Today I had an exciting adventure...and it had NOTHING to do with housework! 
About a week ago, our homeschool association was contacted by a lovely homeschool mom from Australia (would that be "mum"?) She and her husband were traveling to Florida on a "fact-finding" mission. Would a move to the States be good for their family? She wanted to find out more about the area and how homeschooling worked here.
So, we sat poolside at her hotel for 2 hours and had a wonderful cultural exchange. I wish our whole PPEA board could have been there (although we would have been overwhelming for her, I think) because she was such a joy to visit with.
Of course, then I had to ruin all that relaxation by coming home and trying to balance 2 of the troop accounts for the end of the year. Which I guess wouldn't have been so bad if the darn things had just balanced...
But it's Mother's Day weekend and we have decided to vacation at home...no chores that we wouldn't be doing on vacation somewhere else! So, if you know where I live...don't come by this weekend! The Dirt Monster might just getcha!
Feeling blessed, how about you?
I'm making a real attempt at getting this in before my computer looses it's mind AGAIN!
We had an incredibly busy weekend. I've already blogged about my award, but now it's time to comment on what the girls did on Sunday. The class was billed as "Waterskiing, kneeboarding and tubing". Unfortunately, the boat was not aware of these plans and chose not to participate fully. So the girls went canoeing and tubing. For most of the girls, this was enough excitement. The instructor was about the same age as my son, and he clearly thought that more speed was better. Which was fine if you weren't on the "crack the whip" side of the tube. We had 2 injuries (the only 2 injuries I might add) and one blown out swimsuit. Hopefully I can repair the swimsuit, because Cindy's so tall that her last 2 suits have run me about $70 and I wasn't budgeting for a new one this year. But the girls had a blast and probably all slept well last night.
This event also concluded Reese's visit with us. The girls are sorry to see him go, as he has been a great guest!
So here is our pictorial tribute to Reese's visit
Before I tell about my day...I have to mention that I have had this 3 week respiratory bug that has been going around town. I have had to practically delete everything from my schedule. The true test that I wasn't feeling well was when I realized that I didn't MIND that I had deleted everything from my schedule. Until today...
Today was our Girl Scout Council's annual meeting. As an Area Association chair, I am expected to be at the meeting to greet the delegates from my area. (hence the name "Area Association Chair" 
) Anyway, I was also a nominee for National Council Delegate (had to be voted in for that) and had been notified that I was going to be recognized for my "service to Girl Scouts". Obviously this was not the meeting to miss!
Thank God, I felt much better this morning, and even better after I'd dosed myself so that I didn't sneeze and cough on everyone! So I dragged myself, my daughter and one of her friends to the meeting at 6:45 in the morning. On a Saturday! 
Cindy is a delegate this year, and so she actually had a vote. The girls also attended the forums, and served as ushers...oh, and had dessert and found a little time to shop!
When I checked in, I found that they had changed some of the procedures. I got my name badge with the council delegate nominee ribbon attached and when I checked in for the awards area, I received a corsage! But the biggest surprise was when I received the Thanks Badge! This award is the highest recognition that an adult volunteer can receive!
As Sally Field said "You like me, you really like me!" Now I know about not storing up treasures on earth...but let's face it, girls, bling is fun! And having your efforts noticed is a blast too!
So it was a funny moment, less than 5 minutes later, when I had my humbling experience. As part of the Robert's Rules of Order thing, they have to read off the names of the National Council Delegates so that they can be voted in. If your name isn't read, you're not part of the meeting notes, so you weren't elected to serve and an alternate would have to go in your place. Guess whose name they forgot? Yup! Fortunately, before I was able to decide whether I should jump up and ask if they made a mistake, the CEO pointed out the error. Phew! So I get to travel to Indianapolis in October to represent our council!! YEAH!
Feeling blessed, how about you?
Today is my sweetie's birthday! Let's just say that he's passed the half century, but hasn't hit 52 yet! I must be kind because he is only older than I am for 2 weeks. And revenge is not a pretty thing.
So, in honor of my sweet husband, here are a couple of pictures
My Girl Scout troops have participated in mascot exchange programs for about 7 years now. We try to invite mascots to visit when we know we'll be doing something cool. Sometimes that works, sometimes it doesn't!
