I recently began a Free Homeschooling Blog. In this economy I thought it may help homeschooling families save a buck or hundred if they find they can no longer order pre-made curriculum.

It's been fun to find new and interesting Free information while perusing and scouring the web.

On my Free Finding Hunt I stumbled across a "Free Campground" website that lists free "boondocking" and camping sites across America. Granted, many of the places listed are basically spots to stay for one night while we travel "to" our destination but the sites are Free, non-the-less and there were other places listed that allowed people to camp for up to 30 days so the list is quite helpful for the frugal, traveling family.

While surfing their website, I couldn't help but notice that Walmart was listed in many states. It was hard for me to believe that Walmart would actually advertise this kind of parking-lot, over-night stay so I took the time to email them to find out from the horses mouth.

Lo-and-behold, they emailed me back and yes-indeedy, they do offer this precious overnight option at many Walmarts!

PLEASE:

1. Park away from the doors. Preferably far away on the out-skirts of the parking lot.
2. Keep your trash and don't use their dumpsters.

Their email response is below.

------------------------------

Dear Shelly,

Thank you for taking the time to contact us with your inquiry. While we do not offer electrical service or accommodations typically necessary for RV customers, Walmart values RV travelers and truck drivers and considers them among our best customers. Consequently, we do permit RV and tractor-trailer parking on our store lots, as we are able. Permission to park is decided by individual store managers, based on availability of parking space and local laws.

Please contact management at each store to ensure accommodations. To find specific store information such as the address, you may purchase a special Walmart edition of the Rand-McNally Road Atlas in our stores that includes Walmart/Sam's Club locations in the US, Mexico and Canada. The cover says "Walmart Store Directory Included." If you cannot locate this special edition, contact a store associate or ask for assistance at the Customer Courtesy Desk. For our most current store information, including the store phone number, please visit our web site at www.walmartstores.com and select 'store finder' at the bottom of the page. You may search by city/state or zip code and view a map and directions to each store.

Sincerely,
Walmart Customer Care

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Thanks Walmart! Talk about "Always low prices, always!" :o)

I hope to be staying in your well lit, safe parking lot on our travels.I'll be blogging it! :o)

How much does it cost to adopt a child?

The total cost of adoption varies depending upon a number of factors such as the type of adoption, the agency through which you work, the state in which you reside, attorney fees and whether travel is required.

Range of Adoption Costs  

Foster Care Adoptions $0 - $2,500
(Rates for other options further down in the text)

When becoming a foster parent, you are ALLOWED to ask for only infants. You get to choose the age, race, and sex of the children you want to parent. Yes, You can have an infant in your home within 6 months to a year if you REALLY want to be a parent.

We paid absolutely nothing to adopt our children. We've adopted three children who were in our care as foster children. We paid $250 (two-hundred fifty dollars) per child and was reimbursed those funds after the adoption was final.

Foster parenting is not only the cheapest route to take toward adoption, it is the most practical. It gives the parents a chance to "rent to own." Yes, that sounds vulgar, however, there ARE children who will not attach with certain parents and there ARE parents who have trouble bonding with specific children. It is important to understand that fact.

Foster Parenting gives the child and the parents time to build a relationship, test the waters and connect before committing to a permanent, life-long family relationship.

I've heard many adults say that they could "never" be foster parents because they would not want to give the children back. The cold, hard truth is that adults can handle it, so if you are one who says this...I respectfully ask you to...well....suck it up. YOU can handle it.

We, as adults, can choose to take children into our home, love them, care for them and share our home with them. We can choose to do so all the while knowing that our journey is so much easier than the journey our foster children are traveling.

We can choose when to stop being foster parents. They cannot choose when to stop being foster-children. They did NOT get to choose this. If the children can go through it unwillingly and without their blessing, we, as adults, can certainly share our love willingly and let them into our hearts for a season.

We can handle it because we have all the power...YOU have all the power. You can handle giving a child back and you can do something so strong and powerful with your life that you will no longer ask why you were put on this earth. You CAN do it!

If you even think you MAYBE, kinda, could think about foster parenting, please, check out your local DHS Foster Parenting Classes. Just commit to taking the classes. You don't HAVE to be a foster parent just because you took the classes. They are FREE and a wealth of information.

If, after taking the classes, you decide that fostering is not for you, then there has been no harm, but if you decide that you are brave enough to try it, there will be life-long pride for you and your family for doing so.

Licensed Private Agency Adoptions $5,000 - $40,000+
Independent Adoptions $8,000 - $40,000+
Intercountry Adoptions $7,000 - $30,000 (Source)

I know a family who adopted infants from Russia. They were beautiful boys. They were not brothers but were adopted by one family. After the first few years it became apparent that there was something very wrong with the children. This family paid tens of thousands of dollars to adopt the kids and then went through horrific agony trying to fix their children only to find that they are "unfixable."

They have life-long disabilities that will cost tens of thousands for the family to deal with throughout their entire lives.

Not only did the family pay to adopt, they now have NO recourse of action. Those children are their responsibility and they cannot get financial help anywhere.

If this were to happen to a family who adopted from foster care they would have a wealth of resources available. The Foster Care system has policies in place to help families deal with future situations that could arise. Adoptive families are offered help for the children. They will even pay the foster/adoptive parents money, monthly to help with extra costs of helping and raising the children.

Foster Care is a valid choice for finding a forever family.Parents, there WILL be children you know for a season but when God hands you the child that is meant to be yours for a lifetime, you will know that the road to finding them was one worth traveling.

Ready to take the first step?  Click here

Kole is 5 years old.Kole today: "Mom, what is chicken made from?" Me: "ummmm...chicken." Kole: "No Really." (as he eats a chicken leg)Me: "ummm...chicken...rrrreally."Kole: "But what is it made from?" Me: "Kole, they kill a chicken and we eat the skin and legs and stuff...you are eating a chicken. "(Look of horror) Kole: "Oh, That's so gross!"

• Starfall.com
  An innovative site devoted to teaching reading skills. Primarily designed for first graders but also helpful for students in kindergarten and second grade.


• California Department of Education
  This site contains resources for the California High School Exit Examination.


• Biology Labs On-Line
  Interactive, inquiry-based laboratory simulations and exercises designed for college and AP high school biology majors.


• Net Frog
  Net Frog is a virtual online frog dissection. This site was designed to give students a better understanding of frogs and other life forms through the use of online instructional technology . Designed by the Curry School of Education at the University of Virginia, this site fills in the blanks missed by the overwhelming fascination kids have with dissections, so they gain a true understanding of the concepts. This online lesson is free and available to students and teachers, and is a learning resource for those who may not have access to a lab. Audio, video, and virtual experimenting makes this an excellent teaching aid. Check it out!


• Project Gutenberg
  Project Gutenberg is the first and largest single collection of free electronic books, or eBooks.


• Internet Public Library
  The Internet Public Library is a public service organization and a learning/teaching environment founded at the University of Michigan School of Information and hosted by Drexel University's College of Information Science & Technology.


• Creative Writing Prompts
  Use the creative writing prompts and creative writing ideas to create stories, poems and other creative pieces from your imagination.


• SEN Teacher
  Provides cost-free teaching & learning resources for students with special needs and learning disabilities.


• Incompetech.com
  Simple Grid Graph Paper PDF Generator


• Recommended Literature (K-12)
  A searchable database of literature recommended by the California Department of Education, and several supplemental resources.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey present Over the Top ....

at Auburn Hills in November!  

COUPON CODE! 
Get 4 tickets for $44 Monday‐Friday matinee, or $4 off weekend tickets by entering the code “MOM” in the MC promotion code box at Ticketmaster.
 
**If we get there at 6:30pm for the pre-show our children can meet the performers and try on costumes! 

Auburn Hills Show Dates
Wednesday November 18: 7:30pm
Thursday November 19: 7:30pm
Friday November 20: 11:00am, 7:30pm
Saturday November 21: 11:30am, 3:30pm, 7:30pm
Sunday November 22: 1:00pm, 5:00pm

Minimum purchase of 4 tickets required; additional tickets above 4 can be
purchased at $11 each. Not valid on VIP Gold, VIP, and Circus Celebrity seats or combinable with other offers. Service charges and handling fees will apply.

