Homeschooling a Texas Tornado & a Preschooler !!

PLEASE READ and PASS IT ON ! Save a life !

2012-01-24T08:33:00.001-06:00

PLEASE REPOST !! SPREAD THIS SIMPLE TIP, SAVE A CHILD'S LIFE !!! Another young child was found walking around in the middle of the night, thankfully he was returned safe. I have a simple fix that could save the majority of these children. $.99 cents per outside door could save your child's life. Place these at the tops of your doors. The bigger the better, as the springs are harder to open on larger hooks ! They can be found at most grocery stores, department stores, and hardware stores.

I read comments on posts like the one locally today all the time. It makes me want to cry, when folks make excuses. Yes, I know that accidents can happen. But this is one that everyone can at least attempt to prevent. I have put locks at my mom’s, when she was alive, since the kids stayed there. At my ex’s home. At my sisters. All told I have probably spent $20 over the years. Knowing that your children can’t wander out of your house at night, PRICELESS !

A Homeschool Questionnaire !

2012-01-20T17:50:00.001-06:00

Karen put a HOMESCHOOL QUESTIONNAIRE on her site today! I am game.

Homeschoolers are NOTORIOUS for privacy AND for excellent blogs...LOL...We may possibly be a bit dichotomous.

In the spirit of getting to know more about the readers of this blog, ALL readers, not just the homeschoolers, I have come up with a brief questionnaire for ALL. Please, if you are interested, copy and paste my questions into your reply box and...ANSWER THEM!

Are you a homeschooler? If so, what "type"? I am a secular, classical, rigorous, eclectic, literature based, draconian homeschooling mom.
How did you choose the form of education that your child receives? Through trial and error.
Who are your GO-TO supporters for your lifestyle choices? My family, they are so diverse and tolerant of my craziness.
Who are the people or groups who do not support you? My mother was always against homeschooling. Everyone else I allow into my world supports me in whatever I do.
What is a unique lesson your family has participated in lately? I have little ones so things are pretty basic, we did raise lady bugs and caterpillars this year.
What is each child's favorite activity? For my son it is Mario Brothers ( for non school ) or Explode the code ( for school). For my daughter it is dolls ( for non school) she is practicing to be a mom of many or math ( for school).
Give some advice to "newbies" to homeschool. There are 180 days in the average school year X 12 years to educate your child from 1st to 12th / 365 days in a year = 5.9 years to get it all done. So take time off when you need it, or when you just want to play. There is plenty of time. Sometimes life lessons are more important than academics.
What has been very hard for you? Homeschooling is never easy, but I wouldn’t trade a moment. The worst to me it the attitude of, “I can’t do it.” before they have even tried.
What was not as hard as you had anticipated? Teaching them to read, this was my biggest fear with each child.
Do you have a favorite website or other curriculum piece? The Well Trained Mind ! I have been a devoted follower since 1999.
Do you have any favorite homeschool jokes or comics? No
Ask your children: what do they love about homeschooling? Quince, “ I love Explode the Code! “ Emma, “ I love my math best.”
Ask your children: What is Mom or Dad's STRENGTH when homeschooling? Both, “Mom’s good at reading. Dad’s good at recess!”
Ask your children: What is their WEAKNESS? Both, “Nothing.” Awesomeness, that was not the response I expected.
Ask your children: What do people ask you or say to you about homeschooling? Quince, “ They just ask if I do, when I use big words.”
And, ask your children: WHAT ABOUT SOCIALIZATION? Quince, “ That’s not homeschooling. We socialize all the time.”

Thanks so much for participating!

Quince is 5, and already tired of the socialization question. He says EVERYONE asks that!

Getting Our Science List Together for 2nd !

2012-01-17T09:32:00.001-06:00

We will be using Elemental Science again, Earth Science and Astronomy for the Grammar Stage. We used ES last year and really enjoyed it.

( Some of these are not required, but I love them anyway. We collect Usborne books ! I love the Beginner sets. )

I want a decent beginner Telescope !

Orion SkyQuest XT6 Classic Dobsonian Telescope

And found some awesome kits for this too !

We will be using Glow in the Dark stars to create Constellations too.

Of course once again, we won’t be starting this for a while. I am sure the kids will have free exploration with them until then.

( Next I will be ordering Story Of The World 2, so I can get started on a Medieval History Literature list ! )

Core C Box Day !

2012-01-14T08:34:00.001-06:00

The kids love Box Day, almost as much as mom does !

We won’t be starting Core C for a bit.

Time to really check them all out !! He sat for literally an hour reading the back of most of the books !

We are stepping back to try to combine the kids, and it is working well at the moment. Emma is not going at the pace I would prefer, so we will be starting Core A in just a few weeks I am sure. I will allow her to move at her own pace. Quince isn’t minding backing up in the Core, since he is still working at his own level on everything else. This could work !! It will be so nice if it does.

Stalking FedEx–Core C & Heirloom Crown !!!

2012-01-06T11:45:00.001-06:00

I won’t be using this core for a bit. But I realized that I paid a ton of bills head before the holidays were over. So with the extra cash I decided to order now. It also leaves all of my income tax money for new furniture !

I am so excited.

I know the kids will love it when we get there !!

I also received my Heirloom Badge from Sonlight with this purchase !

This is the first and prettiest crown I have ever owned !

Emma Is Not Going Along With My Plans ;-)

2012-01-05T11:37:00.001-06:00

She has gone through P3/4 already. She doesn’t want to re-read P 4/5. So we will continue where we left off just weeks ago. At this point, she is working along the same lines Quince was. I am sure she will be starting Core A just after she is 4. Oh well, he handled it well, I am sure she will too. I guess we will do a gap year if need be later.

Why can’t these kids just go along with the program ?? LOL

My New Years Resolution !

2012-01-02T09:37:00.001-06:00

My single resolution this year is to not make any. Yeah I always break them.

Goals for the year are to continue to work on getting fit.

To be calmer, and more peaceful.

And to tell my husband and children every day how very much I love them.

Looking Back On 2011 !

2012-01-02T09:11:00.001-06:00

This is probably the year I will remember most, it was like a roller coaster.

We went to the Botanical Gardens for the first time !

Raised some ladybugs.

Emma turned 3 !

We mummified a chicken !

Had some more fun !

And some more fun !

The kids saw their first rainbow !

Quince turned 5 !

We were blessed with Serene !

My son came home for a visit !

We were blessed with Kaitlyn !

I finally got a shot of a Ruby Throated Hummingbird !

Finally got to meet Kaitlyn !

We lost my big brother ! You will never be forgotten !

And welcomed Kylee into the world. Congrats again Shawn !

Looking back there was a ton of good. Three new grandbabies, they always brighten my spirit ! And the worst pain I have ever had to endure.

Hoping 2012 is good to all of you !

Genealogy : Sanders Family Direct Line

2011-12-29T14:33:00.001-06:00

I have been wanting to get some of my genealogy out here for a while. Although I don’t want to name living people, I love the idea of finding family that may be researching as I am. I know there have to be tons out there.

So I will start with my grandpa, and work within direct lines on this post.

My grand father was Wilbert McHenry Sanders, born May 15, 1913 in McLeansboro, Hamilton County, IL. He died Sept 10, 1962 in Stockton, San Joaquin, CA.

He was the reason I started my whole love of genealogy back years ago. I knew he existed, but no one spoke of him. I mean my father had to have a father, right? All I got from family was a nickname. “Webb”. So I got out on the internet one day, and found a cousin. Wilbert married Virginia Lee jones, and they only had one child. Grandma went on to remarry but she never had more children.

Now Wilbert’s father was Henry Wilmore Sanders, born 1893 in Ill, and died May 4, 1933 in Carmi, White County, IL. He married Allie McHenry. They were blessed with 8 children ( of course in genealogy we don’t always know, there could have been children that didn’t survive childhood. )

(I know I have more pictures, but not on the computer at the moment. Will try to find some to post later.)

Henry Wilmore Sanders’ father was Wilmore Sanders born Mar 2 1853 in TN, died July 6 1926 in Hamilton County, IL. He married Sarah Smith, and born to them were 11 known children.

Wilmore and Sarah

Wilmore Sanders’ father was Elisha Sanders born 1816 in Seed Tick, Jackson County, TN, and died Jan 27 1891 in McLeansboro, Hamilton County, IL. Elisha married Sarah Sallie Gordon. They had 10 known children.

Elisha and Sarah

Elisha’s father was Elisha Sanders born 1782 in Kentucky, and died 1860 in Jackson County, TN. He married Elizabeth Campbell, and they had 8 known children.

This is where my Sanders line ends. I have never been able to find more info on Elisha. The thrill of the hunt still lives in my, even though I don’t have much time for it at the moment. Eventually the kids will be older, and I can research again.

Ultimate Optimus Prime !! Frustration and Finally Success !!

2011-12-27T19:48:00.001-06:00

Quince had to have the biggest, newest Ultimate Optimus Prime. Mom got it on a lightening deal for cheap.

After two days of attempting, and my niece working on it for most of last night. I finally got the thing transformed. It may be a while before I transform it back. hehehe

It was worth it, I have one happy boy ! Next I will have to teach him how to do it. Now if I could only figure out the Bumble Bee his brother got him. You would think it was easier, since it is smaller. But no !!

Grrrrrrr

Come On 2012!!

2011-12-27T13:40:00.001-06:00

I received a call from my SIL today as she was headed to the funeral, she said she found a wonderful place up on a hill overlooking Evansville for my brother. That people waited for hours to get in to see Dan at his viewing. I am so glad so many people came out to surround her in love. I wish I could have been there for her.

We learned also that my older children’s cousin died at 3 am on Christmas day.

R.I.P. Zach Ellison 12-25-2011.

Then we welcomed our 11th grand child into the world yesterday.

It has been a whirlwind of emotions. I for one am ready for a new year to begin.

As to the kids, I think I mentioned last week that I am going to combine them, so we are back at work today, trying to stay busy. I need to stay busy, when I sit still thoughts come rushing in and overwhelm me.

Dan’s wife Bev said the same thing today, staying busy is all we can do.

Announcing Shawn’s Baby Kylee Skie Garcia !

2011-12-26T14:05:00.001-06:00

This has been one hell of a week. We lost my brother, my older children’s cousin died early Christmas day. But there was some sunshine too. Shawn my step daughter who has had miscarriage after miscarriage has finally made it to the end. Her daughter Kylee Skie Garcia was born this morning, weighing in at 7 lbs 12 ozs. A beautiful, perfect baby girl

I am beyond thrilled for her. This will be her one and only child, as she is 38 and just doesn’t want to go through anymore pain. She knows the odds are probably against her.

Mother and daughter are both doing well. They had to put her asleep and do a csection as her platelets were very low, among other issues. She is in pain, but up on cloud nine.

Buck and I are thrilled to welcome our 11th grand child into the world.

Happy Birthday Kylee, And Congrats Mom !!

Preparing To Welcome Kylee Skie !

