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	<title>Pepper Paints &#187; Reviews</title>
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		<title>The Real Meaning of Unschooling Success</title>
		<link>http://pepperpaints.com/2011/08/05/the-real-meaning-of-unschooling-success/</link>
		<comments>http://pepperpaints.com/2011/08/05/the-real-meaning-of-unschooling-success/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 05 Aug 2011 19:32:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kristen</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[homeschooling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Parenting]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[unschooling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[alternative]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[alternative learning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[attending college]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Unschoolers]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://pepperpaints.com/?p=1215</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[&#160; CNN posted an article on Unschooling this week-UNSCHOOLERS LEARN WHAT THEY WANT, WHEN THEY WANT. I thought the article was good up until the &#8220;Professional&#8221; stepped in with what he thinks the world needs from our kids and how they need &#8220;trained adults&#8221; to get them there. The article also uses the unschooled child [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Medium" title="IMG_1305" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/6012505394/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6015/6012505394_960cda6d4b.jpg" alt="IMG_1305" width="500" height="437" /></a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>CNN posted an article on Unschooling this week-<a href="http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/08/03/unschooling.sudbury.education/index.html?hpt=hp_bn1">UNSCHOOLERS LEARN WHAT THEY WANT, WHEN THEY WANT</a>. I thought the article was good up until the &#8220;Professional&#8221; stepped in with what he thinks the world needs from our kids and how they need &#8220;trained adults&#8221; to get them there. The article also uses the unschooled child of a Doctor (professor of alternative learning at that!) and <a href="http://www.sudval.org/">Sudbury Valley Schools</a> and their alumni for most of it&#8217;s examples. Which might at least seem like school or a bit of organized education to the general public-along with the voice of &#8220;learning expert&#8221; to give the article some clout&#8211;Because those of us that unschool and don&#8217;t belong to a democratic school are just too far out there and definitely not to be taken seriously! We have all seen the mainstream news and TV run with those stories!</p>
<p>My biggest issue with this article though, is their use of attending college as their measure of unschooling success. (Unschoolers who go on to pre-med and Harvard  none the less are interviewed for this piece).  This is certainly not limited to this CNN article. (Which happens to appear under the heading <a href="http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/perrys.principles/">PERRY&#8217;S PRINCIPLES: SCHOOLING FOR SUCCESS</a>.) As a parent of three unschooled kids one of the first questions we are often asked is, &#8220;What about college?&#8221; Because if you don&#8217;t go to college, what will you do? At some point these same people will hopefully realize that we aren&#8217;t going to conform just for the sake of it! Unschooling doesn&#8217;t just end when you are 18 or 21 and it&#8217;s time to get a real job. Unschoolers do not embark on this lifestyle for the payoff at the end. It is for learning and happiness now and in the future.</p>
<p>Unschooling will continue to creep into the mainstream in bits and pieces. Peoples ideas about education will change. Yet unschooling success will never be understood as long as the end all, be all success of education (and most lives) are based on if and where you go to college and what type of job you perform.</p>
<p>True unschooling success is about choices and happiness. It is about getting up and  choosing to go to college or a job you enjoy or even choosing not to go to work!  One that you have chosen not just because it is pays the bills or because that was what you graduated in or because that was just the next step you were supposed to take.</p>
<p>Unschooling unveils all the choices one has in life. Choosing your own path to follow is true success. Happiness is true success. That may be college but for many unschoolers it may not be. Until the world stops assuming everyone should go to college and then to work just because that&#8217;s what you are supposed to do&#8211;the United States education sytem will not improve and unschooling will never be rightfully understood.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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Post tags: <a href="http://pepperpaints.com/tag/alternative/" rel="tag">alternative</a>, <a href="http://pepperpaints.com/tag/alternative-learning/" rel="tag">alternative learning</a>, <a href="http://pepperpaints.com/tag/attending-college/" rel="tag">attending college</a>, <a href="http://pepperpaints.com/tag/choices/" rel="tag">choices</a>, <a href="http://pepperpaints.com/tag/cnn/" rel="tag">cnn</a>, <a href="http://pepperpaints.com/tag/cnn-article/" rel="tag">cnn article</a>, <a href="http://pepperpaints.com/tag/democratic-school/" rel="tag">democratic school</a>, <a href="http://pepperpaints.com/tag/doctor-professor/" rel="tag">doctor professor</a>, <a href="http://pepperpaints.com/tag/education/" rel="tag">education</a>, <a href="http://pepperpaints.com/tag/happiness/" rel="tag">happiness</a>, <a href="http://pepperpaints.com/tag/harvard/" rel="tag">harvard</a>, <a href="http://pepperpaints.com/tag/kid/" rel="tag">kid</a>, <a href="http://pepperpaints.com/tag/kids/" rel="tag">Kids</a>, <a href="http://pepperpaints.com/tag/learning/" rel="tag">Learning</a>, <a href="http://pepperpaints.com/tag/life/" rel="tag">Life</a>, <a href="http://pepperpaints.com/tag/lifestyle/" rel="tag">lifestyle</a>, <a href="http://pepperpaints.com/tag/mainstream/" rel="tag">mainstream</a>, <a href="http://pepperpaints.com/tag/mainstream-news/" rel="tag">mainstream news</a>, <a href="http://pepperpaints.com/tag/school/" rel="tag">school</a>, <a href="http://pepperpaints.com/tag/sudbury/" rel="tag">Sudbury</a>, <a href="http://pepperpaints.com/tag/unschool/" rel="tag">unschool</a>, <a href="http://pepperpaints.com/tag/unschooler/" rel="tag">unschooler</a>, <a href="http://pepperpaints.com/tag/unschoolers/" rel="tag">Unschoolers</a>, <a href="http://pepperpaints.com/tag/unschooling/" rel="tag">unschooling</a><br/>
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		<title>White Sands Lake</title>
		<link>http://pepperpaints.com/2011/08/03/white-sands-lake/</link>
		<comments>http://pepperpaints.com/2011/08/03/white-sands-lake/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 03 Aug 2011 01:19:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kristen</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Activities]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://pepperpaints.com/?p=1212</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you are local to Columbus and you haven&#8217;t been to White Sands Lake in Delaware, Ohio&#8230;.well you must go!! Must! It is a campground/beach that has been around for over 60 years. The &#8220;beautiful&#8221; emerald green lake is artesian well fed! Most of the old school apparatuses seem barely safe which make them even [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If you are local to Columbus and you haven&#8217;t been to White Sands Lake in Delaware, Ohio&#8230;.well you must go!! Must!</p>
<p><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Medium" title="_MG_7882" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/6003889406/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6122/6003889406_4abce76232.jpg" alt="_MG_7882" width="500" height="333" /></a></p>
<p>It is a campground/beach that has been around for over 60 years. The &#8220;beautiful&#8221; emerald green lake is artesian well fed!</p>