Basically, when you have a mascot visit; you are receiving a small stuffed animal (usually beanie baby size). This toy is considered to be a troop member of the visiting troop...so you should treat it as you would if one of the girls were to visit. I have been known to get so into this that my husband swears that I need "Mascots Anonymous". Obviously the greatest faux pas would be to lose the mascot, followed very closely by damaging it. This is especially true when the mascot belongs to a troop of younger girls.
In the past 2 months we have had 2 mascots visit. Cocoa (the monkey) has gone back to her troop in Wisconsin. They still have our mascot Sparky because they are going on a cool overnight to the Mall of America and Sparky wanted to go too! (Told you I have a problem)
Reese is still visiting from Virginia. He and Cocoa joined the kids from church at Planet Jump. Think of a warehouse full of inflatables. Then Cocoa had to go home, but Reese has had a busy week.
Friday I was at Panera for my usual Friday visit while C was at her art class. I was IMing a friend (Panera is total chill time for me!) when I realized that a shark had just walked into Panera. BTW, they truly do serve anyone! The shark is named Phinley and he is the mascot for the Clearwater Threshers (minor league team). I asked Phinley if he would be willing to take a picture with Reese. He promptly agreed, smiled very wide and placed poor Reese in his mouth! Reese has fully recovered--it's amazing what a nice lunch at Panera will do for you. Reese is particularly fond of salad.
Saturday, Reese got to accompany 4 of my program aides (older girls who have learned to develop and lead programs for younger girls) to an outdoor skills class. What the girls apparently learned is that they have NO outdoor skills! Can't blame them though...it's not their fault that they have me for a leader!
Sunday was the Rays' game against Baltimore (Rays won 6-2). We were the color guard for the game. The girls about died laughing (remember that a flag ceremony is supposed to be serious) when Raymond stood right in front of them and started swaying to the music. I don't think he was trying to be cute...he came out on the field when he realized that the Little League team that was also on the field hadn't removed their hats. By then, the National Anthem had started and he couldn't leave. He certainly relaxed the girls, who were a little nervous because they changed the routine this year!
Feeling blessed! How about you?
Let's see...I've never tried this before. And I've got a cold or something. But why not! I'll give it a try.
Bible: Cindy & I are reading in Luke 4-6 this week. I love being back in the New Testament!
Really Want to Do: My weight loss has stalled again. Time to get out the exercise stuff...and maybe do more than just admire it!
Household Stuff: Well, it's the kitchen's week. But we also want to clear off a new drawer or shelf in each of our rooms everyday. Why didn't I throw out the underwear when the elastic first gave out? Did I think the Smithsonian was going to contact me to donate it for an exhibit? (And we won't even discuss the TITLE of such an exhibit!)
School: Here's a radical concept...we could do some everyday. Maybe even complete the lesson plan? Seriously, I want to spend some time in spelling, vocabulary and science. On the plus side, Spanish and Algebra are going really well!
Menus: We plan to eat at least 3 times every day. It would be a bonus if we actually followed the menu board. However, this deviation comes from my husband. "What are we having for dinner? (this about an hour before he comes home)" "We're having (insert dish here)" "Oh...I was kinda hoping we could have spaghetti...but, that's OK"
So, unless he changes my menu plan
Monday: Stroganoff and biscuits
Tuesday: BLT & Mac n Cheese
Wednesday: Chicken with stuffing and cranberry sauce
Thursday: French Dip sandwiches
Friday: Ziti
Saturday: Moo Goo Gai Pan
Sunday: Pork Roast
We usually have salad as our side.
Happy Monday!
Feeling blessed, how about you?
See, when I read a book I'm not looking to expand my mind. Really, it's more like I'm looking to contract it. I want to relax, not think deep thoughts. So I usually read romances. Christian romances. Boy meets girl (or vice versa). If both aren't saved, saved one leads unsaved one to the Lord. Boy and Girl fall in love (sometimes these two reverse, but they always wait on the Lord for marriage). Ahh, perfection. Neat, orderly life...so unlike mine!
So I started this new series "Heavenly Daze". It's written by Lori Copeland and Angela Hunt. Love 'em both separately, so why not together?
The idea is that a sea captain retires to a remote island in Maine. Other sea captains follow. Debauchery follows the sea captains...so, the first captain asks the Lord to protect his island. So now, 200 years later, each of the original 7 houses has a resident angel. Oh they try to "fit in", but they know things before the other residents, never lose their tempers and have "been around as long as anyone can remember". Wouldn't you think the residents would eventually piece it together? Then, I really thought about it. Would I?
