High-Quality Mothering, I THINK...

Missing Bloggin'

2009-10-14T23:57:00.002-04:00

I have neglected my blog ... Bad blogger!!

I have strayed, I must say- Facebook drug me in, showed no mercy & strangled out any other internet endeavors.
I am going to blog here, like I used to.
I missed my bloggy.
Good bloggy.

Injurious Things

2009-08-26T12:42:00.000-04:00

I spent two hours in the ER last night! My 17 yo son & his friends thought it would be a blast to play hide-and-seek outside after dark. Which is WAS fun for them, then Hunter got hurt. He slipped on our wet patio!! Fell right on his elbow, the one he broke 2 years ago, too!
We had x-rays, but they said there wer no breaks. Good news!!! So, it is just sprained or the bone is bruised. He went to work today all wrapped up in Ace bandages, so it is not too bad!

Funny thing is, we were just at the ER two weeks ago. He & a friend were playing around with the front door & SMASH, Hunter's arm went right through the glass pane! No stitches that time, just butterfly bandages!

Think they are suspicious of my parenting over there by now?
He is 6 foot 1" tall, weighs 250+... I must be one tough mother to be torturing this child, huh?

Kelly

Fabricating Beauty - BodyTalk

2009-08-21T16:55:00.001-04:00

Touch-Typing for Ones w/ Stressed Hands &/or Sensory Issues

2009-08-12T13:56:00.003-04:00

The point of touch-typing is in having your hands dangle in the middle of the keyboard while your fingers rest on certain keys (home keys). To enter a letter you need to reach the appropriate key with the closest finger. The thumbs take care of the space bar. Now, let me spell this out

r e a l - s l o w - f o r t h o s e w h o h a v e n ' t g r a s p e d i t. Your eight fingers (thumbs don't count) rest in the center of the keyboard (on the predefined home keys), from which they move only to satisfy a serious (or less so) need i.e. to peck some other key. While doing this only one finger moves - the nearest. After having completed the action the finger returns to its home key.

My Honey-Bunny Made This For Me!

2009-07-15T23:50:00.000-04:00

Using YouTube to Teach Science - Videos Inspire a New Generation of

2009-07-12T20:19:00.001-04:00

Using YouTube to Teach Science - Videos Inspire a New Generation of Scientists

Posted using ShareThis

Safely Dispose of Unwanted Medications

2009-06-19T09:56:00.003-04:00

DO NOT EVER FLUSH LEFTOVER MEDS INTO THE TOILET OR DOWN THE SINK!
To safely dispose of your prescription &/or your unwanted Over-the-counter drugs:

1. Take your prescription drugs out of their original containers.
2. Mix drugs with an undesirable substance, such as cat litter or used coffee
grounds.
3. Put this mixture into a disposable container with a lid, such as an empty
margarine tub, or into a sealable bag.
4. Conceal or remove any personal information, including Rx number, on the
empty containers by covering it with black permanent marker or duct tape,
or by scratching it off.
5. Place the sealed container with the mixture, and the empty drug containers,
in the trash.

http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/publications/pdf/prescrip_disposal.pdf/

Parenting Style Quiz

2009-06-08T00:20:00.000-04:00

T-Mobile Mom to Mom Quiz: "

Take the fun, Mom to Mom quiz and discover your parenting style.

When Parenting Was "Easier"

2009-06-07T13:25:00.006-04:00

There was a time when parenting was easier, was it not? You gave your kids a key & trusted they would be safe when they entered the home. You did not fear child predators on a daily basis, you served dinner & they ate what was served, you had easy choices, eg. chocolate or vanilla, schools required pencils & paper (everything else was provided by the school, imagine that!) you had one bathroom & somehow it all worked out.

When I was growing up that is how my home functioned. Bad things happened, but it was always, "literally" to someone else... well, that is what I thought when young. Looking back, I know NOW of many instances that were tragic, should have had police intervention & could have ended up in arrests being made, but did not.

I was raised to appreciate all kinds of art, music, books & learning. We frequented the library often, went to zoos, parks of all kinds & swam all summer long. I remember the good times mostly. I felt I had much freedom to go for walks, be left at the pool all day with my equally young cousin & to chew gum when I felt like it. That equals a good childhood, right?

I knew this as a youngster: That my father hurt my mother intentionally often & my brother unintentionally, that families did not always stay together, but that did not mean you were not close to the estranged one, that kids skipped school, that burgalaries occurred, that crabs would pinch you till you bled & that men exposed themselves to young girls, etc.
BUT-
I was sheltered from the fact that my family was on food stamps for a time, that I had a father that killed someone, that children were molested (no one I knew of personally at the time or now, for that matter), that police were not always honest and that all was not well in the world.

This brings me to write about Parenting in this day & age. My husband & I are very different, but we make it work, attributed to the fact that we apply Bible principles to the mix. But what I want my children to know, before they go out into this world is what dictates my philosophies as a parent. It is really not related to discipline, for the most part.

Picture caption:
Yes, I also allow play fighting, but no physical contact
is approved of when irritated by the other person or it is out of maliciousness.

My Philosophies, some of them, are as follows:

I do not shelter my children from happenings/issues/problems... they are aware of the good & bad in the world, eg. Terrorism, loofahs, sexual predators, mean people, abusive spouses, clowns, gangs, legal matters, music, sexting, marijuana, huffing, paper cuts, pets, driving laws, ibuprofen, barefeet in mud puddles, thunderstorms, mental illnesses, sunflower seeds, viruses (computer & illnesses) & all sorts of positive and negative issues/happenings/tangible things!
I teach them, sometimes graphically, about sex. (those who know me know that what I mean is, I teach them what they ask about & do not hold back, just because it is "uncomfortable" for me or for them- but somehow, they are as comftorable as me when addressing the subject!) I NEVER had the "talk" with my mom or anyone else... I was preteen when I had my 1st sexual experience, I did not know why it was not healthy, harmful or unnecessary ( I continued aimlessly until I was 17 & decided the world had used me up & spit me out) I was not taught about pubic hair, oral anything or how to control "feelings" for someone. I acted on all whims, was driven by being accepted & fought to be with the cutest guy. My kids are not shallow like I was, thank goodness!
I allow them to make big decisions, sometimes, after being informed of possible consequences. eg. Whether to purchase a scooter or a car, therapy & meds, their belief system.
I allow my child to hold whatever creatures they want, regardless of how creepy-crawly or slimy they are.
I keep stern watch over the computer usage, but DO allow Batman Villians to be plastered into cement walls, Facebook accounts (with only friends being added that they actually know & would actually chose to hang out with being their friends in person), You Tube to be frequented (mostly with supervision for my teens & my 6 yo MUST be monitored) and some strange Pirates game to be played by all kids in my home, including my husband who got them hooked on it in the 1st place.
I buy fruits & other foods that are strange to me, just because my teen son wants to try them. I tried star fruit & ugli fruit because of Hunter.
I make sure everyone has a key to the house on their person before leaving the house.
I provide cell phones to my children, because I want them to feel safe when out & so I can find them when I need a gallon of milk- but texting is optional in our family & must be paid by them, if they choose to communicate in that fashion.
I allow them to wear what they want, as long as it is clean & does not have holes that weren't meant to be there. Sometimes I bend this rule, if one child wants to wear the same shirt 3 days in a row... then I am just bored with their look & make them change.
I believe strongly in treating others considerately, but if they don't feel good and/or cannot, they can leave the general area that it is expected in. No fakey acting necessary.

