grannypro

All Good Things Must Come to an End!

2010-11-27T09:45:00.003-07:00

Well, it has been a great adventure! But, alas! All good things must come to an end! I am no longer homeschooling Handsome! He will embark on the great adventure of a Charter School come Monday. And Girlfriend will start official preschool! And I will return to a much-loved career of Activity Director at a nursing home.

I was extremely blessed to have obtained the position I held for almost nine years, in the same company. It is a different facility, right down the street from my house, but the same company and position! I am very excited to begin on Wednesday. It was supposed to be Monday, but with Thanksgiving and all, it changed to Wednesday.

I am already planning out some events and exciting activities. It feels so good to be welcomed back and wanted in the company I worked for so long. Even the CEO came in to welcome me back.

I do feel sad regarding leaving my kids. But, due to the economy, it became necessary for me to find a way to make more, and for my daughter to find a way not to have to pay so much for child care. With our church having a preschool, and the Charter School being free, and this opportunity for me coming up now, it was obviously the right timing to make a move!

I think Handsome will have some difficulty adjusting, but overall will do okay. I think it will be a good opportunity for him to make new friends and experience different teachers' ideas. It will expand his knowledge base. Girlfriend will do fine! She is very social and up to snuff on her preschool stuff. The only thing is that the preschool teaches that what I call a diamond (and all of her books do too) they call a rhombus. That might confuse her a bit. A rhombus really is NOT the same as a diamond, but whatever! They seem to want to advance kids these days!

Well, I probably will not be blogging much on this site. I used it more for everyday (although I transgressed greatly on writing daily) events with the kids. That shall no longer be. I may start one regarding the nursing home adventures, because they will be many.

The Promised Pictures!

2010-10-31T19:21:00.005-07:00

Change, It Is A-comin'?

2010-10-20T18:34:00.003-07:00

Change! That's a word we don't like to hear at times. But sometimes it is necessary. I haven't written in this blog for awhile for various reasons. I am going to abandon this blog for a season. I will try to return in the near future to post the promised pix...I truly cannot find the attachments for doing so...but after that, I will not be blogging on THIS site for some time. At least, that is my plan. There are changes occurring with what I am doing with Handsome, and the other kids, the details of which are too uncertan at this timeto share here. I am still homeschooling right now just as before. But, sometimes, God wants us to explore ideas and try different things...so...we shall see what that means.

I honestly do not know what lies ahead. For now, all is the same. Did you ever get a feeling that change is coming, yet you weren't quite sure what it was? If so, then you know where I'm coming from! In the end, nothing may change very much...OR everything could change a LOT! At this point, there is a feeling in my heart...a sensing of a different direction, not because of anything bad, just because...

So, I will let you know when whatever is going to happen happens. I will inform you when the actual changes occur...if they do! And, if they don't, then I will resume this blog as before, with more attention and frequency...but probably not until the Holidays are over anyway.

I am starting a new blog, however, for the sake of sharing some of the stories I have written for, and with, my grandchildren, and children, over the years!

The new blog will have a new story on it AT LEAST weekly. It is my goal to eventually post one a day during the weekdays...we shall see.

You can find the new one at gr8stories4kids.blogspot.com I hope you enjoy it and find the stories valuable (or at least entertaining). Some of them teach life-lessons, or educational lessons, and some are just silly and fun! Enjoy!

Where has all the time gone?

2010-10-18T06:54:00.003-07:00

Wow! We have finished a quarter of the school year already! Just can't be true! Handsome and I have harvested watermelon, planted corn and pumpkins, learned about bees, moths, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators of the flora of this land. We have observed seeds, in various settings, sprout and have enjoyed caring for the many plants and animals so far this year.

We have anew student in the school. Her name is Roxie. She is a labador/dalmatian mix and an absolute great student. She sits, lies down, stays, etc. on command. She should be the teacher...the kids could learn from her! ha, ha!

I know I keep saying I am posting pix, but I really WILL get to it this week and will email the followers that they are up! My hubby thinks he knows where the cable is now for the camera to computer!

Change is in the air! Fall is here and we are trying some new things as well. Please return to this blog for further update as it unfolds...

Back in the Swing Again

2010-08-28T18:24:00.002-07:00

I guess I could entitle this "Back in the Saddle" again, but with homeschooling there is definitely more swinging than saddling. Although, I suppose, if you use the word "saddling" to mean "trying to change the rules" then there could be a toss-up.

Hunky is in first grade now and goes to a local school. Girlfriend is excited to do her "school time" on a daily basis. She has her colors down now, and is working on her shapes. She gets about half of them right. "Rectangle" seems to be a bit of a hard word for her, so she looks up at me with big pleading eyes and says "I think its a tangle. What is it?" She does however, seem to get "triangle" right. Hmmm...
She enjoys joining Handsome in some of his science, history, and fine arts. I try to have learning centers each day of things that she cannot play with other than at times Handsome is in school. That way, they stay exciting and anticipated. Most days it works. Some days it doesn't.

Handsome is studying Botany for his main Science topic this year. He has a garden already planted that is growing watermelon. His pumpkin patch just sprouted. And we plant the autumn corn this week. We have herbs growing inside in a light hut we made as a project. Although we no longer have the saltwater aquarium, we do still have gold fish and they are growing contentedly in their bowls, in spite of the predictions of the store where they were purchased.

Next Tuesday we go to the Science Center for a class on Magnetisim. Hopefully we will have a great time and meet up with some of the kids from last year's classes.

Handsome's only truly "new" class is computer keyboarding. He liked it the first week, but not the second, so we shall see where that ends up on his enjoyment list.

We are officially doing music and art twice a week and the computers only once. And we rotate history, geography, and health as well. All other topics are daily. Third grade is quite a challenge! So far, though, we BOTH like it a lot!

What an Adventure!

2010-07-29T09:50:00.004-07:00

It has always been my intent to keep up with the blogs and let my friends know what I am up to. However, sometimes the adventures of my life take over and I find the time to write less optimal.

I have added a precious granddaughter to my collection of grandchildren since I last wrote in this blog. She arrived on July 21, 2010 at 5:02 AM. Even though I normally use code names for this, I shall reveal her true identity this once...her name is Faith Elaine and she is beautiful! She weighed in at 7 lbs. 1 oz. and is 19 inches long. The birth was normal, without incident and she was "perfect" in every way. She took a long time to arrive, making for an eventful few weeks. Hereafter on this blog, she shall be referred to as "Baby Girl" as her cousin is now "Girlfriend". I shall post pictures as soon as I find the cord to the computer and phone and camera! AGAIN!

The last few weeks have been quite exciting. I boarded a plane on July 5th heading for Long Beach, CA, due to the fact that my daughter was having contractions that had been strong enough to be monitored at the hospital. Since this had occurred only for three days with her first child, it was assumed that Baby Girl was on her way. The next few days went the same...and then the contractions stopped...and started again...stopped and started again. The Dr. thought on Monday that it would definitely be that week. Baby Girl liked to tease us...the contractions kept us up several nights, and two more trips to the hospital worth...She seemed to be saying, "Yes, I coming on out to play today! No! I'm not! Just kidding!" This went on for several days.

I was beginning to feel discouraged. Seeing my daughter in actual pain, with strong contractions and even some breathing issues for so long was difficult enough in itself. Thinking I would have to come hoime before the birth was very disturbing. Fortunately for the children on the AZ side of my life, they had their aunt available as well as a "sister" and her family visiting. (Another day, another story) So, I was able to stay another week.

I made some "cook ahead" freezable dishes for my daughter to bake and eat on days when her husband, a doctor, has to work late or overnight. I cleaned everything I could find to clean. I washed up all the laundry the closets and drawers would hold. Apparently that worked for Baby Girl. She must have realized that Grandma had done everything necessary to perpare for her arrival.

So, on July 20, the water broke! YAY! Into the hospital we went, knowing we would not be sent home this time! There was still a long labor ahead, but our Baby Girl arrived in perfect order.

In the waiting time, I had quite an interesting time. We took public transportation all over Long Beach. Met lots of interesting people. It was obvious at times that certain types of people did not want to sit with certain other types. But overall, most people were friendly and courteous to one another, especially a pregnant woman with a toddler in tow.

We visited the library for story time. (I will try to post video of that later...I promise...not too much later...just check in a few days!)
One day we went to the pier and watched some boats take off for Catalina Island. It was a speed boat race. Quite a sight! There was a fireboat spraying water for a display of its powers and to make its prescence known should there be a need. Due to the crowds there, we decided to go on to Seal Beach, where Mr. Boo could play in the water. We had such a blast! We and I jumped the waves and waded out as deep as we dared. We found shells, seaweed, and some interesting critters. We built sandcastles (more or less) and had a great time. We had hoped that Mommy walking in the sand might trigger Baby Girl to decide to come out and play with us...

But the great thing is, that she came at just the right time! You see, her middle name, Elaine, was given in honor of her daddy's grandmother, Elaine, who passed away a few years ago. Grandma Elaine's birthday was July 21, so I guess our little one wanted to share the date as well as the name. This did make Great-grandpa very happy!

Well,now I am back to the drawing board as they say, which, actually, is quite appropriate right now. I am in the final stages of planning Handsome's third grade school year. And of course, Girlfriend's preschool year as well.

Hope all is well with the readers of this blog. I did learn a lesson through all of this: All things good are worth waiting for...and God has a better plan than I do!

Come On Out and Play!

2010-07-13T20:38:00.004-07:00

Here I sit. On Friday evening, yes after my dose of silliness with Girlfriend, I boarded a plane for Long Beach, CA. The reason: My daughter informed me that she was having consistent contractions on her way to having my next grandaughter! Her doctor said she predicted it would be soon and quick. So, I got on a plane and headed here.

So much for doctor's predictions! We have walked many miles all over downtown and between, trying to keep the contractions going. They seem to start and go for hours, seeming like they are intensifying. Then they suddenly (or sometimes gradually) stop. (or lessen in intensity and frequency). It is like the baby is playing a game of "I want to come out and play today! No, I don't! I was just kidding!"
This has been going on the whole time I have been here. She is dialated to 3 which is where she got stuck on her first child. For two days! So, if that pattern continues, tomorrow will be day 2 of that. The difference is that her actual due date is not until July 26. Her first child was born exactly on his due date.

But, this one is a GIRL! Girls don't do things the same way as boys...at least not when they start life out with a big brother already! I do believe the doctor that this one will not make it to her due date. I certainly hope not! My budget cannot afford for me to miss out on the money making opportunities back home for more than a week. And, then, my hubby is already missing me! And he has a work sponsored retreat on the 23-25th that he desires me to attend with him.

So, here we sit. Doctor says Baby Girl is ready...now mom is trying to get ready...so, we wait for God to get ready, I guess. My daughter is still contracting. So, here is hoping we get a baby really soon...for her sake...I think she has had enough of those contractions. I did not labor this way. I guess I was fortunate. I had 3 babies. With first girl I just started contracting and she came out 18 hours later. The second, a boy,got in a hurry to compete with his sis in life, and only took 6 hours after one day of pre-contractions and a day of nothing in between. His little sis (this daughter I write about today) did likewise...only nine hours instead of six. And that was that! No long days of contractions getting nowhere...well, I guess if you have to do it this way, then they ARE getting somewhere...if nothing more than getting out of the way!

This is difficult for me. I don't want to miss my grandaughter's birth! I can barely stand to see my daughter hurt so much so long. So, if you have an "in" with God, please ask Him to help us out a bit! I am trying to wait patiently...but I don't do that very well...I know, I know, perhaps that is what He is trying to teach me! He has been trying to teach me that for a very long time. Good thing HE waits well!
So, Little One, Precious Babe, Come on out and play! Grandma is waiting!

The Sillies

2010-07-13T20:24:00.002-07:00

Some days you just can't justify a nap! Girlfriend and I have a routine for hers. I lie beside her and we sing songs together. We have a regular routine. "Do Your Ears Hang Low"..."ABCs"..."Twinkle, Twinkle"..."The Itsy Bitsy Spider"..."Achen Drum"..."3 Little Ducks"..."Five Little Ducks"..."Jesus Loves Me"...and then I go away and the Princess sleeps.

Last Friday, she was seeing very little need for a nap. I rarely try to make her sleep. I do, however, insist upon her resting in bed, which usually results in her falling asleep. But, it was Friday! She had such a good time singing, but the two duck songs in a row with their "quack, quack, quacks" at the end, was just to much to resist. Off she went to Sillyville, quacking away repeatedly.

Grandma said, "Well, if we can't stop being silly, maybe we will have to stop singing the duckie songs at nap time."

To which she replied, "Ptew!"

I said, "What was that about?"

She said, "I just spit out my sillies!" To which we both cracked (er, I mean quacked) up! So much for spitting out any silliness!

I think she did actually fall asleep eventually, having tuckered herself out being silly!

But, as I said, some days you just can't justify a nap!

Eight Kids and NOT Counting!

2010-07-08T14:19:00.004-07:00

That's right! At this moment in time, there are eight children runnning (literally) around the house! You see, we have visitors, extended family, with whom Handsome, Hunky, and Girlfriend went camping last weekend. They consist of: Nine-year old twin boys, a four year old boy, and a two-year old girl. That makes seven! And then, for the moment, we have one of the boys of my daughter's best friend, who is seven. His mom had to go to the hospital to encourage a friend who is having a baby.

It resembles mild bedlam around here. Perhaps I shouldn't actually say that, as they really are being quite good...for SIX BOYS and two little girls! Three are playing WII, two are playing squirt gun, one is laying down for a "nap",(more or less) and two are watching TV. It could be MUCH worse. The noise level rises and subsides, depending on the game results, and water-gun surprises.

The entire day has been weird. They slept in and ate breakfast in strange shifts, mostly two at a time! This continued up until the normal lunch time for us. Then the routine began again. Usually, I have planned activites and organized games. But trying to find such that would achieve the cooperation of all eight, would be really close to a miracle. Just having them taking turns on their own, and not having "issues" with each other, is close enough to a miracle for me, to not interrupt a good thing!

Speaking of friends having babies...this girl was due two days before my other daughter...in two weeks! I am hoping perhaps, that all this contractions and pain that my daughter has endured over the last few days will mean that our little one will make her appearance soon as well. I have my bags all packed and am ready to go. All I need is a phone call and an airline ticket and I'm out the door!

Today would be a good day for a departure...but, alas, she is on her way to the doctor for a routine visit, not expecting any news of delivery soon. Her contractions have been inconsistent, both in duration and strength. It is hard to believe they haven't accomplished anything, though. Her first child was not quite this difficult to get here. I wish I had the option of just going there to be with her until the time comes...but I don't. For several reasons. My daughter here could find someone to help her with the kids, but I cannot afford the time off. And

I also have some commitments both in church and community that I can only void when actually necessary. I will, however, be making phone calls along that line this evening! And, besides, my husband is no longer a bachelor...and no longer lives like one. I don't want my garden or house neglected...he will take good care of the dogs!

Today there are eight kids in the house. That does not bother me...mostly. I can handle 60 or 70 kids in VBS or Kids Church, or half that in a classroom...
Somehow, a home setting is different...oh well, it is NOT my house! Ha ha!

So, today there are eight kids here...perhaps next week there will be more...but for now, I am NOT counting...

Manners and Media

2010-06-30T16:52:00.005-07:00

We have had quite an adventuresome summer thus far! Yesterday we went to the Phoenix Childrens Museum where we wore out all three kids and their cousin, known on this blog as TDH, who is fifteen. I knew that with the new "amazing maze" the museum recently installed, I would definitely need help keeping track of everyone! But, as they say, "fun was had by all".

After several hours of this fantastic fun, we drug ourselves to the car...the kids were so tired, they did not protest the departure. However, it was not meant to be! Approaching the car, I noticed it was leaning to one side. We had a flat tire! So, back inside we went, given the outside temp was well over 100 degrees! The kids did not complain about this either! One more (at least) time around the maze! TDH felt certain he could change the tire, so I let him attempt it. But, given the heat, and the fact that the spare was a barely-inflated donut, I decided to let Grandpa bail us out instead. We ended up trading cars with Grandpa which only required switching out the car seats. And then the final departure transpired.

