....of one sort or another.  I received this from my father-in-law.  He knows I love teaching...it is a great sentiment...enjoy! icart

WHAT TEACHERS MAKE?

         The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life.
One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He
argued, "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best
option in life was to become a teacher?"

         He reminded the other dinner guests what they say about
teachers:  "Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach."

         To stress his point he said to another guest; "You're a
teacher, Susan.  Be honest. What do you make?"

         Susan, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied,
"You want to know what I make?

         "I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could. I
make a C+ feel like the winner of the Congressional Medal of Honor. I
make kids sit through 40 minutes of study hall in absolute silence.

        "You want to know what I make?

I am Catholic, but I love going to all different denominations' Bible studies!  Not only to you meet LOTS of new people, but the things you can learn!  I just finished one with Baptist friends of mine with Beth Moore.  She was so much fun and so compelling...I need to look into more of her stuff (anyone know where I can get it?).  We studied the entire book of Daniel...fascinating!  Lots of work...but so tremendously insightful, compelling and thought provoking...it really stays with you!

So...with that on weighing on my heart...here is a little prayer for you.  Enjoy! icart

May today there be peace within. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content knowing you are a child of God. Let His presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us.

...but oh so true.  After last week, I can attest to this hitting straight at my heart.  I hope it hits yours, icart!

Happiness keeps You Sweet,
Trials keep You Strong,
Sorrows keep You Human,
Failures keep You Humble,
Success keeps You Glowing,


But Only God keeps You Going!   

...it has been a crazy one.  I have been showering the Lord with prayers of thanks for three days now.  Keep reading and you will see why...

Monday night I was saying a prayer of thanks becuase my husband had a trying exercise which went well.  He did a great job and was feeling good!  Gotta love when the "Honey, feels good!"

As I was making dinner that same night...my younger son calls sounding pittiful telling me he and my older son were in an accident.  My oldest is 18; drives like he is 18 AND we live in Memphis...the worse drivers in the world (and I have driven in quite a few cities around the world..including Paris)!  So we knew it was a matter of when not if...well it was when!  Again, Thank God no one was hurt!  The only casualty was my younger son's frappachino (he squoze it a little too hard and bunch holes in the sides)!  Of course my 18 year old's car is smooshed (he ran into the back of a '97 Tahoe with a Honda Civic).  So I went to get my husband's Tahoe checked out (it was running rough)...it started clanking and spewing dark smoke out of the tail pipe...very bad,  So, I had to have it towed to the Chevy place...that's two cars down!

Next, the weather hit...we had snow yesterday!  I made a "mommy decision" and called today a snow day...I let the boys sleep in..of course, we didn't get any accumulation and the schools were open.  Oh well, I have all my babies snug as a bug in a rug in my home...and that is why I have been giving the Lord thanks!

So....since I am in a deliriously happy, silly mood..here is a little joke for you.  It involves Nuns so don't be offended (I am Catholic and still giggles)...enjoy! icart

Two nuns were shopping in a food store and happened to be passing   
        the beer and liquor section.                                              
       One asks the other if she would like a beer.                        
       The other nun answered that would be good, but that she would be    
        uneasy about purchasing it.                                               
       The first nun said that she would handle it and picked up a six     
       pack and took it to the cashier. The cashier had a surprised look and     
       the first nun said,                                                       
                                                                           
       "The beer is used for washing our hair."                            
       The cashier, without blinking an eye, reached under the counter     
       and put a package of pretzels in the bag with the beer, saying, "Here     
       sister, don't forget the curlers.                                          
                                                                           

....with my house up for sale (it's a beauty in Cordova, outside of Memphis, TN...any lookers?), my son trying very hard to sabatoge his entrance to FSU, an impending move back to Florida and all the other daily "stuff", my friend sent me this...it's short, sweet, but VERY good to remember...enjoy! icart

"Worry looks around, sorry looks back, Faith looks up."

