Here's a good question:  How does one teach responsibility to one's children?

I am open to any and all suggestions.  I've about had it up to "here" with my oldest.  He'll be 13 next week and I truly believe that he should be more responsible than he is.  I am not expecting too much from him.  But I know he can certainly do better than the status quo. 

My husband and I went for a walk up the hill after dinner tonight.  It was really nice to just be the two of us.  Anyway, I asked, "How do you teach responsibility?"  Then I thought, "Hey, there's a whole group of smart moms that are kind enough to read my blog - maybe they can help me out!"

So there it is ... responsibility.  What can I do?

We finished up our week of clay time yesterday.  I wrote more about that on my other blog here so I'll not repeat myself (for once!)

Today, I was thinking about how often our family's way of life is so drastically different from others.  This week, we had the good fortune of being in a class of 3 extremely nice young ladies, ages 8-11, as well as a bright and talkative 5 year old (accompanied by his grandma).  Our teacher was also very nice and personable.  I was so pleased and thanked the Lord each day for the nice people He put us with.  Even the parents that came in to get their kids were nice.

But, of course, there were times when someone would start talking about something that our family doesn't do/eat/watch.  I continually teach our kids what to say or do when times like that occur.  And I also discuss with my kids that it's o.k. to be different from the majority of the rest of the world.  True, there are a lot of people out there like us that homeschool, don't watch TV, don't go to the movies, don't drink soda, and have an extreme dislike for that character made out of a sponge (I don't wish to have his name linked to my blog).  But I'd have to say that most people are not like us.  And in case you are wondering, these very subjects came up this week, as we were working with our clay.  My husband and I are very good at nodding and smiling, contributing to the conversation if we can.  Of course, if there's a situation that calls for us to stand our ground in our beliefs, that's a different story.  But, in the course of normal conversation, subjects like this often come up (pop culture, TV, music, etc.)  So I feel it's my duty to teach my kids how to act and/or respond in these situations.  I think it's called diplomacy.  And it's something I've gotten really good at.

I first learned this skill when talking with my sister.  After I married, it seemed that everything I said to her would put her on the defense and things escalated.  I got very good at walking on egg shells with her and now, we hardly ever talk.  So be it.  And she and I actually have a lot in common.  Go figure.  Anyway, it taught me how to conduct a casual conversation without actually agreeing with someone, while not making them feel uncomfortable.  I read or hear enough about the world to be able to comment on most subjects, which is helpful, but it's also o.k. to just say, "No, I haven't seen that film."  I know of people that take a firm stand against nearly everything and end up offending people for no good reason.  That's not my way.  I used to do that, as a teenager, and it caused a lot of grief.  You live - you learn (don't The Cranberries sing a song like that?  I digress ...)

I pray that the Lord will guide me and my husband, as we teach our children to live in a world that wants them to be cardboard cut-outs of everyone else.  That's not us and I hope my kids will never conform to this world.  I pray that they will be the individuals that God wants them to be.

Our poor homeschooled kids are getting a taste of what it's like to get up early EVERY day and have to be somewhere at 9:00 a.m. - EVERY morning! 

Yes, I've signed them up for an art class this week.  We are learning how to work with clay and it's been fun.  But having to get up at 7:30 is not what they are used to (I'm up at 6:30!)  We have to leave at 8:30 to be at the class by 9:00.  It goes until 12:00 and by the time we get home and eat lunch, all we feel like doing is laying around the house, watching TV or using the computer.  Major bummer, since the weather is absolutely beautiful and warm (simply not the norm here).  I want to get out and do something but I'm too tired.  After dinner, off to shower and bed so we can all get up and do it again the next day. 

But, we are having fun creating with clay.  The instructor gives me clay every day to work with, even though I didn't sign up for the class.  I was just going to hang out and watch (rather than drive all the way home and drive back) but he wanted me to learn too.  And today, my husband got to go with us and the instructor gave him clay as well.  My younger son and my daughter are clay naturals, so I knew they would enjoy this class.  My oldest has never been too interested in working with this kind of medium but Chad said he is having more fun than he thought he would.  And today, his creation turned out really, really well.  I am please for him and having fun myself.  My stuff is lopsided but I don't care.  I'm having fun but, boy, am I tired.  Off to bed, tomorrow will get here soon!

Today is the second day of our school break.  Those silly kids don't realize that they don't have to learn right now!  What's with them?  You should have been here.

My middle son, Alec, decided he wanted to write a book about undersea ocean life, tide pools, under water terrain, stuff like that.  He used the "Magic School Bus" book about the ocean and made a little 10-page book, completely illustrated.  He spent all morning on it and proudly showed me and the rest of the family.  He wants to use it as reference for when we go to the tide pools tomorrow.  After that, he spent time on our computer encyclopedia, looking up sea life.  While this was going on, I pulled out a Scholastic Children's Dictionary for Carmen to look at.  Now that she is reading, I thought she might appreciate it more.  She sat in the kitchen, turning page after page.  At the same time, Chad, my oldest, was on his computer, where he's been entering an 8-page list of animals that he made a few years ago.  Now he wanted to enter it on the computer in alphabetical order.  Later on, Carmen and Alec each made simple dioramas of undersea life, displaying them on the piano. 

