memorization without learning, I would say that is a maturity issue. As you grow, you become more interested and better able to understand information that you have been previously exposed to (the whole concept of classical education). You become better able to process information after multiple exposures. You may think you only memorized for a test, but your previous exposure makes it easier to learn deeper the next time you engage with a subject. Also, not all that you learn in school factually needs to be remembered. All the times you trained your memory to hold on to information for a test was making you better capable to organize and hold on to necessary information in the workplace (a short term order or project you're working on, for example). I think that graduating with a college degree, for example, doesn't demonstrate that you are smart but rather that you can persevere. It is perseverance and character that makes you a valuable employee...

Here we are writing on a message board filled with mainly public school graduated women who are all willing to mummify chickens and learn Latin and hatch butterflies and round up road kill to study.... It's not logical to think that public schooled home school moms love learning, but public school kills instead of kindles this love. Everyone likes to think this backwards thought because it justifies opting out. IMO, public school can be and often is excellent, and even in cases where it's not so excellent, the opportunity to meet a teacher/mentor or read a book or be exposed to a thought you didn't have before is enough to spark a passion. Just because you don't leave 12th grade at your local public school wanting to build a gyrocopter yourself, doesn't mean your love of learning was killed by the machine. The fact that grow up and still want to learn new things is evidence that your desire to learn wasn't squashed. Of course, the truth is (to me, at least) humans inherently love to learn. Nor it it fair or logical to assert that this young woman's thought process and ability wasn't developed at school. This young woman indicates in her speech that one teacher in particular was inspirational to her. Everyone may like to think that school didn't light a match (or in this young woman's case contribute to her ability) but the evidence suggests otherwise. IMO, and all of that....:D

I tend to agree with you, and I also always find it interesting that home school Moms will spout off about the "love of learning" they are inspiring implying that home schooled children have better access to this inspiration than their public school peers. Most home school Moms profess to have a love of learning themselves, and they are typically products of the public school system. Somehow, public schools taught this particular young woman to write and deliver a passionate, if not completely accurate, speech. She is clearly articulate and thoughtful, and she is a product of public education. If you commend her speech and her thought process, then you commend her education. She even credits one of her public school teachers for greatly inspiring her. I often worry that by home schooling, my children will miss the opportunity to find a wonderful mentor that they might find in the halls of a more formal school setting. This young woman's speech knocks the system that inspired her to achieve to a high level, and probably taught her more than she realizes.... An example of the doe eyed beauty and arrogance of youth, imho.

We did a Cornish Game Hen instead of a big chicken, but if I had it to do again (and I do....) I would do this: http://www.sciencefairadventure.com/ProjectDetail.aspx?ProjectID=142

Congratulations! I can almost smell him from here! lol Ours was a beast until the drying out really took. Ours moved with us from St Louis to Alaska and was buried in a tomb of fireplace ashes. The movers really gave me a look when they packed him. I told them he was an antique. :D Someone else here mentioned giving theirs away at a white elephant Christmas exchange. Home schoolers really are weird. :w00t::lol:

Go Tidepooling on Moss Beach! Cheap, fun, and educational! http://www.travelchannel.com/Places_Trips/Travel_Ideas/Outdoors_And_Adventure/Eco_Friendly_And_Hiking/Tidepooling

A few pics

I think you need to teach him to respond with "Yes, Ma'm" and compliance with no other commentary when he's asked to do something. Anything less and he loses the wii (or whatever he likes most) for the day. I'd sit him down and warn him that this is the new rule. No second chances. It's a lesson in respect. He needs to learn to respect your authority (and frankly, all legitimate authority). So, for now, "Yes Ma'm" and action with no whining. Be prepared to come down hard and get him in the habit of obeying without whining and emoting. Remove the video game or whatever every. single. time. he tantrums. He needs to know you're serious and you mean business. No more back talk will be tolerated. Get him in the habit of obeying without the tantrum. I bet you'll get results quickly. Consistency and all of that. Good luck. Be firm. Stay strong. (Easier said than done.)

You know they make sand and water tables because it's fun to mix the two. The whole beach concept, I guess. Sand and water are fun together. I guess if the Webkinz (sorry, not too familiar with these) are too special to play with outside, then they shouldn't be outside? It sounds like they had fun. It wouldn't even occur to me to punish kids for playing with sand and water together or mixing it up by adding toys to the equation. I wouldn't replace toys, nor would I worry about adding more sand right away until I felt like it, but I neither would I think that play like that warranted punishment of any kind. Maybe I'm missing something, though.

