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Today, I'm going to be discussing the <a href="http://www.adventuresci.com/">Nashville Science Adventure Center,</a> <a href="http://www.herbalessences.com/us/collections/set_me_up_stylers/max_hold_hair_spray.jsp">Herbal Essences Set Me Up Hairspray</a>, and <a href="http://www.timestales.com/">Times Tales</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.adventuresci.com/">Nashville Science Adventure Center</a><br /><div><div><div>In early December, we went to Nashville for a "field trip." A friend had a swim meet over the weekend, so we went to meet them for some fun. Monday, we went to the <a href="http://www.adventuresci.com/">Adventure Science Center.</a> It was a good one. It was as good as the Boston Children's Museum. In fact, it might be a bit better. There was a lot to see and do. </div><div></div><div align="center">Xavier lifting a car.</div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PYKhEW0hC94/SUap3P6fFSI/AAAAAAAACSY/2YLzZvr2Kt0/s1600-h/DSC03346.jpg">

I know that most of you probably think 5 is early. But, I think 7 is early. I have a hard time going to sleep when Gary is gone, whether it is for a few days, or months at a time. So, I have been having a hard time going to sleep. Since we've been on winter break for school (since Thanksgiving), I haven't had to get up in the morning. I've been waking up anywhere from 9:30 to 11:00. Tomorrow, I have to get up by 8, so that we can start school at 9. Ugh.<br /><br />Tonight, our teacher was talking about getting up early. He was saying that they have an early class on Sunday morning, for those competing in the U.S. Open. Then, he went on to say that he believes any time that doesn't have four digits, is early. If he rolls over and looks at the clock and the time doesn't start with a 1, he goes back to sleep. So, the fact that the class starts at 10 on Sunday morning is hard on him. I understand completely.

When I was a kid, we had Tinker Toys and Lincoln Logs. Tinker Toys became machines, swing sets (the easiest thing to make), robots, and other things. Lincoln Logs became houses, barricades, and blown up stuff. We had Hairy Garys and Mad Libs to play with when we were in the car. I wasn’t really into Barbies much. I was too much of a tomboy. We played outside a lot. We played cops and robbers. We played cowboys and Indians. We had a go-cart that we drove around and shot each other with our toy guns. (Of course, that would be unacceptable today.) We rode our bikes <b>everywhere</b><br /><br />Over the years, Tinker Toys and Lincoln Logs were phased out. Slowly, car games began to disappear (although Mad Libs never disappeared). Barbies are being hacked away at by other dolls. And, many children don’t have any idea what playing outside means. Instead, most kids today spend hours playing video games and watching T.V. It is estimated that, on average, kids spend nearly 4 hours watching T.V. Where do they find the time?<br /><br />A much better idea would be to play outside, or play with toys. If a child just can’t bring himself to play with the ‘old fashioned’ toys, there are a lot of new toys being introduced that could induce a child to explore the good old concept of imaginative play and <a href="http://tinyurl.com/85oas5">building toys</a>.<br /><br />One that looks cool is Struxx. They have a Robotrixx that Xavier would love. This is a construction system that has high tech features like a gearbox, motion detection, sound and light. And, it’s much cheaper than the Lego Robot systems. I don’t know what the quality is like, but if you’re looking for a cheaper robot system to start with, you might try this.<br /><br />There are a lot of new toys out there. Some of them have to be as good as the ones we had. It’s just a matter of adding the imagination we were able to call on, to make them good.<br /><br />

What makes you think that?<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,474984,00.html">Man Tries to Deter Friend From Driving Drunk by Shooting Car With Paintballs</a></center><center></center><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">Now, I'm not saying it was a bad idea. It was just an unusual one, one that you would only come up with if you were drunk.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /><br /><blockquote>"This is a very creative way to prevent someone from drinking and driving, but not legal or safe," said Sgt. Ken Lattin.</blockquote>Oh, come on, officer, give the guy a break.<br /><br /><blockquote>Lattin suggested a designated driver would be a better approach.</blockquote><br /><br />Ya' think? guffaw<br /></div>