When I was young, I had most of these options, too. (minus the technology), but was also missing the information about the family's secrets & the family's business.
That bothers me. I don't have one secret that I have not told my kids about, well maybe a few, but if they asked, I would tell them, probably...

I strive to be balanced and objective. I hope I do a good job.

Thunderstorm Video Makes it to Local News

2009-06-05T21:35:00.001-04:00

Lapbooks

2009-05-27T23:50:00.002-04:00

I wanna make a LapBook. I was inspired to do one by my friend, Steph.
Look at her & her daughter's attempt to lapbook!

Here are some Lapbooking Resources, too!

Gregg Pritchard Britains Got Talent 2009

2009-05-23T02:24:00.001-04:00

Too awesome not to share!

Keyboard Designs- Other Than QWERTY

2009-05-21T12:43:00.003-04:00

The Dvorak Simplified Keyboard laid out.

I did not know these existed until today...
Why? Click on each picture for more information on each.

The Colemak Keyboard layout

I found this so interesting, I just had to share it.

Graduation 2009

2009-05-19T12:15:00.004-04:00

We visited Lebanon, TN this past weekend to attend the Graduation of 3 of my children through New System Schools.
We stayed in a lovely cabin in Cedars of Lebanon State Park & had a blast!
The kids met several new friends & played cards, board games, exchanged cell #'s, emails, etc.

Hunter Graduated Senior High & will now begin his Accounting Classes online.
Cassidy passed the 8th grade, which they have a ceremony for, also. She will now begin the Penn Foster High School course.
Josiah graduated Kindergarten- so excited! They looked so cute in their caps & gowns!

We will be schooling on & off throughout the summer months. I find that taking a long break is not advantageous to children's learning.

Took a Pretty Accurate Personality Test

2009-05-13T21:23:00.001-04:00

Main Type	Overall Self

Take Free Enneagram Personality Test

The Incredible Hulk Returns

2009-05-09T21:25:00.001-04:00

You can now watch this stuff on YouTube!

Thoughts Today...

2009-05-04T20:00:00.003-04:00

Random thoughts from today's activities:

Does CSE really know the damage they are causing? Emotionally, even? Do they care?
Thank goodness for Multi- Family Living!
I love my calligraphy markers.
Coke is my friend; Coca-Cola, that is.
Sunflower seeds, roasted & salted at my desk, all day long totally rocks!

Great, I vented; moving on.

Get Back Up, You Think You Have it Bad?

2009-05-04T00:59:00.001-04:00

Must watch for inspiration!

Typical Course Study Link

2009-05-04T00:19:00.001-04:00

Free resource for a typical course study...
at World Book's website...
Select a grade level from the list below to review its suggested subject matter.

Preschool
Kindergarten
Grade Level 1
Grade Level 2
Grade Level 3
Grade Level 4
Grade Level 5
Grade Level 6
Grade Level 7
Grade Level 8
Grade level 9
Grade Level 10
Grade Level 11
Grade Level 12

Owls

2009-05-01T11:54:00.002-04:00

I like, no love owls.

I am now reading Wesley the Owl...
Will post what I think of it when finished.

Is Someone Tapping your cell phone??

2009-04-27T13:30:00.002-04:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCyKcoDaofg

Here is the link, since embedding was disabled on YOU Tube.

If Eaten, What Would You Taste Like?

2009-04-17T15:36:00.000-04:00

Created by Recipe Star

Watch: Who You Are Makes a Difference

2009-04-13T16:14:00.001-04:00

Photographer Captures my Kids!

2009-04-12T23:51:00.006-04:00

I have met an awesome photographer in the area... her name is Rebekah Girvan & she is from Harrisonburg. Read her blog here.
I just had to upload some of the pics she took for us & to show off my kiddos a little. I love them for each of their different personalities, which are very diverse, by the way!

Her photos are real, the shoot is pleasant & she has an easy-going personality that works well with kids. Rebekah calls it "organic" photography. She does weddings & newborn shoots, also.

Mommy, Are You Doin' Stinkies?

2009-04-04T00:48:00.000-04:00

A 3-year-old tells all from his mother's restroom stall.
By Shannon Popkin
My little guy, Cade, is quite a talker. He loves to communicate and does it quite well. He talks to people constantly, whether we are in the library, the grocery store or at a drive-thru window. People often comment on how clearly he speaks for a just-turned-3-year-old. And you never have to ask him to turn up the volume. It's always fully cranked. There have been several embarrassing times that I've wished the meaning of his words would have been masked by a not-so-audible voice, but never have I wished this more than last week at Costco.
Halfway, through our shopping trip, nature called, so I took Cade with me into the restroom. If you'd been one of the ladies in the restroom that evening, this is what you would have heard coming from the second to the last stall:
''Mommy, are you gonna go potty? Oh! Why are you putting toiwet paper on the potty, Mommy? Oh! You gonna sit down on da toiwet paper now? Mommy, what are you doing? Mommy, are you gonna go stinkies on the potty?''
At this point I started mentally counting how many women had been in the bathroom when I walked in. Several stalls were full .. 4? 5? Maybe we could wait until they all left before I had to make my debut out of this stall and reveal my identity.
Cade continued: ''Mommy, you ARE going stinkies aren't you? Oh, dats a good girl, Mommy! Are you gonna get some candy for going stinkies on the potty? Let me see doze stinkies, Mommy! Oh...Mommy! I'm trying to see In dere. Oh! I see dem. Dat is a very good girl, Mommy. You are gonna get some candy!''
I heard a few faint chuckles coming from the stalls on either side of me. Where is a screaming new born when you need her? Good grief. This was really getting embarrassing. I was definitely waiting a long time before exiting. Trying to divert him, I said, ''Why don't you look in Mommy's purse and see if you can find some candy. We'll both have some!''
''No, I'm trying to see doze more stinkies...Oh! Mommy!''
He started to gag at this point.
''Uh - oh, Mommy. I fink I'm gonna frow up. Mommy, doze stinkies are making me frow up!! Dat is so gross!!''
As the gags became louder, so did the chuckles outside my stall.. I quickly flushed the toilet in hopes of changing the
subject. I began to reason with myself: OK. There are four other toilets. If I count four flushes, I can be reasonably assured that those who overheard this embarrassing monologue will be long gone.
''Mommy! Would you get off the potty, now? I want you to be done going stinkies! Get up! Get up!''
He grunted as he tried to pull me off. Now I could hear full-blown laughter. I bent down to count the feet outside my door. ''Oh, are you wooking under dere, Mommy? You wooking under da door? What were you wooking at? Mommy? You wooking at the wady's feet?''
More laughter. I stood inside the locked door and tried to assess the situation.
''Mommy, it's time to wash our hands, now. We have to go out now, Mommy.'' He started pounding on the door. ''Mommy, don't you want to wash your hands? I want to go out!!''
I saw that my wait 'em out' plan was unraveling. I sheepishly opened the door, and found standing outside my stall, twenty to thirty ladies crowded around the stall, all smiling and starting to applaud.
My first thought was complete embarrassment, then I thought, where's the fine print on the 'motherhood contract' where I signed away every bit of my dignity and privacy? But as my little boy gave me a big, cheeky grin while he rubbed bubbly soap between his chubby little hands, I thought, I'd sign it all away again, just to be known as Mommy to this little fellow.
(Shannon Popkin is a freelance writer and mother of three She lives with her family in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she no longer uses public restrooms)
You must pass this on to all the mothers who have had embarrassing moments with their children. Isn't it great to be a parent!!!