You may know all this by now, but the Parks Highway is main highway between Fairbanks and Anchorage with Denali about halfway between. It is dangerous, especially when there is snow and ice, and it's hard to get cell phone coverage for most of the trip. It takes about 7 hours to drive from Fairbanks to Anchorage so it's not a short trip and there aren't many businesses or places to stop between the two cities. (While you're there, you might notice gas cans strapped to the back of trucks because it's easy to be in the middle of nowhere with no gas stations!) In the winter (starting as early as September and lasting until May), the Parks Highway is often impassable and it just isn't safe to travel. In the summer, it's an amazingly beautiful drive, but again, if you have trouble you are on your own. You can take the train all the way south to Whittier to whale watch. It's a bit of a ride, but it is also a very scenic trip. My personal bias is that the southern part of the state is much more beautiful than the rest. If you have the time to take a whale watching excursion it's totally worth the experience. You don't always get to see whales (although you've got a chance, I think blue whales are spotted in July) but you can see the glaciers and maybe bald eagles. Remember, Alaska is a HUGE state and whale watching is done in the southern part of the state. (Probably why your son hadn't mentioned it, you have to travel quite a distance in order to do it.) Fairbanks is about 10+ hours to the southern coast by car. Also, July is high season for tourism. Things are likely to be very expensive, especially hotels in and around the coast, so keep that in mind. When you talk to whoever makes your plane reservations, ask about the possibility of you staying at a military resort (Seward Army resort) in the southern part of the state. Rates are cheaper and they can arrange whale watching or fishing trips for you. Even if you can't stay there (usually only active duty members, but maybe they'll make an exception if they can), Seward Army resort can help you arrange excursions to whale watch or fish. If you make it to south to Seward, the Sea Life Center is a great place to visit: http://www.alaskasealife.org/ Thank you for your son's service. I am glad you will have the opportunity to get thanked and appreciated in person by his colleagues. For what it's worth, I know your traveling there will help his friends and coworkers. The military is one big family and you are part of that, too. :grouphug:

My kids have really enjoyed this book: http://www.amazon.com/New-Picture-Book-Saints-Illustrated/dp/0899422357/ref=pd_sim_b_2 They have learned about saints they wouldn't have otherwise by just flipping through the short biographies. I recommend they learn about a Patron Saint of an activity of special love that they have (animals, music, athletics, etc.) Anyway, you have lots of good suggestions so I thought I'd link my favorite book. :)

A few Alaska thoughts for you. First, bring mosquito repellant because the bugs are bad in the summer. Also, if the forest fires are blazing, it might be smoky. Bring long sleeved but light clothes because of the bugs, but also bring shorts and t-shirts because it might be hot. The sun is still shining so be prepared for the midnight sun. It can be warm to hot there in July with no air conditioning so check the forecast before you travel. If you stay at Ft Wainwright you'll be right by the town, but I would advise renting a car since things are spread out. If you have a car, you might consider driving to Denali, but taking the train is a popular thing to do and it lets you enjoy the scenery without worrying which way to go. Two things to catch in Fairbanks that are free are the Tanana Valley Farmer's market (local honey, flowers, veggies, hand made crafts, etc.) and Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge. Both are fairly close to the bookstore I linked below and the University of Alaska where there is a museum (linked below). Otherwise, you will see moose for sure if you're there at least a week since they are all over. I lived in Fairbanks for three years and here are a few popular bunny trails: Pioneer Park (in Fairbanks) http://www.co.fairbanks.ak.us/pioneerpark/ Ride the Riverboat Discovery http://www.riverboatdiscovery.com/ El Dorado Gold Mine http://eldoradogoldmine.com/ Chena Hot Springs (You might be able to horseback ride here, too, if you're interested) http://www.chenahotsprings.com/ Take the train to Denali or all the way to Anchorage (Denali Park and Mt. McKinley are a must see on a trip to Alaska, Anchorage has more of a big city feel than Fairbanks) http://www.alaskatours.com/Alaska_Railroad/alaska_railroad_schedule_fares.htm The Santa Claus House in North Pole http://www.santaclaushouse.com/ My favorite bookstore in Fairbanks http://www.gullivers-books.com/ Gullivers is close to The University of Alaska at Fairbanks which has a pretty neat museum. The museum isn't as tourist trappy as some of the other locations you can be shuffled towards as a tourist. A lot of Alaska history is here and an interesting art collection. http://www.uaf.edu/museum/ The Milepost is the book for Alaska travel. You might be able to find it at B&N and just flip through it to get an idea of other off the beaten path things to do while in Alaska. It is an excellent resource. http://milepost.com/ I am so sorry about your son. I hope you find peace in Alaska. It's a beautiful place and I think you'll be glad you made the trip.

What do you like to do? Are you beach people, mountain people, historical sites people, food people, sail boat people, etc.? Do you picture yourself getting up late and strolling along on a romantic walk or getting up at dawn to scuba dive or go rafting? Do you want to a vacation of relaxation or an active trip with adventure? Although I've traveled quite a bit all over the world, one of my favorite vacations was a drive through South Dakota. We stopped at a George Washington Hotel somewhere around the Badlands. It was really fun, although not exotic. Mostly, we just enjoyed the drive there and the time together. I was amazed at how cool the Badlands are and of course, Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse are great to see. It was just fun and peaceful although not terribly exciting. Anyway, what would you enjoy doing most on your trip?