Have you ever been to a craft fair and bought toys or clothing for your children? Chances are, if the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA)is passed, you won't be able to, anymore. The CPSIA will require lead testing on all products made for children under the age of 12, even those products that contain no materials that contain lead. So, those people who sew dresses for young children will have to stop selling their product, or charge a whole lot more for them in order to pay for the testing. No longer will you be able to buy wooden fire trucks from the retired gentleman at the county fair. The cost will be prohibitive.<br /><br />This will put a lot of cottage businesses out of business. Forget for a moment what this will do to many families that depend on the added income. Think about the economic implications this will have during a time when our country doesn’t need any more economic woes.<br /><br />There are some very simple fixes that can be made to save the cottage industry, without throwing out the sentiment in keeping lead out of our children. For more information, visit http://coolmompicks.com/savehandmade/ . They have lots of links and information.<br /><center><a href="http://coolmompicks.com/savehandmade">

How many times have you heard this, or even said it? This phrase drives me nuts! I hear this phrase all the time from people I barely know. Here's an example.<br /><br />Months after my septic system exploded in my basement while Gary was in Florida, I was talking to some women. First of all, I had not spoken to these women in 8 months. Somehow, my septic problem came up. One of the women was upset that I had not called them. Ummm, first of all, Gary <em>did </em>call her husband, and he was kind enough to mention that our home owner's insurance would probably cover a hotel stay. And, he was right. And, really, that was all the help we needed. We just needed a place to stay while the place was cleaned up. Okay, somewhere for the kids to go during the day while they were cleaning the place up, and I had to be here, would have been nice. After all, we had no water, and couldn't <em>use</em> the septic. But, I was okay with what I had.<br /><br />But, really, why would I call someone I barely know if I need help? Why wouldn't I call someone I <em>do</em> know? If you really want to help, why don't you call and invite us over for dinner someday. That would alleviate loneliness for a couple hours. Or, if you're out, call and see if you can stop by for some tea. Seriously, how many people do you know who <em>actually </em>call if they need something. I'm not talking about your close friends who stop by and make sure everything is going okay and you can call and ask them to run to the store for some milk so you don't have to get your baby out. I'm talking about the people that you see once a year, usually for some family function, or work function. <br /><br />Could people just stop saying this??????

When we moved to Kentucky, I found one resource amazingly useful. That was my realtor’s website. It had all the MLS listings, useful information about the area, and contact information.<br /><br />This website for <a href="http://austinrealestate.homecity.com/city.asp?name=Round Rock">Round Rock Texas real estate</a> has all the same stuff. It has school information, and neighborhood demographics. They list many of the attractions in the area, such as golf courses and historical points of interest. They have links to places to apply for loans. They even have an on-line advisor to help you decide if the area is the right one for you.<br /><br />But, of course, the most important part of their website is their MLS search. You input what you are looking for in a house, how much you’re willing to pay, and the area you’re looking in, and it’ll give you a list of houses with pictures. This is an invaluable tool when you’re looking for a house. So, if you're looking for a house in the Austin area, check them out.<br /><br />

Okay, I have opened my store at Cafe Press. I've had it open for a while, with nothing in it. Now, however, I have <em>one</em> design in it. It's located at <a href="http://www.cafepress.com/ks_soapbox">www.cafepress.com/ks_soapbox</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.cafepress.com/ks_soapbox">

Ask anyone who knew me as a child, and they can tell you that my purse was always very heavy. If they had a look inside, they could tell you why. I always had a ton (hee, hee) of stuff in there. Frequently, I had whatever you could want.<br /><br />I especially remember what was in my purse in fourth grade. I remember because I used that purse to hit a boy in the head when he wouldn't leave me alone. It was carrying a box of crayons (24 ct.), glue, safety scissors (thankfully), and most importantly, a golf ball I found on the playground that day. He was forever more afraid of my purse. <br /><br />As an adult, I carry other things in my purse. In the past, I have carried party size play doh, cookie cutters, and a rolling pin for my young children. This was a great deal when they were little. In fact, I may add a container of play doh for Dominic. It certainly helps during a trip to the ER, a frequent occurrence with that kid.<br /><br />A couple years ago, the boys bought me a new purse. I really liked my new purse, but it was small. Now, don't get me wrong, I really prefer a small purse. But, it doesn't carry everything I want it to. So, when I noticed that my purse was starting to wear out, I requested a new one for Christmas. Then, I started dropping hints about what I wanted to be able to fit into my purse. The boys came through for me. Here are my new purse and its contents.<br />