It’s become a lot easier to find someone with all the online tools available out there. I’ve found a few online sources where I've been able to reconnect with friends from Elementary School, Past Jobs and even the two High Schools that I attended. I’ve curiously looked up old buddies wondering what they were up to.

I've often wondered who I've missed and/or who's been looking for me! There might be some people out there who are searching for me that are distant figments from the past that have slipped through my memory. The thought of someone searching for me has indeed piqued my curiosity.

MyLife can quickly answer this question. When I entered my name and age, I not only found out how many people had searched for me but also their age group and gender. It even let me know who did a Google search for my name!

MyLife’s also has an email tool that will allow us to find out who’s been sending us those crazy emails! We just need to enter the email address and it will let us know who it’s from. This tool is quite the helpful little item. If you’ve ever wondered who’s been searching for you online, or want to conduct your own search, then MyLife.com is just the place you're looking for!

I have a pet peeve that I feel the need to mention. I know I'm not alone because I've actually met other Evangelicals who have experienced this.

First I would like to place a memory in here for my boys so that in the future, when they read this, they do not confuse the rant to follow as something they should actually put into practice. It is a rant and should be consumed with that knowledge.

First Here is my memory:

A memory I hold dear to my heart is one of a preacher who I really liked. (Pastor Howard Wilson) He came to my job to buy something to fix the church a bit and said something to the effect that he didn't see me in church last Sunday. Being that he was a nice guy and did talk to me other than just to ask this question I said with a smile, "Yeah, that's because I wasn't there." He smiled too and said something like, "Well I hope everything is alright." I don't know why, maybe because I'm me and like to tell the truth I said with a halfway embarrassed squinty nose , "I just didn't feel like coming." To which he laughed openly. It became apparent that no one had ever actually said that to him. I then said,"Do you ever feel like that?" He gave a sideways grin, paid for his merchandise and said, "That, my dear, is something I'll never admit to." "Oh that's right!" I said, laughing at that point "You get paid to be there!" He turned with a loud laugh and walked out cracking up.

Now this is the same pastor who roped me into being the central and only secretary for the entire disaster relief efforts for our town when the flood came through and devastated so many homes and uprooted so many families. I have to think that honesty is the best policy since he respected me enough to entrust that responsibility to me after that conversation had taken place. :-)

Now on to my Pet Peeve and Random Rant for the day...

One thing that annoys the crap out of me is when I and my family arrive at church and some random person comes up to us to say,

"Why weren't you at church the other day...last week...last night..."

Whatever the case may be.

OR

"We really missed you at church the other day...last week...last night..."

Then they look at you with the silent look of fake worry trying to prompt you into divulging the reason for your shameful church absence.

Did they really miss me? Did they really miss us that much? Aren't they really asking where we were? At least those who ask where we were are getting to the point. They are nosey and they don't care that we know they are nosey.

I've so often wanted to say something like...

"Well Janet I had to get some hemorrhoids removed and I just couldn't sit in the pew that day."
or
"Well Pete I had a hot date with my lover and just couldn't make it to church." *wink*

(Mom, I didn't actually say or do these things so don't faint!)

Now why would I really want to say these things? Because they are being so NOSEY! What if those were the reasons? What if there was some very embarrassing reason and you had to just stand there and make up a lie because they are so NOSEY!?

Now don't get me wrong, I'm not talking about your buddy who you usually sit with or your friend who would have liked to go to the ballgame with you. I'm talking about church acquaintances who mention this ridiculous comment because what they really mean is...

"I was at church and because I was at church, I noticed that you were NOT so I want to mention it to you in person, even though I would otherwise never talk to you. I have to ask this of you because you didn't get to see that I was in church, so I want you to know that I was in church and that you were NOT because I am now just that much closer to Heaven than you are because I was there and you were NOT there to see how holy I am because you are NOT."

Yes, I have a tad bid of unimaginable irritation built up. It must be from my childhood. I would see people, who would otherwise not give me the time of day, come to meet me at the church door just to ask that ever so unassuming question. I cringed as they came down the isle with that concerned look on their face. I could have just kicked them in the shin.

I wish I were the person I am now...that would have been a hoot!

Yep, that is a big time pet peeve of mine, to the point that I've named the affliction that these people suffer from.

It's called,

"I've become arrogant in my Christianity-itis" It affects those Christians who have become so sure that they know all there is to know about their religion that they have widened their judgement net to encompass those who are actually OF their same religious faith."

Gotta be the top of the heap there I suppose.

If you recognise yourself in this rant please put this clue in your pocket.
If you have never been invited to the person's home. Don't ask them why they weren't at church.
If you were only invited with a group of people. Don't ask them why they weren't at church.
If you think people need a reason to miss church. Don't ask people why they weren't at church because..

1. You may not like the answer.
2. If they had an emergency or tragic event and you don't know by now then it's none of your business.
3. You're being a busy body.

Instead you could say, "Hi there friend. I was thinking of you the other day and would really like to go to Starbucks to hang out sometime with you. " or "Hi there buddy, I was JUST thinking about you yesterday and was wondering if you would like to come over to hang out sometime."

If you don't feel like you can do that then BACK OFF! If you can do that and they say no then there's your answer. If they say yes, you are well on your way to connecting with a new friend.

(That's my rant)

Next year, Brian and I will celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary. We've decided that we will make it a priority to take an extended vacation together, without our children, to celebrate this milestone in our lives. We're raising 7 children and, though we love them very much, there comes a time when we need some excitement and exotic fun in our adult life. Next year, is our year!

In order to get ready for this adventure, I've been searching high and low for great deals abroad. We've decided that we're going to go somewhere out of the ordinary. We want to do something memorable, but we don't want to break our bank account doing so.

Today, while investigating destinations and deals, I found a deal that I just have to share. Brian and I won't be able to enjoy the savings this year, however I just know that someone will be able to enjoy these savings so I'm passing the information on to you! :o)

Right now is, Accor Hotels 3-Day Super Sale Asia Pacific sale.  They have One Million hotel rooms with rates starting as low as $30 per night across Asia Pacific!

Accor is a major global group and the European leader in hotels, operates in nearly 100 countries with 150,000 employees. What they are offering will allow travelers to take advantage of savings when they book on-line between October 27 - 30 2009! (Stay period Dec 09 till Apr 10)

Accor's new Asia Pacific "3-day Super Sale" includes this country list:
Thailand, Korea, China, Japan, HK, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Fiji, Indonesia, Taiwan, India, Bali.

Different rates apply for Accor's various brands, with Sofitel, Pullman, Grand Mercure, Novotel, Mercure, All Seasons and Ibis hotels participating, providing a vast range of affordable options.

The Accor '3-day Super Sale' coincides with record-low air fares across the Asia Pacific region, allowing travelers to enjoy some of the world's most exciting cities at bargain rates.

Brian and I can't grab this deal, but we're sure hoping to find it next year....though we're not holding our breath. Too bad we aren't ready to book this year! At least I can pass the information on to you and hope to live vicariously through your fun! Please, Let me know if you get to go! :o)

Some say that blogging has stripped away the privacy that was once so cherished in our society; The privacy that people carried in their souls for girlfriends, parents, family, lovers. I hear the nuance of this thought spoken from time to time as I listen to friends and family speak. There are times I understand from one word or two that the emotions being expressed cannot leave my confidence. Those are precious moments held dear to my heart. There are times when I read a blog and feel as if I should not know this information or as if I am a fly on a wall that was never meant for me. Those are the times I feel the unwritten. I see what was voiced by what was not typed. I stop and feel and sometimes cry. Just me behind the anonymity of my computer screen empathizing with an unknown stranger.

I will type tonight for my own sanity. It will mean nothing to some and something to others. The phrases may not connect or be rational at all to some. That, my friends, is irrelevant. At times, I write like nobody is reading and sometimes that means the reader goes away wondering if I've lost my marbles. That, too, is fine. Tonight is just that. I will write whatever I feel. Then I will leave it be.

