Wow, Back to the Real World...sort of....

Wow! I made it through another Christmas! The children's church skit is done. The special dinners have all been cooked. The gifts have been purchased, wrapped, delivered, opened and used..or returned.

It was a good Christmas for me. I wish I could say that about all the members of my family, but unfortunately, some of them got ill for Christmas Eve. It is possible that my daughter who is visiting from CA might have still been contagious from her bout with something the day before she arrived. But maybe not, since there had been no symptoms for over 18 hours, and only some family members who were around her succumbed to illness. No matter. Christmas is not a time to blame others. But I do feel so badly that they had to cancel the plans they had with other family. We had celebrated with them on Sunday, so at least we all got to be together then. Grandma Peggy came from CA to visit and so we had a great time. Hunky and Hansome were in the church skit and we all got to see them stare at the audience. (It was their first stage appearance!) It was great!

My husband surprised me with a special gift. I have a doll collection. About two months (or more) ago we were out yard sale-ing and I saw a beautiful doll but the sellers were asking more than I wanted to pay. I tried to talk them down, but was only partially successful and decided I could not justify spending the bucks. I did not know it, but my husband went back and got the doll and hid it until Christmas. What a thoughtful man!

This year, Santa arrived in a younger version (a co-worker of my husband's) and came to our house. After dinner we opened presents and went to church for a candlelight service and then to the downtown plaza of our town, Glendale. Every year the City decorates the park with thousands of lights on trees and buildings, etc. and has horse-drawn carriages, musicians, entertainment, food, etc. throughout the evenings during the Holidays. Last year we handed out candy canes to all the people and wished them a merry Christmas. This year we forgot the candy! But, someone from church left an ice chest full of real snow on my daughter's van, so we had a community snowball fight instead. Lots of fun! Mr. Boo and Baby Girl rode quietly in a double stroller fascinated by all the lights and people!

Christmas day brought a surprise for my visiting daughter...her husband, a first year intern, got off working at his hospital earlier than expected and flew out to meet her. It was fun pulling off that surprise!

I hope you all had a great Christmas. Remember to love and cherish everyone who means something to you...God bless...prayers and wishes for a prosporous and happy 2009!

I Love Christmas!

Christmas! It is a wonderful time of year regardless of the weather, the bustle of shopping, etc. I have my reasons for saying this...

I am watching television a little more than usual lately. Probably because of the specials of the season, along with the fact that even the commercials make a good atmosphere while decorating or baking, etc. Today I noticed several commercials about traveling to visit relatives that haven't been seen for awhile.

Christmas brings families together. It shouts that we should lay aside our differences and exercise forgiveness. I know there are many who will remain estranged during the next few days. But perhaps something about Christmas will entice them to reconsider. There will be children with tears because they did not get what they had hoped. There are some that will not have enough to eat or any new toys for Christmas. But compassion is rampant during this season. Giving is a message more heeded this time of year. Those who might not otherwise think about giving to certain causes, do so. It does amaze me, however, that those who can least afford to give, by some standards, seem to give the most. I think they know how it feels to need, and to want something really badly, that seems unattainable.

It is interesting how life's hardships can make us more caring individuals. One family in our church decided to forego giving each other gifts this year, as they have plenty...instead, they gave the money they would have spent to the church's benevolence fund! What a great idea! They know how it feels to not have the means for a great Christmas...in terms of stuff...and chose to have a truly great Christmas.

So,one can give to the food banks, or Salvation Army, or churches, or the fire depeartments who have charities, to hospitals, to homeless shelters, or any number of causes. After all, Christmas should be about giving and not getting. It should be about humanity coming together in love and peace. That is, after all, what the Christ child desired to accomplish by His birth and life. Peace on Earth, Goodwill towards men.

Have a MERRY CHRISTMAS and may the Spirit of the Season bring out the best in all of us!

It is Looking a LOT Like Christmas!

Well, although I think daily...and sometimes more frequently than that...about what I want to write, I somehow get busied by the events of life and leave many thoughts roaming around in my head. I am sharing now with you the added projects besides homeschooling that have preoccupied my time...mostly a homemade decorated Christmas! MERRY CHRISTMAS if I do not write again before.

"Ya Gotta Love AZ!"

I do love Arizona! Not just the weather (It is currently rainy), but also the way we treat older people out here!

I don't feel old. I don't look at myself as older. Why here in AZ, I only qualify for the senior discounts at Ross, Denny's, and Savers. All others say I must wait at least another 5 years. I can qualify to live in Sun City, but I would be among the babies of the community. But I prefer Glendale, where the rest of my local family all live. I miss Mr. Boo and his mommy and daddy! (Boo hoo!)

Perhaps this feeling of youth stems from years of working with the elderly in care facilities, where I was the Activity Director. I am still young enough to be the child of most of the residents I served. I used to take one lady who was 102 years young on outings to museums, malls, and parks. She was remarkable! Except for using a wheelchair, no one could keep her down. She could still thread a needle and did her own mending. She had a fabulous outlook on life, even though it had dealt her some tough days. She was an immigrant from a communist country and lost not only her belongings and property, but her son as well, in her quest for freedom. Yet she had an unquenchible sense of humor.

I used to run exercise groups for people with an average age of 84. How can I be old, just in my fifties? (I must confess there were days when I experienced aches from that class, but please don't tell myself that!)

Perhaps this feeling stems from the fact that I still chase children all day long. And I do mean chase. Baby Girl thinks it is funny to get into something and then run!
I can still hit a ball. I can still carry two kids and three bags all at once.
I can jump on a trampoline (but there are consequences to that one if I don't have extra padding in the right place!) No further comment. I will also admit that I do have some ailments common to aging, and have difficulty removing the tops of sippy- cups at times!

I will also confess that I have a few gray hairs, but I also contend that those did not come from aging, but rather from parenting! Anyone who has successfully survived three teenagers and seen them into productive adulthood, deserves a gray hair or two just for proof of survival!

I don't know what constitutes "old". It has to be more than the amount of years we have walked this planet. It must be something about perception, wisdom, and desire. Maintaing youth has to do with learning from your mistakes, approaching life from the positive and yet accepting what you cannot change.
I learned a lot from my previous residents. Sometimes we really are as young or as old as we think.

Challenges and Changes!

Wow! There is a strange odor in the air! And it is NOT our fake snow. In fact, it is not so strange, just, fortunately, infrequent. Baby Girl has had the runs, to put it nicely, since last Wednesday...and Hunky joined the drama this weekend. It is still on-going...at least for him. She has conquered that end of things, but now is way off schedule with her sleeping habits. That would not be so bad in itself, but she desires to be held and the center of attention most of her waking moments. As one would assume, this makes homeschooling quite challenging! And with the bustle of the Holiday decorations, shopping, and already some visitors, all the children are in "challenge mode. Yeah! Just what I always wanted!

There are challenges in my husband's work as well. He sells on commission only, advertising specialties. Many of his customers are so tight, they cannot afford to buy any form of advertisement, and some are even going out of business. So, at a time of year, when he usually does very well, he is struggling at numbers he hasn't experienced in years. oh well. Life goes on. We will not starve. We will not lose our house over it. We will have a good, even great Christmas.