The Evil Month of March

2009-04-02T19:47:00.003-04:00

Not gonna bore you, just going to record this trashy month that has been March of '09.

Grandad too sick, won't make it much longer
Overwhelmed by job
No money; too much child support, not receiving child support (you figure that one out)
House has 'STAYED' messy the whole month
Weather is raunchy, then nice, then raunchy
Grandaddy died
Job stressin' me out
One certain person in the house is neurotic & I cannot do anything about it
Funeral arrangements
Funeral
Wanting to move on & cannot
Laundry piled high, higher than ever! I thought kids were supposed to pitch in to help, but not help make the pile grow higher & higher. Ooh , look, It is Mt. St. momma's britches!
Mentoring younger one
Mentoring some mothers that are dealing with other moms who have an ignorance about the laws of homeschooling
Husband loses job
Youngest is especially wacky, due to all the rain & not being able to run it off, outside
Must get rid of Pomeranian puppy that barks, bites & is possessive over (guess who!) He chewed my mouse wire, my keyboard wire, tore up our bamboo, gave me a multitude of headaches from his yappin'!

Good things that happened in March:

Job stress leveled out
Parents talked about going to the beach & taking our family
Son got a job
Kids are happy even though we have no money!
We participated in the Lights out night- it was fun!
Gained encouragement from people I have not ever met on Facebook
Seen a baby be born in the midst of all the death (circle of life)
Decided to pool resources with another lover of all things birth in W'boro
Weather- I love the rain, I love the sun
I started hanging clothes outside on the line this month. :)
Son cooperated getting his hair cut for once.
Reconnected with some family members that I was not sure would ever happen!

That is all, that is good. Just wanted to record it & let it out of my head!

Dan Fogelberg - Living Legacy Lives On

2009-04-01T06:52:00.002-04:00

New release-
Dan Fogelberg Retrospective 2-CD Set

Interview of Dan conducted by Fred Migliore of Fm Odyssey

For more information about this CD and to order your copy, visit http://fmodyssey.com/Store.html -- this CD is a great gift for yourself and friends or loved ones that enjoy Dan Fogelberg's music.

To read reviews for the CD - visit http://danfogelbergcd.blogspot.com/2009/03/reviews-for-dan-fogelberg-retrospective.html

To visit various audio and video clips for Dan Fogelberg -- visit http://danfogelbergcd.blogspot.com

Earth Hour is Tonight!

2009-03-28T14:33:00.000-04:00

Earth Hour is tonight!
Saturday, March 28th from 8:30-9:30 p.m.

Can you sacrifice an hour's worth of electricity for one hour tonight to save some energy & raise awareness?
Earth Hour U.S. Kids' Page

Missing my Bloggin'!

2009-03-26T12:34:00.004-04:00

I have had a rough couple of weeks! Mass confusion!

Sicknesses, burying my granddaddy, started 2 new jobs working online, cleaning, cooking at my Nanny's to help with the visitors, attended my 10th birth, arranged dinners for a sick friend plus more!

Now, can take a breather, hopefully.

I missed bloggin!

The Milk Debate Goes On

2009-03-22T00:45:00.003-04:00

Unecessarily so!
There IS NO debate... just imagined reasonings.

One point I love is that breastmilk is living. It is more complex than human blood, which still can not be duplicated in a laboratory. It changes from beginning of feeding to the end, from feeding to feeding, from day to day, week to week and month to month. Every time the baby feeds she receives active immunity to keep her healthy.

Read more at this post
Read even more here: Doula Surround

The Middle Wife

2009-03-11T14:40:00.000-04:00

The Middle Wife

By an Anonymous 2nd grade teacher:

I've been teaching now for about fifteen years. I have two kids myself,but the best birth story I know is the one I saw in my own second-grade Classroom a few years back.

When I was a kid, I loved show-and-tell..... So I always have a few sessions with my students. It helps them get over shyness and usually, Show-and-tell is pretty tame Kids bring in pet turtles, model Airplanes, pictures of fish they catch, stuff like that.

And I never, ever place any boundaries or limitations on them. If they want to lug it in to school and talk about it, they're welcome.

Well, one day this little girl, Erica, a very bright, very outgoing kid,takes her turn and waddles up to the front of the class with a pillow stuffed under her sweater.

She holds up a snapshot of an infant. 'This is Luke , my baby brother and I'm going to tell you about his birthday.'

'First, Mom and Dad made him as a symbol of their love, and then Dad put a seed in my Mom's stomach, and Luke grew in there. He ate for nine months through an umbrella cord..'

She's standing there with her hands on the pillow, and I'm trying not to Laugh and wishing I had my camcorder with me. The kids are watching her in amazement.

'Then, about two Saturdays ago, my Mom starts saying and going, 'Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh!' Erica puts a hand behind her back and groans.
'She walked Around the house for, like an hour, 'Oh, oh, oh!' Now this kid is doing a hysterical duck walk and groaning.

'My Dad called the middle wife. She delivers babies, but she doesn't have a sign on the car like the Domino's man. They got my Mom to lie Down in bed like this.' Then Erica lies down with her back against the Wall.

'And then, pop! My Mom had this bag of water she kept in there in Case he got thirsty, and it just blew up and spilled
all over the bed, Like psshhheew!' This kid has her legs spread with her little hands miming water flowing away. It was too much!
'Then the middle wife starts saying 'push, push,' and 'breathe, Breathe. They started counting, but never even got past ten.
Then, all of a sudden, out comes my brother. He was covered in yucky stuff that they all said it was from Mom's play-center, so there must be a lot of toys inside there.'

Then Erica stood up, took a big theatrical bow and returned to her seat.
I'm sure I applauded the loudest. Ever since then, when it's Show-and-tell day, I bring my camcorder, just in case
another 'Middle Wife' comes along.

Germs from the Past

2009-03-07T23:25:00.001-05:00

Germs
from the past!
Pasttime news online submits articles from long faded newspapers...

EXCERPT:
Scabies and rabies, germs and worms: There’s no question that our everyday lives are swarming with lethal invaders. Now that modern science has revealed the terrifying truth of microbes’ deadly effects, you must combat them with vigilant cleanliness, protecting your family against these invisible assailants with the utmost precision and aggression—or rest assured, they will strike with the same.

This was fascinating to me!

