Dec. 18, 2009 - I've Done It Again....

Well, I've started another blog. Yet another one. I trashed my two blogs '....and that's what happens when I'm a fan of Lord of The Rings....' and 'Extraordinarily Strange'. Now I've started a brand new one- a history blog called Historica. I have always loved history, and so I'll use that blog to talk about it. Check out the first entry.....

www.homeschoolblogger.com/historica

I like it. Hope you do too!

Emma

PS: Thought of the day...who the heck is Justin Beiber and why to people appear to like him so much?!

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Dec. 18, 2009 - EXCITEMENT!

Hey! I have some really exciting [and a little bit sad] news!!! 
So I woke up yesterday morning and mom talk me they were expecting 1-3 inches of snow. I was excitied because Lynnie and her sisters were supposed to come over and carol and its really fun to carol in the snow! Anyway... This morning when I got up I was told that we are now expecting 3 inches today, A FOOT overnight and 3 more inches tomorrow!!!!!! The only bad thing is that, since its snowing so much, Lynnie and her family can't come over... =( But the snow is great and I think I'm going to go out in it soon! Dad says we have about 3 inches now so we may get more!!!! WAHOO!!!
;-)Syd

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Dec. 18, 2009 - Featured Blogger ~ TOSAffiliatesCorner

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Dec. 18, 2009 - Welcome to Historica

Okay, this funky new blog is my history blog. I LOVE history and my mom calls me a history buff.... Mostly I know about the Ancients and pioneer times, but my main focus is Canadian history.

I know what you're thinking. Most people I've met thing Canadian history is like watching ice freeze. Some think Canadian history IS watching ice freeze. It's a bunch of French guys.

Actually, Canadian history is very interesting, so this blog is to reveal all the secrets of it. If you have any questions, PM me, and I'll answer them as best I can on my blog.

Well, thanks for reading!
Emma

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Dec. 18, 2009 - Something I posted on my other blog my mom said was awesome so now it's here...

Ladies and gents, I present for your consideration today....sterotypes about homeschoolers, hence the title. Almost everyone thinks homeschoolers are strange...except homeschoolers.

So what's the sterotype? One of three-

1) You are supersuper, reallyreally cool smart;

2) You are supersuper, reallyreally weird, or (most often);

3) You must be insane.

I don't know about the rest of those homeschoolers out there, but these are the three that I've ALWAYS seen when I tell someone I am homeschooled. So lets talk about them:

1) A lot of homeschoolers ARE really quite smart. In fact, if you think about it, the majority of people probably are smart. But conveyor belt education in typical public schools here and now in our 21st Me Century has dummed down these potential Einstiens, reducing them to a pile of SATs and crushed dreams. Take Thomas Edison: the inventor of the lightbulb, gramaphone, and also the first person to record sound. His teacher, one of these converyor-belt educators whose motto was probably git 'er done, told him he asked too many questions. Edison's mother disagreed. So, she pulled him out of school and- you guess it- homeschooled him. Chances are, if Edison had not been homeschooled, this incredible inventor would never have tapped into the stores of creativity and genius inside of himself. Here's something that just might say it best:

Because for decades conveyer belt education has been dumbing up the majority of America, instilling consumerist ideoligies and supporting social atrocities which wouldn't occur as often if parents/gaurdians themselves were able to educate their children in social aptitude to avoid scarring abuses in adulthood but also in childhood at the hands of thoughtless children and somteimes spiteful teachers who are forced to cooperate with the system that lets everyone off easy because it's not about education, it's about succesfully producing more carbon copy self-centrists of every selfish American since the modern public school system was created which has created the Me Century and just about killed the grounds upon which our Constitution was founded upon so it's a powerless document which means that there is no law but one's morals and who has those anymore? Popular opinion has overruled the concept of self-control, which is the only real basis of helping others as we must limit ourselves to do so, so when that foundation is shattered what is there to do but act only for ourselves, while hurting others by what we do or don't do which will spread like a web until the whole world is netted and all problems in the world which would have been prevented will blow up in our collective face in the form of global war, poverty, genocide...stuff like that, unless we have a rock upon which to build the requirements to lead the earth into harmonious existence, starting with social reform within and without our nation's schools.