While all three kids were busy doing this, I was running back and forth doing laundry and dealing with a banking issue.  Each child was saying, "Look, Mom, look" or "Mom, look at this" or "Mom, can you come here and see this?"  I tried to keep up but finally said, "I only have one pair of eyes!"  Of course, I wasn't angry, just a little frazzled.  I didn't say one word about how cool I thought it was that they were all spending their morning learning without me having to tell them what to do.

Yesterday, Alec spent the day making undersea drawings of various marine life and under seascapes, taping them up on the hallway wall (and no, I don't mind artwork on my walls).  Carmen, not to be outdone, labeled her drawings of sea animals as "Exhibit A" and so forth.  Not sure where she got that!  Her drawings fill the wall behind the piano.  Both kids are really into undersea stuff this week, which is why we're going to the tide pools tomorrow.  It's called "Catch their interest while it's there!"

Now, this isn't how they spent their WHOLE day or anything, they went off and played later on.  But it is so nice to see them pursuing learning on their own, something THEY want to learn more about or create.  I really think they get so much more out of it when it's their idea.  And summer time is the best time for me to stand back and let them go. 

Just a few weeks ago, I was lamenting how our structured (if that's what you could call it!) school days were coming to an end.  I was "in the groove".  Now, I am more than ready for a break.  The boys are coming to a finish with several of the things they have been doing and it just seems like a natural end for now.  My daughter - you know, the one who loved math so much - is really balking at Miquon Math, even though it's the book she chooses to work in.  I am hoping that in a few months, she'll be a bit more mature and easier to work with.  The boys did the same thing so I'm pretty sure it's just that she's 7.  Miquon starts kids into multiplication fairly early, I think too early at times.  We are backing off and spending more time with addition/subtraction and other math stuff that she can do and does willingly. 

So, tomorrow is our last day.  I always think we should go out with a "bang!" or something but that's just not our style.  We are planning on continuing with Carmen's reading to me (she is reading in the Pathway Readers series and we all enjoy listening).  I want the boys to continue copying books from the Bible.  Chad has loved doing this and has tackled all of Luke, then moved on to shorter books for now.  Alec has been in Luke way too long and I suggested he stop there and go on to something like "Philemon" for a quicker satisfaction of finishing what he started.  (Do you say "Phi-lee-mon?" or "Phill-ay-mon?") 

I also want to continue reading to them about world history and hope to get back to our American history (I started that with gusto but it didn't last - shame on me!)  So, reading and occasional writing is all I wish to continue with.  Of course, they can pursue other interests that they've been wanting to spend more time on.  It will also give us time to really clean our poor house.  Having the kids home all day sure creates a lot of papers and such.  It's not that big of a deal to me most of the time but every now and then I can't stand it (Todd HATES it!)  But, I wouldn't wish for them not to be here.  I can handle the mess just to have their sweet faces around me.  Today, everyone (including Todd) was in the kitchen, doing various things and we were weaving in and out of each other's way.  I just had to smile to myself because that's exactly how I like it (most of the time!)  Having all my loved ones around me, happily pursuing something, whether it be fixing a snack, getting paper to draw, finding the scissors to create yet another submarine (that would be Alec, of course!)  I feel the love!

I had to laugh ... When my husband read my post about him, he told me, 'I'm not that good!"  I said that I thought he was.  He said I was looking through rose-tinted glasses!  He's right, of course, but isn't that fabulous?  I mean, aren't we supposed to see our spouses in the best light possible?  I know for a fact that when I start concentrating on the things I don't like or want changed about someone, I get disgruntled easily.  But when I dwell on the things that are good about a person (like my husband or my kids) I quickly see how fortunate I am to have them be a part of my life.

And that was the point of my post.  When I read about the challenge to write about our husbands, I thought about the things I appreciate most about Todd.  And that's what came out on the page.  Rose-tinted or not!

We know of a couple close to us that is going through difficult circumstances at the moment and separation looks imminent.  It breaks my heart to see this happen.  I couldn't help but remind the wife how she used to call her husband her "Prince Charming".  I didn't say it unkindly but I was hoping to remind her of why she fell in love with her husband in the first place.  When those difficult times come (and they do come to everyone at some time or another) remember what is good about your spouse and think back to why you were attracted to them in the first place.  I think rose-tinted vision is vital in most cases (of course, not when there's serious trouble but you know what I mean).

If you can, please pray for this couple.  I'll call them J & K.  They need it.  Thanks.

Thank you, Lord, for my spouse.

At the end of a recent post by dixiecajuns, she issued a challenge for others to post about their husbands.  Since Father's Day is today, I think I will answer her challenge and post about my husband.  How about you?  Will you answer her challenge?  And please pray for her and her family.  They are really hurting right now.  Thanks.

So, here goes ...

For starters, his name is Todd and he is an ICU nurse.  Most of you know that, if you have read any of my posts.  You already know that he came through a major heart surgery last January.

