The Great Clean Out Commences!

It's so easy as a homeschool mom/stay-at-home to become lax when it comes to my appearance.  There was a time when I wore sweats just about everyday.  I wore them in hopes of getting a workout in, but after time they became like a uniform.  Wake up, put on the sweats.  Along with the sweats, on a given day, I may not put on make-up or fix my hair beyond the ponytail, unless I have to leave the house.  If I have to leave, I may put on mascara, or maybe just sunglasses.

There are seasons when things get a little better, like after I read The Hot Mom's Handbook.  After reading this book, I was going to commit to do better.  I cleaned out a lot of the old, worn out clothing, lost some weight, started working out regularly (not just pretending by wearing the workout clothing).  It was a change for the better.

Since moving to Southern California, I initially made some fashion leaps, which pleased our daughter, but yesterday I realized I'm settling in my old ways again. 

I have to first mention our daughter is a "Fasionista!"  She's pulls together unique combos, as we call them, every day.  She dresses in cute outfits, accessorizes and fixes her hair in fancy do's.  She does her hair on her own, side ponytails, braids, etc. 

Don't get me wrong, I can pull it together if necessary, but often times, I don't.  Like yesterday. 

I went to the gym in my 100 year old (yes, I'm exaggerating, it makes for a better story) men's soccer shorts and Chickie and Pete's men's t-shirt.  I felt comfortable and I was just going to get all sweaty.  What's the problem with looking frumpy?  When I got to the gym I noticed my fellow gym mates in their Lululemon or equally cute girls' workout clothing, I began to get a little self-conscious.  I'm not saying cave to peer pressure or try to keep up with the Jones', but I have the Lululemon clothing at home.  I just, out of habit, put on the junkies because they were there.

Last Christmas, my sweet husband and my grandma bought me a number of Lululemon pieces to improve my workout collection and I still choose to wear the junkies.

Last night after the time at the gym, I was talking with my precious daughter.  Note, she was wearing white leggings, a cute blue/white striped Nautical dress, and sunglasses.  We had to go to Target.  While at Target we started talking about my lack {at times} of fashion sense.  She patiently listened and then with the wisdom of an 8-year old, told me that I needed to dress like her.  She would help me put it together.  Love her!  I then committed to get rid of the frumpy and/or unflattering clothing. 

Today we'll spend some time cleaning out drawers.  I have my fashion consultant to help.  Happy homeschooling.

French Toast Night

Time to wander in stores is a rarity in this homeschool mom's life, but a necessary errand to the Apple Store to check on the iPad our son ordered put us in close vicinity to the local Crate and Barrel.  Crate and Barrel...dreamy!  Since the kids were with me, we took this opportunity to check out the latest in kitchen gadgets and decor.  It was as informative as a kitchen focused field trip.  Since we do a lot of cooking in our homeschool routine they were just about as excited as I was.  There were so many wonderful finds at reasonable prices. 

One gadget we came home with was a Powdered Sugar Spoon.  At our house, powdered sugar is a must on French Toast and I find it such a hassle to have to take out the large sifter for such a small task.  The best sifter we have is an antique, and I try not to use it because the paint continues to chip off.  I'd like to preserve that treasure.  The new sifter we picked up at Target is a piece of junk, if I say so myself.  It doesn't work well.  The sifting apparatus jams regularly and it causes more frustration that it is worth.  Often we just use a very large strainer type sifter for making frosting, but for our French Toast, this little spoon looked very appealing.

The Powdered Sugar Spoon

After buying a number of small items like this we decided to put our little spoon to work.  I told the kids they could have French Toast for dinner.  They were so excited!  Here's our method of making French Toast.

French Toast

Gather ingredients. 

3 eggs
1/4 cup milk
egg bread or other hearty white bread (about 6-8 slices)
cinnamon and sugar mixture
pie plate for mixing

I keep cinnamon and sugar mixture in shaker for everyday use

Crack eggs in pie plate.  Add 1/4 cup of milk.

Beat eggs and milk with fork

Soak a piece of bread in egg mixture, just to coat each side. Don't over soak as bread is like a sponge and will be soggy if over soaked.

