I just got this email today. It has more information. As mentioned in previous posts, I'd like to hook up with other homeschool families planning on taking a trip to Disney this year. We would like to go in September. The dates reflect the same presentation 3 days in a row. NOT three days of homeschooling stuff. You pick one.

We are so excited to present to you our new Disney Home School Days educational program: Passport to Discovery

This unique program at Epcot at the Walt Disney World Resort can be enjoyed throughout the year with a group of 10 or more home school students. Just call our office at 1-866-291-6704 to request your group’s ticket order form.

On select dates, we are also offering a very special program enhancement, a cultural diversity presentation, followed by a question and answer segment led by a Disney cultural representative. These natives of other countries present unique insights into their home country’s culture, traditions and lifestyle.

2006 Special Cultural Diversity Presentation Event Dates

February   21 & 22, 2006

             May          25, 26 & 27, 2006, and

      September 18, 19 & 20, 2006

 This program is available for $41.50 plus tax per person for groups of 10 or more homeschool students. Parent teachers and guests may purchase up to as many adult tickets as they have purchased student tickets. I have attached the ticket order form.

We hope you will plan to join us and experience this very special program event.

So, start planning now to join with many other home school families participating in this exciting program.

Okay, apparently we need 10 KIDS rather than just 10 people. I think. Okay, so I have 3 school age kids. We're taking the twins, but we may do the Disney day care. Also, our timeshare condo has childcare as well. I've heard great things about the Disney daycare though.

Has anyone been to the homeschooling thing at Disney World? Is it worth planning our vacation around and trying to hook up with other families? I'm trying to plan our accommodations right now (I just realized I'm not sure how to spell accomodations). 

Anyway, I'm really looking forward to this trip. It's our first with the kids. I went about 15 years ago when Epcot was brand new. MGM hadn't been conceived yet!

We are planning a trip to Disney World in Florida this year. We need a group of at least 10 people to get in, so we're looking for at least 5 more people to join us for their homeschool days in September. They run the 18th, 19th, and 20th. If you're planning a trip there anyway, could we hook up? They give a special presentation and a 50+ page textbook in Epcot, then the rest of the vacation is yours.

We've promised my son since he was 5 that we would take him to Disney World when he turned 10. He turns 10 this December, so we've made plans. Then we found out about the homeschool days and thought that'd be pretty cool. We can move our plans up to September. It'd probably be less busy anyways. It would be REALLY cool to meet another homeschooling family or two in the process.

So email me at jdriller@gmail.com if this interests you. I'm not talking about hogging your vacation or anything like that. I'm just wanting to get together for the hour and a half presentation, and if you like we could have lunch or something like that too. Otherwise, it's just to form a group of 10 to qualify for the stuff.

Okay, this is like the 50th time we've restructured our homeschool. Well, not REALLY, but it feels like we're constantly evolving our concept here. I like the Charlotte Mason method for the most part, but I tend to be more eclectic. We did Amblesideonline.com for the first part of the year, but the kids were getting bored. They just can't seem to make that jump to classical literature. They've learned a lot, which is good, but I've just been lazy with extra activities. So most of their work has been "table" work.

I recently re-read some articles by Dr. Raymond Moore, and they seem to encapsulate our ideals a little better. So I find myself excited again about homeschooling. If you're wondering what their philosophies are, please visit their website at http://moorefoundation.com. (edited: Thank you to a friend who pointed out that the link I DID have was NOT good. I'm sorry if anyone followed it before). I don't have time to get into it. My lunch is wilting. :-)

Anyway, I think the bottom line is I have gained more confidence in my homeschooling endeavors to branch out on my own rather than follow one particular method or curriculum. Yay. I'll let you know as the days progress, how we're coming along.

Gotta go eat my salad!!

Hmm, our youth group, Downpour (http://www.downpouryouth.org) is going well. Dennis and I finished our yearly schedule. This year we're doing a theme called "The Anchor". We will be focusing on The Bible and what's really in it. I know it sounds general, and you might think "don't you always teach from the Bible?' The answer is "of course". However, it is so surprising to find that this generation of "seekers" or "post moderns", as they are called,  do not really believe the Bible is the end all and be all for their lives. They gravitate towards the lie that truth is relative. It depends on your point of view. Most of our kids are praying, but they're not reading the Word.