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The Internet has opened up humanity in such a way that we no longer have to wonder if we are normal. We no longer need to agonize over relationships or family trials. The truth is right here, a mouse click away. The truth that we are all much more alike than we are different has given me a sense of peace that cannot be explained. For so much of my childhood and teen years I was an emotional wreck. I was a pleaser. I wanted people to like me. No, I needed people to like me. I look back now, at that girl and just want to slap her straight.

I read this last year. What was so straight forward in that writing pushed my mind into a tunneling free fall that I have not been on in a long, long time. I started to think of my love for my parents. My mind flashed with memories of my dad making huge outdoor toys for me and coaching my ball teams. I thought of my mother painting, cooking, waking me up for school. I crashed into the thought of my father unable to recall my name after a terrible reaction to a medication in the hospital. I remember my brother, still a teenager yelling, sobbing unable to understand that this is our father. I remember the look on my mother's face when dad regained his health and the joy we felt knowing he would be back to normal.

Since that time, I've held at bay many of my personal relationships. I worry that I will not be able to handle losing someone that I allow to rest in my soul. When someone makes their way in through the steel doors, barbed wire and swims that alligator infested moat, they pretty much have my loyalty for life. When I looked at the picture on that blog, I saw myself in my dads arms, my baby brother in his little blue suit coming home from the hospital and my mom taking a picture of us. Basically, I got a shock of flashbacks. Then the words from that post reminded me of the awful, awful feelings I've gone through trying to fit into my in-law's lives. The memories of the years of trying, begging, hoping to be included just flashed by my eyes. My thoughts raced. I don't believe I can fit them into a nicely phrased piece. I will spill them here as they run.

I've watched closely all of those who surround me. I see many faces, families and characters in my life. As time goes by, I've finally come to understand that it is inevitable that family will become distant. If we have a very tight knit family, the time comes when our grand-parents begin to age. We guard our hearts for the inevitable. As our parents age we guard our hearts even more. It's hard to verbalize our love for them lest we sound like babbling children. We have our own to care for so sitting at our father or mother's feet to hold their legs and fall asleep on their lap is not done. Voicing our worries must be halted to guard their hearts, their nerves. Every lab test and doctor visit stands hair on end. We wonder if this is the time we hear that our lives have changed forever. So, we visit and laugh and hold our tongues. We speak in whispers only the words we can force to our lips and hold all the others at bay. There is an elephant in the room and it's name is death. We sob inside knowing that one day, it will come and we will be left wishing we had sat at their feet and fallen asleep on their lap.

This is my view of family. However, I've witnessed families where tension grows with siblings, uncles, aunts, cousins to the extent that it becomes an elephant in the room. The tension grows to anger and the anger grows to hate. It seems, in the chaos driven families, that there are always one or two who are left out emotionally. There are always one or two who hold all the cards. There is always one who stands against the stupidity and one who plays the victim. There is that one who we wish would stay home for the holidays and that one or two we wish would come be with us just this once. It's all so very boring, so very, very normal I'm coming to find out....but for me, it was totally and utterly shocking.

As a child I had not lived through this kind of tension. I was sheltered from the chaos that some families create for themselves. I had one brother who is 8 years younger than I am and parents who love us more than we deserve. I've had to come to grips with the reality that some people live with and I have to say that it's been a sad wake-up call. It's hard to watch and was even harder to live through after I became part of such, but it has given me perspective that I never had before.

What I've observed is that in families that are not naturally close knit they are somehow emotionally tied together even when they cease to talk. They are the people who molded our childhood...even if they were never there. They know who we used to be and can piece together why we are the way we are today. No matter who we are though, we will have some members who fall by the wayside. We'll have some who cannot fit us into their rose colored mold. We'll have those who will tolerate us but never, ever accept us, let alone love us.

Here's the rub. Just because we WANT them to like us, does not mean that they will like us. We can beat our head against the wall trying to fit our heart into a square hole but it will never fit if we are only being tolerated! If we can understand that this is normal, we can then shed the "what ifs." We will have found the Holy Grail of peace. There comes a time when we mature enough to know who wants us around and who does not. When that time comes, we need to make the hard decision to walk away and give them their desire.

Listen, If we are being tolerated, we need to let them go. The people who will only tolerate us, but never love us, need to be set free. We are binding them and they are harming us. We can Love them, Pray for them, AND let them go. Allow them to live their lives. We can love them from afar. Though many times there is a need to be detached physically the emotional love does not have to be spared. We can take heart in knowing that those who have chosen to detach physically, were they sitting there having tea with us, would still be detached. They would just suck the life out of us while they tolerate our existence.

Those of us who have been tolerated know the hushed silence, the rolled eyes, the knowing glances that are thrown across the room. We've ignored them, tried to hold our personality at bay in the hope that one day, we will be loved for who we are, but, alas...this will not happen. After years of abuse, backstabbing and veiled cordiality I now know what it feels like to be free of their grip. Our family is better for it and I no longer have to worry about this thought or that word that may have been taken offense to...just because they could find a reason to take offense.

Toleration is not a form of love, it is self satisfying garbage that leads to blow ups and confusion. Should we be the in-law, the black sheep or the red headed step child, I say, Stand Up Firmly on your feet, Break Away from the falsehoods, surround ourselves with those who love us THE WAY WE ARE and do NOT allow ourselves to be only tolerated. They either love us as is, or they don't love us. We can hold God's love for them while respecting ourselves.

Whether we are facing a first born daughter who cannot let her older brother's wife into the fold or a birth parent who never found the courage to accept their decisions. We are normal. WE are worth more than toleration and they..THEY...are worth more also.

Let us let go. Let us live our life. Let us let them live theirs and stop wasting the minutes we have on this earth. Forgiveness is something we do for ourselves. We do not have to have them over for tea or even have them in our lives at all. We have tried and tried to be loved. We have tried and tried to smile, accept, enter their confidence. If it hasn't happened by now, it's not going to.

Wait for the picture to arrive in the mail. Wait for the letter. Wait for them to reflect. Wait. It is all in God's timing and if it comes while viewing them at the funeral or when they view us, so be it. We shall meet again and this time, He will be the mediator.

The family that God builds may have known us then or they may be those we find later in life. For the lucky few who truly have a bond, For the Lucky few who have the love that God built, they know who we are today and love us unconditionally. They accept us with all of our flaws and all of our baggage. They support us, call us just to hear our voice and we know they will never cease to be our backbone. But, for those who only tolerate us, If they don't feel joy when we arrive, if we have tried, and they do not love us, what is the sin in allowing the love to fill our hearts...from afar.

In the inscrutable designs of providence, time is the best sculptor.

I am the putty Father, time is your design. All of it Yours.

Alrighty, here is a Christmas Brownie that is sure to be a hit on any Dessert table. The NESTLÉ TOLL HOUSE SWIRLED Morsels are only available to purchase October through December. Go grab some while they are in stores. Here is the recipe. Happy Eating! :o)

-------------------

Ingredients:

Directions:
PREHEAT oven to 350° F. Grease 13 x 9-inch baking pan.

COMBINE flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt in medium bowl. Microwave butter in large, microwave-safe bowl on HIGH (100%) power for 1 minute; stir until melted. Stir in sugar and water. Stir in eggs and vanilla extract. Gradually stir in flour mixture. Stir in 1 cup morsels. Spread into prepared baking pan.

BAKE for 18 to 25 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out slightly sticky. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Spread with whipped topping. Sprinkle with remaining morsels. Refrigerate until serving time. Cut into bars.

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Thanks AK Mom for this award! :o)

A friend told me recently that she is "homeschooling" her children after school. She told me they are doing something called "Afterschooling." I was taken aback by this revelation and believed her to be very confused.


Two weeks later, I was told by another parent, that they "homeschool during the summer." I gasped inside and probably, inadvertently, gave quite the scowl and indignant look.