Place coated bread on griddle.  Sprinkle each piece of bread with cinnamon and sugar.

We have a non-stick griddle.  If using a pan, a little butter in the bottom of the pan makes the bread so tasty!

Cook for a minute or so until golden brown.  Flip over and let other side cook.

Place cooked French Toast on plate, butter, and then sprinkle with powdered sugar.  If using a little Powdered Sugar Spoon like we bought, it helps if you just put a little on the spoon so it doesn't fall from the sides.  Our daughter informed me she likes the big lumps of powdered sugar.  Of course she does!

Enjoy!

Dental Dream Paste for Sensitive Teeth

I'm the worst dental patient on the planet...maybe.  I LOVE having clean, healthy teeth, but I have extreme dental anxiety and very sensitive teeth.

The anxiety can probably be traced back the days when dentists didn't pamper and coddle their young patients.  I can remember riding in the car with my mom not knowing where we were going.  We'd drive down the freeway toward downtown.  She'd begin singing, "Henry the 8th," by Herman's Hermits and I knew where we were headed.  I'd begin crying trying to sing-a-long knowing we were on our way to the dreaded dentist.  Dang!  I still remember that so vividly.

These days kids are given the royal treatment at the dentist.  I love that for our kids!  When they first started going to the dentist, I'd have to hold back the tears while watching them hoping they'd have a better experience than I had.  We've been blessed by extraordinary dentists.  They've been so kind and loving.  Our kids actually try to give me hints so I'll schedule check-ups for them, they're so excited to go.

Me, on the other hand, not so much.  Today I just had a cleaning.  I don't get as anxious for cleanings, but the oversensitivity my teeth have makes even routine visits potentially painful.  Until today, that is.  Apparently, sensitivity is a big problem for dental patients.  The hygienist asked if I'd like a newer product that helps with the sensitivity for a mere $5.  Of course I would!  She began polishing my teeth with Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief Desensitizing Paste.  It has INSTANT sensitivity relief!!  This product is well worth the $5!

So, if you have sensitive teeth and have an upcoming visit, ask your hygienist or dentist for this product.  I was told it's only available at the dentist office.  Good news is, the sensitivity relief lasts for a couple weeks.  Wow!

Happy National Cherry Cobbler Day!! Dessert Tonight

We were baking away this afternoon in honor of National Cherry Cobbler Day.  While purchasing the ingredients, I wondered why a national holiday using cherries would fall in May when cherries are not in season until summer.  This doesn't make any sense, especially if you're trying to purchase fresh or even frozen cherries for that matter in the grocery store.  I went to two grocery stores and the best I could find was the cherry/mixed berry frozen mix at Trader Joe's.

At home, I found a recipe for Cherry-Blueberry Cobbler Supreme in Better Homes and Gardens New Baking Book.  I also had Trader Joe's frozen blueberries on hand so this worked out perfectly.

cherry-blueberry cobbler supreme

The batter starts out on the bottom and ends up on top of this unique cobbler.

2 cups fresh or frozen unsweetened pitted tart red cherries (or one bag frozen Trader Joe's Cherry/Berry mix)
1 cup fresh or frozen unsweetened blueberries
Cherry juice or water (about 2 cups)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup milk
1/2-3/4 cup granulated sugar.  (I think a 1/2 cup is plenty.  It was pretty sweet with just a 1/2)
Powdered sugar (optional)
Ice Cream or light cream (optional)

Thaw fruit if frozen;  I set my fruit in a colander over a bowl to collect the excess juice/liquid then poured about a cup of water over the fruit to increase the liquid to the 2 cups necessary.  If you are using fresh fruit, measure 2 cups cherry juice or water.  Set aside.  Grease (spray with non-stick spray) a 3-quart oval baking dish, 9X13X2 inch baking pan or a square 9X9 Pampered Chef pan.  Set aside.

Beautiful Berries

My Pampered Chef Pan

In a medium bowl combine the dry ingredients.  (Flours, baking powder, and salt).  set aside.  In a large mixer like a Kitchen Aid beat butter and the 1 cup sugar until fluffy.  This can be a couple minutes.