There was little conversation on the way home and I thought perhaps they had fallen asleep. I think they spent their remaining energy attempting to stay awake. Girlfriend did fall asleep once at home near her bed.

And then today...I realize that we have entered the world of media savvy, when the boys were playing secret clubhouse. "We need a password", Handsome states.

"How about I'm sorry dot com?" offers Hunky. As in Imsorry.com I couldn't help but chuckle. I guess the emphasis on apologizing to each other for less-than-kind actions is wearing off on them! And the time spent in simple computer instructions apparently is "taking" also! This suggestion caused an inaudible (to me) discussion and some kind of compromise. Those boys can be so very funny!

Girlfriend is getting cuter and more independent by the day! She was very "up" on what to do at the museum...and she did not allow any older kids push her around or steal the objects she waited patiently to get a turn with.

She, also, is "up" on the media of computers. She can independently play one of the games in purble land. And needs only minimal help with two others. Kids these days! Good thing this "granny" keeps up with the times...sort of...well, I try!

I WILL post pix of our great time at the museum really soon! Watch for them!

Summer Daze

2010-06-23T19:26:00.003-07:00

I think that is what it must be...I am in a daze...it is hot, and the natives are restless! Not that they are overly acting out anything...they aren't. But it IS summer. And restlessness comes along with it. When it is so hot in the back yard, with no shade, that one cannot safely even use the above-ground pool (sunburn danger), there is nothing else to do but get restless.

Oh, we plan things...yesterday we painted with stamps and brushes, strung beads, and made donuts. We also play educational games daily, along with reading books, and a small amount of "school" work. We sing songs, and play hide and seek, master obstacle courses, and watch videos, not mention play the WII. We have gone to the park and the fountain when the sun was a bit gentler.

We have a "bean contest" going on...each child receives at least one bean for every good deed they do, including participation in planned events, volunteering for clean ups, and showing kindness to each other (and me!). When they get to 200 beans all together, we go on a real outing, like to the Children's Museum, or Science Center, or bowling, movies such. We definitely will stick with inside events. The child with the most beans gets to choose the place of the outing...when possible. I haven't told them yet, but there will be other "unearned" outings when time and money coincide and cooperation reigns as well. Better save that "trump" card for later.

Handsome and I planted tomatoes and watermelon, both of which are doing well. He waters them faithfully and protects them from the wind and scorching sun. Our goldfish are all still doing well also. Amazing! They are at least 3 months old or more, and with proper food and water changes, they are thriving! The lady at the pet store said they would not survive without a full tank set-up with all the pumps, etc. They are in bowls. And doing well.

My hunt for curriculum is about over. I found most of what I needed from Ebay or local sales. Even found some specifically desired books at thrift stores! I did order new math workbooks through Ebay and found really good deals.

Well, that is about all of the update for now. I know this is not very creative, but it is too hot to be overly creative!

We will write more when life gets more exciting!

The Hunt is On!

2010-05-24T11:18:00.003-07:00

I like adventure! I have been known to make my own adventures out of the simplest of things or events! Sometimes those end up being more exhausting than exhilarating, but they were adventures just the same!

So, now my quest is for curriculum. Oh, I know I could go the easy way out and just get a whole series that encompasses ALL topics in one big bundle. But, first of all, those tend to be expensive, or...boring!...or BOTH! Besides, one of the advantages of homeschooling is the ability to customize the learning to fit the needs and interests of the child. Handsome is not a child with few interests, nor one that would be satisfied with mundane curriculum...And neither am I!!

So, the hunt in on! It began when I made a simple pnone call to a long-time friend who homeschooled her two kids into high school. Where, or where, is that TEACHING Tools store on the west side? Apparently...on the EAST side! But the conversation led to my discovering that there would be a curriculm fair at a college on the east side on a Saturday that I could actually accommodate!

And find, I did! A much desired Science Book was available for about a third (or less) of the price of new. This one is used, true, but absolutely no markings of any kind, or much signs of usage, other than the luster of the outside cover is waning! Wow! Great find! One down!

I continued on and found the History/Geography book of choice. (I had made a list from previous experiences and online resources coupled with advice from more experienced homeschoolers.) A few marking, yes, but in pencil and easily erasable! That one was about 1/5 of the online price! The map skills book was not found, so I can still be a seeker! And I got two reader books about the historical topics related to the text book! Two down!

I also found most of the Language Arts/Reading materials that we will need. I tend to supplement those with my own worksheets or some from other resources along the way anyway. Those were a total of about 10% of the retail price! Three down!

I found a wonderful big book about the human body with full color pictures and cool explanations! What a great buy! And there was a book of puzzles of all the continents! Handsome loves puzzles! A great way to sneak in extra geography!

And, for incentives, I have been having a "bean jar" where Handsome earns beans for every subject daily which he then "cashes" in to "buy" a prize. He has really scored this year! From a jr size wheelbarrow, a gears marble game, a legos crane, to smaller things like games, and whoopie cushions, he has earned quite a lot of loot. At the beginning of the school year, he got an Air Hog pressure engine airplane that I had gotten at a yard sale a very long time ago! He loved it, but alas! It finally crashed one too many times! And I have been unable to find any online or at yard sales. But, there were TWO at this curriculum sale, still new in the box! Unfortunately, I didn't notice immediately, and one got away...the smaller one just like he had had before! But, I was able to get the twin-engine one for only a few bucks more than the lady in front of me paid for the smaller one! Yippee! Handsome will be so excited...but that is a summer secret!

Well, I still am hunting for the math curriculum that we like. And the health book. And an additional Science kit...along with books about art and artists, music, and computers! And, yes, that map skills book too!

All this hunting gives me plenty of ammunition for "needing" to go to yard sales and such. And the online hunt is fun too! Ebay, here we come!

The End of a Journey

2010-05-23T06:05:00.004-07:00

All good things must come to an end. At least that is what they tell me! And so, our saltwater aquarium days have finally ended. We lost the fish! Then we lost the snails! And finally, Mr. Crab succumbed to the perils of my lack of knowledge! So, Handsome has decided not to pursue this any further. We considered raising tadpoles into frogs. But, I think we have decided to just move on. Our Science topic of choice (supplemented with many others) for the upcoming school year is Botany. Perhaps we will have better success with a terrarium! I do have a garden and Handsome has some plants...hm... I will post pictures of our aquarium efforts as soon as I find the cord to the camera! It DID move with us, I KNOW! But it is hiding somewhere! Come out! Come out, wherever you are!

Jumping for Joy

2010-05-23T05:23:00.004-07:00

Wow! School is out! I should be jumping for joy...if I was a real teacher...you know, one of those in public school, who gets at least a semi-vacation. I AM jumping for joy, but not for vacation. I have new plans for the summer, including some summer school moments, outings, and crafts.

I went to a curriculum fair yesterday and found some of our desired curriculum at really good prices. We have the bulk of Science, Reading and Language arts, and History/Geography under control. Now I need to find the math books and one health book,a map skills book, and some fine arts books...found them online...just looking for even cheaper! Bargain hunting is not only a hobby of mine, but it makes me feel good about myself! It makes me jump for joy!

But, where has the year gone? It seems only yesterday that I was devising strategies to motivate an eight year old. I was preparing Science projects and lessons for a series now completed. It seems like just a few short moments ago, I was reciting the mulitplication tables, spelling rules, and parts of speech. Now we have moved on. Oh, I will be reciting those things again, along with others, but there will be new dimensions, and topics, and information.

In the mean time, I have three little minds to care for all summer...well, most of it anyway. They have a trip planned to see the other grandparents for a week, and I must take some time to assist in the miraculous process of seeing my newest grandchild born. She is due towards the end of July. My, how time flies!

There have been days when the year seemed to drag on as well; days when I thought we would never get through certain topics or exercises. Girlfriend had her moments; especially during the potty-training days. Handsome had his struggles like any other child; voicing his opinions of topics he would rather not attempt. But he can ask the most marvelous questions in topics of interest. He has been the reason for many side tracks onto the computer to find an answer to a fantastic question beyond my present knowledge. He keeps me learning and researching...more stuff that makes me jump for joy.

And the days when Girlfriend did not want to take a nap, but her own body betrayed her desire. She begged me to lie down with her. Then she hooked her arm into mine, cuddled up and with her beaming smile said, "You're my faaavorite gramma!" Nothing melts my heart more. Now, I realize that she may have been hoping for a nap reprieve, but I also know she does love me and was so precious in trying to express it. Moments like that make this job worth everything!

And now I will have privilege of having Hunky in my care as well. Keeping him busy after his great Kindergarten year in public school, will, no doubt, be challenging!
But he's my funny man! And he wants to learn. So, we will have a great summer!

Yes, it would be nice to have the summer off like "real" teachers do, but what would I do with myself? And where would I get those cuddles and questions? The more I think about it, the less a summer off sounds good. After, all, my grandchildren are what really makes me jump for joy! And the summer affords me the opportunity to see TDH and Jommo, too, perhaps quite frequently...and little Mr. Boo, too! They are all growing up too fast!

With all the jumping for joy I have to do this summer, perhaps I can lose a little more weight!

The Great Escape

2010-05-06T09:11:00.004-07:00

Somewhere, out there is Lizardland, there is a large lizard...using the term "large" witth reference to the "type" of lizard he is. I say "he" because of the size and the adventurous spirit. He may well be a grandfather lizard, currently sharing his tales of adventure with his grandchildren.

Speaking of grandchildren, that is where this adventure begins. With MY grandchildren who discovered this lizard in their backyard. As boys do, they chased the poor creature until he ran between the sliding patio door and the screen. There he waited, panting, and scared, I suppose, wishing the boys would go back inside.

Hunky squealed with delight and shouted "There he is! There he is!" I, in my ignorance of the lizard's plight, opened the door. Hunky screamed "Grandma! You're gonna kill him!" Once I learned of the situation, I gently pulled the screen back a bit. The lizard scampered away as fast as he could go. (And that was pretty fast!) The boys chased after him, only to discover he was hiding under the barbeque. We discovered this by noting his tail protruding from beneath the barbeque!

Believe it or not, the patience of the lizard withstood the curiousity of the boys, and they finally gave up staring at the barbeque. Eventually, they came inside and the lizard dashed off to tell his tale...dragging his tail behind him! (I had to put that in!)

And so goes the ongoing saga of lizard life in the desert! I do wish saltwater fish faired as well! That's another story for another day!

Two New Neighbors for our Sea World

2010-04-25T21:50:00.002-07:00

Well, we finally did it! After thoroughly cleaning the tank, we successfully got a clean report on our saltwater aquarium. Even the nitrates are right! Wow! And I didn't even have to add the clams...

So, now we have two new tenants. Both are damsel fish. The store was out of blue damsels, and Handsome did not want to wait til Monday...so...we have one black and white striped damsel, and one black with two white spots. They are supposed to be compatible so we will see! I will post pictures soon...I promise. Anyway, the striped one seems to be brave and is checking out its new environment, while the other one is hiding behind the filter sponge. It is not stuck...just easily frightened. Hopefully, they will survive and be content. Eventually we hope to add one clown fish...and that will complete our community. We have a snail still, and a baby snail...and at least one crab. All these are survivors of original purchase!

Handsome is also growing tomatoes! He is a natural care-giver when it comes to plants and animals! He is so excited that he has green tomatoes on his vine. Me, well, I already knocked one off of my biggest plant...oh well!

Pictures will be coming of our tank...and maybe the garden and some others too...hurry back!

Sometimes I wonder...

2010-04-14T10:48:00.005-07:00

My mother used to respond whenever I would say, "I was wondering", by commenting, "While you are wandering, don't get lost!" She was trying to be funny. Which, actually, for her, was an accomplishment. She rarely was funny or even tried to be. So, really, that is a fond memory.

But I have spent a lot of time "wondering" about a lot of things. I do enjoy learning. Learning with Handsome is especially fun and rewarding. I like to spend time at the library, museums, and other educational venues. I think sometimes that I am learning as much as Handsome is, only perhaps, different details!

However, I still wonder if I am doing a good job. When I look at the public school curriculum, part of me thinks we are doing wonderfully. Another part of me starts to panic and feel as though I am not an adequate teacher. I know Handsome gets the benefits of one-on-one instruction. He gets the privilege of museums and community programs such as the Science Center and libraries offer for home schooled children. He gets to do many more "hands-on" types of learning activities than could be handled in a classroom full of inquisitive kids. And he gets to choose some of the Science topics. Few classrooms would hassle the saltwater aquarium, for instance. And then we have our ocean room full of stuffed whales, walruses, sharks, etc, along with real shells and star fish and sea horses. And then we have plastic lobsters and crabs, squid and octopuses!

He gets to experience music and art and history in the form of "hands-on" activities and videos, etc.

Yet, when Hunky comes home from kindergarten and spells "symmetry" (a word Handsome just had in math) and tells me he learned it in art in KINDERGARTEN...I feel the panic rising. Yet, at the same time, the neighbor girl in third grade just finished learning her multiplication table, which is one thing we are almost done with in second grade! Handsome also has algebraic and geometrical problems in his math book that they have not yet covered. And he has started cursive, although we have not emphasized it. Public school starts that in mid third grade here.

So, you see...I am wondering...am I on the right track? I love the Science we do! He does too! And he likes math. (I know that to be my weakness) But...it seems to me that the public system pushes reading and spelling more than I have been able to. I spend a lot of time trying to find the right methods, motivators, and inspiring, interesting books...and trying to compete with the system. I wonder still... Am I doing this right?

Am I the best teacher I can be? And, if so, is that good enough?

My sister (who spent years as a public school teacher and still substitutes in CA) tells me that most teachers, if not all, feel this way from time to time. But they were completely trained as teachers. I was trained in Christian Education, somewhat more administrative, and in geriatric behavioral and social (quality of life,etc) topics. I spent time learning about Alzheimer's and arthritis, macular degeneration, and dementia...about physical therapy and care plans. I wonder...am I good enough? Teaching is such an important calling...and I certainly don't want to get lost!

A Fish Tale

2010-03-27T19:57:00.005-07:00

Yes, the saltwater fish all died. So we have a goldfish...actually three goldfish! And we still have Mr. Hermit Crab and Sea Snail roaming through the tank. PetCO has tested our water three times now and seem to find something new and different every time. I don't doubt their credibility...I am at a loss to fix the problems. I have been able to maintain a proper salinity level in spite of a broken hydrometer. But the nitrates go up and down, along with other chemicals. Well, we are now down to nitrates...and they tell me a possible fix is clams! I must go to an Asian market(or a saltwater specialty store)and find live clams and put them in the tank. I inquired if our snail would not devour them, and was told most likely not since he has plenty to eat in the tank. And even he if did manage to eat one, if I put a dozen in they will likely eat up all the nitrate issues quickly and escape his appetite.

Next question: What do I do with the clams when the nitrate is all in balance? I don't particularly want yet another species to care for!

In the meantime, we have the goldfish. They are in three separate containers. One on the kitchen island downstairs. One in Handsome's bedroom, and one downstairs on another counter. Each being cared for by a different child. Of course, Girlfriend needs some extra help!

So, moving on in the Ocean studies...we collected, via actual trips to the Ocean, and yard sales, a nice variety of shells. We even have a cowry! Yes, we have clams and scallops and mussels. We have oysters and wentletraps and cone shells. We have winkles and possibly a slipper shell. Some are not so easy to identify, being the novices we are. But Handsome did his report on them and glued some into a box and labeled the ones we could figure out. We do have one we entitiled "Mystery shell". We have some clams that obviously fell prey to snails and have the holes in their shells to prove it. Those nasty radulas!

