Look It Up!

As most of you know, I am homeschooling both of my kids. The journey is interesting, to say the least, and I'm learning how different the world is from when I was a child.

I remember asking my dad questions such as, "What does ________ mean?" or "How do you spell _______?" To which he would always reply, "Look it up."
This taught me how to use the dictionary very well because if I wanted to know something, I had to look it up in the dictionary, thesaurus, or one of those big red encyclopedias.

Fast forward to me as the parent. Do I send my son to look something up whenever he has a question? You bet I do! Does it drive him crazy? You bet it does! But, is he learning how to effectively learn for himself? Most definitely.

The problem comes in when he sees me run to the almighty "Google" to find answers! He has even seen me use dictionary.com for reference. Of course, this leads me to explain myself... or justify my actions. I have explained that I had to learn the way he is learning first.
But he wants to know why that is important?
Well, because if the electricity is out and you want to know a definition, that is how you find it! Or, if you are shipwrecked with only a dictionary and big red encyclopedias, you will know how to effectively pass the time.

The reality is that times are different but knowledge comes in all forms. Sometimes, I think we all tend to take the easy way out and forget the days of the library catalog.

Remember the days when we would ask a friend for her awesome casserole recipe? Now, we simply type a few words and click enter and we are inundated with several to choose from.

I remember going to the library searching the shelves for a good read. Now, we have book readers and the instant gratification is right at our fingertips.

Dinner on the fly instead of around the table with my family.

Even in my faith, I find myself settling for a McVerse- quick and easy instead of digging into The Word.

Is technology a bad thing? Mercy no! I love my dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer. I can't imagine having a huge hunk of ice in a box instead of my refrigerator. I am so thankful for electricity to keep me toasty in Winter and cool in Summer.

Even though I love modern conveniences, I have a feeling that there will always be a dictionary on my shelf waiting to have its pages flipped as the words look it up ring through my house.

Smile :) donnamusing

Happy 2013!

Happy New Year 2013!

I've approached this new year without the usual resolutions. This year holds a couple of new goals for me. They will both take a lot of effort and most of the year to complete. Even if I fail, I'm looking forward to see what this new year holds.

I know changes are coming.
Big changes.

I'm not sure what our little world is going to look like when we close the door on this year but I do know that things will be different.

The year is young, only three days old and really, I haven't done much toward my goals. Just today, I've labeled them.

First, I have resolved to relax a little bit more. And in honor of this venture, I've decided to leave our Christmas tree up through January. Sounds crazy, doesn't it? For me, it definitely does. I believe today already makes a record on how long I've ever left it up.

Part of "relaxing" includes just enjoying life with my kids more. The time passes all too quickly and while they can drive me crazy, I love them and I know that one day I will miss these young days. My kids and I all love the colorful lights, thus we shall enjoy them longer. We will put away the ornaments this weekend and then decorate the tree with cut-out paper snowflakes. Hopefully, we will get some snowfall this January to enjoy together.

Now, that I've told you that I want to relax more, you may have this mental image that I'll be sitting around reading a good book with a latte all year. Even though that sounds lovely, that won't work with my second goal. Actually, at first glance, the two contradict each other but with an intense gaze, they partner quite nicely.

My second notion is to clear out! Throughout the year, I want to CLEAR OUT every drawer, cabinet, closet, attic box, basement cubby, and file cabinet to rid myself of everything non-essential.

Sounds like a lot of work for someone wanting to relax more...

If we haven't worn it, used it, need it, or love it, it needs a new home. We have too many things that could be a blessing to someone else instead of a stowaway in a corner. I know that this needs to be accomplished and I know that more freedom will come as I clear things away.

What do you resolve?
I plan for more snuggles and laughter with less clutter and junk.

Smile :) donnamusing