From the Miriam Webster Online Dictionary (emphasis mine):

Main Entry:
res·o·lu·tion

Pronunciation:ˌre-zə-ˈlü-shən\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English resolucioun, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French resolucion, from Latin resolution-, resolutio, from resolvere

Date: 14th century

1: the act or process of resolving: as a: the act of analyzing a complex notion into simpler ones b: the act of answering : solving c: the act of determining d: the passing of a voice part from a dissonant to a consonant tone or the progression of a chord from dissonance to consonance e: the separating of a chemical compound or mixture into its constituents f (1): the division of a prosodic element into its component parts (2): the substitution in Greek or Latin prosody of two short syllables for a long syllable g: the analysis of a vector into two or more vectors of which it is the sum

2: the subsidence of a pathological state (as inflammation)

3 a: something that is resolved ; "made a resolution to mend my ways"; b: firmness of resolve

4: a formal expression of opinion, will, or intent voted by an official body or assembled group

5: the point in a literary work at which the chief dramatic complication is worked out

6 a: the process or capability of making distinguishable the individual parts of an object, closely adjacent optical images, or sources of light b: a measure of the sharpness of an image or of the fineness with which a device (as a video display, printer, or scanner) can produce or record such an image usually expressed as the total number or density of pixels in the image <a resolution of 1200 dots per inch;

synonyms see courage

It isn't often that a dictionary entry can evoke me to sit and write down my thoughts about it. You see, I have ALWAYS made resolutions on New Years as often as I can remember. It was just something we did. A tradition. Not often did I ever KEEP my resolutions, though... and that seemed to be just as much of a tradition as making them.

As I have gotten older, I still make 'resolutions', but I have begun to think of them in different terms. Let's break it down according to the definition, shall we?

1. the act of resolving -
You have to choose to change if you see an area in your life that needs to be fixed. There has to be a choice - so in this sense, I'm in total agreement with having 'resolution'.

1a. the act of analyzing a complex notion into simpler ones -
Here is where I think many people that make New Years resolutions fail. We start off with a grand idea (like loosing 20 lbs. or learning Italian) and we never stop to break it down into SMALL ATTAINABLE STEPS. Simplifying the process breeds the success that we are after. Wouldn't you agree? Just because you haven't lost the 20 lbs. at the end of your first week into 2008 doesn't mean you can give up and start eating desert every day because 'you are doomed to fail'. That is stinkin' thinkin'. Likewise, having desert ONCE doesn't mean you are "off the bandwaggon"... therefore excused from TRYING to eat right the rest of the year, either. The key to this step is "analyzing" - what is probable and possible and HOW can you make forward progress without giving up?

1b. the act of answering: solving -
While a resolution will not SOLVE your problem, the CONTINUED resolve to take steps towards keeping true to your goal WILL. Eventually, if you keep in stride with your small daily goals... you'll find that you HAVE made positive steps. So what if you resolve to loose 20 lbs. and by December 31st of 2008 you have only lost 10? At least you lost some! Without the resolve and the small goals... you wouldn't have had the direction and purpose that helped you stay on track.

1c. the act of determining -
Most people won't keep a resolution. That is just a fact of life. Just look at me - I NEVER have. However, at different times in my life (other than January 1st) I have overcome HUGE issues because I ...

#1 prayed about it
#2 determined to choose God's path for my situation
#3 asked others to hold me accountable
...and #4 kept trying even when I messed up on occasion.

3a & b. something that is resolved "made a resolution to mend my ways" ... firmness of resolve -
Making a resolution that lines up with what God purposes for you will ensure success if you rely on His power to accomplish it. After all, if you had the power to magically fix it, you wouldn't need to make it a New Years Resolution, now, would you? Chances are if you are wanting to change, you know that there is an area of your life that you lack control (food, smoking, drinking, saving money, habits, faults...) or that you lack knowledge (learning something new, travel...). Seeking the help and wisdom you need from the Lord should be your first step towards accomplishing your 2008 resolutions. Choose to seek the Lord's help this year to keep you on the steady path uphill towards meeting your goals.