Amazing what a few years can do...try to imagine what this world will be like when WE are 100!  I find it amazing when I compare what COLLEGE was like for me and my oldest!  That wasn't THAT long ago!

 Show this to your children and grandchildren 
 
THE YEAR 1906 
 
This will boggle your mind, I know it did mine! 
The year is 1907. 
One hundred years ago. 
What a difference a century makes! 
Here are some of the U.S. statistics for the Year 1907 : 

 
The average life expectancy in the U.S. was 47 years. 
 
Only 14 percent of the homes in the U.S. had a bathtub. 
 
Only 8 percent of the homes had a telephone. 
 
A three-minute call from Denver to New York City 
cost eleven dollars. 
 
There were only 8,000 cars in the U.S., and only 144 miles 
of paved roads. 
 
The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph. 
 
Alabama, Mississippi, Iowa, and Tennessee were each more 
heavily populated than California.
 
With a mere 1.4 million people, California was only the
21st  most populous state in the Union. 
 
The tallest structure in the world was the Eiffel Tower!
 
The average wage in the U.S. was 22 cents per hour. 
 
The average U.S. worker made between $200 and $400 per year 
 
 
A competent accountant could expect to earn $2000 per year, 
a dentist $2,500 per year,? a veterinarian between $1,500
and $4,000 per year, and a mechanical engineer about $5,000 per year.? 
 
More than 95 percent of all births in the U.S. took place
at HOME . 
 
Ninety percent of all U.S. doctors had NO COLLEGE EDUCATION!
 Instead, they attended so-called medical schools, many of which 
were condemned in the press AND the government as
"substandard." 
 
Sugar cost four cents a pound. 
 
Eggs were fourteen cent s a dozen. 
 
Coffee was fifteen cent s a pound. 
 
Most women only washed their hair once a month, and used 
borax or egg yolks for shampoo. 
 
Canada passed a law that prohibited poor people from 
entering into their country for any reason. 
 
Five leading causes of death in the U.S. were: 
1. Pneumonia and influenza 
2. Tuberculosis 
3. Diarrhea 
4. Heart disease 
5. Stroke 
 
The American flag had 45 stars. 
Arizona , Oklahoma, New Mexico, Hawaii, and 
Alaska hadn't been admitted to the Union yet. 
 
The population of Las Vegas, Nevada, was only 30!!!! 
 
Crossword puzzles, canned beer, and ice tea 
hadn't been invented yet. 
 
There was no Mother's Day or Father's Day. 
 
Two out of every 10 U.S. adults couldn't read or write.
 Only 6 percent of all Americans had graduated from high
school. 
 
Marijuana, heroin, and morphine were all available over 
the counter at the local corner drugstores. Back then pharmacists 
said, "Heroin clears the complexion, gives buoyancy to the mind, 
regulates the stomach and bowels, and is, in fact, a perfect guardian 
of health." ( Shocking? DUH! ) 
 
Eighteen percent of households in the U.S. had at least 
one full-time servant or domestic help. 
 
There were about 230 reported murders in the ENTIRE U.S.A. ! 
 
Now I forwarded this from someone else without typing 
it myself, and sent it to you and others all over the
United States, possibly the world, in a matter of seconds! 
 
Try to imagine what it may be like in another 100 years. 

IT STAGGERS THE MIND, EH ....!

So it has begun....I put the house up for sale on Monday and the dryer broke down on Thursday.  To add to that. my husband's truck is acting up...timing is everything!

However, a friend of mine sent this to me yesterday.  I have received this one before, but this time I needed it.  So I am sending it out to you...just in case you need it...enjoy! icart!

Time passes.
Life happens.
Distance separates.
Children grow up.
Jobs come and go.
Love waxes and wanes.
Men don't do what they're supposed to do.
Hearts break.
Parents die.
Colleagues forget favors.
Careers end.
BUT... Sisters are there, no matter how much time and how many miles are
between you. A girl friend is never farther away than needing her can reach.