And Handsome has a 10 year old clam, age-identified by the clearly marked rings on his shell. We also have some real sea horses and sea stars! Quite the collection. We have decided that the shells are MUCH easier to care for and quite interesting and pretty! Perhpas we shall concentrate more on these!

For any of you desiring to study the Sea...when you reach the chapters on the shells...there is a wonderful children's fictional book called "Island Eyes" by Laney Lee. It is a whimsical saga of a King's Crown shell that begins with his original animal and continues with a hermit crab taking him on adventure after adventure...we don't know where it ends, as we haven't finished it yet. It is like a novelette for kids, but reinforces the facts about the life of a shell of the sea. I recommend it! Even Girlfriend will sit through a chapter, if I flex my voices with the various characters he encounters. The hermit crab, Maggie, makes it a nice mix of male and female fun as well! Hope you can enjoy it some day!

So, we shall continue on. This next week we will learn about sponges and sea stars and sea anemones...and more! This IS quite an adventure, even with the fish and crab, and snail, and...clams...

He Comes By It Naturally

2010-03-26T13:49:00.002-07:00

Yes, I think Handsome comes by it naturally. It is in his blood; his genetic makeup! The "it" I am referring to is his instinct for gardening and caring for creatures. He cannot have a dog or a cat or a bird due to potential allergies or diseases. But he can have, and does have, fish! And a hermit crab! And a sea snail!
Even though the saltwater fish have all died, the snail and hermit crab keep him excited. He watches closely for their food levels, salinity levels, and water temperatures and levels. He now also has a gold fish in a regular aquarium which he monitors daily.

He also loves to garden! He has a tomato plant that we bought when he came to help me plant my garden. He monitors the water intake, its exposure to sunlight and wind, and its progress. He wants to get a bean plant too, really soon!

I say he comes by this naturally because of his heritage. I love to garden as well. And I love animals of all kinds...almost, anyway! But my father grew up on a farm. My grandfather was a farmer in Kansas and Oklahoma for a long time. My mother had a garden. My grandmother had a garden. My grandmother had an orchard as well. She cannned and froze fruit and vegetables regularly as I watched at her side before I could even read.

My father raised animals. I remember at various times having chickens, geese, cows, (both beef and dairy), hogs, sheep, and ducks. Some we ate. Some we loved. And we always had horses...I had my own "pony" from age five to about age 15. Her name was Patsy. She was ornery and tried several times to wipe me off by running under a tree. But she was my horse!

So, I say Handsome has gardening, farming, animal care in his blood! Our family roots have traced back to the days of Native Americans who lived off the land.

I am glad to have Handsome share this interest with me. It gives us something to talk about and share besides classroom topics. And, Handsome WILL eat what we grow! He also enjoys cooking...especially if he grew it himself!

The Thanks We Get!

2010-02-26T10:11:00.005-07:00

It was Monday. Spooky was quietly swimming in the aquarium. I saw him. Then I took another glance at him. Something was definitely wrong! He is a yellow-tailed blue damsel fish, but looked more "see-through" as the kids said, at the moment! Yes, he was rapidly losing his color as he skimmed the surface of the tank. I quickly noticed that the water level had depleted to the point of raising the salinity level to a dangerous place.

I quickly remedied this by adding RO water to the tank and rechecking the salt level. Then I fed Spooky. It was only a matter of an hour or so until his color returned to normal and he was swimming contentedly all over the tank. Whew! We had saved his life!

Then came Thursday. Mind you, we had carefully changed out a portion of the water earlier in the week as instructed by owners of such aquariums and workers at the pet store. All had seemed very well. The crabs and baby snail were letting us know they were thankful for the attention.

Spooky, on the other hand, decided to "give up the ghost". One minute he was swimming normally, and eating, and within ten minutes, he lay belly-up under the coral...dead! THIS IS THE THANKS WE GET!

The truth is, Spooky may have died anyway, given that we did not know how old he was in the first place, and that his previous owner stated he might not survive the move anyway. But, it is sad.

The plan now is to have the tank checked, go over the instructions on everything, and THEN get two more damsels...and try again. This time, we can know a little more about the fish, and they will come from the same tank in the store. If they survive for 2 months, we may get a clown fish to join them. But that is all our little tank can handle.

Learning about marine life, even from an aquarium, is interesting. We got to go to the homeschool class at the Science Center last week. The topic was on ocean life. They have a much bigger aquarium with sea stars, snails, live coral, and other creatures, some of which were available to touch and hold. Handsome declined that opportunity, but observed them very closely.

We are learning about the facts of life as well...the fact that life begins and ends in the animal world. That life is unpredictable...that life is delicate.

The true thanks we get is knowledge. Sometimes that comes, not just by studying books, but by trial and error also. And we get the joy of observing life...from the tiny crabs to humans...we are all wonderfully made! Enjoy!

The Crazy Fish

2010-02-10T17:31:00.003-07:00

Swimmy is dead! Even though he was the bigger fish in the tank, he succumbed to the stress of the move. He put up a valiant fight, however, swimming vertically instead of horizontally for two days. But, alas! He eventually died and ended up with his tail stuck in the filter.

So, we went to Petco to find a replacement for a friend for Spooky. We got another blue damsel just like Spooky, only without the yellow tail. At first they seemed to be good friends and Spooky came out of hiding and swam all over the tank, seemingly delighted. We introduced the new one into the tank exactly as directed. We checked the water temperature and salt level. Everything was perfect! Until the lights went out!

There were no witnesses, no forensic evidence. So, we can only make guesses as to what happened. The man at the store had mentioned that the new one might be agressive for a few days, but did not think they would hurt each other. But, that evening we find the new one dead also. And all day today Spooky has acted more like Snoopy or Adventurer...swimming all over the tank and hardly hiding at all! So, methinks perhaps we should change Spooky's name...to something more like Shark! Or Villian or King-of-this-tank-and-don't-you-forget-it! I haven't even seen the snails or crabs all day!

So, for now, little yellow-tail blue damsel gets his or her kingdom unchallenged...but only until I get to the store to talk to the salt water aquarium specialist. THEN, he/she may get solitary confinement!

For the Love of Fish

2010-02-03T18:24:00.003-07:00

Today we embarked on a new adventure. We bought a saltwater aquarium. I found it on Craigslist for a great price, especially considering it had two fish, a snail and several crabs in it and ALL the equipment. The guy even gave me a brief lesson on caring for the fish.

We have been studying the Ocean from Apologia's Zoology 102...and just came upon the chapter on fishes. Yes, you DO say fishes...IF you are talking about more than one KIND of fish. And of course, the ocean has too many for my mind to imagine. In fact, our aquarium has fishes..two different kinds of fish! Handsome has them named. The tiny blue one is "Spooky" because he hides in the coral. The previous owner said it is his habit and you have to coax him out by moving the coral from time to time. The larger one is "Swimmy"...I guess because that is HIS habit. The snail is "Slimy" and the crabs are "Crawly" (and Crawly Jr., the second, etc.)

It has been a fun day setting all of this up. We stopped at Petco to get them some food and look at potential tank mates for later. And we bought a black goldfish for an experiment tomorrow. Hopefully, it will survive. He is lonely in the kitchen in a glass bowl. Perhaps he too, shall get a bowl-mate!

Well, I never knew that fishes were so interesting. Other sea creatures had struck my fancy much more. But they are an amazing creation! Oh, for the love of fish!

The Weekend is Here Already!

2010-01-29T10:07:00.005-07:00

Handsome is taking a math test. Teacher is only allowed to give instructions for the test and then he must complete it on his own. He usually does quite well with these. But he is overjoyed to have discovered today is Friday! Yesterday was a short school day since we follow the same schedule as the public school here. That short day threw him off a bit on where we were in the week. Most non-school days are MOndays!

Girlfriend is having a bit of a clingy day. I don't mind when it is test day, since I can't be immensely involved in the test. Handsome, though, may not realize he has two more tests today! And a science review! A reading test, a spelling test...but then he will earn lots of beans towards a nice prize!

We decided to go for the house we looked at. It is going to start off as a rental...with us as tenants until we get ahead a bit, and the property regains a little value. So, we are headed for a new house, new community and new neighbors! There are things that are inconvenient, and things that are much better, and things that are exciting, about this move! But it is all happening in a few weeks! Yikes! I started packing up the current house and am hoping to bring along fond memories of family gatherings there! Lots of pictures of fun times...egg hunts, luaus, camp-outs, swimming parties...and hoping to create new fond memories of things yet to be discovered.

Well, tomorrow morning, my daughter and I are having a yard sale here at this current house...hopefully, we can get enough stuff out of the way and enough money aside to make the move easier. I have some concerns about what my current neighbors will think of this move. Only two of the original neighbors are still there, but we are fairly good friends to one of them. He has helped us out a lot. Perhaps he can help find a buyer for this place. I know he was disappointed that one other neighbor left abruptly and never told him he was selling and moving on.

Oh well...the weekend is here...already!

Swinging Right Along!

2010-01-27T10:31:00.003-07:00

Yesterday we ventured out to the Science Center for a homeschooling class on pendulums. Handsome loves to swing things around, so he found the class quite interesting. We discovered some of our hypothesis were correct, and some were not. The variables of length of string, weight of bob, and size of arc, were rather fasinating to consider. Watching the teacher challenge a powling ball suspended in a net produced various responses. She found that if someone started the ball in a pendulum swing, without pushing, she could start with her face nearly smashed against the ball and still would not get hit by the back swing, as long as she did not move forward, even slightly. Some students wanted to try it, but were forbidden, for obvious reasons.

Girlfriend was not quite so interested. It is a curiousity why the potty seats at home seem to be too cold to sit but only momentarily, and yet the public ones are satisfactory enough to take a long time sitting! Perhaps it was more the undivided attention they afforded her. Perhaps next time, I shall bring more snacks and less drink!

Driving home brought my attention to the variety of people roaming the streets of downtown. We came a little different way than usual. I don't know if it was the route, or the nice weather, but there were many pedestrians to observe. A middle-aged lady in casual dress sauntered down the sidewalk, followed closely by a younger man who appeared to be trying to talk to her. Her rapid pace seemed to be diswaying any such communication. A toothless man who appeared to be homeless, smiled and waved as we stopped at the red light. He was attempting to be animated, it seemed, to delight the children. They turned away, not sure how to respond. I nodded and smiled back, knowing I was safely inside the car, should he have improper motives. It seemed more likely that he was just a lonely man who once liked children...perhaps even had a family himself.

A young man dressed in a business suit rushed down the street with his cell phone to his ear. A group of teenagers, most likely college students from the downtown campus, herded themselves across the street, daring the light to change not in their favor. They all seemed oblivous to the world of cars around them.

As I merged onto the freeway, the variety of attitudes became even more apparent. Some pushed their way into lanes, others hesistantly merged with blinkers flashing. Some honked to be let in; others drove steadily ahead not looking to the right or left, apparently hoping that by ignoring the other drivers, someone would let them end...before their lane ended!

We arrived home safe and sound in spite of all the vehicles. We continued briefly to talk about pendulums and swinging washers on strings. Then we journeyed out again with Grandpa and Jomo and TDH to see a house we may try to buy...

What a total contrast it was to take the southern route across the farm fields and undeveloped land! The dirt fields, the green fields, the military jets flying overhead from the base nearby... all of these brought a sense of peace. I think I like living in this area! To be close to city life with tall buildings and interesting people, and also farmland and larger properties, and knowing that we are protected by the greatest military in the world! What a place to swing!

The Things We Catch!

2010-01-19T20:27:00.002-07:00

Soon after I started this job, a few years ago, Hunky was tossing a nerf football to me. I caught it most of the time and sent it back to him. Apparently, my hurling technique was not refined enough for a three-year old! He commented "Grandma, you do a lot of things good...but throwing a football is not one of them!" Such wisdom from such young lips! I caught the football that day...and I caught what he was saying...and I do try to stick with those things I do "good".

Catching a frisbee is a challenge. But try throwing and catching a boomer-rang! I must admit, that most of the time, the boomerrang won! And the only thing I caught was the sound of laughter from Handsome's lips, while he was shaking his head at his clumsy grandma!

We spent an afternoon chasing butterflies as well. Butterflies that we had hatched! Yes, we watched them go from caterpillars to cocoons to butterflies. When we became concerned as to our ability to care for them properly in the habitat, we decided to set them free. We did catch them again for a brief time, but convinced them to enjoy the freedom of the entire yard. That was quite an experience!

Another afternoon found us catching other bugs and insects. We captured a bee which we put in the freezer and then revived. We caught a fly that we drowned in the sink and then revived with salt! All these were part of science experiments!

Yes, working with children gives ample opportunity to catch something. Most of the time the "somethings" are interesting or fun or enlightening. But sometimes children give you other things to catch...like colds! I caught one of those from Girlfriend this week! So hopefully, much like the football, I will drop it quickly!

Some Days

2010-01-15T22:46:00.002-07:00

I guess it is true in everyone's life that some days are better than others and some days are worse than others. This week has not been a stellar week, starting with world news, clear up to personal challenges.

Girlfriend had a cold. Colds don't make pretty princesses live happily ever after! Fortunately, they are "once upon a time!" In other words, they are here for just a time. And I suppose princesses deserve special treatment and pampering during such times! Therefore, the fairy grandmother must hone her patience and comforting skills, and pray this cold rides off into the sunset quickly!

As for Handsome, well, he has been off to the Science Center to learn about Robots. And then checking out a kit with which to make arches and bridges without mortar or nails! Pretty clever!

Hunky is getting back into the swing of things in Kindergarten. Jomo is rising to the challenge of fourth grade and TDH is exploring high school full scale! And Mr. Boo! I forgot to mentiono that on his visit here during Christmas, he made an announcement via a tee shirt, that he is going to be a big brother! The little one is due in July!

I will mention that each has had their challenges this week, as have I, but we still have plenty to smile about. We are family! We are well and happy and safe!

And we will pray for those across the ocean whose week has been shaken, literally, by earthquake! God help each of us to count our daily blessings and not take our lives or families for granted!

A Trip to the Amusement park!

2010-01-13T00:01:00.000-07:00

Over the Christmas break, I took TDH and Jomo to Castles and Coasters, which is an amusement park here in Phoenix. I shall publish pictures of that great day as soon as I get them downloaded off of my camera! Perhaps today...perhaps not!

Anyway, though I was tired and fighting the fatigue and pain of fibromyalgia, I had a terrific day. I played a game of miniature golf with Jomo...and we shall not reveal the score card here. TDH was the scorekeeper and he got plenty of laughs!

I declined to partake of the rides, mostly due to the cost. But I was actually glad that was a factor, since they did not appeal to me that day. TDH rode what they call "Desert Storm", a roller coaster that does at least three total flips! He rode it TWICE! Jomo joined him on the smaller one, whose name I cannot currently recall. They only tackled that one once. But they did enjoy two trips on the ride that goes backwards and forwards while its track manages rocking and rolling. The bumper cars were a hit as their second time around turned into many. The line had depleted by the end of their second round, so the attendant let them keep going. Good thing there were benches close by for Grandma!

And the swinging boat! Jomo only handled that once, but TDH got at least two rounds! Made my stomach turn just to watch! The speedway was crowded and took quite awhile to get to their turns. TDH is quite a good driver, even though he got slowed down due to an amateur girl swerving and slowing the line. Passing her was risky and TDH was afraid he would make her spin out, so he laid of the pedal to the metal! Jomo was not tall enough to be a driver, although I am sure he would have done better than the girl! He was a great passenger for TDH though! They had a great time. It was good to see them enjoying each other so much!

We spent nearly 4 hours there and exhausted all of us. But the memories we made will never fade. I was thrilled to have a day to spend with them. Handsome, Hunky, and Girlfriend were off in CA exploring Lego Land! They, too, had a wonderful time. They called me in the evening to report how cold the ocean was, and how big the slide was at Legoland, along with a lot of other details. Hunky gave me a full report of the day, down to the discovery of s crab, and shells.

