cinc-house

This Indicisions Bugging Me..Plink, Plink, Plink

2005-09-11T09:40:00.000-04:00

You gotta love the Clash, Anyway, what is up with the mommy brain thing? I can't make a decision to save my life! The important ones come and then secretly at night I beat myself up and second guess so that when I wake up in the morning it looks like I have gone ten rounds with Mike Tyson. The next thing you know the kids are asking " Can I watch a movie?" "Yes, wait, no, wait yes, AAAHHHH!" The last part usually throws them.
The other thing that comes along with this is the inability to remember simple words to complete a simple sentence. This seems to be most amusing to hubby who stands by patiently while I scream "YOU KNOW,... THE THINGGGGG!" Then I stalk off into another room only to shout out at some inappropriate time the word I had been searching for..."BANNANA!"
I do get solice from the fact that my other mommy friends speak the same language, or lack there off.
Have a great....YOU KNOW!....day!

Extra Curricular Activities

2005-09-07T11:02:00.000-04:00

Wow. I do not remember driving from one thing to the next just so I could be "well-rounded." I think I turned out ok, so therefore, I am not going to run my kids into the ground either. Don't get me wrong, homeschooling makes it so much easier to do these things, and we do have activities. Two for each child to be exact. Game Boy has competitive soccer three nights a week and Boy Scouts one night. Groovey Girl has soccer two nights a week and Tumbling one night. This seems to leave us time to do other things, namely, veg out, you know, free time. Time to contemplate the more interesting things in life like how does that snail move from shell to shell and why?
I have read a lot of research lately that seems to point to the idea that our kids are over schedules. I know how I feel when I am on the run and it is not good. I fall into bed at the end of the night feeling like things are unfinished and they usually are. I don't want my kiddies feeling that way.
Life with kids, all the decisions, who would have thought it would be this complicated? I wouldn't change it for the world!
Have a great day!

A Stumble At The Start

2005-09-06T21:37:00.000-04:00

Here we are in early September and we are just now getting started with school. Well, actually we started on the 15th of August and after one week I thought I couldn't do it anymore. I want to spend time with my youngest and do play group and all those things. Soooo,,,,,I put my kids in public school. That lasted for one week. The school was wonderful, but it is just not right for our family. I was unsure of myself and what I found out is that this, homeschooling, is really what God wants for our family.
So here we are, starting, again, and this time, I am at peace.
Have a great day!

The Reunion

2005-08-08T19:30:00.000-04:00

Well, last weekend I went to my 20 year high school reunion with Hubby. I have to say I had the best time! There was not a large turn out but the people that were there were peopple that I wanted to see. Oh yes, and the occasional cheerleader popular girls too. For the most part these women seemed to have stalled in time back in 1985. How do I know this? Because they all have the same hair! Now I am not saying that my hair is great, but I can tell you I have changed my style several times.
Then there was the guys...I can honestly say that I did not recognize most of them. Again the hair, not because it hasn't changed, but because it is not there any more.
There was one friend of mine, a guy, who, with the exception of his pooka shell neckless, has not changed. I think he has been living in Tupperware for the past 20 years.
It was so good to see everyone and have a bar in the same room! It could have been better if there was dancing. Nobody seemed to want to dance. I can't blame them, I think the DJ called in sick and sent his mom in his place. That being said, not much inspiration to dance.
All in all I had a wonderful time and Hubby was not to bored either. The reunion was in San Diego too. Who doesn't want to go there for a few days in the summer?
Hope everybody is well and I would love to hear other reuion stories too!
Have a great day!

Finding My Way

2005-07-11T12:10:00.000-04:00

Now that the initial rush of setting up the house has passed, it is time to find my way here in this new place. I guess I should start off by saying that we have been here before. As a matter of fact, Groovey Girl was born here. That was 7 and a half years ago and a lot has changed since then.
Living off base means that you do not have an instant community in which to function. Ofcource you still meet your neighbors but you are not guarenteed to have something in common. That being said, off to find my way...
First, find a church home, second, make contact with other homeschoolers, preferably from the new church home, and third, get kids involved in local activities.
An answer to a prayer, last weekend we found a church home and luckily, a homeschooler that has the same church home. This has been my biggest feeling of relief and has made me feel like I will make it here. This morning I dropped Game Boy off at a soccer clinic and he didn't look back. Yup, things are falling into place.
It is hard to explain what it feels like when eveything on tv is always talking about "home." The bottom line is, I am not sure where that is for me. I have a house, and I am with my family, but I don't know know where that place in your heart is that you call home. I guess I feel it is still where I grew up even though my parents do not live there any more.
Don't get me wrong, it is exciting to move to new places and find out what God has in store for you. I guess that sometimes I just feel like it is a lonely road to travel.
Please have a great day!

Go West Young Man...