The dry ingredients and butter.  I always use aluminum-free baking powder.  Whole wheat flour is fine.  I had pastry flour on hand and it worked fine.  If possible I buy organic.  I just feel better about it.

Dry ingredients all mixed up.

Butter and Sugar

Mixing until fluffy

It's fluffier

  Add dry ingredients alternately with milk.  Beat until smooth. 

Looking Smooth

Spread batter in the bottom of your prepared pan. 

So Nice!

Spread it out evenly

Top the batter with the berries

Spread the berries evenly over the batter

Berries are ready to be topped with 1/2 cup sugar

Pour the fruit juice over the berries covering the berries and batter.  Don't worry, this might not look okay, but it'll be fine after baking. 

Pouring



2 cups seems like a lot of liquid when you're submerging your berries

still pouring

Almost...

Batter and berries covered

Time for the oven.  Bake in a 350 degree oven for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.  Cool for about 45 minutes. 

Beautiful

Finished

Serve with ice cream if you'd like.  Enjoy!

National Cherry Cobbler Day- May 17th

Today is a day to celebrate National Cherry Cobbler Day.  It's a cloudy rainy day in Southern California so what a perfect day to bake.  We will be heading to the store to purchase our ingredients to make our own homemade Cherry Cobbler. 

I've found just about every day is some sort of national holiday.  Check out punchbowl.com or about.com under their homeschooling section for a list of holidays to remember.  Who knew that chocolate chips had their own national holiday?  Or that turles had a special day set aside just for them.  Or, did you know yesterday was "Love a Tree Day?"  About.com has many ideas on how you can learn about the specific day.

It's always great to wake up and have a reason to celebrate another day of life!  Enjoy!!

Writing What We Know About- Subway

Like many parents these days we try to daily feed our kids wholesome, healthy meals.  We consume good proteins, whole grains, healthy fats, fruits and vegetables regularly.  But I must admit, during busy sports seasons, there are times when it's just hard to pull the meals-on-the-run together.  So when we're on  the run, not wanting to spend a bundle of money feeding a family of five, one of the best options for a quick lunch has become Subway.

Everyone in the family enjoys a 6" sub with ham or turkey on whole wheat, all the vegetables, no mayo, extra banana peppers, jalapenos on the side.  I've ordered that so many times it just rolls off the tongue.

Last week, I came across a writing activity that seems perfect for our family.  It's the "Subway Fresh Fit Family All Star Challenge."  Subway and Scholastic have teamed up in this endeavor to encourage healthy eating, active lifestyles and less time in front of a screen.

Interested families/students answer the question, "How does your family take steps to be healthy and active?"

The contest began January 14, 2011 and runs until June 30, 2011.  All entries must be received by June 30.

This contest is open to homeschoolers.  I read in 2008, Subway excluded homeschoolers, but that is no longer the case. 

The grand prize is $5,000 worth of athletic equipment, Scholastic gift basket, subway card, and the story published online and in the Scholastic Parent & Child magazine.

This week we'll begin working on our Subway contest submission.  Let's hope for the best! 

A Great Stress Reliever- CrossFit!

Over the years many aspiring homeschool moms have asked, "How do you do it?  You're with  your kids all the time?"  Yes, the truth is I am with my kids most of the waking hours of the day.  Fortunately, I'm crazy about them and we have a lot of fun together.  More importantly, I discovered early on in our homeschool endeavor I need to have a regular stress reliever.  One regular stress reliever is routine exercise. 

For years I've been a runner/jogger.  I don't think my running speed qualifies me as a "runner", but like the energizer bunny, or perhaps the tortoise, I'm slow and steady.  Physical therapists tell me my body is not designed to have great running ability, but I love the freedom I feel and the sense of accomplishment it gives.  One year after our oldest was born, I completed a marathon (26.2 miles).  I trained with Team in Training for six months.  Most of my runs were pushing a jogger hoping my baby would be entertained by the motion and scenery.  After the six months of training, I completed the marathon in Alaska.  It was a dream come true!  At the end of the 26.2 miles the muscles that hurt the worst were in my face from smiling so hard. 

