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!

I have transcended to the next level of homeschool mom success.  I've made a movie.  Actually, Alec and I have made a movie.  And Carmen was standing by, trying hard not to giggle when the camera went on.  It was like this ...

Sub Alec was appeased for a few days.  But, you know Alec (well, you should by now!)  His next obsession became making a movie to recreate the events the Hunley experienced.  He created yet another Hunley out of paper (this one is stuffed slightly to make it more 3-D) and drew the ship the Hunley blew up, the Housatonic.  He wrote a script with each scene briefly explained.  He laid down some blue towels on the floor for water.  I got the video camera and we did a stop-action feature.  The Hunley is launched.  The Hunley dives.  The Hunley surfaces.  The Hunley dives and gets caught in a net and sinks. (True story, Mom, I read about it!)  The Hunley is hauled up and dives again.  The Housatonic appears.  The Hunley dives silently and blows up the ship.  The Housatonic sinks.  The Hunley is lost as well.  The final scene is just the blue towels (I mean, just water.)

I have to tell you, this was a riot to do.  I don't generally enjoy doing projects after dinner when I'm tired but we had so much fun, I'd do it again!  My son came up with all of this on his own - which impressed me, greatly.  He drew up a front and back sheet for the cover of the video which apparently he's going to ask his father to make for him from the film we took.  He didn't want any screen credits or sound - but he's a funny guy and I just let it go.  What I do realize is how much learning took place in all this.  If there's any way on earth I can put this short, short film on here some day, I will.  Honest.

I just wish we were up to the Civil War in our American History lessons that I just started.  Makes me want to dive right into this time period pronto but it's o.k. for him to be learning about this on his own.  There is time, right?  And he'll be that much ahead when we get there. 

Alec has been thinking about doing a stop-action film about something for quite awhile now, ever since we watched a bunch of Davey and Goliath stop-action claymation videos.  He's really pleased with the results of this project.  And so am I. 

Finally ... my son has made peace with his Hunley! 

Got your attention, didn't I?  I have written before about my middle son, Alec, and how he has these grand ideas for projects that he can't possibly do, for several reasons.  Mainly due to lack of abilities, money or space.  Potential projects in the past have included:  a tornado that could follow him around, his own private Concorde airplane, a space shuttle, the fictitious submarine Seaview - just to name the ones I can recall at the moment.  You could say he gets interested in a subject and becomes obsessed.  His most recent obsession (o.k., call it passion) is the H. L. Hunley, the first submarine to successfully attack a ship during the Civil War.  It was a Confederate sub but I won't hold that against Alec.  Anyway, he has been going through his usual process for weeks, first reading about it through various publications, drawing picture after picture, then making mini replicas out of paper, cardboard, Legos, and various other building materials.  He pestered his parents to look up Hunley on the Internet for models available and other info (he's not allowed on here alone).  Then, for his big finale, he was determined to build a life-size 40-foot Hunley.  

He measured out 40 feet with tape measures, from one end of the house to the other (it's a good thing you have a straight shot from our living room, through the kitchen and into the office!)   He wanted me to go to the hardware store and find metal that he could weld together to make the hull.  Then he had the idea of using an empty train car used for hauling oil, since he found out it was the right size.  He was determined to make a Hunley replica and launch it out on the beach.  Poor Alec.  I try so hard to be honest with my kids, no matter how hard it is.  I hate to see them disappointed and I don't want to squelch their dreams.  But, this just could not be done.  Alec just couldn't accept it.  He has a bit of a spoiled brat in him that makes me nuts but I am working hard to break that awful attitude.  I try to let him down gently.  I give all the reasons why he can't build it - no money for parts, no skills for welding ("But, Mom, I can hammer a nail!"), no room to build such a thing and the county won't let him launch a vehicle like that anyway.  Fortunately, my husband balances us out by telling Alec, "No way!"  Alec stomps off to his room.