But what you don't know is what a capable guy he really is.  He's one of those people who, when they set out to do something, they do it.  He is a goal-setter.  I stand in amazement.  I am a dreamer.  The difference being is that the goal-setter actually achieves something.  The dreamer usually just wishes they could.  If.  If they had time.  If they had ...   You get the picture.

So when Todd says he or we will do something, it usually gets done.  Years ago, he set out to have his own cabinet shop.  And he did - and he did it well.  After many years of this, he decided it was time to shift gears and do something less damaging to his knees.  He set out to become a nurse.  And then it was a nurse in ICU.  And he wanted to work 3, 12-hour shifts a week.  And he is doing all these things.  The night shift is bittersweet - he likes the quieter night time at the hospital (no doctors or visitors running about) but he misses being home (as do I, but you already know that.)

So my husband is capable.  I know I can count on him.  I don't even think otherwise.  I take it for granted.  But I am thankful.  Todd is either here or at work.  I nearly always know where he is.  And he prefers to be here.  He has set goals for our family, for the work to be done around the house, for where he wants his (our) life to go.  It might take a long time, but I'm sure he'll achieve the goals he's set or he'll know when to readjust them.  I have faith in him. 

Todd is many other things ... hard working, artistic, logical, can fix nearly anything, predictable but also able to surprise me.  Loves his mom.  Loves the Lord.  Loves me and the kids.

After nearly 20 years of marriage, I've learned a lot from him.  He taught me to cook.  He doesn't allow me to play the martyr (I hate that!)  He changed all our firstborn's diapers.  I admit I've come to depend on him more than I should at times.  But since he started nursing school, graduated and started working nights, I have had to do a lot more on my own, which has caused me to grow up quite a bit.

Several nights ago, after the last child went to bed, we were getting ready to watch a DVD and I heard him in the kitchen but I couldn't figure out what the noise was (it's been a long time since I had heard the blender going).  Then he came in, carrying two malts that he had made for us.  For some reason, it was just the sweetest thing to me.  He didn't know why I made such a big deal about it but to me, it just felt like love in a glass.  I truly hope that in another 20 years, I'll be able to turn around and see him carrying two malts for us to share. 

Happy Father's Day, Todd.  There is no one like you.

In the Sunday paper today, I read an article in "Parade" magazine that talked about the homeschooling issue going on in California right now. And the magazine wanted people to go to their website and vote on the following: Should parents need teaching credentials to homeschool their kids?

I went to parade.com and voted where indicated. I voted "no" because I know very well that parents do NOT need teaching credentials to teach their kids. I want to encourage those of you who homeschool or support homeschooling to go to parade.com and vote your opinion. As of 10:45 pm, over 15,000 votes have been tallied and it's 90% - no and 10% - yes. I was thrilled! On their website, under the heading "What's New", click on the article entitled "Taught At Home".

I really can't stand to see anything that puts homeschooling in a negative light when I know so many, many families that homeschool successfully, including my own (in my opinion). Enough said.

Thank you so much for taking the time to give me your opinions!  I appreciate your kind comments so much.  I did actually look at all the templates again (it's been a long time since I've viewed them) and when I got to the rooster near the bottom, I started to laugh.  And laugh - for a long time!  I don't know why!  So I was tempted to use the rooster, just for a joke and just once, but couldn't bring myself to do it.  I have considered every response and I think, for now, I will stick with the status quo.  Thanks for your input!

Now, here's something actually related to homeschooling!  My kids recently went through a "calculator" phase where they were playing with all the calculators in our home.  I won't allow them to use a calculator during school but they are allowed to check their work with one or use it any other time.  My 7 y.o. daughter likes math and is fascinated by using a calculator.  So, during this phase, I was in line at the grocery store and there was an inexpensive calculator hanging there with the candy bars and nail clippers.  I bought it for Carmen and she was thrilled.  She did, however, complain a bit about the small buttons (my own calculator is larger and that's what she was used to) but I reminded her that she didn't have to use it.  She decided it was fine and has been using it ever since.  She plays a game called "Bug-opoly" based on the classic game and she calculates how much change she should get on the calculator.  We had Chinese take-out last week and everyone got a fortune cookie.  After dinner, I took all five fortunes and showed Carmen the lottery numbers on the back.  She added up everyone's numbers and put them in numerical order.  This is a child who actually likes math and seems to enjoy numbers a great deal.  So I was really pleased to see how the calculator has become a fun way for Carmen to learn even more.  As long as it doesn't make her lazy about doing calculations by hand and in her head, I don't mind how much she uses it.  And any learning tool under $3.00 is a bargain!

Since my last post was excruciatingly long, I have chosen to make this post extremely short.  I appreciate the hardy souls who endured my flat tire story to the end and commented - true blog friends!

Now, I have a question to ask:  I have had the same template always and wondered if any of you think I need to update it.  I kind of like the comfort of seeing the same header appear and it takes a snap to load.  On the other hand, I hate to be in a rut and, worse, I don't wish to be boring.  Is it time for a change?  Tell me your opinions.  I can take it!

Well, that's one way to amass a large number of birthday greetings - just leave your post up forever and everyone will get around to reading it!

