...a Mother and Father blessed beyond measure, 1 eight-going-on-fifteen-year-old, 2 gentlemen-in-training, and 1 little princess. Each special moment, everyday moment; each event, big or small; each struggle; each triumph...these are all treasured chapters that comprise the books of our life and family. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/PierceFamily/ en-us Homeschool Blogger Fri, 31 Oct 2008 14:11:00 -0500 Fri, 31 Oct 2008 14:11:00 -0500 Well, I've finally done it. I say finally because long ago I decided I wanted to move, but I have just now finally done it. And this move is not to say I don't love Homeschool Blogger and fully embrace all that they stand for and do! They're wonderful people. My new Blog Home is just easier for me. So... ...kindly visit the new Treasured Chapters of Life and Family. (Clicking on this title will redirect you.) http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/PierceFamily/612752/ Fri, 31 Oct 2008 14:11:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/PierceFamily/612752/ I'll admit. I've never done the Tagging Thing before, but my friend Courtney at Life on Courtney Lane tagged me with 7 Random Things About Me, so I'll humor her and likely bore you with my 7 issues that may someday lead me to a therapist's couch: First, we must put the rules in play: 1. Link to the person that tagged you and put the rules on your blog... 2. Share 7 weird or random facts about yourself... 3. Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and link to their blog... 4. Let each person know they have been tagged by leaving a note on their blog... OK, so you know I'm a little quirky because... 1. I'm very particular about how my dishwasher is loaded. Sometimes my dear husband loads it, and I always go behind him and reload it. It's not that I'm ungrateful. And I always do my reorganization on the sly so that he doesn't feel unappreciated. It's just that no one else seems to have any inkling about how to correctly load a dishwasher. 2. My favorite childhood character was Winnie-the-Pooh. What child doesn't love loveable ol' Pooh Bear? Other children, however, probably don't get labeled by their dear parents with the unfortunate nickname of "Pooh". I did. And I'd cringe when Mom and Dad would address me as such. My friends would do a double take and, laughing uproariously and mockingly, ask, "Why did your parents just call you poo?" 3. Even though I grew up in the wilds of Africa, I HATE bugs, especially spiders and cockroaches. Spiders make me break out in a sweat. Literally. Once when Mark was out of town, I discovered a big, hairy, tarantula-like one (I'm NOT kidding) in the baby's room. It took my dear husband at least a half hour on speaker phone to convince me to stop panicking long enough to beat the ugly, nasty critter. Thankfully, my eldest boy who is also the man of the house in Mark's absence rescues me from most killer insects now. 4. I've always wanted to try my hand at waitressing, I mean serving or whatever they call it now. If I was a waitress or server or whatever, I would make sure that if my customer asked to hold the tomatoes, the tomatoes would be held. And if my customer requested a beverage sans lemon, the beverage would be served sans lemon. I would make great tips. 5. Chick-fil-A is my favorite restaurant (fast food at least), and our new one just opened today. We took the kids this morning, and they broke in the playground. I love Chick-fil-A because it appears to be the last remaining establishment in America where service is not dead. I have recently begun a campaign in my home to encourage my little people to respond to "Thank you" with "My pleasure" because, well, it is simply my pleasure to hear such pleasant speech. 6. I am addicted to curriculum and all educational materials. 7. I bungee jumped on spring break in Panama City in 19 90 something. Someday I want to sky dive, but I'll probably wait until the kids are self-sufficient. So now comes the tagging part. And I know this will be painful for some of you; don't feel obligated! At least check out some of my friends' blogs, though: Mama Knucker Hatch at Our Golden Apples TeacherMommy at Diapers and Dragons Mare at Mare's Musings Mitzi at The Road Less Traveled My wonderful sister-in-law at Phoenicie Konnection Nikowa at Knowledge House Academy and...although I think she's already done this: Crossview at Crossview Academy http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/PierceFamily/612108/ Thu, 30 Oct 2008 07:01:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/PierceFamily/612108/ I've never posted about her. Realistically, I've begun many posts about her but just never quite got them finished or published. In fact, this very post has taken days to get down. It's been hard to find the words. And, although the moments of our family life I record here are precious to me, sometimes the details have seemed so insignificant when compared to what Jennie has endured the last couple of years. Two and a half years ago, Jennie and her husband John received the crushing news that would change their lives: stage four cancer. And for two and half years, John has steadfastly stood by her side as she fought with