• Aug. 20, 2008
TOS has out done themselves again!

I am sure that many of you have already either purchased The Schoolhouse Planner from TOS and/or a Digital subscription to TOS Magazine or you have at least seen reviews of one or both products.  Well, here is another one.  I hope that you find it useful and informative.

DIGITAL TOS MAGAZINE -- CONVENIENCE OR CATASTROPHE

First I ought to tell you, I do have a subscription to the print magazine and I really enjoy it.  I really do not like reading articles of much length on the computer.  When I come across something of length that I want to read, I print it out.  Yes, I wind up with a lot of paper that winds up little more than scratch paper.  Expensive habit that I really am trying to break. (Trying to save those trees.)  So, going into this, I knew I would not like reading the magazine in digital format.  Sure I can print it out and read it like that, but as I said, I am really trying to break myself of that habit.  I really could not imagine printing out an entire magazine to read, either.  I print out enough for teaching my children.  So, with predisposed negativity, I set about "trying" to read the digital version of TOS magazine issue.  Boy, was I in for a shock!  I am constantly amazed at how God shows us  the error of our ways/thinking.  I was already being judgmental and I was SO wrong!

FIrst, as I said I enjoy the print version of TOS.  I only got the current issue a couple of weeks ago and already it is well worn.  I found so many websites that I wanted to look at and rather than write them down, I just flip back through the magazine to find them.  I do it this was so that I can find new and interesting tidbits that I missed before.  When I went to the digital version, I found that it was SO fantastic that I can click any link and it will open in a new page.  Links opening in a new page is FANTASTIC!  That way I can continue reading the magazine and when I am done, I have the links that I wanted to look at already opened and waiting for me.  I get to further investigate the links I wanted to in a much easier manner.  Another plus, the venders have clickable links as well.  So, if I would like to research any of the vendors to see if they may be a fit for our family, those pages are waiting for me as well.  I really like that I don't have to stop reading to click the link.  That is a HUGE benefit to me.  

I don't think I will switch from my print subscription to the digitial version.  However, I still have time to decide that.  When my year subscription is up, I may very well be a convert.  The digital version of TOS Magazine is really just that great.  By the way, the articles are not overly long so reading them online is not a problem.  What I was sure would be a mediocre experience at best turned out to be really wonderful.

 

THE SCHOOLHOUSE PLANNER --  JUST HOW GOOD IS IT?

I am going to start off by answering my own question first and then explain why.  HOW GOOD IS IT?  It is absolutely FANTASTIC!  I have been through dozens of different planners and found most of them severly lacking.  The SchoolHouse Planner comes the closest to being "IT" as I have ever come across.  Honestly, this thing is GREAT!

Within the planner, there are calendars in multiple  formats (year at a glance, 2-page monthly spread, and weekly planning pages).  For every month there are so many great learning/teaching ideas that are clickable.  Granted, those ideas are from TOS and the links lead you to certain products for sale at TOS, but they are great for ideas whether you choose to purchase the linked items or not.  The way some of them are grouped by theme and or holiday will make unit planning easier.  Again, you do not have to purchase anything, just the link titles are good to use for further searchings elswhere on the internet or the library.  I noticed several topics that  I would not have grouped with other items within the group, but they really make sense together and they all lead into the others. 

Another fantastic part of the planner is the inclusion of several historical documents of our great country (Constitution, Emancipation Proclamation as well as others).  These are in easily printed format in their entirety wich makes it easy to laminate them for future reference or memorization of say....The Preamble.  There are many other reference charts as well that are very informative and will be useful throughout several years.  I know that my personal laminator will be getting a work out.  

Not only are there several "educational" information charts, there is also a kitchen measurement conversionl chart that we normally would not view as educational, but it really is.  To go along with the kitchen chart, there are many wonderful sounding recipes.  I cannot wait to try several of them.  I have even rearranged my weekly menu to include one right away.

Now, let's get to the "school" part of this planner.  WOW!  All the aforementioned items are indeed school related, but then we have the planning forms.  However you like to plan out your year, it is covered here.  There are also forms for recording curriculum used, websites, books, videos, etc.    Really there are so many different forms to cover so many aspects of homeschooling.  Co-op, support group, field trips, outside classes (like 4-H projects, Scouts, Brownies, etc.), unit studies, all covered.  And so much more.  Whatever your style, this planner will work for you.

I am sure that I am not alone in this.  I try so hard to get at least the first six-weeks of school planned out before school starts for us.  It never fails that something will happen and I wind up off schedule in one or more areas.  Then, I have a dilemma.  Do I re-copy everything and update my planner or do I flip back and forth in the planner until we get caught up (supposing that we do get caught up)?  I do not have to deal with that anymore.  No more writer's cramp.  All the forms can be typed on and saved.  If you have a program like Nova PDF Lite (you can get a free version here), you can click the print button, change the printer to the Nova selection, click print and it will create a page in a new file that you can save.  That way, if you need to update, you can simply copy and paste (copy from the Nova file and paste to the new Schoolhouse Planner page) what you need to and only make changes to what needs to be updated.  THAT is really AWESOME to me.  Now, my planner won't be a constant reminder that we are not "on schedule." 

There are also more household forms.  There are forms for the baby-sitter, medical info, menu planning, grocery shopping, budgeting, address book pages, "To Do" lists, etc.  There is even a garden planner!  I am really excited about that one!  Again, there are many more forms for the household, including CHORE CHARTS! 

If there were anything I could change about this, I would add a "Day-at-a-Glance" page.  As a WAHM, with a business that requires several appointments, that would be a BIG BONUS for me.  I would also like a "Daily Schedule" page.  My children, or at least my 10 year old son, needs to be reminded that we do have a schedule that needs to be at least generally followed.  Sure, it gets overlooked sometimes as well, but if it were a part of this planner, it would be easy to update, tweak, and adjust as we needed to. 

I really think that I will include this in the notebook I have which includes all our homeschool and household info/forms/schedules.  Actually, this will replace the majority of what is in my notebook already.  Here, I thought I put together a pretty good notebook.  TOS has certainly filled in the gaps that I didn't even know that I had. 

So, in closing, I must say that I was on the fence about buying  The Schoolhouse Planner.  I mean $39 for a school planner!  I just really couldn't see it.  I am SO THRILLED  that I was asked to review it.  It is not simply a school planner.  It is a school and a house planner.  It is a life planner that happens to include school and household planning as well.  It is TRULY worth every penny.  In using this planner for barely a week, I must say that I am really impressed with how much more organized I feel and how much more I am able to get accomplished in the day.  And I don't feel harried or rushed.  Good-bye guilt and hello organization.  Thanks to TOS, I NOW have the perfect notebook!

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• Jun. 3, 2008
Not so Sloppy-Joes -- So easy and yummy

I stumbled upon this recipe that sounded good.  However, I have this habit of changing recipes as I cook them.  This one was no different.  So here is my version.  I call it "Not so Sloppy-Joes."  I recently took it to DS's 4H awards banquet and got rave reviews from parents and kids alike.

2 pounds ground beef - I always use chuck or sirloin (preferably) because it tastes better and less fat

1 envelope Lipton Onion Soup mix or Beefy Onion Soup mix

3/4 - 1 medium sized, chopped yellow onion, depending on tastes. 

1 bottle chili sauce, I use Heinz

2 cans of refrigerated buttermilk biscuits, large sized biscuits

Brown the meat with the soup mix, drain.  Add the chili sauce ( use less if desired, but I use the entire bottle) and set to a very low simmer, stirring occasionally.

While meat is simmering, split biscuits in half (top from bottom, like one would do when buttering it) and roll out on a floured surface to about 6-8  inches.  Don't forget to occasionally stir the meat during this time. 