2005-07-02T11:43:00.000-04:00

...the AirForce said. So we went. I loaded up the three kids, headed to the airport and flew to Salt Lake City. Hubby followed a week later driving the Suburban and towing his Jeep. The trip went really well! My folks live in Utah so we stayed with them until our household goods arrived. After our goods arrived, we had five days to set up the whole house before Hubby left for two months. I am happy to say, the house is totally functional, even our classroom! Utah passed a new homeschool law in March and now it is one of the easiest states to homeschool in! WhoHoo!
My plan is to hook up with a local homeschool group and hit the ground running. Oh, afetr a nice summer break, I really need one. The kids have settled in nicely. We live on a cul-de-sac so lots of kids, bike riding, scootering and the like.
All I can say is, what a relief to be here and settled. It is so hard to be between two worlds once you find out you are leaving. I really enjoyed my time in VA and I will miss so many friends and family. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers as we start a new journey here in Utah. Have a Great Day!

We Have Reached The Finish Line!

2005-05-29T14:38:00.000-04:00

Yup, it is true, we have completed our first year of homeschooling. I have declared it a success. Considering I only wanted to quite, seriously quite anyway, about 3 times. Not to shabby for a first year person and a long, dreary winter to boot! We are still going to be doing English, Math and some History to stay on our toes. I am also planning on a unit study in July. I don't know on what yet. We are moving to Utah in one wekk so I am going to wait until we get settled before deciding that. I am also going to teach the kids how to cook a little this summer. I have "borrowed" this very good idea from another homeschooler whose blog I read. Check out Aude Sapre in the links section to the right.
I really do feel like I have run a marathon and crossed the finish line. I have not felt such satisfaction from accomplishing anything in a long time. A few people to thank...my husband, my "students' my freind J and my friend L...you know who you are. Thanks for all the support, words of encouragement, and most of all, the laughs!
Have a great day!

A Different Kind of Teacher

2005-05-26T17:20:00.000-04:00

Has anybody heard of John Taylor Gatto?? I have recently finished three of his books. Mr. Gatto is a retired NYC public school teacher of 30 years, who for the past 10 years, has been advocating major education reform. His books are very enlightening about how our current educational system came into being and the ideals behind it. I, for one, was shocked. I am a product of our schooling system and apparently a very good one. Why? Because I have never questioned the absolute necesity of compulsory schooling. That is until recently when, for medical reasons, we decided to homeschool. Now I know why I am the way I am about rule following and the like. It is astonishing how well I learned my lessons to the degree that I had lost so much of my quest for true knowledge and that the process of aquiring that knowledge is learning as well.
If the thought of ever sending my children back to the "experts" at compulsory schools had crossed my mind, it will never happen again. At least not until major reform is done. Gatto talks about giving the taxpayers money back to them and putting schools into the free market economy to compete for our dollars and children. Ofcource this is a simplified version of his very well-reasoned argument. If you are up for a very interesting book that challenges your beliefs, A Differnt Kind of Teacher by John Taylor Gatto is it. Have a great day!

CAT Tests

2005-05-17T09:12:00.000-04:00

Living in the great Commonwealth of Virginia, we as homeschoolers are required to administer a national level standerdized test to "make sure" our kids are learning what they are supposed to. We have an approved list to choose from. Some you need to take a class and be certified to teach and others you can administer yourselves. Since we are moving in the early part of June I thought I would throw caution to the wind and give the test early and hope for the best. After receiving the test and looking it over I was shocked. I was shocked to see that the children of this great nation have so little expected of them intellectually. Learning/curiosity is something that is part of all human beings. What have we done as a society to change that? When looking at these tests I noticed that there was not much of a difference between First and Third grade. There was no history, no science, no health, very little actual grammer, no writing requirement, I was overwhelmed with sadness.
The good news is, I am doing a great job homeschooling based on what kids should know by this age! Yep, always lookin fer the best angle fer me! Just kidding. In all honesty, I do not think there is good news with these tests. If children do well on them they should feel good about themselves because they have accomplished something, but at what cost? There is no joy in the learning part, just the end result...the "yep, I memorized what I needed to to ace the test." Worse yet, the teachers are paid by how well their students do on these tests.
I am nowhere near perfect in any endevor that I undertake, but one thing is for sure, I love to learn and I have passed that on to my children.
Have a great day!