Daylight Savings Time

2009-03-01T21:37:00.000-05:00

Daylight Saving Time
Daylight Saving Time is just around the corner, so this is your reminder to make a note to turn the clocks forward one hour Saturday night, March 7, before going to bed. If you'd like to learn more about Daylight Saving Time (did you know that Ben Franklin originally conceived the idea?), this WebExhibit will give you the run-down. http://www.webexhibits.org/daylightsaving/

High Quality Maternity Care

2009-02-26T23:59:00.001-05:00

Quiz: Maternity care, beware

Despite growing evidence of harm, many obstetricians and maternity hospitals still overuse high-tech procedures that can mean poorer outcomes for baby and Mom. Test your knowledge with our quiz below, and then learn more in our report.

True/False Quiz on Consumer Reports

Free SubS!!

2009-02-23T22:07:00.001-05:00

Free Sub from Quizno's!
It is for really-really-real!
Go here to get yours, then go here, to opt-out of their future mailing list, if you choose to do so.

Online CPR Certification and First Aid Certification - Introduction

2009-02-20T23:30:00.001-05:00

Online CPR Certification and First Aid Certification - Introduction

Posted using ShareThis

Ultrasounds Not Perfectly Safe

2009-02-17T22:30:00.003-05:00

Unbeknownst to many, ultrasound DOES radiate some heat (not radiation) & puts out high frequencies of sound to fetal chamber (similar to subway train passing through a station!) .

Why else do you think baby moves AWAY from the wand when under this "testing"?
Makes sense... be informed, even if it goes against mainstream. Get ONLY medically necessary Ultrasounds/Sonograms; not for entertainment purposes, please!

This .gov site confirms this.......

VA Immunization Registry System

2009-02-14T20:11:00.005-05:00

Did you know about this?
Virginia has an Immunization Registry System that is automatic when your child visits the doctor.
You can opt-out of it by contacting your provider.

Thought this Was Funny

2009-02-14T17:17:00.002-05:00

type="application/x-shockwave-flash"
width="450"
height="382"
bgcolor="#F4F4F4"
src="http://funnieststuff.net/FunniestStuffPlayer.swf"
FlashVars="videoFile=http%3A%2F%2Fvideos.funnieststuff.net%2Fcontent%2F2008%2F07%2F11%2F1%2Fgymnastcomedy.flv&videoTitle=A%20gymnast%20comedian%3F%20%20It%20made%20me%20laugh.&autoPlay=false&fullScreenScriptURL=http://funnieststuff.net/scripts/funniestStuffPlayerFullScreen.js">

THIS is What They Thought???

2009-02-13T11:09:00.002-05:00

Caption says: "Becaue everything in her house is waterproof, the housewife of 2000 can do her daily cleaning with a hose."
Little did they know that "housewives" would be few & far between!

TOP 10 Ways to be Less Wasteful this Year

2009-02-11T18:48:00.002-05:00

Top 10 Ways to be less wasteful this year , thanks to www.reuseablebags.com

10. Ditch the dryer sheets.
9. Bring your own cup.
8. Use a reuseable utensil.
7. Bag the Sandwich baggie.
6. Kick the energy drink habit.
5. Say "No" to gift wrap.
4. Reuse a plastic bag.
3. Bring a bottle.
2. Pack a sustainable lunch.
1. Carry a reuseable shopping bag with you.

For more info on each of these tips, go to the site's post.

The Optimist Creed

2009-02-09T21:15:00.001-05:00

THE OPTIMIST CREED
Be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
Talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet.
Make all your friends feel there is something in them.
Look at the sunny side of everything.
Be as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.
Forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
Give everyone a smile.
Spend so much time improving yourself that you have no time left to criticize others.
Be too big for worry and too noble for anger.

Re-Using Swiffer Wet Jet Bottles

2009-02-08T20:56:00.000-05:00

YAY!!
How to remove the cap on a Swiffer Wet-Jet cleaner bottle. - More DIY How To Projects

How Safe of a Driver are You?

2009-02-05T21:06:00.000-05:00

Created by The Car Connection

J.'s Room Update

2009-02-04T11:37:00.004-05:00

I am updating on the status of J's new room... many of you know that he practically lives/hangsout permanently in OUR room... this cannot go on much longer!! lol

Hubby, my father, my brother & other talented-in-carpentry friends have donated time to help with the endeavor.

The series of pics from beginning to where we are now with it.

What's In A Flu Shot

2009-01-28T17:12:00.001-05:00

Funny look at the scary truth of flu vaccines. Gotta see this!

Socialization- Good Point!

2009-01-28T11:37:00.004-05:00

What About Socialization? (not what you may think)

Author Unknown

Two women meet at a playground, where their children are swinging and playing ball. The women are sitting on a bench watching. Eventually, they begin to talk.

W1: Hi. My name is Maggie. My kids are the three in red shirts --helps me keep track of them.
W2: (Smiles) I'm Patty. Mine are in the pink and yellow shirts. Do you come here a lot?
W1: Usually two or three times a week, after we go to the library.
W2: Wow! Where do you find the time?
W1: We homeschool, so we do it during the day most of the time.
W2: Some of my neighbors homeschool, but I send my kids to public school.
W1: How do you do it?
W2: It's not easy. I go to all the PTO meetings and work with the kids every day after school and stay real involved.
W1: But what about socialization? Aren't you worried about them being cooped up all day with kids their own ages, never getting the opportunity for natural relationships?
W2: Well, yes. But I work hard to balance that. They have some friends who're homeschooled, and we visit their grandparents almost every month.
W1: Sounds like you're a very dedicated mom. But don't you worry about all the opportunities they're missing out on? I mean they're so isolated from real life -- how will they know what the world is like --what people do to make a living -- how to get along with all different kinds of people?
W2: Oh, we discussed that at PTO, and we started a fund to bring real people into the classrooms. Last month, we had a policeman and a doctor come in to talk to every class. And next month, we're having a woman from Japan and a man from Kenya come to speak.
W1: Oh, we met a man from Japan in the grocery store the other week, and he got to talking about his childhood in Tokyo. My kids were absolutely fascinated. We invited him to dinner and got to meet his wife and their three children.
W2: That's nice. Hmm. Maybe we should plan some Japanese food for the lunchroom on Multicultural Day.
W1: Maybe your Japanese guest could eat with the children.
W2: Oh, no. She's on a very tight schedule. She has two other schools to visit that day. It's a systemwide thing we're doing.
W1: Oh, I'm sorry. Well, maybe you'll meet someone interesting in the grocery store sometime and you'll end up having them over for dinner.
W2: I don't think so. I never talk to people in the store --certainly not people who might not even speak my language. What if that Japanese man hadn't spoken English?
W1: To tell you the truth, I never had time to think about it. Before I even saw him, my six-year-old had asked him what he was going to do with all the oranges he was buying.
W2: Your child talks to strangers?
W1: I was right there with him. He knows that as long as he's with me, he can talk to anyone he wishes.
W2: But you're developing dangerous habits in him. My children never talk to strangers.
W1: Not even when they're with you?
W2: They're never with me, except at home after school. So you see why it's so important for them to understand that talking to strangers is a big no-no.
W1: Yes, I do. But if they were with you, they could get to meet interesting people and still be safe. They'd get a taste of the real world, in real settings. They'd also get a real feel for how to tell when a situation is dangerous or suspicious.
W2: They'll get that in the third and fifth grades in their health courses.
W1: Well, I can tell you're a very caring mom. Let me give you my number--if you ever want to talk, give me call. It was good to meet you.