If you’re looking for skateboard gear, warehouseskateboard.com has the goods. They carry complete skateboards. In fact, they have a <a href="http://www.warehouseskateboards.com/skateboard-completes">skateboard complete</a> line of 283. Personally, I really like the Enjois. Dominic would like the Speed Demons Camo Snow or Ice. He likes anything camouflage. Xavier would like the Riviera Hula, or the Seismic Cameron and Meg. All three of those have girls on them, and he’s really into girls, right now.<br /><br />They also have 2,314 skate board decks. That’s right, I said 2,314. Really, if you can’t find a deck you like, you just need to make it yourself. I do have a friend that made an awesome skateboard deck. Unfortunately, I don’t have a picture of it to share with you.<br /><br />Of course, they carry skateboard trucks (those things that hold the wheels), wheels, and hardware. They carry Flip boards and gear. What I especially like is the ‘gear’ they carry. You see, my kids are not really into the physical act of <i>using</i> a skateboard, but they like to dress like skaters.<br /><br />Gabriel would be all over the ‘problem child’ t-shirt, although it would better describe Xavier. Gabriel would also, probably, like the ‘Zero skull sweatband’. He’s very much into bracelets.<br /><br />You know what amuses me? Although skaters are considered a sub-culture, their culture, like all others, has become a marketable thing. At what point do you stop being a sub-culture, and become mainstream due to the fact that you have become a market group? We have the same situation in homeschooling.<br /><br />Anyway, they’ve got some sweet stuff. I think I’m going to get that ‘problem child’ t-shirt for Gabriel. He’ll enjoy it.

Happy new year! Are you making New Year's resolutions this year? I am making one resolution.<br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Each day, I will try to improve myself in some way.</span></strong><br /><br />I think this will be the hardest, and easiest resolution to make. It will be the hardest because it is something I have to do <strong>each</strong> day. It will be the easiest because it won't matter <strong>how</strong> I improve myself. In fact, I will consider it an improvement if I never leave the house with my hair wet. I mean, really, grown women don't leave the house with wet hair. Right?<br /><br />I <em>may </em>participate in <a href="http://mreitemeyer.blogspot.com/">Michelle's </a>'new month' resolutions, we'll see.<br /><br />Something else I'm doing is writing a list of books I want to read this year. I got this idea from <a href="http://armyofseven.blogspot.com/2008/12/book-list.html">Jenny's list.</a><br /><br />Here are a few that I've come up with.<br /><br /><a type="amzn">Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner, <u>Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything</u></a><br /><br /><a type="amzn">Malcolm Gladwell, <u>Outliers: The Story of Success</u></a><br /><br /><a type="amzn">Dante, <u>The Inferno</u></a><br /><br /><a type="amzn">H.G. Wells, <u>The War of the Worlds</u></a><br /><br /><a type="amzn">Thomas More, <u>Utopia</u></a><br /><br /><a type="amzn">Chaucer, <u>The Canterbury Tales</u></a><br /><br />and, because of this Lucy Maud Montgomery Reading Challenge, <a href="http://www.readingtoknow.com/2008/12/lucy-maud-montgomery-reading-challenge.html">I found a lot of quotes and ideas that I enjoyed reading. Of course, I don't remember most of them. So, I'm also starting a reading notebook. This will help me chronicle what I enjoy most about books. That's all for now.

