How to know I've had too much caffeine...

A pile of blog postings AND 497 trips to the bathroom.

BTW... I DIDN't know I was drinking caffeine!  Who knew cream soda had caffeine? 

 I didn't. 

I promise.

Over the weekend we visited some friends house and while the Mamas was out galavanting, the Daddy's dealt with a no-nap dilemma in their usual way--they plopped my three year old in front of the TV. 

The thing is...the TV at their house is in the basement and she was alone.  Now this in itself was not an issue, but when she came upstairs in tears saying that her show had "stopped" the Daddy's were a bit confused--it wasn't a tape. 

After a bit of contemplation, it occured to her Daddy that the show had gone to commercial break.  We are 3 years into no TV (just videos).  Daughter has no idea what commercials are!  The host-Daddy, "nahhh"d and couldn't believe that could be the case. 

Ten minutes later she was back...in tears...her show had stopped...again.  More commercials.  Well, as you can imagine, we've had a good laugh over it, but have also realized what a gift we have given her--life with no commercials. 

I don't know about you, but I'd be a lot richer if my life had been one without commercials!  Wouldn't we all?

In the shower this morning, it hit me that it's Friday--with only two more weeks till we start our full school schedule (Lord willing!).  My first thought was, "Where did my week go?".  My second thought was, "Did I get anything done this week." 

I'm proud to announce that I did indeed have a few highlights this week.  Let's see...

I got to visit with EEEEMommy.  That is always refreshing.

I went through my "Managers of Their Homes" book, made a schedule and am beginning to implement (I'll post more on this soon!). 

I began morning Quiet Times--studying the book of Romans.  Awesome book.  Awesome time.

I purged, cleaned, reorganized and set up the school room for the new season.  I even re-painted the chalk board.

I updated several of my binder organizers including a couple of school subjects, my home organizer, my QT notebook and my Meals & Recipes binder.

I took the baby girl to ballet and watched her dance her heart out!

I ordered and received boy's birthday gifts. 

I almost finished "Self-Raised", by E.D.E.N. Southworth.

I went through "The Hidden Art of Homemaking", by Edith Schaeffer

I fell down the stairs--ouch.

I re-made our family memorization box to a much smaller size (5x7 to 3x5--more easily toted).

I picked my first home-grown tomatoes that I won't eat, but husband said were "fabulous!"

I cleaned out the garage.

I had no visits with the eye doctor and the pain has finally eased.

I watched two movies I heartily recommend:  "The Illusionist" and "Copying Beethoven".

AND...I had dinner on the table everynight.  The goal is by 6, We had ballet "eat-out" night and one more night we were a bit late, but we did good!

*Update below

Did you know that if you are nearsighted, you have the unique pleasure of an elongated eyeball--and everything that is in this elongated eyeball must compensate.

I first learned about this in April at an eye exam.  That is 30ish years after being diagnosed nearsighted.  What I also learned was that people who are nearsighted can more easily have detached retinas because of the shape of their eye.  The Dr. said, "watch for dancing lights". 

About a month ago a noticed a floater--a little black spot in my vision that seemed to swim around.  I didn't think much of it.  Then a started having a light travel from one side of my eye to the other really slow.  I chalked it up to the bright sunlight and adjustments to my new glasses which I just got.  And, it wasn't realllllyy dancing (denial).  Well...it got worse yesterday.  Remember yesterday?  Big stressful day.  When I realized around 5pm that I needed to call an eyedoctor, I was told "come now!"  The Dr. had already left for the day, and wanted to see me immediately.

Sure enough, he found what was called a hole in my vitreous.  This is the "liquid center of the eyeball"  for lack of a better explanation.  He immediately called a surgeon for me to go in LASTNIGHT!  Well, by this time I was pretty traumatized.  Relieved my husband was with me, but scared to death!

The surgeon put me off till this morning, then in we all went--husband and kids.  He did the exam and found numerous things wrong with my eyes all caused from being nearsighted.  No other cause than that--well,..and aging.  (I'm past 40, but don't tell!)

He said that to avoid major surgery at the hospital (big gulp!) he would perform a lazer therapy that would stop further damage.  I was very close to having my retina completely detach, and/or possibly loosing my eyesight in that eye. Then he dropped two bombs.  My "good" eye also was showing signs of difficulty--he used words like tearing, splitting, scarring...things you don't want to hear in association with any part of your person, especially your eyes!

So he did the lazer therapy--hurttttt!  Not fun.  The other eye will be treated next week.  That will hopefully take care of my vision for a long time.  The 2nd bombshell, however, is that I can expect to be spending "quality" time with him regularly from now on.  He's nice, but not that nice!  (hurrrtttt!)

SOOO...IF you are nearsighted (don't forget about this!) and ever experience these things, OR if they ever want to dilate your eyes to check'em...LET 'em!!  Kinda important.