I enjoyed this perspective. Gives me more ammunition. Though my children talk to everyone & actually, NO ONE has ever said anything to me about my kids not seeming "socialized". They are more outgoing than most kids their age- go figure!

High Fructose Corn Syrup & Mercury!

2009-01-27T13:21:00.002-05:00

Okay, this is going a bit too far for my "tastes". I am tired of this allowable poisoning of my family! Mercury is toxic in ALL forms, it doesn't matter what they say.
Read this new article for more info on why I vent this way today!

MONDAY, Jan. 26 (HealthDay News) -- Almost half of tested samples of commercial high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) contained mercury, which was also found in nearly a third of 55 popular brand-name food and beverage products where HFCS is the first- or second-highest labeled ingredient, according to two new U.S. studies. Washington Post online

Menu Maker

2009-01-25T12:20:00.002-05:00

I found a great, new Menu Maker online to use for Menu Plan Mondays, if wanted.
It is the Meals Matter site... here: http://www.mealsmatter.org/
Interactive, printable, recipes easily linked into your personal menu... just what I was looking for. Thanks to StumbleUpon for this new discovery!

Working with Shaving Cream

2009-01-22T14:56:00.001-05:00

We do this with J. He is hesitant at first, but likes it after told it is ready to play with!

Strengthen Your Brain

2009-01-21T12:58:00.001-05:00

Can writing with your opposite hand strengthen your brain?
This kind of activity is called Neurobics, which is essentially doing things you normally do but done differently.

YES, read why here

Vitamins- How to Tell if it is Made Up of All Good Stuff

2009-01-17T16:21:00.003-05:00

Found this post on a blog, it makes sense to me & thought my readers would be interested in learning this tidbit about vitamins & the fillers in them.

Another something for me to check into & worry about... but hey, I only want what won't cause any further harm to my child, that is for sure.

Green Doula writes about what is "REALLY" in your supplements?

She tells this trick that will show you, literally, what is included in your vitamin of choice.

Here are a few ways to check and see if your body is actually digesting your current supplement and whether or not it contains fillers:
1 Soak one of your vitamins in about 3 inches of white vinegar for about 20 minutes. If you come back to an intact un-dissolved capsule, then it is most likely not dissolving in your stomach. Instead it is just passing through you body and finding its place in your toilet.
2 If you see dirt floating to the surface of your vinegar, then most likely the manufacturer is using sawdust as their filler.
3 Take a dry vitamin and wrap it in aluminum foil and bake it in the oven at 350 for about 10 minutes. If you see some black goo creep out, that signals coal as filler.

Strep Throat in our Home

2009-01-06T12:46:00.003-05:00

Strep has hit the 2nd victim in our home, I think. We are going to the Dr. today to find out. My little one, J. aged 6 has a sore throat & body aches, just as his bigger brother had last week. :(

Lysol is my friend, as is the bleach... but it got around it somehow. That happens in families that are home together ALL the time & hanging out.

Orgasmic Birth on 20/20 TONIGHT!

2009-01-02T08:51:00.000-05:00

Some women even say that instead of agony, childbirth can be ecstasy.

"...the goal is not necessarily an actual orgasm."

"I hope women watching and men watching don't feel that what we're saying is, every woman should have an orgasmic birth," she said. "Our message is that women can journey through labor and birth in all different ways. And there are a lot more options out there, to make this a positive and pleasurable experience."

Watch the story Friday on "20/20" at 10 p.m. ET Orgasmic Birth, January 2nd, 2009...
that's tonight!

Ticket Reward System Update

2009-01-01T12:05:00.003-05:00

I wanted to update on the Ticket Reward System...
I was asking J. to earn 20 tickets/day. Too much, turns out.
I then lowered it to 10.
His dad had a good idea, that seemed like a no-brainer... J. has to "purchase" his likes. Not all his likes, only the ones he super-duper loves... like t.v. time, video game on pc, ice cream at night.
So, 3 tickets buys him his choice... if he saves the tickets and earns 10, w/o "spending" them, he can gain a Star Wars action figure! He really is into this!

I am pleased so far... when mama is happy, the world is good, right?

Puppies Update

2008-12-29T18:25:00.003-05:00

My "Wookie-Bear"

The puppies are all spoken for now. One was picked up yesterday morning, one is staying with us, one is leaving Wednesday evening & two are staying with my mom. I cannot believe she kept two dogs... they are doing well, peeing on the paper, asking to go out even to pee/poop.

My Parents' dogs: "Sasha & Marley"

They are almost 7 weeks now & Sadie is getting "fixed" this Friday!

Tickets, Get Your Tickets Here!

2008-12-28T21:31:00.004-05:00

I am trying the "Ticket System" with my 6 yo son, starting tomorrow. I purchased a roll of tickets at Wal-Mart for less than $4.00, to hand out to him when I catch him being good & when he cooperates during the day.

He will get some t.v. time at bedtime, play Cartoon Network games online or have chocolate ice cream as his rewards. These are the only things that entice him, so I am using it.

We will see how well it works, I will update.

Our Puppies- 5 weeks

2008-12-20T18:38:00.004-05:00

We have had puppies in the house for over 5 weeks now... they are very cute, but I am only attached to one in particular.

This one: His name is Wookie-Bear

The blonde is the "alpha-dog", for sure... the brown one is cute & is the original "wookie", but Philip & I changed our mind. Is that wrong? My kids tell me it is... well, we decided before they turned 6 weeks, the age we are giving them away, as their mom,Sadie, is weaning them, as of last week!

Recycling Plastic- Lids/Caps a No-no!

2008-12-17T10:57:00.002-05:00

I am into recycling... I am not avid, but do what my household's trash lends me to accomplish.
Saying that, I have researched what can be recycled & what SHOULD not be...
The Plastic Cap/ Lids on plastic containers should NOT be recycled.
Most recycling facilities agree that they are just not worth it & are actually dangerous!
Here's why:

The caps can melt & "gum up" the true recyclable plastics & make that batch unsalvageable!
The caps can "shoot out" at dangerous speeds & harm a recycling worker, when the plastic is being crushed!
The caps/lids can "jam" the the processing equipment, which would not be efficient at all.

Given the many potential issues, however, most recyclers would rather avoid taking them altogether. It may be hard to believe, but it’s true: At this time and in most locales, the responsible consumers are the ones who throw their plastic caps and lids into the trash instead of the recycling bin.

Courtesy of : EarthTalk

Menu Plan Monday

2008-12-15T12:26:00.000-05:00

Menus for the week:

Monday- Fried Chicken, Corn Pudding, Turnip Greens, Stuffing

Tuesday- Turkey Dinner with Bible Study Group

Wednesday- Shepherd's Pie, Rolls

Thursday- something easy, don't know what yet

Friday- Teen Night at our home will consist of much finger foods/make-your-own pizzas, too!