Just kidding!  Thanks again for all the nice birthday comments!  So kind!  In sharp contrast, Mother's Day was a pretty average day.  My kids don't quite get Mother's Day and unless my husband is actively involved, Mother's Day is a wash.  And I don't feel quite right about asking everyone to celebrate Mother's Day after the birthday event.  Todd worked Sat. and Sun. nights and was sleeping most of Sun, so I just asked the kids to try and be extra good that day.  And I ordered Chinese take-out for dinner, my own contribution to my day.  Those sweet ladies at the restaurant wished me a Happy Mother's Day (and I returned the greeting) and then they gave me a rose before I left.  That was really all I needed!  It's been fun reading about other bloggers' Mom's Day.  Especially the breakfast-in-bed posts.  Precious.  I seriously doubt I'll ever get that kind of treatment but it's totally o.k.

Yesterday turned out to be a learning experience for me.  I had driven into a suburb of Portland, nearly 100 miles away, to do some shopping.  As I was leaving to start the journey home, I saw a warning light on my new car's dashboard.  NO ONE wants to see a warning light now, do they?  And wouldn't it be great if those warning lights SAID what they meant in words instead of some unfamiliar symbol that doesn't seem to match anything you can find in your manual?  It looked like a fish bowl with a candle in the middle.  Seriously!  I found a good place to pull over and got out my car manual.  I finally figured out it was low tire pressure.  Hmmm.  I got out and looked at the tires and, sure enough, one was flat.  The nearest gas station was ahead on Hwy 30, at least 10 miles away and I had nothing but a sharp, curving road to drive before I got there.  Well, this is a good time to pray!  Amazingly, the car didn't feel like it was driving funny at all.  I made it to the gas station and checked the tire pressure.  Uh, wait a minute ... there WAS no tire pressure, at all!  Geesh!  And, of course, air costs 75 cents (quarters only) and, of course, I only had 1 quarter.  I went inside the station and got quarters, returned and put air in the tire.  Did I mention that this was the hottest day we've had all year?  It was 95 degrees.  95!!  No big deal if one is used to it but just the day before, I was still cold and wearing a sweater.  That's the way it is here, quite often.  It's cold forever and then one day, boom, you get a sweltering day.  And not just hot but WINDY.  Not the usual cold wind we get but a really hot wind, like the Santa Ana winds I grew up with.  Anyway, there I was, sweaty, hot, filling the tire, checking the pressure, praying that the tire would get me home.

It didn't.  About a mile down the road, the fish bowl light appeared again.  This wasn't good.  I pulled over and called my dh (again).  I could have called AAA (our roadside membership) but since the car was still driveable, I decided to keep going, being so far from home and all.  Several miles down the highway, I spotted a car dealer and I pulled in.  They agreed to put my spare tire on for me but when they found out how far I had to drive to get home, they suggested I go further down a few blocks to a tire store and see if they could fix the tire.  I thanked the guys who helped me and headed down the highway.  It was getting late but the tire store was still open.  They were so nice, they took the tire off right away to inspect it ... then they showed me the 8" steel nail that punctured the tire, bent and then shredded a big hole in it.  Yikes!  They didn't have a tire to match so my dh said to have them put the spare on and just come home.  When I asked the tire people how much I owed them, they said it would be "Free dollars".  At first I didn't understand, then I got the joke!  By now, I am wind-blown, really hot and sweaty and probably not smelling the greatest.  But I thanked them graciously and started on my way home, being warned not to go more than 40-50 mph.  So I went 43 mph all the way home.  I must have pulled over 10 times to let cars pass me (Hwy 30 is a 2 lane hwy for much of the stretch to the coast).  I kept looking in my rear view mirror to check for cars and once I looked up and saw a red truck behind me.  In the next instant, suddenly a police car appeared with flashing lights and siren blaring!  Where he came from, I do not know.  I skidded to the side of the road to let him by and sat there to collect myself a bit.  Boy was I glad he wasn't after me!  By this time, I just wanted to get home, you know?  It was 4:00 when I originally left to head home but it was 7:30 before I got there.  It should have only taken 2 hours.  You tend to feel a bit cheated out of your day when something like this happens.  I was so glad to turn into our driveway.  I was tense all the way home because of the spare tire and worried about the people behind me.  I did have a few cars drive up suddenly and pass me too fast but most people kept their distance and didn't tail me.  God kept me safe and I when I was afraid, He helped me.  My husband took care of the kids and dinner was ready when I got home.  Bless him. 