I was instructing the boys on the true meaning of Christmas. It has nothing to do with getting gifts. It has everything to do with giving, loving and sharing. I cannot imagine what it must have felt like for God the Father to send Jesus the Son down to earth in the form of a created human being. It seems to me that it would feel humiliating, except for His unconditional love. I like to make crafts and to write characters into stories. I cannot imagine how I would feel if I had to become one of those characters or, when of my own created objects. Wow! So, Christmas is about giving, not getting. There are many ways to give. I can give a smile, I can let someone go in front of me in a line, or cut in front in traffic. I can hold the door for an elderly shopper or carry a bag to their car. I can resist the urge to fight for the parking spot or last sale item. Think about it. These are all ways to give...not take. Simple isn't it? I wish I could do more than that. I wish I had money to give to Phoenix Children's Hospital and St. Jude's and other charities, but I don't. I wish I had the means to put a smile on the face of a poor child by lavishing them with lots of toys, but I don't.

So, I will have to smile, and pray and share whatever I can. Perhaps it is time to return to the old-fashioned Christmases which were much simpler. The ones where children did not have to have the latest fashion or electronic toy (or any toy for that matter) to feel good about themselves and feel as though they fit in with their peers. Where sharing homemade pies or knitted items or just good deeds was considered quite neighborly. And where you knew and could trust your neighbors.

Or perhaps it is time to go all the way back to Bethlehem and consider the sacrifice that was made for ALL humanity in a humble stable...full of love. Not competition, not gifts, not tinsel or ornaments or stuff...just love.

Perhaps.

Birthdays and Boys, Boys, Boys!!

Mr. Boo had a birthday party! He actually turned one early in the month, but his cousin, Lil Girl, turned one that week, so their thrifty parents combined the party and had twice the fun! We were privileged to attend, since he lives close to where my family Thanksgiving occurred.

Mr. Boo got lots of toys and exciting things to see. He was Mr. Busy-busy that day and has been ever since. His favorites seem to be the ride-on airplane that Grandpa Steve and I brought and the walker/busy box that Aunt Beth sent. He loves the blocks from Grandpa Rex and Grandma Betty too. His cousins loved his things as well!

Mr. Boo is a delightful young man who is attempting to walk...sometimes...after all, crawling is faster!!! And a guy has a lot of things to get into...I mean...get to...there is no time to waste by falling down and getting up again and again!
It was so nice to see my daughter...my baby daughter...all grown up and a mommy herself...and a great one at that! She seems to have a happy child who is smart and well-adjusted to the life-style they have. She is smart too. I am very fortunate in the children and grandchildren God has given me.

And now for the more boys...a week off had its toll in the education department and in the character training a bit. We have, however, managed to make a lot of decorations for the house, and gifts for the family and get back on track with school. I got some fake snow and the boys had a blast making it and playing with it. The only downside is it has an odd odor. Supposed to be non-toxic though, so oh well. We made snowmen out of styrofoam balls as the picture shows along with lots of tree ornaments and garland. Oh what fun it is to...be a part of this family!

Handsome is learning fractions now and will start double digit addition on Monday. He has learned about months and days of the week, money value (coins), and time as well recently. He is reading much better now and reads simple sentences without much help. We write our own stories now too and he writes them out in sentences weekly. We do use curriculum as well, but writing about our own stuff is a fun addition. Keeps him wanting to write and read.

Hunky can spell and almost write his name. He knows the Pledge of Alligiance and all his colors and shapes, and a lot of letters and numbers. He can recite the Alphabet but gets some actual letters mixed up. But he is only four so I think he is doing well. Now if I can only get him to color inside the lines! I suspect he is one of those people to whom staying inside the lines might be quite challenging all his life!

Baby Girl is learning where her nose, eyes, ears, and lips are. She is talking quite well now and is very inquistive. I do have my own challenges ahead of me!

Jomo had a school play on Tuesday and we enjoyed the acted out story of Stone Soup. He was so cute singing and making all the motions from the stage! Good job Jomo! He and TDH are playing ball every Saturday. TDH is a soccor player and Jomo does baseball with his dad as his coach. We enjoy each and every game that we possibly can attend. Life is good.

Oh there are situations less than great, even less than good. But if I choose to concentrate on those, I would miss the opportunities to enjoy the great moments, the good moments, and even the challenging moments that bring about growth. So, although I personally reared two GIRLS and one BOY, I am enjoying learning more and more about boys in my life. And hopefully, for my experience, I can help them grow from boys to men who make wonderful and happy choices throughout their lives! AMEN!

Thanksgiving Day and the rest of the weekend

I have a lot to be thankful for. I am relatively healthy. I have a happy marriage and a wonderful relationship with my husband and his family as well as my own. I have a home that actually has my name on the deed. I have furniture in that home, along with clothing and food, and everything I need.

There have actually been times last month when I was out shopping and could find nothing that I needed or even wanted, for that matter. Recently I have been asked by family members for suggestions for Christmas gifts. I seriously thought about requesting that they give to some charity in my honor. Knowing the ones who asked me, however, as well as I do, I knew that would not satisfy them. They may well do that, but would insist upon an actual gift being under the tree for me anyway. So, I hinted about gift certificates for massages or coffee, etc. That way, I can have a few moments for myself and not add to the clutter of my house.

I spent Thanksgiving Day at a park with over 30 of my extended family, cousins, aunts, uncles, second cousins and so forth. This is a tradition that my father's family has done on this day for over 60 years. Last year was my first attendance since I was in my twenties! I went again this year because my sister met us there and I am accustomed to doing at least one thing vacationy with my sister each year. That privilege alluded me this year, so I had to make the trip! We shared a motel room, she and I and our husbands. Then we tackled the Black Friday crowds of only one mall. I did learn something about my family. Something that I had known but forgotten to be consciously aware of. They are generous people. My uncle Mo came around 5:00 AM to secure our usual ramada only to find a homeless man sleeping on the slab table. He let him be for a short time and then asked him to leave, telling him to return later that afternoon. I did not know this at first. I saw my second cousin scooping a bean cassarole out onto paper plates at the end of our time together, as did an aunt and another cousin. I asked why they were doing this and they stated that they were providing food for the homeless people who frequent the park. They would return later, as they did every year, apparently. Some could argue that this encouraged homeless people to come to that park. And that might be true. But this is Thanksgiving. And they did not plan to be homeless. They are hungry and they have encountered the Stewart family!

And I shall blog further in another blog regarding the rest of the weekend...Mr. Boo's birthday party!

A Week for Thankfulness and Respect

This week I am thankful for many things. That's what having a Holiday set aside for thankfulness is supposed to do. Get us thinking about the good lives we have. And we do, no matter what we are facing.

A few weeks ago, the boys were being typically challenging boys and to assist with reminding them about being respectful, I created an acrostic for RESPECT which has defintiely helped them remember. It goes like this:

R- Remember who you are...God's child and a (last name inserted)
E- Eliminate (get rid of) bad behaviors(and attitudes)...because of who you are!
S- Stop and think! (How would you feel if this situation was happening to you?)
P- Please be polite!
E- Encourage everyone! (Find good things to say to and about others!)
T- Talk with nice words only.


Just a quick overview daily with emphasis on one of the principles has upped their opinions of themselves and each other remarkably. When behavior exhibits that is contrary to respect, I simply point to our new chart and say one of the pharases, ie: "Did you forget who you are?" or "Because of who you are, you can act nicely and special now." Or "Eliminate that attitude! Remember who you are!" OR "In this home we are respectful and say nice things to each other.". etc. So far, after a little more than a week, it is working well. The boys both got a record number of stickers on their charts for the week, along with a certificate to acknowledge that feat. They feel very successful and I feel very less stressful!