2011-12-23T20:12:00.001-06:00

My step daughter Shawn will be having her little girl, Kylee Ski by c-section Monday morning, as her amniotic fluid is dangerously low. After multiple miscarriages she has done it! I can’t imagine her joy. I have no doubt this will be her one and only child. We are all very excited for her. Please send thoughts for Kylee’s entrance to be peaceful, and mom’s recovery to be easy and quick. I still can’t believe she has made it to 38 weeks.

I will try to be here Monday to post pictures.

Dan’s Obituary

2011-12-23T16:20:00.001-06:00

This is the way I remember him, always goofing off.

Danny Berry

November 8th, 1958 - December 21st, 2011

Danny R. Berry, age 53, of Evansville, passed away Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at Deaconess Hospital Main Campus. Mr. Berry had worked for 31 years for PGW, formerly PPG and as a real estate broker for 20 years currently with Keller Williams Capital Realty. He was the co-founder and owner of Dirt Finders Maid Service. He was a member of the Westside Nut Club, the National Association of Realtors and the Evansville Area Association of Realtors. Danny enjoyed riding motorcycles, fishing and most of all his children and grandchildren. Surviving are his wife of 25 years, Bev (Caudill) Berry; a daughter, Cassie Berry of Evansville; son, Jason Berry of Evansville; three grandchildren, Kalie Lamkin, Jayla Collier and Ethan Collier; mother-in-law, Kay Barrett of Evansville; brother-in-law, Donald D. (Irena) Caudill, III of Henderson, KY; nephew, Donnie (Amanda) Caudill and niece Amber Caudill of Henderson, KY; two sisters, Jana (Buck) Colburn of Portland, TX and Sammi (Billy) Porch of Mathis, TX; five brothers, Robert Sanders of Portland, TX, Jerry (Angel) Sanders, Jr. of Anchorage, AK, John Lyles of Aransas Pass, TX, stepbrothers, Alan (Sue) Steel of Evansville and Greg (Kim)Steel of Jacksonville, FL; step sisters, Renee and Ladonna Steele of Evansville, stepfather, Jerry Sanders, Sr. of Anchorage, AK; stepfather, Durwood Beard of Portland, TX and many nieces and nephews. Danny was preceded in death by his mother, Glenda Stull Beard. Funeral services for Danny will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, December 27, 2011 at Pierre Funeral Home, Rev. Tony Stanley officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 2:00 until 8:00 P.M. on Monday at Pierre Funeral Home, 2601 W. Franklin Street. Memorial contributions may be made to the Westside Nut Club Foundation, P.O. Box 6032, Evansville, IN 47719.

Memorials:

Westside Nut Club Foundation, P O Box 6032, Evansville, IN 47719

Cemetery:

Memorial Park Cemetery
2200 Mesker Park Drive
Evansville, IN 47720

Visitations:

2:00PM to 8:00PM on Monday, December 26th, 2011 at Pierre Funeral Home

Services:

11:00AM at Pierre Funeral Home on Tuesday, December 27th, 2011

Still Numb

2011-12-23T08:02:00.001-06:00

I have been reading and watching videos, between the water works. Trying to understand why he was taken. The GOOD BROTHER. The god-father to my children. The one that I always knew that when push came to shove he had my back. I feel so alone now. Not that I don’t have a wonderful family. Life will just never be the same without him.

On the Evansville Courier I learned some things. There are other people on this earth that are heroes too. To Firemed218’s wife, thank you for stopping and rendering aid to both my brother and my niece. I can’t imagine how hard that was on you. Firemed218 posted that there were many bystanders that tried to help, none judging, just comforting to my niece who tried desperately to wake up her grandpa.

To Danny H. Jones the driver of the dump truck, I hope you find peace. My heart hurts for you. I can only imagine how this must be affecting you. You were just in the wrong place at the wrong time. You are in my thoughts.

We may never know what really happened, as the only witness that we know of was my brother. I choose to believe that he was just distracted in some way, and did what he could to minimize the danger to his grand daughter. He loved her so.

I want to thank all of those who have posted positively, who have sent their prayers, thoughts and love to the family. If my niece who is just 12, ever goes back to look up the reports I hope these are the ones she sees, and not the negative comments from people who have no clue.

Thank you to all the citizens who stopped, firefighters, medics and police that tried so hard to help my brother.

Hug your loved ones, and tell them you love them. Because believe me in the blink of an eye, when you least expect it, they could be gone.

R.I.P. Danny R. Berry Nov 8, 1958 – Dec 21, 2011

You will never be forgotten, you remain forever in our hearts.

Tell Them You Love Them Every Day !! R.I.P Big Brother !

2011-12-22T06:45:00.001-06:00

Danny Ray Berry Nov 8, 1958 – Dec 21, 2011.

Give mom my love !

My brother and his daughter Cassie.

Danny was killed in a tragic accident in Evansville, IN yesterday. He was my big brother, the one I knew I could depend on. The responsible one, the good brother. I just talked to him last week. I am still numb.

We may never know what happened. I do know that he turned his car as to take the brunt of the crash as his grand daughter, he was raising was in the car with him. She was unharmed physically, although emotionally she is hurting badly. I can’t imagine what she went through, as they had to cut him out of the vehicle. He was just 3 miles from home.

My sister in law called from the hospital yesterday to give me the news. His wife, two children and grand children need all the positive, healing thoughts, and prayers they can get. I have never received such and unexpected and sad call in my life. This is the first time I have lost someone, when there was no warning at all. He was in the prime of his life, just 53.

He was loved by many, and will leave a huge hole in our hearts.

I love you Dan !

WHAT A SURPRISE !!!!!

2011-12-17T16:43:00.001-06:00

Buck’s daughter called me the other day to tell me that there was one more package in the mail. That she had seen something she just had to have, and that she was sending me one too.

I really wanted to spank her! She didn’t need to do that. We don’t do presents for adult children anymore, as we have so many little ones, babies and grand babies now.

But I am here to tell you ! There was a knock at the door, and when I opened it I just SCREAMED ! My FedEx guy is sort of used to me doing that, as I do the same thing over Curriculum.

But what was on the steps was something I had wanted forever! I just couldn’t see spending the cash for something only for myself, as hubby rare every joins me!

I will have to be honest here….

My name is Jana, and I am hopelessly addicted to coffee ! There is little on the earth that I love as much as a fresh brewed cup of coffee, early in the morning when everyone is still asleep. It is just to quiet and peaceful. The warm mug in my hand, the steam rising from the top. Oh Goodness, just call it my CRACK !

On my step was a Keurig !!! It took me all of 5 minutes, including the 4 minutes it took to heat the water, for me to have a cup in my hand. Eye close, savoring the aroma, before I got the first sip. Oh Goodness !

THANK YOU MISTY !!! I love you all.

( But still expect a spanking from me next time I see you ! )

He Finally Got a Gift !

2011-12-17T08:36:00.001-06:00

I am thrilled to be able to finally, after 7 years, get my husband something that I knew he really wanted. Even though he never asked for it. He never asks for anything, he has no issue with what I spend, never saying a word. I would see him every now and then looking at the TV's in various stores we were in, dreaming about a big TV. This year was the first year that we were caught up with everything, had gotten all the kids, and grand children's things for the holidays ahead of time. So when his yearly bonus, that comes from Sick Days not taken, showed up in the account. The first thing I thought of was a new TV for him.

He has really sacrificed for years to be able to support his family, to allow me to homeschool. We have no cable, only prepaid emergency cell phones. We have cut back on everything, and upgraded things so that our bills are lower. He has been a loyal employee for 36 years with the same company, well not really the company has changed hands 4 times, but he is still there.

I am thankful every day for everything he does for us. And seeing his face when he walked in the house to see that box was worth all the sacrifice and hard times. I would do it all over again. I am lucky to have him.

LG 55 “ LCD HD TV.

UPDATE 1-19-12 Curriculum Reorganizing & Combining, 2012-2013!

2011-12-15T12:47:00.001-06:00

Update 1-19-12: That starting of P 4/5 in February didn't work, we have now resumed P 4/5 where we left off. At this pace we will be starting Core K ( A ) in March. I will have to figure some things to add in to slow this girl down a bit, hopefully. Although Quince did Core K (A) at 4. So we will play it by ear. They are really enjoying being able to work together though !

My little Emma has made such leaps and bounds. I am convinced that I can get them both on the same page for Science, History and Read Alouds, in other words on the same Core in Sonlight.

So starting at the beginning of the year, we are going to start back at P 3/4 and do it in just a few weeks. We will restart P 4/5 in February and do it in half time. Moving on to Core A in about August working at a regular pace. Which will put the kids at 5 & 7 for Core B which will be doable.

I love the idea of the kids being on the same page, able to discuss books together. I love that they are just 21 months apart, and this is a possibility !

They will also be combined as they are now for Latin and arts.

They will have their own Math, Phonics, Reading & LA.

I am really excited.

A Wii–My Son Says That’s So Old !

2011-12-09T20:15:00.001-06:00

I purchased a Wii as my early holiday gift. I told my son Marvin that I was getting one. He said, “ A Wii is so old mom ! “

Yeah son, so am I.

Anyway we got the Wii, Wii Fit, Resort, and 2 Reader Rabbit games. Of course Mario Bros came with it. The kids and I were up at 8 am this morning, heading out to the store. Of course we had to go to two stores. But they didn’t mind once we got home. I insisted on trying it first, which is a good thing.

Because the children wouldn’t let me have the wii-mote back for HOURS !!

Yeah we all did a bit of sweating today, and had tons of fun. Young’uns and Old’uns !

Epi-Pen Refill, And Lousy Pediatricians !

2011-12-06T13:41:00.001-06:00

Emma’s Epi-pen is about to expire. Luckily we have never had to use it, but it NEEDS to be around in case we ever do. It will truly be a life saver in a time of need.

Last year I called her pediatrician when we all had swine flu. I wanted them to refill the Epi-pen and we would come in, in a couple of days. Because truthfully the last place I want my kids when they are sick and Quince is on steroids is in a pediatricians office, where there are sick people. Quince ends up taking ambulance rides way to easy for that. ( Do they ever outgrow preemie statues ??) I was literally in tears on the phone, begging them to just refill it and we would be in very soon.

Anyway the pediatrician refused ( we had been in there just the week before ), so I changed doctors. And got her Epi-pen with no issues. I called yesterday to get a refill and the pharmacy called the old pediatrician instead of the new doctor, and they called me to inform me that…

Old pediatricians office, “ I just approved Emma’s Epi-pen but we need to see her as soon as possible!”

Yeah ok, thanks ! But that consideration is about a year late.

So to the old pediatrician, I want to say thank you for being a year late, and saving me a co-pay this year. But we won’t be stopping by for that follow up. I have changed doctors, to one that will refill my child’s life saving medications whenever I call, because they understand how important it is. And yes they require me to come in, but they understand that sometimes I can’t just up and run over.

Rant over, stepping down !

I Love Being The Matriarch !!!

2011-12-04T15:12:00.001-06:00

In 2007 I became the Matriarch of my family!