When you have to walk that lonesome valley and you have to walk it by yourself, the women in your life will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on, praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the valley's end.  Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk beside you... or come in and carry you out.

Girlfriends, daughters, granddaughters, daughters-in-law, sisters, sisters-in-law, mothers, grandmothers, aunties, nieces, cousins, and extended family, all bless our life! The world wouldn't be the same without women, and neither would I. When we began this adventure called womanhood, we had no idea of the incredible joys or sorrows that
lay ahead. Nor did we know how much we would need each other.

Every day, we need each other still. Pass this on to all the women who help make your life meaningful. I just did.

There are more than twenty angels in this world. Ten are peacefully sleeping on clouds.
Nine are playing... And one is reading this message at this moment.

Hi Gang!

I try to keep my blog mostly humorous...I love a good giggle in the morning.  But I am a political animal at my core.  So every once in awhile I need to put some politics in here.  Usually I just respond to other people's blogs...but I think I need to make a change...help keep you informed.

I have added a "sticker" to my sidebar.  It has alerts and a link to the AFA...great site to get updates on up coming bills, etc and a quick and easy way to contact your senators, representatives and state officials.  Great resource for your kids and "governement" classes!

I hope you check it out often...and post any of your views here!  I LOVE a good debate...I am always trying to understand the other point of view...this is such a great country...enjoy, icart!

...and a Happy New Year!

     As with everyone...things are pretty hectic.  So I apologize for not blogging as often as I should.  I will be away from my computer for a little while....but may still find a way to blog.  Make sure you check back...this new year should be a good one!!!

     I have to tell you guys about a WONDERFUL product we discovered this year!  As many of you know, my husband is a Naval Aviator in the U.S. Navy.  He is currently deployed in South Korea.  Well, we invested in a pair of "webcams!"  They are so worth the price!!!  We got to spend this Christmas together...thanks to these litttle cameras!  We were able to talk back and forth and see each other open presents.

     It couldn't do anything about the time difference (15 hours!), but it was GREAT to see each other.  We woke up at midnight our time...3 in the afternoon for my husband.  But it was wonderful!  If you are going to be apart...I highly recommend buying a pair of webcams!

So on that note...now that Christmas is officially here...enjoy this "14 days of homeschooling" (sung to the tune of the 12 Days of Christmas)...Merry Christmas and Happy New Year....icart

14 Days of Homeschooling

To the tune of "Twelve Days of Christmas."

On the first day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "Can you homeschool
legally?"

On the second day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "Are they socialized,
can you homeschool legally?"

On the third day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "Do you give them
tests, are they socialized, can you homeschool legally?"

On the fourth day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "What about P.E., do
you give them tests, are they socialized, can you homeschool legally?"

On the fifth day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "YOU ARE SO STRANGE!
What about P.E., do you give them tests, are they socialized, can you
homeschool legally?"

On the sixth day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "How long will you
homeschool, YOU ARE S0 STRANGE, what about P.E. , do you give them tests, are
they socialized, can you homeschool legally?"

On the seventh day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "Look at what
they're missing, how long will you homeschool, YOU ARE SO STRANGE!, what about P.E.,
do you give them tests, are they socialized, do you homeschool legally?"

On the eighth day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "Why do you do this,
look at what they're missing, how long will you homeschool, YOU ARE SO
STRANGE, what about P.E. do you give them tests, are they socialized, do you
homeschool legally?"

On the ninth day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "They'll miss the
prom, why do you do this, look at what they're missing, how long will you
homeschool, YOU ARE SO STRANGE!, what about P.E. do you give them tests, are they
socialized, do you homeschool legally?"

On the tenth day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "What about
graduation, they'll miss the prom, why do you do this, look at what they're missing, how
long will you homeschool, YOU ARE SO STRANGE!, what about P.E., do you give
them tests, are they socialized, can you homeschool legally?"