Amazingly, Handsome has excelled in his reading last week, and is grasping math quite well. His attitude towards learning is very good. We have talked about how thankful we are that he is smart and has a good brain that works well. Not everyone is so fortunate. They have a second-cousin with cerebral palsy, who cannot learn the same way, so the illustration hits home.

Thankfulness is part of repect. When we can understand how blessed we are, no matter what is going on around us, when we can give thanks to God for life itself, and the air we are breathing, then we are showing respect, for God, for life, for ourselves! It is amazing to me, that scientist have shown that thankfulness brings better health. Not so much that it does, but that even though it has been proven, how quickly we forget. It is so much easier to complain and feel sorry for ourselves, apparently, than it is to rejoice in our sorrows and be thankful they aren't worse.

Well, I have done enough preaching for now... I actually have this week off from the kids, due to the other grandparents coming from Colorado to visit them, so I am off to Home Depot to rent a carpet cleaning machine. Tomorrow I tackle those pine needles outside and the kitchen deep-cleaning. And yes, I am taking time for myself. I am meeting Tuesday and Wednesday with friends for lunch, and catching up on some writing. All things to be thankful for...I CAN write, I HAVE friends, and I CAN STILL function enough to clean my carpets! Thank you, God!

If I don't blog again before, or you don't get a chance to read again...have a Blessed Thanksgiving Day and wonderful time this week! Go to a ball game...relax...have a drink! (water is best!)...bake cookies...be with friends and family...BE THANKFUL!

Blog, Blog,let's make a Frog! (or a turkey!)

I REALLY should blog at least every other day. Life IS very interesting. If I had been more faithful in blogging this week I would have shared with you our wonderous adventures at the Children's Museum. It has only been opened about a year, if that, but is a great place for youngsters. Baby Girl had a blast! At the first station which was a pizza kitchen, she was so engrossed that she really did not care if I was around or not. I would have posted pictures of this great day, had I not accidentally deleted them from my camera before I downloaded them onto the computer. Thankfully, I did manage to get some printed at Walgreens before the deletion.

ANYWAY...the day was Wednesday. The mood was excited. The kids were happy. The museum is not inexpensive, in that it charges the same for everyone over the age of one year. But, in my opinion, it is worth it. After the pizza kitchen, which also captured Handsome and Hunky's attention, we went to the store. There were grocery carts just the size of the kids. And shelves and shelves of goodies to be purchased at the cash registers complete with scanners and moving conveyor belts. There was a bakery. All the food and boxes looked real, just in child size. There were even scales and beans and rice to weigh. There were miniature racecars with several elaborate tracks. A motorcycle, a crank-up car, and LOTS of interesting textile objects to touch, and see. Ladders to climb. Balls to roll. Sand to paint with in a lighted drum. An art studio with houses to paint, crafts to make, and puzzles to solve. Tricycles to race down a course pre-made, along with helmets and traffic signs etc. There was a fantastic "forest" of what Hunky called "hanging floaties" and Handsome dubbed "hanging noodles" which is closer to what the museum called them. HUNDREDS OF THEM IN BRIGHT COLORS hanging from the ceiling. The boys had a blast meandering through them over and over again. There were bright tents and tunnels as well. Hunky did not want to go home. Handsome finally wore himself out and suggested we leave. Baby Girl was so tired, she could no longer protest any decision!

SO...if you get a day with nothing to do and have a child in your life...and a little extra cash...GO FOR IT! To the museum made just for kids...but lots of fun for adults too!

BEWARE!!!

BEWARE OF MEN IN THE KITCHEN! Now, my husband does most of the cooking. He likes it. I paid my dues in the kitchen for more than 30 years. Time to let him do it! And, the fact is, he is a good cook. He follows recipes to the tee. (So why are other types of directions so hard for him to take???)

Anyway, amazingly enough, he cleans up after his own cooking. Well, in the male version of "cleans up". One wouldn't want to examine the oven or even closely look at the burners...or the fridge...or behind the toaster or coffee maker, etc. I get to them monthly or so. (Just joking...the burners and counter space meet me weekly at least.) And HE does most of the dishes...BEFORE you salvitate with jealousy...

So, last night I decide I WANT to cook and planned a romantic dinner for two. I opened lower cupboard number one, looking for my microwave pressure cooker, AKA vegetable steamer. There it is! Well, PART of it...the lid..in two pieces. So, where is the pot? and the little pointy thingy that you insert to hold the veggies out of the water? (see what a technical cook I am!)

Open lower cupboard number TWO! Out fall the Tupperware veggie trays...two of them. What are they even doing in THIS cupboard?? That is NOT where they belong! Oh, there's the pot! Yeah! But where, oh where, is that pointy thingy? Rumble around in the cupboard number two...discovering...HE apparently doesn't know that Tupperware bowls STACK into themselves....OR that a salad spinner is not a colander! YIKES!

Oh, there's the pointy thingy, way in the back INSIDE the pitcher! NICE! I must admit, that at first I hollered (HE was gone to the bank!)

Then I realized that I really AM lucky that I don't have to come home every day and try to figure out something to make for dinner. HE gets off more than an hour earlier than I do, so it makes more sense for him to cook dinner. AND HE can think before he has a cup of coffee in the morning (unlike me), so breakfast makes more sense to be fixed by him as well. Lunch...well, that gets shared more frequently on the weekends...usually between him and a fast food place! I get to cook for the grandkids...yeah!

So, I prepared my romantic dinner in silence (even after he came back), leaving the wayward items on the floor where they landed.

Did he notice? Well, yes, finally! He asked if he had done something that became the reason that there were veggie trays on the floor. Well, YES! and NO! The cupboard had looked like an explosion of a Tupperware factory mingled with odds and ends of other "wares", but now it is all nice and tidy again...except for the veggie trays. He inquired as to where the trays are supposed to be...in a different cupboard all together...OH!

The YES! part is that he didn't ask where things went...Oh, yeah, I almost forgot! Men rarely ASK for directions! (See what I mean...he doesn't have to ASK a recipe!)
AND he tossed the items in like one would throw a football, apparently. Why would I expect anything else from a male? I remember now! I cleaned his apartment before we got married...ONCE!...enough said...should've known! DUH!

And NO! That part comes back on me...I SHOULD have known! Should have checked the cupboards more often. Should explain the difference between a colander and a salad spinner. On the other hand, I still call parts of steamers "Pointy thingys". Sheesh!

My New Rooms

Here are my new rooms. The fancier one is my formal living room. The other is my family room. It looks like my leather couch needs a cleaning, but it is mostly shadows! I did clean it and plan to restore though, also.

We Did It!

We are the "disaster recovery team". Yes, we are! The boys in their firemen outfits and I back in the "grandma-can-do-anything" mode, have put our pvc pipe house back together again. Grandpa turned out to be unavialable for such a feat, as he was needed at McDonalds last night instead. So, I told my muscles to "buck up" and act like 20 year olds and let's get this thing done. Well, I can't call it exactly "done" as we still need to put a side and a half on it and a roof covering. But it did not have those in the first place either. THIS time, I did not tie down the side together completely in hopes that if the wind returns, it will just blow through and not balloon into the tarp walls. I also taped all the ends and connections with duct or strapping tape for extra support. Monday we will secure the frame with wire from old coat hangers. Let's hope it makes it until then!