I tried to recover my usual relaxed emotional state, however their comments....the very idea that they could even THINK that they are homeschooling...is beyond my ability to grasp. Their idea of what homeschooling is, is so flawed that I realized quite quickly that a definition for homeschooling is not only needed, it is demanded! I am here to set the record straight!


We don't "Do" Homeschool. We ARE Homeschoolers. Our children ARE homeschooled! Homeschooling is NOT done...It is Lived!!


------------------




I will tell you right now that what those two parents are doing doesn't even belong in the same zip code as homeschooling. They may wish they were homeschoolers, but the reality is that they are not.


Is a homeschooler educated at home? Yes. Are all people who learn at home, homeschoolers? No. Because, homeschooling is a lifestyle.


HOMESCHOOLING: HOMESCHOOL: HOME SCHOOL:

Dictionary.com meaning: to teach one's children at home instead of sending them to school.

This is a nice beginning description but I must elaborate on this condensed, sterile definition.

Homeschooling is not only the act of teaching our child at home, but about the responsibilities parents and their family accept when we do not send them to a traditional school. We live a very different life than those who choose the traditional road. It begins with the choice to brave the legal hurtles and continues through the tears of worry and the triumphs of success. Homeschooling is about the road the entire family is traveling. We, as a Homeschooling Family, accepted the reality of our choices and live with the good, bad and the ugly that result from that choice.


There are some (not all) parents who blame the public school system when their child fails in a subject. There are some parents who take all the credit when their child succeeds. Homeschooling parents have only ourselves to blame either way.

We have the full weight of all the successes and failures on our shoulders; no matter what. ALL homeschooling parents have to carry this load. All of us. We can’t in any way, shape or form, be let off the hook. We are scrutinized more and judged more often than those who send their children to school. That is the lifestyle of a homeschooler.

The idea that my mother “homeschooled” me when she helped me with my homework is laughable, but there are some who believe that every parent who helps their child with homework is homeschooling. However, their children, unlike their wishful thinking parents, know whether they are homeschooled children or public/private schooled children.  If someone were to ask the kids where they go to school they would say, Roosevelt or wherever. A traditionally educated child knows they have to go to school, sit, learn, then come home and sit, learn more. 


To them, “homeschooling” may be a pain in the hiney because it’s above and beyond their “other” schooling lives.  It is supplemental to their “real” education. “Real” meaning the day long life they lead away from home; the reality of their educational lives. Until the child is actually homeschooled they know they are actually Public Schooled children or Private Schooled children. They live it. They are being educated at school and enduring yet more forced work as a "supplemental" education at home.

I can see how the idea of homeschooling full time would make some parents uneasy. I’ve been there. I’m thinking that maybe these baby steps are how they allow themselves to warm up to the idea of actually jumping into the home education world. It’s a process of sorts like…Maybe if they say to themselves, “Ah, see, I’m homeschooling right now as I help with homework so maybe I can teach a subject.” Then they buy a bible class or history curriculum and teach that after homework and say to themselves, “See now I’m actually teaching from a book so maybe I can go on and think about taking the kids out of school” Then they think, “ Oh my goodness, no I can’t do that, that’s crazy so maybe I’ll just do it during the summer” and then they see that they can do it during the summer so one day they all of the sudden feel empowered and jump! Voila! Process Complete!

All of those ways allow the parent to “homeschool” gently (in their mind) in their home while coming to terms with whether they are capable (in their minds) of homeschooling full time. I understand the want and even the need to say the words, “I’m homeschooling.” It becomes a familiar word that the parent can “own” so they can eventually create the reality in their home. However, while they may indeed be on the road to homeschooling, they are NOT a homeschooling family or even homeschooling at all.


In those instances the family is "playing house" if you will. They are pretending to homeschool. They are hoping to homeschool. They are going through the motions of the mechanics of homeschooing but they are not yet homeschooling. They don't know what it means, how it feels or how they will be treated when they ARE homeschooling. They won't know until they ARE a homeschooling family.
 
Are "afterschoolers" learning at home? Yes. Are they “Homeschooled Children?” No. They are Public or Private schooled children who have parents teaching them above and beyond their traditional schooling. Their parents are educating them, as any parent should, but they are not homeschooling. They are teaching them, reading to them, helping their children along with their lives. They are parenting. They are helping to supplement the education they've chosen for their children. That's it. That is a beautiful family choice and great parenting, but they are not homeschoolers and they are not homeschooling.

The difference between a homeschooler and a private/public educated child is that homeschooled children are living a different life than the average bear.  Homeschooled children are living their lives outside of an institutional setting. They do not sit in classrooms with a group of children and learn from a teacher. Homeschoolers learn at home, all the time….whether physically at home or on various outings…they are home. 


Their lives are completely different than a traditionally educated child. A homeschooled child knows that their lives are very, very different than a public/private schooled child. If you ask a homeschooler where they go to school they will say, "I AM homeschooled." They won't say, I homeschool! They ARE homeschoolers. Homeschooling is so much more than being tutored. It is more than having a parent sit with their child to teach. Parents who do this are wonderful parents…but they are not homeschooling parents. 


Homeschooling is about our lives as a family unit being untouched by the confines of those that would impose their rules on our family. We are able to move freely through our lives without checking our calendar to meet an institution time-table.  Homeschooling is a pronouncement of difference, acceptance and pride. Homeschooling is freedom! 


For a parent to say they are a homeschooler or are homeschooling, when they are sending their children to private or public school is unsettling to those of us who live the lifestyle because they are assuming that homeschooling is something that is done.They assume that our lives are not very different when, in fact, our lives are so very different. I am not saying we are better. I am, however, saying we are different. It is respectful to acknowledge that fact. 


We are educating our children, full time, without a safety net handily in place each day. We took on the responsibility and we deserve to claim the name of Homeschooler! We will NOT give that name to every parent who opens a book and reads to their child. We are so much more than that! We do that AND everything the school does for those wishful thinking parents. Until you do it ALL, you are NOT homeschooling...you are parenting.  Please, Acknowledge the difference.

Homeschooling is not done. It is lived!

It has come to my attention that there are people on this earth who have never heard of No Bake Cookies.

I shudder to think of all the little children out there who have been denied this right! :o)

If you have never had them you've GOT to go out, buy the ingredients and make them. You are missing out. They are a memory in the making!
 
CHOCOLATE NO BAKE COOKIES

Put in saucepan:
1 cup sugar
3 Tablespoons Cocoa
1/4 cup milk
2 Tablespoons margarine

Bring to boil over high heat. STIR FREQUENTLY!
BOIL 1 MINUTE ONLY!
Remove from heat.
Quickly add:(these ingredients should be already measured and awaiting transfer...)
1 1/2 cup Quick Oats Oatmeal
1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla
1/4 cup Peanut Butter
Mix together with wooden spoon.
Drop by teaspoon on wax paper
Let cool.
 
They should get hard yet not dry tasting...
if they don't get hard you need to boil a TAD BIT longer the NEXT TIME you make them.

They will still taste good...just gooey

IF they get hard and dry then don't boil them as long the next time you make them.
 
Makes Approx 10 cookies

The New York Times just made my day! They've announced a school opening in New York that will teach students using mostly video games.Instead of chalk and talk, children learn by doing—and do so in a way that tears up the usual subject-based curriculum altogether.Oh my goodness, I think I'm witnessing the hour in which our education system catches up with the times. I just don't know what to do with myself. I cannot wait for the curriculum to go mainstream. I don't think it's a secret that I want it!Quest is designed to enable students to “take on” the identities and behaviors of explorers, mathematicians, historians, writers, and evolutionary biologists as they work through a dynamic, challenge-based curriculum with content-rich questing to learn at its core. It’s important to note that Quest is not a school whose curriculum is made up of the play of commercial videogames, but rather a school that uses the underlying design principles of games to create highly immersive, game-like learning experiences.If only we could buy this for home schools. My homeschooling heart would then be completely full. Ah, one can only wish.