Being a grandma is a very good thing. The smiles of the children and their hugs and excited reports, are worth all it took to get to grandmothering. So, for those of you who are younger, and on occasion feel frustrated with the little charges you are currently raising, be of good cheer! Some day YOU will get to be the GRANDMA!

The Man in the Moon

2010-01-11T00:01:00.001-07:00

Handsome and I have been studying the moon this week. We did at least one experiment from the kit we checked out from the Science Museum each day. It was fun and a good way to start back to school. Science is the first subject of the day.

To add a little humor to the event and get a bit of reaction...I shared with Handsome this poem I wrote years ago...just for fun!

THERE'S A MAN IN THE MOON!

I think there is a man in the moon;
Or else the moon, itself, is a man!
Because of the many faces it shows
As across the sky it does span!

Sometimes it shows us part of a face;
Twinkly eyes with a turned up nose;
Other times, bravely facing us all,
A full bald head it seems to expose!

Sometimes it appears to be hiding;
Other times, gives a flirtatious wink.
Sometimes it is shy, sometimes a tease!
Moody, like a man, I think!

It loves to keep us guessing,
with the clouds, plays hide and seek;
Sometimes a sliver, sometimes full-faced
From the pillows of clouds it will peek!

There's a moon with male personality,
As he floats with his head in the air.
Yes, there's a man in the moon, quite likely...
I know there's no WOMAN up there!

by charlotte howard-saben 1990

Because You Asked

2010-01-09T18:01:00.005-07:00

Several of you have asked to see pictures of Mr. Boo's quilt. And some have inquired about Girlfriends dollhouse that I made her for Christmas. I am attempting here to share them with you. I think Boo's quilt pix came out okay, but I forgot to turn the dollhouse! Oh well!~ Happy head-turning! PS-click on the pix and it will enlarge and you can see details. PSS-the dollhouse was not finished when the pix was taken!

Through the Eyes of a Child

2010-01-07T08:40:00.007-07:00

Can you look in the mirror and say to yourself that you are pretty, or handsome, as the case may be? I found several years ago that it is not that easy. Oh, sometimes I could think it, but trying to say it aloud was a difficult task. I also tried to face myself in the mirror and say some good things about me. I thought I had a healthy self-image, but the challenge of the task made me rethink how I looked at myself.

I am taking lessons from Girlfriend. She looks in the mirror and giggles and smiles. Then I say something like "Look at that pretty, pretty Princess!" which creates even more giggles. Sometimes she turns away, but that is all part of the game. She knows that will make me say she is a pretty, pretty, Princess all the more!

The other day as I was combing her hair, I asked her how she would like me to fix it. There have been times when she preferred two pigtails to one, or a ponytail on the side instead of the back, etc. On this day she looked up at me and said, "Pretty!"

I responded, "You just want your hair done pretty?" She nodded adamantly. Once finished, she looked in the mirror for approval. "Pretty, Pretty!" she said.

I grew up in a home where my mother thought it a sin, apparently, to think highly of oneself. She not only did not make any attempts to tell me I was pretty, but she pooh-poohed anyone else who did. She feared pride more than anything. I realize now, that she had no idea of what pride is, nor how God intended us to use it.

He is proud of us. He made us just as we are! I think He gets the same types of feelings for us that I get as a grandma, when Girlfriend giggles and calls herself a pretty princess! I feel great!

I have, since my childhood, learned to think highly of myself. Even the Bible does not say not to think highly of yourself...it says not to think MORE highly than you ought to! And if you read the rest of it, you will find that you ought to think pretty highly of yourself. You are made in God's image. You are thought highly of by Him! You are seated in heavenly places! Wow! We girls ARE princesses, daughters of the King of Kings!

Regardless of how you feel about God or religion, you have good reason to be proud of yourself. I know pride has been the downfall of many people, men and women alike. And pride has brought about lies and pain. But, I wonder if those people built up all that false pride because down deep they really did not like themselves?

I think pride is a lot less fearful thing than self-abasement. A realistic approach to oneself takes courage. Admitting our faults can sometimes be easier than admitting our strengths. Perhaps it is because the power of our strengths scares us and places responsibilities and accountability on us. I know some people who readily admit their strengths and try to hide their weaknesses. But, often, later in life, they discover they really did not know themselves as well as they thought they did.

Take a look in the mirror. Who do you see? I hope you see a great person who can love themselves and others as themselves. I hope you see someone who can address both weaknesses and strengths without flinching. Acknowledging weaknesses means we are growing. (Personally, I have never had a garden without a few weed problems!)

I hope you find a person in the mirror who can acknowledge their beauty. You are beautiful! Enjoy life!

Ah, the memories!

2010-01-02T06:33:00.003-07:00

I decided to look back over the more memorable, unwritten moments of 2009. There are some things I want to forget, and others I wish to remember. Some are worth sharing for the lessons learned or the laughter gained. So, I shall share a "moment" of my creative Girlfriend!

It was a day when Handsome was taking a test. I needed Girlfriend to be occupied with things other than interruptions or needing attention for a while. So, I set up her water/sand table in an unusual place...the family room, complete with a tablecloth beneath. I knew that if the usual set up occurred (the bathroom shower) that it would only be a short time before she would come looking for us. So, we went about our normal routine for such a day. She chose to have sand that day, and sat contentedly playing with it like an angel.

It was after lunch, I believe, when I realized Girlfriend was not in sight and I went upstairs to check on her. There she was! Not at the sand table, but rather at the sink in the bathroom, with a pan of sand...rather a pail of sand that she was "washing". The entire sink was full of sand, backing up the running water which was very close to running over. Oh no!

Play sand is particularly fine-grained. That does not mean that it is easy to rescue from a drain! Especially one that is packed and the sand is wet. I scooped and scooped and made little progress.

Fortunately, Daddy was home and so was a wet-vac! Yes, It did the trick without damage, except to lose some of the sand! I learned a lesson that day. Two year olds are creative people and when their usual routine is changed, they will find a way to make it extra interesting!

The table will stay in the shower and primarily be a water play table! I think the whole house will like that better!

Happy New Year

2010-01-01T08:29:00.003-07:00

This will be a better year. Last year was the year of good intentions. My desire is that THIS year will be the year of good ACTIONS! I have laid aside the idea that making resolutions will assist in bringing this about. All that ends up happening is that the resolutions haunt me and add to my guilty feelings. However, without goals, nothing will be accomplished.

Therefore, I am making some goals today. One of those is that I will write daily. I have three blogs. I will write something on one of those daily. Therefore, at least two times per week there should be some news on each of them. Knowing myself as I do, however, I realize that this is probably too lofty a goal. I am leaving it as my goal and promising myself and my friends that I will do my best to accomplish this goal. I should have at LEAST ONE item on each blog weekly. If I achieve this, I will consider myself successful.

I am writing at least weekly for our church as well. I write the curriculum for our kids church, along with puppet skits, etc. so that really is partly why I have been so lax in attending these blogs. And I also write quite a bit for my homeschooler. Teaching him some of the weirdness of the English language often works better by writing my own stories that fit the subjects. He is much more interested in reading about topics that peek his interest, and finding those at the library takes a lot of time. Not only that, but finding interesting topics that also fit the English rules of the week, can be a daunting task! This probably sounds like another excuse, and perhaps it is...

The point is, I shall truly attempt to do better at keeping up with the blogs. The request I have from you, my friends, is to encourage me, by making comments from time to time, or at least letting me know that you are reading them. Sometimes, I am tempted to make the blogs more like a journal or diary, which, I guess, is okay. However, daily, thoughts go through my mind that may well be of interest to my readers. So, if I know I have readers, I will be more motivated to get my thoughts onto the blogs. THANK YOU!

I love to write. I love to share. I love my friends. Happy New Year!

ps- this is the only time that all my blogs will say the same thing! THAT I promise!

Time Flies When You're Having FUN!

2009-12-03T08:55:00.001-07:00

Wow! Where has all the time flown off to? Perhaps it went south with the ducks and geese...Oh yeah! Not all the birds leave Arizona in the winter...and then we get the "snow birds"...Now I officially rambling. But it is true...time has gotten away from me. I titled this "Time Flies When YOu're having fun" because that is mostly what I have been doing. Fun! Of one type or another.

We changed out the ocean room to a pumpkin patch and falling leaves room and now it is already time to make into the snow room for the winter...or at least part of the winter I had hoped to make it a room full of snowmen and flakes...snowflakes, that is! So far, both time and energy have eluded me during the opportune hours for such a project!

Speaking of projects...I have been consumed with them of late. I hand-made a quilt for my youngest grandson's second birthday. I do this for each grandchild on that birthday. I try to go with a theme that they or their parents choose. Last year Girlfriend got a princess one. Mr. Boo's was a "things that go" theme, mostly with trains, planes, and trucks. There were some cars, hot air balloons, school buses, and bicycles on it too. Oh! And a skateboard or two! It took me a lot longer than I anticipated. Struggling with osteo-arthritis and fibromyalgia is not fun. Such handiwork has to be done in segments...when I can take the challenge. But, that all got done and arrived by his birthday. He seems to like it very much!

The next project I tackled was making Girlfriend a dollhouse for Christmas. I started off really cheaply with a small book case I purchased for one dollar at a yard sale. Then came the paint...four different colors to match a table and chair set she has which was custom made. Then Grandpa made a roof...then I bought tiles for the flooring...and a pink placemat for the bedroom carpet. then we made or bought (depending on the room) furniture for each room. So it now has a kitchen, dining room, bathroom, famil room, bedroom, and two more unfurnished rooms at the moment. Thinking about going with a laundry room and a parent's bedroom...but I may have to make the bed...can't find one...anyway, that is almost done. Just have to velcro the furniture to the flooring so it doesn't slip around and get broken or lost! PTL!

I also picked up a doll cradle and two high chairs at yard sales...all for under ten bucks! They are all wooden...so I painted them to match all the other furniture as well. Now the challenge is finding boxes so I can wrap them up!

And now I have a few projects for the adult children in my life. I cannot disclose those here, however, just in case one or more of them should decide to read this blog. Never have yet, but who knows? Those are all easier and less intense with the physcial aspects, but time-consuming none-the-less!

On top of all this, I have managed to decorate my home almost completely, and get my Christmas cards done for the first time in like five years or more! Ha!

Well, I did not intend to write an epistle of extraordinary lengths, but it looks like I have done so anyway! I shall try to be more accomodating to be faithful to write this blog...I have to say that Facebook is part of the problem, as I get on there and feel like I have displayed my events and overlook this blog. I shall do better...I shall do better...I shall do better... (I may have to write this on the board 1000 times!)

MERRY CHRISTMAS if I don't get around to blogging before then! AND HAVE A BLESSED SEASON OF JOY,,,not stress!

Out with whales and in with the leaves~

2009-10-27T18:16:00.003-07:00

What a week! I really should say, "What a month!" It has been full of changes. We changed out our Science topic from the Ocean and its creatures to Chemistry and the study of Matter. That meant we had the sad task of taking down our ocean room and replacing it with pumpkins, leaves, and resemblences of fall. While I do not yet have current pix of the fall room, I will post some of the ocean one. While this new one is not as elaborate, it was fun putting together and designing. Three of my grandsons on Columbus Day painted the "wallpaper" and made some of the pumpkins.

As far as the Science goes, learning about matter, and atoms and the table of elements and protons and neutrons and electrons, etc. is really quite fun. Handsome has a kit from Academy of Science for Kids which has packettes with hands-on explanations and experiments. He finds them very intersting, I find them easy to use and teach. This appears to be a very good program. I never took Chemistry in school and while I picked up some of the info along the way, it is enlightening to me as well. I think I WILL try to memorize the table of elements...just to see if I can! (Maybe you can teach an "old" granny new info!)

Girlfriend is potty-training. She is so funny when she accomplishes her task. She beams and claps and points. And announces it to Daddy and sometimes Grandpa on the phone...

There are lots of tales to share...and I shall share a many soon. As for today, I just wanted to post something and some pictures now that I have my computer figured out!

The Power of a Moment

2009-10-07T07:23:00.002-07:00

That's all it took...a quick moment of inattentiveness...I left the scene to get a different marker since the one we were using was running low. Girlfriend had been quietly coloring with her crayons at her own desk. Upon seeing me leave, she decided to follow, at which Handsome decided to move her desk slightly.

This created a reaction which concluded by them both pushing the desk across the room. This would not have been a big issue, had not a wayward crayon gotten lodged under the leg of the desk.

YES! In a brief moment of time, the light colored carpet was hued with a dark blue streak about four feet long!

So, I spent a good deal of the afternoon trying to remove the color. In the end, I did succeed, but if you look REALLY closely, you can tell that there has been some marking. Fortunately, most of us don't look THAT closely, and if we tried to, there would be too much action of little feet dancing or playing anyway!

THis, is the power of a simple moment!

The Baby Needs You

2009-10-04T07:31:00.006-07:00

Girlfriend is well into her twos as evidenced by her antics. And now that Hunky is attending regular Kindergarten, she requires some extra attention at times. This is fine, even wonderful, to spend special time with her. However, sometimes she prefers that one on one time to be in the middle of Handsome's instruction time.

Grandma, here, being full of antics myself, came up with a "solution"...or so I thought.

"Girlfriend! I hear your baby crying! She needs you! Go get your baby and feed her!"
This worked for a few times, with Girlfriend taking off at lightning speed to care for her baby.

But! she was not to be outdone! Later that week, when she was in need of a time out, thinking quickly to avoid "the time-out corner" she yells out "Wait! I hear my baby crying! She needs me!"

AND as if THAT wasn't funny enough...THIS week, when I tried to use the same tactic, she looks at me and says "Gramma...that baby is just fine!"

The Adventures of Girlfriend and Handsome!

2009-09-19T10:26:00.004-07:00

I promised to try to keep this updated and I am once again failing to perform! I think it is largely because I want to be clever or funny or meaningful. alas, there are some days, and even weeks, in which I do not feel funny, clever, or even meaningful...

I will however, blog about our recent field trips...I signed Handsome up for the homeschool program at the Science Center and we attended two classes so far. This last one had to do with magnification...using all kinds of magnifiers...water, lenses, microscopes, etc. It was really fun!

But we went to the AZ Museum of Natural History a few days ago. THAT was really fun! We got to see scenes from the Old West, pan for gold, lock ourselves in a jail cell, examine a stage coach, put together a Native American pootery puzzle,toured a mine shaft set-up and much more! And that was all just in the Old West section.

There is a section on Earth Science where we met Elivs, an alligator, and an alligator turtle who snapped at us through the glass aquarium. We saw the Universe models and the star system. We saw how houses were built before bricks and plaster.

The only "bummer" was that the fantastic dinosaur section was down for repairs. We got to see the "life-size" dinos, but they did not make their noises and movements like they advertise. Oh well. they were awesome anyway! And there were plenty of skeletons too!

I would post pictures, but I forgot my camera and had to buy a one-use type at the gift shop. Not sure if I can scan those or not. This new computer has a different photo program than I am used to, which is why I have not been posting. I will figure it out and get some up soon!

Anyway, life is interesting and different with just Handsome and Girlfriend. Hunky is in regular Kindergarten and doing quite well. Girlfriend misses him. It becomes a delicate balancing act to keep her occupied while Handsome receives instructions for school. She doesn't want to miss out on anything! I need her to self-entertain somewhat, with things I provide of course, and yet, I don't want her to feel lonely or left out. She needs some 1:1 time too. Getting all the topics and proper instruction done AND meeting her needs is quite the challenge. So far, we are managing it...I hope fairly well...

She loves going with us to the field trips and Science classes. So far, she is doing well with it all. I bring along her own special activity box to the classes, which helps a lot. These are things she does not get to play with elsewhere, so they are fresh and exciting!

Hunky comes home before I leave. He gets a snack...or two...or three! Sometimes the neighbor children, with whom he rides to and from school, stay to play for awhile.

