Food for Forgiveness

Almost a whole week without blogging. Wow. That's a record for me. I don't know what's wrong with me, but I just can't sit here and blog. My pregnant brain is melting or something. Help!

So... to make it up to you, I'm giving away THREE WHOLE BOXES of Little Debbie's 100 Calorie Snacks.

Because you are worth it. And I love you. And you are sticking around despite my lack of brainwave activity on this site.

HERE'S HOW YOU CAN HAVE YOUR CAKES AND EAT THEM TOO:

1. Comment here (you must comment on this post to win).

2. Twitter about this contest and then comment again (you must leave one comment per entry).

3. Email your buddies and CC me. My email address is on the "Contact" button. Then comment again.

4. You may enter once per day, per method. In other words, one plain comment, one Twitter, one Email - per day (that adds up to 3 different options per day).

5. *UPDATE 2/2/09* Use my Little Debbie snack give-away button in your sidebar for an extra entry! Be sure to leave a comment and let me know you did it!



Random winner will be chosen per Random.org by comment number. Entries must be received by February 6th (next Friday). You must provide your address to Little Debbies to receive the free snacks!

____________

I've seriously started to wonder if I'll ever be my blogging self again. I feel as if I've been body-snatched by a little Viking alien... whom I adore ever so much. His little squirming and kicking in my belly is an endless delightful distraction these days.

Little Debbies gave me this wonderful snack box a few weeks ago and I've been munching on them with the kids ever since they arrived. [Find out more about the flavors by clicking the link in this paragraph.] There are still some left! They had me at "I come bearing free snacks". I'm sure you'll love them, too... and boy, with a case full, you can feed an army... (ie: a church youth group)!

I had to postpone the book give-away until I can get a response from the publisher. Someone likely went on vacation, because I emailed them Sunday and have not heard back.

In other news... I've been working like a mad dog on my January List and my 2009 List. More scratch offs and updates to come. It's amazing how much you can get done when you don't blog for a week.



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Baby on my Mind

Seems like an eternity since I posted in here... even though it was last Friday. The weekend was a buzz of activity. This little bee is tuckered out. We had a scrapbooking night at our house for co-op (and got nothing much done besides brainstorming and making a mess), helped friends move (and ate lots of greasy Sonic burgers that we regretted later), went to church (and had to cut my hose off with scissors because they hurt so bad on my gargantuan belly), and had a little baby shower at my church in honor of the little bee (where I had 2 slices of cake and enough butter cream icing to kill an elephant).



I'm excited that now I have one or two of every size of diapers waiting for my little Viking. He got some cute little clothes, too. I'm aiming for a closet full so I don't have to shop for them any time soon. Have you SEEN how much diapers cost these days?

It's laundry day today in between our homeschooling and organizing. The laundry is completely out of hand around here since we were gone all weekend.

Tomorrow is our carschool day... choir, doctor, social, errands... and I'm hoping I can talk the doctor in to a sonogram. I've been antsy about delivery lately - wondering if I need to have a NICU available just in case, wondering how my old body will hold up to the strain of childbirth, wondering if my pain tollerance has gone down since my 20's...

I fluctuate from worried thoughts to motherly thoughts. Who will he look like? What color hair will he have? What kind of temperment will he have? How will he fit in our homeschool schedule? How will his siblings feel once he gets here? How hard will it be to travel and do our weekly outside activities with a wee baby in tow? How similar will he be to his brother or sister in personality?

And then there is the paperwork side of children... the cost, the insurance, the medical red tape, the certificates and forms, ...

I was talking over email this past weekend, telling some of my fellow authors at the HOTM that I have not been contributing lately because I can't seem to think of anything much to share. My mind is stuck in the delivery room, the baby's dresser, and the fog of anticipation.

Mostly I'm just trying to nest and finish all the projects that have to be done before he gets here. The bookcases, furniture rearranging, organizing, cleaning, painting, appointments, showers and cards, packing, preparations, and paperwork.

My brain is full of questions lately....

What do you take to the hospital when you are delivering?

What are all the new must-have baby items that I don't even know about because my last one was 10 years ago?

Will I be ready if he comes early?

Do I have enough time to finish the baby room?

How can I keep the kids on task and encourage them to help me get projects done while I'm so busy?

Where can I find a crew of people to help me with my projects who will work for brownies and milk?

Lots to think about. Lots to do. So..... tomorrow come back by for a children's book give-away and hopefully I can stop talking baby and start getting back to some normal blogging in between my maternity posts. Sorry if you (like me before this pregnancy) are no where near baby days and this is boring you to tears!



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Texas Legislature is in Session

I got an update from HSLDA in my email box today that listed a few bills that Texas is looking at right now in the legislature. I thought I would pass them on to you in case you are a homeschool parent or just a parent trying to make your voice heard so that things don't get WORSE, but BETTER. Apparently we are going to be dealing with a new speaker that isn't very strong in favor of the things we are concerned about. In this current social, political and economic climate, we should all be praying about and for our leaders - even the local ones.