When you are nearly done rolling out the biscuits, remove meat from the heat and set to cool a bit.  When all biscuits are rolled out, spoon desired amount of meat (I like them thick and hearty) on one half of each rolled out biscuit half and fold the other side over and seal. (I stretch the bottom portion a little more and fold it over and press with a fork or spoon).  Place on a lightly greased cookie sheet and bake acording to biscuit instructions. 

This will make 32  palm of your hand sized "pockets."  That may sound like a lot, and for some it will be.  However, figure on at least two to two and a half for your average 10 year old boy.  If there are left overs - a super easy lunch for tomorrow (or "It's bedtime so I'm now hungry again" snack, like my son does).

**NOTE**  When it comes to filling the biscuits, start with the first one you rolled out first.  The reason I say this is because I found that the dough will start to shrink back up after a seemingly short while.  Who knew, I didn't.  Until now. 

These are really good.   The hardest part is rolling out the biscuits and that is not hard at all.  It is so simple that the kids (a little older is probably best since there is the cooking involved) can do it as part of their home economics/homemaking classes. 

Please, if you try this recipe, give me your feedback.  Did you like them?  Not like them?  Change the recipe?  I would really like to know how you have improved them - or how I can improve them.  Although we do really like them just the way they are.

 

I have another breakfast recipe that I will post soon.  It also is a variation on a recipe.  Actually, I had two recipes that I wanted to try and mixed them both around for this one.  It again involves rolling out dough and is extremely easy and quick.  I am getting better at it.  It gets easier and easier.  It will be even easier once I get this big wooden cutting block thing on wheels.  Hopefully this weekend.  I've always wanted to make homemade breads, but have no where to work with that much dough.  My kitchen is a tiny galley kitchen.

Until next time (hopefully more often than in the past)...Bon Appetit.

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• May. 30, 2008
Help! What can I do?

I am in a situation that, unfortunately, is much my own fault.  I have an Yahoo group (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FreeHomeschoolTools_NO-CHAT/) where members request and offer homeschooling materials for postage only.  It is really a great group with a bunch of wonderful members.  This week someone posted about the Subway homeschooler exclusion in their contest and how "we" should Boycott Subway.  Well, I could never boycott Subway, I love their sandwiches, but that's beside the point.  I have a moderator and she became EXTREMELY rude.  To her credit, she did ask politely for the discussion to stop as it is a no chat group and the conversation needed to be moved to the sister site - a chat group.  When the discussion continued, she actually told members to "Shut up" and told them if they did not like that this was a no chat group "to leave."  She also put my name in the post.  I knew nothing about this post.  When reading the posts regarding the situation, I missed her post.  When I saw another mentioning the "Shut up" comment, I asked her "Who said to shut up?"  She told me know one did and the members were blowing everything out of proportion.  Well, another member sent me the post and  I was FLOORED!  I could not believe that she had said all she had.  Granted, I have had to ask her to tone down her posts in the past, but she has never been this blatantly rude and offensive.  By the time I was made aware of the post, I had already removed her as a moderator, which she did not like.

Now, because of all the chat, I did change the name to add the "No Chat" part.  Some members took offense to that and were upset.  They enjoyed the chat.  However, the home page of the group plainly states that it is not a chat group and to go to the sister site for chat (or another group).  One of the members took it upon themselves to open a group with the original name.  While I am not upset that she opened the group.  I am a little miffed that she is using the same name.  I asked her to please use her own name, but she has not changed it.

That however is not what this is about.  This is about how I restore the group's members faith in me as the owner.  I have made a public apology to all the members for the rudeness and let them know that I am the only moderator from this point forward.  Do I need a moderator?  Yes, I do.  I not only have my two kids (my daughter could really count for two on her own because she is so strong-willed and "spirited"), I also babysit a 3 year old little boy that has had a hard time in his young life and is "special needs" on an emotional and behavioral level.  In addition to that, I run my own AVON business (www.youravon.com/mhalbrooks) and have my own team that I work with for their own successes as well.  I also have church obligations.  So yes, I do need a moderator.  However, after this experience, I don't think I will  ever be able to trust someone to not be rude or ugly.  This moderator tried to get  me to shut down this group repeatedly.  She threatened it herself and she could not have done it anyway.  My vision for the group is for homeschooling families to be able to get many of their homeschooling needs for free (postage only) and therefore, make it more economical to homeschool our children.  

At this point, I just don't know what to do.  Do I just let it all go and hope it all works out or what?  I admit my feelings are hurt by the whole situation.  My feelings are also hurt by a member taking the group name for starting her own group.  Why couldn't she choose her own name?  That does bother me.  I did learn a lesson though.  I will not trust anyone to look out for my  (or the groups) interest as I do.

Okay really this was just a sounding board.  Feel free to comment and leave me suggestions.  I just really needed to get this off my chest.  Blessings to all.

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• Nov. 14, 2007
HELP! The twos are not supposed to be this bad.

This week has been absolutely HORRID!!  I mean come on.  I have heard of the "Terrible Twos" for years.  It has always been my experience (with my kids, my god-daughter, my cousin's children, and children I have kept in home daycare) that the threes are really where the terrible phase starts.  I knew when I was pregnant with my daughter, who just turned 2 last week, that she was going to be different.  Little did I know how different. 

My son (10 in December) was such a sweet boy.  Granted he was sick a whole lot of the time, but still he was sweet.  The biggest problem I had out of him was when it was time to pick up his toys.  He claimed it would make him sick.  When I told him he either picked them up or I picked them up and threw them away, he decided he wouldn't get sick if he pick them up.  However, he changed his mind later and lost many toys before he decided to pick the ALL up himself again.

My daughter is a whole 'nother story.  The onery and hard headed behaviour started in the womb.  My first sonogram, we caught her literally bouncing off the walls of my uterus.  Over and over and over again.  I was very grateful that she was so small that I couldn't feel it.  That was a clue.  When she got bigger, she sat on my bowels.  As she grew her head put pressure - a lot of it - between my rib cage.  She stayed breech until the day before they were going to try to turn her at the hospital.  That is when I had to bribe her with Froot Loops cereal to get her to move and then keep my hand  blocking her from being able to move back until I FINALLY got her turned side ways.  Then I put my preggy girdle/belt thing on the top of my stomach so there was pressure keeping her from moving back.

When I went into labor, I was at the hospital (after my water broke at home) at right around 6:45 AM and she FINALLY made her appearance at 9:15 PM.  That was all so very easy.  Even though the nurse and I did not see eye to eye and she decided that I no longer needed the medicine in my epidural.  Even when my hip was out of place and the epidural, because the nurse turned it off, did nothing to ease the pain from that or my back labor.  Still, that was sooo the easy part.

Fast forward two years and a few days and we have a very hard-headed, stubborn, onery, even mean little girl.  I knew she was mean by the time she was 6 months old and loved to pull her brother's hair -HARD- every time he got near her.  She graduated to hitting and biting (usually only biting herself).  Still that was easy stuff.

This week she has blossomed.  Monday I was on the phone with the phone company.  Yes, I was on the phone for quite a period, but we went outside and the kids played and then we came inside and they played.  My daughter wanted to brush her teeth.  Okay.  I put some toothpaste on her brush and then the lady with the phone company needs me to write something down.  Unthinking, I set the toothpaste down on the bathroom counter and go to the kitchen to write the information down.  My son comes through the kitchen and I ask him to check on his sister and put the toothpaste up out of her reach.  He goes, he screams.  My daughter is in her bed and covered in toothpaste.  I am still on the phone and trying to wrestle her into the tub.  "No!  I don't wnat tub!  I have toothpaste!"  Finally, I am done with the lady from the phone company (that is still not straightened out and I dread having to call back Friday).  I have to chase my daughter all over the house to finally get her in the tub.  Later, I am talking to my mother about it all (for about 5 minutes), and my daughter walks in covered in Strawberry Nesquick Syrup.  She of course has to love on the dog, so he is also covered in it.  Now we have to give two baths. 