Today was another learning experience.  When we bought this car (about 3 weeks ago) we paid for a program that would give us discounts on several services, including tires.  I called the program center and asked how to proceed with this tire claim.  We made an appointment with the car dealer and my husband took the tire in for me (another "bless him"!)  His appt. was at 1:00 pm.  By 3:00 pm, I called my dh and he said he was still waiting for the program center to approve his claim.  This wasn't right.  So I called the program center and they said they hadn't received the claim.  They said they needed pictures of the damaged tire before they could approve a new one and they hadn't heard from the car dealer.  I'm starting to get frustrated at this point.  I called the car dealer and explained the situation.  They said they emailed the photos.  I said, "Well, the program center hasn't received them.  Can you follow up on this?"  Within 10 minutes, my husband called me back to say that all had been approved and they were putting on the tire.  I was furious that they made him wait 2 hours for something that should have only taken 10-15 minutes.  He was 50 miles away as well, which meant he had to hang out somewhere all that time (in another sweltering day).  It turns out that the guy at the car dealer did email the photos but attached the wrong customer name to the photos.  I was so glad I called everyone and made things happen.  I think God gave me that nudge.  If I hadn't have intervened, my husband would still be there (o.k., he wouldn't be there this late but you get the picture!)

Lessons learned:

     1.  Read your car owner's manual.  Sometimes a fish bowl isn't a fish bowl. 

     2.  Pack extra food/water and maybe an extra shirt when you have to travel over 50 miles away from home.

     3.  Never assume people will take care of things for you.  You must follow up on things yourself.  People make mistakes.  Keep your cool and ask for help - people usually respond in kind.  Smile a lot and thank everyone who helps you.  Never assume help is free - always offer to pay.

I finally remembered when and where I hit that stupid 8 inch nail.  I had heard a loud thump under the car but I didn't see anything in the road before I heard it and when I looked in the mirror behind me, I saw nothing.  But then I wouldn't see something like that, would I?  No, today was just one of those days that you see the lessons you had to learn and thank the Lord for being at your side.  And be grateful for the kindness of those who tried to help.

Don't worry ladies, my blog is safely back in my hands.  Todd surrendered it without a fight.  I never know what that man will do next!

What a sweet treat to find his post on my blog!  A total surprise.  And thank you all so very much for your birthday greetings!  Really helped make my birthday even more lovely!

I had a very enjoyable day.  I slept in late and when I walked down the hall, I was greeted one at a time by my kids, who each got hugs.  As I got near the front door, my son, Alec, opened it and there stood my husband, holding roses, candy and donuts!  The timing couldn't have been more perfect!  I opened their cards and we had breakfast.  Todd had told the kids that on this day, they were to take their questions to Daddy, not Mommy, and they were to behave themselves.  And they did (for the most part).  I did school with Carmen and Todd helped the boys.  Then I spent the next 3 hours visiting a few shops in town and across the river, where I bought a few things for my family and chatted with the owners.  There's a toy store in town that opened up 13 years ago when Chad was a newborn.  The owners (Katie & Bill) have watched all our kids grow up and we've enjoyed their friendship.  Katie was working so we chatted for quite awhile and she ended up giving me a tiara to celebrate my birthday.  I told her I'd wear it when I cut my cake - and I did!

I was starving so I headed home to eat lunch.  Todd was just finishing my cake - lemon chiffon (he's the baker in our family) and I got to lick the icing pan - yum!  He had fed the kids lunch and did a load of dishes.  After I ate, we sat and talked a bit.  The kids kept coming in to wish me Happy Birthday and give me a hug.  Then we had to decide where to go for dinner.  We chose a new restaurant on the river front that has been given great reviews so we made reservations and went there.  It's a huge old industrial building that has been majorly renovated into a big, open restaurant and some other shops.  The restaurant is really nice and everything was great.  The service, the food and the view - all terrific. 

We had cake when we got home and we took photos of me in my tiara with all the kids and Todd.  The cake was awesome.  If you want the recipe, I'm sure Todd would be happy to oblige.

It was a very relaxing day, I wasn't concerned about doing much of anything which is why it was so fun to do whatever.  My throat was raspy from talking and laughing so much.  I said "thank you" about a thousand times today.  If you must know what I got for my birthday (besides roses and candy) Todd got me a new summer wardrobe and on Earth Day last month, he bought me a Toyota Prius.  A red one.  Wow.  I don't need anything else for, like, years and years.  I still can't believe it.  I guess it's love.

Hey, Todd ... you've spoiled me way too much.  Thanks for putting so much effort into my birthday.  You really outdid yourself this time.  Makes up for the birthdays we celebrated at "Subway" when the kids were babies!  Growing older has its compensations, doesn't it? 

I have to say that my 45th birthday was way, way better than my 30th or my 40th.  And not just because of the gifts.  No ... I was afraid to turn 30 or 40.  I wasn't afraid of this birthday.  Yes, I'm older but, oh well.  It's going to happen.  The first half of my life is officially over.  My desire is to make the second half even better than the first.  It started yesterday.  I'll let you know how it goes.

Happy

Birthday

Kate

We love you,

Todd, Chad, Alec and Carmen

If you didn't do school today, you missed out on this:  5-3-08

We put the date on everything we do and, today, my kids noticed that the date added up correctly:  5 + 3 = 08.  So they put that on all their papers and were very pleased with themselves!

We don't normally have school on Saturday but yesterday was so busy that Friday's work needed to be done today.  We missed so much work at the beginning of the year that I'm hesitant to miss days if we don't have to.  Besides, with my dh working nights on the weekends, it's a quiet thing for my kids to do while he sleeps.