Now we're of the mindset that this does not affect their standing with God, however, it means they have no foundation, no anchor. Their belief systems are out of whack and they are floating from one idea to the next. So we're gonna be digging this year. We're gonna plant that seed DEEP that the Word of God is ultimate and final truth and that there is no substitute or comparison.

Each month has a corresponding theme that ties in with the whole. February is called "Real Love", and we'll get into what the Bible says about love. March is "When the saints go marching in". We'll learn about the greats of our faith and what made them great.  And so on. The one we're really excited about is in October. It's called "Over the Underworld". Like I said these kids are seekers and they are so intrigued with the occult, vampires, goths, etc. Yet they are SOOO fearful. We're gonna strip the dark of its power over their minds. The Bible says that Jesus defeated Satan and "made a show" of him. The terminology indicates a processional in which the head of the enemy was shown to the crowds to make known that he was completely conquered. These kids believe a lie that these dark beings are powerful, when the truth is they have been defeated. Their only power comes from believing the lie. This is the stickiest lie we have encountered. They play with the darkness, not realizing the place they give it in their lives. I get mad at the deception. I really do.

We covet your prayers for these teens this year. Pray for God's ability working in us to plant good seed and collect the harvest. Pray for our family that they would be provided for and protected from illness and accident so we can fulfill these plans. Pray that the eyes of these kids' understanding would be opened and their hearts ready to receive the good Word of the Lord. Pray that we would have wisdom in all situations and hearts full of love for these students. Finally, pray for safety and order in our Saturday Night meetings. We really appreciate your support, and you're taking part in the lives of these teens by doing so. Thanks.

Wow, I don't think I've written a new blog since the new year began. It was a crazy but happy holiday season this past year. We had most of my husband's family down from up north. It was loud and totally a blast.

We are finally recovering from a long break in school. It's tough to get back in the groove. We had to change our schedule around yet again. Now we have all our free time in the morning after breakfast and chores while the babies are up. Then when I put the babies down for their long afternoon nap after lunch, we start school. Cameron wants to use the computer more for research, so we're gonna do some of that in some modified unit studies.

I told the kids that I was sorry for being so lazy and selfish lately. I've avoided going out of the house becuase the twins make it so hard. I've also kind of hid in my bedroom reading and napping. I'm not depressed or fatigued really, I'm just lazy. :-) We're not utilizing all the benefits of homeschooling, and it's just me in the way. So, I've made a decision to get out and keep up with history club and some other homeschool group meetings. I've got to have some support if I'm gonna make it without sending them all off to PS.

Andrew starts "kindergarten" this fall, and I'm still wondering whether or not to send him to PS for this first year. It helped me get the other two reading, and it gave them a good idea about following schedules and working within a group. I do not look forward to fighting with him.

I started losing weight recently. On purpose. I just adjusted my eating lifestyle. I finally decided that getting back to my ideal weight would be more rewarding than any junk food I want at the moment. So I cut my portions, my fat and calorie intake, and I upped my fiber along with some natural supplements to support my slow thyroid. I got my thyroid checked awhile back and nothing showed up in their tests, but my temperature has been a low 96.8 everyday for weeks. I had a birthday the 19th, so I figure my metabolism is slowing down. Bummer. I guess I'm gonna have to get off my butt some more for that too!!!

Anyway, I'm so grateful to God for this new year, His promises, my healthy and happy family, our friends, and our church home. We look forward to a prosperous and glorious year ahead.

Blessings to all my online friends here at homeschoolblogger.com - especially the ever faithful Jedi4sweet, MySmokyMtnHomeschoo, and JenIG who comment so faithfully and who I consider my cyber-buddies. :-)

Please join me in remembering a great icon of the entertainment community.   
 
The Pillsbury Doughboy died yesterday of a yeast infection and trauma  
complications from repeated pokes in the belly.  He was 71.  Doughboy was buried 
in a lightly greased  coffin. 
 
Dozens of celebrities turned out to pay their respects, including Mrs. Butterworth, 
Hungry Jack, the California Raisins, Betty  Crocker, the Hostess Twinkies, and 
Captain Crunch.  The grave site was piled high with flours.   
 