Jenny Retracts "Cure", Says Recovery now

2008-12-12T14:05:00.002-05:00

Yes, I am glad she has done this... retracted her term "cure" for "recovery". I might be nitpicking, but that was totally appropriate for her to do publicly. Thank you, Jenny!

FULL MOON & I Do Mean FULL!

2008-12-12T13:58:00.002-05:00

Full Moon Tonight- Biggest of the Year!

Crazy Rabbit online "toy"

2008-12-12T13:27:00.002-05:00

Hey guys,
You gotta check this out...
it is an online "toy", I would call it. It is a Crazy Rabbit that interacts with your mouse.
It is entertaining for a few, brainless minutes. See if you can make him let go!
You'll like it, I promise!
http://andrius.esu.lt/10/go2.htm

Phones- landlines &/or cells

2008-12-11T15:33:00.003-05:00

Phones- hate 'em... need 'em... wish I could live without 'em!
We are now using the MagicJack for our landline... it is 85% good.
For 40.00 a year, we'll take it. We were paying well over 85.00 a month for our Business line at home!
Cell phones, don't need the bells & whistles... but have them anyhow. Got it for free, so why not?
If it came down to a choice, the landline would just have to go. I can reach my 3 teenagers anytime I want with the cells... can't do that with a landline!

Wednesday's Word

2008-12-10T15:29:00.003-05:00

Changin' things up to words... because that is what my blog is all about!!
Don't wanna do Wordless Wed, don't have to, ain't going to!!

Memes stink sometimes!!

Found this site: Wordie.org ; like Flik'r but w/o the pics!!

The word of the day:
Actually, this is my favorite word, that is why I am using it today...

facetious
(adj): cleverly amusing in tone
Fact about "facetious"- uses all the vowels in order!

I ♥ words!

Stuff I Found & Wanted to Share

2008-12-07T22:52:00.005-05:00

Interesting sites I found:

Recycle your "keys" ??!! YES! Send them to this family & they will recycle them to raise money for the cure for MS! It is called: KEYS FOR KINDNESS I don't think twice about my old keys in my junk drawers & old key rings that are in the bottom of my son's toybox, but this MADE me think of them & think of what a difference it may make if someone had A WHOLE LOT of them to recycle. GREAT!

Alfie Kohn's theory on raising children... still undecided, but here are 5 reasons to STOP saying, "Good Job" to your child. I understand the concept, but am still thinking that commendation is a 'good' thing. It is just another way of commending, he promotes, but requires a whole new way of thinking... do I have that much brain power left??!!

Interactive website with all interaction, all the time! "Interactives" provides educators and students with strategies, content, and activities that can enhance and improve students' skills in a variety of curricular areas. LOVED THIS SITE!

And finally, the Cloud Appreciation Website... because I like clouds & so do scores of other humans~ who knew?!

Wordless Wednesday

2008-12-03T10:38:00.002-05:00

Menu Plan Monday

2008-12-01T11:49:00.003-05:00

Monday- Meatloaf, Potatoes O'Brien, Green Beans

Tuesday- Porcupine Meatballs, Cheesy Pull-Apart Biscuits, Spinach

Wednesday- Chicken Cacciatore , Carrots & Brussel Sprouts w/ Brown Sugar

Thursday-Bar-B-Cups, Fried Potatoes w/ Onions,

Friday- Braised Chicken Thighs with Button Mushrooms , Rabat Rice Pilaf ,

Wordless Wednesday

2008-11-26T10:55:00.002-05:00

Tips to Reuse Items

2008-11-25T22:08:00.003-05:00

Here are some tips on re-using items that I may have otherwise thrown out. I am trying to do my part to 'go green'. Little as it may be... I think it all helps.

Okay,
1. Tissue Boxes- (empty ones)

Save dryer lint in. You can make fire starters with the whole "brick" in your fireplace or an outdoor fire!
Store those horrible, plastic shopping bags that multiply like bunnies. You can either fold them neatly or shove 'em in.
To save "Box Tops for Education" in, in your pantry, maybe?
Use the rectangle ones as a "mailbox" for your little pretenders. They love to get that mail!
Use it as a "mini" wastebasket in the bathroom, for those icky, used q-tips, panty liner strips, nail clippings, etc. (eww)
Use it as a "mini" trashcan in your vehicle, too!
Make it useful as a pen, pencil, scissors container for your desk or art table.

2. Crystal Light containers- (either the whole container or the smaller tubs)

Mini Time Capsule for the kids - paper liner tears off nicely.
Again, use them to store some plastic bags in your car or somewhere else you might be tight on space.
Plastic flatware fits right in it for your next picnic!
Small First Aid kit for the glove compartment in your car.
Cinnamon/Sugar sprinkler; just poke small holes in the lid first.
Use it to wash kiddo's hair in the tub.
Wash the dog with it, too!
Store feminine items in it, so they don't unwrap in your 'gym bag'. (HA!)
Use it for individual sizes of soup, stew for elderly ones to receive for a meal.
Use the innard tubs for 'dipping' cups for homemade fast-food fun!

3.Empty Pill Bottles- (empty, obviously)

To keep small items 'wrangled' in your junk drawer(s).
Store hair pins in them.
Keep your small game pieces organized.
Snap them over fishing lures, so hooks don't grab onto everything when done fishing.(yeah)
Mini, portable, emergency sewing kit
Store toothpicks (must-have, so says my dentist)
Travel sized lotion

Menu Plan Monday

2008-11-23T21:18:00.001-05:00

Monday- homemade vegetable beef (deer) soup and gourmet grilled cheese
(on garlic bread with velvetta and/or 3 or 4 different kinds of cheeses.)
Tuesday - Sandra Lee's slow cooker chicken/borracho beans and spanish rice.
Wednesday - turkey
make ahead mashed potatoes,
gravy/stuffing,
green beans.Thursday - I have a pork loin
baked sweet potatoes with cinnamon/brown sugar
chunky applesauceFriday - Smothered meat loaf with potatoes o'brien
spinach

2008-11-21T21:26:00.002-05:00

1. The last band I seen live was: Dave Matthews Band.

2. The thing I like the most today is: playing group games with friends & family.

3. I would like to travel to Ireland by way of airplane.

4. I love koalas because they are lazy & carefree.

5. I anticipate hearing from my doula client within one week, to get the call that she is ready to give birth.

Lego Love

2008-11-19T16:53:00.003-05:00

YES!

My mission has been for my 6 yo son to get into Lego building & I think it is slowly working.

He actually ASKS to play Legos... that rocks!

Per an online article:
"Lego pieces allow for an astonishing range of creative play opportunities. Beyond the fun factor, for younger children, the brightly colored pieces and easily interlocking combinations provide hours of patterning practice and fine-motor development. Looking for just the right piece strengthens sorting skills, a key part of the kindergarten math curriculum. And for all kids, Lego teaches how to think in three dimensions-- a precursor to physics. Children of all ages also hone creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork through Lego play. "

I Actually WON Something !!

2008-11-18T12:22:00.003-05:00

This is what I encountered when I opened my front door last week.
I never win anything, so you can imagine my surprise .
It was actually Something Valuable & great for our family!

A Wheeled-Cooler chock full of plastic-ware, jugs, ice packs & more!