I must first say that this is my blog, a diary of sorts, and I post my feelings plainly. THIS IS A LOOOOONNNNGGG RANT!Please be warned because I am really annoyed at this present time.---------------This is for all the moms out there who embrace video games for their children; For all of those women hiding in the shadows afraid to speak up; For Women Who Have to explain and defend their parenting to those who devalue our choice to embrace the games for your children.BE NOT AFRAID!! THERE ARE OTHER WONDERFUL PARENTS JUST LIKE YOU! :-)---------------Most parents want what is best for their children. Most parents really do.But more and more I'm finding that some parents, usually "newish" parents, want to jump on some sort of crazy bandwagon to tout their notions about parenting so that "the rest of the parents" will oooo and aahhh over their wizened choices.How annoying!Most of the time, I've noticed, those parents are the ones who are imposing some sort of limitation on their children, for no good reason other than, Because They Can or Fear or Because they've heard it is the right thing to do.That, to me, is ignorance in action.I was reading some posts recently, on a nationwide group site, that really irritated the snot out of me. A mother of 2 sons, ages 8 and 4, stated proudly that video games are off limits in their home and that she only allows 30 minutes of computer time in their home per day. She whipped out the name of some book as her valuable tool of knowledge. There were all sorts of positive replies from other mothers of young children stating they too will have none of that "non-sense" in their homes.I suppose since I've actually had experience raising children past the age of 8 years old I have some sort of "Hindsight is 20/20" perspective but that doesn't make the imbecilic posts any less abrasive.As my heart began to beat faster I relied on my breathing to lower my blood pressure. I have to ask myself, "Shelly, why are you so very upset about this?"I mean I am mad! I don't get bothered about other parenting styles too often so why is this an issue of such importance to me? Let me tell you, I could have just jumped through the screen to slap some sense into these women.I think it was the tone. I could just see their snotty little blond tipped heads as they implied that "those" parents who let their children play video games day in and day out are ignorant, uninformed and allowing their children to become fat, addicted, dead heads.I'm nearly positive that were one of my children to go over to their home and begin talking about his latest game they would look over at their spouse with an all knowing glance as if to say,"That child is one of "those" kids. I can't wait to tell Marsha at the next PTO meeting."Well I'm sick and tired of listening to this crap! These are MY children they are referring to in their posts!I'm Creating My Own Bandwagon....one with some experience behind it.(Disclaimer To my good friends who limit video games. I am speaking to those judgmental little snots of parents who have that better than thou, condescending tone. I am going to rant at them. Please know I am very judgmental in this rant because I feel the need to respond or I'm going to explode. The post I tried to send on that site was denied. All they were allowing through were the "against gaming" comments soooo...Please take this as the rant it is intended to be. However, if you also believe I am a bad parents for allowing video gaming to ad nauseum at our home, I'm sorry to say that this is also directed toward your views also. Hey! Turn about is fair play! :o)Now look, I understand that, in today's world, when they say their children are computer free and video game free it somehow makes that mother feel like she has jumped onto the "I'm raising my kids the right way" band wagon. They've probably bought into the myth that video games make kids fat or that they have too many blinking lights that cause ADD or whatever the case may be. Too bad they won't read the facts! Or look at the picture of the TOP video gamers in the world. Guess what, they're THIN! (that's Walshy and his crew)Maybe they want accolades from others or whatever, but this sort of self indulgent thinking can really inhibit their children from achieving their full potential in our modern world."Modern World" I know that is a buzz word. Some parents want to shelter their children from the Modern World. They want to keep them held back to the time of horse and buggy when civilization was simpler or they at least want to hold their children back to the days of Pacman so they, as parents, can actually understand the games. However, unless they are planning to raise them in a commune or as an Amish person they are sorely kidding themselves.Let's give up the fantasy, shall we? Our child will grow up very soon and probably need to work in this modern world. I don't care how many gardens we plant or how well we teach them to recycle and can foods, they'll still need to live in the modern world so give up the "no technology" fantasy. Wake up! We aren't raising children we are raising adults!Now, if these "No Gaming Technology" type mothers haven't been duped into thinking that games make kids fat or ill, then they must just get a sick thrill out of enforcing rules that limit their children. Maybe they just want to "show them who's boss." They must just get a kick out of announcing that power to others and generating moot discussions about the right way to raise children. Yes "moot" because they are usually speaking with like minded parents who will give them all sorts of validation.I, however, (in my most self affirming, prideful voice) do not like to limit, inhibit, or deny my children their full potential in any way. I don't like to jump on bandwagons. Knee jerk reactions can cause harm. Give me facts...Thank You Very Much!I try to limit my children only when they are indeed in danger. Like say, ohh...geeze...what do I limit? Ummm... well...Okay..I just asked Kazz because I couldn't think of any limitations I impose on my children.He came up with three.1. I wouldn't allow Kazz, at ages 14-16, to be alone with girls. Reason: Self Explanatory2. I won't let our boys ride around the neighborhood will- nilly. They have to tell me right where they are going and then come right back. Reason: Predators, Rule #1, and we live in Detroit for crying out loud!3. I don't allow disrespect to me, to other adults or toward anyone. No eye rolling, backtalk or sighing in disgust. Reason: People who are a respectful command respect in return. This translates into happier marriages and better boss/employee relationships. Win/Win situations.When I'm not limiting my children's world I am challenging conventional wisdom. I have a hard time following dogmatic parenting or rigid parenting styles. One thing in particular that really gives me that prickly sensation on the back of my neck is hearing popular parenting myths propagated as fact and witnessing the, "you are absolutely right" affirming responses when they don't know what the heck they are talking about!So when I read all the posts from parents who deny their children technology, not only did that familiar prickly sensation arise but I was overcome with an understanding that these well meaning (hopefully) parents were limiting their children's potential...Period."Why in the world would a parent WANT to limit learning experiences for their children?!" I ask."Learning?" you say with an eye rolling laugh. "Well, they will just have to learn outside! You're limiting them by allowing them to play games all day!" you say.Guess what... You're not only assuming that video games are bad or hurtful you have gone the extra mile to Deny, Preach, Restrict and Curb a wonderful blessing your children could be using as part of their growth and development."We have enough books to off-set that situation!" You sayGuess what...Books are NOT the best way to learn anymore. Are they fun? Yes, for some people. But are they better? No! Textbooks are borrrinnnng! I dare say that they are one of the main reasons why Public Education is failing. The "time tested" textbook system has failed and in this era, they are nice to have, but not what it takes to succeed in the technological world."Oh you are wrong! It's because of those stupid games that books are dying out!" You say?Yes, technology is pushing out the textbook. Laptops and Kindle are taking over. That only strengthens my argument! What's the first thing college students do these days when taking a new course? They go to the first class to see if they need to buy the book! And what's more,the first thing most people do when they want to find the answer to a burning question is look it up....on the INTERNET!Technology is here to stay, just like Rock and Roll. Get used to it or become one of those frumpy old farts from the "Ban Rock and Roll" era. That, my friend, is how your children will remember you if you don't stop this nonsense now.If you truly want your children to grow into well rounded adults who are FULLY capable in the world they must live in, then teach them to garden, read, recycle, build a clubhouse AND type, use computer programs, look up things on the Internet and PLAY with technology. Let them PLAY!!Video Gaming is a valuable tool for learning. Limiting video games and computer time ranks right up there with the book burnings of years ago! These limiters, these parents, are book burning!If you want to give them knowledge, buy them a computer! Buy them Video Games systems!Limit, Restrict, Reduce, Censor, Deny...These are words that those mothers are PROUD to say!Good Grief!I've had some experience with Video games and television and music and cell phones.We have PlayStation 1 and PlayStation2. We have the X-box and the X-box 360. Every one of our children have their own computer. We also have 4 cell phones, and 4 televisions.Excess? Is it excess when schools buy new books, computers, games? Is it excess when a homeschooling parent buys new curriculum every year or $50 worth of books every month from Amazon or eBay? We're homeschoolers! These are learning tools!Instead of buying curriculum to death, we buy technology that actually works and gives us ALL of those books and more!If children are not learning to type, use computer programs and understand technology, THEY ARE BEHIND and will have a TOUGH time finding a job when they are adults!! Used vehicles, an affordable home and budgeting have allowed us to offer these tools to our children. We are very blessed to have them.Count how many years it will be before your children turn 16 years old. That is how long you have to teach them to use technology before they get a job at McDonalds and have to use the screen to take orders. If they get a better job, the will need better skills.Technology is not to be limited to help children...It is to be USED to help them! Video games and computers are wonderful learning instruments that enhance our children's lives and BETTER prepare them for the future they HAVE to live!Yes, it is true. My husband and I have allowed our children to experience technology, unhindered by time restrictions. THIS is our blessing to them.Yes my friend! I am NOT AFRAID TO LET THEM PLAY!I see my children sitting for days on end trying to master a portion of a game. I see them, with their red eyes, studying the game, planning strategies, sitting, scrutinizing, sometimes day after day until the task has been accomplished.Brian and I encourage it!"Why your children must be stupid, slackers who are fat and ignorant." You say.Why my children are physically active, well rounded, intelligent, social, laughing, joke telling, fun loving little rascals. I have football playing, foil fencing, Science loving, friend hanging out with, tree climbing, 8 hour a day video playing boys in our home. When Kazz was 14 year old he probably played video games and computer games more than that!"They're damaged and you don't even know it!" you say.Kazz, the hours on end video gamer, just turned 17 this month. He will graduate from college with an Associate of Business degree this year. He has a 3.4 gpa, has been on the Dean's list and still "plays" video games and is on his laptop hours and hours a day.Our 12 year old learned to read playing video games. He learned to type so he could play online. He's also well on his way to going to college at the age of fourteen.Our 9 year old largely learned to read and type playing video games also. He can tell the best stories and communicate beyond belief.They also happen to be the best front flipping, back flipping, trampoline crazy antics initiators on the planet."Why they will become recluses!" You say.There have been upwards of 10 children, teens, and adults alike in our backyard playing video games on our back porch. If anything video games promote sharing, friendships and bonding.Video game playing has introduced our children to computer technology. Technology that is here to stay. Video Games have introduced and given our children practice in following directions. They have learned how to scrutinize and practice problem solving and logic. Games have also given our children practice in the use of their fine motor and spatial skills. They have, very often been quite a fun tool for Brian and I to bond and play with our children also.Technology Limiting parent really need to rethink their attitude about Video Games. Their ignorance could truly hinder the development of their children's future.I, however, will not jump on that video game denying band wagon.I will not be a part of information denial.I will not impose restrictions on my children's interests.I will allow them to grow, learn, experience and have a great deal of fun while achieving those goals.I will allow them to learn!LEARN I SAY!Oh and I forgot one important thing about games, they are also entertaining and fun!"BUT they need to develop their imagination! The only way to do that is through playing outside and working and chores. The old fashioned, no electricity kind of way."As I count the many stories my children have written about games, characters and strategy, it is hard for me to even give that line of thought a moment of my time. I've witnessed backyard plays that were excellently organized to the fullest extent because of ideas fostered from video games.Old fashioned? Yes, outdoor fun is wonderful. Climbing trees, planting gardens and reading books have a wonderful place in our lives. Here's the rub, I can't remember the last time some parent announced proudly that they are limiting the time their children are allowed to learn, experience, imagine, investigate, interpret and consider....Oh Wait! THAT IS WHAT THEY ARE SAYING WHEN THEY LIMIT TECHNOLOGY!Can we just get over the limiting of technology time to our children and include it instead? Let's just "jump ahead"...to the present day please....if for no other reason than I Just Can't Stand To Hear the ridiculous, unproven, CONDESCENDING, ignorance anymore.I AM NOT AFRAID!I AM A GOOD PARENT!!I AM A GREAT PARENT!!!MY CHILDREN ARE INTELLIGENT, NORMAL, INQUISITIVE, VIDEO GAME LOVING KIDS!I WILL NOT BOW TO THE CONFORMING "WISDOM" THAT SATURATES THE HERE AND NOW.I'LL WRAP MY ARMS AROUND THE FUTURE, GIVE IT A BIG HUG AND SAY...PLAY ON BOYS! PLAY ON!(Stumbling off my rant box...shewww I feel better)Click for more information...GOOD FOR EYESIGHTUSA TodayShoot em up The good things