Right now, I'm seeing fine.  No change in my vision.  Tylanol is my current good buddy. (Insurance covers it, I think (medical, not vision) but with a $5000 deductible, I'm not looking forward to this bill! ) There were no restrictions on me post-lazer.  I'm not looking forward to next Wed. though. 

 * It has been a week and I go back in tomorrow morning for treatment on my right eye.  I'm not looking forward to this.  Things have been very up and down all week with my right eye.  More discomfort than I thought I should have and I'm still seeing the "dancing light".  I'm hoping to get answers about both of those.  I never realized how good it feels to rub your eye--like when you're tired--and after tomorrow there won't be any of that for a long while if ever.  But I can still see..hallelujah!  I'm sure I'll post another update in a day or two.  Again, I'd appreciate those prayers.   I've received a few emails from friends who are experiencing symptoms.  Just go get checked!  Don't wait--that's the biggie. 

A few years back I began a tradition called "next time".  Basically, as I've had children, and aged, I've lost so many brain cells that my memory is like a good piece of baby swiss.  I began recording events that already happened on a calendar dated a year from the present time.

In other words, after a trip, holiday, or celebration that happens annually, I'll record the happenings on next year's calendar so I can remember it "next time".  Practically it looks like this: 

July 4, 2008:
"In 2007 --- I forgot the red, white and blue feathered boa."  
"We had fun painting our toenails red, white and blue." 
"Remember to do face painting at home so we don't have to wait in line!"  
"We all wore white shirts and denim shorts and got some cute family pictures." 
"Band-aids woulda been nice."
"Consider advanced Indians game tickets."
"Enjoyed being with just our family!"
"TGIF's was a hit!"

I have a lot of "next time" post-its on my calendar and they do work!  They are also great for things like:  "Watch for the huge sale at Bath and Body Works at the end of June!"  and "Don't go "there" during biker week."

On our recent trip to Colorado, I received many questionable looks and comments regarding our family rule of no gum till the age of five.  Of course, everyone thought this totally unreasonable.  No one agreed with me, and from my contact with other parents I know this is an out of left field rule--or is it.

I should tell you that this is a rule we've had since day one.  Son waited, now daughter will wait.  The reasoning is so indepth that I've tired of trying to explain it off the cuff.  All further inquiries will be sent here! 

To start with, I have vivid memories of gum in my hair.  I received numerous spontaneous hair cuts (bowl!) due to my habit of playing with my gum.  In my observations, every kid who chews gum, plays with it.  Adults do too. 

Secondly, I've seen where gum goes and I know you have too!  Usually...on the bottom of anything you wouldn't want it on.  Or, even worse, swallowed.  Remember the whole seven years to digest news?

Then there is the spitting of gum--as in "how far do you think I can spit this gum to get rid of it" and "can I spit it out that crack in the car window without hitting mom"?

Mostly (and from my Charlotte Mason influences) I don't believe gum chewing to be beautiful.  It distorts our efforts to communicate and makes us look indifferent.  That said, I will admit I chew gum (more than I want to and I'm trying to quit).  I've found it rather addictive as I've tried to remain sugar-free.  Rather like a nervous habit.  Not good.

All of these things are true and have a bit of humor to them, but what it all comes down to for husband and I is age appropriateness and accountability.  I find that it is not necessary for my 3 yo to be smacking gum.  I'm teaching her to speak clearly and pay attention.  Gum chewing detracts from both.  People who chew gum during conversations are often considered rude (noisy?!)  Also, why would she want a snack of cut up apple when she has a two-hour old piece of gum in her mouth (if it stays there that long!).  She doesn't need a Snickers and she doesn't need gum!  Sure it's not "bad".  It has "benefits".  But it's not necessary to introduce it at this early stage.  She suffers nothing for the lack.

This goes to an even bigger issue which is when looking at age appropriateness of anything, our society is in a hurry to rush our children to adulthood.  They always want what is too old for them.  If they are given it at 3, what will they want (and feel entitled to) at 16?  If that video game or movie has a teen rating, "but they like Spiderman" then they should be able to watch, right?  So they are 18--they're an "adult".  Why can't they drink alcohol?   They should be able to, right?

Maybe you think it's extreme to consider gum chewing in the same category.  I can live with that.  No gum till five.  Then my children are, and will be, old enough to understand where to put it, when to have it and not have it, what it's for and NOT for, etc.  Appropriate.  Can you tell I mean it?! :)

I've just arrived home from my four-day trip to find my son (7) with a raging fever and my house virtually untouched--the items on the stairs when I left, are still there.  Though daughter had a fabulous time and did a great job keeping her pants dry and clean, she had a major accident on the way home from the airport--ten minutes after she went to the bathroom.  But, all that aside, we were greeting with warm and welcoming arms, hugs, smiles, and kisses.  Husband and boy actually parked and met us at the "you can't go any further without a ticket" line, which was a fabulous surprise!  I miss the days of happy farewells and greetings at the airport--this made up for it!