I won them from Rubbermaid Co. by completing an online Product Review Form.
I was reviewing one of their products that actually was not well-made & won a package of gifts, for "tailgating''!!

Josiah thought the box full of styrofoam peanuts was a better surprise!

I Did Not Know This Type of ART Existed

2008-11-14T22:50:00.003-05:00

I was blown away when I "stumbled-upon" this awesomeness!

Friday Fill-Ins

2008-11-14T09:55:00.002-05:00

1. Please feel free to comment.
2. When I get my laundry off of the clothesline I can't help sniffing it occasionally.
3. My favorite thing to cook is lasagna.
4. Dave Matthews Band's Music is something I can't get enough of.
5. That's the thing I love most about my Mother.
6. Bad editing in the news always makes me think to myself, what the heck?
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a 50's party, tomorrow my plans include going out into the Ministry and Sunday, I want to see my friends!

The PUPPIES have Arrived!

2008-11-13T18:17:00.004-05:00

New news from our home!

Our dog, Sadie, is a first-time mommy!

She had her puppies yesterday morning!!!

We are excited, we already have homes for a couple of them. There were 5 altogether.

1 blonde

1 brown

3 blacks

4 females & 1 male. The male is black with white paws.

Sadie is such a good mommy... she is very protective & caring.

For more graphic pics & birth details, visit my "all birth, all the time" blog here.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-11-12T09:54:00.001-05:00

Tip Jar Tuesday- Cast Iron cookware care

2008-11-11T15:21:00.004-05:00

Cast iron cookware has been around for centuries and will most likely be around for more. Its versatility and even heat-distribution has made cast iron cookware a favorite of many cooks. Pots, pans and various other pieces can be purchased new from the store or found for a bargain at yard sales or flea markets and some is even passed down through generations as a family tradition.

And, with proper care and maintenance, an owner of a piece of cast iron can assure that it will last for a lifetime (or several).

In this instructable, I show the steps and guidelines to follow to keep my cast iron collection in good condition and ready for anything.

- More cool how to projects

Quick tips:

For cast iron pans, remove cooked and burnt-on food or grease by soaking the pan in hot
water and use a plastic scouring pad.
It’s important not to use S.O.S pads on your metal pans, which will damage the surface of the pan.

If the stain remains, mix 3 cups of water with 2 tablespoons of baking soda and soak.

$5 off coupon from STAPLES

2008-11-10T22:30:00.004-05:00

Here is a link to a $5.00 off coupon on any "M" product at Staples.

They have lovely items for around 5.oo, so you could actually get something

for just paying the tax, if you are frugal, like me.

Any of the products pictured are under 5.00, the magnets below are 5.99 though.

Menu Plan Monday

2008-11-10T10:41:00.000-05:00

Monday - Hamburgers, Alfredo Noodles & Peas.

Tuesday- Chicken Pot Pie, Homemade Corn Bread.
Wednesday- Grilled Cheese, Potato Soup
Thursday- Tuna Casserole
Friday-Crock Pot Beef Stew, Biscuits.

Overheard in our Home Today

2008-11-09T10:27:00.002-05:00

New idea from soon-to-be 6 year old...

Mail should be delivered to friends by way of "paper airplane" mail !

But, he says, it will only work if they live two houses away!! lol

My Daughter's Compassion

2008-11-08T17:52:00.002-05:00

I posted yesterday that I would like to tell you about my "daughter's compassion", as it impresses me so.

My 13 year old daughter is compassionate.

She loves the elderly. She visits them at the nursing home, where my granddad was for months on end. She took a "feeding assistant" class to actually help FEED these unfortunate ones, while helping them to maintain a sense of dignity.

My daughter reaches out to other unfortunate ones. Ones that are considered the "underdog". Ones that are not reached out to otherwise. Ones that are "left out" because of a slight mental disorder or a speech impediment or a handicap. She makes them feel special & I truly believe she has a gift. I tell her so. She thinks I am just looking for ways to commend her. I am honest with her enough that she should know better, but anyhow... that is all I wanted to say concerning her compassion right now.

Friday Fill-ins

2008-11-07T14:44:00.005-05:00

1. My blueprint for success includes _worshipping God_.
2. _Kit Kat_ was the last candy I ate.
3. The best facial moisturizer I've ever used is _Luminosity from Avon__.
4. _Blogging__ can be good therapy.
5. I'd like to tell you about _My daughter's compassion_.
6. _Truth-telling_ is my strongest characteristic.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to _quiet_, tomorrow my plans include _a baby shower_ and Sunday, I want to _celebrate our 12th Anniversary_!

Jenny McCarthy? NOOOOO!!!!!

2008-11-06T18:20:00.007-05:00

What is this nonsense???!!!

"I SAVED MY SON"?? He needed "fixing"??

She is specifically quoted as saying:

"I made a deal with God," she explains. "I said, 'You fix my boy, you show me the way and I'll teach the world how I did it.'"  

Wow, if I was not determined to stay neutral & all that, I would rally against her.

All the hype is killing me!! Why do a lot of parents think she is a saint? Am I missing something??!!

She makes me ill!

JM has said she "cured" her son ,

It is right here:

http://www.usmagazine.com/news/jenny-mccarthy-my-son-is-no-longer-autistic?page=6

I realize I am ranting & that I am usually neutral- but this is

pestering me to no end at the moment.

Sorry, my mouth runneth over tonight!

(This blog post has been edited as of: 11-18-08 by owner.)

Wordless Wednesday

2008-11-05T10:20:00.001-05:00

Leaf Mobiles from our Beautiful Fall Leaves

2008-11-04T11:35:00.006-05:00

We made Leaf Mobiles from the beautiful leaves we collected at our local park & library grounds.

Leaves

Leaf Mustache before sticking to contact paper.

almost done w/ the sticky part!

cut them out... poke a hole in the top with a push pin...

EASY!

stick
leaves
thread
scissors
clear Contact paper

That's it!

Menu Planning Monday

2008-11-03T14:04:00.005-05:00

Easy cookin' week!!

Mon- Hot Dogs, Cole Slaw & Chili

Tue- Salisbury Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans

Wed- Rotisseried Chicken, Spinach, Stuffing

Thu- Chef's Salad/ Cobb Salad

Fri- Out to eat?
Our anniversary is this coming weekend. 12 years!!

Ladybug Invasion

2008-11-02T11:15:00.002-05:00

This past weekend the weather warmed up.

This is what happens when that happens!! lol

Ladybugs INVADE!

We went somewhere for one hour & came back to ladybugs dive bombing us & attacking the front of our house in one, gigantic swarm!

They used to seem cute- now, I just want them gone! They invade every crack & crevice looking for a warm hut for the winter. They stink when they are killed & they even BITE!

The Gift of Gum for my Son

2008-10-31T20:23:00.005-04:00

My son is on a NO ARTIFICIAL FOOD COLORING Diet. ((courtesy of the Feingold Diet))

It helps tremendously with his high-activity level.

ok, so I found this gum he loves & bought him some, even though it costs a good amount. He loves the Bubble Gum & Tangerine Flavors the best.