Now let's talk about Tuesday.  I finally broke down and bought myself some pistachio nuts.  I got one small handful and my little angel sneaks off and she dumps the entire package out on the floor.  $9.00 on the floor.  I clean that up and direct her to her room.  Later, after she is in bed and I thought asleep, she goes back into the kitchen plays in the cornmeal.  I was in the next room, but could not hear her.  She knows how to be very quiet and sneaky.  I walked into the kitchen to get a drink and there she sits.  She sees me and jumps up with "My hands are dirty.  Come on Mudder, I show you."  She grabs my hand and drags me to the bathroom to wash her hands.  I put her back in bed and to ensure that she stayed put, I layed down with her.  My back sure hurt this morning when I got up this morning.  Toddler beds were not made for comfort.  I don't care what anyone says. 

Today, things are more back to normal.  She is adamant that she do the dishes and sweep the floor and destroy any and all pens she finds as well as eat all crayons that have accidentally been left out.  Oh and she absolutely MUST help cook dinner every night.  This means she drags everything out of the bottom cabinets at least twice.  I cannot set a bottle of spices down near the edge of the counter or she grabs it and runs.  I cannot try to fold the laundry with her in the vicinity.  Unless I want to spend all day folding the same load over and over again.

This is why I do not get to make entries near like I would like.  I am too tired after chasing around after her all day.  As I typed this she got out of bed - AGAIN - and is now sitting in here with me.  Diaperless.  That's a whole other topic.  She was doing so well with diaper training and then decided she did not want to use the potty anymore.  However, she also does not want to wear diapers.

I know God never gives us more than we can handle, but come on.....I have prayed over her, prayed for her and prayed for myself and my stamina.  I am really dreading her being three if she is this onery at two.  I admit it.  I am scared.  I did introduce her to the flyswatter tonight.  She does not like it at all.  I think it may help, but  it is really too soon to tell. 

Lord God, please, in Jesus name, let this work or give me something that will.  Amen

Well, I am going to try to get her back to bed.  I too am tired.  Until next time.  Zzzzzzz.....

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• Nov. 14, 2007
THANK YOU JAMIN

I just had to say thank you to Jamin for her recent entry on Homeopathy.  A mere comment on her blog just wouldn't suffice to express my gratitude for her post.

My son, who will be 10 years old in December, developed a severe ear infection when he was 6 months old.  Although we did the round of antibiotics, twice, it never went away.  I actually lost two jobs, well, lost one and resigned from another, because I had to take off so much of the time with him.  I was taking him to the doctor every 2, 2-1/2, 3 weeks (3 week stretches felt about like Christmas to me).  He just could not get rid of the ear infections. 

At nearly age two, I took him to my mother's ENT and we talked about tubes.  For his 2nd birthday, he had his first set of 2-yr tubes put in.  (For those who do not know, some tubes are designed to fall out after certain periods of time.  These tubes were designed to stay in place for 2 years.)  Of course, his ears were drained when the tubes were put in and he was placed on antibiotics.  Finally, clear ears and no more ear infection.  Or so we thought.

We were at the doctor for his ears and received the dreaded ear infection diagnosis no less than EIGHT times from December to the following August.  Turns out the infections blew his tubes out.  So we tried to get the ears well once again.  I was really wary of doing the "tube thing" again when it only showed slight imporvement.  However, I gave in and we went in for our seond set of tubes.  However, this time I waited until AFTER his birthday and Christmas.  The tubes went in on January 2nd.  On January 1st of the following year he blew the first one out and the second one followed on January 2nd.  So much for 2 year tubes. 

At that point, regardless of what the doctor said about tubes were helping, I knew better.  I was the one up with him all night.  I was the one that had been thrown up on about 20 times.  I was the one that walked the floor with him and tried to sooth his pain.  I was the one that cried with him and over him.  The ENT was resting comfortably at home in his cozy bed dreaming of inserting more tubes in little ears.  The tubes were not making a difference in the ear infections.  Now, maybe if they had had bigger holes the fluid could have drained, but they didn't.  What happened is the hole in the tubes was blocked by the fluid in the ear, which remained in the ear continued to build up until the pressure forced the tube out of the ear.  Let me tell you there is nothing nastier or more frightening than for your child's ear to shoot a bnch of nasty smelling pus and blood out of his ear. 

Throughout all of this, I had noticed that he did not speak properly and did not hear me all the time.  After both surgeries, this improved, but then went back to the way it normally was.  No, I was not willing to do tubes again.  I just would not consider it since it was not helping.  Sure, insurance covered it 100% with no co-pay, but why do it when it just does not work.  It was like beating my head against the wall to get rid of a headache.  Just did not make sense.

Well, the ear infections continued, of course.  My son even spent almost the entire week of Valentine's Day in the hospital because he dehydrated so bad from the vomiting and diarrhea - all cause by an ear infection with a comfirmed diagnosis by three seperate doctors at the hospital (they sent their reports to the ENT). 

Everytime he got an ear infection I had to first take him to our family doctor and then take him to the ENT (per ENT's instructions).  Well, the ENT kept telling me that because he did not have pus and/or blood draining from his ears, he did not have an ear infection.  I argued with him.  I had an Otoscope.  I had been taught how to look at my son's ears and and what to look for by him and the family doctor.  I saw the red swollen eardrum myself.  Granted on one "fateful" visit, my son had been on meds for four full days by the time I could get him an appointment to see the ENT.  Maybe they had already improved tremendously.  I do not know.  I do know that when we looked at the ear together, it did look much better, but was still a little pink and swollen.  He told me that he had minor irritation from to many meds.  WHAT?  "Well, can you explain to me why he had a temperature of 103 and was throwing up all night for two nights in a row - one while on meds?"  I asked (yes, I was a bit huffy).  "He probably had a stomach bug," was the response I got.  BULL!  I told him in no uncertain terms that I was done with his services.  Thanked him for his previous care and let him know that I would NOT be bringing my son back to see him.  I did ask him how he could possibly say that with the two sets of tubes, my son never once had an ear infection (which he told me during this last visit) and yet also tell me previously that he had blown both sets of tubes out because of infection.  He then told me that my son simply grew too fast for the tubes, but did NOT suffer from ANY ear infections with the tubes.  I again gave him my thanks and reiterated that we would not be returning.  Little did I know, he had already fired me (my son because of me) as a patient.  That would have been our last visit anyway.  YEAH!!    

We made an appointment with our family doctor.  I gave him my son's medical files from the ENT and got a referral to a new ENT.  I took a copy of the medical files to the new ENT and explained to him that we were "fired."  He wanted to know why.  I just knew that he was already wanting to kick our family doctor's butt for referring a "problem parent" to him.  After I explained all that had gone on, he stated that he has actually received several patients that were former patients of the same ENT and the stories were all the same.  He felt, although he did not know the other ENT, that he did not like his knowledge or diagnosis to be questioned - kind of like "short man syndrome" is how he put it.  I loved this new ENT already. 

We have been going to this new ENT for about five years now.  My son's  hearing has been tested every year.  The new ENT did discover that my son only had 10% of his left eardrum and about 70% or his right eardrum.  Based on this they were very pleased with his hearing test results.  Since he cannot hear with the missing left eardrum, he hears with the bones inside the ear.  He actually hears quite well for hearing in that manner, but there is still some damage that has resulted in some permanent hearing loss. 

Once again we go back in for surgery to replace the left eardrum.  This is something that really scared me.  They actually cut the back of the ear completely loose from the head and fold it over onto the cheek and go INTO the ear.  I was scared to death.  There was the risk that he could lose all hearing.  After the surgery, my son was in severe pain for days and days.  He cried and I cried.  He refused to take any pain medication because he was afraid it would make him feel like the anesthesia and hospital pain meds made him feel (confused, disoriented, dettached from himself).  I could not convince him otherwise.  The sweetest thing that boy has ever said to me was, "Don't cry Mom.  I'm only crying because I hurt a bit.  I can't get comfortable and don't know how to fix it.  You didn't do anything wrong.  I love you, so please don't cry."  I went to the bathroom and sobbed and sobbed.  Here I was "mommy hurting" because I couldn't make his pain go away or make him feel any better and he was concerned for me.  I just love those "angel" moments.