Here it is:
______________

January 23, 2009

Texas--2009 Legislative Session Begins

Dear HSLDA Members and Friends:

We are beginning a new legislative session in Texas. HSLDA is analyzing many bills that are currently being introduced. We have our legislative counsel Tom Sanders in Austin already visiting legislators and lobbying on your behalf on several pieces of legislation. Using his reports concerning the progress of the legislation and our analysis of the potential harm or benefit, we will alert you to any need for action.

The biggest change for this year is that 11 Democrats joined 64 Republicans to oust House Speaker Tom Craddick. This change will likely result in many different committee chairs. The new speaker is Representative Joe Straus (R) from San Antonio who has a poor record on the social issues that many of us are most concerned about.

Below is a short summary of some of the initial bills we are tracking so that you are aware of them. You can obtain more information at:
http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?id=6011


House Bill 316: Lowers the compulsory school attendance age from 6 to
5 years of age.

House Bill 188: Establishes a list of children's rights and mandates that parents be educated about their duties under the law as the primary protectors of their children.

House Bill 351: Allows students, including homeschoolers, to qualify for a tuition refund for high academic performance at a general academic teaching institution (including, but not limited to the University of Texas, Texas A&M University, and Texas Tech University).


House Bill 319: Allows for an exemption from jury duty for persons who have legal custody of a child younger than 15 years of age when serving on a jury would require leaving the child without adequate supervision. (Effectively allows homeschoolers to obtain an
exemption.)

Senate Bill 466: Allows a parent or guardian to exclude a child from the immunization registry.

Thank you for your willingness to stand ready to act!

Sincerely,

Chris Klicka
Senior Counsel


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Winner of the topless shirt contest...

I know that title will get me some traffic. I was chuckling as I typed it. Couldn't resist. I wore my pink one 2 times last week - thankfully with another shirt over the topless part. HA!

Who's got a big pregnant belly? Raising your hand might be dangerous unless you have on one of these Blush topless undershirts. It is for me right now. My navel is gone. Literally.

So I did the random thingy... and here's the number for the winner of the Blush Giveaway:



That means Spesamor Academy is the winner! I like the black, too, sweetie! However, I think the white would go with more in my closet. At least the maternity section of my closet. And since I only have 8.5 weeks to go before I deliver, I think I'll wait and get another one of these groovy topless undershirts AFTER I regain a normal size (please, Lord?).

In other news, we have a new author starting next month at the HSBA (can't tell you, don't ask, it's a secret!)... I hit the 30 week pregnancy mark today (told ya, nothing else on my brain lately)... I'm still in the middle of a bunch of projects and quite miserably huge... and I'm doing another give-away on my site next week! If you love children's books, you won't want to miss it!

OK, that's all the Viking and I can stand. Must. Go. Rest. On. Bed.

Hopefully Daddy will be home in time to take the birthday girl out for a belated dinner tonight. After two nights of cooking, I'm excited for a treat. I'd probably be thrilled even if it was fast food or (heaven forbid) Chuck E. Cheese. Did I just say that?

Have a super rest of your week. You're more than half way to Friday! Can you believe that January is almost gone? How are you doing on your 'to-do' list? I'm still getting used to writing 2009 on things. By the time I get used to the idea (and at the rate this year is flying by), we'll be in the next decade. But that won't be all too bad. At least the Viking will be 'on the loose' instead of caged in mama's ribs.


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C is for Cat

I'm doing my A B See Photo Meme and 'Wordless' Wednesday' post together this week. Hard to pick just one thing for letter C. Cookies, children, cakes, computers, calendars, church, ceramics, chocolate, Cookie Crisp Cereal, cameras, coffee ... I could go on forever. Complaining has been a big C in my life lately. Trying to cut back. Not sure how you could photograph it, anyway.

I got two more things on my 2009 list checked off yesterday.

The book cases are here - thanks go to Cousin Sara (there's yet another C for you). Cousins are fun.

And...

I made that Carrot Cake. Well, actually the birthday girl made the cake. She's ten today. In honor of her birthday I'm putting the carrot cake on Gathering Manna later today. Finally. And then we are eating the rest of it tonight. Mmmmm!

And I'll be picking a winner today for the Blush contest. But first... off to Choir and Carschooling.

Have a super Tuesday!


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The Viking in my Ribs and Other Pathetic Complaints

I have to apologize for neglecting the blog more than usual lately. I promise that I do have an excuse. Or a list of them. Which I feel guilty about listing because I'm so happy and thrilled to be having this baby.

However... the difficulties that have been preventing blogging are spilling over in to my regular life as well. It's nothing personal. Really.

It seems that no garment fits - can't wear the maternity jeans because they are cutting off my belly's circulation where the denim starts. I guess I'll be back at the thrift store looking for moo-moo dresses that fit like a table cloth soon.

I can't stand or sit for long because the baby is so high up that I have barely enough lung space for us both. I feel like I'm going to pass out at the top of the stairs and have to sit after just walking across the room. I find myself gasping for air now and then and taking in sharp breaths as if I had been swimming under water. I now know why pregnant women truly NEED those handicap parking spaces at the grocery store (heaven forbid that they have to go grocery shop anyway - please give them a break!).