The boys had a great time while we were away, which was my prayer.  They did all kinds of boyish things, but son seemed most pleased to inform me that he had gotten to sleep with daddy--I was quite relieved that I had taken my pillow with me! (drool!!) 

Daughter (3) did indeed enjoy the wedding festivities.  My little party girl held up great under a 2 hour time change, endless "parties" WAY past her bedtime and irregular eating and irregular times.  I have a sneaking suspicion I may be paying for that over the next few days.  sigh.  She loved meeting family, seeing the mountains and the stars (a rare event for us) and having a large bowl of M&M's out and at her disposal (garbage disposal!) at all times.  Dear cousin...what were you thinking?!

I'm truly blessed with the most amazing extended family.  They are gems that God has used and polished and shine for all those whom they encounter.

I did have an opportunity to share great Biblical truths through my Answers magazine (Answers in Genesis) which I took with me and flaunted and waved (inconspicuously, of course) in front of the faces of those who I was pretty sure might ask about it.  What a great tool!  It is so fun to share truth with confidence.  I think most people who don't "know", aren't used to people who "do"!  It was interesting.

Flying was quite the experience for little one.  The cramming of two individuals into an airplane bathroom, is quite the exercise, not to mention the ever dreaded security check.  I put my shoes through the xray thingy in a bucket.  Only one came out.  Yes...that thing ate my shoe!  As I stood looking at my bare feet, imagining myself walking a mile across the airport in 1 shoe, I figured worse things could happen.  Well, they found my shoe.  Now...if they had lost Ding (in other words, baby girls lovey) all Hell WOULD definately have broken loose and I'd be in prison rather than writing to you! 

Ah security...a security officer had the nerve to look my 3 yo in the face and ask her name.  She has recently been thoroughly indoctrinated into the Safe Side: Stranger Safety "don't tell your name to 'don't knows', and they wanted to know her name!  I'm watching her cling to me in utter refusal to even look at her (really just because she's 3, for Pete's sake!) and imagining them snatching her away from me, when the "nice" lady looks at me in utter disgust and waves me through.  So nerve wracking!

Well, I'm relieved to be back home.  I do enjoy traveling, but home is best. Home is where you finally rest your weary head, put your feet comfortably on the furniture, go to the bathroom without having to padlock the door, and threaten your children with all forms of "I'm going to call your father" without people looking at you in judgement!  Home is good!

For the last hour or so, it has been really quiet.  Both children are currently hunkered down in son's room.  It's not "exactly" quiet, but the usually bickering, yelling, and play sounds are pretty much non-existent.  I hear music.

I should have known.  See...son asked for the CD player this morning, for his room.  I don't know about you, but I remember spending hour after hour after hour locked in my room listening to music.  It was the first thing I remember "separating" me from the family.  It's where I got away from them.  My warning bells went off when he asked.  He wanted to listen to a kid's CD and he doesn't really know how to use the radio yet...so I let him have it.

As I crept up on the closed door and pressed my ear close, I heard humming and singing...both of them together.  I knew that if I threw the door open daughter would be dancing and son would be sprawled on the floor.  I had to do it.  I threw it open...I was right.  I saw contentment and joy.  I felt relief and wonder.  And my parent brain kicked in and wondered if they'd want to stay in there all day and all night.  What have I started?  Choose your battles.  They are not alone.  They are not alone.  They are not alone.

I'm so glad for the peace that God gives us in our parenting and the understanding from our own lives that can help us nurture and love our children; that aids us in teaching them how to make good decisions--like choosing to be more like Jesus. 

They just came out.  They want to play cowboy and cowgirl now.  They are in "costume".  Moving on!  Ah...childhood!

My hippy mother used to play that song over and over and over!  It's so funny the memories we hold and what triggers them!  I'm about to get on a plane with my baby girl (3yo) and fly to Denver for a family wedding.  This will be her first time on a plane and though I'm positive she will have no problems at all, I'm a nervous wreck because *I* haven't flown in years.  Why is getting back on the "bicycle" so difficult?  I figure if I can get through security without getting arrested for having too much water in her sippy cup, or too many extra batteries for her walkman, I'll be fine.  Shoes?  What shoes?  I'll just go barefoot--make it a non-issue!  Yikes.

I've read all the latest "updates" on what you can and can't take.  What I'd like to know is what is the difference between a liquid (no more than 3oz) b*omb "carried on" and the gallon size b*omb packed in the hold from the family size shampoo that some of us require on trips and pack and check?  What's the whole limiting the carryon size business?  You'd think they'd limit it all!  Personally, I'd enjoy dumping my pint size bottle of foundation over the head of a terr*orist!  Then st*abbing him with my very dull tweezers or poking out his e*yes with a fuschia crayola.  I know I shouldn't jest.  The last time I "dared" a criminal, I ended up with a sketch artist at police headquarters. (VERY long story.)  I think I'll just trust in the Lord instead.