On the eleventh day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "I could never do
that, what about graduation, they'll miss the prom, why do you do this, look at
what they're missing, how long will you homeschool, YOU ARE SO STRANGE, what
about P.E., do you give them tests, are they socialized, can you homeschool
legally?"

On the twelfth day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "Can they go to
college, I could never do that, what about graduation, they'll miss the prom, why
do you do this, look at what they're missing, how long will you homeschool,
YOU ARE SO STRANGE, What about P.E., do you give them tests, are they
socialized, can you homeschool legally?"

On the thirteenth day of homeschool I thoughtfully replied: "They Can go to
college, yes you can do this, they can have graduation, we don't like the prom,
we do it cuz we like it, they are missing nothing, we'll homeschool forever,
WE ARE NOT STRANGE!, We give them P.E., and we give them tests, they are
socialized, AND WE HOMESCHOOL LEGALLY!

On the fourteenth day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "How can I get
started, why didn't you tell me, where do I buy curriculum, when is the next
conference, WILL PEOPLE THINK WE'RE STRANGE? I think we can do this, if you will
help us, we'll join a sports team, and we'll homeschool legally."

My poor twelve year old daughter is fighting whether or not to believe in Santa.  It didn't help any last year...we had some snow and ice and Santa's reindeer left hoof prints in the snow!  Add to that the absolute joy we have for Christmas as a family and the fact that my children have been blessed to NEVER do without....it is really hard!

Well, a friend of mine sent me this tory...it is absolutely perfect!  I want to be that grandma some day....Merry Christmas and enjoy!  icart

A lesson for us all of us....The Spirit can and does move through Santa Claus and people......... I remember my first Christmas adventure with Grandma. I was just a kid. I remember tearing across town on my bike to visit her on the day my big sister dropped the bomb: "There is no Santa Claus," she jeered. "Even dummies know that!" My Grandma was not the gushy kind, never had been. I fled to her that day because I knew she would be straight with me. I knew Grandma always told the truth, and I knew that the truth always went down a whole lot easier when swallowed with one of her "world-famous" cinnamon buns. I knew they were world-famous, because Grandma said so. It had to be true. Grandma was home, and the buns were still warm. Between bites, I told her everything She was ready for me. "No Santa Claus?" she snorted.... "Ridiculous! Don't believe it. That rumor has been going around for years, and it makes me mad, plain mad!! Now, put on your coat, and let's go." "Go? Go where, Grandma?" I asked. I hadn't even finished my second world-famous cinnamon bun.  "Where" turned out to be Kerby's General Store, the one store in town that had a little bit of just about everything. As we walked through its doors, Grandma handed me ten dollars. That was a bundle in those days. "Take this money," she said, "and buy something for someone who needs it. I'll wait for you in the car." Then she turned and walked out of Kerby's. I was only eight years old. I'd often gone shopping with my mother, but never had I shopped for anything all by myself. The store seemed big and crowded, full of people scrambling to finish their Christmas shopping. For a few moments I just stood there, confused, clutching that ten-dollar bill, wondering what to buy, and who on earth to buy it for. I thought of everybody I knew: my family, my friends, my neighbors, the kids at school, the people who went to my church. I was just about thought out, when I suddenly thought of Bobby Decker. He was a kid with bad breath and messy hair, and he sat right behind me in Mrs. Pollock's grade-two class. Bobby Decker didn't have a coat. I knew that because he never went out to recess during the winter. His mother always wrote a note, telling the teacher that he had a cough, but all we kids knew that Bobby Decker didn't have a cough; he didn't have a good coat. I fingered the ten-dollar bill with growing excitement. I would buy Bobby Decker a coat! I settled on a red corduroy one that had a hood to it. It looked real warm,  and he would like that. "Is this a Christmas present for someone?" the lady behind the counter asked kindly, as I laid my ten dollars down. "Yes, ma'am," I replied shyly. "It's for Bobby." The nice lady smiled at me, as I told her about how Bobby really needed a good winter coat. I didn't get any change, but she put the coat in a bag, smiled again, and wished me a Merry Christmas. That evening, Grandma helped me wrap the coat (a little tag fell out of the coat, and Grandma tucked it in her Bible) in Christmas paper and ribbons and wrote, "To Bobby, From Santa Claus" on it. Grandma said that Santa always insisted on secrecy. Then she drove me over to Bobby Decker's house, explaining as we went that I was now and  forever officially, one of Santa's helpers. Grandma parked down the street from Bobby's house, and she and I crept noiselessly and hid in the bushes by his front walk. Then Grandma gave me a nudge. "All right, Santa Claus," she whispered, "get going." I took a deep breath, dashed for his front door, threw the present down on his step, pounded his door and flew back to the safety of the bushes and Grandma. Together we waited breathlessly in the darkness for the front door to open.  Finally it did, and there stood Bobby. Fifty years haven't dimmed the thrill of those moments spent shivering, beside my Grandma, in Bobby Decker's bushes. That night, I realized that those awful rumors about Santa Claus were just what Grandma said they were  --  ridiculous. Santa was alive and well, and we  were on his team. I still have the Bible, with the coat tag tucked inside: $19.95. May you always have LOVE to share, HEALTH to spare and FRIENDS that care...And may you always believe in the magic of Santa Claus!

