Mr. John and Ms. Linda

Mr. John and Ms. Linda are our neighbors of about 10 years. They have lived in our cul-de-sac for about as long as we have. To be honest it just seems like they have always been there. Yesterday as I was outside watching the kids skate in the cul-de-sac Mr. John came over after work to say hi and to chat not just with me but with the kids. He was talking about something he might do and Little Mama piped up and said "If you do that, Ms. Linda will put you in time out!" I guess you had to be there but it made me laugh. Made Mr. John laugh too because Little Mama was right!! They have watched our family grow and have asked us all kinds of questions about the family choices we make. Especially the homeschooling thing. They have a small beach house and have wanted us to visit for quite sometime. The challenge was that they couldn't fit our whole family (plus them and their 4 dogs) at their house. So this past June we decided to get a hotel room and visit for the weekend. It worked out beautifully and the kids had a blast. Both Ms. Linda and Mr. John took the time to play with them and Mr. John took special interest in showing and teach them all about sea and beach life. The kids were so excited to learn new things. When we got back from the beach that weekend Ms. Linda had a confession. She had told me she wasn't real sure about the homeschool thing but after watching the kids that weekend and their interest and attention to all the things around them she was impressed. I love her honesty!! Mr. John has some kind of nature degree and has been on call to answer all kinds of plant, tree and insect questions. He has encouraged us to compost, to start a garden and to think about a rainwater run off garden. Ms. Linda is very creative and has made beautiful mosaics, jewelery and scarves. We have been to her art shows and is always very willing to share with the girls her current creation. One night she came over and taught me and Nature Girl how to crotchet. Who needs text books when you have a living, breathing teachers right next door . . .