5. the point in a literary work at which the chief dramatic complication is worked out -
Wow. There's a sermon in there, somewhere. First I'd like to note the word "literary". Keeping a written journal of your resolutions and goals, your prayers, and the steps you take to get to the finish line is a great way to track your progress. Not only tracking, but journaling also reminds you how far you have come and gives you inspiration - and a place to memorialize your victory! I say victory because if you go so far as to keep a record of your struggle... and you start with the Lord, YOU WILL succeed. That means your "chief complication is worked out". Success can be the "resolution" of your New Years Resolution.

6a. the process of making distinguishable the individual parts of an object... -
When you set out to accomplish your goal and break it down into small steps, each step should be distinguishable from the next.

Here's an example: Say I want to be a better friend (a goal that wouldn't hurt any of us, right?). However, it doesn't happen over night that I magically turn in to a great friend if I haven't been really connected to people like I want to be already. I have to set some individual goals first... like:

1. calling people
2. writing people
3. visiting people
4. having people over for dinner
5. praying for people
6. taking dinner to someone who's sick

As I look at next year's calendar, I can set realistic goals with those smaller goals in mind so that I can SEE my progress as I work towards my LARGER goal - being a better friend. Sometimes we miss our large goals only because we make them out to be this mystical eagle's nest that we can never reach. Seeing the "distinguishable individual parts" of our goal is necessary to stay progress.

And finally, did you notice that Resolution is synonymous with courage? Courage is being strong despite hardships (also from Merriam Webster on courage: "firmness of mind and will in the face of danger or extreme difficulty"). So resolutions aren't easy - they are extremely difficult. Choosing to FIGHT to reach your goals shows COURAGE!

Am I going to make New Years Resolutions for 2008? You bet. They aren't very different from the goals I set at the beginning of the school year (aside from getting off the holiday fat and a few more extra pounds that have crept up this past year). The fact that my goals are "ongoing" shows that they are tall mountains that can't be scaled easily. I'm praying that next year I can look back at this post with a smile... and to see my goals on a list in my planner - CROSSED OFF and completed. I'm hoping God keeps me 'resolved' and guides my feet as I walk each day towards victory.

How is that for a resolution? Victory in 2008!


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I know that everyone else is going on about what they got for Christmas, but I got my November Swap gift from Dawn before I left town earlier in December and never got a chance to blog about it. I wanted to make sure she got an extra thanks for the presents she mailed. I got the best of three senses:

I can SEE the groovy stickers...
I can SMELL the delicious pumpkin spice candle.
...and...
I can HEAR the classy music she sent!

Those CDs there are some various artist favorites of Dawn's and they are jazzy and hip. I took one of them with me over the Christmas holidays (living in Texas means family trips last extra-long on the road). I was singing the swanky blues until my husband finally made me turn it off.

Thanks again for the awesome SWAP gift, Dawn!

I am on my way to the post office tomorrow to mail my December SWAP to Amy. She already sent me her Swap gift, too! I'll post about it tomorrow.

You should see my long "back to the regular groove" list of to-do items and to-blog items around here. It is insane all I have to get done in the next two weeks. Hopefully I'll be able to tread water and pop in here so you know I'm alive.

If you want to join the January Swap, be sure to click over to the Homeschool Blog Awards site. The HSBA site is scheduled to open another swap on Saturday, January the 12th.


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This is Minga in Kaden's dresser. Hope she's being a good kitty while we are away. Somehow I think it is Quaker that we really need to worry about, though. He's only 5 months old. This was Minga's 3rd Christmas. I have caught her under the tree a few times. I guess I'll find out who's been naughty or nice tomorrow...

Until then... Enjoy these Kitty Posts and Kitty Links from Sprittibee:

Quick Links
Happy Thanksgiving to Me (photos of Quaker)
Wordless Catblogging: Kiss My Cat (Minga up close and personal)
Catblogging: Guess Who's NOT Helping Unpack? (Lazy Minga)
Thursday Challenge: Texture (kittens we rescued)
Morphing Kittens (best YouTube EVER)
Hula Cats Christmas (cats sing "Silent Night")
Squeaky Cat (funny noises cats make)
Monster the Singing Cat (neat! Cat was on the Tonight Show)
Tree Decorating 101 (cats teach you how to decorate for Christmas)
Cat Ornaments (so cute!)


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A certain buzzy blogger you know is about to turn 30... again. I 'ain't tellin' who.

Say you guess who's bee-day it might be this month and you want to get me her a present? Hey - stranger things have happened! Stay with me here...

