Why I LOVE Skype

Skype is the free online video conferencing service that I use to connect with family and friends. My camera is built into my laptop and all I do is press a button to make a call. Then, when the person on the other end answers I hit another button and video comes up. I enlarge the screen and we talk "face to face".

At first, we enlisted Jon's Mom and hooked her up with a plug-in camera. She loves to see her grandkids gathered around the monitor: showing her the space from the missing tooth, the picture they colored that afternoon, or the new bedroom set-up.

My parents got a camera last week and have been enjoying the same things. But today the benefits of Skype multiplied (think exponential). Right now I spend an hour + per day quizzing my kids in preparation for Memory Master testing next month. This test is rigorous and involves reciting about 600 facts, ranging from a 160 item history timeline, identifying U.S. geography features, Latin vocab, Bible passage, English grammar definitions, math facts and formulas, etc. etc. Needless to say, the quizzing process to prepare(for two kids) takes hours of time every day. As they get faster it gets quicker, but even at the end of the year when they are sharpest, reciting takes about an hour (each) of fast talking.

So why is Skype golden? Because I sent proof sheets to my Mom and she is quizzing them every afternoon in four of the subjects. Today was the first day. It gloriously freed my time. While she was asking question after question I finished cleaning my van, played a game of Candyland with Popcorn (much neglected child when we drill), swept up my kitchen and tidied up the entire house.

The only thing I can't do with Skype is hug my Mom.