On Fridays, we have our word spelling and now Carmen has joined us.  After hearing Chad and Carmen spell their words, I quizzed Alec.  One of his words was "loaf" and he spelled it correctly.  I wanted to make sure he knew the difference in a loaf of bread and one who loafs.  So I asked him, "Alec, do you know what a "loafer" is?  He said, "Yes, it's someone who bakes bread.  Hey, Daddy's a loafer!"  I admit I laughed until I cried.  This child never fails to amuse me althought lately he's been rather obnoxious.  But he's right about Daddy being a loafer because Todd does bake bread for us each week now.  For the record, I set him straight on the correct definition of a "loafer" and assured him that his Daddy certainly wasn't one!

While I was recoverying from my laughing fit, Chad showed me something he had done and I unknowingly replied, "Good girl!"  Oops!  Everyone got hysterical over that one and it was awhile before things got calm again.

By the way, we use The Natural Speller by Kathryn Stout for our spelling.  It covers spelling from 1st through 8th grade.  The book is starting to show some wear now that 3 kids are using it but it has been great and was a good bargain.

Just think, I would have missed out on all of this if we didn't have school today!

I thought it was time for a guppy update (I'm sure at least one of you were wondering  ;)

Let's recap:  We set up a guppy fish tank for my daughter, thinking they were all males.  One of them turned out to be a female and soon appeared to be expecting.  We waited the appropriate amount of time and nothing happened.  We went away for 2 nights and on our return, there was a tiny, tiny baby swimming among the plants.  Quickly, we put the baby and mom in another tank and waited to see if she would have anymore as she still looked quite heavy.  That's where I left you hanging. 

We kept mom and baby in the separate tank for about 1-1/2 weeks but she didn't have anymore babies.  And she looked quite stressed.  So we put her back in with the males and kept her baby separate.  She immediately looked better and within a few days, we saw another tiny, tiny baby swimming near the top of the tank.  As my son tried to net the baby, it got sucked into the filter.  "Go get your father!" I said as we unplugged the filter.  My dh opened the filter and found not one but two babies!  These we put in with the first baby and they are all doing just fine.  The oldest baby is so big, he'll be able to join the adults in a week or two.  Carmen will name it as soon as we can tell its gender. 

It's so strange that this female has delivered like this.  Everything I've read says that female guppies are pregnant more often than they are not.  And that they deliver many babies at one time, not just one or two.  So we have a unique female on our hands.  It's been a great experience for all of us, especially my daughter.  She takes good care of her fish and her Dad and brother help her with things she can't do.  We visited a great fish store in Portland the other day and Carmen wanted to buy a book she found about live bearing fish so she could learn more.  I love life experiences that teach more than I ever could on my own.

Now I'll throw in a Hunley (the Civil War sub) update.  As you well know, my son Alec is "all things Hunley" at the moment.  He'll see something I'm ready to recycle or throw out and ask if he can have it.  20 minutes later, he'll appear with his latest Hunley creation.  This time it was the box from a tube of acne med for another child of mine (who shall remain anonymous).  Alec asked for it and returned with "The Mini Hunley".  The kid is constantly leaving tape, scissors and shreds of paper and/or cardboard everywhere.  There are times I wish I had stifled his creative streak years ago but, no, I don't really mean it.  That kid is DETERMINED to build his own personal submarine someday and I have no doubt he could do it.  Unfortunately, he'll need to earn a lot of money first.  That's sure to put a damper on things.

Do you ever, just for a moment, look back on your life and wonder just how you got to the moment that you are in?

Oh, I do that all the time.  I've never been organized.  I've always, always been late.  Alarm clocks never worked on me.  Even my mom screeching from the kitchen to "get up" didn't make me budge.  I'm good at multi-tasking but I never seem to get much done.  Things pile up before I get a handle on them.  Everything takes longer than I think it will.  I've never been that confident as a mom, housewife, cook, home manager (did you know that mom's are managers?  Belinda Letchford just informed me of that - she's on my friends list over there >>>>)

Oh, I was a good student.  When I wasn't being sassy.  When I applied myself.  I was a good employee - eventually.  I handled my own business well but we'll never know if I would have gotten out of the red because we moved to OR after 2 years of running it.  So, it looks like I "eventually" get better at some things.  There is hope. 

On the other hand, as I get older (I will be 45 in just 1-1/2 weeks and I suppose that is what spurred this post) I find the confidence I once had has started to dwindle.  It's not suppose to be that way.  We are supposed to grow more confident as we grow older.  Get more comfortable in our own skin.  Let go of the unimportant baggage and concentrate on what really matters.  But I am realizing that you don't just "know" how to do something just because you reach a certain age.  Like, I thought I would be a much better housekeeper and cook by this time.  I thought I would be able to handle other stuff much better by now.  But no - that's not the case.  Age doesn't just magically make one better at anything.  You have to WORK at it!  WORK - WORK - WORK!