courage, strength, and an unwavering faith which seemed to grow with each passing day. In the early morning hours of October 19, Jennie finished her earthly battle and went on to begin her new and everlasting life with her Lord. I find such joy in picturing her in her perfect, cancer-free body running and dancing. In fact, just this morning I said to my husband, "I wonder what Jennie's been doing in Heaven over the last week." She is, I'm sure, discovering the indescribable peace, joy, and love that only comes from our Father; she is being blessed as she blessed us here. Jennie was beautiful inside and out. While I won't dwell on her outer beauty (you can see that for yourself in the pictures), I do remember being in a doctor's office with her and hearing the nurse practitioner tell her she looked great--too good to be so sick. Jennie was a woman characterized by grace, loyalty, and integrity. She was known for her honesty and candor. She didn't waste her words frivolously and always meant what she said. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a contagious laugh. She was known to become so overcome with laughter she would laugh until tears streamed down her face. And you couldn't do anything but laugh with her. (If such a thing can be captured on film, see my slide show from last Thanksgiving in my post called "Top Ten..." )  Jennie was full of life and fun, and I have wonderful memories of her. There was the midnight ER visit in New York City, the phosphorescent bay in Puerto Rico, and many family gatherings where we two sisters-in-law stuck together and shared many laughs. I loved Jennie, and she made a huge impact on me and on so many others. In fact, she and John both touched our lives in a way that sparked a huge and continuing period of spiritual growth for Mark and me. And they touched lives everywhere they went...on the phone, through visitors, in hospitals. One of Jennie's doctors told me just the other day how impressed he was with Jennie, her faith, her sense of humor, and her positive outlook on life. Jennie's positive attitude impacted many; often she comforted the very people who came to comfort her. She was a bright spot in our lives, and I consider it an honor to have called her my sister. Jennie, I love you and will miss you!   http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/PierceFamily/609957/ Sat, 25 Oct 2008 16:01:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/PierceFamily/609957/ She'd disown me if she knew I was putting this in writing. But it is a chapter in our lives, and, although the secondary character will likely change, one day this chapter will be a book all on its own, so it simply must be recorded. My daughter has her first crush. The boys were teasing her with a sign that said, "Alex loves                    ". I told them to stop. Then I started in with a little teasing of my own until she actually admitted it to me. Then I stopped because you just don't tease a girl about it if it's really true. Plus, I am a little bit of an expert on schoolgirl crushes. Thankfully, she's waited until the ripe old age of 8. I had my first crush around 6 years of age. So we had a special moment. I disclosed the name a couple of the many names of my first crushes, and we giggled a little about that. Then I said, "You know, I really like [his] parents. Maybe I should invite the family over for dinner some time." "No! You don't have to do that!" she said emphatically. Good. She passed the test. This means she's still just at the "take a quick peek at him during Sunday School" stage...the stage where I want her to stay for a really, really, really, really, really, really long time. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/PierceFamily/604441/ Tue, 14 Oct 2008 06:19:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/PierceFamily/604441/ It's no secret that sometimes I can be a little bit of a control-freak teacher slash mama. But I'm the first to admit that I need to relax a bit. Today I took a step toward that reform, and the results were amazing. Typically when we have a homeschool field trip, the kids are handed a clipboard of activities they must complete during said field trip. So they enter the aquarium, the zoo, the whatever with a sparkle in their eyes but with a hint of a sag in their shoulders...probably the weight of the clipboard. Today for our trip to the botanical gardens, I set no agenda. I had no "Identify this..." sheets or crossword puzzles printed out. I didn't have 4 clipboards neatly sitting out on the counter for the kids to grab on the way out. We would just go and experience. Then the amazing stuff started happening. Jacob came up with the idea of taking the clipboards along, and the other kids agreed that would be an awesome idea. Who knew? We got to Athens and enjoyed a little time at Grandma and Grandpa's prior to our field trip, and there we received a little lesson in horticulture. The kids helped Grandma harvest some tomatoes and peppers, and Grandma gave me several plant clippings to bring home and kill with my black thumb. As we headed to the botanical gardens, I anticipated little enthusiasm. After all, this is a garden, not a science museum or the space center or Epcot; it's just a pathway surrounded by plants. But I under estimated my children. They skipped through the garden with interest and excitement, stopping every few minutes to sketch a leaf or a flower. As we sauntered along the garden path of bright, cheery blooms and blossoms, it dawned on me that my children are also blooming. Thankfully, a love of learning is being cultivated. I'm so happy to see it because I've had a few anxious moments here and there through the last few years of homeschooling, worrying that a couple of my students (ahem) would never make the choice for learning (at least willingly). Of course, there will be more of those moments in the future, but it's a relief to see some growth!   