Deep, right? Though chances are, if someone asked you why you homeschooled and you said this, they'd say, "Whoa. So you're communist?"

2) Yes, homeschoolers ARE weird. We are. Well, at least I can fully admit, I am a very strange homeschooler. But look at the facts: more often then not, our parents are our teachers. Our fellow pupils are our siblings. I for one have devoted an entire subject to horses. Sometimes, our math class will constitute measuring out the ingerdients for pancakes, but using the opposite measurement system to do so. I mean, to someone else, who, persay, sits in a class room with thirty other children while a single person teaches them 'plastic education' doled out by that country's education board/ system....yeah, that's pretty darn weird.

3) I am slightly insane. Because I'm a mad scientest.

Well, actually, this is my technical explanation:

The human race, in this day and age, is defined as two-dimensional. It's not. I am a girl who has different ideals then the rest of female society. I am a person who is not defined by the label on my jeans, the initial on my sunglasses and the amount of skin I show. Because I- I am a homeschooling, ten dimensional, completely individual, teenaged girl, who will listen to the music she likes, wear the clothes she wants and speak out for what she thinks, and knows is right, who will embrace the unloved, feed the hungry, and not be afraid of poverty when it stares her in the face. And I, for the most part, support the unsupported in a one-sided world.

Because I'm a dazzling mixture, and I'm proud of it!

Emma

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Dec. 18, 2009 - One More Week Until CHRISTmas Day!

Hi hi hi! I hope ya'll are having a simply wonderfultasticifying December. It is so strange to think that Christmas is only a week away! Can ya'll keep a secret? *whispers* I haven't finished all of my Christmas shopping. I still need to get my mom's and uncle's, but at least I KNOW what I'm going to get them.

My sisters and I opened our presents to each other. I got Emma Super Llama (inside joke, but it was a llama stuffed animal that I put a cape on), and I got Hailey a watch (but she knew I was getting it for her, she told me to get it =P) Emma got me the movie Up. I love that movie, it's so sweet. Hailey is making our presents, and she isn't done yet, she's making us each an apron. =)

It snowed a little outside today! =D I'm excited, I really hope it will snow more later on.

Here, I found a little trailer type thingy for Little Dorrit. It doesn't give you much idea of what it's about, but I couldn't find any other one. *swoons when she sees Arthur* ;-) Silly girl moment, sorry.

Oh, I just thought of something to say. Surprise surprise, I'm taking Driver's ED in January. *scary music* I've been putting it off, but mom asked me if I would prefer to do it in January or April, and I don't know what came into me, but I said January.

I was just thinking, when Christmas is over, I don't really want to go back to my hobbit hole template. I really like it, I'm just done with it now. Any ideas as to what kind of template I should get next?

God Bless You,

 Taylor

Question of the Day

What are your three favorite movies?

Dec. 18, 2009 - Special Words for Special Needs ~ A Beautiful Christmas Project

Merry Christmas (very soon)!!  It's time to talk about Christmas!

How do you run your homeschooling around Christmas? The season has plenty to do, but my kids demand structure. This time of year I tend to turn to my Christmas unit study. The art time in the afternoon will get turned into present making time or ornament making time. Though being Christmas time I search for more meaning in our days.

This time of year I also try to fit in outside service projects. In talking with a homeschooling mom recently she shared how they use this season to help train their children in service to others and keep it Jesus focused.

The day after Thanksgiving she and her family settle on a family that is in great need. They each give part of their Christmas gifts to feed and care for this family. Then a week before Christmas they drop this package off at the needy family's home.

You may say well there are groups out there that do that. Yes, there are. I would argue though that it is our duty as Christians to help others and what better way than just a simple exchange in love and covered in prayer. You show very clearly to your children that it IS better to give than to receive.

Thank you my friend for sharing that with me! 

Think of a way you can share the love of Christ with others. What does your family do at Christmas to make Christ an active, real part?

I pray blessings to you and may your Christmas time be productive for the Lord!

