A Fly On My Homeschool Wall

 We're doing well, but I'm already ready to dump school in favor of hiking or outings or projects. But October is always like that for me because the weather finally cools off enough to think again, and all I want to do is play. We're doing our work. And playing when we can. Sir Walter Scott took the kids to Wichita, Kansas for the temple open house happening there now. They said the temple is a teeny-tiny one.   So tiny that the waiting room (the one for kids/friend without recommends to wait for weddings) is across the parking lot in the distribution center! When asked, every one of my kids said their favorite part was being in the Celestial Room . I sent them off with lunch, snacks, and directions to a couple of really interesting parks in the area. They stopped at the big park by the river to have their lunch, play some baseball, and generally work out their kinks before heading home again.  It turns out there's a local wildlife zoo in this park, and they all cam...

 I have been incapable of posting because my depression got so bad that I was in the most basic survival mode each day. But I have seen my doctor. I have talked to my family. I have been taking steps to do better. And I am slowly finding light. Along the way, the kids have been so, so, so busy with Island Fest 2026! It was yesterday. Himene Tarava A song about the planting of the seeds with Little Princess, Ladybug, Mister Man, Brother, and Beowulf Haka Puaka  (The Pig Dance) With Mister Man, Brother, and Beowulf This dance was choreographed by native Marquesas Islanders who gave this group permission to dance it for this festival.  It was accompanied by live music--one musician was born on one of the Marquesas Islands. Otea (The Rooster Dance) With Ladybug and Little Princess Otea again This time with Little Princess soloing (She's the one in the yellow) Himene Uru (The Breadfruit Song) with Lola Ladybug and Lola got to play Uncle Dave's big drum--the one he used to acc...

I finally got to talk to my girl about her experiences in Colorado, Utah, and Idaho, and she absolutely loved her trip. She fell in love with USAFA and hopes so badly to attend that school and serve our country. She loved seeing the stars in so much more glory that we can see them from our home area. She had so much fun interacting with extended family. And she loved, loved, loved spending time with Pixie (who loved, loved, loved having her little sister stay with her). Out to dinner with extended family At the Idaho Falls temple Hanging out in Pixie's apartment . . . just before they set up the camera and film themselves playing a game in which they spit water on one another while giggling maniacally Little Princess flew home alone, and she was a champion traveler.  She asked for help when she needed it and handled difficulties with panache. She spent the next day sleeping, waking to attend dance practice, and then sleeping again.  But she's recovered now, and I've enjoyed...