Well,  I'll be packing on the light side, praising Jesus that baby girl will not be needing stroller, highchair, diaper bag, etc.  Whew!  It's bad enough I have to check her car seat.  Ohhhhh why can't the husband just come with us?!  Because of the blessing called "work".  Bummer. :)

So girl-time it shall be and our girl- time should be a real hit!  She truly enjoys dressing up with mom and being a princess.  This will be a great time for that.  I'll miss my boy though.  I've never been away from him for this long.  I can't stand even thinking about it.  At least he'll be with Daddy.  Hopefully they will have some great "boy" time together.  Golf, fishing, shooting.  Boy stuff.  I could leave school work for him....naaaaaah!  That would not go over too good, I'm afraid.

Ooohhh babe....I hate....to goooooooooo!

Something new is in the air--my son's air.  Or, should I say, his attitude.  As I mentioned earlier, we have begun our summer lessons (last Mon.).  Son wasn't happy and whined the whole time.  Everything took 5 times longer than it should have and if I hadn't had an understanding of what he was feeling--and that Tuesday would be better--I'd have thrown in the towel.

Tuesday was better.  And Wednesday was better than Tuesday--and I'm not just talking school.  For the last many months we have been consistantly (as humanly possible) addressing the fussing we've been experiencing with him.  Even saying his name in a question would bring terrible looks and a stamped down foot.  Lots of "What!!!!???" , or "Whyyyyy???" type of disrespectful reactions.   Of course, this was always bumped up a notch when not in the presence of his dad!  (Why does mom always get all the grief?!)  So, this has been going on and with it a total unwillingness to help, cooperate and zero initiative. 

Now I know this makes my wonderful little boy sound like a monster--he's not!  It's just been major training time for how he reacts and for decision making; as well as discovereing his heart.

So back to this week.  Complete turnaround!  Complete!  He didn't throw one fit (after about Tuesday).  He has been helpful to the point of sacrifice.  He has not "demanded" for himself.  He has treated his sister like gold and they've played together constantly.  He's taken the initiative to do schoolish things (like art or science projects) by himself.  He's been sooo helpful to me that I feel like a queen! (Queen Bee, get it?!! :))

I'm so thankful and have so much hope that it will continue.  I think my little monster boy is growing up!  I've told him repeatedly how I've noticed this wonderful change and how much I appreciate all the effort he is putting in.  I must confess that I asked his dad if he had threatened said anything to him.  He said no.

One other thing about this week is that it was off the "hard week" charts!  Husband had major, MAJOR work problems to tackle (one night till 4:30 am, and another till 8:30 am)--oh the joys of being self-employed (lots of overtime, no overtime pay).  And then there was me "visitor".  Just killer.

Today when I look at my boys face I see a peace that hasn't been there for awhile as he's been growing into who he is today.  I truly believe that God is working on his heart and that he's finding his way, and place, in his own relationship with the Lord (and with his family!). 

He's downstairs right now loading the dishwasher.  I think I'll go give him a big hug and smooch and make him some chocolate milk!

You may know from previous posts, and the fact that I had a big gap in posting, that we were gone for ten days to Virginia!  Wow!  What a great trip.  I'm excited to tell you all about it.  Some things you just won't even believe, they were so awesome.  

So now that I have most of the BPA (Biblical Principle Approach) notes out of my brain for the moment, I thought I better share details--and pictures. (Wait for it Angel!!!).

As we approached this trip, we had a couple of big issues weighing on us (or rather me).  One was that we have begun eating much healthier and have all but stopped eating fast food.  Well...what do you do on a ten day road trip?  The second big issue was my little 3.5yo baby girl who has not mastered the potty and back-slid BIG time on our last car trip.

So here's what we decided.  First off, baby girl would NOT wear pull-ups even if it meant stopping every hour.  This was a tough one on the husband, but he agreed and she did great!!  Only one accident the whole trip and that was when we were JAMMED in DC traffic (can you say nightmare?!). 

As for the food, we decided to take our own.  We packed a not big enough cooler and a Rubbermaid tub and went for it.  It worked out great!  We didn't stop at fast-food even once.  Getting ice was a total pain, but our tummies were grateful.  We only had to take a few daytime meals at events we attended.  This was okay.  Now this was not a money saving thing, though we may have saved some, because I bought boxed organic milk up front and so forth (not cheap), but so much better for us.  We will definately do this again and I'll be looking at the latest and greatest in coolers as I haven't bought a cooler in 15 years.

A couple of other things I did to prepare for this trip included how I prepared snacks.  I gave each child a small tub basket to fit under their seat.  In it was a baggie for each day with different snacks.  They loved this and it seemed to work well.  Little girl wanted more than 1 bag a day though (probably because we no longer buy fruit snacks at home, among other things!).  Once they used their baggies, I used them to distribute things such as grapes, honeybee crackers, etc.  This helped with the mess tremendously.