Have a great weekend, Everybody! Yeah, it's FRIDAY!!!!! SMILE!!!!

Metamorphosis of a word...

When I was a teenager, it was a funny, silly identity word.
When I was in my twenties, I took offense at its use to describe me.
In my thirties, I tried to change so as not to identify with it at all.
In my forties, it came in handy as I found I needed it to get through some rough times. And I found out it meant much more than I thought...in a positive way.
Now that I am in my fifties, I rejoice that I CAN still identify with this word! I NEED it!

The word? "HYPER!"

Once I loved the attention of being "hyper". I was funny. I enjoyed being the center of attention. The more "hyper", the better.

Then, I took offense as I interpreted people to insinuate that I should "calm down!" (I probably should have, but I didn't like others thinking I should!) "Why are you so "hyper"? is all I heard.

I spent many years trying to be what I thought others wanted or expected me to be, especially as a wife and mother. Nearly gave myself an ulcer! (Probably did give myself something...) "Just be meek and quiet, like a nice Christian woman." (My mind tossed the thoughts over and over, trying to find a way to change. I never quite made it.)

THANK GOD I didn't!

The fifth decade of my life turned my world upside down. Challenges to my core values, belief system, and life-style came unexpectedly. I found that being "hyper" gave me the needed stamina to meet the challenges, and occupy myself with positive things to do. And keep going even when I didn't want to.

And now, here I am caring daily for grandchildren. Chasing them. Building things out of pvc pipe. Having pillow fights. Playing hide and seek. Carrying them out of "predicaments" they seem to find themselves in. My peers no longer call me "hyper". Now they marvel, sometimes with envy, at my "energy".

Besides, I spent many years in Children's Ministry...(and still am) which is a great excuse to to stay "hyper".

Update!

I read my own blog and realized that I mentioned several things which I have left hanging. I think daily of things I want to share on this blog but seem to forget all about it once I am home.

I did get a different couch. I found a leather one for only $40.00 on Craigslist. Well, not exactly. I inquired about one advertised for that price but found it had been in a home with smokers. Won't work for me! Especially with Handsome's condition. But she called back and said she had one that had been in storage and not exposed to smoke and was leather. She said I could have it for the same price since she liked me! (imagine that!) It is a good color for the room. It has a little wear and tear...but is still a great deal. I thought I had the other one sold. They came. They saw. They left their friend to help my husband drag it out to the curb. They went to get the cash. They came back and declined to take it. So, now it sits on the slab, awaiting a home, wrapped in a new tarp.Anyone need a nice hide-a-bed couch? It remains on CL.

The boys and I got the pvc pipe house finished...frame-wise. Just today we put up sides of tarps, all attached with shower curtain hangers. It was adorable, but I didn't have my camera. Unfortunately the wind kicked up and turned the tarps into parachutes, frame and all. Grandpa will have to repair it all tomorrow as I have pushed my muscles to the limit. The boys, on the other hand, turned the situation into an opportunity to play fire and rescue men. They were disappointed, but have faith in Grandpa Steve to make it fine again. And they became "heroes".

I wish I could face disasters with such a creative mindset! Oh, to be young again!

more silly pictures!

Happy days!

There are as many opinions on Halloween as there are costumes these days. Some have resorted to calling it "Harvest Festival" time, to which I personally have no objection. But if one studied the history of the night, actually calling it "Halloween" in no way should offend the Christian faith. It originated from the term "Hallowed Eve" preceding "All Saints Day" and emphasized prayer. There was much belief in actual "spirits" (of the dead) in those days, so the pagans decided to "dress up" and invade the prayer services disguised as departed spirits. I actually think that should be a good commentary on the power of prayer...it bugged those pagans so badly, they had to find a diversion! Anyway, be it as it may, what has come of all of that should now be a day of fun and an opportunity to rethink our fears, including those from our childhoods.

As you can see, we use the opportunity to dress up in silly costumes and meet the neighbors. I found it quite nice to meet the people who live next door to my daughter, and a lot of others in the neighborhood too. The simplicity of childhood comes out on Halloween. Fathers and grandfathers roamed the streets along with the moms and grandmas OR manned the door dressed in all kinds of disguises, including my husband! Neighbors trusted neighbors to watch their kids and to give them goodies untainted. Some definite opportunities for on-going friendships were established amidst the super heroes and princesses on the street!

But the real saints of today...are the parents (and neighbors) who sigh and remember that the reason the kids are racing through the yards and houses, and can't seem to sit quietly all weekend, is the untainted goodies so freely given! Yes, it takes patience and understanding and teachings on self-control, and efforts to monitor the "stashes"...but it is all worth it to see their smiling faces and know that your kids are not worse or better than the neighbors, just as full of sugar as everyone else! And that can make you a saint in some people's estimation!

Pictures are of me, my grandchildren and the neighborhood kids (and some church friends too!)And Grandpa too!

Help! It's fall and I can't get cool!

It is fall...autumn...at least that is what the calendar declares. The weather, on the other hand, would like us to believe it is still summer. 95 degrees on
Oct. 30th should be against the law! Handsome wanted to know if it is called "fall" because of the leaves falling off the trees. "Why, yes, Handsome! You are exactly right!" Then he wanted to know why the leaves were still on the trees at the park across the street. Some of them are yellow at least! They must be very confused! A few days of sane autumn weather told them to change colors, but then the heat returned to inform them to hang on for dear life...

So, we had to come up with our own leaves to emphasize the feeling of fall. WalMart and Michaels both have packages of colorful leaves for under a buck. So, we could still go leave hunting, and, using the full force of the ceiling fans, experience the "falling" of such. This even caused Handsome to retrieve a rake from the garage and make a pile into which they "tossed" Baby Girl. Even a toy dump truck got in on the scene!

To assist in the study of birds, the newly planted lawn in the back yard gave us opportunity to view, close up, many different species. One big "SCAT!", however, sent them all flying away. Well, mostly to the neighbor's roof to wait until we disappeared. I really think they were more attracted to the small pools of water that the sprinkler created than they were the actual seeds. But Handsome was thrilled with the flock nonetheless.

Well, after Hunky asked me about five times when Halloween was going to be, he may have decided what costume he is actually going to wear. At first he had his heart set on being a fireman, but now I think he has chosen Spiderman. Handsome is still a bit undecided since the heat is prohibiting some of his more favored choices.

Well, I did get my living room painted and the couches switched out. I really like the result in the living room, but as I suspected, I am not too thrilled with the family room looks with that particular couch. I shall continue to search for a cover and to keep it listed on Craigslist. Eventually, I will find what I want and can afford. My priorities right now involve getting to California for Thanksgiving to see my sister, cousins, daughter, and most importantly, Mr. Boo. His birthday is Nov. 15 and we are having a party on the Saturday following Thsnksgiving. Both his parents have birthdays on Nov. 25 as well as his great-grandfather. My family is having a family reunion...the same gathering that we have had on Thanksgiving for over 50 years...and my sister whom I have not seen this year, is going to be there. We plan to share a motel and go shopping on Friday...although my "shopping" will be more of the "window" variety. But it will be fun to be with her. And my husband will enjoy her husband as well. They get along fine and even like each other!

Well, enough for now...enjoy the pictures! God bless!

Here We Go Again!