If you did want to get some bloggy buddy of yours a present (one who's blog starts with Spritti and ends with Bee), here's what you might get that blogger (besides LOTS of money in the tip jar on my her sidebar... and ALL the stuff on my her Amazon Wish List):

Vote for me her! Err... Vote for Sprittibee! *sheepish grin*

Scroll down, find my name and vote.

Yep - easy as that.

Takes a just a few minutes and might require you to sign up by divulging your email address (but they don't ask for a name, so it's harmless).

Drop me a note if you vote. I want to see how many bloggy buddies I have out there.

Boy, won't I be embarrassed if my comments stay as empty as they have been lately!

Happy New Year guys. We're on our way home from our extended Christmas vacation with family this weekend. I'll be getting my fill of kitty belly soon. Boy, I miss those furry kids of mine. Hope the tree isn't a pile of tinsel and broken trinkets by the time we get there.

See you from my own PC soon! Happy Birthday month to Jesus and me. Me and Jesus are homies.


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Merry Christmas to All.


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This really is more than one post. But Christmas is upon us and I'm about to be absorbed by family frivolity. Must hurry. Time is short.

GIFTS
First I'd like to acquaint you with a few gifts that are perfectamundo for the 2007 holidays:

1. Gift Cards. You just can't go wrong with a card. Please stop buying things for people that they have to return. One awful trip to the mall this year is enough, I mean - really. I got a gift card in the mail yesterday from my REALTOR. So unexpected. 20$ for Wal-Mart. Now that's some Christmas cheer! Just in time for me to go buy food for the Christmas party at my house for tomorrow. You better believe I'll be callin' him up the next time I want to move. He's got his gift on.

2. The Lazarus Handsfree Bluetooth. Yes, I know the REAL name is the Motorola H500, but let me tell you why I call it Lazarus. It very well may be the best made bluetooth on the market. I'm sold - that's for sure. You see, husband found said earpiece in the pocket of my newly WASHED AND DRIED hoodie zipper sweatshirt a few days ago. Said earpiece was NOT working any more. After all, we set our dryer on high heat and leave it on a while - banging around in there with jeans can't be good for fragile little electronic things, right? Wrong. This puppy came back to life after a charge and is working just as good as new. I'm tellin' ya - this is a good buy.



3. Home Made Ornaments. You just can't go wrong here. Well... I guess that depends on how crafty you are. My aunt is really crafty. She sends ornaments every year in the mail. Usually it is something wooden having much to do with Texas... but this year it is quilted stars. Aren't you jealous?



4. Creativity Express. Yeah, you all know I'm sold out on art programs for kids. Well, here's one that the makers of GeeArt just came out with. Disney animator style fun with awesome games, movies and projects to keep your little Picaso's imagination pumping. I got my copy. You can get yours here: Academic Superstore online.

5. Photo Postage. If you are like me, you still have Christmas cards on your desk waiting to go out. Yeah, I was born organized, baby. I also happen to have a cute set of postage to make people forget that they are getting the cards late. Want to put your darlings on a postage stamp? Just check out PictureItPostage and send your favorite image through snail mail.

6. Ask. Sounds pretty easy, but asking someone what they want is much easier than guessing. Last year my son said to me, "Thanks for asking what we wanted this year instead of just buying things like you did last year." Ouch. There you have it - the wisdom of a then nine-year-old.

7. Just Being with Family. As for our house this Christmas, we are not buying gifts for each other. We'll take the kids to get their presents at Pop and Nana's house and exchange gifts with the name's we drew from Grandma Betty's house... but here at home the tree will not be lit and we won't have home videos of gift unwrapping frenzy. The cats might unwrap the tree while we are away - but that is for another post.



GLITTER
Seven is enough on that list... with minutes to spare before I take my family to brave the last-minute shopper lines at Wal-Mart, I'll now share a Bloggy Christmas Tour of Homes for the Bee Family:





Outside you won't see any lights... just a nativity for us (that I made, thankyouverymuch - with the help of my expert wood-sawing Father-in-law, of course). Not because I don't want lights. Because I don't want to kill people or blow my circuits out using the wrong kind. Can't get the husband interested in ladders and rooftop "torture sessions"... so I'll settle for the sweet chore he did for me instead: gluing our antique dining table chairs with wood glue and tightening them so our guests don't kill themselves tomorrow. I guess that's a fair trade?