We did find out, through the surgery, that his left Eustachian tube is not formed correctly.  That was part of the problem.  The eardrum graft did take, but he blew the new drum out again before the packing had even fully dissolved.  So, we went another route.  In June of this year, we had his adenoids and tonsils removed.  (Had I known before that the adenoids sat on top of the other end of the Eustachian tubes, I would have had them removed a LONG, LONG time ago.)  He healed well from that surgery with no complications and very little pain (only mild irritation because he felt like he had something in his throat - the swelling).  Now we go back in February to see if this has had any effect on his ears and the eardrum acutally healing and staying intact.  If it worked like we are hoping, we are done with the surgeries - for now anyway.  If it didn't, we will go in for at least one more drum replacement surgery.  We hope that his drum will heal on it's own, but do know that in all likelihood, we will have to replace the drum again first.  Then the prayer is that it will stay intact.

Okay, you are probably wondering where the "Thank you" is in all this.  Well, it is coming right up.  Although, I just cannot see making myself give my son a homeopathic "remedy" for his ears, I would be willing to consider it for other ailments he may get.  This child can get a splinter in his toe and it will turn into an ear infection (this is only a slight exaggeration that his doctors and I share). However, since I still really do believe that, even though the tubes are not formed properly, the REAL culprit is allergies, I am willing to try homeopathic "remedies" for that.  Also, I have a 2 year old daughter that has had one confirmed and one suspected (will see the doctor Friday) ear infection this year.  I think I may try this with her as well. 

I did have my son on Echinacea for months before his first surgery.  The anesthesiologist scared me off of them because they can interfer with anesthesia and make it very hard for a patient to come out from under the anesthesia.  Now, having said that, I want to stress, the only reason this scared me away from giving them to my son is because there was always, and still is the chance that he could have to undergo emergency surgery at any time.  I still drink Echinacea tea and allow him some on occasion.  I just do not give it to him daily like I had been doing in the past.  I wonder if I can get him to chew up a bit of horseradish root?  Nay, I doubt it, but it would sure open him up.  At least it works for  me.

If there is a way to prevent my daughter from having to go through all this like my son, I am all for it.  So THANK YOU JAMIN!!!!  I will defintely be looking into all of this.  You have reminded me that I do have other options rather than to sit and wait and see what happens with my daughter and in the future with my son.  I have been so caught up in the ears, I had really forgotten about the rest of my options.  We have a great homeopathy and herb shop nearby.  I wonder if I can get the kids to drink apple cider vinegar.  Ah!  Really sweet Black Cherry Kool-Aid covers the taste of anything.  You have really gotten me to thinking about all this again.  There are really so many options out there that I have just forgotten about.  Thank you for the "kick in the pants."

Again, thank you Jamin, for reminding me of my options. 

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• Oct. 10, 2007
How about a new digital camera?

How would you like to have a Casio Pink EX-Z75 digital camera?  Well, you can.  Free would be even better wouldn't it?  You have a chance to do that as well.

This is a great little camera that all us mom's would love to have to document our kiddo's shining moments.  Let's not forget those lapbooks and projects as well.  How fantastic those annual records would look with some great pictures of the kid's work and and the kids hard at work.  Also, we cannot forget the 4-H projects that many of our kids are involved in.  The Record Book would look fantastic with some amazing pictures included (don't forget about the scholarship available for Record Books).

A real treat with this contest is that it is all about supporting Breast Cancer Awareness.  You could win a really nice 7.2 mega pixel camera.  Then, while you are snapping away, you will be promoting a wonderful cause.  Chances are we all know someone who has been affected by Breast Cancer.  Let us show our support by promoting Breast Cancer Awareness, this and every month.  Now Casio has given us a really neat way to do that.  Plus, PINK is a great color.   

Visit 5 Minutes for Mom and spend about 5 minutes there to get all the detailson how to win this great camera.  The winner will be drawn on October 26th. 

 

 

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• Oct. 10, 2007
Another Great Contest

I was sent another great contest. 

With the travel season coming up this would be absolutely fantastic to have in the (God forbid) event of an emergency.  Most of us heard about the family that was trapped in the snow storm and the mother and children survived (she was able to breast feed her children and sustain them) however the father perished while trying to seek out help.  This could have possible made a difference for him.  The solar blanket alone would have been SO VERY beneficial.  Those things are GREAT!!!  Anyone who camps will also find this contest FABULOUS! 

So here is the scoop:

Asioo.com is giving away a great backpack kit full of fabulous emergency preparedness items.  One never knows when an emergency will arise.  I know when we have had such situations arise, it would have been so great to be able to just grab one bag and have everything I needed in it.  I mean, it is already hectic enough right - just with everyday "Mom" life.  I know the reassurance that I was prepared would bring tremendous relief.

Below is the FANTASTIC prize offered.  To get your chance to win, just go to the Mom Views page   

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!!

 

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• Oct. 8, 2007
New Curious George Contest

Just wanted to share this with everyone.

Curious George Book Giveaway!

Curious George has been a favorite of mine since I was a kid. I just love to read his books and follow his mischief! Now one of my lucky readers will be able to enjoy H.A. Rey’s original book published in 1941 about our favorite little monkey! I will be giving away a paperback copy of this wonderful classic.

To earn one entry, simply comment below

To earn two entries, comment below, and post a link to this contest at your blog, or send an email (c.c. kellys3ps@sbcglobal.net ) to at least 3 friends.

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• Sep. 25, 2007
Never lose pieces to your puzzle - Pieceless Puzzle

I was sent this from someone on one of my groups and decided I would give it a try.  It looks really neat.  For myself, this would be neat, since I have not been able to complete anything other than a "kid" puzzle (with all pieces still there) since BEFORE I had my kids.  My son is now experiencing what I went through, because my daughter runs off with his puzzle pieces. 

Anyway, it sounds like a really neat thing.  Below is a copy of their promotion.

Greetings from Gamewright!

Are you looking for a unique gift that is sure to elicit "Wows!" from everyone who sees it? Our parent company, Ceaco, is introducing the Pieceless Puzzle - a revolutionary new puzzle unlike anything you've ever seen before. "What exactly is a Pieceless Puzzle?" Watch this video to find out more...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4YrChGyQtQ


Get a Free Pieceless Puzzle!
You can be the first on your block to own a Pieceless Puzzle. All you have to do is help us spread the word about it through blogs, online forums, and your email network. Simply forward a link to your post or send a copy of your email, along with your name and complete mailing address (no P.O. boxes) to pr@gamewright.com Please allow 4 weeks for delivery.


Thanks as always for playing with Gamewright!


Gamewright
a Trademark of Ceaco
70 Bridge Street
Newton, MA  02458
http://www.gamewright.com

This is the copay that makes Zeus on the Loose, Slamwich, Rat-a-tat Cat, etc.  I don't know how many they are giving away.  Worth a shot anyway.

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• Sep. 15, 2007
Another one bound for glory!!!

You know how we try to raise our children to love God and live for His Glory?  Well, it has been brought to my attention that despite church, despite Bible study, despite my talking and "explaining" to, my son still did not really "get it."

I intentionally did not watch any of the September 11th anniversay memorials because I knew how I would react.  I did not want to upset my children with my tears.  Well, my son had been looking at some stuff on You Tube before he went outside.  I sat down at the computer and saw that one of the videos by the same person who created the cartoon video he was looking at was a 9-11 tribute video.  What harm could come from watching just one video? 