I can use that term "Here we go again" for a number of reaasons this week. Here I go,again, taking all week to write another blog, for one thing. It has been a pretty routine week. We haven't finished our pvc pipe house. We made a few messes around the real house. We've ALL had some "time-out"s. And we have done nothing exciting or elaborate this week...yet...we still have TODAY to go! (you never know!)

Here we go again also applies to my getting involved in children's ministry at church. I seem to be unable NOT to volunteer to help, especially with special projects like the Christmas program. I am sure this is because I really DO love working with children, and I love everything about Christmas! (Well, everything that WE do for Christmas!) So, here I am presenting the skit and working with the children and teachers to put it together. (Starting the first week of November) I must say, though, that in all my years of working in churches with things like this, I don't believe I have ever had anyone so organized and excited as my pastor's wife. She is on it! I think it will be a lot of fun.

Here we go again can also apply to the mundane challenges of life. Last week it was my computer charger. Died. No juice. NOthing. Nada. Cost $100.00 OUCH! THIS week it is my car...spark plugs. Wouldn't be so bad if they made cars like they used to...where a normal intelligenced person could change the plugs. Oh, you can on my car...three of them are reachable...the other three require the removing of some other parts, special tools, patience, knowledge, etc. and CASH!! OUCH! again.

Well, I must remember that lots of people have much more severe challenges than machines breaking down. At least we do have the means to pay for them...so far.. Today. I want to do some redecorating... do something different in a very little cost manner. So, I am painting my fake fireplace mantel...and then the living room walls. I am switching out my couches, placing the one in the family room in the living room and vice-versa. I am not sure I am going to like the outcome entirely, but until I can sell the hide-a-bed one and replace it for the same price on Craigslist (It is currently listed), I am trying this as a means to scratch my itch for change...in decor. I may resort to a sheet or other cover so as not to have anything else clash color-wise in the family room. I would love to have either a microfiber or leather couch, but we will have to see how things turn out. I hope to paint the front bedroom (now an office) and the hallways (we have two) before the Holidays, but we will see. I am using the most inexpensive yet quality paint I can. I am using a little of my yard sale money as I am almost done with Christmas gifts. And my daughter is having a yard sale next Saturday at her house. I plan to bring some items I forgot to set out at mine or that did not sell. She lives in a bit more high-end area. My carousel horse and vintage sewing machine may do better there.

Well, there you have it again! Another blog! And now I must close by saying, "Here we go again! To homeschooling and whatever surprises my grandchildren have for me. At least I get to be with the oldest this evening for a highschool play my cousin's son is in...TDH is coming with us. And spending the night. Yeah!

More pictures of our fun!!!

JUST A FEW PICTURES OF OUR ADVENTURES!

#3-Grandma??? Is that you? Picture #1-Hunky stuffs Shirleys foot! #2- Handsome carries bricks for our house>

Another Week to Behold!

Wow! Another week has flown by and a new one has begun! I made a statement to my friends that I would try to post more frequently than weekly, and here I am behind! It is not that interesting things have not happened. It is just that sometimes I waver back and forth in my head, debating whether or not to share my thoughts. One such wavering occurred when I was following a car bearing the bumper sticker that read "A closed mind is a good thing to lose." It struck me not as humorous, but rather as sarcastic. I came to this conclusion based on other bumper stickers on this vehicle. It seemed the owner would like to accept all kinds of thinking without any absolutes. The thought occurred to me that it was good that at least he seemed to accept the absolutes of the rules of the road. I would prefer not to be "open minded" regarding how to drive. And personally, I don't think it is good to lose ANY mind. After working with Alzheimer patients and being involved with others with mental struggles from time to time in my life, the sticker did not make me chuckle at all. NOW, aren't you glad I did not spend a whole blog expounding on this topic???

Another topic I considered expressing my viewpoint on happened when the boys and Baby Girl and I went to the zoo again on Wednesday. Handsome really likes feeding those parrots! These birds live in a walk-in caged area secured by a locked gate. Three times a day the keeper comes and unlocks the gates so the public can come in and hand-feed the birds. But the birds are not the incident that triggered my thoughts here. It was Hunky who was the first one to the gate when the keeper gave the word..."what goes in must come out" and elaborated that it takes about 15 minutes after the beginning of eating for the birds to begin eliminating...Hunky got the picture! He rushed to the gate, and being the gentleman that he is striving to be, he held the gate open for the rest of the crowd to pass through. What got MY attention was how little attention was paid by the rest of the crowd that someone was holding the gate for them. They passed through, not noticing Hunky's efforts at all...at least not overtly. I did not hear one "thank you" as they chattered past him as he strained to hold the gate. I could not let this pass entirely, as I have been teaching the boys to thank those around them who are helpful. So, I loudly announced "Hunky! You make such a GREAT door holder! You are doing an awesome job holding that gate for ALL these people!" At that, a few turned and smiled at him and said "Oh! Thank you!" I know they did not mean to be rude, but we get entirely too wrapped up in our own thoughts and "go with the flow" of the crowds to notice small kindnesses at times. I know! I shall stop my commentating on human nature!

We did get our scarecrow done. Handsome named her "Shirley". I am not sure why, exactly, as I don't think he knows anyone with that name specifically. Perhaps he does! Anyway, he meant it as a compliment. We had a lot of fun trying on disguises to decide which she should wear!

We are working on a playhouse made from pvc pipe that is left over from their dad's landscaping project. I am not sure how we will make the walls exactly, but we have the frame and roof all figured out! Handsome has some ideas running around in his head for the walls and all kinds of features.(I think some ideas involve bricks!) He really is creative! Baby Girl "supervises" by clearing the rocks away and drinking on the job! (From her "cuppie" of course!) Well, I think I got the whole week caught up! Perhaps this week I shall not waver so much and might actually get some blogs written...as I behold another wonderful week!

A Future in a Topsy Turvy Whacky World!

My son-in-law watches the stock market when he can because he used to be a day trader. Today there was a variance of over 1000 points! I don't personally know if that is a record or not, but it certainly caused a lot of tension to a lot of people. One man my husband works with has only $900.00 invested in an account, yet panicked when he checked it and found it only registered $600.00 at the moment. He thought he was headed for "no future." Perhaps he meant no finacial security in his future, but I can't see how the rise or fall of the stock market dictates whether or not I (or anyone else) have a future. I suppose, if by "future" I meant leisure or total comfort, then perhaps I would be concerned more than I am. I do have investments which are tied to the stock market, in my 403B. But, whether I can collect on that OR on Social Security still does not dictate my future.

I have seen many "futures" taken away suddenly by an unexpected illness or accident. In the course of one year, I saw 5 of my friends and another 2 acquaintances pass on into eternity suddenly. And only one of them was older than I.
I have seen "futures" become questionable due to addictions, the victims not knowing whether they shall escape or die. But the finacial woes of our nation, or the world, does not necessarily mean there is no bright future for us.

I may have to work well into my intended retirement years. Oh well. My grandpa ran a farm well into his 80's. And Grandma canned fruit and veggies they grew until just days before she went to Heaven.

I may have to live a little more down-sized than I planned. At least I did not lose it all to a bomb in a war-torn country. My younger daughter witnessed this in Croatia...wedding albums abandoned in bomb shelters, "collecibles" scattered throughout the bombed church yard...and much more. At least I do not live in terror that I shall be killed for my faith or for writing my thoughts on the Internet.

I may have to skip a meal here or there. At least I've had over 55 years of eating whenever and whatever I wanted. That is more than can be said by most of the World's "children." For many, living 55 years would be a miracle! And having even one meal per day consistently would be like living a dream.