The baby may very well squirt out of my aching navel if I get any bigger. Not sure the thing is going to hold through this third pregnancy stretch. Fabric and even air are hurting it lately. Not good when I'm looking down the pipe at another 2 months if I go to term. The 20 lbs I've gained so far feels more like 200. And I don't care if you think I look 'great'. I feel like a 12 ton whale.

My stomach is being used as a sleeping bag. This means that I'm eating mostly Mylanta lately - and if I eat anything else (which I do - because I'm HUNGRY), I get to re-taste it as it comes back up my throat later. I cooked dinner for the family tonight - burgers, beans, and rice... and then sat down with them and had a small yogurt cup with granola while I watched them eat it without me. And still got acid reflux.

Have I mentioned that the baby is protruding appendages out of my rib cage and trying to pop my sternum off from the inside? I don't know if you've ever had a viking helmet sticking out of your ribs, but it is completely uncomfortable in the most alien of ways. Between my navel, the rib game, the pressure on my sternum and the endless heartburn, I sometimes wish I was married to an anesthesiologist. I would be begging him to go ahead and start my drip NOW.

That isn't even the entire list of physical discomforts. You don't want me going on all night. Some of them are not blog material, either - and that's all I'm sayin'. What a cruel joke that you can't take medication when you need hard-core narcotics and tranquilizers the most. I'm realizing that I'm a pain and discomfort wimp. Man, I feel sorry for people who live with chronic pain!

While suffering joyfully through these minor trails, I am also keenly aware that time is slipping away. The baby room is not painted, the garage is not finished, the cat box is still too close to the nursery, the crib is not HERE or set up, and the baby shower (which hasn't happened) items are not washed and neatly tucked away. Deep cleaning and nesting? Haven't even started. I become more and more useless by the second.

Since I'm unable to find much to think or talk about that does not relate to body aches, my digestive and respiratory system, and the upcoming delivery of my little tormentor... I have avoided sitting down to blog when there's nothing productive to say. Aren't you thankful? I mean, who wants to hear about someone's lunch coming back up? Sorry about that Sonic story the other day....

I hope you'll understand if there are gaps between days in here for the time being... because keeping the family functional is a monumental task these days. Thankfully, homeschooling is easier to do than blogging in a horizontal position with a 10 and 12 year old who are getting better at independent study. At least some things are still happening without major interference.

Not sure how I'm going to get to all my errands and the kids' classes on Tuesdays for the next two months (the seat keeps getting put back farther and father in the lying back position each time I drive)... but I'm sure God will work it out.

Some of us will be more glad than others when this little dude makes his debut in to the world. His mama is going to throw a party the first time she can take a full breath with both lungs again.


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B is for Bible... and BEE

I entered this photo over at the Homeschool Post's A B See Photo Meme. Kind of lame to just photograph a book, but this isn't just any-old-book. I told the brief story of how I went in to the local Christian book store and found this little purse-sized Bible (with a BEE on the cover - that's made of Italian leather, mind you...) for less than five dollars! Not every day that you find EXACTLY what you want with just a sideways glance down an aisle you haven't even fully turned down yet. The bee seemed to be just waiting for me on that shelf... and the price was way below what I could have ever imagined a nice Bible like that to sell for. What a treasure!

What was your letter B? Go leave your link at the Homeschool Post!


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Blush Giveaway

A while back, I got the coooooolest little maternity item.

Wanna know what it is?

It's a topless undershirt to cover my belly when I raise my arms or bend over. Crack kills, right? No one wants to see a pregnant mama bending over and her maternity jeans slipping off... nor do most people want to catch a revealing glimpse of half of her pregnant belly hanging over her pants (because even her maternity shirts are too tight towards the end).

Not only is my little topless undershirt saving me from unsightly wardrobe malfunctions, but it is also saving me MONEY. How many of your pregnant friends have complained that they had to buy a few things at the maternity shop to wear in the last few weeks of their pregnancy? I can think of a few off hand right now that have said this just recently to me. Now my maternity clothes will last all the way to the end - and I don't have to spend any more money buying clothes that I would hardly wear more than once!

I thought about taking a picture of me in my cool undershirt (and eventually I might), but I'm a little camera shy in my hippo state right now. Just trust me - the topless undershirt is a necessity for this queen bee! I'm thinking about buying another two or three in standard colors that match everything. The one I have is pink. I wear it with red and purple shirts. So cute for valentines under my soft red sweater!

The pregnant model below is wearing the black maternity cover (peeking out from under that neat little black and white print shirt). Believe me, if she raised her hands, someone would be able to pick lint out of her navel (me on the other hand... I have no navel any more).



Guess what?

Belly shirts aren't just for pregnant mamas. Nope. They are a one-hit wonder for the wardrobe - for any sized lady. Have some hipster jeans that slide down when you bend? Tiny tees that are so cute... but show too much of your tummy? What about all those high sweaters and shirts that seem to fly up when you raise your arms? They all have a REMEDY with these soft, comfy topless undershirts!