For what seemed like a million years, most of the time I packed up the kid, or kids to go to Mom’s or Dad’s for the holidays. You know what that means. Tons of fun, tons of food, and laughs. But it also means over tired children, long drives, and tons of stress !

I never again have to pack up the little ones or big ones to head out to someone else’s home. I get to cook every year, which I love. I get to hang out in my sweats all day if I wish. The bedroom is handy to put the kids down if they need it. I get to avoid the holiday traffic, inflated gas prices, insane air fares, and other craziness.

Now don’t get me wrong I love my family, and they are welcome to travel to come spend time with us during the holidays. But I have paid my dues. It is my turn.

And I LOVE IT !!!

So dear loved ones, don’t bother inviting me to the holidays, unless it comes with a free ticket to Hawaii.

Love,

Would You Report Educational Neglect ?

2011-12-03T07:45:00.001-06:00

There is a post out on a popular forum today…

“If the parents told you that they are only studying Bible and a little math, and that's all they'll be doing next year, too? They're all going to gather around and listen to the Dad read the Bible, and then do as many or few pages in their math books as they each want to. That's it. Only the teens can read. Nobody is anywhere near grade level in math.

What would you do? There are more than half a dozen children aged 2 to16. They live on the other side of the country from me and we don't meet often.”

( The poster says the children are otherwise well taken care of and happy. )

There are a wide range of responses to the above as you can imagine from, “ just leave them alone.” to, “ that is abuse and neglect and they should be taken away from the parents”.

I believe that it is a parents right to direct the education of a child. Even if I disagree with their method totally. I sure don’t want anyone telling me what or how to teach my children.

There are children all over the country that are in much worse situations. There are children falling through the cracks every day. Of course personally I have an issue with this and could never do the same. But who am I to decide what is right or wrong for their family? Without more info, there is no way I can judge. I truly believe that children will learn in spite of us parents. It is a natural thing for children. And truthfully we don’t know what is going on inside the home if we don’t live there daily.

What do you think ?

Sonlight Forums Are Down !! Message From Sonlight

2011-12-02T22:33:00.001-06:00

Dear Sonlight Forum Users,
We are so very sorry for the current outage and recent technical trouble you may have been experiencing on our forums. As you may know, our hosting provider had a hardware failure, and migrated our forum software to a new server. Since then, many of you have been experiencing intermittent performance issues. We did our best to keep on our hosting provider to help us recover from these issues. Unfortunately, our hosting provider has ultimately decided that they can no longer support our forums. Therefore, we are now working on migrating the software and data to a new server.
It is likely that the forums will remain offline for the rest of the night. As soon as we receive the necessary data from our old hosting provider, we will begin the migration process. We will continue to keep this page updated as we move forward.
Thank you for being patient and understanding.
Sincerely,
The Sonlight Forum Team

Celebrating ! 30 pounds & 30 Inches !

2011-11-30T13:07:00.001-06:00

I am almost to the half way point. I still can not believe it has been as easy as it has. I love Debra Mazda and the Shapely Girls for keeping me motivated. So much so that I just bought the last two DVD’s. Let’s Get Moving 1 & 2. I also heard on Facebook that they are working on a new one.

I am not ready for anything like Zumba yet. But I feel better than I have in many years. My holiday gift to myself will be a Wii. I want Wii Fit and the Zumba game along with some others for the kids that are educational.

I am learning I need variety to keep going, I get bored very easily. I don’t want to stop !

Of course all this exercising, homeschooling, and chasing kids isn’t so good for the blog. But I do expect to meet my goal and get back here full time again soon.

Thanks for hanging around and not giving up on me. I just need to take care for me for a bit more. I can’t wait to show before and after pictures soon.

The Last Gift Is On The Big Brown Truck !

2011-11-30T08:34:00.001-06:00

Quince has had a fascination with Transformers for a bit. I am hoping this toy will last a bit and he will be careful with it. I just couldn’t resist it though, after seeing it in the store !

I just had to get the helmet too ! Quince will be overjoyed.

And for miss Emma her first big Princess doll, I couldn’t find a picture of the Styling Station set so just the doll is pictured. Hopefully she will stop cutting her own hair now. LOL

And as always she loves animals of every kind, so she is getting a talking puppy too !

So now I am all done. Except for letting the kids shop for us and for each other. Dad and I still have to get our gifts, I want a Wii with some exercise games, and will probably get a couple of Reader Rabbit and JumpStart games for the kids. If anyone has any other suggestions for educational but fun games please let me know.

Holidays–Presents-Scaling Back !

2011-11-28T08:35:00.001-06:00

Over the years I have started shopping really early, as in spending a tiny bit each paycheck from July to December. There have been some years though, when the money my father sends to the kids was the only money we had to spend on Christmas.

This year has been different with hubby’s fantastic pay raise this year, he also gets a bonus from his sick days not used ( although we got this last year too ). For the first time in our 7 year marriage I have money in savings. SHOCK!

It is also the first year that we have limited Christmas. Strange when we didn’t have much cash we felt the need to make the holiday extra big. This year we are going minimalist and working on quality. The kids only have 3 presents each under the tree and we have spent $200 on each.

This will also be the first year for the kids to go out shopping for others. I want them to learn to give, to understand that the season is about more than just “getting”. I can not wait, in just a couple of years they will be old enough to volunteer their time during the holidays to help those less fortunate than themselves. This year they will be purchasing toys for Toys for Tots, and putting some money in the Salvation Army pots.

When they are little it is easy to get caught up in the expected joy on their face! Later for me at least it becomes about so much more.

Jana

( My signature won’t publish for some reason. )

Thanksgiving Day !

2011-11-26T09:12:00.001-06:00

I didn’t get a single picture of the food, was to busy making it and eating it. But I did get some shots after ! Oh well someday the kids will be big enough to use the camera !

Grandpa with the youngest grandbaby Kaitlyn ! Mommy getting her to smile in the other two.

Grand baby Brayden playing, he is a handful. In the running with Quince for sure !

Quince, Grand baby Allyson, and Emma !

Grand baby Meagan finally let me get one of her !

Paw Paw and Buck just hanging out !

Son in Law Mark, Ain’t he pretty !!!!

And Emma with her Tofutti ( Dairy & Egg Free ) Cheese Cake ! She ate three pieces, score one for mom !

It was a wonderful day with family. I could hardly ask for more. Maybe if all the kids were here, but I need a much bigger house.

Yeah ! He Is My Kid ;-)

2011-11-17T14:44:00.001-06:00

Yeah ! He is my child. I got the Kindle yesterday, and he has already stolen it today. I think he will finish the Goop book today. This is cool, might have to get him his own after all, it took him just moments to figure it out. I kept asking if he was done. “No mom, you can make me read more!” Such sweet words for a homeschooling mom.

Emma was reading earlier too!

Finally Decided On The Kids Big Gift !

2011-11-14T07:56:00.001-06:00

I have agonized over this years gifts. I want something educational, nothing with a ton of pieces. I do not wish to repeat my old mistakes of video games everywhere. But the kids love interactive learning. So the Leapfrog Leap Pads it is. Hubby agreed last night and I ordered them.

I have a serious love of Leap Frog products.

Mom is getting a Kindle or a Nook too, of course I am in no hurry and am waiting on the real life reviews of the Kindle Fire before I decide.

Yes ! I Know We Are Early, But We Had Fun!

2011-11-13T10:13:00.001-06:00

The kids made wreaths and we put up the tree. Emma wanted a princess tree, and she got one !

After the decorating, but before the star.

Emma putting on the star.

Quince trying to straighten it, it is a heavy star.

The finished completely pink Princess tree !

Then we went on to make wreathes, the kids painted the pine cones and picked out the decorations. Then they designed the wreaths too. They look almost identical hehe. Mom handled the hot glue gun. Now we have one outside the front door, and one inside so we can see them all the time.

Quince’s has the gold ribbon, and Emma’s the red of course ( we couldn’t find pink ribbon ).

Beyond Sad, Another Forum Bites The Dust, At Least For Me.

2011-11-08T11:50:00.001-06:00

I am beyond tired of the intolerance. I am sad that what began as a wonderful site has turned into a mud slinging…

Us vs. Them.

Why can’t I find homeschoolers who are accepting of the differences between us ( all of us ), who don’t need to tear others down. To point out others faults. Even if that path isn’t the same as mine, I respect that they are doing what they feel is best for their children.

I walk my own path, I don’t expect anyone to follow me. I don’t need to follow anyone. I try my best to give my opinion on subjects if I have any experience with the topic. I feel no need to prove anything, to bring anyone to my way of view. I would never dream of belittling someone for their choices, no matter how different they are from mine.

It breaks my heart because I know there are people who have been very hurt. There is enough pain in the world without us chewing each other up.

Sand Art

2011-11-05T10:07:00.001-05:00

As we were out shopping yesterday, Quince noticed a Sand Art kit and asked to me to get it for him. We waited until this morning to make a mess.

They had a blast, and they turned out really well. Emma required a little help as some of the bottles weren’t really stable. And the little heart necklace bottles opening was to little for the funnel. They are very proud of them though, as I am. These two are getting much better with harder things, and having patience.

( I know we haven’t posted as much lately, it is tough keeping up with Quince and teaching Emma to read at the same time. Along with my journey of weight loss, then add the feeding, cleaning, bathing, washing, etc. for the family. There just aren’t enough hours in the day. Emma is improving very rapidly, so I hope to have some more time soon. )

Scribing For A Child

2011-11-01T07:35:00.001-05:00

I see no issue with scribing for a child who has difficulty writing. I had one son who still to this day can’t write worth a toot. He could tell amazing stories, and he did eventually learn to type. But writing was a very difficult task for him, along with using scissors, or anything else that required fine motor skills. I wrote things for him for many years, and eventually he was able to get things down on paper.

He was my only child to attend school. I moved from Alaska when my mother was ill, to Washington, then back to Alaska all in just a few months. He attended school for a total of 3 months, and that was enough for me. His kindergarten teacher said that they needed to test him, since he couldn’t get his point across in writing. She was afraid he would need special classes. I flat out told her that she hadn’t spent enough time with my son. That he could do anything, he just had some serious fine motor skills issues. Once she took the time to seriously evaluate him she understood.

I used the Alaska I.D.E.A back then, which paid for our curriculum and we were required to submit lesson plans. My overseeing teacher was the first to tell me to let the boy learn to type. That if that was his only issue, to scribe for him while he learned and let him keep on moving forward. I will always be grateful to her for her insight.

Trick or Treating 2011

2011-10-31T21:06:00.001-05:00

The kids had a blast. Emma thought she was to tired until she got some sweet tarts in her bucket. Then she was all for Trick or Treating. Quince was very social and introduced himself to most folks. They both did great, and even went up to the scary looking houses this year. Although I did send Dad up to one of them that was especially scary.

I was to busy checking out all of the adorable Trick or Treater’s to get many pictures. But did get a few cute shots.

Quince Finished Sonlight Readers Grade 3 ! Emma Is Moving On !

2011-10-28T18:39:00.001-05:00

I am going to have him work through some of the read alouds from previous cores, as we order in February and I think he will be ready for a complete core then. I don’t want to start on Readers Grade 4-5 until then. This boy wears me out, he reads on his own in addition to his Sonlight readers.