When we changed the guest/sewing room into a schoolroom, we lost our guest bed. Since then, I've been looking for a bed that will work for us. Right now, we have a small room (the old school room) that could be used as a guest room. It will fit a full size bed easily, but have no room for anything else, other than, perhaps, a bedside table. However, we are planning to rip the walls out of that room and combine it with the hallway and part of the shop to make a ‘man’ room. We could put a daybed in the playroom. Right now, we have a futon in there. And, the futon <i>does</i> provide sleeping accommodations, but it is getting old, and is not entirely comfortable. I’m very concerned about the comfort of our guests. I like this bed.<br /><br />It provides 2 twin beds, plus storage. However, it is <i>not</i> a day bed. It is a storage bed. I like the idea of <a href="http://www.time4sleep.co.uk/listing--6--storage_beds.html">storage beds</a>. With a storage bed, I could store the guest linens in the drawers. Or, we could take down the toys shelves and put the toys in the drawers. We could also use them to store video games and videos. But, it wouldn’t look right in my playroom. I refuse to have a guest bed that doesn’t fit into the surroundings, just to have one. Plus, if we have guests that want to sleep together, they would not have that option. The other option we have is to put a wall bed in the man room. <s>I’m</s> We’re planning on putting paneling on the wall and we could disguise the bed as paneling. Then, move the chairs out of the way when we have guests. Someday, I will figure out what to do. Any suggestions?

Back when my septic system exploded into my basement, I found something out. Normal water extraction businesses will not do this kind of job. The company has to be a company that deals in biohazards. I had no idea who to call. Fortunately, my insurance company had a phone number, called it, and scheduled my water clean up. Those guys came out, cleaned up my basement, removed my carpet, dried out the basement, and killed all the yucky germs down there.<br /><br />Today, I want to tell you about a service, Water Restoration 911, which will take care of <a href="http://www.waterrestoration911.com/sewage-backup">sewage backup</a>. They are available 24/7 and I recommend calling immediately. Don’t wait until the next day, like I did. You could have more damage, that way. Fortunately, I didn’t, but you might.<br /><br />Water Restoration 911 also does mold and fungus remediation, and fire and smoke restoration. One of the great things about their sewage backup service is that they will repair the backup problem if it still exists. I’m not sure they can fix septic problems, but frequently with sewage problems, it is just a matter of a clog between your house and the main line. It would be nice if the restoration people could take care of that, too and save you the work of having to find another service.

According to Fox News, <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,473868,00.html">Israel Considers Offering Hamas a Cease-Fire<br /></a><br /><blockquote><p>Israel is considering suspending its offensive on Hamas-ruled Gaza to give Hamas militants an opening to halt rocket fire on Israel, but the threat of a ground offensive remains if the cease-fire does not hold, an Israeli defense official said Tuesday.</p></blockquote><br />Okay, because Israel started the whole thing, right? Why would Hamas stop the rocket fire, and if they do, how long will it be for? I'm guessing about long enough for Hamas to regroup. Hamas has no desire to stop the barrage. They are not doing this out of protection of Gaza's inhabitants, as Israel is doing. They are doing this out of fanaticism. Fanatics don't change because someone offers them a cease-fire. The only time they change is if they have a change of heart. And, in a people who do not value <em>any</em> human life, women, child, <em>or</em> man, a change of heart is unlikely to happen.<br /><br />I think a cease-fire would be a bad tactical move on Israel's side. I'm sure the liberals would compliment Israel on their move toward peace. But, over the years, I have watched Israel struggle against the tyranny of the Muslim states in the Middle East. I have continually be astounded by the idiocy in the liberal media. The media has consistently made it sound as though all the trouble was Israel's fault. Never mind that several states have said that they want to drive Israel into the sea. Never mind that <em>all </em>people are welcome in Israel. Never mind that Muslims and Christians live in Israel. Never mind that neither Jews, nor Christians, are welcome in most Muslim countries. It's all Israel's fault. I will never understand people like this. I say, go get 'em, Israel.