So the big lesson I learned involved a hold-over from my childhood.  When I was young at home, each family member had their own suitcase and packed it for trips.  Now I do all the packing, but I had a bag for each of us.  Usually when we "trip it" I pack a travel bag for our night on the road.  I forgot this time and it was a major hassle.  So I won't forget that next time!  Also, we stayed in a total of four hotels during the trip.  We could have used all four bags to better pack our stay, if I'd thought it through better.  So next trip I'm going to give that a whirl. 

Okay!  So we hit the road and headed toward Virginia.  I had lots of books and activities packed for each of us, so we enjoyed them that first day.  We collapsed in a hotel in WV, very late at night and wouldn't you know it...that was the last of the internet for the trip!  What is it with Virginia?! :)  That is why I couldn't post till now.

To be continued...

The official version is "we're on our Spring Break"--that's for the neighbors who want to know why my children are currently running around the yard with squirt guns while their counterparts are down the street at the elementary school.  Actually we're done with our lessons...for a bit!

The truth is, we are missing "school".  Son came bounding in this morning ready for lessons and I pulled myself out of bed to inform him this is an official home ec day--"go clean your room".  

So both children are soaked to the skin from their squirters, it's 60 degrees with the sun shining, and I'm on my fourth load of laundry.  It's noon.  Blog break!

I'm usually a bit bugged to hear everyone's "chore" list, when blog reading.  I'm sure you really don't need to know that I've cleaned daughter's dresser out, packed up her "too smalls" for her new cousin, and straightened my own closet, all while practicing my "Dancing With the Stars" moves (ooooh scary!--maybe that's why my back hurts?!  Advil!). 

I've found a hopeful cure for the strange peeling happening on the bottom of son's feet, striped the beds and eaten a granola bar.  That last bit is so you'll know I'm not starving myself while I work.

You see, my goal is to completely and unequivically clean and organize my whole house today.  I mean, why not?  It's too muddy to garden... Lessons?  What lessons?  Shopping?  Did that all day yesterday.  I'm working on getting all 47 of the windows open and baking is also flitting around my little 'ole brain.  I guess you'd say it's a motivational day.  This is on the heels of the horrible visitor that put me down earlier in the week.  After I crawled out from under the bed, I vowed to accomplish a plethora of "stuff" so I'd feel better.  So far so good!

I do miss school, though.  I'm anxious to get back to our routine.  There is a lot that is comforting about that!  Of course, it'll have to wait till after our grand Virginia/Pennsylvania trip next week.  Yeah!

Next on the list.  Suitcases. Packing.  Fun!

Now, I'm getting ready to hit the save button and I just want you to know that it took 3 hours to make my last post because HSB kept scrambling my paragraphs and even moving sentences.  Explain THAT one to me.  I still don't wish to leave this homeschool community, but my limits are being sorely tested.  So here goes.  If the gibberish, is more gibbery than usual, blame HSB!

Gardening season is now in full swing and my brain has been overflowing with all kinds of seemingly useless, but hopefully helpful, gardening tidbits. I’m still learning as I go; year after year. I have never, however, kept track of anything. Now that I’m homeschooling and keeping track of everything else in my life, I feel at a loss as to why I haven’t kept better track of my gardening.

A couple of months ago I went to Borders (which I don’t care for—and that’s putting it mildly) and found a gardening journal that wowed me. I waited too long to buy it and now it’s gone. So after looking at a few possibilities on Amazon last night, I got to thinking. I’m "bindering" (my new word) everything else in my life, why not gardening too?! I googled "homemade gardening journal" (or something to that effect) and this is what came up.

I’m excited to add another binder to my life and especially one that will be so helpful (and a lot cheaper than the $30 one I liked). So, I figure that’s three nice perennials I’ve saved for! Plus, I’m thinking I can get it caught up while we’re road-tripping it to Jamestown for the big 400 next week!  Add that to the packing list!

So now for the cool plant story….
I’ve always wanted a "Rose Campion". I had a friend that had them, and for five years I’ve fruitlessly searched for it. Found it! But first, after nearly giving up, I googled to see if I could find it in a gardening catalog or mail order. The only place that sold it turned out to be (of all places!)  Monticello! This would be Thee Monticello, home of Thomas Jefferson, 1000 miles from where I live and yet, where I will be in about a week! Come to find out it actually originated in his garden (at least in America). How cool is that?

A friend took me to a neat nursery last weekend, and there it was! Man ooooh man! So now it is lovingly planted in my front bed by my favorite chair. I’m feeling it! I’ll have to buy some official "Thomas Jefferson/Monticello" seeds though. I can’t hardly let that opportunity pass by!

My husband has an office in our home.  Really it's a dumping ground, more than an office.  It is filled with stacks and stacks of papers, boxes, and computer parts.  There is a desk and a couple of bookshelves--two nice windows, a door, a small closet and a ceiling fan.  That's the highlights.

The reason I say it's not really an office is because he doesn't work in it--well, hardly ever.  Actually he tends to prefer the recliner and my end table.  You know, my end table with the cute little object d'art, that gets pushed aside, knocked over, and buried under piles of paper, that end up piled in his "office".