Welcome. This is one of my favorite Christmas items (purchased a few years back after I badgered a Starbucks salesperson to give me their wreath displays OR ELSE). I have two of those wreaths and three table-top miniature ones that look just the same. They are adorable. Jealous again?



The nativity. Gotta have one. This one is charming.



The tree. I love my tree. Although this year, the top half is not lighting up any more (of course, right in time for the company tonight - go figure).



The snowman. He's in my room. He stays out all year. Because I'm a snowman junkie (side note: snow men do NOT HAVE FEET).



My fuzzy kitty ornament. Thanks, Ammie! I keep it on my bulletin board with some other favorites that were given to me by friends. I have quite a few bees. Love them, love them, love them.



The tacky tree. My son wanted all the reject ornaments and the bubble lights in his room. We resurrected the tacky tree and brushed away all the brown recluse spiders. Boys will be boys.



Because little fat ginger-men are cuties. This guy lives on my fridge.



Another set of home-made ornaments gone right. Thanks Paige! I love my sock snowmen. Love that little dollar store snowglobe from my mom, too.



The not-so-original way to display your Christmas cards. Keep 'em comin' family and friends! I leave them up until the middle of January! Don't you just love getting stuff in the mail that isn't a bill?

That concludes your holiday tour... and now I'm on my way to Wally-world.

See you sometime... and if not before Christmas, please have a merry one!


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Just in case there's ANY homeschooling parent left on the planet who hasn't heard about this legal case in Utah (that much resembles previous cases in Nazi Germany), I'm enclosing an updated link. Although I am very happy that the judge is now being investigated (and should be REMOVED permanently for his blatant prejudice), we still need to pray for this woman and her kids - who have been battered by the justice system. Sad world we live in when others are unwilling to tolerate differences of opinion. That is the stuff wars are made of, folks... and concentration camps. Let's not forget that it happened less than 75 years ago! The slippery slope that could lead us all back to that kind of atrocity is being intolerant of others who differ from us. Hate is not the answer. That is why people like Johansen just CAN'T be in public office. If you can't put your opinions aside and be fair to all - you shouldn't be a judge.

Hat tip to my buddy Rich. Thanks for keeping me out of the dark! I've been a little preoccupied with HSBA lately. Time for a little hiatus and some Christmas cheer. Merry Christmas to all and to all - peace on earth.


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I have had a most interesting week... a week of seeing God open my eyes to the NEED for humility and love of others. It all started with a prayer in my prayer journal that God would take away any pride that I have because pride is not from Him. We all know that God answers prayers. Sometimes not in the way we imagine... so I remembered as I prayed for humility and added, "Be gentle on me, please" to my prayer without speaking it aloud.

God began my week with an unplanned field trip to a public school. The opportunity was 'dropped into my lap'. My eyes were opened to the beauty of the children and God gently reminded me that those little souls and hearts are what education is all about. He let me meet some wonderful teachers and allowed me to see them in action. Learning about others who are different from us is a huge tool in breaking down hostility, promoting peace, and growing in unity and love.

Then God spoke to me through a man at my church. My preacher is sick and has been out for a while with pneumonia, so our family minister (a man who has been a giant in my life and has prayed for me when I was lost) told a story at the pulpit that brought me to tears. You see, one of my very favorite chapters in the Bible is Paul's thoughtful sermon in Athens in Acts 17. To imagine that we are "in" God and are "determined" by God and set within our generation purposefully is too great a thing for me to comprehend. I never knew that the words that Paul recited were actually from a poem that was written by a 6th century BC Greek philosopher named Epimenides. Paul truly loved the people of Athens and despite his differences with them he took the time to LEARN about them, LISTEN to them, OBSERVE them, and obviously to pray for them. Why else would he have quoted their own poets and philosophers? He gave them his heart and his time. Do we stop and give people an ear and eye contact now days? Do we take time out of our hurried lives to mentor or befriend others?

Paul himself states that the way to reach someone is to "become all things".