<p><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Medium" title="_MG_7935" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/6003889416/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6023/6003889416_732af9836e.jpg" alt="_MG_7935" width="500" height="333" /></a></p>
<p>Most of the old school apparatuses seem barely safe which make them even more fun!</p>
<p><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Medium" title="_MG_7868" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/6003889376/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6134/6003889376_81815a3966.jpg" alt="_MG_7868" width="500" height="333" /></a></p>
<p><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Medium" title="_MG_7910" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/6003889412/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6022/6003889412_7aa79aa695.jpg" alt="_MG_7910" width="394" height="500" /></a></p>
<p>This place is definitely a hidden gem that warrants at least one visit a Summer!!</p>
<p><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Medium" title="_MG_7869" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/6003889392/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6006/6003889392_2f235934dd.jpg" alt="_MG_7869" width="500" height="345" /></a></p>
<p>I haven&#8217;t been here in about 14 years&#8230;.And nothing has changed!!</p>
<p><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Medium" title="_MG_7872" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/6003889404/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6016/6003889404_f55b6e95de.jpg" alt="_MG_7872" width="500" height="333" /></a></p>
<p>The girls really want to conquer those rings&#8230; so we will be definitely be seeing you next Summer <a href="http://www.whitesandsbeach.com/default.htm">White Sands</a>!!</p>
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		<title>Thursday&#8217;s Recipe Fail = Friday&#8217;s Kitchen Gadget Update</title>
		<link>http://pepperpaints.com/2011/01/14/thursdays-recipe-fail-fridays-kitchen-gadget-update/</link>
		<comments>http://pepperpaints.com/2011/01/14/thursdays-recipe-fail-fridays-kitchen-gadget-update/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 14 Jan 2011 17:05:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kristen</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[cooking]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://pepperpaints.com/?p=1124</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[My Mom bought me this super shiny, huge pot for Christmas&#8230;ahh my love for kitchen gadgets and accessories continues&#8230;. I don&#8217;t usually just link or post  a recipe on Thursday&#8217;s unless I have made it and it is actually worth sharing. This weeks plan was to share a Kale and White Bean soup. I made [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>My Mom bought me this super shiny, huge pot for Christmas&#8230;ahh my love for kitchen gadgets and accessories continues&#8230;.</p>
<p><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Medium" title="DSC_4260" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/5354079089/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5004/5354079089_42abcd9206.jpg" alt="DSC_4260" width="500" height="333" /></a></p>
<p>I don&#8217;t usually just link or post  a recipe on Thursday&#8217;s unless I have made it and it is actually worth sharing. This weeks plan was to share a Kale and White Bean soup. I made it but it was nothing worth sharing. So instead I planned to share my new and favorite kitchen gadgets but my poor daughter has been here all week</p>
<p><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Medium" title="DSC_4264" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/5354079133/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5083/5354079133_4d24b2e2aa.jpg" alt="DSC_4264" width="500" height="333" /></a></p>
<p>It is almost 10 am as I write this and she just woke up still sniffling and sneezing. My youngest germ is coughing in bed with her Dad who has been working all week until the wee hours of the morning. It&#8217;s been a rough week around here!</p>
<p>So that is why I am just getting around to Thursday&#8217;s post&#8230;on Friday<span style="text-decoration: line-through;"> morning</span> afternoon.</p>
<p>With all the germs flying around the house, this week turned into soup week.  There was the mediocre kale and white bean and the cure all chicken noodle</p>
<p><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Medium" title="DSC_4191" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/5354693064/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5165/5354693064_c75c18fee5.jpg" alt="DSC_4191" width="500" height="333" /></a></p>
<p>Everyone has a version of chicken noodle soup. Mine is nothing special but it certainly hits the spot. I added some pea shoots to mine&#8230;soup and salad all in one bowl is a favorite of mine! There was also a beef vegetable that I made in my new lead free crock pot.</p>
<p><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Medium" title="DSC_4243" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/5354078949/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5128/5354078949_7622dcdc81.jpg" alt="DSC_4243" width="500" height="333" /></a></p>
<p>Yes, you read that correctly. I don&#8217;t know how I didn&#8217;t know that crock pots typically carry lead in there glaze but apparently they do. I did some googling and found that the Cuisinart brand is lead free as is Vita Clay. Both are expensive. I did a little more digging and found this<a href="http://www.sunpentown.com/sczislco.html"> Supentown Slow Cooker.</a> And even better I found it on the cheap at <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/Appliances-Small-Appliances-Small-Cooking-Appliances-Slow-Cookers/h_d1/N-5yc1vZbv6d/R-202105170/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&amp;storeId=10051&amp;catalogId=10053">Home Depot</a> The crock is made of the same <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yixing_clay">zisha</a>, purple clay, that the<a href="http://vitaclaychef.com/index.html"> Vita Clay cookers</a> are made from.  Supentown website writes that it is not only free of chemicals but rich in natural minerals. Someday negative info may come out about this cooker too but I couldn&#8217;t find it anywhere for now.</p>
<p>I used my new slow cooker to make beef veg soup and all was good. It is a little bit smaller than my other crock pot but not much. But because the crock is not non stick there was a little sticking. It washed out easily and the soup tasted great. Just be sure when you store any small appliance you do not put the cord inside the pot because the soft pliable coating on the cords do contain lead&#8230;so wash your hands after use. I also read that there is lead in the coating of the heating elements in the outer part of slow cookers. I am done researching lead for a while. In other news I hear they are planning to take some of the fluoride out of our drinking water&#8230;gee thanks. it&#8217;s about time. Don&#8217;t breath or drink or eat&#8230;chemicals are every where!!! It becomes exhausting. Trying not to get too caught up in all of that!</p>
<p>I do know for sure that this is lead free&#8230;it is stainless steel</p>
<p><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Medium" title="DSC_4266" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/5354693410/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5082/5354693410_a4ed903c12.jpg" alt="DSC_4266" width="500" height="333" /></a></p>
<p>Also by<a href="http://www.sunpentown.com/stthco.html"> Supentown</a> and purchased at<a href="http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&amp;productId=202341867&amp;langId=-1&amp;catalogId=10053&amp;PID=603315&amp;cm_mmc=CJ-_-603315-_-10368321&amp;cpncode=22-95417981-2&amp;AID=10368321&amp;cj=true&amp;srccode=cii_5784816&amp;locStoreNum=2324"> Home Depot</a> this thermal cooker was way cheaper. I haven&#8217;t used it yet but can&#8217;t wait!! I have had my eye on <a href="http://www.thermalcookware.com/main.php?mod=Shop&amp;file=Cats">these thermal cookers</a> for a while but they are  very expensive and couldn&#8217;t really find a difference between the two that warranted the extra cost so we finally went with the cheaper one. I love the idea of making food and taking it with us for later, all the while it is cooking on the move with out being plugged in!!! Can&#8217;t get more energy efficient than that!</p>