20 Years

2005-05-06T10:17:00.000-04:00

I can't believe it. I won't believe it. But, it is true. I have my 20 year high school reunion this summer. I actually can't wait! My husband and I are going to beautiful, sunny San Diego for a weekend with no children and my reunion! Yes, I am from San Diego. Yes, I miss it terribly, but that is another blog entry entirely. Back to the reunion. I picture myself svelt, tan, witty, charming, basically glowing with my handsome, accomplished husband of almost 13 years attending a great event where we are voted best couple, youngest looking, most wonderful, blah, blah, blah. In reality, I will only be tan if I get it sprayed on, I will only be svelt if I loose 15 pounds in 8 weeks. I will give my self the wiity and charming thing though. My husband is handsome and accomplpished as well. As for awards...well, I guess that comes from being a late bloomer and not really being a part of the popular group. I was not a geek or anything, but I was not sought after by the "in crowd." The good news is that when I went to my 10 year reunion it seems that some of the in crowd had never even left San Diego to try anything new. I have traveled to exotic places, well, Hawaii and Korea anyway. I have lived all over the country, well, maybe not in great places, but all over anyway. What I am trying to say is, 20 years goes by really, really fast if you are not paying attention. I paid attention, I learned a lot, and I am looking forward to reminicing about the good 'ole care free days of youth with all my long lost, but not forgotten friends. And of course the "in crowd" if they are interested. Have a great day!

Overwhelmed

2005-04-28T14:57:00.000-04:00

I know, I know, it has been quite awhile since I posted anything. I had several great excuses lined up to type out and apologize to my ever so small, but extremely loyal, readers. The fact of the matter is, when you feel the urge to write, you do so. I have been so bogged down with mommy stuff, school stuff, new home owner stuff and moving stuff that I have not taken the time to think about how much I enjoy doing my blog. So here I am. Back at the ol' keyboard. Currently my biggest issue is the incompatence I have discovered in the fence company I have chosen to put up a fence at our new house in Utah. Now, I realize that sprinkler lines get cut by accident when these projects are going on, however, I did not realize that some people do not like to fess up to where all the broken lines are. Why you ask? Good question. It is not like I am his mother and he is going to get in trouble or anything. I just need to know so I can shell out a ton more money to fix the damage before my lawn dies. In talking to the superviser I realized that he didn't even know all the boo boo's his worker guy made. This is frustrating. I don't let my kids get away with hiding things so why should I let this guy? To make a long, boring story short. I have somebody coming to the rescue to fix the sprinkler system, I hope. On the bright side, the weather is beautiful and we have been taking full advantage of it. We are all healthy so, life is good. Have a great day!

Spring Has Sprung!

2005-04-06T09:36:00.000-04:00

WOW! The weather has been great here for the past couple of days. I love being able to do school outside! There is nothing like a little sunshine to make you feel good!
I have definately decided this is the time of year for lots of great, educational, outside field trips. Living in the DC area lends itself well to that.
Things are still going well with the house. We are waiting on the Air Force for some paperwork and then we should be done. I hope everyone takes advantage of a beautiful Spring! Have a great day!

Saying Goodbye To The Pope

2005-04-03T09:11:00.000-04:00

I think President Bush said it the best. " I thank God for sending us John Paul, a son of Poland, a Bishop of Rome, and a hero for all ages." God Bless You John Paul, and thank you.

Chalk It Up To Experience

2005-03-31T13:27:00.000-05:00

This homeschool year is quickly coming to a close. Probably an early one for us due to the upcoming move. I have decided to call it a success/great start. What do I mean by this??? I mean I have changed programs, subjects and directions many times. I have adjusted , changed and changed back teaching styles. I have second guessed and re-second guessed myself and my abilities. All in all however, I know my kids and I have never been closer and never learned more in one "school" year. What started out as a " had to do" has now become a "want to do" and a "I won't be stopping." I can't believe it has taken me this long to find out how wonderful and fullfilling homeschooling is! Hope everybody enjoys the rest of the school year as much as we plan to! Have a great day!

Mt. Paperwork

2005-03-31T07:01:00.000-05:00

Well, the mountain of paperwork that needs to be signed, notorized, faxed, sealed with blood, etc. has begun. It is all such a blur. It kind of reminds me of when you are in the hospital after you have a baby and you are bombarded with info you do not understand and then you are handed a baby and told to go home. I know at the end of this we will own a house and I will not be sure how it happened or how to take care of it from that point. I am very excited because I love our soon to be house, but I am also very nervous with all the signing and faxing. I know we will be thrilled when it is all over, but then the big question is,...what will we name it?? Have a great day!

New Puppy

2005-03-25T10:05:00.000-05:00

I know, three months before a move is NOT the most oportune time to get a dog, but I couldn't resisit! I have been researching different breeds to find one that fit our family, you know, small, non-shedding, one that barks at noises, a friend. I decided on the Bichon Frise, much to hubby's chagrin. Since it will be mostly my dog he said whatever I wanted to get was ok. Another resaon why I love him. Well, I called about puppies to ask if the breeder had any older dogs and she did! He is still only four months, but every little bit helps when they are little. I went to look at him and he was perfect. He is sweet and funny. He is great with the kids. He is eager to learn and please. I love him already! Joy comes when you least expect it! Have a great day and a Blessed Easter!