Would you?
Feeling blessed, how about you?
Actually, those things are not related, except by calendar week. So, starting with the fun stuff...
Cindy and I went to a Girl Scout scrapbooking crop this weekend. Two of my friends set it up. Cindy had never been to a crop because I still wouldn't trust her in one held in a scrapbooking store. Do you know what my bill would be at the end of the day?
Anyway, she had her own album and her own pictures, paper, glue, etc. One and a half hours later, she's on page 5 and I'm still setting up the VBS pictures from last year. Of course, her album was empty and mine involved MANY trips down memory lane! Next thing I know, I'm hunting for a specific picture only to find it glued into HER album. "Oh, was that your picture, Mom? I'm sorry, I didn't know". Sheesh!
So...onto to high school. We're about a month away from our PPEA book sale (ranks right up there with Black Friday for me!) And so, a homeschool mom's thoughts turn to
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what can I sell?
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how much do I think I'll make?
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what books do I want to look for for next year?
We used Sonlight this year, for the first time in my 10 years of homeschooling. It has worked well for Cindy. At least, I think it has, the proof will be in her evaluation. But she is a reluctant reader, even in 8th grade. And Sonlight has a LOT of reading. And is very expensive. So will we use it again?
I went to the source. I asked Cindy what she liked and didn't like. And overall, she gave Sonlight 
. We did not use the program as completely as we could have, which is something to work on. On the other hand, we actually did school during Girl Scout cookie season this year! I think the prepared lesson plans had a lot to do with that.
And so, we motor on toward high school (first time for her, 3rd time for me...if you count when I was in high school!) And I've started my research. Mostly because things are different now than they were when I taught high school to DJ. And, if you get nothing else, EVER from my blog...please get this! Start your high school planning when your students are in middle school. Then keep an eye on the requirements for whatever path you see your child taking post-high school. This year college entrance requirements changed in Florida. And as they change, the way I teach changes.
OK, well that's enough heavy stuff for one day. The dishes are done..and frankly, so am I!
Feeling blessed, how about you?
I've been trying to lose weight for about 8 months. But, be honest, have you seen the butterfly on my chart move recently?
So Sunday evening, we were watching TV when a new show came on TLC, "I Can Make You Thin". This guy claims that he can make you thin...through the TV. Ya, right! We figured it would be good for a laugh. Imagine my surprise when he said you needed to start with 4 things.
- Only eat when you are truly hungry.
- Quit eating when you're full (don't wait till you're starving and don't stuff yourself).
- Eat what you want!
- Put your knife & fork down with each bite. Chew each bite at least 20 times. Don't do other stuff while you're eating, pay attention to whether or not you're full
Nothing weird here. Then he mentioned that we tend to eat like it's our last meal and someone is going to take it from us. And, we don't have to clean our plates if we're not hungry.
But I reasoned, I'm already doing most of that. It won't make much of a difference. Uh huh! Lost 2 pounds in 3 days! Couldn't believe how much less I ate when I paid attention to what I was eating! Apparently I eat a lot when I'm not really hungry. sigh...
Well at least I get to move the butterfly now...
Feeling blessed, how about you?
Sing along with me (to the tune of the Farmer in the Dell)
The cookies are gone,
The cookies are gone,
Linda's having a breakdown,
The cookies are gone!
Now a Girl Scout's thoughts turn to spending the money. And of course, the 2 troops wouldn't want to do the SAME thing. After all, that would be easier on me ('nuff said). Truthfully, though, I think we'll have a great time. My church troop chose the Nick Hotel in Orlando. I haven't counted the votes yet for my homeschooled girls.
But the cookies are here!
My parents have set sail on a 2 week cruise. I think the convenient excuse is that it was their 54th wedding anniversary on Wednesday. But they're kind of like that Olive Garden commercial...
"Are you celebrating a special event?"
"Nope, just Wednesday!"
"Well, Wednesday's good!"
And I think it's wonderful that they can celebrate both their anniversary and Wednesday!
Did I mention that the cookies are here?