I never say anything about it.  Just scoop it up, quick open the door, throw it all in, and quick close the door.  (I've considered a padlock to keep guests from wandering in.)

So the other day, husband says he's ready to clean it out and that he doesn't think he'll use it and if I want the room for something, I can have it.  HELLOOOOOO!  My entire body, especially my tongue, went into complete and utter shock!  The possibilities started spinning through my head.  I've basically been offered SPACE. 

Now, I have not been deprived of space in this house.  I have a big, beautiful schoolroom.  I have a huge loft where I can scrapbook while the kids play.  I have a large, comfortable master bedroom.  I even have a sunroom, that has dreams of being a reading/writing, "have a cup of tea" sunroom.  We even have a guest bedroom, which I think every girl dreams of (don't they?).  So what's left?

No.  Really.  What's left?  I have NO ideas.  The room is sort of isolated in the house, so I'm not sure what good purpose it could solve.  I guess the big problem is that everything I do, I enjoy being surrounded by my family.  Isolation is a big downer.  I think that's why hubby likes the recliner/desk instead of the "office". 

Maybe a hot tub?? 

Leaving a big window wide open in the school room, on a rainy stormy day, is not a good idea--no matter how bad the turtle cage stinks. 

Especially! 

Especially if you keep all your notebooks (that would be all boys work for the past two years) under the same window. 

These would be the same notebooks that were heard screaming (while we were away from home during two of the storms), "don't rain on me". 

No one heard!

I recently "invested" in some new vitamins.  They just happen to be gargantuan in size and within the first week, I almost choked on one.  After that, I was tense everytime I took them.  If the husband was gone, I couldn't take them because I was certain I would choke again.  Finally, I started cutting them in half. 

Then, it happened again.  I choked on half a vitamin.  It was completely lodged in my throat, though I could still breath and talk.  But it was stuck.  It hurt and was very scary.  I was totally panicked and the husband practically had to sit on me to get me to sit still and wait for it to soften.  I don't know if it's my ever-advancing age or what ,but I have never had trouble swallowing a pill before.  I've never choked before.

I remember my Aunt choking on a candied flower off my wedding cake, at the reception.  My Uncle (not her husband) performed the heimlich manuever and the thing flew across the room.  She was gasping for breath!  He totally saved her life!

I'm cooling it on the vitamins for awhile till I get my nerve back.  Maybe then I'll grind them up and drink them in some tea!

There are some illusions that are so good, they convince us of we are other than we are.  Take for instance--reading glasses. 

Reading glasses are so cool the first few days...then as you become more dependent upon them, you have to buy more.  You look up one day (over the top of your reading glasses) to find that there are a pair in every room, but not in your bottomless pit of a purse (when you are at Target and desperately need to be able to read the microscopic fine print on the bottom of that tube of lipstick). 

Then...one day you are standing in line at Half Price Books and you see them hanging there...the string thingies...  That's the official name for those wonderful contraptions that hang around your neck, connect to your reading glasses, putting you forever in the category of "grandma".  Your oldest child is 7. 

It has arrived.  Old age.  With readers prominently around the neck you go to book sales, homeschool conventions, the library.  Sunshine arrives in the form of spring and you find yourself worrying over how you will read outside with sunglasses over your reading glasses.  That might be difficult.

So how does one become young again after such thoughts have invaded your otherwise lovely existence?  You go to the eyedoctor and find out that in one short year they have invented and manufactured soft, disposable, 30 day, yes you can sleep in them, bifocals!!!

Can I just say YEAH!!!  There are fewers things that have given me such a giddy feeling, unless you count, Jesus, marriage, pregnancy, childbirth, motherhood, homeschooling, etc..  But seriously,  these are not my father's bifocals.  My father's bifocals are 1/2 an inch thick and sit on his nose (looking painful, I might add).  They are constantly throwing his neck into spasms as he attempts to find the right lense to look through (actually, his are trifocals). 

I can see again...like way back a year ago when I was young.  The year has been erased.  I'm young again.  Now if I could just erase all the boo-boos too.

Wow! 

I just realized my site counter has passed 10,000!  So some people (hopefully not the same 3 or 4 or they must be really, really bored) have visited this site in a year and a half, and read my posts.  Thats kind of shocking to me, for some reason.  I suppose considering I've netted some really great friends out of the deal, that anything is possible. 

I can not for the life of me tell you how I came to HomeSchool Blogger.  Must have been a God-thing. 

I kinda like those God-things! 

I recently had a question come up regarding the recent demise of my monthly "Our Complete___" entries.  I didn't intend to kill them off.  It just sort of happened!  First it was the holidays, then travel.  Before I knew it I had missed three end of the month posting times. 

In evaluating whether or not to continue them, the biggest hampering has been remembering a months worth of learning off the top of my head.  Previously I would drag our notebooks up here to the computer, get out the camera, and the calendar and start my post.  It usually took a minimum of two hours to write. 