House Hunting

2005-03-18T07:13:00.000-05:00

I went, I saw, I bought a house! It is the perfect house! It was one of those things where as soon as I walked in I knew this was the house for us! Cute, clean, four bedrooms, on a cul-de -sac...perfect! Not to mention that it is Pottery Barn cute decorated and painted so I have no spiffing up work to do when we move in. This is a big plus when you are in the military and don't have a lot of time to fix things up. I love this house! I am very glad that my folks live in the same town and have agreed to rent it from us when we move. Very exciting. We are so blessed by, and thankful to God! Have a great day!

The Holocaust Museum

2005-03-10T10:38:00.000-05:00

On Tuesday my husbands Ethics Class went to the Holocaust Museum for a special tour and information and spouses were invited. Because my mom is here I decided to go. This is the most amazing museum. The museum takes you through the rise of Hitler and how the Natzis took over to the sytematic recognition and de humanizing of all the people they deemed unworthy. Most of these people were Jews. I thought the information and display of facts was done very well. They did not go for shock value and I thought that was prudent. There is enough shock value in the gravity of the situation. The museum is not just about the past, but about recognizing and trying to bring awareness to genocide in our world today. Please go to their website here . I was made more aware of what is happening in the Sudan right now. I was very moved and inspired by all the people who survived and the millions who did not. This museum makes sure their sacrifice was not in vain.

A Long Week

2005-03-05T17:03:00.000-05:00

Well, it has been a long week. Game Boy had his tonsils removed Monday, and thank God, everything went well, He came home Tuesday and is eating everything soft in sight. Chubicus cut two teeth this week as well and was, to say the least, a little off for a few days. Groovey Girl is her usual happy self. She is missing Game Boy and their play time desperatly. They are attached at the hip and play wonderfully together. Luckily, Grammy is here to distract her from her missing playmate. Chubicus has gotton his teeth and is back to normal, Game Boy is healing nicely, my only nephew is returning from Iraq this week and my brother comes home next month from Iraq. Maybe it was a long week, but it was definately a blessed one! Have a great day!

The 3rd Child

2005-02-27T09:06:00.000-05:00

Chubicus is our 3rd child. It has been 6 1/2 years since our last one. The first 2 are only 2 years 4 months apart so I thought this would be easy, right? Not so much. Now that I homeschool, Chubicus's schedule has been put on the back burner. Well, according to the Baby Whisperer, I have fallen into "accidental parenting." What, you may ask? Well, this means that instead of a planned day, it just sort of happens. What has "happened" is Chubicus won't sleep for more than 40 minutes a nap. I don't know about anybody else, but this is not acceptable nappage at my house. I can barely go to the bathroom by myself in that ammount of time! What to do...I've got it! I need to change the format of our school day to meet Chubicuss's needs for awhile until he decides to comply. Yes, this is one of the benifits of homeschooling! We will start a little later when Chub goes down for his first nap, then a break and lunch, another nap, more school, voila! I may even get to go to the bathroom before Hubby gets home! Have a great day!

Cloth Diapers

2005-02-27T08:59:00.000-05:00

Yup, it's true, We have decided to do the cloth diaper thing. Hubby is totally on board and Chubicus, well he doesn't really know eaither way as long as he is fed! We really like the idea of not being totally responbsible for filling up all the land fills with things that will last longer than cockroachs after nuclear war. I had no idea there were so many options. Sortof like homeschooling. You think it's obscure until you do it. We have decided to use diapers with seperate covers for more absorption because Chubicus coould probably fill a small swimming pool in one go'round. So far, so good. I have done the intitial three hundred washes before they can be worn and now we are ready to start. His bottom looks so cute with a big diaper butt! I love it! Here's to saving the planet! Or, at least thinking about it anyway. Have a great day!

John Hancock

2005-02-24T11:01:00.000-05:00

So we have completed an entire handwriting book for each grade level already. What to do??? We are now copying poetry for writing time and it is going well. Ofcource this is not a new or novel idea but I am always so pleased when we try something new and it goes smoothly. The biggest hurdle??? Where to get the poetry. I have bookmarked several sites with classic poets and their poetry. This works well, but, ok, I'll just say it, it can be boring for kids. Ok, I'll say more, it can be boring for me too! I found a really fun website and with help from my computer guru friend, I think I can attempt a hyperlink here. I love this site because it has funny little poems that probably have no educational value at all. The kids giggle when they are copying them and it makes me smile. I hope you enjoy it! Have a great day!

Mom

2005-02-22T18:56:00.000-05:00

My Mom is here visiting. I have discovered that it does not matter how old you are, we still want our moms sometimes. Yes, I currently live in a place with no family or close friends nearby and I didn't realize how lonely I was until my mom came to visit this time. There is something comforting about having her around. Now that I am a mom myself, I understand how she feels about me, and that is comforting. She knows me, inside and out. She understands me and all my quirks and still loves me. She is a huge help when she comes to saty. She doesn't medel or give unwanted advice and I really appreciate that. She steps in when she can tell I need it and quitely does what needs to be done and now it is all better. When I was little she would kiss my boo boos and make everything all right. Now she lets me go out to get my hair done without my kids. Different action, same results. Thanks Mom, I love you!