All in all, I love my job! I love being with my grandchildren. I love the learning opportunities I have. I love passing on knowlege. I think I should have been a full-time teacher years all along! But then, I loved doing ALL the things I have done in my life...career-wise anyway. What a way to "retire" (which is what my last job called my departure)...AND NOW WE HAVE NEW ADVENTURES DAILY!

Somewhere Over the Rainbows!

2009-09-10T07:08:00.003-07:00

Aren't children great? If only we could harness their energy and their imaginations to release for them later in life. I realize that not all of the energy is directed in the most appropriate places. Nor are the tales they spin full of accurate details. But what fun they are!

I have been substitute teaching the Rainbows...3 year olds through Kindergarten on Wednesday evenings at church for about 13 weeks. Last night was my last class. They made me promise to visit and bring some of my puppets back too. We had cupcakes and Capri Sun drinks and made some messess. The great thing here is that the janitor comes on Thursday mornings. He told me to just surface clean and he would do the rest. What a guy!

Actually, last night, we made more noise than mess. We made maraccas out of two plastic cups partially filled with beans, and duct-taped together! Works pretty well, but it can get loud! Especially with more boys than girls. So I told them a story and every time they heard the word "God" in the story, they got to shake their maraccas. One boy got a little carried away and I had to limit the amounts of shakes. Some of the other children got so enrapt in the story that they forgot to shake their maraccas! All in all it was a good night!

This class has made me laugh more times than I can count! Children say such amazing things. One night we were talking about listening and were playing a game where I made two statements about something...one of which was true and one of which was not. I said silly things to keep them laughing, but one girl totally cracked me up! I had said..."girls are pretty but they have purple eyes" and she corrected me about the eyes. So my next statement was "boys are strong, but they smell bad", to which she repleid "That's not right! Boys are not strong!" I couldn't help it! I lost it! But even the boys thought it was funny. Of course, they then wanted to inform us about HOW they get smelly...but that's another story!

I have delightful pictures of them showing me their muscles when the lesson had to do with being strong and healthy. I have silly pictures of them wearing a multi-colored wig...well they story was about Joseph's COAT of many colors, but I didn't have a coat...a wig, I DID have! They loved it! We have painted with paint rollers on butcher paper, painted with jello and glue, gone rock hunting in the parking areas, picked up trash on a "hike" in the parking areas, and made many interesting crafts! And oh, the stories I heard!

Don't worry! If your child was in my class, I did NOT believe everything I heard! In fact, on several occasions, I mentioned these tales to the parents who set the record straight and got a good laugh at the same time! Such stories like..."I have four dogs, three cats, a lizard, a frog, two rats, and fourteen fish at my house!" She actually has two dogs and that is all!

I shall miss these children. But I am also glad to return to the world of the adults. It will not be so entertaining I am sure! It will have a different set of challenges and delight. And I shall visit these children often...along with puppets Ezra, Bubba, and Thing-a-ma-jig! And I might even show up in that Rainbow wig!

A Bubbly Day!

2009-08-26T17:35:00.003-07:00

There is nothing quite like the giggles of little girls! And Girlfriend had her share of them today! She likes to be tickled lightly for a few seconds. But if I could capture a moment forever in my memory...it may well have been today. It all started when she discovered a bottle of bubbles! That may have been disconcerting had she been able to get the lid off and indiscrimently spill them. But, fortune was on our side, and she asked me to open them for her. We brought her little red plastic chair into the bathroom where I proceeded to open the bubbles. The name on the bottle said "Miracle bubbles." If one counts laughter as a miracle, then these bubbles lived up to their name!

They really were quite good as bubbles go...I was able to blow numerous ones from each single dip of the wand. And as I caught some on the wand, I was able to roll them over and over the wand, and then disperse them into even more bubbles. Girlfriend was delighted! She grasped for each one as it floated by, clapping and trying to pop them. She was oblivious to ones that landed ever so briefly on her head. She did, however, take note of the one that burst on her nose. She giggled even louder and then rubbed her sweet nose ferociously while reaching for more bubbles in the air. She probably could have done this for a very long time. Unfortunately, we had only our "recess" time from schooling. But what a recess!

Handsome spent his recess time building a house out of cardboard. He made a tiny table and television set to put inside. He got a hinge from the garage and made a door that actually swung open! He cut squares of green paper and then put stickers on them and put them on the walls for hanging pictures. He is quite a creative child! And all of this came from parts of a Creative Moments box! Guess that was another label with prophetic over-tones! Ha!

We had a bubbly day academically as well. Handsome had the best day ever as far as accomplishments go. He finished his math in record time and only missed one problem out of three pages worth! He knew the answers to the History and Science reviews. He also knew the answers to the music and health questions. Wow! And he seemed to catch on to the reading concepts well and proved it by reading new words without hesitation! We played a fishing for words game prior to the introducing the new concept. I took all his spelling words for the last few weeks as well as some new reading words and some familiar words and wrote them onto word strips that I cut into three-inch pieces. These were the "fish" once I placed paper clips on them. then from an old curtain rod, I made a fishing pole, complete with a way to reel them in! And, of course, a magnet for the hook. The game was, that if he missed the word, it would go into the "release" pile. If he corrctly read the word, it went into his "keep" pile. If the "release" pile was larger than his keep pile, he would have to write all the missed words. BUT if his pile was larger, then he did not have to write and also got to eat gummy worms! His pile had 23 and the "release" pile had 7. Good job, Handsome! (He doesn't particularly like to write words!)

So, I consider the day a success! And, oh yes! Hunky got a great report from his Kindergarten class today as well!

Yeah!!!!

Learning Is Fun!

2009-08-21T18:47:00.002-07:00

I am learning all the time...the fun thing about homeschool teaching is that the resources are endless. There is no specifically guided curriculum limiting what angles I can research or teach from. I can explore many theories and ideas and opinions and discover the true facts and some little known ones about any subject I want. I have learned amazing facts about Science as well as many ideas. I have learned a lot about history and found humorous and serious things left out of many texts. I utilize the libraries and Internet. They are free (for the most part...I have had late fees at the library and some Internet sites do charge)and they offer a myriad of resources. I am having fun! (By the way, the local library set me up to get emails 2 days before things are due...and I also can "order"- "hold" any item I want from my computer and they will have it for me in a special place when it is available...very helpful people!)

Handsome is doing well. Today he earned a model airplane I had purchased at a yard sale as an incentive for studying the Wright Brothers. We have done that, as well as take a look at the Space program. Handsome thought it would have been incredible if the Wright brothers would have known that less than 70 years later, man would walk on the moon. One of them (my brain fails me at the moment!) did live to see jet planes and the atomic bomb.

We visited the Challenger Space Center yesterday. In addition to all the space information, they have a cockpit control panel from an airplane. That was Handsome's favorite thing. They even let him play with it, switching all the switches and turning all the knobs. They have cardboard space suits that you can take a picture with your head inside. I had to use my cell phone camera so I am not sure how well they turned out, but I will eventually try to publish them.

The history of aviation was the topic for our history class for this first couple of
weeks. We will soon move on into American History. So then, our Science topic is studying the Ocean and its inhabitants...and its features.

Today we learned about salt and fresh water. We did an experiment with salt water, letting the outside air dry it out and observing the salt left behind on the black paper...a lesson in evaporation...and we did an experiment from yesterday's lesson on tides and waves. We made a beach in a paint roller pan and made waves with a pencil and then observed whether the beach got washed away quicker with or without gravel added to the shore. Girlfriend helped make the waves. She thought it was fun!

For health class we are learning about nutrition. We had one week on posture and now we are learning what we should eat. Today Handsome made posters on vegetables and the vitamins they provide. Monday he did one on proteins. Now, if I could only get both of them to eat what they should! Handsome would eat mac and cheese or chicken nuggets everyday if I would let him...or maybe a hashbrown or two. Girlfriend nibbles on protein items and pasta...and then gobbles down everything once in awhile. Today I reiterated the need for vegetables and fruit. It is not that Handsome doesn't like them, it is just that he dislikes them for LUNCH. sounds like a reasonable excuse to me! Ha! But they do get all their vitamins!

Well, that's about all the exciting things happening around my parts. I did fail to mention that Hunky is enjoying Kindergarten and talks a lot about it when he arrives home.

Well, I shall attempt to blog more regularly...at least weekly as I have said before. I almost made it!

Keep smiling because it makes your kids think you have a secret! Ha!

A New Year of Challenges and Changes!

2009-08-14T17:14:00.002-07:00

Hello, I know, I know...I keep promising to blog more frequently and then fail to fulfill the promise. Part of the problem truly was that my computer was on the blink...I really should say the "brink" of death...and it finally gave up the ghost as they say. I now have a new computer which eliminates that excuse.

Another problem is that I am the type of person who only occasionally blogs along or writes in diaries, etc, just for myself...or to get things out of my head. I am far more motivated when I know someone else is reading them and hearing me out. And since not very many comments are made, I assume that not very many people, if any, are reading me...thus, I am unmotivated... silly me! (That was a hint!)

Anyway, this is a new year...school year, that is. But since I am homeschooling my grandson and caring for my granddaughter, it is a new beginning for me as well.

Handsome is now in second grade. And I think I am beginning to understand him far better than I ever have! He loves Science...so I am trying to take his weaker areas and enhance them with his Science topics. For example...although we will be using several different Science topics, the main one throughout the year is Zoology 102, understanding the sea and its inhabitants, as well as all swimming creatures, etc. so, we decorated an entire room as the Ocean...painting murals (on butcher paper) and hanging stuffed animal whales, dolphins, sharks, etc. from the ceiling as if they are swimming in the sea. There are lobsters and octopusi, jellyfish and sea stars taped to the mural as well (paper ones, of course!) And nets (from a luau I held last year), and a border of paper sack style butcher paper to depict the bottom of the sea, upon which there is a wrecked ship! Still to come is bubble wrap for the top for air bubbles and foam...and somehow we are going to have some waves....

But I am having him write in a notebook...mostly just copying sentences I write for now...and decorate it with stickers relating to the sea. (Actually, he has a notebook for each topic in which we are doing similar things). Today we did an experiment about the surface currents with Cheerios and hair dryers making gyres in a bowl of water. So, he copied several sentences about the experiment. Funny thing, he doesn't complain about having to write his words or letters, etc. when they mean something about something he is interested in. I also took words that relate to the sea but still meet the level of reading words in his reading workbook for his spelling words. And today, he got 100% without complaining that they were just dumb words. Amazing! I hope he doesn't catch on to the fact that he is actually DOING spelling words and vocabulary words and printing and reading exercises! (Just kidding!)

He is also studying a little tiny bit about astronauts as his history topic for a couple of weeks because the public school he would attend covered Sally Ride and Neil Armstrong last year and we didn't. So, I made that more of a history lesson, but he wrote a few sentences about that too...and looked up some more info on the moon, etc. (We DID study the moon last year...and planets, etc). Next Thursday we are going to the Challenger Space Center in Peoria for a field trip. And we are going to the free aquarium at Cabella's on Wednesday due to our Science topic being fresh water vs. salt water that day...

Just before the start of school, we went to the Children's Museum and the AZ Science Center...on what is called a "Culture Pass"...free passes you can check out at the library...but you have to stand in line first thing in the morning in the heat...because each library has only one for each museum. And you can only get one per week and two per month! But I survived! And it was great fun!

We found out that the Science Center has homeschool classes about every 2 to 3 weeks at a reasonable price. So, the 25th is our first class! The topics vary, but keeping his interest in Science alive is most important. And they will cover the Ocean...in February, I think.

Hunky has started Kindergarten in a public School. We were unsure about the wisdom of that venture, but so far it seems to be positive for both boys.

"Girlfriend", as I am currently referring to her, has definitely graduated to the middle stage of the "terrible twos". I used to shrink at that term, but she has convinced me to renew it. As sweet and wonderful as she is, her opinions are heard loudly and clearly, especially her dislikes. Oh well. To keep her feeling special during school hours, I have created learning centers for her. She LOVES the texture table...Miondays is sand, Wednesdays is beans and macaroni, and Fridays is water!!!!
Tuesdays and Thursdays she gets "dress up" days with makeup and the whole bit. And then there is the store, with gracery cart and "real" food, and the kitchen with fabric textures for food toppings, and then the puzzles, art, stickers, etc. And she also has 1:1 time with me featuring the five sense...one each day...with a snesory bag full of something new to taste, touch, smell, see, or hear...depending on the day.

Well, Monday is Hunky's birthday and though he will be in school, we shall celebrate when he gets home...as well as a family and friends party tomorrow afternoon....

Well, I shall do my best to continue this blog at least weekly...please let me know if you enjoy...or even if you don't but read it anyway! Thanks..

Temporarily no pictures due to new computer needing to be downloaded for the program...perhaps tomorrow!!

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

2009-07-04T12:21:00.003-07:00

Hi, Everyone! I realize it has been a long time since I was blogging away on here. Much has happened and I continue to think daily that I should update this spot.

I fail to be clever at this moment in time and also find myself waning in the creative recall of events that might be of interest...

So, I shall promise once again to try harder to keep things going here on this site...and your responses would help keep me motivated too!

For those of you who can handle controversial subjects from time to time, I do have another blog site that I take to occasionally...some subjects could be here...or there, but I am trying to keep this one related to CF and homeschooling pretty much... so, if you are interested in the other sides of me go to:

Charliwrites.blogspot.com

Hope you have a wonderful Fourth of July!

Everybody Never Always does that ALL the time!

2009-06-08T18:09:00.004-07:00

Yeah, totally! Hey, take a breath! Come Up for Air!
(even though this is just a silly thought inspired by the "objectivity-challenged", the statement in the title is actually accurate...sort of...if you think about it...Everybody, all of humanity, NEVER ALWAYS does anything ALL the time...except maybe breathe, and that can be interrupted at will...I hope you don't breathe underwater) The "objectivity-challenged amuse me when I remember to not join their ranks, and not take them or myself, too seriously!

"Everybody" picks on me.
"Everybody" hates me, too!
"Everybody" knows my secrets,
And tells me what to do!

The whole wide world is against me!
Yes, every single soul!
I must be very important
To have them as a whole.

To have every human being
Take personal interest in me,
Seems a little ludicrous,
As my friends wish I would see.

My friends "never" treat me right,
Nor listen to what I say.
They "never" do what I ask,
Or give me the time of day.

But, yet, I AM invited
To go places I have been...
Suggestions, I myself, have made;
But I can't remember when.

And there's precautions my friend take
Because I told them to...
So, maybe, it's not frequently
But "never" should not do!

You "always" think that I am wrong!
"Always" say things that make me mad!
"Always" think the worst of me,
And make me look really bad!

You must have a lot of time;
Extra time on your hands.
No time to eat or sleep or work,
"Always" got to plot and plan!

Yet I see you living fine
With your family and friends.
So, maybe "always" isn't right,
And this eternity should end!

"All the time" you interrupt!
You "never" listen to me!
Perhaps the "you" I should address
Is "poor little old...ME!"

Now for the museum and...

2009-05-28T20:54:00.005-07:00

Vacation is almost over!

2009-05-28T20:09:00.003-07:00

It has been a wonderful time! I have had a chance to write! That is my first love when it comes to pasttimes. But I have discovered this week that I also love to take nature walks and take pictures, and observe wildlife and plant life. It seems that the allergies that sometimes plague me have taken their own vacation...or perhaps vanished (wouldn't that be marvelous?)and I have been able to enjoy the outdoors.

We visited the Biosphere 2 amd found it fascinating. The best scientific minds in their fields put this vision together, and still made some mistakes and miscalculations. The challenge of bringing together in one place, so many biomes, must have been overwhelming. The Rain Forest, desert, ocean, and other areas each had their own challenges. Though it is not what it once was, experiments are still taking place there daily. The focus of the experiments has changed, but the science is still amazing. The buildings and all of the technology that went into trying to duplicate Earth's atmosphere is more than amazing. Quite an adventure to say the least.