Plan B:  Alec asks if he can make a Hunley out of cardboard and wood.  I briefly consider this.  Except that he wants to make a life-size one to launch in the water.  We finally convince him that this is a doomed project.  So he asks about refrigerator boxes - could he build a smaller one for him to play in.  Dad still rejects this idea (no space).  Ah ... finally, a ray of sunshine.  Dad buys us a printer/copier (something I have wanted for years) and the box is BIG.  Alec asks if he can use it to make a play Hunley.  The answer is "Yes"!!!  He spends the day outfitting his "Hunley" with all the necessary equipment.  He spends lots of time getting in and out of his replica, even allowed his sister to play in it.  I take video.  We praise him for the work he put into it and smile at the joy radiating from his happy face!  He is finally satisfied - and we will all have some peace at last!

We finally began what will be our weekly discussion of American history.  I was nervous about how to begin and where to start.  Then, just a few weeks ago, I received in the mail a sample CD from "The Great Courses" which is a catalog that sells college lectures on CD, DVD, etc.  On the sample CD was a lecture about the history of the U.S.  This lecture talked about all the stuff I wanted to begin our study with.  Walter Raleigh, England, the little colonies that sprung up on the East coast, why and how they worked.  It was exactly what I needed - I didn't order it and it was free!  Can anyone guess Who was responsible?  Yes, I really think the Lord was being gracious to me.  Thank you, Lord, the One who cares even more about my kids' education than I do. 

So, Monday after lunch, I sat down with my oldest kids (the boys) and let Carmen play in the living room.  She's a bit young to take all this in just yet.  I started the CD (I listened to it prior so I was prepared) and we listened to it together.  I clarified things and pointed out things that they already knew.  When we were done, I took out a really good U.S. timeline I had purchased and we reviewed the things that were talked about.  Son, Alec, asked "Where did the Pilgrims come in?"  Indeed, did you know that the Pilgrims that we think about at Thanksgiving actually arrived on the East coast 1 year AFTER African slaves were brought over here to work the fields?  I had NO idea!  There is so much I wasn't taught in school.  I learned so much just from this lecture.  We had such a great discussion.  This lecture gave me a good start and now I know how to proceed.  I think I'll make this a weekly discussion, using books, videos, the timelines I have, anything else I can bring in.  If it's just weekly, it will make it something more to look forward to, I think. 

I'm excited about it now.  I was scared but the Lord gave me a start and, hopefully, I can bring something new each week to our discussion.  My son, Chad, already knows so much that he adds quite a bit.  Alec and Carmen get the benefit of two teachers, really. 

My son, Alec, is really into the Civil War submarine called the 'Hunley" and was sorely disappointed today when we finally broke the news to him that he couldn't recreate a full-scale submarine.  "We have no place to put it, you don't have the skills (like welding) and you can't afford the materials."  I've spoken of this before - the kid has huge ideas but we can't possibly proceed with them.  He got over it and settled on making a model from a paper towel tube, with cut-away windows showing the inside.  His dad helped him with it and it made him happy.  I considered diving into the Civil War instead of starting in the 1500's with U.S. history but decided against it.  By the time we get to the Civil War, Alec will really be able to contribute to the discussion.  He's reading quite a bit on his own about that era, due to the "Hunley".  He's already made at least 5 different "Hunley" mini-subs, but the cut-away one is his most elaborate.  I can't wait to see what this kid does for a living.  He'd better use these skills he has or he'll hear it from me!

With all this talk about babies (DandelionSeeds is STILL waiting for her baby - keep praying!) my kids have mentioned that it would be nice to have another sister or brother.  Sorry.  They are going to have to be satisfied with baby guppies.  We are still waiting for "Boney" to have her guppies, though I was wrong about the date.  I guess we have about 3 weeks - I don't know, I'll have to ask my son, the resident fish expert.  If any of you have experience with baby guppies, let's hear it.  My kids have plans to sell the babies to our local pet store.  They think they are going to be rich.  I let them dream.