Generally, the whole idea was to communicate to my extended family what was happening.  I figured out, though, that those that "want" to know, already knew.  Those not interested, never read them, or made mention of them.  In short, they seemed a waste of time for me.  Now, I know some of you read them and enjoyed them, and for that I'm grateful and consider it time well spent.  I just don't find them a priority at this time. 

As all of us "bloggers" eventually go through an evaluation of our computer time, I determined that posting more frequent, yet shorter posts on our highlights would be less of a burden on me.  Believe me...we don't want me burdened by the dumb computer.  I'd be very likely to pitch it out the window!

So that's my answer and I'm sticking to it until I change my mind--which has been known to happen!  I hope that all previous "Complete" readers will still hang around.  By the way, more of you should let your selves be known to little 'ole me.  I recently found out that someone I don't know, from my very own home town, has been getting to know me on the sly.  That's just not right! :)

I've floundered around recently in an attempt to learn, better understand, and implement a healthier way of cooking and eating for our family.  I was quite surprised when I came upon this wonderful book which was the only title our library carries by Sue Gregg (co-authored with Emilie Barnes)--The 15 Minute Meal Planner. 

I have to say, this book's title does not do it justice.  Actually, it doesn't even begin to appropriately describe the contents.  Inside this book I learned everything I could possibly want to know about eating foods closer to the way God created them (whole foods).  Every weird thing I've never heard of was defined and explained and basic, yet sensible nutrition, was discussed.  I also got some fabulous recipes and was able to establish meal patterns for all three meals a day, plus snack.   

This book puts forth all of the Biblical reasons to feed ourselves healthier and also addresses food myths and fad diets, in a very reasonable fashion.  The medical reasons alone are a big enough reason. 

As a really terrible eater--I mean really bad--this book was very encouraging and hope-filled.  In other words, doable.  I was surprised that a book just over ten years old would be as complete as it is.  The only thing not specifically addressed was Splenda. 

If you are at all interested in this topic, you'll find this book very helpful.  The many recipes included are also a good picture of what Sue Gregg includes in her many volumes of cookbooks that are available at homeschool conventions.  I've walked by her booth many times with the "yeah right" attitude clicking away in my short-sighted, know-it-all brain. 

So, what are meal patterns?  If you've ever attempted meal planning as I have (many times), you'll get this right off.  You have a set of patterns for dinner (for instance)--you insert the specifics, while using the pattern to tell you the "bones" of the meal.  Here is what I adapted from her book for my family:

Breakfast Patterns:
#1
Fresh cut fruit
Yogurt or cottage cheese
Crushed nuts, 1-3 tsp

#2
Whole grain cereal
Yogurt or milk
Whole grain toast (opt)
Fresh fruit

#3
Whole grain pancakes, waffles, or French toast
Fruit topping, maple syrup, or raw honey
Yogurt or milk
Fresh fruit

#4
Egg
Whole grain toast/muffin
Fresh fruit or juice
Milk (opt) 

Morning Snack Patterns:
#1
Whole grain crackers
Cheese

#2
Granola
Fresh cut fruit (opt)

#3
Yogurt
Granola (opt)

#4
Cut veggies
Sunflower seed butter or salad dressing

#5
Fresh cut fruit
Yogurt or Milk (opt)

Lunch Patterns:
#1
Soup
Whole grain muffin/crackers
Veggie munchies
Yogurt, cottage cheese or cheddar cheese

#2
Salad; green or veggie w/protein added (egg, chicken, cheese, nuts, seeds, or beans)
Whole grain muffin
Milk

#3
Sandwich w/Sunflower seed, soy nut or almond butter
Veggie munchies or green salad
Milk or yogurt

#4
Sandwich w/meat & cheese
Veggie munchies or green salad
Yogurt or Milk

#5
Fresh fruit salad or cut fruit wedges
Yogurt or cottage cheese
Crushed nuts, 1-3 tsp 

Dinner Patterns:
#1
Fish main dish
Brown rice dish
Green or veggie salad
Fresh Vegetable
Cooked whole grain bread (opt)

#2
Soup/stew
Whole grain muffin, hot bread, or crackers
Veggie munchies or salad
Fresh fruit (opt)

#3
Large fresh salad w/added protein
Hot whole grain bread or muffin
Fresh fruit

#4
Chicken main dish
Green or Veggie salad
Fresh vegetable, cooked
Whole grain or bread
Fresh fruit

#5
Fresh fruit salad main dish
Yogurt or cottage cheese
Crushed nuts, 1-3 tsp
Whole grain muffin or bread

#6
Egg main dish
Whole grain muffin, toast or english muffin
Potato; hashbrowns
Fresh fruit

#7
Turkey main dish
Whole grain pasta
Veggie or green salad
Whole grain bread/muffin (opt)
Fresh fruit

#8
Baked potato or Yam as main dish
Bean salad
Whole grain bread or muffin
Fresh fruit wedges

Of course, all the choices are fresh, low fat or homemade for better ingredients and taste. You can see how easily you insert your favorite main dish recipes into the patterns.  My hope is that it helps with planning and removes confusion and deep decision making (which I'm incapable of making when I'm tired or unmotivated!).