Aunt Jemima delivered the eulogy and lovingly described Doughboy as a man who 
never knew how much he was kneaded. Doughboy rose quickly in show business, 
but his later life was filled with turnovers. He was not considered a very smart cookie, 
wasting much of his dough on half-baked schemes.   Despite being a little flaky at 
times he still was a crusty old man and was  considered a roll model for millions.  
 
Doughboy is survived by his wife Play Dough, two children, John Dough and Jane 
Dough, plus they had one in the oven. He is also survived by his elderly father, 
Pop Tart.  The funeral was held at 3:50 for about 20 minutes.

The Mom Center is an organizational system I have created. It has worked so well for me that I thought I would offer it to other busy moms who maybe can't find a planner that fits them. I've been all over the internet. I've purchased a dozen different Dayplanners and other types of planners, but I always spent a bunch of money and only used some of what was in it. So I decided to create my own. It is PERFECT! I use it constantly. I take it with me to the grocery store, doctor visits or errands. I consult it just about every day, but the cool thing is that I am getting so organized with it that I don't HAVE to use it every day. That's the mark of a good system. It should wean you off it. It should be a tool to help you make habits. For instance, we've done away with a couple of chore lists because we simply don't need to be reminded anymore.

The awesome thing about this system is that it is so totally customizable and you can put in it only what you will use.

I'd love to offer to my homeschooling buddies, so here is the link

http://largefamilyresource.com/modules/smartsection/item.php?itemid=7

This is my site for large families. This page is an article I wrote about the ebook, and it has a link to purchase it via paypal and download it immediately. If you'd rather not use paypal for some reason, you can simply email me at themomcenter@largefamilyresource.com for payment and download instructions.

I'm excited about this, and I'd really like to get some testimonials once you've tried it.

I'm on a writing spree right now.

Babies are funny. They learn so quickly how to play you. I've got mine penned up in their playroom. It WAS the dining room, but our need for toy space replaced our need for entertaining space. I've got two gates up. They can see in the living room, where the boys are playing, and in the kitchen where I'm typing away at my desk (I've moved my computer to Mom Central). They are at the age however, where they really want to explore the wonders of undercounters and toilet bowls. They are crying of course. However, they take breaks to look at an interesting toy. I am keeping my eyes squarely on this screen because I know that if I look their way ONCE, it's over. They will start the hugest fit this house has ever seen. They know how to work it. Once they think they've got my attention, it's on.

Did I mention how the twins are now 18 months - the dreaded age of inquiry? They are into EVERYTHING. Other moms of mulitiples warned me that it was at this age I would really KNOW I had twins. They were right. Before, the girls were like luggage, we just carried them around everywhere. Now ... let's just say I think my eyes may be going crossed from having to watch them in all directions.

Okay, they've found something amusing.

Oh no, they're fighting over a toy. There goes the tears. Only a half hour until their nap. Maybe just 20 minutes.  :-)

(disclaimer: this was all written tongue-in-cheek, so don't send the straight-jackets in yet)

I have the microwave from the underworld. It randomly chooses to trip the circuit breaker forcing one of us to tramp downstairs to the basement to flip the switch. I secretly think it is in league with the spiders, luring us to the basement as the ultimate prank. I swear I hear little arachnoid snickers in between my grumbling. Anyway, it usually picks me to play it's little joke on - especially when I have screaming babies waiting for their food.

Anyone know a good haunted house that might like a new attraction? I hope Santa brings me a new microwave.

I got a great idea off a website once. I have no idea where, now. But I use it all the time. If you have a big crew to feed or even if you just want to save some time in the kitchen, this will help. My family loves potatoes. I HATE peeling potatoes. I get a thumb cramp every time. :-) So what I do is I buy a 10lb. bag and I wash them up in the sink all together. Preheat my oven to 350 degrees. I get out two baking sheets and pour a little oil on them. I then dip my fingers in the oil and cover each potatoe with a light layer. Then I simply bake them for 1 hour. When they're finished, they're put in a bowl, covered and placed in the fridge. They should keep for about 6 months that way. I use them for lunches, casseroles, fried potatoes, mashed potatoes, and even in the blender for baby food. This is one of my best tips. It has been a huge help to me.