I may have to work a little harder at growing some nutritional plants, risking blisters pulling out the weeds. Thank God I can still garden. I own land. Today.

I may have to walk, even if I am in pain, a little more to save gas. That makes me slow down and notice the world around me. And be thankful that, painfully or painfree, I still CAN walk! I have not lost my legs in battle on foreign soil. Nor on our own.

I may have to wear the same clothes more often. Grandma had just a few dresses and prized each one. I always thought she looked great and never noticed how few clothes she owned. I guess I thought she always wore "my" favorite dress just for me!

I may have to get much more creative about vacations. I have a large yard. I can pitch my tent at home! I can take a bus to a museum, or a park. A vacation is for resting and refreshing. Traveling, while I enjoy it, can be taxing and troublesome. How many delays have I endured on freeways due to accidents, or construction? How many anxious phone calls have I made, assuring my family I was on the road...in a jam. I am fortunate enough to have most of my family here locally.

I miss Mr. Boo and my daughter and son-in-law that live in California. I miss seeing my sister more frequently. But, in a world with email, cell phones, and webcams, how can I say I am apart from them? I know a hug can't be felt via electronics, but love has managed to express itself across the miles for decades. I think sometimes it is ourselves from whom we are disconnected. If we can imagine; if we can believe; if we can dream; if we can breathe, we will be okay. And with God, ALL things are possible...even a recovering economy and a bright future!

And, with God, there is ALWAYS a future...if we believe!

Change is in the air again!

Change! Some people love it and some people hate it! Me? I guess it would have to depend on what kind of change is happening. Autumn is supposed to be here, and to bring a change in temperature. That is hard to believe when it is still in the high 90's. Although, today it is lower 90's and this weekend is supposed to even give us a day under 80! We shall see! That is one kind of change I look forward to. I guess I have developed into somewhat of a desert rat, but as an aging desert rat... female,,,I could stand quite a few less heated days! Ha ha! Especially since I took down my pool already!

I have also come to the conclusion that I needed to change my school routine. Due to Handsome having to do treatments first thing in the morning, it works best if he has something to do with his hands. So, now we start with Science. The lessons in one curriculum we use is computer-based and hands-on, while the other book is full of projects and experiments. It seems to work better to have him start with that and then move to math. We use a lot of manipulatives during math as well as the dry erase board, along with the workbook. He "gets" math and so enjoys working the equations out. He is counting to 100 with Hunky every day by ones, twos, fives, tens, and now threes. And we are doing the Pledge of Allegiance daily also. They get a kick out of it when I say it in Sapnish for them. (That is one thing that stuck in my head after four plus years of Spanish!)

Baby Girl is experiencing changes too! She is growing more hair, for one thing! We can even pull it back into a tiny pony tail. She calls it "bobos". Perhpas that is because we used to call the barrettes "bows". She is increasing her vocabulary daily, it seems, as she tries to repeat things she has heard the boys (or adults) say. Today's new word is "Thank you". (Technically, that is TWO words!) She says it quite well!

With the economic crisis, my budgeting is changing as well. We have to think of more creative ways to entertain ourselves and the grandchildren. Fortunately, I am a creative person who likes to have fun...and can make my own fun. TDH likes to remind me that one day when he and Jomo were younger and I lived in my condo, they came over for a swim. Though they wanted to spend time with me, getting wet was a definite priority. Since my unit was not directly on the pool terrace, I was unaware that it was closed for repairs that day. What did Grandma do? Well, we poured about 4 inches of water all over my kitchen floor and spread towels throughout so we could "splash!" Hey, it worked and we had a great time. I got a very clean floor out of the deal also!

Believe it or not, I am nearly done with my Christmas gift pruchases. It is partly due to the fact that all year long, as I have a little money and find sales, I purchase items and stash them away. That doesn't always work for the children, but it is great for the adults on my list. I have most things wrapped and labled too! I know, I am obnoxious!

Well, I don't know what changes the politcal and governmental issues are going to bring to my life, but I know that I can keep a focus of faith and will be all right. My ancestors lived through a great depression, homelessness, and illnesses, and still kept their faith intact. They passed on that faith along with humor and optimism and a love of God and country. Yes, I think we can weather any changes as long as we know who we are!

(I am including a picture of Handsome and Hunky doing an experiment to illustrate the value of tail feathers on a bird!)

God bless and keep the faith!

Another Month Flies By!

Wow! Here it is October already! We shall soon make our stuffed scarecrow out of Grandma's old clothes. Perhaps we shall make a grandpa scarecrow too, if the boys feel up to wadding up THAT much newspaper. Handsome really enjoys getting getting his hands dirty, so perhaps he shall volunteer! We made one lady scarecrow and one stuffed Tigger last year. Just a little fun to sit on the front porch during the month, and something to greet the neighbors and friends. We don't do up Halloween really big, but I have always felt that a friendly gesture or two for neighborhood can enhance relationships. And dressing up is fun too...on any day...in my book!

But right now we are studying Jewish holidays and history. And then we will do Columbus (for Columbus Day) and begin to study the early natives, and then the settlers leading up to the Pilgrims and that first Thanksgiving day. Of course, I know that is next month...but lots is going on in between. For one thing, Handsome and Hunky and Baby Girl's other grandparents from Colorado are coming for the Holiday. And "Slick" (another "brother" all grown up)will return for a visit as well.(He and his family live in Nevada.) So, we just take things as they come.

Handsome has been having to do some additional tests all week...blood tests...another part of his CF issues. How I wish I could eliminate this disease! He is a brave little guy! He may fuss a bit, but in only moments he will comply to whatever treatment or test he must. He may express his displeasure, but he knows his well-being depends on these things. It hurts a grandmother's heart to see him go through everything he does. Bless his little heart! He tries to focus for his school in the midst of all of this. He is an amazing little kid!

Hunky is a very comical kid. The things he thinks of to ask and the tremendous stories he makes up keep me laughing a lot! Not too mention how cute he is! He is learning to spell and write his name. He can recognize most of the letters, but not form them all yet.

Baby Girl is quite an explorer right now. There isn't a situation she will not investigate. She thinks she is just as capable as her brothers in nearly every setting! Unfortunately, she over-estimates herself in this area. And she can be the drama princess if such an adventure should not go her way. But, she is so lovable and sweet. ONe of the things I really enjoy is when I pick her up, she lays her head across my shoulder and then pats ME on the back. Just like I do to her, I guess. She is quite a go-getter and quite a lover all in one.

I had the privilege of taking Jomo and TDH to their swim lessons on Tuesday. Jomo was so adorable splashing around in the water. He had been very timid in water just a few weeks ago at a family picnic. TDH doesn't really feel like he needs the lessons, being a teenager, you see. But I can see a great improvement in his skills since that picnic. And it is a good brotherly bonding time, having to trust each other in the pool.

And then there is little Mr. Boo. He "visited" us online on Skype Friday, just in time for Handsome and Hunky to "talk" to him too. They got a big kick out of seeing their cousin on a screen on the computer...live and in action! We can, correctly emphasize the word "action". He is so adorable and cute...and active! I can't wait to see him in "touchable" person. Hopefully, we will get to on Thanksgiving weekend. We hope to attend my family reunion (Dad's side...been going on over 50 years) on Thanksgiving as we did last year (after an absence of over 30 years) and then go on to Mr. Boo's house to celebrate his first birthday (which will actually be a week or so sooner). Both his mommy and daddy have birthdays that week too! It should be a blast! And then Mr. Boo and Mommy will visit us for Christmas. Daddy has to be a doctor on that day... and the whole week! I guess Daddy Boo IS a doctor ALL the time...but he doesn't have to practice all the time. SMILE!