One turned into several.  There I was crying and weeping and praying when my son walked in.  As it happened he walked in while I was watching a video about how God was there (http://youtube.com/watch?v=LxJiiWo0JbE).  Some He called home and some refused to answer His call yet again.  Then, there was that tug.  Not from my son, but from God.  "Hey!  Talk to him.  He needs to know why."  Well, I "knew" my son knew why, but I asked anyway.  Nope.  He didn't -- "not really" were his words.

So, there we were sitting in the middle of the floor talking and crying and listening and explaining.  There were many questions that I wasn't prepared for, yet I was because God gave me the answers.  It was truly heartwrenching to find out that despite what I thought were my "best efforts" my son did not really understand what it means to have a relationship with God.  He did not really understand what Jesus dying on the cross meant for him.  I have explained and talked and read and prayed and more his entire life.  Yet he still did not understand.  So I had failed him.  But this was not about me.  This was about him and his salvation.  I explained as best I could and told him Scripture that applied and was relevant.  HE GOT IT!!  Then, came more questions......

How could he know that he would go to Heaven?  How come some people didn't answer God?  How can he hear God?  Why did God let His own Son be killed?  Will He be able to see Jesus?  Are Jesus and God the same person?  What is the Holy Spirit? Why do you pray for Osama bin Laden and his bad men?  (I'll answer that one for you all a little later.)  And so many more questions.

God is so very awesome!!  I had the answers to his questions and could put them all in terms that he understood.  HE GOT IT!!!

After all the explaining and answering of questions, I asked him if he wanted to have a personal relationship with God and ask Jesus to come into his heart.  He did and we prayed.  We prayed not only for Jesus to come into his heart and give him Salvation, but for my own walk to be strengthened and renewed.  

That was two days ago.  At first I felt so ashamed and under-qualified as a human being, much less a parent.  Then, it dawned on me, the timing was just not right before.  He wasn't ready.  I had been planting seeds and finally they took.  He came to me yesterday and told me that sometimes he feels like there are two parts of him.  When he's doing something he shouldn't he doesn't remember the good side of him.  When he does something good, he doesn't remember the bad side of him.  I told him that was normal and that we are all human and will do bad things at times, but that is why we need Jesus in our hearts and lives.  So when we do bad things, we can apolpgize and be forgiven by our earthly family and friends and by God.  i told him that as he matures he will be more aware of both sides of him and will understand himself better.  He says he wants to be more good than bad and will try really hard.  Ahhh....what wonderful music to any parent's ears (earthly or Heavenly). 

Okay, why do I pray for Osama bin Laden and his followers?  Well, it is actually really simple.  If their hearts can be softened enough to allow Jesus into their hearts, they will no longer be a threat to us.  There are a great many evils and evil doers out there.  If they were all to allow Jesus into their hearts, they would no longer be evil doers, but soldiers for Christ.  Wouldn't that be awesome?  Yes, I have been ridiculed and even yelled at and called crazy and blasphemous for praying for bin Laden and his followers.  So.  I am in no way comparing myself to Jesus here, but didn't the same happen to Him?  Some may not agree with me praying for evil doers, but I just shrug it off.  I know that God wants me to pray for them...."not one should perish."....so I do.  It's okay if no one understands it or even likes it.  I do not need their permission or approval.

No, my son does not agree with me about praying for "bad people."  He thinks they are bad and they need to be punished and he told me that he has actually prayed for bad people to be punished.  Well, I cannot say that I don't want the "bad people" caught and punished by our laws.  I jsut don't want Satan getting any glory and I feel that is what happens when an evil doer/"badperson" dies without a relationship with God and Jesus as their Savior.  But that is a whole other  issue.  Back to my son.

I have seen a noticeable change in him already.  He really tries to be "good."  He questions himself before he says or does things that might not be "okay."  What's funny it I had just decided to take Bible class out of our homeschooling curriculum.  Am I going to put it back in now that he "gets it?"  No.  And no, I am not crazy.  I decided to take it out because I do not want reading the Bible to be "just a part of school" or something he "has" to do.  I want it to be something that he can do for enjoyment and enlightenment.  Now this is not to say that the Bible won't be a part of our schooling. It definitely will.  I just do not want him to ever feel like reading the Bible is work or a chore.  I want him to WANT to read the Bible.  So, no more Bible classes, but still many Bible references that we can and will look up.  We will have more quiet time together reading the Bible with each other.  I may add Bible classes back into the curiculum in the future, but for right now, I think more one on one reading and discussion would be better suited for us.  I will still incorporate some of the curriculum I have into our reading, but as a guide, not as lessons.

So, we are really excited around here.  As you can imagine.  There is another soul bound for GLORY.  YEA!!

The grass sure is green over here on our side of the fence.  God is just so AWESOME.

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• Sep. 15, 2007
Great Contest from the Front Porch

Enter to win the complete set of
Terrestria Chronicles
on the HSB Company Porch!

What a great contest.  Good luck to all (but I hope I get it).

 

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• Aug. 31, 2007
The most uplifting experience I have ever had

I realize I have not been her in a while, but life has somehow gotten in the way.  However, today I had to come and share a wonderful thing that is happening on my Yahoo! group, FreeHomeschoolTools.   

There is a member on the group that is having a very difficult time financially.  She has actually been struggling for years.  Anyway, her situation came to light and I just couldn not shake it.  Sure, we have all had financial trouble at one time or another (if you haven't I want your secrets), but I knew this was something more.  The member and her situation stayed with me for days and I just couldn't shake it.  Anyway, I knew God was telling me I needed to help this woman.  Well, how in the world was I going to do that?  I am broke!  I mean I am B-R-O-K- E.  It took us two summers to get the money saved up to get the AC fixed.  Fortunately it was only $300 or we would still be sweating and saving for it.  I also broke a tooth recently that is going to cost atleast $400 to fix since it is a front tooth and it is a BIG chunk missing and will require a root canal because the break is so close to the nerves. (If it were a back tooth I would just have it pulled.)  So now I am saving for that. 

Still, I knew I HAD to help this member.  I talked with my mother about it and she suggested I take it to the group.  I am always telling her what wonderful members there are on the group.  They really are an amazing bunch.  Anyway, I decided that since I am the owner and I do know how great these people are, I would do just that.  So I told the group the situation and they were, as usual, WONDERFUL!!  The response has been so POSITIVE.  There are donations flowing in and offers of other, non-monetary help as well.  I love my group.  Actually, I rarely call it my group, because it is not "my" group.  It is "our" group.  I merely started it and am what Yahoo calls the "owner."  Let me tell you, I am a VERY PROUD "owner" at that.

It is true that I have lost some members over this request for assistance in helping a fellow member.  Although, I wish that hadn't happened, I choose to call it God weeding out the members that we don't need/want anyway.  At the same time we have new members coming in as well.  I posted a message letting new members know that this is not the norm and to please bear with us.  Normally, almost if not all the posts are of homeschooling materials that are being offered or requested for postage only as well as some needs for homeschooling advice.  We also have some great links come through.

Oh!  I cannot begin to describe the joy I have gotten out of this.  It is such a blessing to ME to be able to help her and her family.  I cannot count the times I have gotten chill bumps and cried because of the overwhelming generousity of "my" members.  Did I tell you that they are GREAT, WONDERFUL, FANTASTIC?  They are just AWESOME and I LOVE THEM ALL!!

Well, now that I have wet cheeks again, I am going to close this and go do a happy dance.  I just had to share this wonderful experience that I have the honor to be a part of.  I truly feel that I am the one being blessed by it. 

If anyone here would like to help out this fellow homeschooling family, feel free to let me know and I will send you the info to do so.  Or you could drop by FreeHomeschoolTools and find all the info there.  The group link is: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FreeHomeschoolTools/

Thank you for letting me share.  God is just so very AWESOME!!!  I am so glad that He led me to do this.

Blessings,

Laurie

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• Dec. 19, 2006
What was I thinking?