Since we moved here, we've been trying to figure out where to put a 'man' room for Gary. When we first moved in, I had a sewing room, until I changed it into the school room. However, after we get a sewing cabinet, it will once again be the sewing room, as well as the school room.<br /><br />Finally, while we were in Florida, we figured out how to make Gary a 'man' room, and help the awkward configuration of our basement. Now, I'm in the dreaming stage of how this room will look. I know you're thinking, "Shouldn't <em>Gary</em> be in the dreaming stage?" But, let's get real, people. <s>I am the one in charge of decorating around here.</s> After I have done my dreaming, I'll share it with Gary, and, most likely, he'll agree with most of what I've come up with.<br /><br />So, here are my <s>plans</s> dreams. His 'man' room will be in a part of the basement that does not have any windows. As a result, it will have no natural light. I think having a dark, English pub theme would be great. With that thought in mind, putting dark wood wainscoting 2/3 of the way up the wall, and cork on the floor, is the first part of my plan. Then, I want to add a long bar, a dart board, a couple of large, comfy leather chairs, and, most important, a <a href="http://www.buypokertablesonline.com/">poker table</a>.<br /><br />If <s>we</s> he has a <a href="http://www.buypokertablesonline.com/Card-Tables-p-1-c-253.html">card table</a> we'll be able to play board games, which is a nightly occurrence at our house. Right now, we play on the living room floor, not the most comfortable place to play, but more comfortable than our dining room chairs. Plus, with a <a href="http://www.buypokertablesonline.com/poker-table.html">poker table</a>, we'll be able to host poker night, something we've always wanted to do. My main question when looking at <a href="http://www.buypokertablesonline.com/">poker tables</a> is whether to get a traditional poker table, to get. I want a large, comfortable, cushy chair. I want something that will support my lower back, and still look great. Wheels are a must. We just have a hard time pulling chairs up under the table. So, we definitely want wheels.