If it's for the 4th, bring a bouquet of sparklers along with other legal small fireworks. Otherwise, here are some ideas for hostess gifts: flowers, wine, tea towels, guest book if the event is large enough, soaps, good coffee with a small bottle of Bailey's for after dinner, fresh veggies from your garden or maybe something small and handmade. Also, you could just bring a camera and take pics and then send them to the hostess or make a small printed photo book as a thank you.

Here's a few favorites: Hans Christian Andersen http://www.amazon.com/Hans-Christian-Andersen-Danny-Kaye/dp/B000056H2A Willy Wonka http://www.amazon.com/Willy-Wonka-Chocolate-Factory-Blu-ray/dp/B0021L9MO6 Dr. Doolittle http://www.amazon.com/Doctor-Dolittle-Rex-Harrison/dp/B000TPTCP0/ref=pd_sim_d_4 Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat http://www.amazon.com/Joseph-Amazing-Technicolor-Dreamcoat-VHS/dp/0783240503 (has one scene with a suggestive Potiphor's wife coming on to Joseph, it has gone pretty much over my kids' heads in the past.... My older two get it now, but it's not bad enough to bother me) My kids have also really enjoyed The Ten Commandments and Ben Hur. They aren't musicals, of course, but they recommend those films over and over to friends who are usually :confused: by the suggestions. :D Happy Movie Watching! :lurk5:

A few ideas: -Raw veggie tray (from the Commissary....Call now!) -Baked potatoes with butter/sour cream/chopped chives -Potato Salad -Hot Spinach Dip in a Round Bread Bowl with crackers, raw veggies, etc. -Stuffed mushrooms (personal favorite) -Leeks on the grill drizzled with olive oil (I know you don't want to grill anything else, but this is really good!)

Generic Ideas: -Small American flags or State flags -a state button or pin -small statue/replica of something specific to where you live (mini-statue of liberty, small St. Louis Arch, Grand Canyon snow globe, etc.) -short picture book by local author about something local What I would do because I'm a little type A: If you're really quick and creative, you could take pics of the dinner (arrival, introductions, before dinner, dinner, after dinner, etc.) and slip away long enough to your computer to make and print them a really cool photo booklet to remember the evening with your family If you already had a template design in mind, it would be easy to just throw the pics in and print. A handy older child might be able to help make something like this happen.

It's semantics. You get to define "feminism" however you'd like. Just because someone doesn't agree with your definition doesn't make them right. Or, maybe it means you are not a "feminist" according to the person you're talking to. My answer to that would be why do you care about someone else who is limiting a definition in order to further their agenda? If you label me, you negate me ~Søren Kierkegaard

We just got home from a week in DC. Ben's Chili Bowl is all the rage right now: http://www.benschilibowl.com/ordereze/Default.aspx The food is serious diner type food and you'll need to walk and walk and walk afterwards! It is tasty, though, if not healthy! Plus, there is some history to the place that's interesting to find out about. We ate at museums quite a bit. The Smithsonian museums are free but they make up for it since there are few actual restaurants in the mall area downtown. You can eat in their cafes though, and although pricey, the food is good. If you walk into town, like past Ford's theatre, there are more restaurants. If you get off the metro at the Chinatown exit there is a street filled with places to eat, although mostly chain type places. Just a quick recommendation for catching Madeline Albright's brooch/pin display in the old Smithsonian castle. It is really cool. Apparently, she made many diplomatic statements using her jewelry and the brooches with accompanying stories are really fun to read. Have a great time!

You hire a doctor because they have expertise in health care. Presumably, they know something about health care that you do not.

I appreciate what you're saying, but if *you* pick out the doctor, and *you* drive your child to the doctor, and *you* consent to treatment/exam of your child, then you should let the doctor decide if the questions are appropriate or not. He's the one who is the doctor. He knows what questions need to be asked in order to best do his job. You have asked a professional to take care of your child. If you want to home-doctor, then stay home, kwim? That is also 100% your choice. (This is supposed to read in a friendly tone. Don't mean to sound snippy, so I apologize if I do.)

Just wanted to add: It is totally appropriate for the doctor to give the form to the child. The doctor's patient is the child. A doctor's job is to take care of the health and welfare of the child. A parent who is abusive wouldn't let their child fill out the form if she read it first. A child who is sexually active is more likely to write it on the form than to speak it aloud in front of their mother. A parent has the right to request that such conversations not occur, but it is prudent and good medicine for a doctor to attempt to gather as much information as she can about the patient. This is true even if the patient is uncomfortable about the topic (weight, sex, family history, etc.)

Actually, this is common and it is a physician's place to know if his young patients are sexually active. My dh has delivered a baby for a girl who was 12. She was 11 when she became pregnant.... How a child is doing in school is an indicator of depression. This is a health care issue. How a child's family life is can lead to responses which uncover abuse. A doctor is a mandatory reporter. These questions are sadly appropriate. I truly understand how you feel, as I have a 13 year old daughter.