Emma just finished her 2nd box of Bob Books, and the first set of HOP books. She is not required to read every day, only when she wishes to which is most days. Nothing is required in my house before age 5. She is moving along at a faster pace than Quince was. Not that I am complaining. I will be thrilled to have two readers in the house, and equally thrilled not to have to go through this again !

I love seeing the light bulbs turn on, but learning to read can be very painful for the parent, and hard for a child.

In other news Quince has started cursive, and Emma has requested handwriting and is actually doing it correctly instead of her previous scribbling.

Another Rant: They Can Just Use Spell Check !

2011-10-27T17:51:00.001-05:00

Yes, of course they could. But why would you want them to ? Don’t we homeschool to teach our children?

Now I understand that some children have other issues that prevent them from learning to spell, these are not the children I am talking about.

I am talking about INVENTIVE SPELLING for the most part, in other words simply having a young child write it as it sounds. I understand that some parents want children learn to enjoy to write, before they want to start a spelling program.

I am SO against this. But to each their own. Telling someone that their child can just use spell check, sure that will work in most situations.

But in real life, we aren’t at a computer every time we need to write something down. Many times we have to write it down now, for someone else to read later. No spell check on a notepad. It pains me enough that I see a ton of people, and not just those in a hurry making minor misspellings, but those who time and time again can’t spell at all. I see it every day on the various forums I frequent, and on social networking sites.

I have often been looking for work only to be asked to fill out the application then and there, so they could do the interview. I couldn’t say, “ Excuse me, but I must use my computer for this, it has spell check.” I don’t think I would have gotten the job.

It is easier to teach a good habit, than to break a bad habit.

Just my two cents.

Not Everyone Should Homeschool !

2011-10-26T18:20:00.001-05:00

I am a firm believer that most folks with a real desire can homeschool. It is literally a full time job, and not the job for everyone!

I saw a post from a mom today that reinforced this point.

Homeschooling isn’t easy, it has it ups and downs. Most of us dream at one point or another about shipping them off to public school so we can soak in a hot bath eating Bons Bons all day long. Or going out to lunch with other adults, going back to college, take that painting class, or anything else we dream of.

If you feel that your child disrupts your life completely. If you can’t handle the messy crafts, or the growing science projects. If you are a hermit and never leave home. If you stay on the internet constantly. If you can’t find a way to get the kids motivated at all & Etc.

Then they might really be better off in the public school, or private school.

Homeschooling is hard work. It is a full time job on top of all the other things we mothers or fathers do every single day. It required sacrifice, usually in the way of our time, patience, our money for extras, and even sometimes cutting way back on things that most folks take for granted.

It is a balancing act. To keep the kids engaged, and learning. Not everything about homeschooling is happy, fun, joy. But there has to be a parent that is responsible for the education of these children. Someone who will encourage and lead them to where they need to be.

There will be ages and stages ( not all the same in all children ) that threaten to push you over the edge. You have to stand firm, or take a sanity break and then get back to it.

I am the mean mom, in my house they work before anything else. If they don’t want to work, that is cool, I will sit all day long until you are ready to do X, Y, Z. That doesn’t mean that I won’t try to keep things exciting and fun. Nor does it mean that I don’t work with my child’s learning style. But every child has to learn that everything isn’t always sunshine and roses. That learning is hard work, sometimes very hard work.

Parents need to understand the same thing. Teaching is hard work, sometimes very hard work, sometimes insanely hard work. Occasionally at the end of the day all I want to do is lock my self in the bathroom and soak in a hot tub with a glass or two of wine. But to me it is the most rewarding work too. There is nothing that thrills me more than when that light bulb of understand turns on behind a child’s eyes.

NOT EVERYONE CAN DO IT ! NOT EVERYONE SHOULD !

If you are causing harm to the relationship with your child. Or your house is completely upside down, and nothing is getting done. You are frustrated and throwing up your hands, threatening to send them to public school. Then stop. Pack them on the bus and see if the schools can do any better.

Pumpkin Carving Time !

2011-10-22T20:09:00.001-05:00

Dad ran out and got pumpkins today for us to carve. It was loads of fun this year, as it was the first where we let the kids handle the carving knives ( with assistance of course ). They got in on the scraping and cleaning. Neither much appreciated that they had to get all the seeds, string and pulp out after we scraped it though.

Yes, children they don’t come all ready to carve, and if you want to have fun you must work first. Next we got the pens out and designed them. Then the kids cut them out with very little assistance from the us.

As I was washing the seeds, my feet started to get wet. As I looked down I could see that the kitchen was quickly flooding. What the heck ?? After hubby investigated he found that a pipe under the sink had come loose. So we all vacated the kitchen while he worked on repairing it.

Later when they were distracted with Roasted Pumpkin Seeds, I carved mine.

Emma’s voted most scariest by the household.

Quince’s, he wanted a traditional Jack-O-Lantern.

And my design of the year.

We had a blast.

I Declared A Week Of Hookie !!!

2011-10-20T18:22:00.001-05:00

Of course the first three days I was sick, but we got out and played today. It has been so beautiful the last few days, the 90+ degree weather is gone finally ! I love this time of year.

We spent 2 1/2 hours at the park before heading to the Chiropractors for my adjustment.

We Are The 99% !!

2011-10-16T13:38:00.001-05:00

We are the 99% !

Middle Aged !

Middle Income !

Middle Class !

Lost our whole 401 K in 2008.

Over $30,000 in medical cost out of pocket in just 2 years.

We pay 20% in taxes, in spite of having 2 children at home.

We are doing better than many of our fellow Americans at the moment. We can pay our bills. My husband has a job. We are able to feed our family. And provide medical care. But still just one pay check away from stumbling.

I am with you all in spirit, stand strong !

2011 Driscoll NICU Reunion !!

2011-10-15T16:45:00.001-05:00

I have 4 NICU children. Only two attended this year. Robert ( 20 ) is in Korea, and Mahria ( 23 ) is in San Antonio.

The little ones had a blast, this is the 5th year for Quince, and the 3rd for Emma. I look forward to it every single year, as do the kids.

They love the bouncy houses !

Emma rang the bell this year with dad just helping to aim a bit.

They love painting the pumpkins each year, and spend a ton of time at this table ! This year they had google eyes too.

Then off to get their face painted !

Quince and Emma got to check out an ambulance and Isolette that they both road in to get to Driscoll when they were born. Quince couldn’t believe that he fit in that little thing.

Of course they had to milk the cow ! This a their favorite game at the reunion each year.

Mickey and Minnie were both there. The kids were thrilled!

They climbed all over a giant old military truck !

And last but not least our dear Margaret. She was my favorite nurse, what an amazing woman. She was fantastic with both of the kids, and handled Buck and I with kid gloves. I will never forget her as long as I live.

Patricia Ramsey the kids NICU doctor did not come down while we were there, that is two years we have missed her. Hopefully next year we will get to see her. She is now the Director, so much more busy I am sure.

It is wonderful to be able to go back and thank the nurses and doctors year after year. To let them see how the kids have grown. I have been attending these reunions for most of the last ( I haven’t always been in state, but have made the majority of them ) 23 years. One of the nurses that worked with my Mahria is still working at the hospital, I did not see her today though. I adore all the nurses and doctors that worked so hard for my children, Driscoll is the best !

What Grade Is Your Child In? It Really Doesn’t Matter !

2011-10-14T20:46:00.001-05:00

To me grades are for public school, they really have no place in homeschool. My children don’t even know what grade they are in. When someone asks they will eventually learn to answer with an AGE / GRADE! But it won’t mean a darn thing to them.

My children are multi – leveled. I can’t fit them into a mold. They learn different things at different times. They don’t need to follow a preplanned path. They have all the time in the world to really understand what we are doing.

It would take me a few minutes to give an answer as to the grade my children were in if forced to.

“One reads on a 3rd grade level, doing 2nd grade math, but 1st grade science and spelling, although writing is probably still barely above a K level and improving drastically. The other reads at a K level, and writing is not even happening, while she is doing K math, 1st history, and 1st grade science. “

Yeah, I am going to go through that every time the question comes up. hehehe

They are Pre-K and K thank you very much !

Please don’t feel the need to label your child, for anyone but the lady standing in front of you in the check out at the grocery store. Don’t be afraid to move on up, or back down as needed. To review, or do a whole year over again. It isn’t a race, it really is a marathon !

Take time to enjoy, and try to not to stress over labels that mean nothing to the homeschooling world.

Sight Words, Make Me Sad !! I Love Phonics !

2011-10-13T13:04:00.001-05:00

Every time I see a parent ask for ideas on how to teach sight words, I literally want to cry. I know not everyone agrees with me, and that is ok.

I firmly believe in phonics first, for my family ! I believe that it is the key. Just like if you teach a child to fish, you feed him for life. If you give them the skills of parts to whole, you teach them to be able to read anything. Now I know that not every single word can be sounded out, but I am telling you there are very few.

I can’t imagine drilling my child, no matter how game like you make it to memorize words.

My children to memorize words, but it is because they have read them so many times they commit them to memory. We use fun books that build on each other. The sillier the better for mine. They have no issue with rotating them, granted I have about 50 emergent readers, and about the same of each level till chapter books. They both say it is nice to go from harder books back to easier books for a while. Then we move on up in level, and back down again.

I have had 4 early readers. And one that wasn’t so early, he could do it there was just no desire there until much later.

I understand that every child is different, that they will learn in their own time. This is not a dis on other teaching methods. It is just about the way I feel.

Much Worse Than I Thought, My Back !

2011-10-12T08:32:00.001-05:00

I was in a car wreck when I was 21, I rolled my car 7 times out in a field. I was told a couple of years later that I would likely have to have surgery. I pulled all of the ligaments and tendons out of my right shoulder and left knee. I started seeing a Chiropractor, and achieved massive pain relief. Back then my back had a gentle “S” curve in it. I went for years for adjustments.

Fast forward to 2004 when I got pregnant and had a miscarriage, then I became pregnant with Quince, then the hell of 2008 with income loss, hours cut, 401 K lost, and insurance craziness, with Emma was on her way. I haven’t seen a Chiropractor for a long time. I went in earlier this week because the pain has become unbearable. I guess I have lived with it so long, and adjusted to it slowly. I knew my back was out, but I had no idea how bad it really was.

I have 7 bulging discs, where the back bone is so curved 2 in my neck, one mid back, and 4 lower just above the hips. From my hips to my neck, everything has been compensating the injury. So now we start intensive adjustments. I know not everyone believes in Chiropractors, but I sure do. I have avoided surgery for 22 years, and hoping to avoid it a bit longer. I want to alleviate a great part of the pain too. Of course the adjustments leave me in pain to, but I already feel better after just two.

I am glad that I didn’t put it off any longer.

Please send healing thoughts, light a candle, prayers, what ever you have for straightening of my spine, and relief for the discs. I would really appreciate it. The last thing I want is a rod in my back, so that I can’t pick up my children or grand children!

