A New Kitchen Table

The saying is true: Once a homeschooler, always a homeschooler.  We taught our sons at home and it has never ended.  Whenever they return for a visit, the schooling continues.  

My style of teaching was that I considered everything but sci-fi books and video games educational. They were given a set of assignments to complete (subjects they needed but would never study voluntarily like grammar) and the rest of the time was spent exploring anything they found interesting.  At the end of the day, each one would teach their brothers and me what they had learned.

They worked all day long every day because the other choice was to join me doing housework. Their love of learning has persevered; however, a desire to clean never emerged. The world is their classroom and my worn-out kitchen table has been their workbench.

On their latest visit, Reese wanted to upgrade his computer by replacing the CPU and graphics card.

This is a CPU which is the heart of the computer.  It performs most of the calculations and he wanted more horsepower. 

 

Vroom...Vroom

He wore an Electrostatic Sensitive Device (ESD) wrist strap. The wire connected to it is grounded and conducts built-up static electricity from the wearer to ground. This protects the sensitive electronics inside the computer case from being zapped by static electricity.

 

Big brother Joshua offered IT assistance. 

He used the flashlight on his phone to light up the dark inside and the camera to enlarge the tiny print

Alas, it wasn't compatible and the part had to be exchanged by mail.

Over the years, my table gained scratches, scuffs, and scorches from the many science experiments and construction projects. It was time for a new central fixture in my kitchen since only two chairs were safe to sit in. Whilst they were schooling, I shopped online for something new.  I bought this one from an estate sale for only $75!  There were no fingerprints, smudges, dust, or even breadcrumbs between the leaves.  Its life will be different in my house. 

The auctioneer thought we were crazy posing for a picture with a table.

Taking it apart, loading it into our four vehicles, getting it home required teamwork; but, they were cheaper than a moving van.

I let them do all the work while testing the chairs for comfort.  

I also bought a porch swing. No yard can have too many shade trees or too many swings. Joshua and I tried it out to make sure it worked.

It too had to be disassembled and loaded. My guys were becoming a bit hot and tired. He tried to ignore me as I was weaseling him into taking the swing down.

If I can't see you Mom so you aren't there.

Joshua is the tallest, the hook in the porch ceiling was high so this chore was delegated to him.  We didn't think to bring a ladder and no way was I going to let him stand in one of my new chairs.  He improvised.

Don't worry, he's insured.

We (they) managed to bring everything home in one trip.  

It fits!

The next morning Reese initiated our new table by cooking breakfast.

Then the food was cleared, dishes were washed and my fancy new kitchen table became a workbench. The exchanged computer components were installed, Reese obtained his massive horsepower, and so far, the table is surviving well.

Other more exciting visits

Everybody is home

A Wonderful Weekend

Pulling Apart at Pull-A-Part