I look forward to a future investment in some of her cookbooks.  They are not available in our library system, which is sad, but there is enough in this book to get me started. 

March definately came in like a lion last night.  Both children came running as the loudest, craziest thunder and lightning surrounded us.  From 3am to about 4:30am, there was not much rest.  My only consolation was that tornadoes usually don't hit during thunder and lightning--no...that wonderful joy is left-over for today.  We're on high alert for all day and tonight. 

I have really struggled with my fear in this area.  I'm praying that the Lord will give me peace in this.  I don't enjoy this.  Nothing about this fear is logical, in the Lord, but it's a hard one. 

Well...

I finally did it.  Bought it, read it and now, you get to read all about it!

It's really Ali's fault for reminding me about it, though it's been in the back of my mind since it was published.  It sort of falls in the category of books that you know you should read because they are inspiring and full of truth, yet you're not quite sure you want to truly face up to that truth just yet--if you know what I mean. :)  The Book of Job has always been in this category, though I'm not sure why.  I read it recently with new eyes and thought, "Wow!  That God really knows what He's talking about!"

That whole "meek and quiet" thing--

I Peter 3:4--"but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle [meek] and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious."

--brings to mind a hurtful time when I was in high school and a youth pastor told me I'd never have a "meek and quiet" anything.  It's amazing how words do hurt and scar.  Of course, there's more to that story as well.

So, I read it in two short days.  It was very good.  I highly recommend it to any homeschool mom who has ever been frustrated even once.  That means you.   Here's why:

It is not a judgemental book at all.  There is no placing of guilt or unreachable ideals that suck you down into the pit of oblivion.  I've never enjoyed "self-help" books.  Christian ones, too, fill up the pages with scripture's that don't seem to quite go with the topic and then the "action points" are something out of a psych clinic, or a hollywood movie.  Teri Maxwell's book doesn't come close to that.  Though she definately uses scripture and action points, I found myself, as fast as I was reading this and unable to put it down, wishing I could memorize each and every scripture she listed.  I still may. 

It could just be that this was the time.  The Lord definately does that.  This is an area I've seen coming to the fore-front over the last year.  Little growth spurts have helped me confront this issue and this book was a good culmination, though I'm sure my journey has not quite come to it's end.  Work in progress.

The author really describes a "meek and quiet spirit" as something that's always there, yet we let things rob us of it.  She talks about our fear, anger, joy, time, organization, frustrations, and even depression.  I'm not exactly sure why the way she covered these topics surprised me.  And in case you are wondering, there were no commercials for her time management book.  She just laid herself out there, for all to see.

I'll never think of this verse or topic the same.  No longer will I say, "I'm loud so I'm not meek and quiet".  "Quiet" has very little to do with the volume of your voice, unless your screaming.  No longer will I see these moms (you?) that whisper when they talk and you just know they are 100% "together" and would die before they raise their voices, and think "I'm doomed" and my kids are "doomed".  We have the joy of the Lord and need to remember it daily.

I know I haven't gone into a lot of specifics from the book, but each reader, I'm sure, will glean their own insights.  I just wanted you to know, if you've ever come to this verse in the Bible and read real fast to get past it so you don't have to think about it (or look in a mirror while reading it), you'll like the book. 

If you are having the terrible trouble I am, rallying the troops each morning, read this wonderful idea!

We've tried timers and yelling.  That was no good.  Now we have 7yo son going through a lifelong growth spurt requiring the full and total consumption of enough breakfast to feed about 5 of me.  And...he's NOT a quick eater.  What is the deal with that? LOL

Really, they want to play.  Who can blame them?  It doesn't help that we parents (the "example setters") are not getting up before them and paving the way.  It also doesn't help that they have so much fun together! 

What's a mother to do?  Well, I'm going to give  it a try and see.  I'll keep you "posted"!

Yes. Gone.  Three weeks ago, I had a 3 1/2 yo little girl who was 99% daytime dry.  Regular trips to the potty were her idea.  Accidents only occured when there was a large disruption to her normal routine. 

Then suddenly, like a bolt out of the blue, she can no longer get herself to the potty unless she has to st*nky.  She was having so many accidents, that I got out the timer (for my benefit) and started setting it to remind her to go to the potty.  Now, she throws a fit about going if she doesn't hear the buzzer!

Finally today, in despair, I made her put on a pull-up.  So frustrating. 

She tells me everytime she's wet.  She was getting in trouble for lying and saying she wasn't! 

Did I mention son practically trained himself overnight?  Why is this so hard?  All coaxing, threatening, withholding of treats, promised of rewards--nothing has helped.

Any suggestions before I go get the potty training book and start all over?