<p>Take a look inside-a simple design!</p>
<p><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Small" title="DSC_4267" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/5354079243/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5124/5354079243_ab9c3612a2_m.jpg" alt="DSC_4267" width="160" height="240" /></a> <a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Small" title="DSC_4268" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/5354693510/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5121/5354693510_f2dd130b05_m.jpg" alt="DSC_4268" width="240" height="160" /></a> <a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Small" title="DSC_4270" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/5354079333/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5162/5354079333_a10d9d2f85_m.jpg" alt="DSC_4270" width="240" height="160" /></a> <a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Small" title="DSC_4272" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/5354693600/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5208/5354693600_7cd341aff3_m.jpg" alt="DSC_4272" width="160" height="240" /></a></p>
<p>I promise to use it soon and let you know how it works.</p>
<p>I love my Olympic juicer&#8230;especially for carrot juice</p>
<p><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Medium" title="DSC_4244" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/5354693214/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5041/5354693214_4cd8dc8b9a.jpg" alt="DSC_4244" width="333" height="500" /></a></p>
<p><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Medium" title="DSC_4252" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/5354079033/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5208/5354079033_e98a163ee9.jpg" alt="DSC_4252" width="333" height="500" /></a></p>
<p>Last but certainly not least one of my favorite kitchen gadgets&#8230;.I shared my love for this thermos before in my <a href="http://pepperpaints.com/2009/01/21/out-with-plastics/">OUT WITH PLASTICS</a> post.  During the winter i fill it it up with hot water so a cup of tea is only minutes away. I LOVE it!! Again no electricity used here!</p>
<p>What is your favorite kitchen gadget?</p>
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		<title>Hiking in Hocking Hills, Ohio</title>
		<link>http://pepperpaints.com/2010/11/07/hiking-in-hocking-hills-ohio/</link>
		<comments>http://pepperpaints.com/2010/11/07/hiking-in-hocking-hills-ohio/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 07 Nov 2010 14:33:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kristen</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Activities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Columbus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Field Trips]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Fall]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[hikers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hiking trails]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hocking hills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[indian summer]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[side trips]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://pepperpaints.com/?p=1070</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Columbus, Ohio is centrally located to so many quick side trips. Hocking Hills being one of them. Last week we took advantage of some of the last of the warm temperatures and fall colors and headed for a hike at Old Man&#8217;s Cave. Old Man&#8217;s Cave is especially nice for younger hikers with it&#8217;s steps [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Columbus, Ohio is centrally located to so many quick side trips. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hocking_Hills">Hocking Hills</a> being one of them.</p>
<p><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Medium" title="IMG_6453" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/5145533881/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4043/5145533881_e03c35f1c9.jpg" alt="IMG_6453" width="500" height="334" /></a></p>
<p>Last week we took advantage of some of the last of the warm temperatures and fall colors and headed for a hike at<a href="http://www.oldmanscave.net/"> Old Man&#8217;s Cave</a>. Old Man&#8217;s<br />
Cave is especially nice for younger hikers with it&#8217;s steps and bridges (and not too many scary drop offs and cliffs!).</p>
<p><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Medium" title="IMG_6419" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/5145534421/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4047/5145534421_c6083bdc8e.jpg" alt="IMG_6419" width="500" height="334" /></a></p>
<p><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Medium" title="IMG_6421" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/5146134502/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4057/5146134502_4895b6a4d6.jpg" alt="IMG_6421" width="500" height="334" /></a></p>
<p><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Medium" title="IMG_6402" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/5145534287/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4008/5145534287_8f0eb8d115.jpg" alt="IMG_6402" width="500" height="334" /></a></p>
<p><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Medium" title="IMG_6439" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/5145534031/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4006/5145534031_5bc99b00d4.jpg" alt="IMG_6439" width="500" height="334" /></a></p>
<p>If you are local, the weather forecast for this week is calling for a few days of Indian Summer. A perfect opportunity to head to Southern Ohio and check out some of the great hiking trails in Hocking Hills!</p>
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		<title>What We Have Been Up To</title>
		<link>http://pepperpaints.com/2010/10/12/what-we-have-been-up-to/</link>
		<comments>http://pepperpaints.com/2010/10/12/what-we-have-been-up-to/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 12 Oct 2010 12:20:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kristen</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Activities]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Chicago]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[china town]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[chinese dinner]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[fancy tea]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[favorite places]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[keeping chickens]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Museum]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[navy pier]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[public art]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Tea]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tea parties]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[trip to chicago]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[walk]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[zoo]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://pepperpaints.com/?p=1050</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In case you have been wondering where we have been&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230; sleeping in the back yard Visiting the zoo Gathering information and ideas for keeping chickens (the girls already have names picked out) Attending fancy tea parties And a trip to Chicago. I love this city&#8230;. I love a city where you can walk to most [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Medium" title="DSC_3365" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/5071600690/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4124/5071600690_1cc3ae868b.jpg" alt="DSC_3365" width="500" height="333" /></a></p>
<p>In case you have been wondering where we have been&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;</p>
<p><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Medium" title="IMG_5421" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/5070996141/"><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Small" title="IMG_5421" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/5070996141/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4111/5070996141_a37032a44d_m.jpg" alt="IMG_5421" width="240" height="124" /></a><br />