I have nothing to write. I'm writing this just to see if it's procrastination or lack of ingenuity or just life. I'm going through something right now that feels a lot like stretching. I know many of you have experienced this feeling too. After watching my five kids grow and go through the different early stages of childhood, I have noticed a few things. There are undefined stages that are "in-between" what all the textbooks describe. For each child these stages occur at different ages. I can only spot them after fighting with my grumpy children who can't seem to flow with life. I'll be struggling with a child, and I'll have an "a-ha" moment when I realize they are now in that "in-between" stage. It's when their minds say they can do something that their bodies won't let them. It's right in the middle of the butterfly pushing out of the cocoon. It's SUCH a frustrating place. It's that moment right before you learn something new on an instrument. You had such a handle on the last thing you learned. You mastered it, but along comes a new chord - a challenging chord - that your fingers can't seem to find. The old ones that took so long to learn are just habit now. They're comfortable, but this new arena ... it's a stretch.

When one of my kids are in this place, they get grumpy and difficult. They're just dealing with that frustrated emotion the only way they know how, and I try to take the opportunity to teach them how to handle difficult emotions. When I'M in it, I shut down just a little. That is until I recognize what it is, and then I get busy. Right now, I'm in the process of discovering that I'm in that phase. :-) I haven't gotten busy quite yet, but then I've had a sinus infection for the past few days. I'm functional though, which is a huge step up for me. Before when I'd get sick, I'd be in bed all the time - asking for help with the kids. Now, I just sleep when I can and do my best, without any additional work added.

I've learned to be so thankful for the growth and the stretching that comes with it. It means that the next best is right around the corner. God is so gentle and patient with us, but He doesn't give up on us either. He expects more from us when it's time because He really believes in us. I believe that with all my heart.

Well, I guess I did have something to write. I need to trust these fingers a little more. I'll talk some more about where this phase is going. For now, I'm off this thing.

Hey, I don't care WHO adds me as a FRIEND. I LOVE it! I love the community feel of this blog site. Some other ones are just so big and random and impersonal. I love reading what other homeschooling people have to write about - even when it doesn't necessarily pertain to homeschooling. I just wanted people who read my blog know that I absolutely love to have people add me as a friend. When I get time, I like to read the random blogs too. I do add friends as well when it's something I'd like to see more of. So, I agree with Devonbunny in her comment on one of my other articles.

Also, I liked SpunkyHomeschool's suggestion of answering a good comment with a blog article. Good idea. Thanks for writing.

You guys have got me hankerin' to go read some blogs right now. I rarely get the time to sit down and do so.

See you out there in cyber-space!

Okay, I have a few comments and questions about blogging. First, I get some wonderful comments that I just LOVE reading. I feel like some of these people are my friends, though I've never really met. It would be so great to be able to reply to comments. I know you can track them down and email them, but a handy little reply button or click would be awesome. Just a suggestion.

Also, the "friends" thing begs a few questions from me. I have a huge temptation to put just about everyone in my friends list. Is this "okay"? I mean, especially when they add ME as a friend. I think it should be mutual. This could be my over-analytical, hyper-equilibrium thing talking. Should you email a reply to a comment or comment at THEIR blog?

Just for the record, I'm terrible at replying. I never call people back when they leave a message on my recorder either. It's not intentional, it's forgetfulness. It's a poor habit, and I want to be better, but if I neglect to answer a comment or question, PLEASE forgive me. (Wow, that was a major run-on sentence).

I thought I'd sort of sum up what's been going on in the Driller household lately. The kids are doing great with AO's year 1. They are slowly learning to narrate and maybe even appreciate some of the heavy history of Briton. Ray's arithmetic is getting challenging. Cameron is frustrated over fractions. He's having to find the lowest common denominators and do all kinds of stuff I swear I didn't do in 4th grade. But he's really having to use and exercise that brain. I'm so glad. :-) Carly is learning her multiplication tables. They LOVE their geography with the Holling C. Holling series. We are still finishing up The Paddle-To-The-Sea. We work on The Tree in the Trail next. I've already borrowed it from the library, but I may have to buy it. Hmmm.