My own mother (bless her) had 4 daughters, cooked all the meals, cleaned like a pro (our home was ALWAYS spotless - seriously), managed all the finances and drove us girls to scouts and clubs.  She made it look so effortless.  Unfortunately, she didn't teach me a thing about how she did it all.  Believe me, I no longer blame her for anything, I could have applied myself.  In fact, I admire her greatly.  I just thought she "knew" and that someday, I would "know" how to do it all.  Effortlessly and with a big smile on my face.  She had her hair done regularly and always wore lipstick.  And she didn't wear white shoes until Memorial Day.  Anyone every heard of that rule?

So, this post comes down to my approaching birthday AND Mother's Day - which both occurred on the same day in 1963.  My mom says I was the best Mother's Day gift she ever received.  Funny - when I was young, I was determined never to be like my mother.  Now I wish I was.   

Thanks for all the encouraging comments about my getting braces!  I really appreciate your support.  I'm sure I'll mention this new adventure from time to time but I'll try not to repeat myself.

A few days ago, we stayed two nights in Portland at our favorite such-a-deal hotel.  We went to a concert on Monday night (The Waifs, an Aussie band that we saw 2 years ago) and it was terrific.  We really love this band and how cool it was to see them again so soon.  Really talented musicians.  I enjoyed them more this time because my daughter is 2 years older now and was very well-behaved (amazing!)  Actually, Alec was the one who was bored before they even went on stage.  Just before the concert, I took him downstairs to get some bottled water when he saw they were selling little bags of pretzels.  I saw it as a sign and bought a bag as well.  He shared them with his siblings and you should have seen them!  They acted like it was the greatest thing I'd ever done, allowing them to eat pretzels in the Aladdin Theater!  I don't know what that was all about but I didn't question it.  It made intermission go that much quicker and I praise the Lord for putting those pretzels there.  I made a note of it for next time!

So that was Monday.  Tuesday, we slept in, had breakfast in the hotel (we love their continental breakfast) and went to ... Nordstrom!  I love this place.  We shopped for a while, then ate lunch at the Nordstrom cafe.  Hung out at the hotel until dinner, then went to our favorite restaurant.  Went swimming after dinner.  I wore my new Boden bathingsuit (If you don't know what Boden is, go to their web site - cute, cute clothes!)  A nice, relaxing day (I never relax when we travel so it was a real blessing).  We hadn't told the kids yet what we were doing on Wednesday.  I had a hard time keeping it a secret.

Wednesday - OMSI!  This is a huge children's science museum that my son, Alec, has been asking to go to for at least 2 years.  He was about 6 the last time we went so it's been a long time.  We finally made time to go and boy, was he thrilled.  He is crazy about subs at the moment (some of you know that from my posts) and there is a retired sub docked in the river that runs alongside the museum.  Guided tours are available and we actually had a tour of the sub all by ourselves.  A private tour!  Alec loved it.  So did the rest of the family (I didn't go, I'm not hip on enclosed spaces and it saved us $5.50.)  I stayed in the museum and watched a video about the sub - that was all I needed.  The traveling exhibit right now is dinosaurs and we enjoyed seeing all the huge displays.  Some of those dinos were tall enough to walk right under!  They have all kinds of science exhibits and hand-on stuff, which made for a fun time for all of us. 

While I was waiting for the tour to be over (45 min) I walked around the place a bit and at one point, stopped by the door that went outdoors to the sub.  Just then, a young mom walked in carrying a green leather tote bag.  Here's the story:  We recently discovered Boden (mentioned above - it's an English clothing co.) and in the catalog, there was a leather tote bag that my dh and I really like.  Todd said I should get it but I hesitated because of the price.  After pricing similar bags, I realized that the Boden was a good deal.  But I hadn't ordered it yet - still not sure.  Back to the museum:  This young mom stops right next to me and puts the bag down between us as she reached in to get her phone.  I stared, wide-eyed.  I asked her, "Is that Boden?"  She looked at me, startled, then smiled and said, "Yes!"  We talked about the bag and such and she went on her way.  It was a sign - I ordered the bag tonight.  But not in green, though it was really cute.  The tan is more practical and I like it just as well.  Isn't that funny?  I seem to have a lot of coincidences like that.  Are some people more prone to these kinds of meetings or am I just extra sensitive to them.  Don't know.

Now this was an even more cool meeting:  At breakfast on Wed. morning, we started talking to a nice lady who had an adorable baby at the next table (we love to meet people when we travel) and at one point, I mentioned that we homeschooled.  She said that she was going to start homeschooling her 6 yr old in the fall.  I was so thrilled.  We spent the next 20 min. discussing hs stuff and I gave her my blog site here, encouraging her to start a blog for support and hs info.  I know this site has been a blessing for me and I hope she joins as well.  Jill, if you read this, I hope you had a safe trip home!  Enjoyed talking with you very much.  I can still see your little daughter blowing kisses to us as we left!

I absolutely love to encourage people to homeschool, but only if they mention a desire to do so.  I never push.  But I love to talk about it.  I remember when I started out, I was desperate for information and like-minded people.  I love to hear people say that they can't imagine sending their kids away all day.  That's just how I feel.  It's not the only reason people give for hs'ing but it's a good one.

An interesting week.  And a fun one.  Thank you, Lord!