We also visited the International Wildlife Museum which is quite delightful in its own right. I don't believe I have ever seen so many insects and bugs in one place, not to mention all the animals from around the world. The only sad thing is that they are no longer alive...although there was a scorpion and some kind of insect that were alive in their glass cages.

We also visited U of A and the historic district of downtown. But I do think my favorite has been just walking the desert with my camera. I will admit to enjoying the pool as well.

Well, I would be less than honest to say that I do not miss my babies. TDH just graduated from eighth grade and is going to be helping me a couple days of week...
Jomo is just my quiet gentleman...Handsome is missing me, Hunky and Sister also...and I them as well.

Well, I must say I miss my doggies, too. Zeke and Teddy are being entertained by TDH, Jomo, and my son. But they miss us, I am sure. They don't eat well when we are gone. We'll be home soon...all my kiddos!

more vacation pictures

2009-05-25T20:33:00.005-07:00

Notice the bee in the center picture!

What a nice vacation!

2009-05-25T20:19:00.005-07:00

These are hard times for most everyone. We are being encouraged to spend wisely, take closer to home vacations, and cut back on splurges.

We are doing all of the above and still having a marvelous time on our vacation. We went to Tucson...only a couple of hours from home. We had "points" to spend on a vacation plan we purchased long before this recession. So, here we are at a lovely resort, with the cacti blooming, a wonderful room, enjoying each other.

I like to hike (well, "walk" really) and take pictures, so the above are from my walks around this campus. I didn't know that the cacti blossoms only open for one or two days and then are gone. Fortunately, I got lots of shots on the right day!

We visited U of A campus today along with the historical part of downtown Tucson. We went swimming in the oylmpic-size pool and met some very nice people. We played two games of Scrabble (one of super scrabble and one deluxe!) We each won one! We are reading books, and watching movies and TV together. We plan to go to the Biosphere 2 and a woldlife museum, perhpas tomorrow or Wednesday.

Last night another resort just a ways up the hill held a fireworks show in honor of Memorial Day and we were privileged to view it from our patio.

So far, we are having a relaxing and great time! We hope all of you are also!

More pictures of more fun and a graduation!

2009-05-25T20:11:00.006-07:00

TDH graduated eighth grade last Tuesday! Too much for me to think I have a grandson starting high school! Wow! Where did all the years go?

Where did the month go?

2009-05-25T20:00:00.005-07:00

Wow! I did it again! I let the whole month go, almost, without adding any blogs. And it was a busy month, too. As the pictures indicate, we have been horseback riding, swimming, mud-bathing, etc. Handsome is doing much better with his reading. He promoted to second grade!Hunky knows all his alphabet, both upper and lower cases, and many of the letter sounds. And he graduated preschool! And Sister is just as cute as any two year can be!

Since I neglected to report on specific antics and activities, I shall share mostly pictures and blog on my vacation...from which I am writing this!

Just feel like posting....

2009-05-04T21:54:00.005-07:00

I just feel like sharing some scenes of our yards...to focus on the beauty of Creation and not on all the cutbacks and concerns. Enjoy!

Living in These Times!

2009-05-04T19:32:00.004-07:00

In just a few days my husband and I will celebrate our anniversary! This year, with the economy being tested, and we in that same boat, thought hard about what to give each other. There really is nothing that I need. I have enough clothes, shoes, jewelry, etc. In the past, I may have requested to add to my collections of such. But things do not appeal to me right now.

On the other hand, one of the joys I find is in gardening and making our yard beautiful. I love the feel of the dirt on my hands. I love the color of the flowers and shrubs. I love reaping the vegetables from the garden. I even enjoy the weeding and watering. So, I suggested to my husband, who was also having difficulty coming up with any suggestions of gifts for him, that we buy and plant an anniversary tree. When we bought this home, almost three years ago, there were two trees that the previous owners had planted that were not thriving, and did not survive. I had wanted to replace at least one of them. Previously, my attention had focused on the front yard. Now it was time to think about that tree.

And so, we did! We wanted one that was drought-resistant, colorful, and would eventually provide shade. So, we settled on a "Purple plum", (that is the common name). And so, we look forward to measuring it each anniversary, just like we would a child, to see how much it is growing! And, as my daughter-in-law pointed out, we are also "going green".

The boys and I set the butterflies free Friday. We opened the habitat in the back yard. At first, the butterflies just fluttered around, circling inside the habitat, relunctant to escape. And then one left the fold. And then another. Suddenly, the remainder flew up and out into the sky. They flitted around in the yard. One flew over the fence, but the others just hung out for a while. In fact, they let us catch them with our hands, briefly, but then flew off again. Handsome wanted to say a prayer that the birds wouldn't eat his butterflies. I feel that even God could not resist that little prayer. I have confidence that they will be happy and reproduce and live their fullest life span. He felt good about releasing them, as he worried about them in the habitat. So, we said good-bye with a prayer and watch every day to see if they return. So far, they have sent their friends of different colors, but have not returned themselves. But the boys are okay with that!

Today they made a mud hole and put themselves fully into it. Sister joined in as well. She didn't seem to mind this time. Such fun...and then the tub!

These are times of struggle...if one focuses on those issues. But I am grateful that I can focus on the flight and the plight of butterflies, and the growth of trees, flowers, and vegetables. For today...and tomorrow...one day at a time! After all, God provided first in a garden. Why should today be any different?

Sister is TWO!

2009-04-29T21:42:00.006-07:00

Sister, formerly known as Baby Girl has turned two! It happened almost two weeks ago. Somehow this has made a big change in her attitude. She KNOWS she is TWO! She is still my sweet Girlfriend, but there is an obvious change, in her nap habits, in her opinions, and her challenges. She is learning to use the "potty chair" as well. She knows that is HERS!

I have posted these blogs BACKWARDS in terms of chronological order. But at least I am getting caught up.

Anyway, I really just wanted to post some pictures of her party!!

Enjoy!

Backyard Campout!

2009-04-29T17:57:00.007-07:00

Last weekend Grandpa Steve, my son Matt, TDH. Jomo, Handsome, Hunky, and H & H's dad camped out in our backyard. We have two pine trees, so the setting appeared authentic! Matt brought his portable fire pit and guitar, along with his tent, camp stove, lanterns, etc. Grandpa set up our tent, bbq, cooler for food, lounge chairs, etc. The rules were: 1.NO GIRLS! 2.You cannot go inside the house except to use the bathroom! 3.Have fun! They cooked outside...Friday night's dinner, Saturday's breakfast and lunch. They made s'mores in the firepit, counted stars, looked for bugs, and sang silly camp songs. They set up the "pool" for Saturday and played games as well as on the gym set. The let their hair down, so to speak, and their imaginations go wild!

It was a good male bonding time! They all want to know when they can do it again...including the adults! The only thing missing, according to Handsome, was fishing! Maybe next time...we have an urban fishing pond not far from here...

Meanwhile, Sister and I (not Baby Girl, any more, remember! She is TWO!) went out to eat and then to visit some of my friends in the nursing home where I used to work. The elder ladies really love to see little ones. She was so good and fascinated by their walkers and wheelchairs...and of course, the facility dog, Freckles! Mom had a day trip out of town for her work, but returned in the late evening. Sister had retired to bed, but I stayed up to try my had at WII games. I tried that test where they give you a WII age based on strength, stamina, etc. and I gained one year on my actual age! Yeah!

Then Mom, Sister, and I went out to breakfast (I stayed all night with them) and yard sale-ing...how much more girl-bonding could you get?

Butterflies and Bean Blossoms!

2009-04-29T17:36:00.009-07:00

We have butterflies! It happened yesterday while we were away! Our chrysalises birthed their butterflies! Three at first, and then two last night! 100% success!
Handsome and I named them, Flappy (he likes to stretch his wings! Nappy (he appears sleepy and moves little), Zappy (he flits from one side to the other of the habitat), Pretty (he has the most color) and Witty (escaped at least once!) I said "he" for each one, because Handsome thinks they are. We did not get into any discussions about that yet...the company tries to send a variety, but no guarantees of gender! They do tell you what to do if they lay eggs while in the habitat!

This has been an exciting adventure. They came to us as fuzzy, bumpy little caterpillars and in just a day or two, moved up to the top of the container and hung upside down to become chrysalises. Only a bit more than a week and they are beautiful butterflies! They sat on my finger and Handsome's too. And one got out twice or two got out once...not sure! But they flew back unto my finger and then off into the habitat without further ado! I would like to release them by this weekend, but Handsome wants to keep them inside. They will only live 2 to 4 weeks either way. We are feeding them according to the instructions and they seem to be happy.

It is a wonderful experience to watch the metamorphosis of these splendid creatures! They are a symbol of hope, change, and beauty. God is good!

I have no picture right now, but we have bean blossoms in our garden also. What a joy to care for Creation!

Things are looking UP!

2009-04-22T07:25:00.004-07:00

Look Up! Advice that I have frequently given out myself. It is always better to look up and trust in God. Sometimes, I look up and have the tendency to see clouds rather than the splendor of God. I guess that makes me a human being. Some of the things I enjoy about living in Arizona are the sunsets and the cloud formations created by the weather. I try to remind myself on days when the "clouds" of discouragement, fear, or anxiety try to manifest across my vision, that the "upside" of a cloud is marvelous. I have flown through many clouds in airplanes, total blankness, fog...(and I have walked through many in my paths in life), but I also had the wonderful experience of flying OVER a cloud and witnessing its magnificence. I called it the "upside" of a cloud. It was billowy and gorgeous in ways I had not observed from beneath. I thought it must be a beautiful day below. The pilot came on the speaker and announced that we would be descending into the clouds and that there was rain and stormy weather beneath us, so be prepared if this was your destination. It was mine. And he was right. From the ground, I never would have thought those clouds were beautiful. But from above, they were awesome!

It reminds me keep in mind that there is always a higher perspective. God has a different view quite often than our gloomy sight. I shall try to remember that lesson.

Handsome's situation is looking up as well. He had his eyes examined and it was discovered that he needs reading glasses...well, prescription lenses that he only needs when reading or doing close-up work. That may well have been an issue with the learning to read difficulties. There are many letters that resemble other letters, especially a, o, e, etc. I am hoping that this will help his confidence and ability to read.

Baby Girl is two now. And she knows it. What it is about being two that is different is a mystery, but it seems to exist! She suddenly does not need as much nap time, can "explore" more "efficiently", and has "mastered" the ability to climb. She has also discovered her verbal skills, which, actually, are quite developed and cute. However, she has also discovered the girlish scream of excitement and of demand! This has landed her in "time out" several times already this week! But she is still so cute! She sits in a "huff", but she sits. Then she looks so cute and says "I wanna get up!" It is hard to make her stay the two minutes, but I know if I give in now, there will be a price to pay later. As soon as she hears the timer go off, she says "Up now?" and takes off at my nod. I call her "Girlfriend" now, but I shall use her new family nickname of "Sister" for this blog from now on. "Baby Girl" doesn't quite fit any more. She did, after all, have an official birthday party.

Well, our butterfly babies arrived last Friday. The caterpillars have already cocooned and are becoming chrystiles (I know I didn't spell that right...will change it later...). Anyway, we can't touch them until they are all formed. Then we move them into the habitat we have prepared. Handsome is totally excited that we are "growing" butterflies. He wants to know how long we can keep them once they are birthed. We have to take everything one step at a time. We have another few days before we can move them. Then about a week to ten days before they birth. From there, we shall see what is best for them. It is exciting to watch this transformation in progress!

And I guess, we each in our own way, are a continuing work in progress. A handiwork of God. And as that, we must remember to LOOK UP! I will post pictures soon!

Can Anyone Out There Help??

2009-04-16T06:56:00.005-07:00

Like I said before, originally this blog was to focus on homeschooling and CF issues. It has come to represent many aspects of my life. But today, we shall return to the original intent.

Can anyone out there help me get Handsome to read on the level he should? It seems that when it comes to reading, his brain does not retain properly. He seemed to be doing pretty well when I introduced long vowels. He seemed to "get it". But suddenly ALL the vowels turned long and now he reads every word as if it has a long vowel sound. We go over the rules daily. He seems to understand them. Until I put actual words on the paper for him to read. I have researched special needs programs, and had my sis send me some curriculum from CA. I admit, I have not had time to thoroughly study it...he was doing so much better when it arrived. But using what I have studied, along with various techniques gained from other books and studies, seems to only be temporary fixes. It concerns me that all his friends, even younger ones, can read MUCH better than he! Any ideas? I have tried the reward system...again temporary success...and some techniques to assist with common reading difficulties...but???

His parents think it is more focus-related. His CF meds are on the minimal side right now, so that should be better not worse. Yet this week...I am not sure we accomplished anything. I am feeling really discouraged and that perhaps I am not a good teacher at all. He is doing fine, even well, in math and loves science. Is this normal? He seems to not really care that much if he reads or not. He goes through spurts where he wants to play all the word games and computer programs and read books together for several days in a row, and then he just looses all interest and doesn't even want to try. This makes me think that he finds it so hard to concentrate that he gives up. I am not sure!

I made up a game with lots of action with words where the adults have different outcomes and have to do silly things to earn their spaces. He played it once with me, and once with his parents, Grandpa and me, and once with some neighbor kids. He won all three times and seemed to like the game a lot. But right now, he doesn't want to play it. Forcing him to would create even further disdain for the game. It reviews the rules, has "rebel" word attacks (words that don't follow rules,,,like friend, love, you, etc...) and towers of dominoes to knock down. Has elements of recognizing the shape and color and number words necessary for his math and science lessons.

I am trying to be fun and creative. I spend a lot of hours studying different approaches to teaching reading, and a lot of time on the computer and at the library. Most weekends find me spending at least half of my available time working on this. IT IS FRUSTRATING!!! I looked into the Sylvan learning programs but not only are they expensive, but they focus around rewards, which seems to only be temporary. Handsome has been known to be able to read an entire book in a week, by repetition and daily reading, only to forget most of the words after a week of not reading that specific book. So, it seems he is memorizing the words temporarily and then forgetting them after he reads for his parents. Does anyone know if this is a behavioral/focus issue or indicative of a serious learning problem?

He seems to be understanding math just fine, although he recently started writing some of his two-digit numbers backwards again. I feel like such a failure. I have never been so challenged! I spend so much energy on this! I have taught many children to read, and some adults as well. But I am a failure at my own grandson's schooling. HELP????

Bugs, Insects, and Creepy Crawly things!

2009-04-14T16:45:00.004-07:00

It's a good thing I had a son of my own before I took on these grandsons! MY son brought home things like lizards, bugs, and an albino rat he named Princess. I hope it is not TOO unlady-like of me to admit that I liked Princess. She had a personality. If she liked you, she let you know with cuddles and squeaky quiet noises. If she didn't like you she had her way of showing that as well, though I shall spare you all the details. Let's just say if you were not liked...you knew it! Unless, of course, you refused to touch her at all. Who knew rats had personaliies?!

In our current study of science, the topic is insects...focusing on the winged insects and winged bugs. They are not necessarily the same. And, we found out, everything dubbed a "bug" by common folk like myself, may not even be a bug OR an insect...just a creepy crawly thing...or a crawly thing, not so creepy, depending on one's perspective on such creatures! I am sure they all have perfectly good names, scientifically at least, but I am not that much into bug-like names.

Anyway, today's assignment and experiment required our capturing an insect. We took it a step further and caught three. One common housefly. One small bee. And one larger fly (not as big as a horsefly, though...not sure exactly what it was. He shall be referred to as the Big Fly for the purposes of this blog.) In catching these insects, with the help of a butterfly net, we also got a wonderful specimen, albeit...dead....of a baby fly. He was caught in the top of the net. He must have had a heart attack or something, as his final pose was with wings aloft, spread in flight...as if he just stopped in motion. It is quite a nice specimen, although we did not mean to take out any baby flies!