What I Love About Blogging

2005-02-17T09:30:00.000-05:00

When I started this blog a few weeks ago I thought it would be nice to put my thoughts "down on paper" and flex my brain a little. What I have found instead is this wonderful society of creative, intelligent moms that have chosen a similar life to mine who have "found" me and I have "found" them. It is sort-of the next generation of those three exciting words...you've got mail! I turn on my computer, log into my blog and...yeh! I have comments! Kind of sounds like a movie huh? It is so wonderful to read what my new cyber friends have to say about my thoughts. Then, I go to my cyber friends blogs and enjoy their thoughts. It is so much more than just putting thoughts down on paper! What I am trying to say is, thank you for all who stop by and who leave a little bit of themselves for me to share! Have a great day!

Update

2005-02-13T16:50:00.000-05:00

So, I havn't been the best blogger lately. Between being sick and getting side tracked by looking at houses to buy in the place we are moving, it just hasn't happened. So here is the update. My mom is coming to visit next Sunday and we are excited. The kids are thrilled and mommy and daddy are going to have a date! Game Boy is having his surgery on the 28th of this month. We will be taking a week off of school for that. Groovey Girl is gearing up for her Spring birthday.
The new thing we have implemented is an allowence system for Game Boy. He has things he has to do as a member of this family, but at nine we thought we might start paying him for extra stuff. I found this cool Allowence Tool Kit at Christian book distributers(cbd.com) and it seems like it will work. Groovey Girl is next. If anybody has been down this road already I would appreciate any ideas. Chubicus is finally feeling better as well. It has been a beautiful weekend and we spent a lot of time outside. Back to the grind tommorow. Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!

Tick-Tock

2005-02-08T07:55:00.000-05:00

Time. One of the most precious commodities. Love being the most precious. But, unlike love, time is finite and there never seems to be enough of it. There is also the nagging question of what to do with it. Whenever we have "free" time...what to do? Well, my "free" time seems to be fairly limited these days with homeschooling and a "new" baby. I have found that by not having as much "free" time, I don't seem to need as much. Why is this? Because what is important to me is spending time with my children who will only be little for such a small amount of it! I think that time is all about what is important to you. How you spend your time says it all. Now don't get me wrong, I am all about being frivolous. I enjoy sitting on the couch and watching some tv as much as the next person. The older and "wiser" I get however, I find that this is not time well spent for me. I could be enjoying a classic book I have never read. There are so many books out there and only so much time...there is that word again! What I am trying to say is...find out what is imporatnt, I mean REALLY important to you and spend your time there, doing that, that thing that is the e-ching for you. All things being equal, I think that 10 years ago I would not have been able to do that. As I near (gulp) 40, I still have a fwe years, I realize that time stops for nothing, noone, nada. This is good, and sad. The sooner you can grab hold, dig down, search around and find out what it means to you, the better! Have a wonderful day!

Being Sick

2005-02-07T10:56:00.000-05:00

I do not know which is worse, being sick or having sick kids. I hate it when my kids are sick but at least I can take care of them. When I am sick I feel like I can't take care of them. It was ok when I just had the older two because I could set them up with a movie(gasp!) while I took a nap. Now that we have Chubicus, well, he can't be unattended unless he is napping, and well, he doesn't seem to do that as well as his older siblings did. Ugh! I am struggling to come out from under the really bad ickies. Hubby has been home so I have been able to recoup a little, but now it is Monday. Hubby has gone back to work, and so have I. Wish me luck! Have a great day!

A New Place To Call Home

2005-02-03T19:20:00.000-05:00

Well, it is official, the Air Force has spoken and we are moving this summer. I am relieved to know this soon and very excited about going to our new base. My parents live in the same town as our new assignment. Can you say Babysitters? They can't wait either. I also have one of my best friends in the whole world who lives there as well. It will be a good move. We are planning on buying our first house. Yup, the big plunge. It will definately have to have a school room, definately. Sorry about the Rain Man imitation. Sometimes these things just come out.
I never thought I would be sad to leave this place, but I am. I have made friends here that are not military that I will miss dearly. People that have made a very big impact on my life. Friendship is such a gift and when you move around a lot it is a blessing! I know I won't loose touch with my friends, but the day to day talking and the visits will be desperately missed. In the end, I always leave a piece of me behind whenever we leave. On the bright side, I always take a piece of where I have been with me. I thank you all for that piece! Have a great day!

I Went To College For This?

2005-02-01T07:37:00.000-05:00

Endless

Endless messes,
Endless cleaning,
Endless questions, what's the meaning?

Endless crying,
Endless whining,
Endless asking why the fighting?

Endless laundry,
Endless needs,
Endless yearning to be free,

Endless fun,
Endless smiles,
Endless blessings all the while.

Endless kisses,
Endless hugs,
Endless, Endless, Endless LOVE!