</a></p>
<p>sleeping in the back yard</p>
<p><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Medium" title="IMG_5345" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/5071601658/"><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Small" title="IMG_5345" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/5071601658/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4103/5071601658_6ab9677eac_m.jpg" alt="IMG_5345" width="240" height="222" /></a><br />
</a></p>
<p>Visiting the zoo</p>
<p><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Small" title="IMG_5305" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/5070994779/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4129/5070994779_76000339e9_m.jpg" alt="IMG_5305" width="160" height="240" /></a> <a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Small" title="IMG_5300" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/5070994707/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4086/5070994707_0bf2197f9b_m.jpg" alt="IMG_5300" width="240" height="160" /></a> <a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Small" title="IMG_5269" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/5071601310/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4125/5071601310_eb6334d6fe_m.jpg" alt="IMG_5269" width="160" height="240" /></a></p>
<p>Gathering information and ideas for keeping chickens (the girls already have names picked out)</p>
<p><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Small" title="DSC_3129" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/5071600302/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4129/5071600302_c6e1e2ea2f_m.jpg" alt="DSC_3129" width="240" height="160" /></a></p>
<p>Attending fancy tea parties</p>
<p>And a trip to Chicago. I love this city&#8230;. I love a city where you can walk to most places or take public transportation!&#8230;. And there is so much to see and do in Chicago that is free or cheap&#8230;. And all the public art&#8211;huge bonus!</p>
<p><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Medium" title="DSC_3258" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/5070993859/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4092/5070993859_431163bfdc.jpg" alt="DSC_3258" width="333" height="500" /></a></p>
<p><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Medium" title="DSC_3248" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/5071600514/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4086/5071600514_fb5d24d512.jpg" alt="DSC_3248" width="500" height="333" /></a></p>
<p>The Children&#8217;s Museum at Navy Pier is probably one of my most favorite places! It is different every time we go. The whole thing screams Please Touch!</p>
<p><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Medium" title="DSC_3371" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/5070993995/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4110/5070993995_46a940416e.jpg" alt="DSC_3371" width="443" height="500" /></a></p>
<p><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Medium" title="DSC_3148" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/5071600390/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4153/5071600390_1583f0a5b6.jpg" alt="DSC_3148" width="500" height="333" /></a></p>
<p>We had a great Chinese dinner in China Town&#8230;complete with a lazy susan in the middle of the table!</p>
<p><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Medium" title="DSC_3174" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/5070993669/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4106/5070993669_bca5a3327f.jpg" alt="DSC_3174" width="333" height="500" /></a></p>
<p><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Medium" title="DSC_3379" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/5070994067/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4132/5070994067_f02ba343f2.jpg" alt="DSC_3379" width="333" height="500" /></a></p>
<p><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Medium" title="DSC_3409" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/5070994151/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4084/5070994151_e0876cdfb7.jpg" alt="DSC_3409" width="500" height="333" /></a></p>
<p>We love you Chicago&#8230;can&#8217;t wait to visit again soon!</p>
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		<title>Say &#8220;Yes&#8221; To The Square&#8230;.The Chore Called The Summer Reading Program</title>
		<link>http://pepperpaints.com/2010/07/30/say-yes-to-the-square-the-chore-called-the-summer-reading-program/</link>
		<comments>http://pepperpaints.com/2010/07/30/say-yes-to-the-square-the-chore-called-the-summer-reading-program/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:43:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kristen</dc:creator>
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		<description><![CDATA[Earlier this summer I was invited to a  pre-party of our local libraries summer reading program. My kids have always participated in this program. We are a family of readers so it is really a no brainer for us. Reading = get free stuff. Yet,  I didn&#8217;t go to the pre party because really in [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Earlier this summer I was invited to a  pre-party of our local libraries summer reading program. My kids have always participated in this program. We are a family of readers so it is really a no brainer for us. Reading = get free stuff. Yet,  I didn&#8217;t go to the pre party because really in theory I am totally against the idea of rewarding kids with tokens and or coupons for reading. Yes=I am a bit of a party pooper. No, I don&#8217;t over analyze everything and get on my soap box tooting my horn at every main stream activity! But I saw this post on <a href="http://www.examiner.com/x-10043-Seattle-Homeschooling-Examiner~y2010m7d15-Controversial-summer-reading-programs">Controversial Summer Reading Programs </a>and it gave me just the nudge I needed to finally come out of the closet.</p>
<p>Now, don&#8217;t get me wrong I LOVE our library and I especially love my local branch.  We visit our library as well as other neighborhood libraries often. We rely on our library and appreciate all they do for us. But I just can&#8217;t get comfortable rewarding kids (or adults) for reading.  I didn&#8217;t (still don&#8217;t) want my librarians to know this-I am embarrassed to admit this to them. I just don&#8217;t have very high hopes that they could even begin to understand my reasons. They see me as one of their best patrons and I feel like I am letting them down by knocking  their attempts to get kids into the library and reading more. Rewards for this, rewards for that, rewards for reading over the summer too?  There must be a better way.</p>
<p>I don&#8217;t live in the dark-I realize that most every family  lives by these arbitrary rewards.  ( Some may even try to call them incentives.)  Homes and schools are run this way; allowance for chores, stickers for pizza parties, candy for potty training, money or presents for good grades.   I call them &#8211;just another way to coerce kids into doing what adults want. It&#8217;s all a cover up kids!!</p>
<p>Back to reading programs&#8211;It is true that these programs start off working as an incentive to read or at least to check out more books. (which is great for libraries&#8211;higher circulation is a primary goal of libraries. Higher circulation = more money)  Kids gear up by visiting the library and checking out lots of books and that is a great thing! Then  for 20 minutes&#8211;(checking the clock the whole time) they/you  read a book and then get to mark off a square. How many times do they bring that sheet to you asking, &#8220;Can I mark off another one? Can you read some more&#8212;-so I can mark off another one?&#8221;  See what I am getting at? It may seem like it&#8217;s all for the love of reading but it&#8217;s not&#8211;it&#8217;s for the love of filling in the stupid square and the the stupid free bookmark or  book bag or back pack that they are rewarded for finishing the summer reading program. How many parents get pissed off and just tell their kids&#8211;&#8221;Fine! Just mark off 1 square!&#8221;  *(clue #1 -kids know if they finish quickly they will get their reward)</p>