I've continued to run over the years since the marathon, but this past year I decided to mix up my workouts.  I've tried adding biking and strength training over the years, but needed something that was more consistent, organized and challenging.  A couple friends joined CrossFit gyms and the strenuous exercise intrigued me.  Additionally, any given CrossFit workout is between ten minutes and about forty minutes which fit in my limited time schedule.

I admit I was a bit intimidated by CrossFit.  Many people who frequent our gym are elite athletes.  They are police officers, fire fighters, and former military personnel.  They are stronger than I ever dreamed.  At one CrossFit gathering Greg Glassman, founder of CrossFit, asked me if I had a question for him.  The previous questions that night were from some of the elite athletes I mentioned.  They were questions about training, the future of Crossfit, etc.  When he put me on the spot, my response was, "What does CrossFit look like for the average mom?"  Truth is,  I'm not the 20-something training for the next CrossFit game.  I'm just the average mom, looking for a great workout, wanting to be healthy and active.  He then praised the moms who frequent the gym and reassured me there is a place for moms in CrossFit.

I've been at a local CrossFit gym since August of 2010.  I love setting goals and trying to achieve them.  Many weeks and months go by without any apparent improvement, but this week was different!

This week I was able to do a couple CrossFit exercises that up until now were impossible.  One exercise is called Toes to Bar.  If you can't do Toes to Bar, you try for Knees to Elbows.  I've been on a variation of Knees to Elbows for months.  Here's a video of my friend doing toes to bar, knees to elbows, and pull-ups on a blue band.

This week surprisingly, I did the Toes to Bar.  One of our trainers suggested I look up or back to get my body momentum going in that upward direction.  The tip paid off.  I was able to swing my toes up to the bar!  Granted, I did not move as fluidly as the gal in this video, and I grunted quite a bit more, but I was able to do it.  It felt GREAT!

Two more firsts happened for me this week too.  One was doing pull-ups with the blue band.  Up until now I was on the green band.  This week I was able to do 42 pull-ups with the blue band.  Here I am on the blue band.  Maybe one day it'll be no band!

Lastly, the next big accomplishment I had was doing the tire flip.  I'm told it was about 250 pounds.  In order to flip it over you have to get a bit under it and then flip it over.  It felt good!

Some days, I just work out because I know it clears my head.  This week I really felt like it did more than just clear my head.  It gave me confidence and a renewed sense of accomplishment.  I felt healthier, stronger and happier.  Doing these little things makes me strive to do more.  Life is Good!

Homer P. Figg- Mrs. Bean's Buttermilk Pancakes

We've been reading The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg by Rodman Philbrick.  Homer is quite the character!  He continually gets himself into all sorts of scrapes and predicaments.  At one point in the story, he is offered accommodations by a Quaker named Jebediah Brewster.  Mr. Brewster's cook, Mrs. Bean makes Homer buttermilk pancakes after he nearly faints from starvation.  At the end of the book there is a recipe for Mrs. Beans Buttermilk Pancakes and since buttermilk pancakes are one of our favorite breakfast meals we decided to try them out.  This recipe makes fluffy, scrumptious pancakes!!  It might just become an all-time favorite!

Note: if you don't have buttermilk handy, use regular 2% milk + 1 t. lemon juice or white vinegar.  The lemon juice/vinegar will curdle the milk.  Let it set for approximately 5 minutes.

Mrs. Bean's Buttermilk Pancakes

1 3/4 cups flour
1 egg
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
3 tablespoons cooking oil
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
Maple syrup and/or butter (or my favorites, jelly/jam or butter w/sugar sprinkle)

Instructions:

Stir together the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt) in a large bowl.  Then, in separate bowl, beat together the egg, buttermilk, and oil.  Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until thoroughly combined.  The batter should be slightly lumpy.  Do not over mix.