Heather lives in West Virginia. She and her husband have been homeschooling their 5 children for 8 years.  Due to a genetic disorder their children have multiple special needs. Heather is also dealing with personal health difficulties. Living life to the fullest for the glory of God is their goal!  Visit Heather's page at  www.homeschoolblogger.com/gfcfmomofmany/ or at Special Needs Homeschooling.

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Dec. 18, 2009 - Chapter Eight

In late spring, Ficum was to depart. The last few weeks beforehand were spent in intense preparation. All the fairies were filled with sorrow upon learning Ficum was leaving, though none except the Queen, Anomien and Syla knew the reason why he was going. Many parting gifts were bestowed on the boy, for he was a general favorite, but he could not take them, and left them in the care of his foster mother.
As for Anomien, her gift for Ficum was a beautiful hound, lean and muscular, but good-tempered, and very protective. Ficum, who was delighted with the gift, named him Beesa.
“I hope he will protect you well,” Anomien had said to Ficum when she presented him with the young dog. “Perhaps he will make your journey less lonesome.” Beesa loved his new master instantly, and stayed by his side day and night.
The day before the departure, Anomien gave Ficum another gift: the gold box that was found when he was a baby.
“I meant to give this to you earlier,” she said, “but what with preparing for your going, and the overall sadness I forgot. It was lying beside you when we found you. We do not know what the writing says, but we are hoping that someday you will be able to read it. So take this with you, and don’t lose it, for pity’s sake.” The Water Fairy tried to smile but could not.

That night there was a great feast held in Ficum’s honor (today we would call it a goodbye party). Though the cause for it was sad, it was really a festival, and there was music and dancing, good food and drink, and excellent company; after all, fairies are the sort of folk apt to be merry even at a goodbye party. Ficum cast off his cloak of sorrow for one night, and danced with the best of them. It was a strange, pretty picture to see, the tall human boy romping with the dainty, unearthly fairies. He never seemed to grow tired, either. He found more joy in dancing than most human boys and had a gay time. Syla and Asani joined in as well, and they too forgot their sorrow in the midst of such happiness. Anomien, however, danced not at all, but she did watch the dancers with a smile.
The fancy room was decked out in gold and silver. Silky banners were hung on the walls, fragrant yellow flowers were draped around the room, and tables covered with silver cloths were piled high with delicious food. Windows carefully polished reflected the glittering light of hundreds of candles. The ceiling was painted silver-blue with thousands of bright stars and from it hung three magnificent, crystal chandeliers. The waxed floor shone while the feet of gleeful fairies hopped and danced upon it. It was altogether an exceptionally fine ballroom.
At about ten of the clock, Ficum stepped onto a platform situated at the end of the hall. He cleared his throat shyly, for he wanted to say a few words to his kind friends, but was hesitant about talking before so many. Presently all eyes were upon him (except for a chatty young fairy who was talking quite loudly to a friend, but turned red with embarrassment when she realized hers was the only voice sounding in the room). Ficum cleared his throat again, and proceeded to speak. His voice was low at first and a little shaky, but it grew stronger as he went on. It was a short speech, yet it came from his heart, and more than one pair of eyes filled with tears as he said that “it is possible we will never meet again.” He thanked them all sincerely for their kindness and friendship, and bade them farewell, as he was going to retire and then leave quite early in the morning. A small sigh passed through the crowd like a wave when he said those words. He stepped down from the platform and was met with soft goodbyes and pats on the back from many eager hands. He smiled sadly at them, and said,
“Well…goodbye.” Turning, he opened the door and stepped out into the night.

+++

The next morning’s sun rose on a gloomy scene. Ficum was saying farewell to his foster mother and aunts at the kingdom’s eastern border. He was dressed in a stout leather jerkin under which was a soft shirt of dark green. His trousers were light brown, loose and comfortable yet of a tough material; and black boots were on his feet. His person was enveloped in a greenish-brown cloak with a hood, covering somewhat his long sword girded at the waist. A small pack was slung at his shoulder, crossing his chest and hanging at his hip. Beesa stood proudly at his side, his sorrowful brown eyes glancing sympathetically at his master’s face. Need I describe anymore this parting scene? Surely one can imagine the quiet farewells, the tears in everyone’s eyes, and the overall sadness smothering them like a cloud.
At last they ceased their leave-taking, and Ficum tore himself away from the only family he knew. Calling his dog and adjusting his pack, he turned his face toward the rising sun. He crossed the bridge (which, you remember, was made of diamonds) and set foot on the other side. He pushed his way into the forest, but not before casting one long look toward his family and his home. Ficum had no hopes of ever seeing them again.