He likes gum enough for it to be worth it, but not enough for it to dissapear in a week's time.

So now, he can have gum like his siblings. You see, almost ALL gums have artificial colors, why you ask? Ridiculous, I say. Even the great JUICY FRUIT actually ADDED Yellow Food Coloring to their bland-shaded gum last year, right after we discovered the diet & discovered that he enjoyed this gum in particular!!

He handles his diet well, but I want to thwart any feelings of being left out before they happen.

Library Today

2008-10-30T14:56:00.004-04:00

We went to the Library today. I love, love, love going & one of my teenage sons loves it, too.
My 6 yo son hates me dragging him anywhere, but once he gets there, he is okay. He plays science games on their PC & plays on the playground there. Yes, my library rocks, thank you very much! :o]

LUCY the DINOSAUR
We have a circuit of 3 libraries in our immed. area!! They are all fantastic! Apart from the low-crime rate & scenery, the library system is one of my TOP reasons for living in this area!

I pick out books for myself, then pick some for the youngest, while he plays. He has no interest in the books at the library, just the computer & the huge paper-mache dinosaur they have there!
My mother pays my daughter $5 for each book she reads & can you believe that she does not enjoy reading? She is NOT getting rich off of this... She IS my daughter though, I promise!

Oh yeah, it is Wordless Wed

2008-10-29T11:18:00.001-04:00

I posted today, thinking it was Tuesday... how did I lose a day??

Motherhood & having a severe cold DO NOT MIX!
Okay, ignore the comment above & pretend it is Wordless Wednesday!
Shutting up:

Tip Jar Tuesday

2008-10-29T10:09:00.004-04:00

Tips to keep your DRYER running like new, especially if you use the Fabric Softener Sheets!!

this did not happen to me, but thought it was such good advice & it made compete sense!

The heating unit went out on my dryer! The gentleman that fixes things around the house for us told us that he wanted to show us something and he went over to the dryer and pulled out the lint filter. It was clean. (I always clean the lint from the filter after every load clothes.) He told us that he wanted to show us something; he took the filter over to the sink, ran hot water over it. The lint filter is made of a mesh material - I’m sure you know what your dryer’s lint filter looks like.
WELL…the hot water just sat on top of the mesh! It didn’t go through it at all! He told us that dryer sheets cause a film over that mesh that’s what burns out the heating unit.

You can’t SEE the film , but it’s there. It’s what is in the dryer sheets to make your clothes soft and static free - that nice fragrance too, you know how they can feel waxy when you take them out of the box, well this stuff builds up on your clothes and on your lint screen.

This is also what causes dryer units to catch fire & potentially burn your house down with it! He said the best way to keep your dryer working for a very long time (& to keep your electric bill lower) is to take that filter out & wash it with hot soapy water & an old toothbrush (or other brush) at least every six months.
He said that makes the life of the dryer at least twice as long!

How about that!?! Learn something new every day! I certainly didn’t know dryer sheets would do that. So, I thought I’d share!

Note: I went to my dryer & tested my screen by running water on it. The water ran through a little bit but mostly collected all the water in the mesh screen. I washed it with warm soapy water & a nylon brush & I had it done in 30 seconds. Then when I rinsed it the water ran right thru the screen! There wasn’t any puddling at all! That repairman knew what he was talking about!

Flat Travelers

2008-10-28T11:31:00.005-04:00

This is the one J. sent out last week.

We started hosting a "Flat Traveler" starting this week.

We signed up for the program a few weeks ago.
It is cool, exposing J. to geography this way.

This is the one he received from Canada.

This idea is based on the book "Flat Stanley".
A Flat Traveler is a person, animal or thing made out of paper. You print or draw your Traveler, laminate it and then mail it along with a blank journal to someone in another area, state or country. The host family treats your Flat Traveler as a guest and takes it places they go. After a short time your Flat Traveler is mailed back to you along with a completed journal and perhaps some photos, postcards and/or souvenirs. You look over your Flat Travelers journey and plot it on a map. Some families keep a scrapbook with all their journals, souvenirs and photos inside.

Menu Planning Monday 10/27-10/31

2008-10-27T11:46:00.003-04:00

Mon- Garlic Roasted Chicken; Stuffing, Fried Green Tomatoes

Tue- CrockPot Tuna Noodle Casserole

Wed- Corn & Salsa Tortilla Soup

Thu- Garlic Chicken Pasta, Salad, Garlic Bread

Fri- Tater Tot Casserole

I Will Survive the 1st Year of Homeschooling!

2008-10-26T15:34:00.001-04:00

Sing this to the tune of I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor!

Originally written and produced by Freddie Perren and Dino Fekaris
Originally performed by Gloria Gaynor
Mercilessly altered with apologies by Natalie Criss

First I was afraid
I was petrified.
Kept thinking I could never teach
’Cause I’m not certified.
But we spent so many nights
Reteaching homework that was wrong.
I grew strong,
so now I teach my kids at home!
We study math
and outer space.
I just kept on despite the fear
with a big smile across my face.
I bought a set of Base Ten blocks.
I bought books with answer keys.
My parents think we’re nuts,
but they don’t even bother me

Come on, let’s go walk out the door.
We’re on the road now,
'cause we’re not home much anymore
My friends would frown and say we’d be unsocialized.
I heard one grumble
that I’d give up by July.
Oh no, not I!
I will survive!
As long as I know how to read
I know we’ll be alright.
I've got all my life to learn.
I've got energy to burn.
and I'll survive.
I will survive.

It took all the strength I had
not to fall apart.
Decided to attend
a play date at the local park,
and I met oh so many moms
who offered eagerly to help.
They used to cry.
Now they hold their heads up high,
and so do we!
My kids are cool!
They’re not those chained up little people
stuck inside at school.
So if you feel like dropping by
don't you expect us to be free
I'm spending my time learning
with my loving family!

Jumping Mothballs Science for young ones

2008-10-24T09:42:00.001-04:00

Ever wanted to know how to make mothballs dance & jump?
Well, now with this video & its drama & simpleness, you can show your young ones how!
With a little vinegar, baking powder & of course, the ever important, moth balls- watch the little boogers jump away!

Online Etch-a-Sketch

2008-10-23T19:12:00.003-04:00

Here it is!

The online Etch-a-Sketch!!

Wordless Wednesday

2008-10-22T12:39:00.002-04:00

Tip Jar Tuesday

2008-10-21T09:37:00.002-04:00

Tip for today:

As many of you know, I am the wife of a plumber.
P. has told me that he finds many stopped up pipes are caused by grease, odd items that were washed down the drain or flushed or by regular paper towels/napkins/facial tissues being flushed.
Therefore, my tips of the day are:

Do NOT flush anything other than regular toilet tissue paper! Even facial tissue is bad, as it is tougher & not made to break up in water easily.

If you must rinse your greasy pans into the sink, then run HOT water for at least 1 minute with a mixture of dish detergent (preferably DAWN) to break up that grease & get it on out of your pipes. (but don't tell him I told you that... he says to NEVER put any grease in any form in the drains, no matter what- but I have been doing it for years & we have NEVER had a problem- he says the problem will go on down the line for someone else to deal with, possibly though)