Well, it is that crazy time after Thanksgiving and before Christmas.  Every year I promise I will find the time to do all I want to do...but it never works out that way.  I always have a fantastic holiday anyway!  So my advice to all of you (if you want it) is too relax...enjoy...and don't stress the little stuff.

Here are a few things to think about while you are out there fighting the crowds, shopping for the perfect gift, mailing those Christmas cards and Santa letters...

Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle...   A DAY WITHOUT SMILING... IS A WASTED DAY!!

Think of the "Secret Santa" fighting for his life in Houston, Texas...spread some cheer this season.  Tip a little heavier, smile a little brighter and have a little more patience...it will go a long way...enjoy!  icart

...too true for words.  These two brain games are super cool.  I nice way to start your Monday.  I'm not sure about the first one's claim for genius...I got all six...maybe it is just a form of brain damage....enjoy! icart

Test Your Brain

This is really cool. The second one is amazing so please read all the way though. 



ALZHEIMER'S   EYE TEST

Count every " F" in the following text:

FINISHED FILES ARE THE RESULT OF YEARS OF SCIENTIFIC STUDY COMBINED WITH
THE EXPERIENCE OF YEARS...

(SEE BELOW)


HOW MANY ?

WRONG, THERE ARE 6 -- no joke.
READ IT AGAIN !
Really, go Back and Try to find the 6 F's before you scroll down.

The reasoning behind is further down.


The brain cannot process "OF". 
  
Incredible or what? Go back and look again!!

Anyone who counts all 6 "F's" on the first go is a genius. 
                                          
Three is normal, four is quite rare.



More Brain Stuff . .  From Cambridge University ..
 
O lny srmat poelpe can raed tihs.
 
 
cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The
phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig  to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy,
 
it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the  ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat  ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll  raed it wouthit a porbelm.
 
Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey  lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Amzanig huh? yaeh and I awlyas  tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt! if
you can raed tihs psas it on  !!

For those of yu who may not know WHO to vote for...here is a site for some Higher Wisdom.  It's called Pray the Vote.  It can't hurt...Go VOTE!!!  icart

http://www.presidentialprayerteam.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ptv_resources

Check out my earlier post and the comments...some of those blogs have really great insight!

Okay Gang, whatever you do today...go vote!  My husband always says...if you are not part of the solution you are part of the problem.  VOTE!  How can you complain about immigration, national security, taxes, education, etc...if you don't vote. 