1 Corinthians 9:22 ~
To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.

He admonishes us to reach out to someone from their own understanding of the world. Don't talk down to them or above their heads. Don't point fingers at them and shame them. They wouldn't be the way they are had they not learned that behavior... and sometimes the only thing keeping them from learning a better way is the person trying to teach it (or model it). Sadly, this goes for even Christian teachers. Ghandi once said, "I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ."

And so I listened to the Mars Hill story in awe. The "Unknown God" that they worshiped finally being revealed to them years later by the apostle Paul gave new life to Acts 17. Because a man cared enough about those who were different from him to talk to them with respect and honor about Jesus - from their own point of view - a church was born in Athens.

That is really all Christianity and Christmas itself it is about: being a messenger of hope to a world that is dark and needy. You can't please everyone. But you can SAVE some if you live your life the way Jesus calls you to live it. Even when it is hard. Even when it is busy. Even when the turkey is too dry and the lights are out on half of the tree... and the shoppers resemble a herd of elephants more than those "smiling" and "laughing" starstruck in the famous carol 'Silver Bells'. Even when you see someone else get something they don't deserve and you think it isn't fair. You never know who is watching you... how you live your life... the words you say... the expressions you make. There is power in humility and loving people. That is what SHOULD make Christianity different than anything else.

From the Mars Hill story (emphasis mine):

"Christmas is humility - laying down our culture and embracing another, relinquishing religious pride and longing to share Grace with other needy people. Vulnerability (like the Richardsons, Marcus Young, Paul, and that baby in the manger) requires sacrifice -the willingness to adapt to others instead of making them adapt to you. Incarnation is the stuff from which the kingdom of God is constructed. It's the real beauty of Christmas, the kind of Christmas that should go with us everywhere we go (Athens, the jungle, your teen's high school, the mall, the office). Christmas was never meant to happen just once a year."

Luke 10:22 ~
"All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him."

Are we allowing the Lord to reveal Him in us? Or do we hinder Him by our actions and words?

Let us all commit to putting away our stereo-types, our self-righteousness, our pride, and our sense of personal rights this Christmas... long enough to look into the other person's eyes in front of us and truly wonder what life must be like for them. Maybe they won't ever agree with us or change their ways... but surely they might just see Jesus in us if we offer them a warm cup of hot cocoa and ask them how their family is. A kind word goes a long way.

People need to be loved. Jesus asked Peter to "feed his sheep". Love is what this season is all about. Let us seek Him and ask Him to fill our hearts with love for even the unlovable. That will be the best gift God could put under ALL of our Christmas trees.


Credits for this article:
God who created me
Jesus who saved me
My family minister who ministered to me when I was unlovable
My friends who uplift me even though I'm not perfect
A couple of winners at the HSBA who selflessly gave away their prizes to others
Peter Hiett who wrote Christmas on Mars Hill
You who deserve the love of Christ this Christmas - from Him and others


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I'm having fun on "holiday" with my family. Today is Kevin's first day off from work and he doesn't have to go back until after New Years! This is his longest holiday since we were newlyweds! We've almost been married 15 years, so I think he deserves some free time. All of us are in our pajamas and have bed-head at 12:30 PM. I have no idea what is for lunch.

So forgive me for "not blogging" today... but you can find me at these other blogs...

8 Things from My Kitchen
...@ Gathering Manna (my food blog)

and...

And the WINNERS ARE:
...@ Homeschool Blog Awards (where I am an author)

Have a super Monday and be sure to soak up that Christmas Spirit. Hope your holidays are filled with laughter, friendship, joy and love.


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Links of interest from the inbox:

Another Scary Teacher Sex Scandal Case (don't click if you are under 18)

Funny Homeschool Girl Sims Music Video

The Daily Cayote (fabulous photos and a place to get that 2008 calendar)

The North Pole Cookbook (you've never seen so many Christmas recipes in one place!)

Behold, the Man Cold (too funny!)

Fake Cactus Photoblog (be careful - you might get hooked flipping through the pictures there)

Sew Much Comfort - Help for Military wounded (hat tip to Terri Sue)

Last night for voting at the Homeschool Blog Awards (I think I messed up on my voting link in the last post... sorry!)

Amy likes Konos, too!

I had at least 380 emails (over 100 unread) when I got home from our "vacation". I'm also just now digging out of the laundry piles and have the whirling vortex of cat destruction cleaned up. I even ran the vacuum on the stairs... and cleaned the garage out. My honey got home yesterday from his business trip and he's on vacation until the 2nd of January! Yipee! He just made me some Italian Coffee. I better go so I can enjoy it while it's hot. Have a very merry December 15th, and to all a good night.