Debra Mazda & The Shapely Girl Team Are Changing My Life

2011-10-11T07:03:00.001-05:00

I have packed on 65 extra pounds in the last few years. That is huge for my 5’2” frame. I have been bummed ( not really depressed ) and not feeling good for a while. I needed to get rid of some weight badly.

I have said it before and will again. I needed something to be able to exercise at home. I could not face the average Aerobics DVD with those gals at size 3, wanting to lose 5 pounds.

Debra and the Shapely Girls are just like me. One day at a time, we get up and move. Making small changes in the way we eat. Nothing drastic, everything manageable.

I have now lost 18 pounds. I feel better, I look better, I know I can do this.

At first I got her Step Aerobics DVD, the first day I was exhausted after just 10 minutes. But I got up the next day and did another 10 minutes. Soon I could finish the hour long DVD. But I had a car wreck in 1990, and it was really killing me. I purchased her Walking Fit and Fabulous DVD. Now that was easier on me. I still can’t do the hand to foot exercise
( inner thigh ) because of my lower back, but I can do the rest of the 60 minute DVD twice a day. So I am burning more overall than on the step DVD.

I can’t not believe walking, in a fun way, can work so well. I just adore her and the girls on the DVD. I just wish we could hear more about their journey, it has been a couple of years since these DVD’s were made.

I am on my way !! If I can do this, anyone can.

I Have Only Seen Him Once…

2011-10-10T18:17:00.001-05:00

But I love him already !!!

My Chiropractor !

I finally broke down and went in, it has been years since I have been adjusted. Over 7 years to be exact. I rolled a car in my 20’s and really messed everything up. My right shoulder, and left leg were hurt. So the muscles pull my back out of whack now. My spine makes a pretty “S” shape now ! He said he hasn’t seen a back in worse shape in all his years. ( I knew that was coming ! )

We were there for over an hour today till 5 pm working on it. So we will go back tomorrow and check out the X-rays, and work on it again ! I feel so much better already though !

Downs Syndrome–They Aren’t Always Right…

2011-10-05T18:47:00.001-05:00

Someone is going through hell right now, she has a newborn babe. The doctors suspect Down’s Syndrome. HUGS!

I have been in your shoes, actually a few times. Three of my children have multiple markers for Down’s. Two of them were tested, because the markers were so strong. None of them have Down’s.

I know the stress of the testing. I think the tests are worse than the knowing. I had no issue with having a Down’s baby, I never did any of those tests during my pregnancies. I know that I would love my child no matter what. It was the wait that almost killed me. I can face anything I know, it is the unknown that drives me insane.

Hang in there! Soon the dust will clear.

Either way you have been given a precious gift that will fill your life with joy!

“A Son is Coming Home Today”

2011-10-04T21:56:00.001-05:00

“A Son is Coming Home Today”

by Marvin E. Martin III

A Son is coming home today,
It has been a little over a year.
He told his family to be squared away,
...They promised not to shed a tear.

The crowds are lined on each side of the street,
As the bus comes rolling through.
All the troops are looking for their families to greet,
Each little child waving the Red, White, and Blue.

Cheers come from every girl and every boy,
The music is playing loud.
Each family runs forward with joy,
As their loved one steps into the crowd.

A mother stands alone in the afternoon breeze,
Each and every moment seems to drag.
The bus pulls away and all she sees,
Is a man in uniform holding a folded flag.

“Excuse me Sir have you seen my son, he is not here somehow,”
The man stood tall in his uniform, covered in shiny things.
“Ma’am, your son should be here any moment now ,
He had to stop by Heaven first, he had to grab his wings.”

My son wrote this poem and the statement below ! I love him dearly, he has grown so much during his service to our country. I am one proud Navy Mom !!!!

I found this poem I wrote a while back in memory of two buddies who lost their lives while serving, and it made me want to start writing more for the multiple stories and service members that need to be remembered for giving the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.

The End Of First Language Lessons 1 !!

2011-10-04T14:33:00.001-05:00

YIPEEEEEEE!!!!

I can not tell you how happy I am to have reached the end of FLL with Quince !! The repetition drives me nuts, but I know that it was good for him too.

UGH !!!!

Emma asked to start it today. Yeah, here we go again. I am sure she will get it faster, since she has been listening from the beginning. She knows most of the poems already. Now I will be really glad when I get to put this book away forever !! Thank goodness I will be having no more children. It isn’t that I don’t love the program, and it does get much better with FLL 2. But gosh, how many times did I say the definition of a noun…. probably 3 million.

Quince is slow to write, so we went through WWE 1 the first time, just doing the simpler sentences. He also struggled with narration. So we are going to go back through it using the longer sentences, and doing the narration this time. That will change it up a bit. Whew!

Things are moving along wonderfully. We are in week 20 of Core B, and week 5 of P 4/5. I think I might accelerate P 4/5, Emma wants so much more ! We will play it by ear.

I really need to look into getting this child tested, I know I should wait till 5. And of course I have no idea how to go about it, but I seriously think it will be needed. She terrifies me, literally. And I thought I was fearless ! If anyone has any idea about testing for exceptional kids in the Corpus Christi area, please let me know !

We also went and played at the park for about an half hour, it was all I can stand. Happy the days are getting cooler, but waiting for even cooler days !

It Is Cooler In South Texas !!!!

2011-10-02T21:26:00.001-05:00

Wooo hooo! Time to get out regularly with the kids ! Can’t wait to hit the parks, walking paths, nature walks. So excited to spend some time at the Botanical Gardens, Texas State Aquarium, Rockport Aquarium, Rockport Beach and other places we have avoided with all the heat !

Mean-o-pause ( typo intentional ) sucks, I just can’t take the heat.

Soon the kids will be in clothes too, I am sure that will make everyone happy.

That’s all !

“Do Your Children Ever Where Clothes ? “

2011-10-01T07:55:00.001-05:00

One of my fellow homeschooling mom’s asked me last night if the kids ever wear clothes? Hehe

Well yes, they do. But it is hot in Texas, and this has been one of the hottest summers I can remember. When we are home, I am happy if they have underwear on. When we leave home they do get dressed ! I wish I could get away with wearing as little, as my little ones do. I am also sure that by the time they get hair on their legs that they will wear clothes more often.

Hang on a bit longer, it is going to start getting cooler around here and clothing will be necessary!

The New Table, And Playing Hookie !

2011-09-30T13:52:00.001-05:00

We ran out first thing this morning, and got the table I saw last week. As soon as we got home the kids begged to use it. So we decided to have an art day !!!

First we rolled out the paper, and had some fun.

Emma drew suns ! Her favorite things right now.

Then she asked Quince to draw our family. Mom is first then Dad. Quince and Emma last.

When they were done we turned over the chalk board ( they play with theirs all the time) and played with the white board.

Ok! I have been way to easy on this boy. He is writing long sentences.

“Can he fight the giant robot? Yes, he can.” Of course Quince didn’t use punctuation, or leave perfect spacing, and I had to correct one word. But he did really well. I am so proud of him.

I can tell already this was a good investment. They can do school work on it, eat on it, and play on it ! Best of all, it was just $199. Woooo hoooooo

Do You Ever Feel Like There Just Aren’t Enough Hours In The Day !!

2011-09-26T19:31:00.001-05:00

Gosh! I sure do lately. It seems like I am always feeding, cleaning, educating, bathing, nursing, listening to and talking to the kids.

Hubby and I hardly get a word in edgewise with all the why’s? And how’s? And what for’s?

I remember this stage, I was here years ago. I love the this stage of having to know why things work, how the sky got it’s color, why is there water on the side of the road? What is that hole on the sidewalk? Why are those cars going if the light is red ( on our side ) ?

If you have little ones I know you understand. It can seem like you never again will have a moment to yourself.

I also remember how fleeting it is. Soon they won’t as much desire to talk to dear old mom, I will be clueless.

I Didn’t Finish, And Just Don’t Have The Time !

2011-09-26T19:24:00.001-05:00

I failed at the 30 days of truth, I got off track with life.

Emma is blazing along, demanding more and more of my time. She loves learning, and simply has to do whatever her brother does. So that requires some hand holding. Which I am happy to do, I love to see thinks click for her.

I sure wish she would teach her brother to narrate, she is amazing.

So forgive me for not finishing, but some things are just more important.

A Table For The Kids ! I Must Have It !

2011-09-25T10:47:00.001-05:00

We were out yesterday just looking around. We went into Rooms To Go, and found this gem.

I simply must have it. It is made of heavy pine, only the drawer bottoms are pressboard. Very well made and heavy. This would be for younger children, Quince at 5 can almost sit comfortably at it for writing. I will have to add a taller cushion for Emma. I think they will still be able to use it for a few years.

Can’t wait to go pick one up.

30 Days of Truth - Day 23 Something you wish you had done in your life.

2011-09-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

This one is super easy for me, I wish I had finished school. I was a wild child without the best home life. I quit school when I was 14 years old. Although the local school said that I attended 9th grade, I know that I never stepped foot in the school. I was married that year ( that’s another post ), knew everything I needed to know, and had no desire to sit in a classroom.

Years later my then 6 year old asked me how I could continue to teach him, when I didn’t even finish school myself. Yeah, that one stung. I went and got my GED at 28 years old , and started working ahead of the kids to keep up. I was bound and determined to be able to see it through. To prove that a high school drop out could succeed.

Education is huge for me now, I know what I have lost. Not that we can’t be life long learners, but I don’t want my children to walk in my shoes as I walked in my parents shoes. I am a self made person, just as my mother was, and my father is.

It all worked out in the end, I don’t think I have done to badly for myself.

It would have been so much easier, if I had just stuck it out.

30 Days Of Truth - Day 22 Something you wish you hadn't done in your life.

2011-09-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

Goodness, I have to pick one thing ? Ok ! I wish I hadn’t gotten married so young. Not that I would change having my children, but having children when older has taught me that I really wasn’t prepared back then. I married for all the wrong reasons and it didn’t last. It is much better to raise your children together if possible, than to have a broken family. I know now that, that marriage was doomed from the start. I was young, and thought I knew everything.

What’s done is done, all I can do is learn from it. Try to be better now.

30 Days of Truth - Day 21 Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?

2011-09-21T08:00:00.000-05:00

I am there, right by their side as soon as humanly possible. Silly fights should not stand in the way of a true friendship. Although I can’t say that this has ever happened, I am one of those that just don’t leave things like this. I can’t stand to. You never know when something could happen and it would be the last chance you have to make things right. I really do my best to make sure that everyone in my life knows that I love them every single day.

2010 Driscoll NICU Reunion Photo’s I Didn’t Know About, Almost That Time Again !

2011-09-20T18:43:00.001-05:00

Almost all of my NICU babies are there. Quince, Emma, Mahria and Grandbaby Trey are all pictured in the slideshow ! ( Robert is the only one missing, he hasn’t been for years. ) I can’t believe that for a whole year I never noticed this, I have been to the page tons of times.

Driscoll NICU Reunion Slideshow !

Emma’s Reading Is Moving Along !