We have all either asked or been asked that of ourselves.  As mothers and wives we often hear that coming out of our mouths in reference to something out beloved has done or said.  Well, I have a whole list of "What was I thinking? moments.  I'll share a few with you.

 

What was I thinking....

 

During Intro to Algebra....and Algebra....Algebra II (I could go on, but I won't)

 

When I married David.  True, he was my best friend, but he failed miserably at being a husband.  I divorced him, forgave him for being a lousy husband and had my friend back.

 

 

When I stated emphatically that I wanted 4 kids by the time I was 30?  Luckily, God smiled on me in my ignorant bliss and being so wise didn't give me what I thought I wanted.  As it turns out, when I was 27, I decided that I didn't want children and was going to have my tubes tied.  Three weeks before I could have it done, my son was conceived.  Talk about timing.

 

When I told everyone, while pregnant the last time, that my daughter's name would be Kelsi Anne.  She came out and looked nothing like Kelsi Anne.  Besides, I have this thing about naming my kids to honor important people in my life.  My son, Chaz Allen was named to honor my best friend and my father.  My daughter, Shiloh Rose, turned out to be named to honor both my parents.  And I am mad (not really) at Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt for stealing my daughter's name - although I had it first and it is in honor of my father and his and my mutual interests and my mother.

 

When I started working from home. True, the commute is great and the dress code is fantastic, but the benefits are lacking.  I am interrupted several times throughout the day because I am home and therefore "not working."  Because of the interruptions, my hours widely vary and I am often working into the wee hours of the morning.

 

When I decided to homeschool.  Actually, I know what I was thinking here.  I am tired of my son being bored, bullied and not being taught, but just languishing.  Too many public school teachers have told me that the schools are so structured and governed now that they are not really able to teach the children and the majority are slipping through the cracks.  Because of those that are slipping through the cracks, they have "dumbed down" public school.  I actually fought the idea of homeschooling for three years, but know that I have made the right decision.  Even though my son has gotten real lazy lately.

 

When I agreed to help my mother if she got some chickens as long as she got some ducks too.  If you have ever done this you know what I am talking about.  This is not a for profit thing.  She just thought it would be fun.  WHAT?  Well, it is funny to watch this one chicken duck it's head level with it's body and chase the cats.  It looks like a winged battering ram.  It really is pretty humorous. 

 

When I gave my son my old Nintendo Game System and then allowed my mother to give him the Super Nintendo and the Nintendo 64.  Then a friend bought him the Game Cube.  Then he got an X-Box.  Of course, they are for my nephews to play as well, but sheesh!!

 

Last and not least, what was I thinking when I got up at almost 4 AM and started this?  I guess I must have thought that I had been away for so long and missed in and am now playing catch up.

 

I am sure there are more "What was I thinking?" moments, but I am not awake enough to think of them.

 

I know we all have moments like these.  Do you have any you're brave enough to share?

 

Blessings,

 

Laurie

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• Dec. 19, 2006
More freebies at FreeHomeschoolTools Group

Last night and this morning I finally got on the group and did some major work.  I have been meaning to do it for quite some time, but I just didn't get around to it.  Yes, I am a world class procrastinator.

What finally led me to do it was that I couldn't find what I wanted in my many, many, many homeschooling related bookmarks.  I knew it was there somewhere, but I couldn't find it.  I needed to reorganize them or something.  So, I sat down and put a whole bunch of them on the group.  That way I can still find them and don't have so many to sort through on my computer.  Plus, they are more organized on the group.

To give you an idea of what is available, there are links to free curriculum, downloads, worksheets, units, record keeping forms, interactive educational websites and so much more.  There is so much there.  I have loaded 60 links so far and still have more to go through. 

For those that don't know about the group, FreeHomeschoolTools is a group where members post offers for homeschooling items (curricula and more) for free.  If one is in need of something they post their need there as well.  Everything must be free (with the exception of postage).    This group has saved so many so much money.  I have seen items posted there that the person offering it had initially received it off the group from another member.  That is nice to see.  We have almost 800 wonderful, generous members and hope that you too, will join us.

Here is the link:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FreeHomeschoolTools_NO-CHAT/

If you would like to join us, just say that you read about us here.  I think you will find the group to be a great blessing.  I know that I have.  And again, the members are some wonderful people.

 

Blessings,

Laurie

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• Dec. 18, 2006
IMPORTANT UPDATE: Chickens can't swim!

Well, I went out front this morning and was accosted with the pungent odor of skunk.  Of course there was no skunk so I quickly came to the conclusion that the offensive odor was coming from the cat that was at my feet demanding my full attention.  Since we have chickens, Guineas, and ducks that have the run of the back part of the back yard (about 1/2 an acre of chicken playground), my first thought was "How many of the little ones are dead?"  I fed the cat and went to the back and was surprised to find no chicken carcasses and no appearance of any scuffle with the polecat.  I looked around and, although I did not do a head count, I was satisfied that none of the little Cochins or other babies had been invited to dinner, I went about feeding them and watering them.  

 

I was happily back in the house doing my daily whatever when out on the lawn there arose such a chatter.  I sprang from my post the see what was the matter.  I tore open the door and rushed to the back and what to my wondering eyes should apear?  Nothing other than a bunch of Grackles antagonizing the Guineas.  Now while I was out there I began to wonder, "Why aren't the ducks in their pool swimming link they normally would be?"  I walked over to the pool and guess what I see.  One of the Cochin roosters practicing the fine art of........floating.

 

I actually started this post in a while back ago before we had our first freeze and it was nice and warm.  Well, we have had our first freeze.  Guess what!  Chickens can't ice skate either. 

 

Our poor chickens.  I'm surprised that they haven't figured out how to fly and flown away.  Apparently they are just gluttens for punishment.  I guess they really are one of, if not the dumbest animals.  But we like having them around anyway.

 

We built them a new house and they seem to really like it.  However, the opossum figured out where it was rather quickly.  One evening I am sitting in the den talking to a friend that was visiting for a few days and chaos broke out in the hen house.  It was just getting a little dark so we hadn't closed the hen house door yet.  Well, I don't know how Mr. Opossum did it, but he got one half of a chick out of the cage.  He left the other half.  Apparently we scared him and he ran towards the front.  He in turn scared one of our roosters.  In his haste to get away from Mr. Opossum, the rooster flew over the fence.  The wrong fence.  The neighbor has a Catahoula (sp?) dog who enjoyed playing with our rooster until I jumped the fence and retreived him.  It was too late for the rooster.  We had to put him out of his misery.  He was such a beautiful rooster too.  I still haven't figured out how he got over the fence.  I mean sure, if necessary he could have flown over the fence, but this bird was severely lacking somewhere.  He couldn't heven walk fast without falling down.  Truthfully, I think there was too much inbreeding going on and he was to not quite right product of that.  But he really was a pretty bird.

 

In order to keep the opossum at bay we decided to get a dog.  Now this was going to be a tricky process.  My children were almost 9 years and almost 1 year, at the time.  We also needed another rooster (Why?  I don't know.  We still had a Brahma and a few Porcelain D'Uccle roosters.)  We stopped by the pound one day to see if they had any roosters and they had one that was absolutely gorgeous.  He was also not caged and VERY wild.  We paid to adopt him and never did catch him.  We came home with two rabbits instead.  We also came home with guilty feelings because we were really hoping that the Sable Collie that was picked up as a stray would not be claimed by his owners.  It was so evident that he came from a family with children because he never made a move when an adult approached him, but sprang to the fence when my son came.  He would stick his nose through the cage as far as he could and try to lick my son.  We went back a few more times to see it they had caged the rooster.  Of course we checked on the Collie too. 

 

I started doing quite a bit of research on Collies and talked to breeders to make sure that we wouldn't have a problem with the chickens and the dog.  The Collie seemed like the perfect breed for us.  We were really beginning to hope that the family did not claim the dog.  Thankfully and unfortunately, the owners did come and claim him on the very last day before we could have adopted him.  Thankfully for the dog and unfortunate for us.  Although we would have given him a good home and lots of love.