I've begun my Christmas shopping if you can believe that. I put about $250 worth of stuff on layaway. And that's just the beginning. It's around this time of year I realize I have a lot of kids. :-) Now that the babies are getting "real" presents, it's gonna get expensive. I usually don't get my shopping started until December. I need those layaway options this year.

I've been working my MomExecs business more. I came down with broncitis and had major dental work a few months back. That kept me off the phone. Then I just couldn't get back in the swing of things. Now, I'm back full force. I'm really doing a lot of training and learning. I've figured out how to get my business in profit right away, then to teach others to do the same thing. I will not bring another person on board without being able to do this. For those of you who don't know what I'm talking about, I run a marketing business representing healthier, safer, better products that are less expensive and more convenient than what you'd find in the grocery store. I've been using all of these products in my home now for months, and I am continually impressed. The cleaning products - the twins could drink the stuff and it wouldn't hurt them a bit, yet they work better than the caustic bleach stuff. I use their laundry products as well, and I see such a difference in the life of our clothing. In fact, I once got out a mess of chocolate 2 days old on the twins white birthday outfits. I used their PreSpot. It's awesome. I didn't mean to go all sales on ya. I just get excited about my business. I only work it a couple hours a day - usually during the twins' naptimes, but it's worth it. If you'd like to, you can visit my website to find out more: http://momexecs.drillerweb.com

Speaking of cleaning ... I just paid to have two ladies come deep clean my house. It was SO awesome!! The house is still looking good. I'm gonna do that AT LEAST once a month, maybe two. Boy, I just cannot do everything, and cleaning is something I dread. I just hate it. I'm a nerd. I am NOT domestic. I mean I'm doing all right faking it. haha. But it's not my cup of tea. I'd rather be online or programming. Anyhoo. I'm gonna have these ladies come in and help organize my closets too sometime before the holidays. Yay.

What else? Oh yeah, the twins are really growing. They've hit 18 months, and as everyone warned me, now I know I have twins. They are into EVERYTHING! I have to order about 3 more gates since we have stairs and bathrooms everywhere in this house. Yikes. But they are SO cute and fun. Here is a picture of our annual church Trunk or Treat. It's a great alternative to trick or treating. This year I won the grand prize of $100 for the best decorated trunk. I think I cheated using live actors. You be the judge:

Here is Captain Drew - the dread pirate. He won 2nd prize for his costume. We got it all for about 2 bucks at the Dollar Tree. I LOVE it!

Here he is holding little Anna. Notice his hook?

Well, this is getting long, so I will write more about what's been going on with us a little later. To all my friends who read these, I plan on looking you up too!

We went to homeschooler's day at Belle Meade Plantation in Nashville, TN. You can visit their website at http://www.bellemeadeplantation.com. I went with our local homeschool organization's history club. This was our first meeting with them. We've been trying to make a conscious effort to get together with other homeschoolers. I know the kids and I all need the support. So we found out they were meeting to carpool out to Nashville. We're about 1.5 hours from there, but it was a beautiful day for a car ride (well, after the fog cleared, that is).

First of all, it was just great to meet other homeschoolers. You really need that connection, I found. You don't feel so wierd. :-) I look forward to getting together with these moms and their kids every month now.

The event itself was really neat. They had a hands-on exhibit series at the Harding cabin - well, here is the official description:

Celebrate autumn with this special event at our 1790’s frontier Harding Cabin. Discover the work of harvest time firsthand and learn to perform chores without the use of modern conveniences. Scheduled activities include: dipping candles, spinning and carding wool, churning butter, and quilting. Open hearth cooking will be demonstrated by costumed guides.

The kids really enjoyed the day. They had a man demonstrate how they made a nail. It was painstaking work. We found out that nails were very valuable. In fact, if a family moved they would first burn down their empty cabin and then gather the nails after it cooled. The government had to enact a law the forbid the burning of cabins because settlers were cutting down trees to build cabins then burning the cabins when they left. So no new settlers could build in the area after awhile. That was interesting.

They also had a "longhunter". He was dressed to the hilt. He fired a real musket after showing us how to load it. He showed us some authentic beading, tanned goods, and knives. It was so cool. That was my favorite part since I had been reading a book about a longhunter.