<p>I wonder if this reading enthusiasm wanes after they get that backpack?  We hope not-we hope the Summer reading Program turns kids into &#8220;readers&#8221; but it is doubtful that book marks and bike raffles are going to have that lasting effect on young readers.* (clue #2-once kids get there prize they are not keeping up the frantic reading pace) There is an alternative.  Really, you can avoid all those yucky feelings about keeping track of the chore called The Summer Reading Program.</p>
<p>As I said earlier&#8211;We are readers and my kids participate in the summer reading program and yet I am against rewards for reading. But I have a sneaking suspicion other families are going about filling in there squares a little differently than we are. As  readers, we read books, the newspaper, magazines, listen to books on tape as well as podcasts. We read while on the computer and while playing games and writing out lists or following directions both in the car at the grocery and while texting and while cooking.  These same encounters with reading are happening in your family too I bet. Reading is reading. Not just when you set the timer and read from a book.  Sort of how you can&#8217;t stop learning new things, and how school isn&#8217;t the only place to learn them. Well the summer reading program, like schools leads you to believe that reading occurs in a box  and rewarding this not only takes the enjoyment out of it but it belittles the sheer act of reading by placing an extrinsic reward on it.  I know I am a party pooper! I love a good book and totally love snuggling up with my kids to share a story. And I am all for that kind of reading too!! (I know there is a difference between reading a book and day to day literacy) But for us, ALL reading counts towards those little squares. If my kids ask if they can fill in a square I always say of course you can! See, it doesn&#8217;t matter if the timer was set or the reading was taken from a library book. You can feel just fine in saying &#8220;Yes to the square&#8221;&#8211;it&#8217;s not cheating. Use it as an opportunity to show your kids just how much they are reading. Probably more than you and they think!</p>
<p>So, we don&#8217;t keep track of how long my kids read from a book that someone else deems as legitimate reading material and thinking I need to make sure my kids are following the rules of the program or keeping it secret that I let little Johnny fill in a few extra squares (even though we quit reading at 15 minutes instead of 20).  In the end it is all about the prizes for the kids. Yes, they may be reading more for a short time during the summer but isn&#8217;t there a better way other than tricking them into it? And why does reading have to be a competitive sport? Isn&#8217;t it meant for totally selfish purposes?! Getting the facts and pure enjoyment?</p>
<p>I am not fooled by these programs&#8211;we read all the time. We feel fine filling in the squares and taking advantage of the coupons that we can use to get good stuff! I don&#8217;t use these programs to coerce my kids into pressured reading for extrinsic rewards. If you think I am batty-which is fine-you can check out what<a href="http://www.alfiekohn.org/teaching/readingincentives.htm"> best selling author, Alfie Kohn has to say on the subject!!</a> There are studies that prove these reward based programs are even hurting your summer reading program participants.</p>
<p>Can&#8217;t libraries offer new and exciting programs to lure kids in. Come on&#8211;get with the times. Kids read while playing video games!! Bring in some game designers and pull some of those books off the shelves. No, they may not be the classics but they are full of words and kids like them! Have an American Girl Summer Reading Club complete with doing some of the crafts from the books-reading the directions as well as the stories. Have a skate boarding or break dancing demo with those non fiction books pulled as well as those that lead the demo share some of their favorite books.  Have a rapping story time. Wouldn&#8217;t that be awesome?! Comic book writers could hold a workshop also. ( I am full of ideas if you want to hire me!!!)</p>
<p>I know there is so much more that is behind those little boxes that I don&#8217;t have answers to. Not all kids  live in literacy rich homes. But really , it is just not right to give kids stickers for reading. Don&#8217;t be fooled by thinking success equals a high number of participants and circulation. Don&#8217;t be fooled that these programs are producing kids that love to read. Maybe these summer readers are really fooling you-</p>
<p>*clues #1 and #2 show just how kids know how to work this rewards system</p>
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		<title>Cleveland Rocks!</title>
		<link>http://pepperpaints.com/2010/07/21/cleveland-rocks/</link>
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		<pubDate>Wed, 21 Jul 2010 15:00:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kristen</dc:creator>
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		<description><![CDATA[My husband and I both grew up in Cleveland. I don&#8217;t think we thought we lived in such a rockin&#8217; place when we were younger. Last weekend we went home for a visit. I love being a tourist in this city! So much to see and do!! Friday we took the kids to our old [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>My husband and I both grew up in Cleveland. I don&#8217;t think we thought we lived in such a rockin&#8217; place when we were younger. Last weekend we went home for a visit. I love being a tourist in this city! So much to see and do!!</p>
<p><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Medium" title="IMG_4678" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/4814499225/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/4814499225_fa9b097680.jpg" alt="IMG_4678" width="500" height="333" /></a></p>
<p>Friday we took the kids to our old favorite hang outs on <a href="http://www.coventryvillage.org/">Coventry</a> (the Greenwich village of Cleveland). Most are gone now and the crowd isn&#8217;t quite so hippy but it was still fun. Playing at the playground and eating dinner at<a href="http://www.tommyscoventry.com/"> Tommy&#8217;s.</a> We need a Tommy&#8217;s here in Clintonville. It would surely do a bang up business!!! Pretty Pleeeeeze???</p>
<p>Saturday we headed to the newly renovated and free Art Museum. It is awesome!!!</p>
<p><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Medium" title="IMG_4686" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/4814499387/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4077/4814499387_07ca6d7821.jpg" alt="IMG_4686" width="500" height="333" /></a></p>
<p><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Medium" title="IMG_4689" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/4814499587/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4121/4814499587_fb7aa8453d.jpg" alt="IMG_4689" width="500" height="424" /></a></p>
<p><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Medium" title="IMG_4690" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/4815122614/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/4815122614_79f1d4cc1e.jpg" alt="IMG_4690" width="333" height="500" /></a></p>
<p>Then we headed to The Botanical Gardens. I can&#8217;t say enough good things about the <a href="http://www.cleveland.com/insideout/index.ssf/2009/06/thomas_ondreythe_plain_dealert.html">Hershey Children&#8217;s Garden</a>. We could play there all day.</p>
<p><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Medium" title="IMG_4768" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/4814500191/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4098/4814500191_0f55f59bdc.jpg" alt="IMG_4768" width="333" height="500" /></a></p>
<p><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Medium" title="IMG_4757" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/4814499965/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4141/4814499965_deb6d173c7.jpg" alt="IMG_4757" width="333" height="500" /></a></p>
<p>Look &#8211;apparently Ginger has a twin in Cleveland</p>