 

Since the Collie at the pound was claimed we looked elsewhere.  One day I got an email from a lady telling me that there were two pure bred Collies at another, fairly local kill shelter.  Well, I got on the phone and went straight down there.  We are now the owners of two Tri-Colored Collies.  One is a smooth coat (long hair) and the other is a rough coat (short hair).  They treed the opossum several times and then chased off a coon.   Both the opossum and the coon have decided that we are no longer hospitable and left.

 

The dogs do very well with the chickens.  Most of the time.  We do have to get onto them some when they chase them.  We have only had one incident.  No, two.  Sister caught one of the babies by the wing and brought it to me.  I told her "No!" and that was that.  For a while.  The newest babies were big enough to go out and so we let them out of their cage and they went into the workshop.  We couldn't get them out.  Now, we don't know who got two of babies, but when we went in to check their feed and water, two were a bit mangled and dead in the floor.  The other two were no where to be found.  We did finally find the other two.  They had high-tailed it to the hen house.  One of them stayed in their cage for two days and wouldn't come out.  Poor babies.

 

Honestly, I have no idea why we even have these chickens.  We are not going to eat them.  Now you might be thinking that we have them for the eggs.  Nope.  I cannot stand fresh eggs.  They taste really foul to me.  Yes, I know that the flavor of the egg depends on the diet of the hen.  Well, I wont to know what they feed those Leggerns (Leghorns) in those elevated cages in the big hen houses.  If I am to ever eat any of our chicken's eggs, I will have to keep them caged and on a strict diet of whatever the hens that laid the eggs in the store are eating.  I just can't do that either though.  Could you imagine living like that?  Although I have been known to stay home for several days or even a couple of weeks at a stretch, I could go out if I wanted to.  I just couldn't keep any animal caged up like that all the time.  (I really feel bad because the rabbits haven't been able to get out and  roam for a few days.)  Besides, with the chickens being able to roam (plus the dogs occasionally still chasing them and the chickens occasionally chasing the cats), should we decide to ever eat them, we sure won't have any "fat, yella chickens" which is more that I can say for most store bought chickens.  Heck, I have even bought whole chickens that have big globs of fat shoved down inside the cavity.  YUCK!!

 

Well, I hope this has been a good source of information/entertainment for you.  Please remember to tell any daring chickens that you come across that they cannot swim.  They also should to test the ice before they fully step on it and make sure that it isn't going to crack under their weight.    

 

Blessings to you all.

  

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• Aug. 29, 2006
Free Homeschool Tools group

I just wanted to share this group with you.  There used to be a group called FreecycleHomeschool that I was a member of.  For some reason, it was closed.  I was so blessed by other members of the group and I am sure many others were so I opened another group along the same premise. 

 

This group is a place where people can come to post their wants/needs/offers and all items are free with the exception of postage (usually media mail rates).  Now there are times when a member adds an additional fee to cover the cost of Paypal fees and sometimes for packaging materials as well.  These additional fees should be kept to an absolute minimum.  Also, the media mail rates are in the "Files" section of the group and I would suggest looking at those if you have any doubts about the cost of postage.  One more thing, there is absolutely nothing wrong with negotiating the additional fees with the other party off-group. 

 

Now, if you are still looking for that last got to have book for this school year, of if you need to get rid of some stuff to make room for this years stuff, come check our group out.  We would love to have you. 

 

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FreeHomeschoolTools_NO-CHAT/

 

C-ya there.

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• Aug. 29, 2006
No "Crunchy Granola Suite" here

I posted this on another blog, but wanted to share it here as well. 

Okay, okay - I finally figured out how to post a picture and wanted to share my sweeties with you all.

 

From other blog....

Okay, I am so tired of catching flack because of my daughter's name.  She is almost 10 months old now.  You'd think that the comments would have stopped by now.  But oh no.  They just keep coming.  And the comments are mainly from the same people.  SHUT UP!!!  That's what I want to yell everytime I hear "You named her WHAT?"  Here's a little history....

 

When I was pregnant with my son, who is now 8 years old, I knew what his name would be whether a boy or a girl.  Boy - Chaz Allen to honor my best friend and my father.  Girl - Kelsi Anne - I just love the name and Anne is both my middle name and my mom's.  So, I got Chaz and not Kelsi.  That was all fine and well.  Fast forward almost 8 years and I have a little girl.  The entire time I was pregnant, I was sure that I would name the baby Kelsi (we knew it was a girl very quickly).  However, about a month after Chaz was born I realized that he looks so much like my mother that I should have named him Max (her name is Maxie) for her.  Everyone called him "Little Max" for a long time anyway.  This time I was going to have a back up although I was still SURE that I would be naming her Kelsi Anne. 

 

Well, she was born and guess what.  She just didn't look like a Kelsi Anne.  Thank goodness I had a list of other possible names, right?  Wrong.  I still could not think of a name that I really liked and fit her.  She actually weighed two pounds more than my son did when he was born, but was so much more delicate looking.  She had these tiny rosebud lips and just looked so very delicate.  None of the names "fit."  Well, at least I had two days to think about it. 

 

Since Kelsi didn't work, I wanted to name her something that honored my mother and possible my father as well.  As I said before, my mother's name is Maxie Anne.  Well, Anne, in my opinion needs something snazzy to go along with it since it is a single syllable, traditional name.  Did I mention that I prefer unique or different names?  Two days may not be enough time.

 

One of my oldest friends (from Kindergarten), Autumn, came to the hospital and she and I went over names.  My mother was there and we had her mom (who happens to be my mom's best friend).  Name after name got vetoed by the mothers.  Autumn and I agreed on a couple - vetoed.  Well, my mom left, her mom got off the phone.  We talked some more and then Autumn had to leave.  She was in the parking garage when I called her with the name.  It was a formerly vetod by the mother's.  Oh well!  She loved it and so did I.  When I mentioned it to my mother her response was, "Yeah!  I really like that name."  Go figure.

 

Now before I tell you the name let me say that my dad and I had two huge common bonds.  We both loved the Sousa marches and Neil Diamond.  I couldn't name my daughter after my dad because my aunt named her daughter after him already.  My other aunt names all her dogs named for my dad (he started it by naming his dogs after her husband).  Anyway, I went through all the possibilities and came up with something to honor my relationship with my father and for my mother.

 

My daughter's name is Shiloh Rose.  Shiloh came form the Neil Diamond song "Shilo" and Rose is because my mother wanted that name.  Now starts all the flack about he name. 

 

I have one "friend" (a say it like that because she did used to be a friend and now she is little more than an acquaintance) who told me from the beginning that she will call her "Shyla."  I explained to her the reasoning behind the name Shiloh and she still says that her name should be "Shyla" and that is what she will call her.  She came over right after David died and started that "Shyla" crap again and I told her in no uncertain terms that her name is Shiloh and she can either call her by that or even by Rose, but until she by some strange fluke becomes her mother she will quit calling her by Shyla (she does it to irritate me and has even told me that).  If it hadn't been for David dying and me being in a really bad mood (understandably so) I probably wouldn't have gone off on her like I did.

 

Aside from her, I also get comments like, "You named her what?"  "How could you do that to her?"  "I can't believe you saddled her with a name like that!"  "That shoulds like a topless dancer name?"  (Why do they know that?  Hmm.)  And on and on and on.  It is really unending and most definitely unnerving at this point.

 

To all those that don't like the name Shiloh, be thankful that the Neil Diamond song "Crunchy Granola Suite" wasn't mine or Daddy's Favorite song.  Can you imagine the names that I could generate out of that?  Or what about "Soolaimon?"  (Hey, I think I kinda like that.  Maybe. Nah.)  Oh wow!  I just thought of a name from Crunchy Granola Suite.  It is too ordinary for me , but Nola is sure in there.  