I love these little things so much that I'm doing a give away! Blush has offered to give one of any color away! You get to pick! You can even pick the retro circles below (one of my favorites).



Here's how you can get your groovy topless undershirt:

1. Visit the Blush site and look through either the maternity or regular styles to tell me which color/print is your favorite. If you are pregnant, look through the maternity ones; if you aren't, look through the regular ones (obviously). You must comment on this post to win.

2. Email your friends/groups or Twitter about the contest (or some other social networking site) and come back in to tell me what you did in the comments section here. You must leave a different comment for each "share the message" you send out.

3. Stumble this post and then leave another comment to tell me you did it.

4. Post about this on your blog and leave the link to your post in my comments section. You must link this post and the Blush site on your blog post.


I'll pick one winner randomly from the comments section. You have until the 22nd to get your contest on. All comments prior to midnight on the 22nd will be accepted as entries if they qualify! For the calendar challenged, that's next Thursday! You don't have to be a blogger or pregnant to win. Skinny layer-lovin' hip-chicks also qualify.

Good luck!


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Homeschool Refresher: Refocusing on the Goal

I’m at the lab getting another glucose test run… seems the last time I was elevated a tad. I’m imagining having to give up cokes, sweets, bread and fruit. I guess 10 more weeks without the luxuries in my diet won’t be the end of the world.

While I’m sitting here for the next 3 hours, I thought I would share with you a few of the nuggets of truth that rest in Clay and Sally Clarkson’s “Educating the WholeHearted Child” (I keep it linked as a favorite book in my sidebar – and think it should come standard with every Homeschool kid). It took me a long many years to find Sally. Somehow I missed her for the first 3 or 4 homeschool book fairs. Heaven forbid. Then, a friend of mine insisted that we go hear her speak. I fell in love and bought her book right away. It has taken me quite a while to read it all, but her eclectic real-life, real-book, real-relationship learning style was exactly what my heart was pulling me towards. Her ideas began to rumble through my mind long before I came to the point of changing our methods and schedules to a more Charlotte Mason centered approach.

If you are just starting out homeschooling and all this method talk is confusing you (believe me – I’m a 7 year “vet” and still have trouble sorting it all out, so you aren’t alone), you might check out a few of the links on my past CM post. We have done Unit Studies and a bit of this and that since we began homeschooling back when my kiddos were 4 and 2. They are about to turn 10 and 12 now!

All this intro-mumbo-jumbo to tell you that I have enjoyed going back to basics and re-committing to my purpose and goals in Homeschool. I think it is imperative for a teaching mom to return to the source and see the bigger picture – to review, refresh, revamp, recommit and revive herself along the journey. Our jump off the CM cliff has provided a need for me to do this… and it has been tremendously beneficial. Hopefully the benefits won’t just stop with ME, either. I’m sure that my kids will be blessed because of it.

Here are a few quotes from Clay and Sally’s book to spur you on in your own reflections and purposes. I hope they bless you like they have me:

“Be sure you have counted the cost. Christianity is not a neutral issue. And neither is home education. There is always a cost to accepting the cross, whether it is your career, marriage, lifestyle, or family. If you decide to Homeschool, you will have to make some sacrifices – there will be a cost. A careful examination will reveal, though, that the benefits in your family’s life will far outweigh the costs.”

“The Cross Factor: Home education is a ministry of discipleship with much the same concerns as Jesus addressed. You are building your child into a disciple. You must be committed to finishing what you start. You are heading into a battle that will require all your resources to fight – you must be prepared to face that battle wisely. Whether building or battling, you are taking up the cross for the sake of your children, and the cross always has a cost.”

Are you sure that homeschooling is God’s Will for your family?
Hebrews 10:36 (ckc) says… “God’s will is not something hidden that needs to be found; it is something revealed that needs to be done.”

Here are some verses that the Clarkson’s offered to help you find out what God’s will is for your decision:

Stewardship – Romans 12: 1-2
Obedience – John 14:15-17
Discernment – Philippians 1:9-10
Prayer – Philipians 4:6-7
Counsel – Proverbs 15:22

In their book they share many scriptures and quotes that encourage the new homeschooler (as well as the old one that needs a boost after a long burn-out).

My verse for the day from page 5 as I took a few notes from my underlined sections of the book this morning was:

Ephesians 5:15-17 ~ Be very careful then, how you live - - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

My theme this year is simplicity and ‘intentional living’. I want to strip away what is of me and replace it with what is of Him. I want my priorities and life to line up with what He wants for me. I’m sure that if I seek to acknowledge Him in all my ways (especially in the education of my children), He will make my path straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

If you are a homeschooler (like me) that has been struggling with burn out.... If your joy has somehow gotten misplaced, please stop over at HOTM and read the article that Dawn and I wrote for them there. It’s called, “Burnout: Rising From the Ashes”. Trust me – with His help, you can dust yourself off and spread wings like an eagle – and fly again!