Review Tuesdays are starting back up. Since the last one, I have managed to acquire (thank you Christmas) enough new stuff to write reviews for the next year. Well, maybe not that much stuff, but surely for the next 6 months. And, by then, I'll have acquired more stuff to replace the stuff I'll be getting rid of by then.<br /><br />Today, I'm reviewing <a href="http://www.cafepress.com/">CafePress.</a> I'll also be telling you about the <a href="http://shop.lego.com/brickmaster/Default.aspx">Lego Brickmaster Subscription</a>. Finally, I'm going to be reviewing <a href="http://www.secular-homeschooling.com/">Secular Homeschooling Magazine</a>.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.cafepress.com/">CafePress:</a></span></strong><br />First up, <a href="http://www.cafepress.com/">Cafe Press.</a> Now, from a sellers, standpoint, <a href="http://www.cafepress.com/">Cafepress</a> seems pretty straightforward and easy to use. I've set up a storefront, but haven't actually put anything in it. But the set up was easy. However, I <em>was</em> curious about the customer service aspect of it. How fast would I get my product? Would the quality be any good? There was a specific shirt I wanted to buy Gary. So, before he left, I ordered it. It came Thursday, before he had to leave on Sunday. Unfortunately, it was a women's shirt. Oh, it would have fit him, but the words were wrong. It was definitely meant for a woman. I was very upset, because I thought I had ordered the correct thing. So, I called them. The gentleman was very nice. In fact, even though I figured out my mistake while I was on the phone (while the ordering page was not <em>clear</em>, it <em>was</em> my mistake), he told me to keep that shirt and promptly sent me the right one. While it did not arrive in time for Gary to take with him, it <em>did</em> arrive in 3 days with standard shipping. I was very impressed with their shipping time. The quality of the shirt is excellent. And, best of all, their customer service is outstanding.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://shop.lego.com/brickmaster/Default.aspx">Lego Brickmaster Subscription</a>:</span></strong><br />Before Christmas, I ordered the Lego catalog. I know. Perhaps, considering how many Legos my children have, it was not the wisest decision. On the other hand, perhaps it was the best decision I could have made. After all, Legos are the <em>one</em> thing my children reliably play with. Anyway, I found a neat thing while cruising the catalog. Lego has a <a href="http://shop.lego.com/brickmaster/Default.aspx">subscription service</a>. It works like this: You pay Lego $39.99. For one year, every two months, your child (or you) receive a new Lego kit and a magazine, plus Bionicle comics! It's the gift that keeps on giving- in a good way! Included in your first shipment are 2 Legoshop.com $5.00 coupons, and 1 ticket to Legoland. This was Dominic's main gift, this year. He is absolutely thrilled by it. He is anxiously counting down the days to mid-February when he will receive his next shipment. And, he is just as thrilled by the magazine as he is by the Legos, themselves. After all, this is the kid who 'reads' the Lego instruction manuals incessantly. He could, one day, be a walking Lego instruction manual. Anyway, it seems like a good deal. The sets are not large ones, they seem to be around the 75-85 piece range. But, they are all exclusive sets and the perfect size for a short build. January/February's is a Star Wars Republic Star Destroyer. Dominic will be thrilled.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.secular-homeschooling.com/">Secular Homeschooling Magazine</a>:</span></strong><br />If you are a secular homeschooler, or really, any homeschooler, and have not heard of this magazine, <strong>I am shocked</strong>! But, in case you have not, or have only heard bad things, or have heard good things, but have not made the leap, yet, this is for you.<br /><br />When Deborah Markus wrote "<a href="http://www.secular-homeschooling.com/001/bitter_homeschooler.html">The Bitter Homeschooler's Wish List</a>," she got a lot of attention. She said what a lot of homeschoolers have wanted to say. I was, however, sceptical that an entire magazine, mostly written by one person, since it was in its infancy, could be as good. However, after rave reviews from a friend, whom I now trust implicitly for curriculum, magazine, and book recommendations (Thank you for Times Tales, April! That'll be a different review.), I got the magazine. And, I devoured it. I read it cover to cover. Well, really, that's not unusual for me. I'm a bit odd in that I start at the beginning of a magazine and read it all the way through. I'm not one to skip around. But, I didn't just read this because it was there. I read it because it was interesting. There were so <em>many</em> things in the magazine that touched me. The article I enjoyed the most, in the first issue, was called "Inclusive or Secular." It really did a good job of defining secular homeschooling and I appreciated it immensely.<br /><br />But, I thought, she can't keep it up. How many good articles does one woman have? I bought the second issue. Then, I just went ahead and subscribed. At that point, it was senseless for me to wait and buy each issue individually. This is an amazing magazine. It includes many different types of articles, all well written. It has homeschooling news, both good and bad. It includes sections on money matters, product reviews, and a pull out section for kids. The fourth issue included articles on books for teaching art, nurturing science interest in the early elementary-age child, learning social studies by serving as an election judge, and the free school at home.<br /><br />I cannot say enough about this magazine. It is written with humor and with. Deborah Markus has made sure that all the articles that are included, are appropriate and relevant. Thank you to Ms. Markus for providing the homeschooling community with a much needed resource.

Okay, that was a little play on words. I just found a <i>fabulous</i> website. Hue sells tights, socks, legwarmers, slippers, sleepwear, and more.<br /><br />I have always loved bright socks. When I wore skirts all the time, it looked a little weird, but now that my socks are mostly covered up, I like to wear them even more. Why? Well, because I like knowing there’s a little surprise under my shoes. I like it when I take off my shoes (frequently) and there are my bright green socks with purple toe and heel. I like wearing my socks with the toes in them with my flip-flops. So, when I saw this website that has <a href="http://www.hue.com/legwear/tights/opaque-tight-.aspx">tights</a> in many cool colors, plus thigh high socks for wearing with boots, I was stoked.<br /><br />I found a pair of tights that are swirl, and even better, on sale! Those rock, and they make want me to buy some thigh high boots, which I’m sure Gary would love. Of course, Hue sells more 'regular' socks and tights, too, but I'm just not into those. So, I'll leave those to other people.