<p><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Medium" title="IMG_4779" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/4814500661/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4140/4814500661_6f9dd5f09e.jpg" alt="IMG_4779" width="500" height="333" /></a></p>
<p>Saturday night we took my in laws to<a href="http://www.sokolowskis.com/"> Sokolowski&#8217;s </a>to eat.  On the recommendation of<a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://trishatruly.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/bourdain.jpg&amp;imgrefurl=http://trishatruly.wordpress.com/2008/08/07/booze-and-food-stuff/&amp;h=800&amp;w=459&amp;sz=330&amp;tbnid=6SvTjcCILCvXBM:&amp;tbnh=143&amp;tbnw=82&amp;prev=/images%3Fq%3Danthony%2Bbourdain&amp;usg=__s7CjLyTVKyde3rEjTA9l5x0qEQw=&amp;sa=X&amp;ei=qgVHTMeaF8HinAfFi9WfBA&amp;ved=0CEAQ9QEwCA"> Anthony Bourdain</a> of course&#8211; we got in touch with our Polish heritage!</p>
<p><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Medium" title="IMG_4792" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/4815123786/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4094/4815123786_3861fc60e6.jpg" alt="IMG_4792" width="444" height="500" /></a></p>
<p>Sunday morning we boarded The Rapid and headed to the<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terminal_Tower"> Terminal Tower</a> for a view from the observation deck. It has been closed since 9/11 and is only open for a few weekends.</p>
<p><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Medium" title="IMG_4866" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/4814502093/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4098/4814502093_879d9626e4.jpg" alt="IMG_4866" width="333" height="500" /></a></p>
<p>Just about everyone in Cleveland had the same idea! We waited in kine for 1 hour and 45 minutes. Ginger was not happy</p>
<p><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Medium" title="IMG_4824" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/4815124006/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4122/4815124006_8ee40d7890.jpg" alt="IMG_4824" width="500" height="333" /></a></p>
<p>The ride up didn&#8217;t get much better</p>
<p><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Medium" title="IMG_4857" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/4814501663/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4077/4814501663_1715319e23.jpg" alt="IMG_4857" width="500" height="333" /></a></p>
<p>But the views were so cool! Cleveland really does rock! The ethnicity, the history and the big city feel.</p>
<p><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Medium" title="IMG_4845" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/4814501253/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4116/4814501253_f7ff35990a.jpg" alt="IMG_4845" width="500" height="333" /></a></p>
<p><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Medium" title="IMG_4856" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/4814501495/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4117/4814501495_0df5b0d4a1.jpg" alt="IMG_4856" width="500" height="333" /></a></p>
<p>Thanks Cleveland!  We will  be back soon!</p>
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		<title>Make Your Own Hula Hoop &#8230;. We Did!</title>
		<link>http://pepperpaints.com/2010/05/13/make-your-own-hula-hoop-we-did/</link>
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		<pubDate>Thu, 13 May 2010 13:45:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kristen</dc:creator>
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		<description><![CDATA[My two older kids learned how to hoop years ago. They have taken a few hooping classes and practiced on and off for years. They can do some tricks and walk around and keep the hoop up and going around effortlessly for hours. These photos are from a few years ago at circus practice. I [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Medium" title="IMG_4224" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/4603229173/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1034/4603229173_233124f1e8.jpg" alt="IMG_4224" width="500" height="333" /></a></p>
<p>My two older kids learned how to hoop years ago. They have taken a few hooping classes and practiced on and off for years. They can do some tricks and walk around and keep the hoop up and going around effortlessly for hours.</p>
<p><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Medium" title="hula hoops" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/3024031300/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3273/3024031300_01cf17b334.jpg" alt="hula hoops" width="333" height="500" /></a> <a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Medium" title="spinning" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/3024004462/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3141/3024004462_e2db482693.jpg" alt="spinning" width="333" height="500" /></a> <a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Medium" title="practice" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/3023156993/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3004/3023156993_37a9f40300.jpg" alt="practice" width="333" height="500" /></a></p>
<p>These photos are from a few years ago at circus practice. I on the other hand never could get the hang of hooping.  Even as a kid I just couldn&#8217;t get the hoop to stay up. It always looked so fun but I also felt self conscious that I couldn&#8217;t do it so I didn&#8217;t practice at it much. And just figured I was just someone who couldn&#8217;t hoop.</p>
<p>Now fast forward to  this year. One of the great things about the internet and blogs is being able to see how other people live. I have been loving the new wave of unschoolers that have taken their<a href="http://childplay.wordpress.com/"> lives on the road</a>.  I have been  living vicariously through<a href="http://walkslowlylivewildly.com/"> these</a> families whose<a href="http://theorganicsister.com/"> blog updates</a> I  anxiously await just to  see what &#8220;we&#8221; are up to in our customized RV!  I so wish we could pack up and go&#8211;live an adventure on the road. But alas-my family says NO!  So as I sit here and dream I notice that many of these women have taken up hooping. They look like they are having so much fun.</p>
<p>And then Sara posted<a href="http://walkslowlylivewildly.com/2010/05/05/superhooper-giveaway/"> this</a> giveaway and I entered thinking Molly would love a new hoop. But as I began clicking around her post I found that Lara and<a href="http://www.superhooper.org/blog012.html"> Superhooper</a> were taking their hoops on the road and heading towards Ohio. Without a second thought I contacted Lara and invited her to Columbus.  And with that I decided eff it I was going to learn to hoop.  I didn&#8217;t care if I looked foolish. For three days my kids tried to teach me. Nothing. I watched countless how to hoop videos on Youtube and even checked a hooping book and DVD out of our library. I was dreaming about hooping.  Then it happened!!! On day 5 finally I could keep the hoop up for a minute or two. And each day it gets easier and I don&#8217;t have to make such huge exaggerated movements to keep the hoop up anymore!!! YEAH for me!!</p>
<p>Ginger learned too. But she is learning much faster and is working on tricks already. She literally went from not being able to hoop at all to using 2 full size hoops in less than a day.</p>
<p><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Medium" title="IMG_4153" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/4603840370/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1031/4603840370_1f2312b6ca.jpg" alt="IMG_4153" width="500" height="333" /></a></p>
<p>One of our hoops broke and with 4 hoopers and being down to 1 hoop we needed more&#8230;we had to have more! So we went to Lowes and bought our supplies. (There are instructions and tips all over the internet.)</p>
<p>irrigation tubing  160 psi  3/4 inch</p>
<p>3/4 inch connectors</p>
<p>various colors of electrical tape and duct tape  (we found some metallic tape at a craft store.)</p>
<p>you will also need a hack saw and a blow dryer</p>
<p>Don&#8217;t be intimidated this is super easy</p>
<p>Measure your tubing &#8211;your hoop should come between your navel and your nipple.  The bigger the hoop the easier it is.  Mark it and cut it with a hack saw.</p>