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Cherry Limeade. Not exactly your 'health'-drink... but when you are on vacation or on the go, they sure are a treat. I captured this one (after my daughter stole a few of the cherries) on our trip this past week. I thought I would share it for Thursday Challenge.

Enjoy! I know I did.

In case you want one for yourself, you can get them at Sonic or Dairy Queen. This one was a DQ Cherry Limeade (and it had about 8 cherries in it!). Mmmmmm.



P.S. Voting closes at the Homeschool Blog Awards tomorrow night at 11:59PM!


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I think I've said it before, but we are a traveling family in December. We pack up like a herd of nomads in Mongolia (minus the tent and pooping on the ground thing) and head for relatives around the Lone Star state. My kids have six sets of grandparents. Kev's parents (mom-stepdad, mom-stepmom), my parents (dad-stepmom, mom, adopted grandpa, ex-stepdad-step-mom). Unfortunately, the only one of their great-grands left is my step-grandma in Florida. They have only met her once at my sister's wedding. Needless to say, my kids lack for nothing at Christmas time, that is for sure... if only we can keep the vehicles filled with gas and the laundry done enough to fill our suitcases. Spending time on the road is not a big deal for us because it is all we have ever known.

So this is December. Another trip around the ribbon of freeway that holds Texas together is under-way. We left Friday last and are heading home early - today most likely. Thanks for allowing me room to enjoy my 'holidays'... although sometimes vacationing feels more like work than working. If that makes sense? See you from the bee-hive soon!


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The field trip to Public School was fabulous yesterday. We got there around 9:45am and stayed until nearly 2:30pm or so. We helped sort text books, deliver supplies to teachers, listened to the choir perform their Christmas song for the upcoming program, did lunch duty, tied a few shoes, met lots of teachers and classrooms full of curious kids, sat in the office while one or two of them got discipline referrals, met the friendly office staff, and even got some free art textbooks that are no-longer used in current circulation for the school. We worked pretty hard sorting and stacking textbooks for an hour or so. It was good for the kids to feel like they helped out.

Another interesting thing about this school is that it's a school where nearly 80% of the children are on free or discounted lunches (and the ratio of whites in the school is only about 5%). It was amazing to see how much hard work the teachers are putting in to their classes, the classrooms, the library and in keeping the school up to standards. It was clean and colorful. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting the kids. There were so many sweet faces and pretty smiles. Even the little boy that had to walk with us while we did some textbook delivery was a cutie (he was one of the discipline referrals).

This field trip has been my favorite so far this year. The kids enjoyed eating a cafeteria lunch (their favorite part was the chocolate milk). I ended up eating their leftover hamburgers (it 'ain't McDonald's, folks... if you can imagine worse!?). The green beans were wonderful, though. Certainly, you can't complain for a 2$ meal! We weren't allowed to take any photos (and I don't blame them); but we have fond memories. I asked my kids what they thought and they said they were glad that I took them to see a school, but they still wanted to homeschool. What kid wouldn't? Despite the fact that we want to homeschool still, I'm glad my kids have seen behind the scenes and are not afraid of public school. Some of the reasons I think many homeschool kids are afraid of it is just because it is "unknown" - and they assume that it is all bad because Mom and Dad chose to pull them from it or never let them go. Sure there are bad things in school... but there are bad things everywhere. No one has the corner on perfection in education. There is always room for improvement - even with homeschooling.

I want my kids NOT to feel proud to be a homeschooler - but to feel THANKFUL. Pride is not a quality that Christ desires. I want them to know that the kids in public school are just as good as they are - no matter what their color or social status. Just because their parents chose not to homeschool them for whatever reason doesn't mean they aren't valuable kids. I think our field trip to the "other side" was a positive way to drive that point home. They even got to shake hands with the custodians at the school... and Morgan told one of them that "mopping the lunch room looked like a lot of fun". That is the kind of courteous across-the-ages "socialization" I'm aiming for... just for my kids to truly love and respect others - including those who are different.