IT'S A RANT!!

There are many, many great and loving men out there...Thank God...but let me say...This Rant is for the women who can't say what they are thinking. I've bitten my tongue, many a day, when I've heard men call their wife "the old lady" or when I've heard men talking about their divorce being valid because "she won't clean" or "she didn't even have dinner on the table."

Yep, this one is for them.

----------------

The topic of "who wears the pants in the family" came up at one of our recent Mom's Night Out at Starbucks. Remember that this MNO is comprised of Christian Homeschooling mom's; most of whom do not work outside the home or work part-time.Everyone talked about the man being the head of their home. I agreed that the man is supposed to be the head of the home. The statement I made that turned a lot of heads was this..."We are to be a man's helper. He needs to know how to DO everything in his home INCLUDING dishes, laundry and changing diapers and we HELP him throughout our lives as the needs arise."

At first there was a joint laughter that quickly turned into looks of "Oh Crap! She's serious!"

So I ask you...Am I rewriting rules or am I right?! Here are my thoughts.

The man is the head of the household in a marriage. Women were made to be helpers to men. Gen. 2:18

There are many men who go out and work and bring home the money. There are many men who expect their "woman" to have his dinner on the table and the house clean when he gets home.

I don't disagree with that thought, however here's the rub...In many households...THE MAN, goes to work in the morning, works hard, comes home, eats, chats, watches some TV, gets laid, goes to bed.THE WOMAN, gets the kids up in the morning, gets them off to school or teaches them at home, cleans the home, shops for groceries, balances the checkbook, trains/parents the children, helps with homework, deals with the school/curriculum, answers calls, keeps the household calendar of events/family functions, shops for clothes, takes out the trash, mows the grass, goes through the mail, pays bills, returns phone calls, deals with the insurance company, takes children to medical visits, remembers to make appointments for dental, eye and annual medical exams, washes/folds/puts away laundry, services the husband, wipes down the toilet, tub and vanity as she cleans up for bed. She may even wipe down the mirror..then she goes to bed.In many households...THE MAN, goes to work in the morning, works hard, comes home, eats or makes dinner, chats, watches TV, gets laid and goes to bed.THE WOMAN...place the list for "the woman" in the first scenario here LESS making dinner on some days.In many households...THE MAN, goes to work in the morning, works hard, comes home, eats or makes dinner, throws in a load of laundry, chats watches TV, gets laid and goes to bed. (he is an awesome husband that women brag about, by the way)THE WOMAN, place the list for "the woman" in the first scenario here LESS making dinner and a load of laundry BUT ADD works full or part time, takes child to daycare and picks them up, wipes their nose, listens to them cry to and from daycare, gives child a bath, wipes down bathroom floor and wall so people don't slide to their death after the kids bath, services husband, (or gets laid if he's good) goes to bed.

Sure there are those women who say they are "happy" to do the "wifely" duties. It makes them feel "whole" and "complete" to "do this for their husband."

Let me paraphrase this for those who do not know what those words actually mean...

"I think this is what I'm supposed to do because somewhere along the line a man behind the pulpit said so and my in laws and parents bought into it and I don't know how to change this so I'm making lemonade with the lemons."

The bottom line: Women are not supposed to do it all. We don't have to be slaves just because a man is bringing in the money to our household. We are supposed to be helpers. A man SHOULD know how to run his home...ALL OF IT.

If he isn't rearing his children, wiping their butts, doing ALL household chores at one time or another then he has NOT mastered his home and cannot be called the master by any means. Remember, we are talking about the HEAD of the household..Head of the family. When he gets a handle on the duties involved with that, he can then claim rights to that title. Until then he's the bread winner. A bread winner is not the Head of anything my friend. A bread winner is a mere laborer at best.

If he can't run the house without his helper, does that make him the head of the house? I'm thinking no. If he has it in his heart to expect his wife to do all of this, what does that say about his "love" for his wife?