My oldest reminds me that we could still adopt a baby.  Yes, that is still an option.  But I can't realistically see me, at my age (44), going through all the baby stages (as fun as it was most of the time).  No, I've always been partial to adopting an 18 year old and putting them through college.  Or maybe a good trade school.  I know there are lots of new moms out there that are my age and older but I'm afraid I just don't have what it takes to do it all over again from the start.  Everyone has their gifts from the Lord.  Late parenthood isn't mine.  Oh, there are times I look at my daughter and think how nice it would be for her to have a sister to play with.  But that's not enough reason.  I grew up the youngest and played alone a lot of the time.  I learned how to enjoy being alone (I usually prefer it) and I think it's good to learn to be comfortable by yourself.  My older sister (a middle child) can't handle being alone.  I feel sorry for her sometimes because of that.  Besides, my daughter usually plays with Alec, my middle child.  It's Chad, my oldest, that gets left out but he likes being by himself so, there's really no problem.

What's the point of this post?  There is no point.  I'm thinking on-line.  My husband would call it ... oh, the word he uses escapes me at the moment.  No problem, he'll read this tomorrow a.m. and maybe he'll insert the word I'm thinking of.  Feel freeish, honey.   Blathering, Chattering, Prattling, Nattering, Driveling, Oh now I remember Philosophizing and quite beautifully I might add.  Todd   :-)

Ah, it's just been one of those nights.  I had such an awesome day yesterday (see my blogspot post for that story  callmekate-threesacrowd.blogspot.com/ )  and today, well, it's the same-old, same-old.  Bummer.  And tonight, the kids were hyper and wouldn't settle down.  I really wanted to get to the computer and work on my taxes (hint - I'm not now, am I?) but no, I finally get the kids to bed and Carmen pops out of bed with a gas bubble.  I rubbed her tummy and said she could walk around until it was gone.  So she followed me into the computer room, talking.  I told her I needed her to be quiet now.  She agreed, burped very unladylike and disappeared.  I forgot about her (guilt trip #1) so I went to check and there she was, sound asleep in bed (guilt trip #2).  I felt so badly about that.  I guess I thought it was MY time now and since she wasn't in any pain, she would be fine on her own.  Then I think, gosh, she's only little for such a short time.  When she moves away and/or marries, it's not computer time I'm going to wish I had more of.  I'm going to wish I would have sat with her and read yet another story.  Sigh.  Oh, there's nothing anyone can say, this is just life.  You make these choices that seem logical at the time and later, it's all wrong.  Sigh.

I'll bet our mama guppy will never have days like this.

I've been thinking about this for a week or so.  I realized that there are a lot of women on my friends list that are expecting babies.  A lot, when you think of how really small my friends list, compared to the thousands of people on here.  The following is a list of all the ones I know of ...

1.  Amanda10axelby

2.  babean

3.  cathmom

4.  crazybusy

5.  floridasnowflakes

6.  Rebeca

UPDATE - AS OF MARCH 4TH:  I have learned that DandelionSeeds is due TOMORROW (3/5) and so needs prayer, like, right away!  And I completely forgot to mention our pregnant guppy, Boney!  She's due (maybe) next week but is doing fine so far. 

Now, my friends list is at about 50 - that means that over 10% of my friends are expecting!  I find that amazing!  And I apologize if I've left someone out or if there are more out there that I'm unaware of.  I think it's wonderful and I wanted to spotlight these moms-to-be because I wanted to encourage others to pray for them.  I keep all six of these women in prayer because, my goodness, we all know what pregnancy is like and how difficult it must be at times to take care of everyone else AND homeschool.  I encourage each of you moms to begin each day seeking the Lord for strength (you all probably do anyway and are a great encouragement to me!)  Please continue to update us on your progress and let us know how we can better pray for you.  Looking forward to all these new babies blessed to be in loving families!

Oh, by the way, tonight is my husband's first night back to work since his surgery after Christmas!  Praise the Lord that he can finally get back to his normal routine.  He really likes his job and I know he's missed the people he works with.  I've been praying all evening for him.  We'll see how he is tomorrow - he'll be doing things he hasn't done in awhile.  May the Lord give him strength to get through his 12-hour shift!

Thank you for your prayers and suggestions!  I really appreciate your help.  I hope to begin next week and look forward to learning along with my kids. 