Definitely!

I definitely think I have the best job in the world! I truly enjoy learning as I prepare for homeschooling Handsome and home-preschooling Hunky. I never thought I liked Science much in my school days. But I have discovered that I LOVE Science. It is fun to learn about life, and how things work, and the laws of Nature and how things are created. I never cease to marvel at the findings my boys come up with, either. Like, this week, we were enjoying a leisure time on the patio, when Handsome shrieks that he sees something "really cool!" Indeed, it was! A dragonfly was desperately wanting a drop of water from the spicket. He flew around, his wings beating so rapidly that they almost looked stationary. He looked like a little miniature helicopter as he hovered, waiting for one of us to turn on the water, apparently. Since that wasn't our intent, he flew around our heads as if trying to give us a hint, and then hovered again over the facet. He landed and attempted to extract fluid from the spout and then flew off again. He seemed to be unafraid of us and unconcerned that we could possibly catch him. What a marvelous creature!

And then Baby Girl became fascinated by "rocks" of dirt, that, once touched, disintegrated into powder on the patio. She giggled each time Handsome brought her one to touch into oblivion. I, simply enjoyed the scene, with my ice water in hand. Yes, that is the best job around! Even when, like today, I took my attention off the boys momentarily...and suddenly the patio table was the center of a mud bakery. They were simply making cookies, but were covered head to toe in the "dough" of mud. And Baby Girl decided to taste some, too! All this, in, literally, less than a minute. (Unfortunately, she LIKED it! Yuck!!)

But then we have the giggles that won't stop because we are chasing each other around the family room, sometimes with a pillow, sometimes not. Either way, someone (me, most likely) is going to get sabbatoged at any moment! Sometimes the boys don't know when to quit, but that beats the days when the boss's constant emails and memos drove me crazy! There were no gales of laughter there!

We have made cake in a cup, "painted" with a feather quill, made up silly sentences, played Abby the Alligator word game until I can recite them all in my sleep, examined the vanes of feathers with a magnifying glass, visited the gymnastics clinic, and counted to 100 by ones, twos, fives, and tens...all in a week...PLUS we also got our math and other reading assignments accomplished along with the Social Studies and Bible we had planned. I decided to combine a bit of history and Bible, in that this is the season of the beginning of the Jewish Holidays. We started with Abraham. I never realized the impact the story of Lot's wife turning into a pillar of salt could have on little boys. They were fascinated by the story enough to repeat it in surprisingly correct detail, to their mother. They told her, "God told that lady not to look back at the burning city where she had friends, but she didn't listen, and looked anyway and she turned into a pitcher of salt." My daughter said, "I think you mean 'pillar'of salt, don't you?" The interesting thing, is though I did use the phrase, "pillar", I described it as a ""statue"...funny what they pick up on...and what they imagine in their minds! Oh, I must be careful in my descriptions of Scripture and Biblcal stories! They will embellish them with gusto!

And we get to go on outings to experience God's Creation. And Baby Girl joins in as much as she can. As you can see, she thinks she is a student as well! (She is! She is learning where her nose, eyes, ears, mouth, are...and recently increased her vocabulary to include, "horsie" and "ME!!!!Stawbaby mil!) (Strawberry milk!) I had asked the boys who wants regular and who wants strawberry milk for lunch. Each had responded by stating "Me! Strawberry milk!", so she followed their lead.

See? I DO have the best job in the world! I get to laugh A LOT. I get hugged A LOT! I get to learn and teach all at the same time. Wouldn't trade this for a high-paying regular job in a million years!

Life Is Not For the Birds!

Our Science studies are taking us through an in-depth study of flying creatures. The next several chapters are devoted specifically to birds. We have learned about airfoil, wing spans, classifications, habitats, and much more. We have studied the difference between a call and a song, and what they can mean.

So, it was only fitting that we conclude this chapter not only with an experiment to find out which seed and/or feeder the birds in our yard prefer, but also to take a trip to the Wildlife World Zoo, which features many birds. They have opportunities to hand feed the lorrie parrots, which we had done once before along with many other people. Fortunately, this time, we had an exclusive feeding,being the only ones there at feeding time. I later found out that half an hour later, we could have fed some other birds as well. But the boys and Baby Girl had a blast with just those parrots.

We also found a roadrunner just strutting through the zoo, although he does not reside there. We found an orange dragonfly fluttering in the tree above an exotic duck pond. We had an Ostrich scream at us. The rheas and emus across the lane just looked at him as if he was a nusiance. The grouse sharing his cage stuck his beak through the fence and posed for my camera. We have yearly passes and so will frequent this zoo a lot. We love the zoo! (Especially this one, who makes every effort to make as natural habitats as possible.) And soon a new aquarium will open there as well.

This week Handsome soared in the areas math and science. And Hunky learned the first letter of his name...We are looking forward to matching our zoo photos to the field guide I shall get at the library...and identify the birds, including the "wild" ones who were not residents of the zoo but visitors of their kind. We shall make those feeders and suet and take notes on "who" shows up in OUR yard.

Have a great weekend to all...and one things about watching birds...It makes you look UP! And THAT is a very good thing!

My !How Time Flies! OR Down the Mountain and into Reality

I can hardly believe that it has been almost a week and a half since I blogged. It certainly isn't that I haven't had things to blog about! There have been mountain-top times, such as the ladies' retreat I went to last weekend. Even being the "new kid on the block" with this church did not deter me from having a truly good time. I learned a thing or two as well...like I am NOT too old to chase my dreams, and that what is "going on" and what is "happening" are not necessarily the same thing. And to remember that God is the only One who has the whole picture! I learned also, (I am sure I already knew this, but did not always live it out) that it is okay to be me. I teased the other gals and yakked as if I had known them for years. (Turns out I had known one of them years ago!) I laughed loudly when I felt like it. I sang loudly too. I cracked jokes and cried tears. And I felt very accepted and loved. Amazaing! I try to tell younger people that one of the lessons of my life, learned the hard way, is to never stop being yourself to please others. I have been extremely more accepted when I was just me and not worried about impressions.

Then there were the challenging times this week. Times when a cardiologist calls (at retreat no less) to tell me they need more tests done ASAP. And times when the bone spur that has damaged my Achilles tendon hurts so badly I want to stay off my feet (rare occurrance for me!), AND times when time pressure and/or financial stress made me revisit my priorities and tune in a bit more to that still small Voice...

There have been days of successes! Handsome is a natural in math. Today, for instance, the lesson was on place value, something which made sense to him and was easy to grasp. He sat on the couch after finishing his workbook and asked, "So, then, is 10 + 10 + 10 = 30?" "Yes, Handsome, You are so smart!" He proceeded to inquire about many equations involving tens, getting most of them right. YES!

Hunky has learned the first letter of his name, along with 5 more letters. He seems to really like this program, and letting Handsome be "teacher" or "teacher's assistant" really gets him motivated as he reviews without realizing it. He has made fewer errors with his own reading and spelling, since helping Hunky with his work. Hunky loves doing workbook pages and listening to the Social Studies and Science part of Handsome's school. He does, however, fail to see the need to not interrupt certain other school times. We are working on that by special activities and crafts, and Hunky being Baby Girl's "babysitter" during those times.