Now, moving on to the cookies We have the cookies for 3 troops in our house. A friend took care of the pre-sale cookies, but I have the booth cookies. And the money. And the deposits. And, worst of all...the computer entries. You see, they put everything online this year. And it would be great if a) everything worked as it should and b)I didn't have to triple enter everything. I have my own computer program to keep records and I've been having trouble keeping up with it and the council record keeping.
So this weekend, I have to catch up my family's bills and the cookie recordkeeping. Sure hope I don't get my wires crossed!
So...I guess I'd better get some sleep, so I have a clear head!
Feeling blessed, how about you?
So what's a girl to do if the Girl Scout cookies and her parents arrive on the same day?
Well, if she's really blessed, then one of the moms who helped pick up the cookies will volunteer to take them back to her house and sort them. thanks, FloridaSunsets!
So I was able to spend the afternoon with my parents and take them to see my son at college...which was a LOT of fun.
This picture was taken on my mom's?? birthday last year. We surprised her by decorating their cabin door on the cruise ship
Feeling blessed...and very sleepy...how about you?
And Susan was the character I thought I'd be most like
 |
Which Chronicles of Narnia character are you most like? created with QuizFarm.com |
3 strings of lights, 2 small christmas trees and the w-h-o-l-e nativity set!
And take my daughter to the aquarium, work on the bills, run a load of laundry...and the bunny is still going!
Feeling blessed, how about you?
So here I am, sitting in Panera again. I fire up the music on my laptop (I'm only good for so much chamber music!) and play on my laptop.
I'm at Panera because DD and her friend are at the Hannah Montana movie. This is a big deal, because they have no adult with them. Mind you, I would have enjoyed the movie and really WANTED to go...but I was encouraged not to attend. Apparently, in their effort to get good seats they actually managed to get around the girls in front of them (they were 4th and 5th in line) and were the first in the theater! 
I'm sure no one was hurt in their mad dash!
I have many things I should be doing. But instead, I have found myself reading Mary's wonderful tribute to her old and new Bibles and looking at curriculum...and generally avoiding the stuff I brought with me.
So, join me while I relax.
Feeling blessed, how about you?
It dawned on me that I never put up a slideshow for DJ's 21st birthday. Shame on me. But since he is now officially a senior (sniff, sniff) and made the dean's list...it seems that I have been presented with another opportunity to brag about the boy! And I don't intend to miss this one. So here, in embarrassing color, is a tribute to our son!
Feeling blessed! How about you?
| You Are A Lily |
 People see you as their rock. And they are able to depend on you. You are a soothing influence. You can make people feel better with a few words. Your caring has more of an impact than even you realize. |
Let's see... 6 unimportant things about myself.
The rules for this meme are:
(1) Link to the person that tagged you. √
(2) Post the rules on your blog. √
(3) Share six non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself. √
(4) Tag six random people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs. √
(5) Let each random person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their website. √
Now for the tag:
- I'd rather read than eat chocolate...but not by much!
- I love stuffed animals.
- I've never had a cup of coffee!
- Love show tunes...play 'em at my funeral, please!
- I sang tenor in high school...not enough boys in the choir!
- Hubby doesn't like satin sheets, so I gotta have a satin nighty (I know, TMI!)
And, since all the people on my list have already been tagged...if you've read this far, tag you're it!
If you have read this blog more than once, you know I'm not an outdoorswoman. I don't like to sweat, I like things to flush in the night, and I LOVE my comfy mattress (complete with comfy husband)! So it takes a lot to get me to go camping.
This last weekend was our service unit encampment. I had the option of going up for the day to teach archery. But, the girls wanted to go camping. So what did I do? I went camping, of course!
First we went to see the Golden Dragon Acrobats
Then we drove to camp, set up the archery range and went to visit the ranger's horses
By then we were really hungry. The girls wanted to cook outdoors, but it looked like it would rain at any minute and we had limited firewood...so we opted for the fireplace. And...women make fire! Yeah!
The next day, I taught archery and they worked with the Brownies. The entire weekend was uneventful, if you don't count the tornado warning and the 1 1/2 hour power outtage (always a joy with 100 girls between the ages of 6-18).
The highlight of the weekend was the family who came to teach poi (2 of their daughters are in the troop). The weather cleared enough for them to do their fire poi demo. We have video on a cell phone, and if I can get it off of there, I'll post it!
Feeling blessed, how about you?