Today, I was going through a box in my office when I came across something that I had totally forgotten about.  Back before I had kids, I became involved with a monthly women's group, called "Christian Women's Club".  It's an organization that meets around the world but our local group was closed back in 1998, a few months after I had my second child (no, it wasn't his fault!)  At these monthly meetings, open to women of all ages, we met at a local restaurant for a fun presentation (like a fashion show) and heard a speaker who shared the gospel in an informal way.  It was fun but it was a lot of work every month, especially when I became the chairwoman for a few years.  This meant I had to write, basically, a running commentary to open the meeting, introduce people and keep things moving.  There were guidelines given but I had a lot of room for creativity and I look back now and realize that the writing was the part I enjoyed the most. 

Speaking to a room of people is hit or miss for me - I'm either really comfortable or am a nervous wreck.  If I can make people laugh with me (not at me, hopefully) it helps me relax.  Of course, if no one laughs when I expect it, that's when the nerves kick in.  And believe me, both of these scenarios have happened, time and again.  Case in point ...

One of the things I had to do at the beginning of the meeting, was to inform people that while we wanted everyone to enjoy themselves, there were four things we wished them to avoid discussing (according to National Christian Women's Club guidelines).  These things were:  Age, weight, politics and religion (we were non-demoninational).  I remember that I got into the habit of making silly rhymes each month to get this point across.  I know I saw some eye-rolling at times but once I heard someone say to another that I was "so funny" and boy, was that a pat on the back!  I know that I had at least one appreciative soul!  It was tough, coming up with a script every month but I learned so much.  And everything you do helps you later in life, whether it is in writing or something else.  It's called learning.  I'm so smart.

Anyway, I came across a script that I wrote for some meeting on March 2 (funny, that's just a few days away) but this was in 1993, 2 years before Chad was born.  I thought I'd write here just the little poem I wrote about the 4 things not to discuss.  Our special feature that month was a lady who was showing us her collection of Victorian and antique lace, which explains the first line.  Here goes ...

You may talk about lace, but not the age of your face,

     Discuss the project you are doing, but mention weight, and we'll be booing,

Chat about Astoria, but no politics, they'll bore ya,

     Of your church, please do not mention, but do relax and enjoy our luncheon.

Ah, yes - I can see you rolling your eyes through the computer!  I'd like to hope I've grown in my writing ability since then.  But I think I'll keep this, just to look back on and laugh.  Or not. 

How about you?  How do you feel when you come across something you wrote years ago.  Do you cringe and think, "Why did I write this?" or what?  Have you seen yourself grow over the years in the form of items you have written?  Tell me about it. 

AS OF 2/23 - A MORE SERIOUS PRAYER REQUEST IS NEEDED:  I just read this at MOMflippedisWOW:  Please pray for her husband, he is very ill and they are not entirely sure what is wrong.  Visit her site to learn more.  Please, please pray for this family.  Thanks!!

Now, my regularly scheduled post ...

I don't know why I didn't think to ask this before but, would you mind praying for my family?  We all have had colds with coughs (like, forever) and while my husband is finally well, the rest of us are in varying stages of illness/recovery.  Frankly, I'm really tired of it and want everyone to get well soon.  I am exhausted from praying on my own, but then I remembered that I'm not alone.  Thanking you in advance for your prayers for our quick healing. 

Also, when we are all well, (someday!!)  it is my intention to begin teaching American history.  We have been following all the election stuff (and nonsense - in my opinion) and, of course, we discuss history all the time but I wanted to begin at the start and try to go in order (for once!)  We have all 3 of the "Light and The Glory", etc., books and I will be reading those.  I also bought a video that the "Love To Learn" homeschool catalog recommended.  What I would love to hear is how you have dealt with this subject.  I am not opposed to secular references though I plan on the emphasis being how God worked through man to begin our country, and so on.  God's plan for our country.  How it still applies to today, even though it's getting harder to see that.  Also, I want to teach it correctly, dispelling any myths that my kids have already come across in their own reading.  As a child, I was taught so much nonsense that I later discovered the truth about.  It's not as simple as they would have liked you to believe as a kid.   