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Labels: faith, family, field-trip, homeschool, parenting, teaching

“Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way when you criticize them, you are a mile away from them and you have their shoes.” ~ Jack Handy

Tomorrow we are going on a "behind the scenes field trip" to.... a PUBLIC school. Someone (and I 'ain't sayin who) in my family is a Vice Principal! This "insider" has agreed to take my children and I behind the "Iron Curtain" to get a look at: how cafeteria lunch is run, just what a hall monitor is, how to file discipline reports, what a REAL classroom looks like... and more! We probably will bring a notepad and count how many ugly Christmas sweaters we see, too. This just may be the most educational field trip they take all year! I'm so excited.

For those of you who are scratching your head in wonder at why a homeschooler would be interested in a field trip to a public school... I'll let you in on a secret about me - I don't view the Public School as my enemy. There are lots of GREAT teachers and administrators in public schools - many who are just as frustrated with the "system" (and their benefits and pay) as homeschooling moms are. They have just chosen to stick in there and try to individually make a difference for the kids who CAN'T homeschool. Some have grown children who no longer attend schools, but they have a huge heart for doing what they can each day to make things better for public-school students.

There are quite a few teachers in my family. Some of my best friends have kids in public schools. My mom is a substitute in FIVE school districts. Even if my kids don't attend a public school, that doesn't mean we can't enjoy learning about how others are learning. I think we need to hold out hands of fellowship to each other (teachers of public, private, and homeschools) and lift each other up in prayer. After all, teaching is about touching lives... and it isn't about US, it is about the kids. I think we can all learn FROM each other.

I better get some sleep so we can get up and get ready for our big day. Hope I don't forget my lunch money!


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Buzz Words: Field Trip, School, Education, Learning, Kids, Homeschool, Understanding, Teaching, Public School

Labels: faith, family, field-trip, homeschool, parenting, teaching

It has been a while since I've done a meme that required some thought. Since I'm on my way out of town tomorrow for a week-long vacation, I thought I would dig in to my "to blog" folder and pull out something easy. I think I was tagged for this back in early November. Sorry Barbara!

The question of the meme is: "If you could take 5-10 classes/courses to 'fix your life', what would they be?"

Hmmmm. Not sure the wording of the question is the way I would have put it, but hey - I can play along anyway.

I'll just list for you a few of the classes/courses I'm interested in:

1. An in-home Bible study. Of course, I say in-home because that seems to be my main problem with going to any Bible study - the lack of me being able to GO. I would hate to make others come to my house in the boonies, though. Maybe an online Bible study with other women where we had a set time to "meet" and discuss the week's lessons? I absolutely love Beth Moore studies. I've been wanting to take another one for a long time.

2. A web design class... not limited to Photoshop classes and other web programs. I am hoping to get a few programs for Christmas, so this class might be a reality for me next year. As you can see... I have a blog design assistant up there on the desk (please ignore the dust on my keyboard tray that my kids have written in - how embarrassing).

3. Italian class. My buddies who live in Italy all speak Italian and it would be wonderful if our family could learn it for the future. We hope to travel there in a few years.

4. Cooking class. I would love to learn from someone's Mexican grandma how to make world-class Migas, home made tortillas, mouth-watering refried beans, and stuffed Chile rellenos. While I'm at it... I would also learn how to make Mid-Eastern and European foods that we love so much. I have a list of foods from Azerbaijan that we are very interested in trying to make. I love adding cooking in to our homeschooling.

5. A digital video editing class. I have always been interested in taking our home videos and making them into more interesting movies to preserve for the family. My mom paid someone a few years back to add music and clips from an old reel-to-reels and gave them away for Christmas one year. That was back when the technology for video editing was up and coming. I'm sure it has come a looong way since then.

6. A sewing and quilting class. I am a quilt fanatic. I also have an eye for color and art. I would really love to sew so that I could make things. I think needlework would be so fun. I love to visit soft-craft blogs to see all the latest original creations. I have quite a few embroidery and fabric-loving blogs in my sidebars. See if you can find some!

7. A painting class. Any kind of painting class would be great, but the kind of painting I would love to learn would be faux painting (interior finishes) - like the kind on HGTV that make you think your own white walls are the reason for all your problems. I have a friend who did this amazing texture, paint and glaze thing in her bathrooms and they look AMAZING. When I can afford the materials, I'm going to drag her over here on pain of death and make her show me how to do it.