I've seen this over and over again. I've heard men talking in my father's businesses throughout my life...when they don't know that little ears can understand too...about their wife who can't cook or their woman who didn't even have food on the table when he got home. I resolved that they do not respect that person. She is his worker, not his wife.

Being a "helpmeet" seems to be some kind of guilt ridden label in this day and age. If you don't like being the "helpmeet" then your heart is wrong or you don't love your husband enough. It's all about the woman not being "Christian" enough. I'm sure there are many books out there to "help" her get her "heart right" but I think I'll steer clear of those. Life is too short to be a slave. I prefer being married and happy to being a slave and miserable. And to those who have been dumped because you weren't "good enough" in your marriage, I want to give you hope. There are real men out there. They do exist. Don't settle for less. You deserve better.

STEPPING OFF MY SOAP BOX

*Note: I know what the head of a household looks like because I am one of the very blessed women who have one. My hubby is the head of this household and I am so very grateful.

Byrd and Melanie Billings were murdered in Pensacola Florida on Friday. These people were saints who fostered and adopted special needs children. They have lived the heart wrenching life of parenting children who need round the clock care. They have had to bear the loss of some of their beloved and now their children must bear the loss of the only parents who cherished their souls.I remember watching their story a few years ago. They touched my heart then, and now I grieve for their children. How much more can they take in their short, little lives?

Here are the protesters we saw as we left the speech.His sign says, "Trillions, Trillions Here and There, Socialism Everywhere"on another note...I'm burnt.My face hurts something awful.Feel sorry for me, please.No? Well, it feels worse than it looks...so there. :o)

Barack Obama gave a speech at my college today and I was invited to attend. If you want to know what he spoke about and what I think scroll down to the end of this post. If you want to know what it's like going to a Presidential Speech...listen up.My husband, my son and I all attend the same college. We've even taken a few classes together so we're known by some of the staff there. We have fun with it and I enjoy the fact that we're giving our boys strong examples that learning is a lifelong adventure.But I digress...We got a call from the White House Volunteer Ticket People this past Sunday...No that's not their official title but I forgot what they said on the phone just after the "White House" part. My mind must have shut off after that part because this is what I remember."Hello Mrs M, this is The White House..blah blah...tickets...blah blah...Obama Speech...would you like to attend?"I don't think it's a secret that I didn't vote for President Obama, however, I've never seen a sitting President in person so my answer was yes to the ticket question. I was given instruction about where to get the tickets. I went the next day to grab them.I held 6 tickets in my hand. Brian couldn't get off work to go so I called my dad in Kentucky. He came up the next day so he could go with Kazz and me. The other 3 tickets went to a friend of mine who works with teen foster children. She took 2 teens who have lived through the foster care system.The person who gave me the ticket told us to arrive by 12:30 because that is when the "doors" would open. We thought we were being given special treatment because the ticket said that the doors would open at 1:30.That night, however, we were all watching the news and found out that the President's plane would not even be in our state until 2:30!! What was worse was that he wasn't going to speak until 3:30!!When we took into account that we weren't allowed to bring anything into the speech other than a camera and our car key, all of our minds started to question whether this was going to be fun or not.THEN we found out that the speech would be given outdoors. Well, that's about the time my dad decided this was not the place for him. He went to visit his mother, my grandma, while Kazz and I mapped out our plan of attack for the day.Kazz and I hit the road at 11:00 a.m. We went to Wendy's and ran through the drive thru. We still had an extra ticket to see Obama Speak. While we were waiting at the Wendy's Drive Thru the young man at the window made a little small talk with us and smiled a lot. He seemed like the nicest guy...so I gave him the ticket. He was flabbergasted and took it with much thanks and wow's. He was going to have to feign illness to get off work but that's what has to be done to see the President now and then.Kazz and I arrived at the College Campus at 11:30. By the time we walked the half mile to the entrance we could see that about 200 people were already waiting in line to get in. We made small talk and chatted. We waited in line, got interviewed by the Detroit Newspaper and made small talk with others about under wire bras, metal detectors and pocket change.The sun was so bright. I should have brought sunglasses.At 12:30 we were ushered up to the metal detectors. I put my cell phone, camera and car key on the table, walked through the metal detector and was told I was all clear.NOW MAY I REMIND YOU PLEASE that I was NOT "All Clear." That metal detector should have gone off. Why? Hellooo... Click Here That metal detector didn't make a peep! So much for security. If anyone knows the president, please let him know HIS metal detectors don't catch 10" plates of metal...but the airport's DO!After that interesting development, Kazz and I walked around the building to see that there were rows of black chairs placed on the street in front of the stage area. There were 2 bleachers alongside the area also. We were ushered into seats on the ground in front of the stage. Fifth row back, isle seat.Then we waited. We were told that there was water available so Kazz went to get some.There were about 8 water coolers full of water that was warm and tasted like a brand new water hose smells. That delicious taste had to sustain us for 3 hours in the hot sun with no shade. We were sitting there in mid-day heat, seats tied together at the bottom and no other means of food or drink.Needless to say, people were getting a little uncomfortable. Sweat was glistening in the sunlight. It was a beautiful sight. People chatted and texted at will. We looked for secret service agents and found them.We faked sightings of famous people...until I actually saw some.The Mayor of Detroit, Dave Bing arrived in the crowd.There were other politicians there but I only recognized faces. Their names escaped me.Three hours we waited. My face is sun burned to say the least. THEN...a helicopter flew overhead. People stood and ooohh-ed and aaaahhhh-ed like they had never seen one before.The voice on the intercom came on to ask everybody to sit down. They sat.A secret service man came to the front..."Ladies and Gentlemen in the front row. If the President decides to walk along this outer edge you may place your hand out in front of you to shake his hand. PEOPLE BEHIND THE FRONT ROW STAY IN YOUR SEATS! IF the President WANTS to shake your hand, he will. If he does not want to shake your hand he won't. If he shakes your hand, shake it and let it go. DO NOT hold on to the President or try to hug him. If you hold on to him, WE WILL HOLD ON TO YOU!"We got the idea.We saw our Governor, Senator and other politicians walk by and sit. A man came up to say the Pledge of Allegiance, a young woman sang the Star Spangled Banner, a MCC graduate told his story and then the President was announced. Here is the video of his arrival to the stage...

We snapped a few photos. He talked about 15 minutes and it was all over. We had waited in line 1 hour and waited in seats, in the heat, with "hose" water for 3 hours to witness a 30 minute program of which the president "may" have talked fifteen.Ooookay then...It was an experience. I don't think I would want to wait in the sun that long for this type of event again, but now I can say I and my son have witnessed a Presidential speech. Good day, all said.---------------------------------------------Now for the run-down of the speech.I'm going to school to earn a Counseling Psychology degree. Kazz will graduate this year with a business degree. The college we picked to get our degree pioneered a program where they work with 4 year Universities so that students can actually earn a Bachelors, Master and even a Doctorate by attending their Community College!Many community colleges throughout the country now use this type of partnership but Our college started it.I believe that is why President Obama picked Macomb Community College to deliver his speech today. This is where he introduced The American Education Initiative. Billions of dollars are going to be spent on American Community Colleges so that more men and women will be able to earn an associate degree. This plan will make America Number One in the world for college graduates! We will be able to compete with other countries and rise to the top of educational standards in the world again.The plan sounds great since the money that would have been given to banks will now be given to the people so it will pay for itself and create jobs in the process. Basically the Community Colleges will get more money so they can serve more people.Yes, that's it. What did you expect for a 15 minute speech? See how we felt?