We picnicked at a nearby park all together. They kids played and played and played on the equipment. I just loved that they were making friends with other homeschooled kids. I cannot describe how cool it was. They did not want to leave. Everyone took to the twins, and, of course, the babies loved the attention. Needless to say, we were all tired and very dirty when we finally made it home!

It was the first time I ventured out on a field trip with the babies. I was so afraid! They have never done well being away from their beds at naptime. They were whiney, but it wasn't too bad. As soon as I fed them and they could play, all was fine. The ride back was a little noisy until EVERYONE fell asleep!

I'd say the whole experiment was a success, and I sure did have a great time yakking with the other moms. I know I made some great friends. The history club meets once a month at someone's house. They have periods dishes and studies and sometimes field trips. I can really get into this!

Here'a a picture of Alyssa (a public school friend we took), Andrew, Cameron, and Carly doing some laundry the 1700's way.

There are a few things I have learned to do that other people really want to learn too. It can be so time consuming and even costly to try to learn a new skill. I know. I'm always trying. :-) So, I thought I'd list a few things that I'd like to write articles about and hopefully help someone who's been wanting to learn at least a little about it. If you'd like to see a few articles on some of these skills, let me know in the comments section. It's gonna take some effort to put together some tutorials, and I don't want to do it if there is no interest (though I probably will anyway. I'm a glutton for punishment sometimes). Here are the topics I know a little something about:

Puppet making (like the people puppets or the muppets)

Web site design (both theory and actual HTML programming)

Web site marketing

Staying safe on the Internet

Finding deals on the Internet

Ebay auctioning

Well, that's it for now. Look for articles and tutorials on some of these topics.

I like change. I always have. I'm addicted to rearranging furniture. I always think the better configuration is out there waiting to be discovered by whomever will sweat enough to take it on. I've done it again to the school room. I want my scrapbooking station up here too. I've only gotten started. I'll post pictures when I can.

Other changes have been going on as well.

I picked up a dog on Freecycle (www.freecycle.org). He's a pug/poodle mix, and he is so sweet. BUT my husband didn't like him, so he's outta here. I found a wonderful family with three little kids who have been looking for a puppy just like him. I know he'll be happy there.

My husband wants a pug. I don't care. I'll love anything in my house pretty much. So we went and put a deposit on a beautiful baby pug bred by some friends of ours. He comes home in 5 weeks. We are so thrilled. I've been learning all I can about pugs, and I have to say I get more and more excited. Again, I'll post pictures when I can.

Oh yeah, I changed my blog template. I just like change.

I'll talk to ya'll later.

Here's the game:
1. Search your blog archive.
2. Find your 23rd post.
3. Find the fifth sentence (this is meant to say something about you).
4. Post that sentence in your blog along with these instructions.
5. Tag five people to do the same.

Okay, what's it mean whent there ISN'T a fifth sentence in your 23rd blog???

Don't worry, my dear online friends at homeschoolblogger.com. I haven't forgotten you. I've been crazy busy. Sometimes, you just need to let some things go. The blog was one of those things these past few weeks. Everyone in the house came down with a nagging cold. It's a wierd cough and runny nose thing that just drains a person, but doesn't go anywhere. We've been doing the echinacea and vitamin C thing. So far, it's holding it at bay. Essentially that means we haven't had to take anyone to the doctor for infections. However, it does mean some lazy days at home. I've had the kids only doing a few days of schoolwork or just pieces of it a day. It's working. We just leave out some things. No biggy. I've kept the house pretty clean too. Not bad, considering I'd like to lay in bed all day.

I've been tackling my clothes. They are multiplying. That's good ... and bad. It means a lot of laundry, but on the great side is that I just bought a whole new wardrobe at ... gulp ... GOODWILL! I can NEVER find anything in that place, but my mom helped me (she has a gift for it) AND she paid for half of it. That was really nice. I really needed it. I even bought a beautiful black leather coat for winter. I'm happy. And I'm out of hangers!

Anyway, I'm sure I'll be updating on this thing some more as the days progress. I somehow feel like saying "thanks for being here", like you're a dear friend who takes the time to listen. Silly, huh?