2011-09-20T18:22:00.001-05:00

My little Emma started reading a few months back, a little bit before her 3rd birthday. Then she got tired of it. Around here nothing is required until age 5. She has recently requested to start reading again last week, so I broke out the McGuffey Eclectic Primer, HOP K Books, Sonlight K books, and Bob Books.

She insists on reading from each of them after her Ordinary Parents Guide to Reading. She is blazing through them. She is already on the second set of the Bob Books. Half way through the first set of HOP Books, and 1/2 of the way through McGuffey’s. She has finished the Sonlight K readers, and working on the 1st readers.

I keep rotating difficulty to build fluency while working on new material. I must say she is my easiest to teach. She is running me out of books, she literally memorizes them after she reads them once. So I am always on the lookout for more beginning books. I took all of the reading sections from the OPGTR and typed them out so we have more material.

I know there are other free online stuff, someone remind me please ??? Phonics based only!

Whew I am tired. She literally read to me for over 2 hours today, not all at once mind you. Mom needed a break. Then she insisted on her brother reading a dolphin book, and Frog and Toad Together to her. Then she read to him too. Whew, I think I like that part!! Mom got to wash dishes in relative silence, and no one even had to help me!

She also requested a new core and is loving P 4/5, much more than her brother did at this age.

It Really Chaps My Hide !

2011-09-20T08:01:00.001-05:00

When I see folks stating that they have photocopied page of a workbook that I know do not have a copyright release to do so. Now don’t get me wrong, I look long and hard for workbooks that I can copy and use for both of my children. But I would never ever copy books that aren’t designed to be shared.

Handwriting Without Tears, says you can make as many copies for the child that the book was purchased for. Not for every child in the house. Explode the Code allows none. Most pdf’s can be copied for the whole family.

Why does this bother me? Everyone is doing it, why not me? What’s the big deal?

I remember the days when we only had textbooks. When everything had to be written out by the student. When it was hard to find teacher guides, and if you did they were very expensive. I really appreciate that we have more homeschool friendly curriculum now. I love that I don’t have to spend $100+ for a single book for a single subject.

I think folks should be paid for their hard work. I think they deserve the right to say that we need to purchase a copy of their book for each member of our family.

Read the copyright page, do what is right !!!!!!

Off my soap box now.

30 Days Of Truth - Day 20 Your views on drugs and alcohol.

2011-09-20T08:00:00.000-05:00

I will admit that I did my share of both when I was young. Luckily I outgrew that stage and moved on. I have been clean for a very long time. I still have few drinks on occasion, much less now that I have small children who need my constant attention. A ice cold beer is still wonderful on a really hot day, or while BBQing. Occasionally I will put some Carolyn’s in my Coffee, or even make a 7 & 7.

I really have no issue with folks drinking, if they can control themselves. As for drugs, I have a real issue with most of them now only because I know first hand what damage they can do. Both the illegal ones, and the legal ones that people abuse. I don’t have any real issues with Marijuana and seriously think that if they just legalized it, there wouldn’t be half the fuss. I know it is a gateway drug for some, but many just stop there. Most everyone I know has at one point or other smoked some. I just don’t put it in the same class as other drugs.

I know I don’t want anyone around me at all anymore that abuses either one.

30 Days Of Truth - Day 19 What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?

2011-09-19T08:00:00.000-05:00

Politics is easy, I am a pure 100% Libertarian. Simply, I want the government out of my business ! I could debate all day on this, but I won’t. I think we are adults, that we can govern ourselves, and that the government takes way to many liberties. Those folks in Washington DC, or even in Austin sure aren’t working for me !!

Religion is a bit tougher. I walk my own path, each and every day that path changes for me. I am seeking constantly.

If it harms none, I do you will.

Yeah, that was enlightening huh ? Sorry, it is the best I can do.

Hummingbirds Playing ! Video

2011-09-18T21:07:00.001-05:00

Watching Hummingbirds Play, All Day Long !

We spent most of the day watching the hummingbirds play !! I even got dive bombed a could of times. Quince just sat and stared. Emma would run back and forth. We have never had this many here before. I counted 7 or 8.

30 Days Of Truth - Day 18 Your views on gay marriage.

2011-09-18T08:00:00.000-05:00

I have no issue with gay marriage. I think they have every right to enjoy and suffer the same things the rest of us married couples do.

Honestly, It won’t effect me in any way that I can see, so more power to them. I think everyone deserves love, and to be loved! I also believe that you can’t choose who you love, I believe that someone is gay before birth. I have to many friends that say, “ I just always knew.”

I know for sure if I had a choice about who my heart fell for, I wouldn’t have feel for at least one person in my past. hehe

30 Days Of Truth - Day 17 A book you've read that changed your views on something.

2011-09-17T08:00:00.000-05:00

The Well Trained Mind !

I realized that education could be so much more !!!

I had already found Sonlight, and loved it. But I wanted more, the classical style explained was like a bat upside the head. It is the only book that has been constantly on my desk since 1999 ( well all the different editions ). It is the most read book in my home.

I should know that darn thing by heart now !

30 Days Of Truth - Day 16 Someone or something you definitely could live without.

2011-09-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

Day 16 Someone or something you definitely could live without.

This one is so easy. I could live without this extra 70 pounds that I have packed on in the last 5 years. I am working on it. I have started charting my exercise and food on myfitnesspal.com . I am working on getting off this chair more. That Couch to 5K may kill me soon, but I am determined. The Shapely Girl DVD’s make me want to cuss, at least they aren’t all size 3’s. I bought a jump rope, yes I am glutton for punishment. I have asked hubby for an Elliptical for my birthday.

I am going to do this. I will wear a size 7 again. I will get into better shape so I can play more with the children. I deserve it and do they.

30 Days Of Truth - Day 15 Something or someone you couldn't live without, because you've tried living without it.

2011-09-15T08:00:00.000-05:00

Day 15 Something or someone you couldn't live without, because you've tried living without it.

I can not live without my coffee ! Yeah it is that bad. But there are much worse things I could be addicted to. I need that hot steaming cup in my hands, need the rich smell of french vanilla. There is no way I can deal with mornings without it. I just can not get my day started. The one thing I never leave behind no matter where I am going is the things I need to make my coffee !

My doctor told me back in 1994 that I had to have surgery on my sinus’, or I could try stopping all caffeine. I told him plain, “ What is the date of surgery ? “

Emma Finally Asked To Move On UP !!!

2011-09-14T15:49:00.001-05:00

I must say that after 3.5 years of reading Sonlight’s P 3/4 non stop, I am thrilled to finally put it up in the other room. I love the core but enough is enough. It is still accessible and she may choose to read some of them on occasion, hopefully not for a while.

So this last weekend I got P 4/5 all together ( we have been reading parts of it informally, as she has requested the books ). I printed out double copies of the consumable pages from Handle On The Arts P 4/5 for Science.

Along with this she will continue listening in with Quince. She is still loving her Saxon K, Singapore Early Bird K math, First Language Lesson 1, All About Spelling 1, Elemental Science Biology, Handwriting ( we are working together, she is still in scribble mode ), Bob Books, Hooked on Phonics Readers, and McGuffey Eclectic Primer ( I love this for fluency. As we progress faster with the other books, this is a constant review incrementally with short little stories that hold her attention ).

Wooooo Hooooo !!! For moving on.

30 Days Of Truth - Day 14 A hero that has let you down.

2011-09-14T08:00:00.000-05:00

Day 14 A hero that has let you down.

My brother. I have one brother who was my favorite for many years. He was the one who knew me better than I knew myself. I could talk to him about anything. Several years back he got into some trouble, went to prison. I spent most weekends there. When he came out, he was a different person. I have no clue what he went through. But I know that he has changed so much. I wish he could get a handle on things. I miss him.

He has no active part in his three children’s lives. Bouncing between drinking to much, or being on the wagon. There is an imaginary past. He has been everywhere, done everything, there is no subject that he won’t claim experience or mastery.

He is wonderfully creative, can write the most beautiful poetry. Draw, paint, use chalks. I wish I had just .100th of his creativity, but he is doing nothing with it.

I really think he has bipolar, like some others in the family. I just hope someday he comes to terms with whatever his demons are. I long for the day when he is part of the family again. I want to spend more time with him.

A Comment On Emma’s Reading, At Starbuck’s Today.

2011-09-13T19:25:00.001-05:00

We ran to Starbucks for a treat today and since it was the middle of the day I took Quince’s math flash cards, and two books for Emma to read to me. When she got done reading, a young girl at the next table asked how old she was. Emma told her she was 3. She was amazed, she teaches 2nd grade and told me that 80 percent of her students don’t read as well as Emma did. She asked if we were homeschoolers.

Why yes we are ! <Big Grin>

How Do I Keep The Kids Motivated ??

2011-09-13T19:08:00.001-05:00

Stickers ? Goodies? Special Outings?

No ! None of it.

We take frequent breaks. But their education number one to me. I am the mean mom, I demand that they do the work, there are no excuses ( well short of sickness ).

I don’t aim to keep them happy, to have them enjoy everything. I aim for well educated children, who are life long learners.

I think they need to learn that not everything is easy and fun, sometimes it is very hard. But we learn to push through, and they feel so proud when they finally accomplish something.

Don’t bother to tell me that something it so hard, when I know you can do it. You might get more of the same work handed to you.

Memorizing Math Facts, is not fun but needs to be done. Copy work is not fun, but needs to be done. Learning Grammar is not fun, but needs to be done ( Although Quince really enjoys First Language Lessons ). Phonics is hard work, but must be done. I could go on and on, but I bet you get it already.

Just call me meanie mom. I can take it.

I Am So Disgusted With Clear Internet !

2011-09-13T10:51:00.001-05:00

I have been playing this game for a year, and have a year left in my contract. I am beyond angry. The darn thing only works half the time. I spend more time on the phone with Tech’s than I do online.

I have checked the maps, and I am in the excellent coverage area. GRRRRRRRRRRR

I need another option !!!!!!!!!!!!

Rant over !

30 Days Of Truth - Day 13 A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough ass days.

2011-09-13T08:00:00.000-05:00

Day 13 A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough ass days.

Loggins and Messina. I just love, The Best of Loggins & Messina. The CD has gotten me through many a tough days. It is always my go to CD. A friend from long ago had the CD and we used to sit on the porch of his beach front house and listen to it over and over. I didn’t hear it again for many years, but finally I found it. I have had several copies over the years.

The music is just to calming to me. All the kids know every word to House On Pooh Corner too.

Quince Has A Retina Specialist Appointment Today.

2011-09-12T10:04:00.001-05:00

I love the Dr., but his staff sucks. I fully expect to be there 2 hours +. I don’t even want to explain what will happen, because I don’t think I will even get him in the building. This is going to be so hard. The first time he saw this Dr. He was just 5 weeks old, then again at 6 months. I just can’t imagine holding this 5 year old down now. Gonna be fun !! Hopefully just a good look will be all he needs, and they won’t have to put that contraption in his eye. Oh Goodness, I hate this.