A Doll Of My Own

2005-01-31T16:52:00.000-05:00

I told my friend M that I was not going to blog about this but after I kept thinking about it I thought maybe I should just let my big, dark secret out. My daughter received an American Girl Doll for Christmas this past December. I have seen these dolls in the catolog, but never in person. I am now addicted to this doll. I love this doll! I want one for myself! My daughter has her own ideas about how to dress the doll and how to play with the doll and this is great because, after all, it is her doll. The problem is that I want one to play with! I don't want to take my daughters doll and dress it up the way I want...it's not my doll.
Why do I love the doll so much? Why do I want one for myself, I am a grown woman ya know. I decided to think about why I feel so strongly about this. When I was growing up I had pretty bad asthma. Back then they did not have the understanding of this disease the way they do now. I was not allowed to do PE or eat certain foods. The big things were that I wasn't supposed to have carpet in my room or play with anything that could collect dust. My parents did what every good parent does. They followed the doctors directions to a T! Needless to say this meant a very sterile environment for me. No lovies, no stuffed animals, and no dolls that had hair. Now I do not know if this is why I am so attracted to these things or not but it kind of makes sense. In some way I am trying to recapture a part of childhood that I never experienced. I know , I know, therapy is the answer,... but the American Girl Dolls are a lot cheaper!
Have a great day!

School Desks

2005-01-27T19:21:00.000-05:00

It is the little things in life that make you happy. I just want to say a big THANK YOU to Holy Cross Academy for willingly selling me two school desks. I have been calling around, surfing the web...all to no avail. Nobody wanted to part with any desks! I had decided it would be my last call, the phone rang, a nice lady answered, I went through my I'm a Catholic homeschooling military wife looking to purchase used school desks...blah blah blah..what was that? you have some? when can I come by? I'll be ther in 20 minutes! Que Rocky music, I am there! The desks are fabulous! They are adjustable height and they are the kind with the cubby area on the side so there is lots of table area for doing assignments and fun stuff. My kids are thrilled too. No more useing the toddler table and the old t.v stand. Here's to higher education..or in this case, lower desks for proper writing position! Have a great day!

Side Effects

2005-01-25T19:18:00.000-05:00

When you are a military wife you end up spending a lot of time with your children alone while your husband is gone. After everybody is in bed the only thing to do is watch t.v. Well, ok, there are plenty of things to get done, but after all the bedtime routines and no hubby to help all you want is some veg-out time...enter the t.v. The side effect of watching t.v night after night by yourself (besides talking to the t.v) is developing idiosyncratic tastes for not so great shows. My vice...American Idol. I am addicted to American Idol. There, I have said it. It feels good to have it out in the open. Season after season I say "this year I am not going to watch." Inevitably my hubby gets sent somewhere where he can't watch American Idol, not that he cares, and I end up turning on the t.v, and I say.."oh, I will just watch for a minute to see how it is going." The next thing you know, popcorn all over the floor and I am singing Copa Cabana at the top of my lungs right along with that guest judge Barry Manilow. What can I say??? I am an intelligent person, at least my parents think so anyway, and I think I have taste...so what is it??? I'll tell you. For me it is the good music and knowing that at the end of the season there will be a winner. None of this "who shot JR?' crap we have to wait until next season to find out. Hey, by next season my hubby will be home and I will have better things to do with my time than watch t.v. But until then...crank up the Idols!
Have a Great Day!

The Homeschool Lifestyle

2005-01-24T07:23:00.000-05:00

When I was growing up I went to school, came home,watched t.v./went to activities, ate dinner, did my homework and went to bed. This is not a bad way to grow to up. My mom stayed home with us and my dad was home every night. I was, and still am, very loved by my parents. What I did not get was a sense of "family life." I did not have to participate in what went into running a household and being a functioning member of a family. By virtue of going "off" to school, that was my "job" in the family. My mother took care of everything else because I was never home. She did not want to burdon me with "extra" things to do.
I love having my kids home with me for school because they get to see, and participate in, the running of the house. They participate in household chores, not for monitary rewards, but because, as a functioning member of a family and household, that is what you do. They are privy to all the things it takes to keep the home running smoothly and they want to be an important part of that. They take ownership and pride in the way the household runs. What a great idea!
Life is about sacrifice, some big, some small. You are not rewarded monitarily or otherwise for most day to day things. I think it is important to do those things for other untangible benefits. My children take pride in helping keep the house clean. They take pride in helping with their baby brother. They also will know when they are out on their own what it takes to run a loving home and it will not be a shock or strain for them. They will do it lovingly. They will do it with passion. They will do it out of commitment to the family. They may even do it with some joy!
Have a great day!