Before he left, Ficum decided to take a blank book with him in order to keep a record of his journey. As he can tell what happened best, we will take a look at some of his pages to find what he has to say.
The Adventure: Evening the First

Early this morning I took leave of my dear foster mother and aunts. I must say that I am frightened; it is hard not to be when one is suddenly thrust into the unknown. I am terribly unhappy, too….but at least I have my faithful Beesa for company. How thoughtful of Mother to give me that dog!
Starting out, we walked about 2 leagues, stopping twice to eat dinner and supper. The day has been quiet and uneventful. The only thing worthy of notice was a red bird, and that wasn‘t very remarkable. But it is just as well. I can’t properly enjoy anything when I’m this sad. I think I shall retire now. I have already built the fire and made beds for Beesa and myself. I do hope tomorrow will be better.

The Adventure: Evening the Second

Today was not much better than yesterday; actually, it was worse because it rained. Beesa and I walked farther today, though. 2 ½ leagues, I think. Luckily, I found, or rather Beesa found, a snug cave where we can sleep sheltered from the rain and build a fire. We’ve been eating cold, wet food all day. Not much to travel on. Bother this weather!

The Adventure: Evening the Third

Sunny and warm. There are absolutely no clouds in the sky. We traveled approximately 3 ½ leagues today.
We came across a rather unusual piece of land. It was circular, bordered by a hedge of tall bushes with diamond-shaped leaves; and the grass was trampled. It seems an inhabited area to me, although the forest around it is quite wild. Beesa and I decided to camp here, but not in the circle itself. Perhaps tomorrow will reveal something.

The Adventure: Evening the Fourth

I was right when I guessed that today would tell us something. I woke quite early this morning (it actually seemed like night to me) with the sounds of pipes and harps and dancing feet in my ears. The first thing I noticed other than the sounds was that the hedge was richly covered with brilliant pink flowers; they looked like the wildflowers we came across during our journey in this wood. Then, looking through these now blooming bushes, I saw people dancing on the trampled lawn. They wore flowing robes, so light that they seemed almost transparent. I could hardly tell what their colors were, because things were so tricky to see in the dim torchlight. They looked to be green, silver and gold; and they sparkled in the light of the glowing fires. The faces of the people I could barely make out, except for their shining eyes. I could tell their hair color: some had long brown hair, some green, and all were crowned with branches of flowering trees. Some were dancing gaily, swaying like trees in the wind; and others were playing whimsical instruments, making a fanciful, mysterious tune that causes one to want to jump up and dance. I saw soon enough who they were: they were dryads. Unfortunately, when I realized this, I gasped like a fool; and they all disappeared quick as lightning, snuffing the torches. Beesa on his part, noticed nothing; he sleeps like a log. It is just as well, for he would have barked or growled before I would be able to get a good look at the dryads. I can’t help wondering, though, why the dryads were so scared of me. Perhaps they were just startled.
Compared to this event, the rest of the day was boring. It was a pleasant, cloudy day, but I paid no attention to it. I wonder if I will ever forget my first glimpse of a wood-nymph.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

 Éowyn

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Dec. 18, 2009 - Hair cut

Hey Guys So like when i was in colorado i got a hair cut and i love it My aunt cut it for me!!!! I will put some pics later!!!! bye!!!!!!!



                        ~~~~~Mariah~~~~

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Dec. 17, 2009 - It did, it really did!

It snowed on Sunday! Yup, that's right! It started during Sunday school, when all of a sudden someone gasped and everybody looked out the window. And there it was, beautiful fluffy, white dust falling from the sky. It was amazing, and Megan couldn't get anyone to pay attention. Then it snowed some more on Monday, and then the worst thing ever happened. IT RAINED! I was so devastated! But it was fun while it lasted. Sorry I didn't say much, probably 'cause I have nothing to say! Have an amazing Christmas break!!!! ~Katie~

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