<div align="left">Did you see this <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,468250,00.html">story</a>?<br /><center><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,468250,00.html">Little 'Adolf Hitler' Denied Birthday Cake at New Jersey Grocery Store</a></center></div><p><br />Apparently, the store refused to make the little boy, named Adolph Hitler Campbell, a birthday cake that included his full name. </p><p>His parents are upset. They think people should stop looking in the past</p><blockquote>"They need to accept a name. A name's a name. The kid isn't going to grow up and do what [Hitler] did," he said.</blockquote>Ah, what's in a name? Well, since their two other children have <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">similarly</span> distasteful names, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">JoyceLynn</span> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aryan_Nations">Aryan Nation</a> Campbell and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heinrich_Himmler"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Honszlynn</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Hinler</span></a> Jeannie Campbell, I'd say, "A lot!"<br /><br /><blockquote>Heath Campbell said he named his son after Adolf Hitler because he liked the name and because "no one else in the world would have that name."</blockquote><i><b>Okay.</i></b> With names like Aryan Nation, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Honszlynn</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Hinler</span>, there can be no doubt in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">anyone's</span> mind that this was an innocent naming. Unfortunately, there <i>are</i> innocent <b>children</b> involved. I am appalled that someone would do this to their children. Thankfully, they can have their names changed as adults. But, really, does this guy <em>actually</em> expect us to believe him?

There are all kinds of summer camps out there. There's language immersion camp for Gabriel. I'm sure there's some kind of music camp for Dominic. But, today, I found the perfect camp for Xavier. The boy goes nonstop 24 hours a day. Although TaeKwonDo <em>is</em> slowing him down at night!<br /><br />Anyway, Xavier loves snow. He <em>lives</em> for snow. When we lived in Maine, he lived for the snowplows. He had his own snowplow matchbox car. He was two. I would bring in a pan of snow and he would play for hours with that snowplow. He played quite happily in the snow for hours. He has been a passionate snow shoveler for 6 years. When he was 3, he shoveled all the neighbor's walks while they were at work. He started shoveling as soon as the first flake started falling. This winter, we're going to learn to ski. Of course, it'll only be one day of skiing, but he'll get the basics. I have a feeling he'll have another passion.<br /><br />So, today, I found a <a href="http://www.skicamp.com/programs/summer_ski_camp.asp">summer camp</a> that is a skiing camp. A <em>summer</em> camp! Well, I'll admit, he won't be going any time soon. Gabriel has to get his language immersion camp, first. But, some day, this would make a wonderful experience for him. Can you imagine anything more pleasurable to a snow-boy than snow in the summer?