Last weekend my brother and his family came up from Kentucky to visit us northern folk for the 4th of July weekend celebration. I was so excited to see all of them!We took them downtown to see Detroit and had some fun at the Detroit Science Center.The next day, they all went to the Detroit Zoo to check out the animals.Kazz was very sick so I stayed home with him while everyone played at the zoo.The weekend zipped by way too quickly. I have always thrown out hints for them to move up here so we can live closer to one another but I think my chances are slim to none.I sure do miss my nieces and nephews. I will soon have a new nephew. Ryker will be born this October. I can't wait to meet him!Keisha turned 15 on Tuesday so we has a quick and dirty Birthday party.Those are the only kind our family knows how to throw.Every birthday that rolls around throughout the year goes the same way. We grab some balloons from the dollar store, an ice cream cake from Dairy Queen and Pizza from Little Caesars.The birthday gal/guy sits in "dads" chair at the head of the table.We sing happy birthday, they open a gift and we eat! Voila! Party complete.We rarely invite friends or family to attend. We just have the party and whoever happens to be in the house when it happens gets to eat and participate.It's never failed to amaze me just how many neighbor kids and family members happen to be hanging around our home on the very day someones birthday happens to fall. LOLYes we were able to fit a 4th of July BBQ into the weekend festivities. I pulled out the huge box of crafts that we have laying around the house at any given moment. The kids began making the various crafts while our neighbors let off huge fireworks that could be seen all over town.Somewhere between all of this deliciously fun chaos, a funky thing happened. A bunch of us were sitting around the patio table when a bird landed on Brisan's leg. He sort of flipped it off of his leg and it flew way across the yard and landed on Brooklyn's shirt while she was playing on the swing.At first she didn't know what had happened. I think she thought someone had hit her with something. She stayed still long enough for me to get a few pictures of the crazy mishap. Do you see it? It's little talon is tangled in her shirt and/or hair.Can you see it in the picture below? Just after that picture was taken, it straightened up and flew over to sit on the fence.What a crazy thing!We had just the BEST time with family over the holiday. I sure do wish they lived up here so we could do this more often. (not so subtle hint) :o)

While our older boys were playing in a Halo tournament today, Brian and I got to take our 5 year old twins, Daxx and Kole, to Chuck E Cheeses.They had only been there one time before in their lives, when they were only 1 year old. I had forgotten how much fun Chuck E Cheeses can be when witnessed through the eyes of newbies. We got to see our boys' eyes widen and their laughter bubble up for hours as they watched Chuck and his friend's play and sing, the games whistle and pop and the tokens and tickets spill into the floor.They got to use the tickets to buy Cotton Candy and then go over to get an Ice Cream while I had the attendant make up a couple of "boy bags" with the rest of the tokens. One thing we don't do it stand around for 20 minutes while the kids pick every little toy trying to spend all those points.This is the quickest and most fun way we've found to attack the "toy counter." The boys think they are playing for Cotton Candy and they are surprised and thrilled to be handed a bag full of little goodies to play with after they buckle up in the car. The attendant also thanked me. :o)

Obama's Speech

TOO FAR GONEThe road is long and the journey’s far.I can’t turn back, I’ve gone too far.How long I wait for time to end,The road is long. I cannot mend.To much temptation, I’ve given in.Too much, temptation, I’ve given in.I’ve gone too far to turn back now.I’ve gone too far to live for Him.I stand, I wait for time to end,My time to end, when will it end!?I hear of God’s Forgiving Grace,But I’m too far-gone to reach His Face.I’ve just to ask for it, I hear.For me He died, He’ll end my fear.But I’ve gone too far in sin! Why try?For me, Lord Jesus did not die.If He would see me kneel to pray,A hypocrite I’d be that day.For I’ve gone too far to see His Face.I’m too far gone for Healing Grace.---What time is good for you My Child?I stand and wait for you My Child,If you would kneel and pray to Me,A hypocrite I would not see.For I made the road you’re standing on.What is too far? How long’s too long?I made the time you’re living in.My Blood will cover any sin.Just kneel and pray to Me, My Child.I’ll hold you dear to Me, My Child.The road, to you, may seem too long.But My Arms are Great and Very Strong.Shelly Bannister Mabe1999

Here are a couple of ways to homeschool well, yet frugally.1. Edhelper is only $40 per year and will give a family access to everysubject from Pre-Kindergarten thru Senior Year. We have been using this quite abit this year and may very well use this as our main source for education fromhere on out. It's worked well for our 9 and 12 year old sons.~I print the material I want them to do and put the worksheets in the left side of a folder.~They do the work, look up information online and/or in books and put the worksheets in theright side of their folder when they are finished.~ They hand the entire folder over to me at the end of the day and I use the Answer Keys in MY folder, that I printed, to grade their work.*The only downside is that we do go through a lot of printer ink.2. Netflix is an economical teaching source. I recommend "Drive Thru History"DVD's that are also CD-Roms where you'll find quizzes and what-not.I also recommend the Standard Deviants DVD's. These are Subjects that aretaught in a quirky way by Young Scholars. Most of their DVD's are geared towardMiddle School thru High School aged students. They have almost anything youwould need from**Psychology, Sociology, Health, Foreign Languages, Any Math you could want upthru Calculus, Anatomy, Finance, American Government, English Grammar,Shakespeare, Astronomy, Geology.....You get the drift.PLEASE REALIZE: These DVD's are meant to be VERY goofy HOWEVER, if you watchthem as a parent BEFORE your child watches them, Use your pause button to stopthe DVD and take notes every single time they give a tidbit of information thenthere is enough Meat to the DVD's for a full course. I made quizzes above andbeyond the quizzes that they have in their lessons. I also assigned an Essay tobe written about a certain topic or person in some of the courses. It's aninexpensive, fun way to teach if you use them well and put a little effort andtime into themThose are my favorites for today.Anyone else have Free or Very Frugal Curriculum ideas?

This is to the woman who emailed me, to the strangers who are writhing, to the sick and those in prison. This is to the strangers who link us together.You are not alone.I am but one woman, one stranger who is praying for peace for your heart, your mind, your soul. I know that this is a very lonely time for you. I have been where you are, felt...feel what you are feeling. My heart wrenches with the memories of that time and I cry now knowing you, a stranger, are dealing with these emotions, agonizing at this very moment. I was alone; miserable; walking through my journey when my heart procedures and uncertainties were before me a few years ago. The diagnosis was up in the air as I lay in the ICU for days wondering if the heartbeat I heard would be my last. Will that be the last? That one? I screamed, inside myself, nowhere to hold, no one to understand, nobody. Falling, falling, inside myself; hurtling out of control.There is nothing like that horrid, alone feeling. It was during that time that I also had to deal with my own uncertainties about God and come to terms with what I believed deep inside my soul; deep down where nobody dare to tread, the place I kept hidden even from myself. It was then, during the free-fall that I had to look my doubts in the face, deal with them...answer the question. It was then that I could fully understand the question, and realize the answer. I felt His peace. I gave in to His will and came to the point where I understood beyond doubt that I either had to believe that all of life and energy came from nothingness or all of life and energy came from a God in a dimension that was beyond my own understanding. It didn’t take long for me to understand that all things come from somewhere/someone.I had to place my faith in the one who gave me life. It was only during that time of my life…that time when even those closest to me were so very far away, though they were right there next to me. This is when I really came to understand, believe wholeheartedly in the only God who claimed to make me, know me and love me. Christ Jesus.I was never one to “talk” like a Christian and I was never one who would preach or be overly overt with my beliefs and in many ways, I’m still not made to be “that kind” of Christian. However, something in your note, your words hit me to the core when I read them; felt them. I was back there again, laying there, thinking, crying at night, wondering within myself why we’re here, what is next, who/what I put my trust in that I somehow feel that you must be, have to be going through a similar struggle.Please forgive me if I’m overstepping my bounds, but I want, maybe need, maybe even have to let you know, that Jesus, God, the Holy Spirit are with you and know you and made you. They know your doubts, fears, uncertainties and love you just the way you are because they made you that way. If we listen, watch for their work, feel their ministry in our hearts, eventually we are not alone.With all my love and with all I can muster to send in words, I pray for you and think about you and hope you understand that on some level, there are people who are with you, alone, thinking, wondering, searching and praying. You are not alone. You are part of a vast majority of strangers who love one another. You are a strong link in that chain. God made it, He made you and He will help you through this journey, wherever it leads.Please don’t hesitate to allow strangers to help, when/if the need arises. We’re here.Love,Shelly