Then there was the birthday party for Handsome the day I got home from retreat. Actually, only about an hour later...
We decided to go to the park across from their home and Daddy left early to prepare the barbeque pit. Good thing, since another family arrived only a few minutes later and would have taken up the entire ramada. As it was, we all crowded between the four tables and two barbeques. We had nine adults and eight children while the other group had more like twelve adults and six children. The interesting thing, though, was the similarities and differences of the two groups. Their gathering appeared to be a birthday celebration as well. Their children ran around just like ours, jumping and yelling, and occasionally squabbling. The biggest difference, however, was that this group was obviously Muslim. Some of the ladies dressed in the traditional attire, with their heads covered and long skirts circling their ankles. Other women wore pants and remained without a head cover. There were few men. They had a prayer blanket laid out on the grass and one man and one woman knelt and faced North and kissed the blanket repeatedly. Then they turned the blanket to the East and repeated the ritual. The woman remained on the blanket with her hands cupped and slightly lifted and her eyes closed while chanting quietly. The children (from both groups) ran around the blanket without even looking. We pulled ours away and sent them scampering into the water spouts.

The other group did not seem to pay much attention to the children, even when they wandered into our group, or off on their own. Thankfully, they did not wander far. The thing that struck me to the core, however, was something of my own weakness.
Here were these people, of Muslim faith, boldly and faithfully praying in public, oblivious to what was happening around them. Yet I, who proclaim to be a person of faith, sometimes feel awkward saying a grace over my meal in public. I have justified it that I am not embarrassed, but rather do not want to make anyone else feel uncomfortable. Yet these Muslims did not waver even if they had made us uncomfortable. (They did not, but my own conviction did) I had to admit that the root of my discomfort is probably embarrassment, yet I do not know why. I am not embarrassed about my faith nor waver in what I believe. I have shared it with others when it was appropriate. So why is a simple, quiet prayer uncomfortable? I also am not easily embarrassed by most anything that I encounter. I think it shall not be an embarrassing issue again! (My husband is very bold and has no discomfort in any setting, giving thanks unto God.)

So, you can see that my week and a half has been full of challenges and victories... and I feel I am a better person for it.

Monday, Monday!

Ah, yes! I was going to entitle this "Thank God Monday is over"...but it isn't quite over and I am not sure I want it to be. Mondays are usually challenging with Hunky and Handsome adjusting back to my routine after a weekend of flexible schedules. Today was no different there! Wake up calls of the morning resulted in such efforts that "hyper" comes to mind! But we did manage to get through the science and math pretty quickly. Science was a computer programmed curriculum with nine lessons per topic. Handsome was on lesson nine of "Force". He has learned about the following words this section: Science, force, gravity, energy, location, speed, wheels, friction, and machines. He made a little race car (part of the science kit) on the first lesson and then used it in all the other lessons for the experiments. Pretty basic stuff, but Handsome liked the hand-on learning. This week we will go back to Apologia Science and study birds (Chapter two of Winged Creatures).

For math we did a number hunt. I made flash cards from 1-100 with each number family in a different color. This was partly to assist Handsome in remembering the families, but also to assure that Hunky could participate in the hunt. I made big posters with each family on it in the appropriate color and after they found all the cards, they had to put them in the right family via the posters. Hunky did really well since he knows ALL his colors very well. Then Handsome and I put them in order, thus fulfilling our counting to 100 requirements. We also reviewed sets and counting by tens, and introduced the big and little concept from the book. He did three of the activities suggested as well.

Later, during "recess" the father of these marvelous children came outside to inquire of Handsome as to the whereabouts of the new double-sided facet extension he had put on the spiket. As expected, Handsome knew where it was...on the other end of the hose! His response was, "Yeah, Dad, that makes the water come out of two sides!" Never had Daddy nor I even considered that idea, so we both had to smile and shake our heads. Handsome would prefer that recess last a loooong time...and sometimes has difficulty focusing again. I have learned to pace him and plan around his needs. I have also discovered that there are ways to include school in recess...like today when he discovered that the air blower that used to inflate the water slide can suck a plastic cup into its side and hold it there. We turned that into an experiment about suction and air pressure, which had been a science topic not long ago. And the nature part of science is a continual discovery. I even manage to get our Bible lessons and sometimes math and reading in during recess. This does not replace the book work or suggestions, but reinforces the topics we have learned. I find it makes him more willing to "hit the books" so to speak, if he can relate it to something we have discovered during our fun times.

So, now it is on to get my hair cut. I am planning on going to a ladies retreat with my new church, and would like to look a little more presentable than I do at this moment!

Well, I am glad that Monday is almost over...because I look forward to each new day and its adventures...I hope you find life as interesting and blessed as I do!

TGIF!

Thank God It's Friday! has been around along time! The good thing about Friday is that we ge to look back over the week and assess what was learned, what needs repeating, and what should be forgotten! On Tuesday, I questioned my ability as a teacher. Handsome was not in the mood for school after an awesome and active 3-day weekend. He spent Sunday and Monday at a resort that my husband and I are members of. We got a super deal and then decided we needed to pursue a business deal instead, so my daughter and her family paid for and used our super deal. Handsome and Hunky and Baby Girl had a blast. We joined them on Monday, along with my son and his wife and two boys. We barbequed burgers and swam in the pool and had a great time. But then I went back home to prepare for this week's lessons in detail. And then Handsome had an attitude!

I usually chastise myself when the day does not go well, assuming that I did not plan well enough. Then it dawned on me that of the many public school teachers I know, not one of them always connected with all of their students. They have the benefit of preparing for many, and there will always be at least one who truly "gets" the lesson. Unfortunately for me, I prepare for only one (well, two actually) student, and therefore cannot expect that each day will bring a connection. Although I will own the fact that if I do not prepare for each section of time to be productively utilized, the boys will find their own creative powers that often lead to trouble...I will no longer chastise myself.

I've discovered that there are days when repetition is boring but necessary. There are days when creativity makes a break-through, and days when it creates more havoc. Not all of these outcomes are totally in my control.

Thursday, for instance, was planned much like Tuesday and Wednesday, with a mix of creative and active times along with repetition and review, and paperwork and games, etc. The attitude of Tuesday was gone and Handsome announced that he wanted to learn and buckled down to focus on his own. He followed suit today as well. He did his counting and math without sighing or complaining. He read through his vocabulary words and wrote them on cards without one wimper! He did two lessons in science and asked appropriate questions. He helped his brother and sister. He listened during social studies and character building story time. Wow! It is nice to feel that all my work actually was worth it. His birthday is next week...perhaps that has something to do with it. Or maybe my prayers have been answered. Or maybe he just decided he wanted to "grow up". Whatever the reason, "Thank God!" It IS Friday, and I can go home and prepare for next week feeling on the successful side.

And tonight I have TDH and Jomo to take to a basketball game and then to spend the night with us. And tomorrow I have my writer's group. That is always a pleasant meeting. And then I have a business meeting which, if it goes well, will make me feel even more successful. And if not, at least I had an opportunity to attempt to enhance my business (well, my husband runs it more than I, but technically, it's joint) so that will be good as well. Times have been tough lately, and money extremely tight, as with most people. I guess it makes me re-think some priorities and examine my own philosphy about wealth and happiness. More on that later...
TGIF for you too!