The experiments were like this: Put the insect into a container where they still have air and then into the refrigerator. These cold-blooded creatures gave the boys a first-hand show of death and resurrection! Just in time for Easter! Ha! Anyway, we found also that the bee took longer to revive than the flies. Not sure if it is because he was slightly larger than the fly, or because he is a bee. We shall have to research that. That is what we get for doing more than the original assignment!

The next activity was called the "Lazurus Experiment". We took the Big Fly out while he was still groggy enough not to fly away, and "drowned" him in some water. The warmth of the water awakened him quite rapidly and he put up a good fight. Eventually, though, he succumbed to the water. The book said they could stay submerged for up to four minutes, but I was content with just one. He then lay on the paper towel, looking very dead. Then we put the salt on him as instructed in the book. Then we blew it off. In minutes (not seconds...unless it was like, 59) he began to revive. He moved very slowly with his antannae first, and then his legs, and finally, his wings. He had been through so much with us, that I coaxed him out of his jar and onto my finger. He did not fly away. I place him on the back of a patio chair, although he wanted to stay on my finger. He sat there for quite awhile, but eventually flew off. I can imagine the stories he will be telling back in his fly home and community tonight!

We still have the bee and the other fly. Handsome wants to make the fly his pet. He fed it something sticky before I left. I did not ask what. Somethings are best left to the boys. The bee will probably die. I thought about trying to save it, but it has struggled so much because the boys put it in the refrigerator and out about six times! I think he may as well move on! Ha!

We also caught a red wasp. At least that is what it looked like. It escaped the net before we could get the container in position. I would have liked to examine it to see exactly what it was. Lucky for him!

We have ordered butterfly larvae and it should be arriving soon. We do have the habitat all ready and waiting. These actually CAN be pets I hear. Wow! Thankfully, neither boy caught a butterfly today.

I brought the net home with me. It is mine. Lucky insects! I think I really like Science after all! Who knew!?

I Can Be Creative...for now!

2009-04-13T22:06:00.005-07:00

Last year I made Easter baskets for my daughters, including my daughter-in-law, my grandchildren (those under the age of 7) and a few other people. This year, I got consumed making my granddaughter a quilt for her second birthday, which we will celebrate this weekend. This is a tradition I began a few years back...on their second birthday, they get a handmade quilt from Grandma. Baby Girl is getting pillows as well. On their third, they get a homemade book called "Stories From Grandma's Heart" which is a complilation of stories I have written for children in my life over the years. The younger ones have more stories as they have the newer ones also.

I love doing things for my family and friends. All of my grandchildren (except for Mr. Boo who isn't yet two) have quilts. Their moms have saved them for them. Everyone over three has a book. But I am finding it more difficult to maneuver my fingers over the quilt pieces, especially for the hand-stitched parts. I hope I can continue my traditions.

I should go to bed and get more sleep! But, instead I lay awake creating more stories and designing quilts in my head. Sheesh!!!

Happy Birthday, Baby Girl!

How Fragile Life Can Be!

2009-04-13T21:51:00.002-07:00

It actually happened on Friday. Good Friday. The call came about 4:00 PM. PRAY! There had been an accident at my son's work...involving him! He actually was the lucky one, compared to his partner. Some sort of electrical malfunction had caused his partner to get shocked and literally catch on fire. My son was only a few feet away and had to extinguish the flames...with his own hands! He enhaled a lot of smoke and some heat. Since he is an asthmatic, that was a serious situation, along with the burns on his hands.

But on Saturday, his response was that they were all counting their blessings! They had survived! Even the burn victim is going to make it! He is in a lot of pain, but he should make a full recovery...eventually...

My son was able to attend the family Easter celebration. He is still not fully recovered from the enhaled smoke nor the burned hands. But he is grateful for his life and family. He is thankful that his friend, partner and boss, is going to make it.

It is incredible how fragile life is. Somebody dies every minute...somewhere. Some suffer through terrible diseases. Some leave for their daily routines of life, never to return home. It only takes one ill-timed turn, one wrong decision, being at the wrong place and the wrong time, one moment of someone's wrath...and it is eternity! Life as we know it here is done...It only takes one little spark to end or at least change a life!

More Easter Pix...

2009-04-12T08:35:00.005-07:00

Laughter of Children!

2009-04-12T07:58:00.004-07:00

Happy Easter! Thank God we live in the desert! It rained on our "parade" but the end result was simply a delay rather than a cancellatation. We had planned a big dinner with 22 people---10 children and 12 adults for Saturday so the whole family could be here. Some had other-side of the family plans for today. So, we spent the last few weeks cleaning the yard, doing things that take some real motivation to actually do. Grandpa Steve fixed the baby swing for Mr. Boo and Baby Girl, and put new sand in the sandbox. We cleaned out the playhouse and the fort and dusted the slide and rest of the playground. We planted colorful flowers and fed the garden. Then we tackled the inside of the house. Cleaning carpets and counters that usually settle for a "Lick and promise". We even had the dogs groomed. THEN IT RAINED!!!

At first I thought we would have to move the whole "parade" to my daughter's house, as she has more inside room for the kids. But, because the desert was so dry, the ground soaked it all up quickly. The rain left no puddles and even the playground dried rapidly. The sandbox had been covered! So, we moved the picnic tables inside to eat and then let the kids outside for the egg hunt. Baby Girl and Mr. Boo loved their new swing and had to learn the beginning of the lesson of taking turns. The squeals of delight from their mouths made the day for me. They had gales of laughter as Grandpa Steve and moms and I took turns pushing the swing!

All the other children raced through the yard discovering eggs and different toys. The trampoline was also a hit! One extended family girl, (the only other girl) picked herself a ripe tomato from the garden. They chased each other and then got Easter goodies to enjoy, such as bubbles, etc.

Today we will gather for lunch at my daughter's house. Her sister (Mr. Boo's mom) and hubby and Mr. Boo (boo hoo for me) have to leave from there to return to CA.

It has already been a fantastic Easter with all my family here. And I thank God for all of them! I thank Him for Easter and the Resurrection and all the other miracles of every day life!

The Joys of Challenges!

2009-04-01T15:20:00.004-07:00

I started this blog to write about homeschooling and Cystic Fibrosis challenges. Little did I realize that CF creates its own set of homeschooling challenges. Handsome is becoming a student with a desire to learn. But, like most of us, does not find every topic appealing nor easily learned. My brain used to be challenged by Science and Math. Handsome's bent is science and math. Mine, obviously, is reading and writing and the creative endeavors. Not to imply that he isn't creative, for he is very much so. Just not in the same genres as I am.

He has struggled to learn to read. I didn't pick up on the struggle as early as I should have because it did not manifest in kindergarten curriculum. Learning the letters and sounds, etc. and small words did not reveal any learning difficulties. However, first grade is another story... I blamed myself for being a poor teacher.

As I accessed the CF info online, I discovered that due to meds and treatment schedules, etc, learning difficulties of one nature or another is very very common in CF kids. Then I realized that I, myself, have difficulty focusing when I am on the totality of meds for extreme allergies. On those days, I feel drained as having to force myself to focus on one task at time takes its toll. Some of my meds are also steroid based...and no fun. I imagine that Handsome has to begin each day with these types of meds, that it is difficult to focus. He must put forth much effort just to stay focused, and it is not his fault. I cannot make this become an excuse, but I certainly can understand the struggle.

There is more to this picture, though, than just the CF. Handsome is creative in his own way...much like some famous inventors and scientist were. For example, in the middle of reading...learning about, say, rules for vowels, etc. Handsome will be triggered by a given word, to lapse into questions regarding science experiments (what would happen if...? AND maybe we could build a ...OR wouldn't it be cool if we exploded some soda in the volcano?...) OR physics...(Do you think if we balanced all those bricks on one end of that board, and put some bags of sand on the other end, that...???) or off into a world of designing garages on the side of his worksheets, etc.

I read where Woodrow Wilson did not master the alphabet until he was nine and was not considered a "reader" until the age of eleven. His parents focused instead on teaching him what he was interested in...politics and ethics.

Einstein, Edison, and Newton all did not fit into the average schooling situations and required homeschooling. Newton could not relate to the math taught in his day...I wonder why? His brain was wired to discover something no one else could master before him. Edison was labeled "addled" (the word of his day for "mentally challenged") and his mother told he could not learn. Guess he fooled them!

I'm not saying that Handsome is a budding genius. And I am not saying that we don't have legitimate struggles to contend with. My sis has helped by sending curruiculum from the California Public schools system from which she retired as a Masters Degreed Special Ed teacher and resource specialist. Now when I get the time to retrain myself...

I am saying that in spite of the challenges, in spite of the meds and the allergies and the distractions and labels...we shall overcome! Handsome will be reading well one day soon...and then a lot more school will seem easier. My sis did say another encouraging thing...that first grade is the hardest because you know basically nothing except the alphabet and numbers. Much of what is learned later is developed in first grade.
And then I wonder---I showed Handsome the first grade reader I learned to read from. Dick, Jane and Baby Sally. See Spot run. Run, Spot, run! He laughed. I told him how lucky he is to have books on monster cars, sports, and animals to learn from. And then I realized how "lame" those Dick, Jane, and Sally books look compared to today's curruiculum. And my generation has a better rating of success than many college grads of this current world. Are we pushing too hard? Are we trying to rush our kids into reading and learning when they would still rather play? I and most of my peers can read WELL. We can use a computer and actually WRITE stories and reports without all kinds of abbreviations...and yes we can also SPELL! And to think, we learned it all from Dick, Jane and Sally!

The Week Goes On!

2009-03-21T09:00:00.003-07:00

Last night we had dinner and Uncle Matt's house. He is quite the good cook. I told him that had I known how well he can cook, he would have had the opportunity a LOT more when he was growing up in my house! He rolled his eyes! Another thing he is good at!

But, we brought Jomo home with us. Today we are going out to the Air Force Base for an air show. Grandpa has only been to one other, and as far as I can recall, the same is true for me. And mine was not a military show. Should be quite interesting.

I have been planting like crazy. The front yard dons pansies and marigolds in pots as well as the in-ground things of previous years. The daisies are still blooming happily and the roses are all budding in spite of my late pruning. My garden in the back is now sporting well-established tomatoes, a hearty and healthy-looking strawberry plant with green berries on it, a beginning summer squash plant, two seedlings of zucchini, two or three sprouts of peas, some teeny blades of lettuce and cucumbers, and a I think, possibly, a carrot sprout. I am still planting okra and some more berries this weekend. I finally got some big pots. Our ground garden area is very over-grown with weeds and in spite of our treatments and pulling efforts, they remain the victor. Thus, we have resulted to our raised box garden and large pots. This worked well last year also. The squash, cucmbers, and beans (oh, yes, those are sprouting too!) can climb up trellises attached to the side of the box, which is quite large...about 12 ft. by 8 ft or so. I can also put a trellis or a teepee type of support around the large pots as well. I may also send the strawberries up a wire.

Enough about my garden. I am going to a yard sale at my neighbor's house and then get ready for the air show. The pictures are of random crafts or events...just to show off my family and life! And I forgot to mention that Jomo went with us to Pioneeer Village, (another outing but not for homeschool, since he attend public school!) We went on Valentine's day, which happens to be the Statehood Day of Arizona, so we had a lot of characters and history...it was a great time! Ah, such vanity...

We've Been Everywhere!

2009-03-19T09:26:00.005-07:00

Well, maybe not everywhere, but we have been touring the city a lot since I have blogged about anything significant. Part of the reason for the lack of blogging is that my computer had decided to take on some male characterisitics...like...having to be asked numerous times to boot up. Having to turn it off and on over and over to get its attention...having it pull up whatever it decided no matter what it was asked to do...failing to take "charge" when it was fully plugged in...etc...

Another reason for the decline of writing is that in spite of allergy injections and lots of meds, I have been struggling with extreme allergy reactions. I saw a NP who just loaded me with more meds...it is all I can do to focus on one task at a time. I am still debating as to which is worse..the allergies or the treatments.

In the meantime, on days when all such things were under control, we have been out exploring. Some of these occurred before my last blog and some after...but all within this year.

We went fishing with Uncle Matt. We all got up before dawn (quite an achievement for my boys) and greeted the fish. They were not very hungry that day, however, and it turned into more of a casting and reeling event. Jomo went also, and that in itself was quite a treat. We had a lot of fun.

Then we went to the Phoenix zoo and saw elephants, tigers, and bears...no..the bear was hybernating! Handomse rode a camel, though. Again,we had a blast!

The most recent trip was to the Arizona Science Center. I had not been there in quite a while and they had all kinds of exhibits I had not seen. They are very kid friendly and had lots of hand-on things to explore. And then we got to visit with some Phoenix Police officers on horseback in the historical area of downtown.

We are studying about gardens. Worms. Dirt. Plants. Today we shall transplant our bean and squash seedlings we nurtured into the big potted garden. Later we may add worms and possibly some ladybugs to the scene. Handsome loves squash and Baby Girl is the Queen of Beans, so that is part of why we selected those veggies. WE had a "mud day" to celebrate what we learned about dirt and soil and mud.

As you can see, my life is not uninteresting. It is challenging however. Trying to teach a first-grader, four-year-old preschooler, and a potty-training toddler at the same time lacks no amount of challenge!

Well, speaking of such, all three are up and at it...watching educational TV, but it is time for "regular" school!

I Must've Done Something Right!

2009-03-02T20:53:00.006-07:00

Okay, I believe. There just HAS to be a fairy or angel of some sort with some angel dust of some kind...no, not drugs...real angels...that has or have transformed my grandsons into some wonderful little persons.

Now, don't get me wrong...they have always been wonderful...they're MY flesh and blood...but they have not always been good listeners nor "perfect" little angels. There have been days when I wondered why in the world I took on this challenge. Why did I leave my job with ADULTS and professionals to spend days changing diapers, chasing children, cleaning up messes, etc. WHY???

BUT, I must have done something right, to have my daughter ask me to care for her children, even rear them, so to speak. It IS an honor to be able to guide my grandchildren, to teach them and nurture them. It truly is. I cannot honestly say, though, that I have always thought I was the right person for the job...

And then the angel of mercy appeared...somewhere between last Monday and Tuesday...sometime where no one saw the magic...and what different boys I have! And just in time, because Baby Girl is almost fully-blown in the terrible twos!

We have a sticker chart to earn each day. Never before have the boys accomplished more than three days in a given week of earning all their stickers, yet they have soared to FOUR days this last week...

The angel may have partly been in the form of my sister who gave me great advice regarding homeschooling and attention/focus/distraction problems. It really works! She was a teacher for many years and a special ed teacher and resource specialist as well. Probably knows what she is talking about!

But, I think I must have done something right...in taking her advice...in raising (rearing) my own daughter...in loving my grandchildren...and in believing...

in the magic of love and respect, in God, in education, that all children can learn well, and perhaps, in that angel of mercy who flew in one day...and...

given the grace and space to be "children" and more emphatically "boys", made them truly "perfect".

IS ANYONE OUT THERE INTERESTED???

2009-02-14T15:58:00.002-07:00

Perhaps I am not as interesting as I thought. Perhaps the lives of those around me are plain boring...maybe I philosiphize too much, or make too big an effort to be humorous. Whatever the problem, no one lets me know that they read this blog. No one comments. No one emails. I am lonely!!!!Ha!!!

I use this blog therapeutically to hash through the details of my days. I welcome comments and suggestions. I realize that I do not stick well to one subject, but then, my life is a myriad of subjects...so how could I?

I write about homeschooling and grandchildren and outings and weeds and bugs. I write about ideas and philosophies of living. I tone down some things as to not offend anyone and perhaps, by doing so, I have become uninteresting or shallow. I do repent and ask your forgiveness.

So, I shall continue to type away, hoping that someone cares about my days and relates somehow to me.

I would like to spice up this blog, but one of the many things I am not is computer savvy. I am not blog-expertish either and have simply no idea how to do more than add a few pictures here and there. So, if anyone out there would like to help me become more interesting, please comment and get in touch with me.

