It's a gorgeous weekend here and today we had the first of several celebrations for Daughter #3's ninth birthday. She had a tea party for friends from co-op. Only a couple of the girls were able to come but my girls had a wonderful time with them. We had to dress up for the occasion. So I had on a blue silk dress, my pearl necklace and earrings and...an apron so I could be 1/2 of the waitstaff at my daughter's tea cafe (the other 1/2 was my husband). I felt very June Cleaver, except I drew the line at wearing heels. I had on sandals for a while before defaulting to my normal unshod state.
So, anyway, that's what I was doing this afternoon. Now the kids are resting or playing outside (hooray for warm weather!) and I can sit down for a minute.
Now for the links!
Learning
- Let me echo this advice: If it Ain't Broke, Don't Fix It by Brandy at Afterthoughts. And let me add: be sure you're fixing the right thing, if you decide "it" is broken. So many things are actually character or issues completely unrelated to which book or program you're using.
- The Smart Parent's Guide to Choosing Children's Books by Anna Mussman at The Federalist.
- 51 Things to Memorize with Kids of All Ages from Alicia at Investing Love. Plus a free printable reminder!
- Do Christian Parents Flirt with the Idol of Education? by Chelsea Kingston at TGC. Spoiler: yes. I think all parents, whether they choose public schools, homeschools, private schools, or some combination of the other methods out there are in danger of this.
Living
- How Caring for Children Changes the World by Kelly Needham at Revive our Hearts. A much needed dose of encouragment.
- Some Thoughts on Christians, Movies, and Nudity from Samuel D. James. It's a great discussion to have, I think, wherever you happen to fall on the "this is permissible" spectrum.
- How Facebook Envy Fuels Donald Trump by Tom Nichols at The Federalist. I've seen a lot of theories and this is as good or better than most. (Please, PLEASE let this man's stranglehold on current American politics and reporting be over soon...)
Loving
- First Love, Last Love: Courtship Culture and the Teen Cancer Romance by Lauren Wilford for CT. C'mon, with a title like that, you just have to read it.
- Ready to be creeped out? Look no further: The Reformed Nazi Cult Trying to Open its Colony to Tourism from Messy Nessy Chic. (Another incredible title!)
- Cancer Cons, Phoney Accidents and Fake Deaths: Meet the Internet Hoax Buster by Rachel Monroe for The Guardian. I'm actually familiar with the Warrior Eli Hoax blog, but this was still an enlightening read. I have a strong sense of incredulity about most sob stories floating around social media (read: I'm cynical and that's not always a good thing). Discernment: get some.
From Living Unabridged:
- 52 Family Game Nights: Settlers of Catan. First of the "Euro Game" branch to make my list. And in which we wonder: do you say Ca-tahn or Ca-tan?
One year ago:
What caught your eye this week?
Pinterest Board of the Week (I have birthdays on the brain):
Follow Karen (Living Unabridged)'s board Celebrating - Happy Birthday on Pinterest.