So, in the course of your busy day, if you have any simple or brilliant ideas you'd like to share concerning American history, I'd be ever so grateful.  Right now, my middle son is copying the Constitution, just for fun.  I am amazed.  We'll see how far he gets.  Remember, he's the one with great ideas that fizzle.  My older son has been rewriting the Constitution to go with his own personal government (it's a long story but, trust me, it's not psychopathic or weird.  Just Chad being Chad).  I bought some quill feather pins with dried ink and we are going to try writing with these, just like they did when they signed important documents 200 years ago.  I want to make history fun (I'm not very good at that) but most importantly, I want them to understand and remember it.  I want to make it real.  We are Americans, whatever that means anymore.  I certainly don't feel like I am a mainstream American - I am the individualistic, born-again Oregonian, rebel from So. Cal that bucks anything mainstream.  Please don't hate me for that last sentence!!  I digress ... I want my kids to understand what being American is to them.  I know that won't come for a long time - they have to decide for themselves.  But I hope to get them off to a good start.  With a little help from my fellow Americans, I hope!

I learned a few things about my kids yesterday (the 14th). 

I learned that my daughter, who just turned 7 two days ago, LOVES Valentine's Day and was eager to make cards for those she loved.  But she didn't like Chad that day so it was tough to convince her that it wouldn't be nice to exclude him.  She plunged in, cut out big hearts with no trouble at all and wrote little messages, with the help of a book that showed the word "valentine" in it.  She also remembered the cards I had made her in the past and incorporated some of those ideas, and when they were done, she distributed them to their proper recipients.  I was impressed.  But by 3:00, she wailed, "I'm sad because no one has given me any Valentines today!"  I pulled my son, Alec, aside and said if he didn't make his sister a card I'd punch him in the nose (true story, honest - so pathetic!)  More on him later.  Chad also got busy making her a card. 

Now, Chad.  He spent time looking for the heart template that I cut out years ago and somehow have managed to keep around to pull out for use on the 14th.  He couldn't find it and started to cry.  I found it for him but he was still upset.  "What's wrong?" I asked.  He said he didn't know what to write.  I said to make it simple - you know, like, "I love you ..."  A few minutes later, he appeared with 4 identical heart-shaped cards with teeny-tiny writing - each one saying, "I love you, Mom", etc.  Task finished.

Then there's Alec.  Upon being threatened, he sat down and made up cards for all of us and they were Alec-style and creative.  Absolutely nothing wrong with them, in my opinion.  He wasn't really enthusiastic about the whole thing but then, he saw the card I made him.

I somehow managed a free hour to sit down at the kitchen table and make up cards for all three kids.  They ran by lots of times but were clueless.  Well, when I finally gave them their cards, they were all very pleased but then Alec wanted to make new cards for everyone, using the ideas I had used on my cards.  He flew into action.  It's like I opened a creative door in his mind or something.  The resulting cards were polar opposites to the ones he made before and he had fun making them. 

Lesson learned (by me, I mean):  Chad is not comfortable with crafts and really struggles with them.  I have tried for years to help him but it's just not his thing.  He needs a lot of help from me to get him going.  A great talker, doesn't like to write anything down.  Alec - he needs to SEE something to get his spark aflame.  Once he's inspired, I get out of the way and let him go.  Carmen - she just needs to be motivated and in a good mood.  It's a rare day indeed when these two requirements are met.  She has always loved drawing and giving things to the family so making cards is really right up her alley.  Stash this lesson in my brain for future use as needed.  You can never know your kids too well.

Remember when you were a kid and bought those stupid Valentines at the store, which usually had too few cards per box so you had to buy 2 boxes and you ended up with more than you needed and all the good ones were shown on the front and the dumb ones, which where numerous, were hidden until you opened the box and then you had to pick out just the right ones for your friends and then ones for the kids you were o.k. with and then the least-liked ones for the kids you weren't o.k. with?  I'm so, so glad this isn't the experience my kids have about Valentine's Day.  For them, yes, it's about receiving but I hope the giving and loving part is what stays with them.