Spraticus Chubicus Maximus

2005-01-23T10:21:00.000-05:00

Chubicus is so sweet! We got a jumperoo for him this weekend. A jumperoo is a johnny jumper that doesn't hang from a door frame. He is so cute in it! He jumps and bounces until the music stuff starts and then he stops, watches and listens. Then when everything stops, he starts moving again to make it go. Game Boy and Groovey Girl love jumping around in front of him to get him going. The best part is he will actually entertain himself long enough for me to get laundry in or do the dishes! Yeh! I am already fantisizing about school datys were I can do math with both kids without having to be standing up and bouncing Chubicus around and having to talk over his adorable little talking noises! Hope springs eternal.
Have a great day everybody!

Call Me. Beep Me...

2005-01-20T15:40:00.000-05:00

...If you want to reach me. Kim Possible. This is NOT your Grandmothers cartoon. Nor is it the Barney music of old. Kim Possible rocks! How can you go wrong with a cheerleader,(Kim) a school mascot (Ron) and a hairless rodent, (rufuf)? I love listening to this music with my kids. It gives a whole new meaning to PE. The cartoon is fun too! Who can beat clean highschool drama?
On to the Inauguration... being the GW suppoter that I am am, I thought it was great. I enjoyed the address and the look of utter dissapointment and disbelief on the faces of the democrats. I know being smug is not a good thing but every now and then I indulge! Hope you all were able to watch this historic event and use it as part of history/civics/social studies or whatever for school as well!
Have a great day!

Moments In Time

2005-01-18T19:16:00.000-05:00

Does anybody else think that specific times of the day have a certain "feel" to them? Early morning, before everybody is up, it's quite in the house. This time feels aware and alert,like you are the only person doing things. After lunch always feels slow and relaxing. I could live in Spain just for the siestas alone! Late in the evening feels similar to early morning, yet complete in some way, not new. The best feel is when something happens and time stops, just for an instant. and you know that whatever that instant is will be burned in your memory forever. As a mother of young children I am blessed with these moments frequently. I close my eyes and know that this is what life is about!
Have a great day!

Travel Time

2005-01-17T11:04:00.000-05:00

I have just returned from visiting my siter-in-law. In addition to being married to my brother, she is one of my best friends. I have returned rejuvinated. We had one- on- one girl time that is always invaluable. Over a really nice dinner we solved the worlds problems, talked about being military spouses, counseled on child rearing and the other usual topics.
After a wonderful day of thearapy and bonding I also had the benifit of a nice long drive home. No, I mean that seriously. I love to drive in the car, listen to my music and go over my life in my head. It is great! All is right with the world, well, at least for now anyway! Have a great day!

Rainy Days

2005-01-14T07:12:00.000-05:00

I have discovered something else I love about homeschooling. Rainy days. Instead of yelling "don't run because you will get your clothes wet," and "I don't care if you don't want to wear your rain jacket," we get to sit on the sofa and hunker down with our work. Hunkering down on a rainy day is a natural instinct. It comes from the basic human need to be sheltered. These days are the days that I really get a chance to be close with my kids and it is great! Reading is more fun, math is more fun, etc. Then, when we are done, we can go outside and celebrate the joys of rain without all the yelling!
Have a great rainy day!

Friends

2005-01-13T14:47:00.000-05:00

I have been blessed. I think friends are a wonderful thing. True friends, the kind that tell you you have spinach in your teeth, are hard to find. Most people find these friends as young people. I have friends like that as well. When I say I am blessed, I mean that I have been blessed with wonderful friends that have opened up their hearts to a person that is transitory(military) and don't hold back the beautiful gift of freindship even this"late in life."
For all of these wonderful people...you know who you are, I thank you with all my heart. My life would be less without you!
Have a great day!

Trying To Do What Is Best

2005-01-11T07:28:00.000-05:00

One of the draw backs to going to school, working and that sort of things before you have children is the constant need to be learning, reading, doing fine-tuneing, what goes on. I have found that working on curriculum for my homeschooled kids fits nicely into this category of "doing."
I LOVE to research curriculum! I have a basic outline of the classical education and from there it is a virtual conicopia of material, ideas, books,books,books!
Now the drawback...I am always finetuning the kids curriculum! In my defence this is my first year doing this so I am not quite sure how it goes. Here I am, half way through the first year and I am still makeing adjustments. I am reviewing what works and what doesn't and trying to fill in the gaps.
Interestingly enough, this is one of the strengths of homeschooling as well. The ability to fit your childs learning to that child! What a concept! Sometimes I love Pandoras Box!
Have a Great Day!

Picture Day

2005-01-10T06:52:00.000-05:00

Today is picture day for Chubicus. I recieved an offer in the mail from a "real photograprapher," not one of those chain studios, and it was an offer I could not refuse. I am excited! I want to start doing portrait photography on a small scale as a sort0of home business. In addition to getting great portraits of Chubicus, I am hoping to pick the photographers brain a little. The sessions are going to culminate in a series of photos in a frame over time. The part I am most excited about...the photographer is going to take pictures of all Chubicus's kissable parts in black and white and I will receive that as well in a frame. I can't wait! I will update on how the session goes tommorow. Have a great day!

