If you have ever watched the original Funny Moms video I am sure you just have to smile when you hear the phrase “Stop - at - the - period - honey”.
And though we are past that phase in our school journey (Thank you Jesus!), we still have challenges when it comes to reading.  Most of our challenges go along with that other popular Funny Mom skit with the mom begging her kids to “please, just FOCUS”.  Oh yeah, I know you know what I mean!
We are studying the civil rights movement right now and since we had more time than usual today, I decided to add a little extra reading aloud. 
In studying Martin Luther King, Jr., we are of course listening to his famous “I have a dream” speech, but I also found lots of additional information that I never knew before.
I never learned (or just don’t remember) that his name was originally Michael.  That was new to me!  Other than his “dream” speech, I have never read many of his other writings.  One noteworthy sermon I found to assign is titled “The Drum Major Instinct”.  My oldest is reading it this week. 
Another very interesting work of MLK’s is a letter called the “Letter from the Birmingham jail”.  Once I started reading this letter I could not stop.  It was written to fellow clergy and in it he answers their criticisms about the choices he is making in this movement.  He shares his views on civil disobedience and non-violent direct action.  I found it all very interesting. 
So, I don’t know why I thought this, but I figured my “men” would find this all just as fascinating as I do, and proceeded to gather all four boys and hubby around to listen to me read the 9 page letter that I found so intriguing. 
It took forever just to get everyone settled and comfortable in one room!  Hubby went to get out of his work clothes while I started off the conversation with the opening paragraph explaining the general overview of the civil rights studies that we will be embarking on for the next few weeks . . . .
“As you know, for the rest of this unit we are studying the civil rights movement in America and” . . .
”For the rest of the year?!”
”No, for the rest of this unit.  Anyway, In the 1950’s” . . .
“How long is the unit?”
”This unit ends in five weeks.” . . .
”We will be done with school in 5 weeks!!!?” (astonished happy looks with mouths wide open!)
”No, no, we will not be done with school in five weeks – we will be done with this unit in five weeks.”
Ryan tries to help me out here: “Guys, guys, it doesn’t matter – just listen.”
“So, In the 1950’s and 60's” . . .
“But wait - how many units are there?”
”Our school year is broken down into 4 sections (or units) which each last about 9 or 10 weeks.  We are in unit 3 which has 5 more weeks and then we will start unit 4 which has 9 weeks and then we will be done with school for the year. OK?” 
Now, having thought I had every possible answer covered I began to read again . . .
”In the 1950’s and 60’s black Americans” . . .
Only to be interrupted with
”mom?”   -  ”what’s puberty?”
I just cracked up laughing!  My oldest just couldn’t resist and had to chime in with the most random, off-topic question he could think of just to make me laugh.  And it worked.  It took me quite a while to gain my composure!  We had a great laugh and after that were finally able to FOCUS and read that long letter. 
And I wonder why I never seem to get anything done!