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Juggling the Homeschool Schedule

My old schedule was pretty strict. I could count on one hand how many free hours were in the week (on weekdays). [poor kids] It was burning us out. I think I talked about that some in my 'why we're starting Charlotte Mason' post. So I'm doing a new thing this semester and the peace and weight lifted off my shoulders are making me realize that it has been a long time coming... and the RIGHT thing for us.

HOWEVER.... and this is the big stumbling block for me.... It is something NEW. After nearly 7 years of homeschooling, NEW is like starting over. Scary, hu? [Kind of like throwing a newborn in to the mix after 8 years out of diapers!] While we 'detox' from our strict schedule, I'm trying to get organized so we don't fail at this new endeavor.

Yesterday's planning task was to get all my educational subjects and activities down on paper so I could categorize them for a prospective schedule. Below is what I came up with (in no particular order). I've tried to put them into broader categories per Cindy Rushton's "Charlotte Mason Primer". Now that I have them all on paper, I have to figure out how often they can get done... and when they will fit in our new 'laid back' schedule. Realistically, progress will be slower on some subjects, but the joy will be HUGE - and after all, joy in your learning is what makes it all worthwhile. No drudgery here. We're all about enjoying the journey!

Educational Activities and Subjects

LIFESKILLS
Daily Chores
Organization and Goals Review
Cooking
Paid chores

BIBLE/CHARACTER
Prayer Journals
Devotionals
Drill
Read Bible
Bible classes at church
Sermon notes weekly
Ministry and Hospitality
Character Clubs: Keepers/Contenders

PENMANSHIP/GRAMMAR/LANGUAGE
Copywork
Journaling
Finish penmanship workbooks
Grammar workbook
Spelling corrections
Penpals/Cards
Proofreading
Excellence in Writing

SCIENCE
Science Reader
Nature Journals and Walks
Research and Projects
Gardening

MATH
Math Workbook
Tests and Speed Drills

READING/COMPREHENSION/MEMORY
Memorizing scripture and poetry
Narrating after we read
Read-alouds
Library books
Free reading

MUSIC
Choir
Piano
Period/Composer Study

FOREIGN LANGUAGE
Italian software

TECHNOLOGY
Learning software
Blogging
Typing
Big IQ
StudyJams
Corel Draw
Lego Robotics

HISTORY
Reading living books and biographies/autobiographies
Timeline Box (index cards)
History notebooks/binders
Activities
Movies and documentaries

GEOGRAPHY
Visualize World Geography
Co-Op Culture Fair (once a year)

ART
GeeArt
Creativity Express
Art Textbooks
Period/Artist Study
Draw, Write Now!
Photography
Interior Decorating and Design Projects
Drawing and Painting
Art Classes

ENRICHMENT
Field Trips
Park Days
Co-Op Activities
Social Opportunities
Community Activities
Hobbies

My problem has always been trying to figure out WHAT to cut out of the day... trying to cram everything I could in to 12 hours. You just can't do it. Imagine trying to get even half of all that done in a single day!

I'm trying to circle my priorities and figure out an orderly progress schedule for the rest. So far we have been doing pretty well, but I know I'm going to start feeling like a flop if all our wonderful projects start falling by the wayside to make room for free time and a less stressful schedule.

Are you a Charlotte Mason mom? I'd love to see your daily routine and schedule... to read your advice on how to set up a routine that works. It is hard to teach an old list-fiend dog new tricks... to mellow her out and help her let go. I'd love your thoughts.

I'll check back later after we visit the OBGYN and get back from Choir. We're about to embark on our carschooling Tuesday. See you when we return!


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Carnivals, Swaps, and Contests, oh my!

Carnivals, Swaps, and Contests, oh my!

Just a friendly little reminder that there's a lot going on out there in the homeschooling blogosphere.

Next month on the 10th of February, I'll be hosting the Carnival of Homeschooling {*see link above*} over here.

The Homeschool Post is doing their first swap of 2009 starting today! {*see link above*} Get over there and sign up before the 18th if you want to participate. Now that the holidays are over, I think I'll be joining back in! It is so fun to get a package in the mail from another homeschool mom instead of a BILL for a change. I love shopping for little goodies to give away, too. If you haven't swapped before, it is a real blast!

Jocelyn has been giving away a ton of cool prizes {*see link above*} at her site and probably has some new give-aways in her bundle to list Monday. I'm planning a give-away here at Sprittibee this week, as well. The Homeschool Post will be giving away a few things also (including a Valentines Blog Make-over). Sign up for all three feeds so you don't miss the goods!

In other blogging news, I finally updated my template to reflect the current season. You'll have to cut me some slack since winter in Texas is so mild that you hardly notice it is here. However, the trees are bare these days and we have had to break out the coats, so I thought it was about time to watch my little blog tree go through its winter 'change'.

Oh, and don't forget to take your A B See Photos {*see link in my sidebar*} this week! I figured out today what my letter B photo would be. What will yours be? Come over and link it up at the Post on Friday!

It's time for me to head to bed. We've got something penciled in on almost every day this week. We'll be busy little bees.