<p><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Medium" title="IMG_4176" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/4603225959/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1111/4603225959_b05fbe13d2.jpg" alt="IMG_4176" width="500" height="333" /></a></p>
<p>Heat one end with the blow dryer to soften up the tubing so the connector fits in easier. This only takes a minute or two. Once it is warm shove the connector in half way.</p>
<p><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Small" title="IMG_4178" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/4603840852/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3411/4603840852_74b203bb28_m.jpg" alt="IMG_4178" width="240" height="160" /></a> <a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Small" title="IMG_4182" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/4603841008/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1062/4603841008_c3150bca88_m.jpg" alt="IMG_4182" width="240" height="160" /></a></p>
<p>The girls wanted their hoops to make noise so we added rice to the tube</p>
<p><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Small" title="IMG_4186" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/4603226509/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1298/4603226509_aed3008ab4_m.jpg" alt="IMG_4186" width="160" height="240" /></a></p>
<p>Next heat the other end and connect the tube together as close as you can get it. Then we wrapped a bit on electrical tape at this point to keep it together snugly.</p>
<p><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Medium" title="IMG_4187" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/4603226727/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4046/4603226727_acd2de7871.jpg" alt="IMG_4187" width="500" height="333" /></a></p>
<p>Next&#8211;decorate your hoop however you want using electrical tape and  duct tape. The duct tape is a little slippery and wrinkly for hooping so electrical tape is recommended but we used both.</p>
<p><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Medium" title="IMG_4192" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/4603842304/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1127/4603842304_0c923433d2.jpg" alt="IMG_4192" width="333" height="500" /></a></p>
<p><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Medium" title="IMG_4193" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/4603228121/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1071/4603228121_bf3c11087f.jpg" alt="IMG_4193" width="500" height="333" /></a></p>
<p><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Medium" title="IMG_4194" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/4603228401/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4042/4603228401_1d39b41fbe.jpg" alt="IMG_4194" width="500" height="333" /></a></p>
<p>As soon as we finished we went and hooped in the dark in the back yard! There just isn&#8217;t enough room in the basement for three hoopers&#8212;unless we stand on the furniture!</p>
<p><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Medium" title="IMG_4209" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/4603843094/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3380/4603843094_c147fdc3a8.jpg" alt="IMG_4209" width="333" height="500" /></a></p>
<p><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Medium" title="IMG_4215" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/4603228997/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1080/4603228997_6b2aee912d.jpg" alt="IMG_4215" width="500" height="333" /></a></p>
<p>Looks like we are set now! The white hoop in the front is actually an LED hoop that my husband made for Molly for Christmas a few years ago.  If you are local and are interested in joining us for free classes with<a href="http://www.superhooper.org/"> Lara</a> let me know!!! She will be here next weekend. Happy Hooping!!</p>
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		<title>Happy National Pretzel Day!!</title>
		<link>http://pepperpaints.com/2010/04/26/happy-national-pretzel-day/</link>
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		<pubDate>Mon, 26 Apr 2010 20:50:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kristen</dc:creator>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://pepperpaints.com/?p=965</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[April 26 is National Pretzel Day&#8212;who knew there was such a holiday?! So in honor of National Pretzel Day here is a blast from the past (May 2008!) Homemade Soft Pretzels We followed a recipe that promised Aunt Annie&#8217;s Pretzels-like from the mall.  They weren&#8217;t exactly Aunt Annie&#8217;s but not too bad either.  I used [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.dailyworldbuzz.com/april-26-is-national-pretzel-day/46127/">April 26 is National Pretzel Day</a>&#8212;who knew there was such a holiday?!</p>
<p>So in honor of National Pretzel Day here is a blast from the past (May 2008!)</p>
<p>Homemade Soft Pretzels</p>
<p><a title="IMG_8974" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/2516622363/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3142/2516622363_121d07ca15.jpg" alt="IMG_8974" /></a></p>
<p>We followed a recipe that promised Aunt Annie&#8217;s Pretzels-like from the  mall.  They weren&#8217;t exactly Aunt Annie&#8217;s but not too bad either.  I used  white whole wheat flour for ours-white flour definitely would have been  better.  Ours were really heavy.  And as far s the amount this recipe  makes-unless you are feeding an army cut this recipe in half as this  makes at least a dozen pretzels and they don&#8217;t save well.</p>
<p>Aunt Annie&#8217;s Soft Pretzel Recipe</p>
<p>In a large bowl combine 1 1/2 tsp live active yeast with 1 1/2 cups  110 degree water, 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar and dash of salt.  Let sit 5  minutes</p>
<p><a title="IMG_8947" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/2516580093/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2239/2516580093_256258ed4a_m.jpg" alt="IMG_8947" /></a></p>
<p>Add 4 cups flour mix well and knead for 5 minutes</p>
<p><a title="IMG_8960" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/2517409000/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3257/2517409000_de0f68df4c_m.jpg" alt="IMG_8960" /></a></p>
<p>Put in greased bowl and cover with damp towel and let sit 1 hour in a  warm place.</p>
<p>Divide into 8 to 12 pieces -we divided into 16 pieces-and they were  still pretty thick.</p>
<p>Roll into rope and shape , dip into 1/4 cup warm water that has 1  tablespoon baking soda mixed in.</p>
<p><a title="IMG_8962" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/2516594999/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2182/2516594999_b9591c3983_m.jpg" alt="IMG_8962" /></a> <a title="IMG_8966" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/2517425728/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2398/2517425728_17dfec10fa_m.jpg" alt="IMG_8966" /></a></p>
<p>Bake at 500 degrees for 8 minutes</p>
<p>Brush liberally with melted butter and sprinkle with kosher salt or 2  tablespoons mixed with melted butter and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar  or parmesan cheese and garlic salt and serve with marinara sauce.</p>
<p><a title="IMG_8969" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/2517434920/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2252/2517434920_3e25cdbf18_m.jpg" alt="IMG_8969" /></a></p>
<p>Mmmmmmmm!</p>
<p><a title="IMG_8975" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/2516630487/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2086/2516630487_150f164986_m.jpg" alt="IMG_8975" /></a></p>
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		<title>Unschooling On Good Morning America And In The Mainstream</title>
		<link>http://pepperpaints.com/2010/04/21/unschooling-on-good-morning-america-and-in-the-main-stream/</link>
		<comments>http://pepperpaints.com/2010/04/21/unschooling-on-good-morning-america-and-in-the-main-stream/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 21 Apr 2010 14:13:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kristen</dc:creator>