With that being said...there are a lot of political ads out there ($2 billion worth...and they complain about the national debt...don't get me started).  Some of them have famous stars in them.  A lot of Hollywood is political these days...of course Michael J. Fox (who just became a US citizen a few years agao), Barbara Striesand, Martin Sheen, Susan Saranadon, All the Baldwins...and many more.  Before you are swayed by any of these "stars" points of few...just think about this:

WHERE ARE TODAY"S HOLLYWOOD STARS?

With the advent of World War II many of our actors went to fight rather than stand and rant against this country we all love.

They gave up their wealth, position and fame to become service men & women, many as simple "enlisted men".

This page lists but a few, but from this group of only 18 men came over 70 medals in honor of their valor, spanning from Bronze Stars, Silver Stars, Distinguish Service Cross', Purple Hearts and one Congressional Medal of Honor.
 Most of these brave men have since passed on.

Real Hollywood Heroes

Alec Guinness (Star Wars~Bridge over the River Kwai) operated a British Royal Navy landing craft on D-Day.

James Doohan ("Scotty" on Star Trek) landed in Normandy with the U. S. Army on D-Day.

Donald Pleasance (The Great Escape) really was an R. A. F. pilot who was shot down, held prisoner and tortured by the Germans.

David Niven (around the world in 80 days) was a Sandhurst graduate and Lt. Colonel of the British Commandos in Normandy.

James Stewart (It's a wonderful life) entered the Army Air Force as a private and worked his way to the rank of Colonel.
During World War II, Stewart served as a bomber pilot, his service record crediting him with leading more than 20 missions over Germany, and taking part in hundreds of air strikes during his tour of duty.

Stewart earned the Air Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross, France's Croix de Guerre,and 7 Battle Stars during World War II.

In peace time, Stewart continued to be an active member of the Air Force as a reservist, reaching the rank of Brigadier General before retiring in the late 1950's.

Clark Gable (Mega-Movie Star when war broke out) Although he was beyond the draft age at the time the U.S. entered WW II

Clark Gable enlisted as a private in the AAF on Aug. 12, 1942 at Los Angeles.

He attended the Officers' Candidate School at Miami Beach, Fla. and graduated as a second lieutenant on Oct. 28, 1942. He then attended aerial gunnery school and in Feb. 1943 he was assigned to the 351st Bomb Group at Polebrook where flew operational missions over Europe in B-17s.

Capt. Gable returned to the U.S. in Oct. 1943 and was relieved from active duty as a major on Jun. 12, 1944 at his own request, since he was over-age for combat.

Charlton Heston (played Moses, Ben Hur)was an Army Air Corps Sergeant in Kodiak

Earnest Borgnine (McHale's Navy) was a U. S. Navy Gunners Mate 1935-1945.

Charles Durning was a U. S. Army Ranger at Normandy earning a Silver Star and awarded the Purple Heart.

Charles Bronson was a tail gunner in the Army Air Corps, more specifically on B-29s in the 20th Air Force out of Guam, Tinian, and Saipan.

George C. Scott (Patton)was a decorated U. S. Marine.

Eddie Albert (Green Acres TV) was awarded a Bronze Star for his heroic action as a U. S. Naval officer aiding Marines at the horrific battle on the island of Tarawa in the Pacific Nov. 1943.

Brian Keith served as a U.S. Marine rear gunner in several actions against the Japanese on Rabaul in the Pacific

Lee Marvin was a U.S. Marine on Saipan during the Marianas campaign when he was wounded earning the Purple Heart.

John Russell: In 1942, he enlisted in the Marine Corps where he received a battlefield commission and was wounded and highly decorated for valor at Guadalcanal.

Robert Ryan was a U.S. Marine who served with the OSS in Yugoslavia.

Tyrone Power (an established movie star when Pearl Harbor was bombed) joined the U..Mrines, was a pilot flying supplies into, and wounded Marines out of, Iwo Jima and Okinawa..

Audie Murphy, little 5'5" tall 110 pound guy from Bay City, Texas who played cowboy parts?