It was hard enough to get my Paw Paw to sit through it at 62, when he first started going. It never got easier for him through his many appointments.

I just hope he sees nothing, and this is the last appointment he needs for a very, very long time.

Quince’s retinas were partially detached when he was born premature, this of course increases the chances of them detaching again.

Wish us luck, and for Quince to have tolerance and patience.

30 Days Of Truth - Day 12 Something you never get compliments on.

2011-09-12T08:00:00.000-05:00

Day 12 Something you never get compliments on.

My clothes. I don’t think I have changed my style in a million years. You are most likely to find me in a tank top and shorts. Very rarely do I wear anything else, even in the winter when you might find me in some jeans. Even then under my coat is a tank top. My flip flops are a constant accessory. And that is it. Hey, at least I have a ton of different colored tank tops and jeans in many different stages of fade.

I do remember a time when I was really into wearing cute clothes, yeah that left with my 20’s. Now I just want comfortable. Occasionally if we go out to dinner or something I will dress up. But it has been forever since I even had a date with hubby. We have been out exactly twice since before Quince was born.

I have the perfect uniform for my job, I am a mom. Have been for 23 years now. I’m good !

30 Days of Truth : Day 11 Something people seem to compliment you the most on.

2011-09-11T08:00:00.000-05:00

Day 11 Something people seem to compliment you the most on.

This one is easy. Most people compliment me on my children. Which is the highest compliment I could ever receive. I put a lot of energy into them, they are my full time job, and the only job I ever wanted. I am so very proud of all of my children. Are they perfect? NO ! But they are growing and learning daily. All of them have come a long way. Each one of them has had their own hurdles. They have handled most of them with grace and optimism. That is all I could ever ask for !

I Now Have A Pretty New Washer, Next To My Pretty New Dryer !!

2011-09-10T14:19:00.001-05:00

Wooo hooo

Dad is hanging out while it runs, just watching, and he has company.

Of course as soon as they saw the flash go off, they had to turn around.

Yeah, not only are my water and electric bills going to go down, but it is cheap entertainment for the whole family.

( I think Quince needs a haircut this weekend ! )

We’re movin’ on up !

30 Days Of Truth - Day 10 Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn't know.

2011-09-10T08:00:00.000-05:00

Day 10 Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn't know.

I have an adult child, that I must just let go. He needs to learn how to live. There is no way I can help him.

There are just some folks that need time, time to be away and find their own path. I just hope that path does not lead to self destruction. I do not understand him at all, all the rage. There really is no reason for it. I can not force him to seek help. All I can do is be here when he falls, or when he learns to soar.

It is so very much harder to be the parent of an adult. When they are children we have options to help.

30 Days of Truth - Day 09 Someone you didn't want to let go, but just drifted.

2011-09-09T08:00:00.000-05:00

Day 09 Someone you didn't want to let go, but just drifted.

I really can’t think of anyone in my life that just drifted.

30 Days of Truth - Day 08 Someone who made your life h. e. double hockey sticks, or treated you like sh**

2011-09-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

Day 08 Someone who made your life h. e. double hockey sticks, or treated you like sh**

My older children’s father, although I have forgiven him, he can no longer harm me in any way.

He had a need to control me at all costs. It didn’t matter who he harmed. He knew my weaknesses and used them against me. It was not physical abuse, but mental abuse. He was much older than I was, and really knew how to create havoc. He would go to any lengths to belittle me, to make me cow down, to keep me in my place. But to the outside world he was well loved, so everyone was blind to what I went through.

I broke away. I have lived a decent life, and lived by one thing.

And It Harm None, Do As You Will.

I truly believe that I have caused no harm, although there was much pain in the breaking away. I know I am not perfect, and could have done some things different. But his early influence in my life, was the root of most of that wrong.

He is still the same after all of these years. I really feel sorry for him mostly, as he has not grown at all.

Medical Alert Dog Tags, For Everyone !

2011-09-07T08:49:00.001-05:00

Lauren’s Hope !

I love the selection at Lauren’s Hope for Medical ID’s.

When the kids were younger, I really loved these arm bands. They are adjustable Velcro and fit on the tiniest arm. They are pretty darn strong, it took Emma a long time to be able to get it off easily.

(I tried a metal engraved bracelet with her, but it scratched up way to easily and had to be replaced in just a couple of months.)

Now that they are older, we have moved on to dog tags. They are all engraved with their names, dad and my names along with phone numbers. Quince’s has Severe Asthma, and his meds on it.

Emma’s has Anaphylactic to Eggs – Cows Milk & Dairy ( You would not believe how many people think that cheese is safe for her?? ) It needed to be very specific. It also states that she has an Epi-Pen. Her Epi-Pen is always kept with us, the trainer included which has instructions on the side.

Dad has one too, as he is on heart medications after his heart stents in 2005. He takes blood thinners, so this much be known if there is ever an issue.

I know I feel much better, knowing that they all have medical tags now. I really love the Dog Tags. They are less likely to get scratched, and the chains are short enough on the kids that they can’t slip over their heads. These chains are pretty strong, but not strong enough that they won’t break if something drastic happened, like them getting caught on play equipment.

Emma can’t wait till she is a bit bigger, she is already picking out her favorite bracelets from the site. There are so many options !

Thank you Lauren’s Hope !! For giving us so many choices in Medical ID jewelry.

30 Days of Truth - Day 07 Someone who has made your life worth living for.

2011-09-07T08:00:00.000-05:00

Day 07 Someone who has made your life worth living for.

Goodness I can’t just pick one person. My children make everyday worth living.

Children dream of growing up to be many things, while all my friends wanted to be doctors, vets, nurses, musicians, actresses, & etc. All I ever wanted to be was a mom. I dreamed of the dozen children I would have. Of course my dream came true each time I welcomed another child into this world. Of course I didn’t get all 12, but only five. I have fought hard all my life, even when I was a single mom, to be able to stay home with my children. When I had to work I took them with me. I couldn’t imagine being without them, missing a single thing. I wanted to see every single first, and I succeeded for the most part.

I wasn’t the best mother, but I always did the best I could.

Update : Buck’s Brother Walt

2011-09-07T07:52:00.001-05:00

Walt came through surgery very well. His wife called me yesterday after noon, and said the doctors were really happy with how it all went.

Now we are just going to wait a day or two, so that he can talk to us. When my dad had this surgery, he was really out of it for a while.

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers.

30 Days Of Truth - Day 06 Something you hope you never have to do.

2011-09-06T08:00:00.000-05:00

Day 06 Something you hope you never have to do.

I never want to have to bury or lose one of my children. My mother lost a daughter just after birth, she buried her daughter next to her father. And lost two more, not to death but to another home. I know the pain of it never left her. Even when those two children came back into her life. The guilt was hard to watch.

I know that one of my siblings didn’t have the best childhood, and the other was dearly loved ( they were in the same home ). Mostly because the one remembered us, and mom. It was hard for her other mother to deal with. The other was so young, that he never had a clue.

I feel for my mother, as much as I do for them. She didn’t fight, she was afraid. It was a very hard time in her life, the next 5 years were miserable. I know she was terrified. When she finally got on her feet, it was to late. It took her another 7 years to find them.

I can not even begin to imagine what it was like for her.

30 Day Of Truth - Day 05 Something you hope to do in your life.

2011-09-05T08:00:00.000-05:00

Day 05 Something you hope to do in your life.

I want to learn to be a better person, to be more tolerant, to control my temper better. I have come a long way, though there is still room for improvement.

I have a temper that just flashes out of no where, not in a physical way, but in a verbal way. I know the words can cause pain, I always wish I could take them back. I am working on it.

30 Days of Truth - Day 04 Something you have to forgive someone for.

2011-09-04T08:00:00.000-05:00

Day 04 Something you have to forgive someone for.

I need to forgive my parents. They did the best they could.

I was a hard child, but they gave up way to easily. I would never ever give up on my children, no way no how. Not that I am perfect. There are just some things that you don’t do as a parent. I may fight and argue with mine. Mostly because I see where they are headed and wish to save them the pain. As I myself have been there. Just like when I was young, they ignore me letting it go in one ear and out the other. They have even admitted doing things just to spite me, to try to prove me wrong.

I wasn’t trying to prove my parents wrong. I was trying to escape, trying to make them hear me. They never did, and at the first opportunity they just passed me off as someone else’s problem. Now don’t get me wrong, I love my parents dearly. I have no doubt that they wished their parents had done things differently too. They did reach forgiveness, I just hope I can do the same one day.

My father is a much better grandfather than he was a father and my mother was the same. It still eats at me to this day.

I need to forgive one of my brothers, but I find it hard since he won’t admit any wrong doing. It must be nice to live in denial.

UPDATE: Walt, Buck’s Brother

2011-09-03T15:14:00.001-05:00

They did a heart cath yesterday, his heart is to blocked for stents. They found 7-8 blockages, so he will be going in Tuesday for a quadruple bypass. They did not have to do a stomach lining biopsy, on further inspection it is nothing to worry about.

So please keep him in your thoughts next Tuesday. I will update as soon as I know more. He is happy to finally have some answers as to why he has felt so bad.

30 Days of Truth - Day 03 Something you have to forgive yourself for.

2011-09-03T08:00:00.000-05:00

I have yet to forgive myself for being afraid, afraid to stand up to someone ( who shall remain nameless ). Someone in my life who basically controlled my life in a way for many years. Someone that I should have stood up to and sent to jail.

This person not only made a good part of my life miserable. But also made my loved ones miserable. And not for honorable reasons, but for selfish reasons. I still try to make amends everyday for the pain that the whole thing caused. I know others still live with the pain.

I don’t know if those harmed will ever understand. It is something I have a hard time with, my only consolation is that I was young & scared. I did not have the strength back then that I do now.

I am ashamed of the person I was back then, and wish I could do it all again. I don’t know if I can ever forgive myself, maybe the others involved will forgive me someday.

Building Fluency In Reading !

2011-09-02T11:34:00.001-05:00

We use Ordinary Parents Guide To Teaching Reading. It is wonderful for phonics. We also use All About Spelling which reinforces it at a slower pace.

But to really teach fluency, I use a lot of things. Although at this stage I use McGuffey Eclectic Readers.

Quince reads from one of the Sonlight readers every day. But he also reads from McGuffey readers daily, these are short stories that review words previously learned constantly. It is the Saxon of reading with less work, it is spiral for sure. Quince Started with primer, then did the 1st reader, we went about half way through the 2nd reader, then returned to the 1st reader. Today was his last lesson, so we will be moving on, doing the complete 2nd reader. I don’t think we will need to back track anymore. He is doing wonderfully with McGuffey. I am seriously phonics based in the way I teach. And believe that varying the difficulty and consistent reading builds fluency.

He is having no problems at all with Sonlight’s 3 readers ( was 2 Intermediate ).

30 Days Of Truth - Day 02 Something you love about yourself.

2011-09-02T08:00:00.000-05:00

Day 02 Something you love about yourself.

I love that I have finally learned to be happy. It really took me a long time to understand that life doesn’t have to be a fairy tale. That being content is ok.

