Posted in Encouragement

Today, through "random blogging" I have been inspired, encouraged, and have seen some very good admonitions. I've read things that put  a smile on my face and others that make me laugh out loud. I double dog dare anyone reading this to read Gena's (TOSPUBLISHER) blog on today being "Random Blog Day" http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/TOSPUBLISHER/1997/

I guess I could say that today I've had to much time on my hands... yup! Now that is something I cannot complain about! Yesterday I made sure that I got housework caught up, paid bills... you know those housewiferly things. I'm enjoying sitting here on my rear playing around on the computer. I don't get to do this very often. I'm going to milk this for all its worth today! I've put together 3, 100 piece puzzles online on the msn game zone. I like puzzles! The kids and I have found pictures and articles on things. The highlight of course is emailing with my hubby. We like to email each other.. and flirt in our 'secret codes'. We also like to see if we can give each other earworms. Earworms?? Yes, sounds nasty doesn't it.. or something out of  Star Trek... An earworm is a song that you have in your head that  you cannot get out. Yup, those! We all get those!! There are no medical treatment for this so why not try to spread your 'worm' to other people!? (On a side note... I wonder what earworm I could give Jodi..... Bwa ha ha ha ha!)

My 8yo son (soon 9 in Aug.) started a car notebook. So we've been looking at car maker symbols today so he can draw them in his notebook. He's thankful to have a mom that likes cars.. mainly old classic muscle cars. His car notebook was started because one day as we were driving to meet some other homeschoolers to play and he'd ask me, "Mom, what is that car?"

My reply, "Ford Mustang GT"

"Mom? What does GT mean?"

"Son, GT means Grand Touring"

"Mom, what is Grand Touring?"

"My dear, it is the way a car is designed so it can be a balanced car, yet lean towards the side of performance. It originated as a German phrase, but us American's see it as a true sports car performance in a daily driving."

(I'm sure that last bit was over his head... but he asked.. so.. I answered. By the way, my husband is all knowing in the car world.. I share in his interest too. Not to the 'extreme' as him.. but because I love him.. we talk cars and he loves it!! To him, I give thanks that I can teach my son what GT means! I love my hubby!!)

"Cool, Mom! What is that car?"

"Mazda Miata, dear"

"Oh, is it fast? It looks fast!"

"No, its not fast, son. Daddy's car is faster than that one."

Son says, "I don't want one of those then, I'd rather have a Ford GT40!"

I'd then go on to ask him what color and other fun questions to get him thinkin'.. but I don't think our whole convo. needs to be on my blog.

Now whenever we are out guess what we talk about in the van? Cars. Once in a while we'll see a Hummer and my daughter would say, "Hey mom! We should get one of those! I'm sure we'll all fit in one!"

I just say, "Yes, we'd all fit... but if we got one of those we'd have to live in it too!" (Not that I wouldn't mind having one.. the fun I could have in the mountains with that thing!) (I grew up 4 wheelin')

Then we'd discuss some math problems and why we would have to live in a Hummer vs. our home.

Now, the meaning to this blog you may ask.. that I don't know until I read over my meandering thoughts... ***scrolls up***

Ah, yes... I would like to encourage you to always be looking for those random times of teaching with our children. There will always be moments, big moments, small moments, unexpected moments... moments of learning. Many times those moments will turn into sparks and twinkles in the eyes of your children and they'll want to learn more!

You ask yourself, How do I look for those moments? One way, my favorite way, is constantly seeking the Lord for Him to show you those moments. Another way is to approach that moment with questions- Why? How? When? What? Where?

Your child is playin' with a pill bug. You can ask, "Why do you think that pill bug rolls up into a ball when bothered?"

or on the way to get your oil changed.. (or you can show him yourself how to do it), "How does oil in an engine work?" and discus friction.

It's kind of like baby proofing your house.. you get on your knees and seek out things that look like fun! Encourage your child's interest with whatever means to do so.