Most decorated serviceman of WWII and earned: Medal of Honor, Distigushd Service Cross, 2 Silver Star Medals, Legion of Merit, 2 Bronze Star Medals with "V", 2 Purple Hearts, U.S. Army Outstanding Civilian Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, 2 Distinguished Unit Emblems, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with One Silver Star, Four Bronze Service Stars (representing nine campaigns) and one Bronze Arrowhead (representing assault landing at Sicily and Southern France) World War II Victory Medal Army of Occupation Medal with Germany Clasp, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Marksman Badge with Rifle Bar, Expert Badge with Bayonet Bar, French Fourragere in Colors of the Croix de Guerre, French Legion of Honor, Grade of Chevalier, French Croix de Guerre With Silver Star, French Croix de Guerre with Palm, Medal of Liberated France, Belgian Croix de Guerre 1940 Palm.

Something to think about...GO VOTE!  icart

A friend of mine sent this to me....whether you homeschool or educate the "traditional" way this is so accurate.  So hats off to all the Moms, Dads and care givers to our children!  enjoy! icart

POSITION :

Mom, Mommy, Mama, Ma

Dad, Daddy, Dada, Pa

JOB DESCRIPTION :

Long term team players needed, for challenging permanent work in an, often chaotic environment. Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call. Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities. Travel expenses not reimbursed. Extensive courier duties also required.

RESPONSIBILITIES :

For The rest of your life, must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5. Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly. Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf. Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers. Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects. Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks. Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next. Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys and battery operated devices. Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product. Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility.

POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION :

None. Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE :

None required unfortunately. On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.

WAGES AND COMPENSATION :

Get this...You pay them! Offering frequent raises and bonuses. A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college will help them become financially independent. When you die, you give them whatever is left. The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.

BENEFITS :

While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options are offered; this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth and free hugs for life if you play your cards right.

As I have posted (three times now...I am only a little proud), my oldest has been accepted to Florida State University.  We are a military family and my husband is missing all the celebration.  I know he feels so badly.  We are lucky, though...we have e-mail, and webcams, etc. 

That made me think of all the mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers etc. serving in our military that are in places they can't have e-mail and webcams and cell phones.  They rely on good old snail mail to get any messages from home.  I know they are missing big events...births, graduations, first steps...and all those other milestones.

I found this site...sponsored by XEROX.  They will send a ltter to a soldier serving where only snail mail can go.  The letters go to random soldiers (you can't pick someone), but you can send your own message...or one that they have already written (some are very good).  The cards are designed by children and the letters are filled with inspiration.  Won't you send one today?  thanks, icart.

So, I was looking for something humorous or spiritual to post...when what to my wondering eyes should appear...but a letter in my mailbox from Florida State University...my oldest has been ACCEPTED!  Yes, my baby will be going to college this summer!!!

Okay out there...HELP!  Give me all the pointers you can.  What are NEEDS...what look like needs, but he doesn't need...where do you find MONEY!  All those great questions I know you can answer...HELP!

Thanks in advance...icart

I have already tried two of these tips and they worked like a charm!  I LOVE a crispy crust pizza...so I reheated it (while it was hot from the store) in the frying pan...perfect!  Plus, somehow we got fruit flies!  Argh!!  What a pain...I tried the apple cider vinegar...they are gone!  I hope these work for you too!  Enjoy!  icart

I was sent this today...it really made my day!  Maybe you can cut and paste this and send it to someone you know....it will make their day too!

The Company Front Porch had a post from Julie (homeschoolblogger.com/julie) that reminded me of the Educator's Reception at the Barnes & Noble in front of Wolfchase Galleria (in Cordova on Germantown & HWY 64)....

It runs Monday from 3pm-6pm.  You can register for a great gift basket, plus...they give you a goodie bag full of neat stuff and a free drink from the Starbucks (Tall Frappacinos included).  Also, you receive 25% off EVERYTHING...not just "school related stuff"!  Just show your MHEA card and they will give you an educator's card good for 20% off school stuff...all the time!  See ya there & Enjoy!  icart