Hope you have a super 2nd Week Back to School after the New Year!



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* credits for photo graphic to: berry berry rad's photo stream on flickr

Funky Fotoless 'Field Trip Foto Friday'

You'll have to forgive me WAY up front for my lack of energy to complete an articulate sentence tonight. I'm just sayin'.

I'm a big bundle of backache and baby weight. It was a busy day. I couldn't find time any earlier today for posting my letter 'B' photo or even blogging random updates - so I'm tacking some in to this FTFF post instead. Like you need to be bored to tears on Friday night.

I spent the morning homeschooling and the second part of the day cleaning out my garage. I may actually get my list checked off for January... maybe. The Christmas tree and all my decorations are down (just in time for my 15th deadline), and I took 5 boxes to Good Will today. My feet (HURT) feel as flat as pancakes after toting my hugeness around all afternoon. Thankfully, hubby and Morgan cooked our dinner or we would have starved. The doc called to tell me I flunked my first glucose test, too. So... I have to go in next week and drink 3 more bottles of gloop and find three more hours worth of stuff to do in a doctor's waiting room (which won't be hard).

Yesterday I toured the hospital and registered for my baby shower, too. Pretty cool to use one of those barcode scanners. I felt pretty state of the art. After that excitement we had friends over that spent the night... (and graciously helped me take down my tree and start my garage). But tonight, after the dust has settled, I'm just plum beat.

All that to say... that instead of giving you a full Field Trip Foto Friday like usual... I'm going to give you Field Trip Foto Friday links instead.

For those of you who are scratching your heads... my Field Trip Foto Friday posts are reviews of field trips we have taken in previous school years. I don't do them every week, but try to do at least 1, maybe 2 per month. My homeschool series post has links to all the posts where I keep records of book lists, favorite unit studies, curriculum we have used for each year, field trip lists for each year, software we have used, etc. On my field trip list posts, I link the actual field trip review to the name of the field trip - if of course, I do review it. There's only so many times you can review a trip to the park before it isn't interesting any more.

I'm currently teaching a 6th and 5th grader (I don't really label the grades as much as I label the subjects.... they are in much higher grade levels of some things than they are others - so I tend to just call it by what Math book we are in). So these field trips are not THIS year's stuff. They are from past grades and past places.

Each year I blog about the previous year's records after organizing all my paperwork and getting my grading done. In the past year I've been reviewing the field trips from 2006-7. I think I have most of them covered that we have photos for. I have already gotten ready to start 2007-8, as well. I just haven't added it to the homeschool series post yet. That will have to be added to the to-do list for this year...

The links I'm sharing today are a few field trip posts that have photos ... only they were posted as they happened back in '06 and '07 (and not added to the Field Trip Foto Friday series).

All that to say that I'm going to link a few previous posts here... that were field trips... that are certainly worth a review. I love looking back at old photos, anyway.

Can you tell how tired I am? I'm making myself as clear as mud.

Here they are:

The Sneaky Field Trip Foto Friday Posts for 2006-2007

Trip Home to Texas
Burns Park Photo Shoot
Drive to Memphis to see "Miss Potter"
Camping at Petit Jean State Park
River Market and Trolleys
Hiking Petit Jean part 1, Hiking Petit Jean part 2
Okatoma Creek Fishing

Wow! That's a lot of photos that snuck past my 'Field Trip Foto Friday' theme. So now you've seen them for what they are... super fun field trips. Enjoy browsing back through them!

Happy Friday (or what's left of it)... and here's wishing you (and me) a super restful weekend.



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The End of Used Books and Toys?

Imagine a world without used books, Handmade goods, small businesses that make quality products, even stuff on Ebay and Craig's List? If you do your research regarding CPSIA, you'll find that this seemingly good law that seeks to stop bad chemicals from harming American children is actually going to change the way we live DRASTICALLY. I don't know about you, but I buy lots of used books on Ebay, at library sales, and even get them donated to me by friends. I also love hand made goods - give aways on blogs - and small businesses who won't be able to afford the extreme fees for CPSIA product testing and certifications.

No homeschooler will be unaffected by this law. Don't kid yourself.

Do some research. Read about it. Watch this funny video by SNL. This is a big, big deal, folks. Imagine all those little businesses going OUT of business. Can't be helpful for our already lagging economy.

They want to prevent you from buying or even being given used books. What would become of all those lonely used books? The thought makes me shiver. Maybe they would end up in places like this abandoned warehouse.

I'm sharing a link to a petition that you can sign, and I highly suggest that you contact your senators. This law will go in to effect as is in early February if we sit back and do nothing. Hardly a senator didn't sign it - it is already speeding it's way to the president's desk. Barak's political platform comparison said, "Barack Obama believes free, quality public education is the heart of the American promise". Will his first few acts in the driver's seat also include making it harder on homeschoolers and homemakers... small businesses and resellers? I guess we'll see.

I hope that this new 'safety' law is not the first step towards Fahrenheit 451.