 

I really think that Shiloh is rather tame compared to some of the names that I had thrown out there or that were thrown out to me.  Like Mecca, Petra, Maximillia(no, no, no) although I do like Mecca and even Petra, but Maximilla was a big NO! - sorry Mom.  Heck, I could have named her Diamond or Sousa. 

 

So, to all my friends and acquaintances that don't like the name Shiloh, just remember, it was either Shiloh or Crunchy Granola Suite = Crugrans =  Krugerrand.  Wouldn't that have caused some sort of uproar?

 

Thanks for letting me rant a little about this.

 

Here is my Crunchy Granola Suite and Chaz (boy did he need a hair cut).

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• Aug. 25, 2006
It's a brand new day (sort of)....

Well, all is much better now.  I finally had my little breakdown regarding David about 2 or 3 days after his funeral.  I called a friend of ours in Florida and she made me feel so much better.  I am going to miss him of course, but I do feel better since talking to Jennifer (I love you Jennifer). 

 

I am so ready for school now.  Okay, so I am not ready in that everything is not completely organized or all planned out, but mentally I am so very ready.  I still need to do some serious planning in the Math area and somewhat in Reading, but it will all come together of that I am sure.

 

I want to say thank you to all that prayed for me and are still praying for David's mother.  They are most appreciated and so very helpful.

 

It really feels like Spring to me mentally.  I feel like these last few weeks were EXTREMELY long and now I can finally breathe and enjoy life again.  I just wish it was cooler so that I could actually breathe without breaking a sweat.

 

Okay, that's all.  I'm going to get busy organizing and get ready for school.  YEA!! 

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• Aug. 19, 2006
David's funeral

Well, I made it through David's funeral.  It was one of the hardest things I have ever done in my life.  But I held it together as much as I could for my son and for a real good friend of David's that needed me to be strong.  I am so very angry at one of David's brothers.  David's mother was unable to make it to the funeral because she was in the hospital in ICU because when David had the accident and was killed, one of David's brothers called the hospital where Margaret, David's mother, was with Granny (her mother - who is dying) and told her over the phone.  Another brother happened to be coming to see Granny and was walking thru the door and watched his mother fall to the floor.  She had a heart attack and then apparently Thursday evening had a mild stroke.  I can't believe that David's brother is such a heartless jerk.  We all really knew that he was.  Only Margaret couldn't see it because she is his mother.  I just never dreamed that he was that cold.  He is one of, if not the most self-serving people that I have ever had the misfortune of knowing.  David himself did not like him.  I won't get into the details, but I am not a violent person and I told him 3-4 years ago that if he ever showed up at my house again, I would kill him.  I will put it this way, he should be strung up and left to die for what he has done in his past.  Okay, now I sound like a horrible person so I guess I should tell you why I feel this way so you will understand.  He is a convicted pedophile.  He never touched my children, but he did threaten to and I tried with my all to get him thrown back in prison.  He is not right in the head - how many pedophiles are?  When his father died all he could think about was how he should have been given the house.  Nevermind that he had already been given a house or that his mother was still living and she was in the house  When David died, he called a friend of David's and mine who David had bought a truck from and told him that he wanted the truck and that he was sorry for the friend's loss of David as a friend of over 30 years.  David hated the fact that this man was his brother and he had to be civil to him for their mother.  Anyway.....

 

I am really proud of myself.  I didn't think I was going to be able to do this.  I almost backed out of going.  I was so scared tha tI would fall to pieces.  I did really well.  Especially since I got absolutely no sleep Friday night.  My mind just would not turn off and let go.  This sounds so horrible or sick or whatever, but since David was burned so badly they sealed the casket before it left the medical examiner's office to be brought to East Texas for the funeral.  I wanted to see him so bad.  I have these horrible images in my mind and I wanted  to see his body.  I wanted to see if he still had any of his hair left.  I wanted to see if.... I don't know what I really wanted to see, but I just needed it to be final and it still is not. 

 

I have this shirt that I used to where when David and I were still married that says "My next husband will be normal."  I love the color and have picked the shirt up so many times to wear since David's accident and just can't wear it.  I would make it a point to wear it sometimes when he and I were going somewhere together to see mutual friends or something.  It was a standing joke between us.  He asked me, "Just what is normal?"  I'd tell him, "I don't know, but it certainly isn't you."  He'd say, "So I guess you think you are normal?"  "No, David, I married you.  A normal person wouldn't do that."  I can't get rid of the shirt, but I can't wear it either.  Maybe someday.

 

The funeral was recorded for Margaret and I am going to get a copy of the tape so it can be played at the memorial for David that we are going to have up here for those that could not make it to the funeral.  David told me about 20 years ago that when he died he wanted people to have a party to celebrate his life.  Tell stories about him and celebrate David's life and don't mourn his death.  Of course that is easier said than done.  I am going to try to do that for David.  So please, if any of you have any ideas, please let me know.  I am open to all ideas.

David in 1994                              David a few months ago

 

Somehow he wound up with most of our pictures, but I think they are in his storage and I will get them as soon as I can.

 

Thanks again for letting me unload.  Whether anyone reads this or not, it helps to unload.  Now, I have got to take my very tired body to bed.  Good-night all.  Sweet dreams.   

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• Aug. 15, 2006
School delayed - please pray

Well, I had decided to go ahead and start school this week after thinking I would wait until after Labor Day.  I have been wishy-washy about it for a few weeks now.  Unfortunately the decision was taken out of my hands and we will not be starting school until Labor Day - at least.

 

My ex-husband was in a horrific traffic accident a week ago this past Sunday.  He collided with a tanker truck carrying oil.  Both vehicles exploded and the truck driver and my ex-husband were killed.  It has been such a mess.  Like I said, it has been over a week and the Medical Examiner still has been unable to identify my ex-husband's body (with dental records) because the dental records were sent to the wrong place.  We finally got that straightened out today and hopefully the dentist will be in tomorrow and identify the body.  

 

David, my ex-husband, will be buried out of town and many of his friends and business associates won't be able to make the funeral so it has been requested of me to have a memorial for him up here for those who cannot make it to the funeral.  I have no objections to that except  that I have not even had time to grieve.  I have been so busy trying to do what David's mother needs me to do and get in touch with people that need to be told.  I lost contact with his grown children years ago and he is the only one who had phone numbers for them.  So, it seems that we will have to go to Oklahoma to let them know.  (We don't want the police to notify them.)  It is really a mess.  At one time Daivd was my best friend.  We finally made our way back there -pretty much anyway. 

 

I must say that I am really angry with him.  A friend of ours and I had been trying to talk him into going to the doctor for these episodes that he was having.  He would have mini seizures and then pass out.  We think that must be what happened to cause the accident.  He just didn't like going to the doctor.  I am thankful that he almost certainly was dead before he knew what hit him.  I am just so sorry that another person died as well and another family is grieving the loss of a loved one.  

 

I'm also a little perturbed with him about my current curriculum situation.  He was going to buy part of the curriculum  for my son.  I guess he decided he didn't want to.  He could have just told me.  --I'm sorry if that was offensive to anyone.  I just have a wierd sense of humor.  Trust me.  David would be laughing.

 

My son, who is 8 years old, has told me that he does not want to deal with David's death now.  I told him that was fine and he didn't have to deal with it until he is ready.  In a few weeks he will mention something about it and then nothing for a while and mention a liitle bit more.  He just deals with a little bit at a time and does okay with it.  My only fear is that David's mother will try to force the issue and I will have to stop her and possibly hurt her feelings.  But, if it takes hurting her feelings for my son not to be hurt  that is what I will have to do.

 

Well, I think I will wrap this up now.  Thanks for letting me unload.  Now I've got to see if I can find some Math and Reading Curriculum deals since I just cannot afford it.  Wish me luck on that.  Thanks again for "listening."  Also, please pray for David's family (myself and my son included).  This is really a tough time for us all.

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