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		<description><![CDATA[Where to start?! The media is, well the media. They are a business.  They feature stories that will boost ratings.  They use shock value  to stir up attention and in turn receive more viewers. So why we are surprised by  both the Good Morning America and the  Discovery Health reports on Unschooling?  They are typical [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Where to start?! The media is, well the media. They are a business.  They feature stories that will boost ratings.  They use shock value  to stir up attention and in turn receive more viewers.</p>
<p>So why we are surprised by  both the Good Morning America and the  Discovery Health reports on Unschooling?  They are typical examples of  biased reporting.  Both were short segments filled more with shock value than facts and true glimpses into<a href="http://pepperpaints.com/2010/03/04/my-quick-but-long-response-to-discovery-health-radical-parenting-show/"> real unschooling</a>.</p>
<p>Mainstream America just doesn&#8217;t get Unschooling. They aren&#8217;t going to.  For heavens sake only about 25% of American adults have a face book account. I thought everybody was on face book! So imagine how the majority of the world could possibly understand Unschooling?  Especially with the shows that Discovery Health and Good Morning America put out. Yet, it is so easy for me to forget that we are radical. It is so easy for me to forget that my family is so different than almost everybody else.</p>
<p>Partly because I don&#8217;t reflect the mainstream and haven&#8217;t for so long.  I have my own  fairly large community that I identify with. I belong to a food co-op and rarely shop at Kroger and I love my public radio station where they don&#8217;t play anything you have ever heard of. &#8212;&#8211;That&#8217;s weird&#8230;&#8230; Yeah, I guess.  I recycle, compost, use cloth napkins, shop at the thrift store and line dry my clothes&#8212;-Oh, your one of those hippies!&#8230;.. OK.  My kids don&#8217;t go school&#8212;-Oh, you homeschool? Will you always do that? Do they socialize with other kids? &#8230;&#8230;No,we Unschool&#8212;&#8212; Huh?????? Like those crazy people on TV? Did you see that, they let their kids eat donuts for breakfast&#8212;&#8211; That is main steam media for you!</p>
<p>I don&#8217;t sit round and think about how different we are. We just live. We aren&#8217;t purposeful in every move we make. We aren&#8217;t living for &#8220;the unschooling movement.&#8221; We don&#8217;t look different. We don&#8217;t walk or talk differently. (well maybe a little differently <img src='http://pepperpaints.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_wink.gif' alt=';)' class='wp-smiley' />   ) Our daily life is pretty uneventful to the outside world. We get up and go about our day just like everyone else. Only we have learned a little secret that seems so unfathomable to the rest of the world.   <strong> Choice</strong></p>
<p>We all have them. Really we do have  choices in everything we do. Yes, some choices make life harder than others but  we have choices in life. And as Unschoolers we have made many, many unpopular choices.</p>
<p>Kids don&#8217;t have to go to school&#8211;gasp! They don&#8217;t have to get up at a certain time of day to be productive&#8212;gasp! They don&#8217;t even have to be told to learn!  No, really, it&#8217;s just automatic. Adults may think they have control over what kids are leaning but kids and adults everywhere are learning ALL THE TIME!</p>
<p>I googled learning and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Learning">Wikipedia</a> gave me this: (from a very mainstream source even!)</p>
<p><em>Learning is a process you do, not a process that is done to you.  Traditional education focuses on teaching, not learning. It incorrectly  assumes that for every ounce of teaching there is an ounce of learning  by those who are taught. However, most of what we learn before, during,  and after attending schools is learned without it being taught to us. A  child learns such fundamental things as how to walk, talk, eat, dress,  and so on without being taught these things. Adults learn most of what  they use at work or at leisure while at work or leisure. Most of what is  taught in classroom settings is forgotten, and much or what is  remembered is irrelevant</em></p>
<ol>
<li id="cite_note-7"><strong><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Learning#cite_ref-7">^</a></strong> <a title="Russell L.  Ackoff" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russell_L._Ackoff">Russell L. Ackoff</a> and <a title="Daniel Greenberg (educator)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Greenberg_%28educator%29">Daniel Greenberg</a> (2008), <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.changethis.com/47.02.TurningLearning/download">Turning Learning Right Side Up:  Putting Education Back on Track (pdf)</a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://209.85.135.132/search?q=cache:RODyxv22v4sJ:www.changethis.com:81/pdf/47.02.TurningLearning.pdf+Ackoff+and+Greenberg+Turning+Learning+Right+Side+Up:+Putting+Education+Back+on+Track+Pdf&amp;cd=2&amp;hl=en&amp;ct=clnk">HTML</a>. Retrieved February 18,  2010.</li>
<li id="cite_note-8"><strong><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Learning#cite_ref-8">^</a></strong> Greenberg, H. (1987), <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.sudval.org/05_underlyingideas.html#03">&#8220;The Art of Doing Nothing,&#8221;</a> The Sudbury Valley  School Experience. Retrieved February 18, 2010.</li>
<li id="cite_note-9"><strong><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Learning#cite_ref-9">^</a></strong> Mitra,  S. (2007) <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.ted.com/talks/sugata_mitra_shows_how_kids_teach_themselves.html">Sugata Mitra shows how kids teach  themselves</a> (video – 20:59). <a title="Minimally Invasive Education" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minimally_Invasive_Education">Minimally Invasive Education</a>,  Retrieved February 18, 2010.</li>
</ol>
<p>These choices we have made are hard. And Unschooling is a journey of sorts. The vast majority of unschoolers did not wake up one day and decide to make all of these radical choices in one day. But it is easy to forget that.</p>
<p>Beginning with following your heart and letting go of what other people think. It&#8217;s your life &#8211;who care&#8217;s what other people think.  Really&#8211;let that go and be the real you. We only have one this one life to live. Live it the way you want to.</p>
<p><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Medium" title="funny girls" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/2852512564/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3041/2852512564_652183ba2a.jpg" alt="funny girls" width="500" height="332" /></a></p>
<p>Then giving up  the &#8221; should do&#8217;s&#8221;  and the  &#8220;have to&#8217;s&#8221;.   Really question why you are doing things. Do you really want to? Or are you just doing them because you should do them? What will really happen if you don&#8217;t do them? Can you live with that result? Can you make a different choice to get the end result you want?  Then make your decision based on that. It  is a process.  These choices we have made seem so normal and automatic to us now that sometimes we forget how the other 99% of the world is living.  There really are so few have to&#8217;s in our lives but we assume that we must do way too many of them. Don&#8217;t follow blindly. I want to make my life just what I want it to be. And fill it with what I want. You can to. You have a choice.</p>
<p>So to the outside world our life may seem uneventful but really it&#8217;s just the opposite. Really we are choosing to exercise our choices. We aren&#8217;t living lives full of have to&#8217;s. We are living fully everyday. Not just on the weekends or when we go on vacation. Not just when we have time. And you can too. You have a choice&#8211;to put your kids in school or homeschool or really trust yourself and  live your one life freely and Unschool.</p>
<p><a class="tt-flickr tt-flickr-Medium" title="DSC_6107" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14952826@N06/4103791391/"><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2532/4103791391_08c56eb146.jpg" alt="DSC_6107" width="500" height="247" /></a></p>
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