Last year, I wrote a post about my oldest son getting braces (see "Brace Yourself" in July archives).

Well, the long and short of it this ... I'm getting braces.  I had impressions made today.  The procedure begins the day after my birthday and before Mother's Day weekend. 

What AM I thinking?!!

44.  Wrinkles.  Gray hair (well covered up, however.)  Persistant adult acne (dang it!)  And now braces.

Call this aging adolescence.  (If you have to call it anything.)

Of course, dh is all for it.  I told the dentist my dh is tired of looking at my buck teeth.  I actually had fun today.  Well, sort of.  I said I wasn't an easy patient.  I hammed it up for the photos they had to take.  I don't have to behave, I'm an adult getting braces!  Oh, I'll be good.  I just want to get this over with - as soon as possible. 

Sigh.  Big, big sigh. 

At least they only have to band the upper jaw.  Only.  Sigh.

You're not going to believe this but it is absolutely true.

I have written about my son, Alec, who is immersed in the Civil War era submarine, The Hunley.  Remember?  O.k., today, we were driving to a nursery south of us, in a town that we haven't been to in months.  It's only 20 minutes from here but we don't need to go that way too often.  Anyway, on our way back from the nursery, Alec shouts, "Look!  The Hunley!"  We all look in the direction he is pointing at and see a row of about 8 moving vans from a major moving company.  On each of these moving vans is a large, colorful drawing of a particular state attraction (you've probably seen these in your town).  Sure enough, on the van advertising South Carolina, big as you please, is a drawing of The Hunley!!  I said, "Todd, turn around!"  Todd, being the most excellent driver that he is, made the U-turn on busy Hwy 101 and we parked alongside the van.  We just couldn't believe it!  Here on the Oregon Coast, clear on the other side of America, sits a van showing a submarine built over 140 years ago!  A sub that my son is fascinated with at the moment!  It was incredible.  Fortunately, Todd had put a camera in the car a few weeks ago and we took photos of drawing, then headed home for lunch.

I marveled at all this.  I know God had a hand in this amazing moment.  God cares about the small things in our lives, just as he does the big things.  We had been planning this little outing since February, as this nursery was having a class on the art of bonsai, which Alec is also interested in (and so is Todd).  We've been looking forward to this for several months.  And here's this moving van parked along side the road on this particular day.  If we had seen it last year, we wouldn't have cared.  I find all this just too much to be a coincidence.  God loves to delight us.  I am sure of it.

After we got home, I realized that we should have taken a photo of Alec next to the van.  It was raining (of course) so I guess that's why I didn't think of it.  Anyway, I took the kids back down there this afternoon and got photos of Alec next to the colorful drawing.  It really is a unique depiction of The Hunley, kind of eerie if you know anything about it (look it up!)  It's sort of a cutaway that shows the men inside with some of the blueprints appearing in the background above.  For some reason, they have a few dolphins swimming under the sub - weird.  Anyway, this time we read the words on the van as well and that's when we saw that you could go to the moving company's website to learn more about The Hunley.  Tonight, we went to the website and the first thing that appeared was "The Hunley"!  It must be their newest van graphic because that is what was being spotlighted on the company website.  We were, again, amazed.  There were many pages about The Hunley, including photos, blueprints, and information about the rather recent recovery of the antique relic off the sea floor.  I printed out all the info for Alec.  He was just thrilled. 

I made sure all my kids understood that the Lord orchestrated all this.  It was not just by chance that we happened upon that van.  I firmly believe it.  Perhaps the Lord uses events like this to help His children grow in their relationship with Him.  I know it makes me love Him all the more when He is kind to my children.  I pray that my children will love Him more, knowing that He cares for them, even in the little things. 

I've been thinking a lot lately about how to teach my children without influencing their opinion of things.  I mean, there are obvious subjects that I definitely want my children to feel the same as I do.  But there are a lot of other issues that they could easily have a different opinion than mine and that would be fine.  The challenge, for me, is to teach them to think on their own without only seeing things "Mom's way".

I see it happen all the time.  They grab onto every opinion I have about anything - except for, maybe, the fact that they should clean their rooms.  I used to enjoy hearing them repeat something I had stated earlier about some subject, like a political opinion.  But lately, I'm not comfortable with that.  I want them to have their own thoughts and feelings about issues.  My views may not always be right or fair (though I really try!) 

All this came about when I realized how many opinions I still held from my own mother's views.  Mostly about actors/actresses or movies (those things were important to her).  But then, I started realizing that, you know, I LIKE Danny Kaye (do you know who he is?)!  Even if my mom didn't, I do.  He's funny (to me, anyway!)  Things like that.  I started giving her opinions of people the benefit of the doubt.  Making up my own mind.  Her political views, however, are still pretty much mine. 

I'm not talking moral issues.  Those should be taught as the Lord would have me teach them.  But political views?  As my kids grow and learn, they should and will make up their own minds.  I guess I'm worrying over nothing (I'm the first mom to do that, right?!)  I just want to make sure they know it's o.k. to think differently than I do about a lot of things that are trivial.  I just hope they continue to want to vote Republican!