When I last wrote, I said that Carmen had 5 guppies (pretty little things) happily swimming 'round her tank (it's one of those hexagon-shaped ones).  And then ... "Mom, the fish are doing a mating dance around "Boney II"!  (The first Boney died, remember?)  I said that maybe male fish practice the mating dance even when it's just a tank of males.  Nope ... the kids consulted their fish books and, sure enough, Boney II is a female!  And as of today, she has chosen a life-partner due to the size of her belly!  So now, we are in the business of breeding.  The kids are all excited about selling baby guppies (called "fry") to the pet store.  Carmen said, "Mom, what do you call a baby guppy in France? ... a French fry!"  Welcome to my world!

The plot thickens.  "Mom, there are white spots on Rainbow's tail!"  Consult the fish books again.  We think they have "ich."  Fortunately, we've treated this kind of thing before and already had the medicine.  Just a few weeks ago, Carmen's tank was empty.   Now it's something new every few days.  But, boy, has she learned a lot!  Chad, our resident fish expert, has taught her so much about fish and fish care.  Together they feed her fish and take care of the tank.  It's been really educational for my nearly 7 year old.  And Chad has wanted to bond with his little sister - it's a perfect fit! 

And since I've got serious writers' (or is it writer's) block - at least I've SOMETHING to write about.  I'm sure I'll want to let everyone know when the babies arrive.  I hope they arrive - my little girl is counting on it! 

Last week, my middle son (Alec - Happy 10th Birthday! 1/31/08) was putting a large jar of "Miracle Whip" into the refrigerator and it slipped.  Thank goodness we started buying the plastic jars!  Anyway, it hit the floor and, of course, the lid flew off.  My first response was, "Are you o.k.?"  After assessing his physical well-being, we started to clean the floor.  Then I stopped ... I said, "Hey, this looks like a fish!"  All the kids came running.  Sure enough, we all agreed that the salad dressing spilled on the floor looked like a fish, and we added an eye and fins.  Then we cleaned it up and I thought to myself, "Was this one of those 'I must be a homeschool mom' moments?"  My husband just thought I was weird (it wouldn't be the first time.)  Oh, by the way, Miracle Whip is a great alternative to mayonnaise.  Good thing - I can't stand mayo!

But everything is fishy around here lately because everyone has newly acquired fish.  Oldest son added a few pretty fish to his nearly empty aquarium.  Middle son got a new beta as it's been months since his last one died.  It's a white one, named "Blizzard".  Daughter wanted guppies and got 6 very pretty males.  When the teenage worker at the fish store asked Carmen if she wanted 3 males and 3 females, Carmen held out her hands to her sides and said, "But I don't want to breed them!"  Pausing only briefly, the teenager offered 6 males instead.  I wasn't aware that my 6 year old daughter knew about fish breeding but she and her brothers have been studying tropical fish quite a bit lately, all on their own.  My oldest is a wealth of info because it's an interest of his.  Aren't we lucky.  Even my husband bought a beta for our bedroom.  We named him "Swanson", after the doctor that performed the heart surgery on Todd.  (Remember I said I was going to name something after him?)  I think Todd bought the fish to keep me company on those nights he has to work.  I agreed to all of these fish on one condition - that I didn't have to do ANYTHING for them - that means feeding or upkeep.  And so far, that has remained true.

Poor Carmen.  One guppy died the next day.  We got a replacement (the pet shop owner is really nice) and then we lost 2 more.  Then another one.  She now has 3 guppies and though the shop owner said we could come in for more replacements, Carmen says she's happy with her 3 pretty guppies.  She was fine when the first one died but got a bit terse after losing the 4th one.  Can't blame her.  But that is the way of fish and she knows it.  I have told my kids that fish die at some point whether it is sooner or later.  My oldest used to cry and carry on when he lost a fish but, fortunately, he's improved greatly in that area.  No more grand funerals in the backyard.

My kids all need more training being responsible for something and fish fill the bill in our house.  It is fun to see them taking care of their own personal pet, giving them names and making sure they are fed.  Remembering to clean the tanks is the only issue.  It can get a bit spendy at times but it's worth it.  Fish don't need to be walked, a bonus in the climate we live in.  No training to a litter box.  No vet bills.  Just a pleasant hum from the filter. 

So this is the year of the fish in our home.  Just don't ask me to feed them.