A Few Minutes To Myself

2005-01-09T08:34:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was one of those great days when all I did was sit around and read. I read books on homeschooling, books on parenting, magazines on photography and a great fiction novel. I love these days when I am enveloped in my own little world. I always come out the other end refreshed, refocused and recharged. The three R's of adulthood! I love having the three r's in my corner. They help me in so many ways.
I am now off and running on next years curriculum, ready to conquer my new camera, and letting my mind run wild with story line possibilities!
The only downer these days...my beloved San Diego Chargers were defeateed in their first playoff game. Gameboys team is still alive though....Go Rams!

Goals???

2005-01-07T08:05:00.000-05:00

I feel renewed. Do you every have those moments, days? You know, when you have a purpose and it is clear? I love those days! I have just had two in a row! This is definately a sign. These days are so better than the hazy, I am wandering through life days that come so often after you have children. My oldest is nine and I am really just starting to feel like I have found my compass again, my true north. This is the state where you can see everyhting in your life in bablance, your kids, your husband and yourself. It is the understanding that ALL these things make up you. All these things are not seperate, it is not a matter of when I am done being a mom I can be me again. Acceptance is a great thing!
Have a great day!

My Wish List

2005-01-06T07:03:00.000-05:00

In my Palm Pilot I have an application called Note Pad that I love. All you have to do is open it up and start writing normally. It scribbles out your message and saves it. I love this app! I use it for all my quick thoughts, list of things to do, etc. Most of all, I use it as a place to keep my wish list. With my wish list in my Palm Pilot I go about my day. In the event that I am able to purchase something off my wish list, I never have to try and remeber what it is I am wishing for! It is conviently located in Note Pad for me to find, remember, and check off!
I love technology. Have a great day!

UGH!

2005-01-05T09:27:00.000-05:00

The other shoe dropped. My hubby got the crud late yesterday afternoon and it was all down hill form there. Since he is my night time worker and he had to call in sick, I did double duty. I do not mind this at all. He was so miserable! He is much better this morning...thank goodness. Now I know it is just a matter of time before the rest of us fall.
In reference to another previous post...this tech guru at adelphia internet has solved my cable problem for good I think. THAN YOU CHRIS, WHOEVER YOU ARE!
I have to get back to homeschooling before my children decide I don't care about them or something! Have a great day all!

Cable Internet

2005-01-04T07:07:00.000-05:00

This is the first time in my life I have had cable internet. For the record, it is a glorious thing...when it works! Mine was down all day yesterday and this morning I can't get into my e-mail. I am a busy person you know. I only have so much time a day to devote to chscking e-mail, responding and surfing the web. I have a particular time during the day when I like to do this and now the cable internet is cramping my style.
This phenomenon does not frustrate Hubby the way it frustrates me. Why you ask? I think it is because he has access to his e-mail and the internet at other locations, like work.
If downloading songs from itunes with cable internet was not such an other-wordly experience, I wuld seriously consider "chucking" the whole thing!

Waiting For The Other Shoe To Drop

2005-01-03T07:28:00.000-05:00

Last evening Game Boy started to throw-up and have other issues, if you know what I mean, and I knew we were in for the stomach virus that has been going around.
When he went to sleep I put a bucket by his bed and his sisters bed as well. I had all the disinfecting stuff set up and ready to go. Hubby and I went to bed and waited for the worst.
Well here it is , in the morning, and there was no more throw-up...nothing. Hubby went back to work and I am left here to contemplate when things are going to get worse.
Why is it human nature to wait for the other shoe to drop? Maybe it isn't, maybe it is just my nature. I am a glass half full person, but I always like to be prepared. Does this make me a realist or obsesive compulsive? I have decided that I think it makes me a Mom!

Revelation

2005-01-02T07:51:00.000-05:00

The reasons why we homeschool are many. These reasons seem to change, grow, shrink, and reform on any given day. I was talking to a friend of mine from college yesterday and she has two children younger than mine that she is considering homeschooling. I gave her all the reasons why we do it and how I get it done to the best of my ability. In my conversation with her I realized a whole new reason for why we homeschool and it's a selfish one. I realized I homeschool for ME as well as my children. I get to know my children in a way that only comes from spending a lot of time with, stuydying with, learning with and observing someone for long hours on a daily basis. I couldn't ask for a better resaon that this to homeschool. Don't get me wrong, there are days when I want to poke my eye out with a hot poker, but all in all, it's great. All children grow up and and have their own lives, as well they should...but what better way to make the most of my time with them now. What a blessing!

A New Venture!

2005-01-01T11:52:00.000-05:00

Hello! This is my first time to blog! Welcome to the 21st Century! I am military wife, stay0at-home mom, and Homeschooler of two of my three children. This blog is going to be about me and my daily thoughts, trials and anything else that happens! Cheap therapy is what I call it!
Here's to the New Year!