Luckily I have a wonderful husband who taught me this lesson. He is one of those people who has done the same job all his life, because he loves it. He is very laid back, hardly ever riled up. I was just the opposite all my life. I was always on the move, striving for more, looking for something. I never learned to be calm, to just be, to appreciate what I have. I no longer need to fill every gap, I no longer need to please everyone. I am finally free to just be me, and let it all hang out, to stop and smell the roses.

I am at a wonderful point in my life. It sure took long enough.

30 Days Of Truth - Day 01 Something you hate about yourself

2011-09-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

Day 01 Something you hate about yourself.

I really hate that I become to addicted to things so easily. I have always said I have tunnel vision. When interested in something it is all I see, but I rarely finish things. I have been doing genealogy for years, I can get lost in the research for months at a time. Then poof, I lose interest and couldn’t be bothered with it for a long time. Genealogy is one place where that isn’t so bad.

In other instances, I just wish I could follow through to the end. I see something new, and I just must have it, try it, read it, & etc. Not that I over spend, but my interests vary so much, that I never pay proper attention to them.

Sigh !

30 Days Of Truth !

2011-08-31T17:51:00.001-05:00

Over the next 30 days, I'll be answering and exploring the questions in the challenge and hopefully it will aid each of you in knowing who I am and where I'm coming from.

Here's the questions I'll be answering:
Day 01 Something you hate about yourself.
Day 02 Something you love about yourself.
Day 03 Something you have to forgive yourself for.
Day 04 Something you have to forgive someone for.
Day 05 Something you hope to do in your life.
Day 06 Something you hope you never have to do.
Day 07 Someone who has made your life worth living for.
Day 08 Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit.
Day 09 Someone you didn't want to let go, but just drifted.
Day 10 Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn't know.
Day 11 Something people seem to compliment you the most on.
Day 12 Something you never get compliments on.
Day 13 A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough ass days. (write a letter.)
Day 14 A hero that has let you down. (letter)
Day 15 Something or someone you couldn't live without, because you've tried living without it.
Day 16 Someone or something you definitely could live without.
Day 17 A book you've read that changed your views on something.
Day 18 Your views on gay marriage.
Day 19 What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?
Day 20 Your views on drugs and alcohol.
Day 21 (scenario) Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?
Day 22 Something you wish you hadn't done in your life.
Day 23 Something you wish you had done in your life.
Day 24 Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs. (Just post the titles and artists and letter)
Day 25 The reason you believe you're still alive today.
Day 26 Have you ever thought about giving up on life? If so, when and why?
Day 27 What's the best thing going for you right now?
Day 28 What if you were pregnant or got someone pregnant, what would you do?
Day 29 Something you hope to change about yourself. And why.
Day 30 A letter to yourself, tell yourself EVERYTHING you love about yourself

Light A Candle, Send Healing Thoughts, Good Vibes, Prayers, Whatever You Have !!

2011-08-31T14:32:00.001-05:00

My husband’s brother, Walt is in the hospital in PA ( far from us ). He was taken in by ambulance with his heart rate extremely high, and his blood pressure through the roof.

They are doing a biopsy on his stomach as they found some ripples in there. And a heart Catherization. The heart issues are nothing new in his family. But we are hoping that stents will fix the issue and that he doesn’t need a bypass. He has been having some serious heart issues lately.

Please keep him in your thoughts for the next few days. We should know more before the weekend.

I Have A Strange Child !

2011-08-31T14:26:00.001-05:00

Quince actually requested more copy work, and wanted to start a journal.

Yeah, he is strange.

Male Black-Chinned & Maybe A Male Ruby-Throated Hummingbird??

2011-08-26T19:41:00.001-05:00

I got two shots, then a third a bit later. I thought they were all the same until I got inside. I know the top two are Black-Chinned. I finally got shots of a male ! All the others I have posted were female.

When I got in the house, this one sure looks to be a Ruby-Throated Hummingbird. I was outside earlier talking on the phone, and was almost sure I saw one. It was the first I had seen all year. Then a few minutes later he came back and I was sure of it. But with the sun to my back, I couldn’t tell while taking the shot. His throat patch almost looks brown, but sun was getting ready to set.

I am not totally convinced now. Anyone want to confirm it for me ???

Trapdoor Spider ? I Am Almost Positive.

2011-08-25T22:14:00.001-05:00

Three years ago, we had 23 of these things come out in the yard over 2 days of extreme rain. Then we didn’t see a one for another 2 years. We just had a good rain today, it has only been a year since the last one. Tonight I went looking for them. I saw one, two, four, oh goodness ! Counting, as hubby gets his boots on…. A total of 15 in the yard.

I am about convinced for sure, as we have gotten braver and braver over the years in getting pictures of these critters.

Anyone know for absolutely sure ?

That is hubby’s size 9 boot there. He estimates that they are about 2.5 inches.

I know I am not walking out there by my self, and for sure not barefoot.

It’s Raining In South Texas

2011-08-25T17:17:00.001-05:00

It is raining. I don’t remember the last time we had more than a sprinkle, but we even celebrated that. This one was a good 2 hours rain, and still coming down lightly.

Whew, we have been in a severe drought and sure needed this.

The most beautiful clouds I have seen in a long time. There was even some rotation. Have not heard of any touch downs in the area.

That is actually rain !! OMG, real rain !! Streaming down the windshield of my truck.

See it bouncing off the top !

The kids and I just stood out on the porch and watched it come on down. Normally they are scared of thunder and lightening, but today they were all for the cooler weather. Now we just need about 30 more days of that.

Secular Homeschoolers Forum !

2011-08-25T16:53:00.001-05:00

I am continuously amazed at how well so many folks, from so many different backgrounds and beliefs can get along so well over at Secular Homeschoolers.

I wish all forums could be so warm, friendly, and helpful.

That’s all, just needed to say it.

Homeschooling a Texas Tornado & a Preschooler !!

PLEASE READ and PASS IT ON ! Save a life !

A Homeschool Questionnaire !

Karen put a HOMESCHOOL QUESTIONNAIRE on her site today! I am game.

Getting Our Science List Together for 2nd !

Core C Box Day !

Stalking FedEx–Core C & Heirloom Crown !!!

Emma Is Not Going Along With My Plans ;-)

My New Years Resolution !

Looking Back On 2011 !

Genealogy : Sanders Family Direct Line

Ultimate Optimus Prime !! Frustration and Finally Success !!

Come On 2012!!

Announcing Shawn’s Baby Kylee Skie Garcia !

Preparing To Welcome Kylee Skie !

Dan’s Obituary

Still Numb

Tell Them You Love Them Every Day !! R.I.P Big Brother !

WHAT A SURPRISE !!!!!

He Finally Got a Gift !

UPDATE 1-19-12 Curriculum Reorganizing & Combining, 2012-2013!

A Wii–My Son Says That’s So Old !

Epi-Pen Refill, And Lousy Pediatricians !

I Love Being The Matriarch !!!

Would You Report Educational Neglect ?

Sonlight Forums Are Down !! Message From Sonlight

Celebrating ! 30 pounds & 30 Inches !

The Last Gift Is On The Big Brown Truck !

Holidays–Presents-Scaling Back !

Thanksgiving Day !

Yeah ! He Is My Kid ;-)

Finally Decided On The Kids Big Gift !

Yes ! I Know We Are Early, But We Had Fun!

Beyond Sad, Another Forum Bites The Dust, At Least For Me.

Sand Art

Scribing For A Child

Trick or Treating 2011

Quince Finished Sonlight Readers Grade 3 ! Emma Is Moving On !

Another Rant: They Can Just Use Spell Check !

Not Everyone Should Homeschool !

Pumpkin Carving Time !

I Declared A Week Of Hookie !!!

We Are The 99% !!

2011 Driscoll NICU Reunion !!

What Grade Is Your Child In? It Really Doesn’t Matter !

Sight Words, Make Me Sad !! I Love Phonics !

Much Worse Than I Thought, My Back !

Debra Mazda & The Shapely Girl Team Are Changing My Life

I Have Only Seen Him Once…

Downs Syndrome–They Aren’t Always Right…

“A Son is Coming Home Today”

“A Son is Coming Home Today”

by Marvin E. Martin III

A Son is coming home today, It has been a little over a year. He told his family to be squared away, ...They promised not to shed a tear.

The crowds are lined on each side of the street, As the bus comes rolling through. All the troops are looking for their families to greet, Each little child waving the Red, White, and Blue.

Cheers come from every girl and every boy, The music is playing loud. Each family runs forward with joy, As their loved one steps into the crowd.

A mother stands alone in the afternoon breeze, Each and every moment seems to drag. The bus pulls away and all she sees, Is a man in uniform holding a folded flag.

“Excuse me Sir have you seen my son, he is not here somehow,” The man stood tall in his uniform, covered in shiny things. “Ma’am, your son should be here any moment now , He had to stop by Heaven first, he had to grab his wings.”

My son wrote this poem and the statement below ! I love him dearly, he has grown so much during his service to our country. I am one proud Navy Mom !!!!

I found this poem I wrote a while back in memory of two buddies who lost their lives while serving, and it made me want to start writing more for the multiple stories and service members that need to be remembered for giving the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.

The End Of First Language Lessons 1 !!

It Is Cooler In South Texas !!!!

“Do Your Children Ever Where Clothes ? “

The New Table, And Playing Hookie !

Do You Ever Feel Like There Just Aren’t Enough Hours In The Day !!

I Didn’t Finish, And Just Don’t Have The Time !

A Table For The Kids ! I Must Have It !

30 Days of Truth - Day 23 Something you wish you had done in your life.

30 Days Of Truth - Day 22 Something you wish you hadn't done in your life.

30 Days of Truth - Day 21 Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?

2010 Driscoll NICU Reunion Photo’s I Didn’t Know About, Almost That Time Again !

Emma’s Reading Is Moving Along !

It Really Chaps My Hide !

30 Days Of Truth - Day 20 Your views on drugs and alcohol.

30 Days Of Truth - Day 19 What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?

Hummingbirds Playing ! Video

30 Days Of Truth - Day 18 Your views on gay marriage.

30 Days Of Truth - Day 17 A book you've read that changed your views on something.

30 Days Of Truth - Day 16 Someone or something you definitely could live without.

30 Days Of Truth - Day 15 Something or someone you couldn't live without, because you've tried living without it.

A Son is coming home today,
It has been a little over a year.
He told his family to be squared away,
...They promised not to shed a tear.

The crowds are lined on each side of the street,
As the bus comes rolling through.
All the troops are looking for their families to greet,
Each little child waving the Red, White, and Blue.

Cheers come from every girl and every boy,
The music is playing loud.
Each family runs forward with joy,
As their loved one steps into the crowd.

A mother stands alone in the afternoon breeze,
Each and every moment seems to drag.
The bus pulls away and all she sees,
Is a man in uniform holding a folded flag.

“Excuse me Sir have you seen my son, he is not here somehow,”
The man stood tall in his uniform, covered in shiny things.
“Ma’am, your son should be here any moment now ,
He had to stop by Heaven first, he had to grab his wings.”