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A is for Apple

I couldn't think of a single thing this week that started with A to photograph for our 'A B See Meme'. How lame is that? The only thing that came to mind was apples. I actually took this photo back in August when my daughter was learning to use the camera. We were practicing Macros. I don't even much like apples... but I eat them because I know they are good for me. In fact, I think we have one in the fridge that I'm planning on eating today. I don't mind them with peanutbutter to dip the peeled slices in. And no, I don't like apple pie, either. My husband calls me 'unAmerican'. Oh, well - at least I'm a Texan. I'd much prefer Tex-Mex to apple pie any 'ol day.

My husband, on the other hand, is an apple fiend. He eats apples nearly every day. He doesn't mind the skin on them, either. I can remember when my healthy child wanted an apple and I told her she could have one as long as Mama didn't have to cut it up. I'm not always that lazy, but that particular day, I was dog tired. A few minutes later, she brought me a stem. I asked her where the rest of the apple was and she said, "I ated it".

She ate the entire thing. Seeds, core, skin, and all. Just a little stem left. That's my husband and my daughter for you. I swear they are part rabbit.

Me and the unhealthy boy - we prefer our chocolate, milk/cream/cheese, bread, meat, rice, and taters. In that order.

Thankyouverymuch.

- - - - - - - - -
Follow along with my photo alphabet and others at the Homeschool Post each Friday! Check out my sidebar for the meme graphic and go see what you can do to join us!


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List Updates and a Winner

The winner of my secret prize for sharing their list is Karen W. I have an assorted box of prizes for her that I'm letting her pick from. One of the items is a groovy wall calendar for 2009 - in case she doesn't have one already.

I'm feeling much better today. Hopefully we can get some errands run. I'm taking the kids to the teacher supply store (heaven), Wal-Mart (daddy needs batteries), out to eat lunch (already hungry), the post office, and where-ever else I remember we need to go. Things are getting fuzzy since the mama bear is hungry for lunch.

Charlotte Mason is going well. Day 2 has proven to be better as far as attitudes go. So far. We started a bit later, though because chores weren't finished up to par last night and the children had a bit of a goofing off spell after breakfast. I'll probably post more about our new schedule and methods after we get a groove going. So far I'm way less stressed and that's a great thing with heart-attack heartburn and last trimester discomforts. Stress is NOT your friend. Hopefully Mylanta will be (thanks for the tip, cuz). Going to buy some at Wal-Mart later.

I went over my list again. It stinks that I can't cross anything on my 2009 list off completely yet, but I'm working my tail off on it. Progress is happening. I finished a homeschool book, finished a novel with the kids, finished printing half of my control journal pages for 2009 (through June), published a recipe at Gathering Manna (thanks Carrie!), emailed some folks that are helping me get some of my projects done, and discussed the crib with my friend. I even started on the grading stack yesterday while I was laid up.

Looks like the crossing off is going to be slower than I hoped, but at least the steady progress is being made and I'm 'living intentionally' in 2009. That's all anyone can really aim for, after all. Perfectionism is living in defeat and chasing an impossible dream.

I hope you are having the same success with your resolute plans for this year. Hope your homeschooling is looking up, too. Rise and shine, baby! Rise and shine.




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First Day of the Rest of My School Year

We had our first day back to 'school' today. If it weren't for me being bedridden after lunch, the kids having attitudes and me loosing my cool, I would say it was a great success.

We got up at 7:00AM with our snappy new alarm clocks and had a home cooked bacon, egg, and toast breakfast. We got a light Charlotte Mason schedule done and we transitioned back to the kitchen table for math - per Cindy Rushton's advice and the kids' request. Math went great. That's BIG, people. Real big. I thought we were out of the woods... but we had a bit of tweenie-ness to tackle before we could move on with the rest of our schedule. I had one of those "I'm tired of being told what to do" statements thrown at me. And we all know where that leads.

At lunch time we scanned the pantry. No food in sight. It would be my luck that we ran out of groceries on the coldest day of 2009. We piled in to the car after counting icicles out the back window, hoping the roads were clear. Luckily, the path from our house to the drive-in was in good shape. No ice on the roads, but plenty of the soft crunchy kind at Sonic. I actually left the house in my pajama bottoms because my pregnancy jeans felt like they had Ginsu knives in them. I doubt the car hop noticed since we had big winter coats on (a rare treat for a Texan).

We ordered lots of greasy things with cheese on top. And of course - who can forget the limeades? Tasted great going down... NOT so great coming back up with pregnancy GERD. I chalk it up as a science experiment, however. I've been wondering what this awful bruising in my chest, bubbling on my sternum and upper ribs, and searing heart pain was. Poor little baby has been getting a lot of blame - and it wasn't his fault after all... it was my nasty digestive tract causing all the trouble.

After sitting up with my microwaved rice sock stuck in between my belly and chest and tasting tater tots in the back of my throat (moving the wrong direction - after 2 plus hours of being home), I diagnosed myself. Saved myself a trip to the doctor. I guess lying on my left side wasn't so smart - since you aren't supposed to lie down with reflux. Recycled tater tots are not such a great before-dinner teaser. I guess it will be cold cereal and Zantac for me tonight... while my wonderful husband cooks the snapper I took out of the freezer for him and the kids.