I will write more about my day and the last few weeks after I return from a Valentine banquet at my church...actually, it will probably be tomorrow or later...but probably no one will read this anyway, so HAVE A GREAT DAY! SPREAD THE LOVE!

Its too early and I can't sleep!

2009-01-27T04:36:00.003-07:00

Why must I succumb to the quirks of aging? Where did all my youthful energy go? It seems that my thinker wants to work overtime in the wee hours of the morning when my body is awakened by other calls of nature. I used to be able to sleep through those calls without difficulty. I used to be able to turn the mind on and off at will. I used to be able to let things go easier. Now, it seems, all of these issues are a challenge. I know I shall regret having given in to such folly. I should have forced myself to stay in bed and at least snuggle next to my husband. But he is snoring...a good sign that he is breathing and resting. But not a good way for me to return to sleeping.

I could have gone into the spare room. (Sounds like an adventure to Narnia or something!) Ha! I could have worked on my novel. (Too engaging, in case I want to return to the bed...) I could be reading...(ditto)...only things to get the mind swirling again and not things to bring slumber to my eyes.

WE plan to go to the zoo today. Not the one that is close to the house, but the one on the other side of town. They have elephants and bears and lions. The other does not, although they have a new aquarium we have yet to see. And then Saturday, Handsome and Jomo, and possibly TDH and Hunky, and my son and myself will be out on a fishing adventure at 6:00 AM. Promises must be kept!

I sometimes think I am getting too old for this traipsing around town with a minimum of two children in tow...sometimes as many as five...or six. Walking the zoo will be challenging with the bone spur on my heel. And I will be very tired, I predict. But we will see lions and tigers and bears...and elephants. And Baby Girl will be very tired as well. And the boys will have a good time, which is the main idea.

Sometimes I miss the "good old days" when I went to a specific place day in and day out to do a routine job with a twist of surprises, given I was working with people. I had days off and vacation time. I had lunch breaks! I could blame things on other staff once in a while! I felt professional. I felt challenged and yet comfortable in my knowledge and experience. I should have known that teaching children again would exceed any challenge I felt a need to have. And caring for children, even with lots of experience, creates its own twists of surprises and challenges. There are no two children alike. Even though "the apple does not fall far from the tree", as the saying goes, each child is unique and special, with their own set of needs and personalities. Having reared one of their parents does not make them easier to figure out! And that is the delight and joy of it all. Discovering the future in each of them on a daily basis.

Give me a sharper mind, O Lord, so at least, I can stay one step ahead of them...even with a bone spur...

Mr. Boo is Walking! And Everyone is Well!

2009-01-24T10:35:00.005-07:00

I saw Mr. Boo walking last night...all the way across his house! Thanks to Skypes I can enjoy his antics even though he is not living as near me as I would like. He is still infactuated with his airplane we got him for his birthday. I am glad I did not wait until Christmas to give it to him...he got an extra month of enjoyment. He makes all sorts of noises now as well. Some words can even be understood! He is a very active and intelligent child...but of course, given his genetics, what else would he be? I do wish, however, that I could hold him and love on him in person more often. Oh well. At least we have Skypes and so far, my computer is working...

Baby Girl is into the "antics" as well. She is about ready to be potty-trained. She will now report when she has done a certain "duty" and yesterday, I found her sitting on the potty chair while accomplishing this. Her diaper and clothing were still on, but at least she knew where to "go". She is understanding a lot now. Time out. Waiting for her cuppy. (sometimes not too patiently, however) a little bit about being safe...and sharing...sort of.

TDH has decided that he no longer wishes to pursue playing in the school band, where he was an accomplished trumpter. He was in the District Honor Band and had his last performance last Saturday. The band did a great job! He looked so handsome in his dress clothes, although he quickly changed to jeans and tshirt as soon as he got out. Good job, TDH! We all got to enjoy, not only the concert, but treats afterwards at the new Westgate Center, next to the Cardinal's Stadium...GO CARDS!!!

Jomo has a go-cart, compliments of his dad. He took his cousins for a ride last week. Hunky, the daredevil who seems to have little fear and little safety-awareness, managed to fall out, even with a seat bar aross his lap. Fortunately, he was wearing a helmet and only got some "road burn" (on dirt) and scratches. Although I am sure it hurt badly for several days, he seemed to be satisfied with the attention it created. He is now okay. He is going out once in awhile to our church's new preschool. He is not enrolled, but is going as a companion/friend/helper for the children who are, since there are not yet many. So far, he has only gone twice, but looks forward to it. Some day, he may enrolled for a day or two. We will see. Right now, he is doing very well in his homeschool setting.

Handsome is excelling in his schooling right now. He is reading sentences more like sentences and not so much as individual words now. He still is not overly fond of reading, but finds it helpful in searching the Internet for items of interest. He is starting to attempt to spell words in the search engines on his own. He is doing well in math also, especially the hands-on things like measuring and cutting things into fractions. He has started subraction now as well. He can do three-number addition and double-digits addition also. We are working on time (clocks) and money (coins) also, which is of great interest to him.

Well, I have to decide whether or not to get ready to attend a wedding. It conflicts time-wise with TDH's soccer game, which we rarely miss. Hmmm....a wedding or a soccer game....????

more lights

2009-01-22T10:25:00.004-07:00

My How Time Flies When You Are Having Fun!

2009-01-22T10:01:00.004-07:00

I stated in an earlier blog that I think daily of things I want to say on this site. I seem, however, to put those things on the back burner of my mind when it comes to actually getting them out on the computer. Perhaps it is partially due to the fact that my computer has decided lately, that it has a mind of its own and has been resistant to my timing in using it. Perhaps I get distracted by the duties of life and forget at times to take some time our for myself...

Anyway, I have been having fun...mostly...I mentioned before that our city, Glendale, has a Holiday affair in the park downtown. They call it "Glendale Glitters". The final evening has bands and entertainment, alsong with hot air balloons tettered to the ground, and LOTS of food and booths spouting wares and contests. I managed to get a free massage in the deal. That event is called "Glendale Glitter and Glow Block Party". Anyway, the massage was worth it. That was this last Saturday night...Jan 17. Then the Phoenix Zoo has millions of lights scattered throughout called "Zoolights". Sunday night was its last evening and offered free admission with some food donations for local shelters. It was a beautiful sight!

HOWEVER...along with the serenity of the evenings of lights and lots of people...there were a few kooks out there. We encountered one on the way to the zoo. At first, we thought perhaps he was someone we knew...someone my husband worked with, perhaps, who was just being silly. He started flashing his lights at us on the freeway. He had plenty of room to go around us and we were in the right lane. He continued as we took our off-ramp, even though it was only one lane with nowhere to get over. The he zoomed around us like a crazy person, only to be stopped at red light. We had to pull in behind him to make our turn, but thought now that he was around us and in front, there would be no further issue. WRONG! When the light changed, he just sat there, refusing to go. We pulled into the next land swerved around him. He jumped on our tail and started the flashing again. Then he backed way off as I called 911. He then came at us about 90MPH and possibly would have hit us if we had not moved to the next lane. Then he pulled up next to our window and glared. I was afraid he might have a gun, but since I was on with a 911 operator, I tried to remain calm. He glared at us, so my husband took a quick right turn (although that was not in the direction of the zoo) and the other car was forced to go straight. I was able to get a discription of him and the car and the full license plate for 911. He saw we had turned and flipped around in the middle of the road to chase us once again. We pulled into an empty parking lot behind a big building with lights off and hid for awhile. When the 911 operator thought it might be safe, she suggested we pull out cautiously, since the police now had the plate number and location. We had lost him! The zoo lot was full by then and we had to go to a shuttle area. In the end, we had a nice evening.

But it makes one realize just how quickly and stupidly life could come to an end here on earth! I made the most of my evening and enjoyed every minute. I could well have had no more minutes. I am not sure what he wanted, or how we lost him, but thank God we did. And I am here to enjoy and teach my grandchildren once again.

Enjoy every minute of your life!

The Weed Saga continues...observations from Friday!

2009-01-12T17:24:00.004-07:00

"Will the defendent please rise...How do you plead? Are you, or are you not a "weed"?" The plant looked a little downcast in the shot glass vase.

Prosecuter AKA Handsome: "Of course it's s stinky weed and it does not belong in that cup!"

Defense Attorney AKA Hunky: "It is NOT a stinky weed! It is a BEAUTIFUL flower for my mommy!"

I admit, I would have to vote with both sides. In hard core evidence, I would have to say it is a weed, given that I plucked several of its kin from the ground earlier in the day. On the other hand, it is still a flowering plant...

The defendent stays the same, with head slightly bowed toward the countertop.

I rest my case. It is all in the perception of the beholder. In this particular case, Handsome removed the said "weed" to let it die on the counter. But Hunky picked it up and placed it back in the cup, where it still lives today.

It will completely wither shortly I am sure. Just like the sisters I plucked from the ground earlier. They died because I deemed them weeds. At least THIS one will surrender its last ounce of life in a cup proclaimed a beautiful flower for a special mom. How much better can life get?

A Weed Is Not What it May Appear to Be.

2009-01-07T17:56:00.002-07:00

Today Hunky came rushing in holding tightly to a weed. The truth is, it WAS a weed. To him, it was a special flower he picked just for his mom. Indeed, it was flowering. It even had a pleasant, faint scent to it. So, it remains in a "shot glass" type of container on the counter awaiting mom's arrival home.

It got me to thinking...I have somewhat of a weed fetish. I pluck those suckers out of the ground every chance I get...whether they are on my property or someone else's. BY THE ROOTS! I have been accused of being, at least nearly being, obessive/compulsive about them. (Hey, I CAN walk away from them...it is hard to do...but I CAN!)

Anyway, I thought about the perspective of a child. He saw a beauty in a simple weed. Something I would have plucked out or mowed down and thrown away. Hunky has that special quality. It isn't just for weeds. He has a kind heart and a positive perspective on people in general. It was he who held the gate open for others at the zoo, just because it needed to be held open. He is a great helper. He can see something that needs to be done, and he does it. Well, he at least offers and tries. He comes up with fantastic stories, often with heroes of simple people doing something less than fantastic, but with great spirit. I think I used to be that way. When I was a child...

I considered the questions "Do I see more weeds in life than flowers?" "Has life dealt me enough weeds that the flowers get lost in the landscape?" "Do I spend more time pulling weeds, both literally and figuratively, than I do planting and cultivating flowers in my life?" "Do I see the struggles in those around me and interpret them as weeds instead of seeing the potential of a least a temporary flower?" Wow! I think I know the answer to all of those questions. I think I shall let some weeds grow...at least until they have blossomed out all their potential and have become obvious weeds. I shall ask God to help me pull out my own weeds in the garden of my heart, and perceive those of others as flowers with potential. I shall try to look upon the struggles as having at least the potential value of bringing a smile to someone's face, sometimes.

My daughter will chuckle and thank Hunky for the flower. She will hug him and tell him what a wonderful thing he did to bring her the flower. And he will feel special. Because he is.

And so are all of us...whether we are experiencing the weeds or flowers of our lives.

M

The Dismantling of the Season!

2009-01-04T07:31:00.003-07:00

It is time to take down all the pomp and glitter of the Holidays. Even the City of Glendale is taking down the lights. Our candy cane lane in the front yard has already succumbed to rainy soil and several canes have tipped over. The lights on the house are assisting us in their rremoval as well. The trees inside are undecorated and the village people have returned to their boxes. The angels and nativity sets will be neatly tucked away this afternoon. The special Christmas dolls are saying their goodbyes and the teddy bears will join them in the steamer trunk TODAY!

I will not bake any more cookies. At least not for a while. I will, however, make more lemon meriange pies (I never can spell that right...have to look it up each time!) Anyway, our lemon tree is still in celebratory mode! It is laden with fruit even after several days of picking and giving away. Lemon bars sound good too. My husband made a fantastic lemonade for a dinner we had with my son and family on Friday. They also have a lemon tree. The neighbors all have recieved lemons as well.

We have Baby Girl since Thursday as Handsome and Hunky got to go to Disneyland with their parents. They are having a blast. I might as well just plan on Monday being a show and tell day, along with some reading of library books that Baby Girl and I picked out on Friday. We will resume normal school routine on Tuesday.

Yesterday was TDH's 14th birthday! No Way! We celebrated by having him and his bro, Jomo, overnight on Thursday and all day Friday. Then we all went out to Mary Coyle's Ice Cream on Saturday as well. It was fun. There was a big parade downtown by the ice cream parlor...perhaps just for him! (Actually, it was for the Fiesta Bowl!) The Cardinals gave him a present of winning the first play off game in many many years! So. over all, it has been a great week!

The taking down of the decorations is a lot of work. It also has its melancholy moments...the Season is over! But, hey! We have a whole new season to give, and share, and love...a whole new year! The Season and its glitter may have come to an end, but the Gift goes on...and the memories linger forever. The extra "weight" of the Season will linger a while too, I'm afraid. Oh well.

May 2009 bring all of us incredible joy, peace, love, and true prosperity! Happy new year!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2009-01-01T11:36:00.003-07:00

I hope ALL of you have a happy new year...not just a happy new year's day, but truly a good year! I am going to. I think a lot of my happiness comes from my own perspectives and choices. Therefore, I plan ahead to have a good, even great year!

I know there is an ecomonic "repression" going on in our nation right now. I know there is political unrest, still, to some point.
There are wars going on in the world. There is still a lot of crime, pain, and anguish daily in every culture of this world.

BUT I STILL WISH YOU A HAPPY YEAR! Why? Because I still believe...
I believe in humanity. I believe that we can make better choices. I believe we can forgive each other. I believe we can hope and act in faith from positive perspectives. I believe we can help each other. I believe we can spread more love than hate no matter if the man who sits in the White House is of our liking or not. We can overcome! We can focus on things other than our individuals comforts and success.

But some of us may need a little help! That is why I believe in more than just humanity. We have proven together, that we can go either way...into the pits of distruction or to the heights of success and caring.

I also believe in God. I believe there is Someone out there who cares and loves ALL of us! Someone who thinks of each of us, individually, fondly and proudly... in spite of our mistakes and poor choices. Someone who does care about our individual successes but sees a bigger picture, and has placed in each of us abilities to rise above obstacles and errors. Together. Each of us has a tiny part in the whole, bigger picture. Each of us is important and special.

I believe that if each of us, individually, believed that we were loved unconditionally, and empowered with abilities to be more than we dared to dream of, that we WOULD make better choices...we would have a better world.

YOU ARE SPECIAL! YOU ARE LOVED! HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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

2008-12-26T14:56:00.003-07:00

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!

2008-12-23T17:50:00.003-07:00

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!

2008-12-20T20:43:00.007-07:00

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!"

2008-12-15T19:35:00.007-07:00

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!

2008-12-10T15:51:00.005-07:00

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!!

2008-12-04T15:09:00.008-07:00

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

2008-12-01T20:24:00.005-07:00

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

2008-11-24T06:49:00.004-07:00

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!)

2008-11-23T20:10:00.004-07:00

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!!!

2008-11-15T07:37:00.005-07:00

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

2008-11-07T19:08:00.007-07:00

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!

2008-11-07T18:45:00.004-07:00

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...

2008-11-05T17:50:00.005-07:00

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!

2008-11-05T17:33:00.003-07:00

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!

2008-11-02T08:59:00.004-07:00

Happy days!

2008-11-02T08:31:00.007-07:00

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!

2008-10-30T16:41:00.003-07:00

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!

2008-10-24T06:52:00.003-07:00

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!!!

2008-10-19T19:52:00.007-07:00

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!

2008-10-19T18:57:00.006-07:00

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!

2008-10-10T14:11:00.008-07:00

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!

2008-10-09T09:20:00.003-07:00

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!

2008-10-04T18:08:00.001-07:00

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!

2008-09-26T14:19:00.008-07:00

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!

2008-09-19T17:30:00.006-07:00

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

2008-09-17T17:44:00.003-07:00

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.