I tried to explain to the children the significance of the Cacao Tree to me...having grown up in Cote d'Ivoire, I often saw the Cacao Tree in the landscape. Naturally, the kids really didn't care about those details. Alex did inform me, however, that this tree would require Midge Flies for pollination. I do not know anything about Midge Flies, but I learned a couple of years ago never to argue animal or science trivia with my daughter; I never win.   http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/PierceFamily/601402/ Tue, 7 Oct 2008 16:59:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/PierceFamily/601402/ Although I'm very used to being a Married Single Mom, I always miss my husband when he's traveling. This past week he wasn't far--just downtown--but he may as well have been a few states away since he was actually staying downtown. So when he called me yesterday afternoon to see if I wanted to come down for the night, I at first jumped at the chance. But then I remembered: Oh yeah, I have 4 kids. I was a little hesitant to go becuase there was no suite this time, just a little room. Plus, I wanted to watch the debate. The kids, however, were chomping at the bit to go. I expressed my concern about them actually getting any sleep since we'd have the news going until 11:00. "Oh, but Mom, we LOVE to fall asleep with the TV on!" Now, who's going to fall for THAT? Well, yours truly did because 2 hours later we were on our way downtown. We had a lovely evening--dinner at a Japanese steakhouse, which coincides well with the fact that we will be studying Japan next week. Then we tried to settle them down for bed. Of course, it didn't help that their beds were right in front of a picture window on the 42nd floor. "This is a great place to play I Spy!" one of them said. And falling asleep with the TV on? Right. Didn't happen. Three of the four did finally get to sleep, and the last one gave in once the TV was turned off. Didn't last for long, however. One or the other was up at some point during the night. A sleepless night but a fun outing. I'm sure we'll trade sleep for a change of pace the next time the opportunity arises. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/PierceFamily/599556/ Fri, 3 Oct 2008 13:39:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/PierceFamily/599556/ You may have already received an email from me, but if not...will you kindly help us out in our Webkinz mock elections (or at least let your children help us out)? We're only in the primary stage right now, so we will need your help later on as well to elect a president. For now, please help us weed out the lesser nominees! Below you will find a bit of information on each nominee. Hopefully, this will help you make your decision. Naturally, if you are a girl, you should select one of the nominees with the Girlz Party; and if you are a boy, please select a nominee who is with the Boyz Party (not sayin' which one is the donkey and which is the elephant--they're my children; I could never put the donkey on one of them!). Please leave your votes in the Comments or email them to me at mkpierce@bellsouth.net. Voting ends on Monday, October 6! Girlz Party Nominees Eunice - A unicorn whose favorite food is a lollipop, Eunice is ready to lead as President! A former Vice President of the Girls' Club, Eunice led with honesty and integrity. When not working hard, Eunice may be found playing on the playground with her alley cat friend Tina. Goldie - A fan-tail goldfish, it's no surprise Goldie loves swimming. What may be a little known fact, however, is that her favorite food is chocolate cake. Goldie's past experience as the head of the Girls' Club highlights her abilities as a leader. "I've always wanted to be the president!" exclaims Goldie enthusiastically. Goldie also enjoys carrying other peoples' groceries. Her associate, a Magical Retriever, concurs that Goldie's energy and leadership qualities make her an excellent candidate.   Boyz Party Nominees Snappy - Near a lake in the summer? Snappy loves to swim in it! Near a lake in the winter? Snappy likes nothing better than to slide on his back on the ice. Always generous, Snappy gives food or water from inside his shell to hungry or thirsty people. Snappy loves to cook and eat, and his personal favorite is a pie shaped like a turtle shell! Spooky - Running on the slogan WaHaHaHa, Spooky is a bat who loves to travel, loves pretzels, and loves to tell jokes. In addition, he enjoys trick or treating and is the head of the Trick or Treating Club. This year on Halloween, he says, "I'm going to be a bat...'cause I am one!" Interestingly, he has always wanted a gumball machine--perhaps to hold the gumballs he will get on Halloween night. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/PierceFamily/598178/ Wed, 1 Oct 2008 10:33:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/PierceFamily/598178/ We have recently been fielding a lot of questions from the kids about heaven. As recently as last year (prior to my read of Alcorn's Heaven), I pictured heaven as a boring eternity of harp-strumming atop a white, fluffy cloud; therefore, I don't consider myself a heaven expert. So we decided to, as a family, read Alcorn's version for kids. It has been a fantastic experience with the kids. Our reading has sparked many deep, provocative discussions, and the kids have been asking great questions. What's more, they can't get enough of the book. Jacob is especially interested in it, and tonight he requested that I pleeeaaase read another chapter. He even offered to give up room time to hear another chapter, so I of course obliged; it's not often that room time is sacrificed. (Room time is theoretically supposed to be a QUIET 1/2 hour before bed during which the kids lay QUIETLY in their beds and read or look at books; it need not be said that this is not necessarily what transpires in the boys' room!) Two thumbs up! http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/PierceFamily/594489/ Tue, 23 Sep 2008 19:35:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/PierceFamily/594489/ Dear Whack-O Homebuyer, My realtor just informed me that you decided NOT to come see the house. You had previously inquired about the possibility of us fixing a pothole in the road at the end of our street. (And would you like us to put in a Kroger at the corner of Main and Oak for your shopping convenience?) Although a pothole or two is typical for a non-county road like ours, we informed our realtor that we would be happy to entertain such an "improvement" as part of an offer. When I talked to my realtor today, she relayed your surprise that we had not gone ahead and fixed the potholes. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't believe we ever had an offer on the table? In fact, you never even came to SEE the house. So it should not need to be said that we had not even gotten as far as to find a pothole-filling person to fill the pothole. At the end of the street. Secondly, my realtor explained that you were a bit taken aback because you chatted with a neighbor who told you that we did not contribute financially to the "road pool" when the gravel road was initially paved by all of the residents of _____ Drive. Let me explain this to you very simply: This neighborhood has been here for over 20 years. In 1999, the residents who lived here at the time pooled their money to pave the gravel road. In 2005, we built our house here. Do you understand that? I think you read too many political blogs because you're making ridiculous requests, claims, and assumptions. By the way, I was also told where you've decided to buy. I know the neighborhood well: your bathroom will likely look right in to the bathroom window of your neighbor; your room will probably have a nice view of your neighbor's backyard; and you'll pay a hefty annual HOA fee to share a pool with a thousand other residents and their children. Oh, and the HOA will tell you what flowers to plant when and where. And what color to paint the house. And lots of other great things. So enjoy! Sincerely, An I'm-Not-Bitter-But-Simply-Incredulous-Homeseller http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/PierceFamily/593816/ Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:24:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/PierceFamily/593816/ So there I was, risking my life, perched precariously atop the little red wagon, waving a broom frantically above my head, reaching desperately for the roofline...all in an effort to recapture Manny the Praying Mantis. Manny has been in our lives for about 3 days now. He resides in an oversized jar which is, at all times, generously stocked with grasshoppers. He seems to feel quite at home; at least it would seem so by the fact that he was not shy about ripping the head off one of said grasshoppers and quickly consuming it. A pretty cool event to observe! Manny's caretakers are very sensitive to his need for exercise and fresh air and daily allow him to roam outside of his jar. Today, however, something must have gone terribly awry because I glanced outside the laundry room to see my first born risking her life, perched precariously atop the little red wagon, waving a broom...well, you know the story: I assumed the risk, and Manny was indeed recaptured. Tragedy averted. As the boys were wrestling Manny back into his glass dwelling, I overheard Jacob say, "Now Manny, you don't get any more playtime today!" They're so very skilled at meting OUT the punishment! http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/PierceFamily/593581/ Mon, 22 Sep 2008 12:46:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/PierceFamily/593581/