Have you ever been watching a musical and thought to yourself, "That is <em>so</em> unrealistic! There is no way a group of people could just be walking down the street and suddenly burst into song (one they've made up on the spot), dance and stay in harmony. Get real." I used to think that, before I had children.<br /><br />I remember the first time I understood that it is possible for people to burst into a new song, both making it up as they go, yet both knowing the words and tune. Gabriel was getting his hair cut, when he was 5 years old. Gabriel visited his grandmother's salon to have his hair cut. The man that was cutting his hair has known my husband's family for <em>years</em>. At any rate, as he cut Gabriel's hair, they chatted about, literally, everything. Suddenly, one of them started singing about whatever it was they were talking about. The other joined in, immediately. Soon, they were both singing a song that only they knew. It was at that point I realized I live in a musical. Gabriel had always had 'theme music'. In other words, he always created music to go along with whatever he was playing, but this was the first time I had seen him singing with another person.<br /><br />I didn't realize until years later that I sang with Gabriel like that all the time. Everything we do and say is turned into a song. Sheet day has it's own special song that was invented that same year. But what amazes me is that my youngest son is <em>always</em> singing. He, also, has theme music. Usually, his takes the form of Star Wars theme music. He does, however, also do a great percussion section. Most of his music is wordless, but he does sing songs like, "If You're Going Through Hell", "Beverly Hills" (this one was funny- he thought it said, "Family Yells"), "Me and My Gang" (his favorite-listening to him do the sound effects is hilarious).<br /><br />About a week ago, we had a Christmas party with our <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">TaeKwonDo</span> school. There was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">karaoke</span> and, of course, my two younger children had to sing. Gabriel has matured enough to understand the concept of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">embarrassment</span>. Unfortunately, Dominic cannot read fast enough to do traditional karaoke. But, he did his own thing, much to the pleasure of all involved. Here are the results.<br /><object width="320" height="266" class="BLOG_video_class" id="BLOG_video-ab5a08c1ca5d7e59" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"><param name="movie" value="http://www.blogger.com/img/videoplayer.swf?videoUrl=http://vp.video.google.com/videodownload?version=0&secureurl=qAAAAP0YN7YpWvFNWPjMMOzGjlUeTpd2ccQ2glbvQTiGvAmFUkarBFeBFUEsJwBuKqQ56lPkbhuzuNOPZqvRNaDN1iboZq4aICEFKkGRDwzMzQ7Z_IJ_VfzZBtsyqremqMMotohpkIXDx8mYw5647kh8zIxgBNWCNzx6seu55eQplcoIUtQp2koywhT9yhikuRK42A3VR4e1RDqYq67kJgyQLurKTVQv-_Wx-nu_sRq1Oa9b&sigh=GTV6Rd7sDaDanTYLGCTi17e-HIs&begin=0&len=86400000&docid=0&amp;nogvlm=1&amp;thumbnailUrl=http://video.google.com/ThumbnailServer2?app=blogger&contentid=ab5a08c1ca5d7e59&offsetms=5000&itag=w320&sigh=O3dRQ6b8XNpRDJ-tq-qCyVJbV7I&amp;messagesUrl=video.google.com/FlashUiStrings.xlb?frame=flashstrings&hl=en">
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When Gary returns, we're planning a trip to Orlando. The boys have thought about Lego Land, in CA, but we're thinking Orlando, this year. There is just so much to do, there.<br /><br />We would like to go to Disney World. But, I think the boys would enjoy Sea World the most. I remember going to Sea World as a kid, and when I was pregnant with Gabriel. Sea World is magical. I, personally, <em>loved</em> the Shamu show. I know that the boys would love all the shows, as well.<br /><br />My boys love to go to aquariums, and Sea World is like an aquarium on steroids. Gabriel has decided he wants to be a history professor. I think that would be a good fit for him. But, I could see him changing his mind and wanting to be a marine biologist after visiting Sea World.<br /><br />One of the things I like about Sea World is that they support the military. We can get in free for one day. So, we will definitely be visiting Sea World. But, we may want to go for more than one day. After all, they have a shark exhibit, where you can go 'inside' the tank. (I remember this one- awesome!) They have a dolphin exhibit, where you can get up close and personal with the dolphins. There there's Turtle Point. Gabriel was absolutely <i>obsessed</i> with sea turtles when he was younger. He would love to see a Leatherback.<br /><br /><p>Sea World will be a must-see for us. If you want to go to Sea World, Orlando, you should check out <a href="http://www.orlandofuntickets.com/Sea-World/">discount sea world tickets</a>. They look like they have some good prices. Maybe we'll see you there!</p>

When I started TaeKwonDo, there were many consequences I was thinking of. I thought of the discipline required to participate in such a sport. I thought of the community it would provide for our family, in terms of the boys making friends. I thought of how much it would cost, and the time it would take. There were, of course, things I didn't think of. One of the first consequences to make itself evident was the damage to my pedicure. For the last 14 years, I have always had my toenails painted. I can't stand how my toes look, but the paint detracts from that. Plus, I just like it. It makes me feel 'finished', even when the rest of me looks a wreck. Now, however, I have to paint may toenails every couple days in order for them to look finished. Otherwise, they just look like this:<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PYKhEW0hC94/SVZzTUpA8uI/AAAAAAAACSo/iJgBZpbifBw/s1600-h/DSC03629.JPG">People need to seriously consider all the consequences before making a decision. The government needs to reconsider this financial bailout. They need to look at all the ripples, not just the big splash in the middle.