8. Art classes. The kids are already going to art classes, but I would love to take them myself. I already asked their teacher if I could pay an extra pupil's fee and get an extra set of all the art supplies she is buying them for myself. After this school year is over, I'm praying that we can find another art class we can all attend together.

9. A book club. I would love to be in a book club. I really don't read enough for myself. I can't ever find the time (maybe it is because I'm blogging?).

10. A gardening class. There's no limit to how much I could learn because I kill anything I plant. Just ask the three chaste trees on my porch that should have been planted two months ago (which are nearly dead from aphids and lack of water). Growing my own veggies would be wonderful... the only part I don't like is the "work" part of it. That and I never learned how to balance gardening and the rest of our busy life (I am a city-girl). I guess you would also have to say that I have some geographical challenges, too... having only a back yard to do it in.


Quick Links to Other Memes
8 Random Things About Sprittibee
Whiskers on Kittens (few of my favorite things)
Goofy Facts #2
Goofy Facts #1


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Buzz Words: Me, Personal, Memes, Education, Self Help, Goals, Personal Growth, Learning, Hobbies

Labels: memes, personal, photos

Last month, the HSBA site hosted an October SWAP for homeschool moms. We had quite a few participants (probably 10 sets of swappers). I sent my gift off and never got one back... but that was OK. I figured my swap buddy was really busy with the holidays and just forgot. Today I got my SWAP for October in the mail! What a great surprise! Just days before the November one is supposed to arrive! Two swap gifts in the mail at once was totally not expected... a great way to start off December and get me in the gift-giving mood!

The papers that Heather sent me are super-awesome. Now if only I could find time to actually scrapbook.

Thanks for the great Swap Gift, Heather!!! Sending you virtual hugs from Texas!!!

Want to see what the other moms got for SWAP presents? Go see the November SWAP sign up post at the HSBA. Be sure to get your name in the hat for December's SWAP by commenting once the post goes up. Swaps are scheduled on the HSBA every 2nd Saturday of the month. Inexpensive gifts must be mailed by the end of each month so that you have time to post about them on your blog and submit links back to the HSBA gmail account for the following Swap's update post. Swaps are only open to bloggers who are homeschooling... Sorry!

Come join the fun at the HSBA (it's not just for blog awards)!


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Buzz Words: Homeschooling, Homeschool Blog Awards, Fun, Friends, swap, gifts, Homeschool, Personal, Buddies

Labels: friends, fun, Homeschool-Blog-Awards, photos, swap

Remember the little caterpillar we caught a while back? Seems like we have had him for two or three months now. I'm here to prove to you that what you eat (and especially how much you eat) really do make you BIGGER. Sad, but it seems there really may be a link between consumption and weight... at least there is for this little fuzzy guy.

Here's a link to what he looked like when we brought him home: Fuzzy Caterpillar

Here's a link talking about when he first molted: Caterpillar Molted!

Here's a photo of what he looked like a few weeks back (before Thanksgiving):


And here's what the big muchacho looks like now:


I'm no caterpillar expert, but I guess he's ok with the diet we have provided seeing as how he's getting too big to afford to keep anymore. He has taken to going AWOL from the butter dish when he's hungry if we don't keep the leaves up on demand. A few times he has actually escaped and disappeared somewhere - only to turn up later (hungrier than ever). Thankfully, the weather has been lovely and we are planning to branch out and get some leaves down the country road near where we live (to relieve the strain on our flower bed out front). There are a great many vines along the fences within walking distance that he seems to like just fine. Maybe we'll classify the cloud types as we go (that is what they have been reading about in their Science reader).

We only have a couple more days of school before we pack up and head out on a week vacation or longer to see family in and around the Lone Star State. It's great to be home. I'll try and pop in along the trip. Maybe I can send Fuzzy to go live with grandma while we are out of town? Or maybe I should just pack him up and take him on tour?

Happy December, all!


Quick Links
Caterpillar Song



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Buzz Words: Homeschooling, Moth, Insect, Nature, Photos, hibernate, Homeschool, caterpillar, Caterpillars, Bugs, Teaching, Texas, Life, Kids, Parenting, Fall, Education, Science, Observation

Labels: bugs, homeschool, nature, parenting, photos, science, teaching, vacation