Remind me not to go to Sonic again when I have a 5lb. Viking living in my rib cage. Well, maybe just for the raspberry limeade... on a rare occasion. But NO MORE GREASE!

What a pity. I have craved hamburgers and tacos more than anything since I have been pregnant. My little Viking is gonna be a meat and taters kind of guy, I suppose. Until he gets here, we'll have to stock up on groceries to prevent us from eating fast food. Hope the Zantac really helps so I have some relief from all my discomfort.

Tomorrow we're gearing up for day 2 with Charlotte Mason. The kids said they enjoyed today - even though Mommy was in bed for half of it. It's not over yet anyway. We're still going to read some of our family read-aloud: 'Shades of Gray' by Carolyn Reeder. Talk about a tear-jerker.

Did you start school today? How was it? I'm not gonna let a little heartburn and homeschool meltdown get in my way of a super 2009.



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A Personal Graphical Alphabet

I've been chewing on this project since last summer. It's an alphabetical photo meme - a scrapbooker's and blogger's dream come true. It is so simple that your 8 year old blogger who knows how to use a point and shoot camera can play along. The rules are easy... just photograph items (or people, or places, or whatever you love) that start with a certain letter. Your title should be similar to "A is for Apple".

Just use the graphic in your sidebar and join up at the 'A B See' linky over at the Homeschool Post to let them know you are playing along. There's more info over there for you to read and rules for the meme. Each week on Friday the Post will offer a linky for those of you who have posted some alphabetical photographs for that week.

This is a great blog assignment because it requires hardly any work. There are no rules (other than keepin' it family friendly) and there is no time limit. You can go as slow as you want or stick to a steady stream. You can also use the photos to create a slideshow or book - or to scrapbook when you are done.

You know me... the photo nut. I love a good picture post. Hope you'll join me at the Post! I'm already trying to decide what I love enough to capture the letter 'A'....



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Tackling the List

A long list is a dangerous thing. Planning for victory means breaking the whole into parts. After all, you don't eat a steak in one bite. Figuring that my list was a bit on the long side, I took it to bed last night with a pencil and paper. Instead of reading, I organized my list in to these categories:

Daily
Weekly
Monthly

Everything that couldn't fit in those categories was a potential 'procrastination project'. So, I counted up the leftovers and figured out that I would have to do 9 projects per month to complete the entire list by the end of December 2009. Nine in '09. I swear, I didn't plan that out!

I picked my nine items from the list for January already. Actually, I may have picked more than 9. Here they are with their original list numbers:

1. Refinance the House (had the appraisal today - waiting on closing)
3. Paint Morgan's and the Baby's room & decorate (in planning stages - they are sharing a room)
4. Pick up donated crib, buy/make bedding for it...
15. Catch up with grading and school paperwork (started...)
19. Get recipes from Nana and Ammie (emailed)
22. Put away Christmas ornaments/trees (we only have the trees and cards left)
38. Organize the school closet
94. Print 2009 calendar pages (printed 2009 through July) & make 2008 annual letter
106. Taxes for 2008 sorted (waiting on 2 tax documents in the mail)
109. Baby shower (25th ... need to register)
125. Clean out pantry/fridge (if this includes eating holiday sweets, I'm on it!)

So that's 11 items that I can focus on for NOW. That's the key to success - breaking it down in to bite sized slivers. A list with 125 items is overwhelming - even for list queens like me. No one wants to feel discouraged. Now I have a pace set that keeps me moving forward without leaving things to chance.

Keeping up with my Dailies, Weeklies, and Monthlies may prove to be the hardest part of the list, however. Those are more what I would call 'resolutions'. They are habits that need to be formed. I loved what one of my commentors (Penny) called the list-making way of life: "intentional living".

My Dailies are: spending time in prayer, reading my bible daily, finding time every day or two for my CDRom Bible, spending time Outdoors every other day, School before housework and fun, me-time and journaling, reading to the kids out loud, having the kids read to the baby, cooking (sticking to the menu plan) and housework (preventative order), set bedtimes, and the kids doing copy-work.

My Weeklies are: tackling procrastination projects (listed above for this month), keeping up with friends and family, reading for myself, making menus, coupons and frugality, 3 recipes on Gathering Manna, nature journaling with the kids, family devo time, keeping the email boxes clean, doing GeeArt with the kids, and helping the kids blog.

My Monthlies: decluttering, having the kids cook one meal without help each, freezing food for later, keeping track of the books we are reading, planning for school, getting a home project done (decorating/painting/curtains/gardening, etc), doing a blog give-away, scrapbooking, having guests for dinner, taking a field trip, sending a flat stanley, and organizing the school papers/portfolios.

How's that for a breakdown? Lists are fun.

Now let's see how much I can get done today.

Be sure to link up your 2009 list on my post from the other day. I am giving you until the end of the weekend to get it done. Monday I'll pick a winner for a small prize.

Happy Listing and Tackling in 2009!


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