knee-deep in higher learning

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Introductions and Frequently Answered Questions

Welcome, come in. Take off your shoes, but watch out for the Legos on the floor. In case we haven't met before, we're the Laszlo family. We're a little big, and have a variety of interests and pursuits. This blog's mission is to organize and present our activities in a way that might be useful to others.

First, a roll-call of the humans:

This is Rebekah. I mean, I am Rebekah.
I am the wife and mom in these parts. I do most of the blogging and masterminding.

Then there's Geza. He is many things: Dad, husband, mathematician, wordsmith.
Anytime I need ideas I go to him. His intellect is mighty, his wit is devastating, and his kindness is legendary. He also manages all of the house and kid stuff while I spend time on the computer, so his contribution to what you see here may be indirect, but it is essential.

Back in 1998, Henry came along and suddenly Geza and I were this upstanding unit of society, a nuclear family. That was something! Henry is interested in rocking the clarinet, making movies, volunteering, and hanging out with his friends. The laughs never stop when you're hanging out with Henry.

Then there's Thomas. You may know him from his blog Awesome 9000000000000 . His personality really comes through there, so it's a good way to get to know him. He doesn't mention how much he enjoys ice cream on his blog, but he certainly makes his stance on figgy pudding known. (That's an inside joke, and you'll have to check his blog out to get it.)Thomas keeps it interesting. He's smart, brave, thoughtful, and standing right next to me, reading every word I write.

George was named after his wonderful grandfather. He spends his day doing math, collecting calculators and organizing things. He loves a good knock-knock joke and makes the best Play-doh cookies in town. As you may have guessed, he takes after his dad quite a bit. He's also an avid reader, writer and artist.

Mae is the girl. Let's just get that out of the way.
We had three boys and everyone was on about having a girl, so we went and had one. And I have to say, I see what all the fuss was about! She's awesome. Her favorite activities are chicken-watching, drumming, playing the piano, and asking for stuff.

Here's where I think about the aspects of our family life that fit into labels.

The Muddy Kitchen: If we're doing something in the kitchen, this is where you'll find it. We don't eat meat, so we might be a good resource for someone looking to introduce family-friendly meatless meals. Going meatless was a happy, gradual choice for us and we love the food we make here.

Tails and Tidings: In another post, I will introduce our delightful menagerie. Our pets include dogs, cats, a hamster, a pig, a goat and four chickens. For now. They grace us with their charming personalities and provide us with non-stop antics and learning opportunities.

The Garden Dirt: That pretty much says it! We grow food, herbs, pasture, and maintain what's left of the landscaping put in by the previous owner.

Brain Storms: This label will help you find school activities. You could call us homeschoolers, or unschoolers, at times. I prefer to think we're an eccentric broad-minded bunch with a lot of time on our hands.

Goes to Market: When our local farmer's market is in season, we are avid supporters. This summer, we plan to work at the community table, as usual. Next year, who knows? Maybe we'll have a booth of our own.