Lightly grease a pan or griddle and warm to a medium heat.  For an average-sized pancake, pour a hefty spoonful of batter into the pan and cook it until the underside has turned golden brown, or air bubbles have risen to the top of the cooking batter.  Flip the pancake and cook it for the same amount of time on the opposite side, or until equally golden brown on the bottom.

Serve pancakes hot with butter and maple syrup.

The Kids Photographed Their Golden Pancakes

From: The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg by Rodman Philbrick Afterwords.

For the Love of Writing

Writing can be a difficult and overwhelming task for many children and young adults. Our kids have kept journals since we began homeschooling and I encourage them to write in them daily. Journaling has been a great way to record exciting or memorable events in the kids’ lives and they love looking back at the way they wrote or what they wrote about. It helps them develop sentence structure, grammar usage, penmanship, and punctuation skills.

The kids' journals.  Well worth the fifty-cents they cost at the beginning of the school year!

Along with journaling, they’ve all followed an English curriculum that assigns writing projects. In these they learn about topic sentences, introductions, the body of the work, and conclusions. From there they’ve written a few stories, biographies, how-to papers, etc.

Some homeschool families opt to not do English.  We implement it throughout the year. 

There have been times I’ve asked our kids to write freely or expand on a topic after I ask an open-ended question. Such a question might be, “Write about the most interesting event you experienced last summer.” If I ask our children that question only requiring a verbal response each one would probably give great details and descriptions of the summer event. But, if I asked them to write a one page summary of their summer vacation, their response may be, “I don’t know what to write.” Following their response, may be the ensuing stress, frustration, and discouragement from the sudden onset of writer’s block.


This past year we decided to enroll our oldest son in a writing class at a local homeschool education program. I thought this might be a good idea to have someone else besides me require writing assignments with set deadlines and standards. His teacher used a book called Jump-In: A workbook for Reluctant and Eager Writers by Sharon Watson. It is published by Apologia Press. This book was great for our son! The assignments were broken down in easily completed skill segments. Most importantly, he actually enjoyed doing his work and writing the papers. He wrote a number of papers this year including a biography, book report, opinion paper, a newspaper article a how-to paper and a compare and contrast paper to name a few. Through this writing program, he built confidence as a writer. I think he even began to develop a fondness for writing.

Jump In by Apologia

Next year the same homeschool program will potentially offer a class based on the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW). After reading the following review I think we’ll definitely consider taking this class or possibly purchase the curriculum for home use.

I found a post on homeschool blogger.com explaining the IEW program.

Here’s the post by Catherine: http://homeschoolblogger.com/brindamorr/?p=2277

When I first began homeschooling, I tried to learn as much as could as quickly as I could. I joined groups, message boards, and Facebook pages. One thing that I noted early on was that a lot of people raved about the Institute for Excellence in Writing. (usually called IEW) Any time the subject of writing programs came up, there would be glowing reports of IEW, and how much the children enjoyed Andrew Pudewa. When I was given the opportunity to use and review this program, I was thrilled!

When the box from IEW arrived, I opened it right away. Inside I found a DVD, Structure and Style Overview. This is a recorded lecture by Mr. Pudewa. Anxious to see this highly recommended program explained, I played the DVD. For 2 hours and 20 minutes, he described the method of teaching, how he learned it, and the ways we can best support our kids as they go through the courses. It’s very well done. Available for $10.00, it is a priceless introduction.

I saw immediately why the children enjoy these classes. Andrew Pudewa is encouraging, engaging, funny, and moves at a good pace. He also gives wonderful advice about editing vs lecturing, subject matter, and much more.
~~
After I watched the Overview, I looked more closely at the Student Writing Intensive Course. I found 4 DVDS, student binders with worksheets, and teacher’s pages.

If you like organization, you will adore the teacher’s syllabus. Each lesson is written in perfect detail. Each DVD is outlined by time stamp. Each lesson is also shown in several different ways. There is a chart, a day by day schedule, and then the actual lessons; these have teacher’s notes, student writing checklists, the reading sources, and pages for reinforcement of the recorded lesson. There is also a page that has helpful suggestions for lesson planning, how to teach the course, and even a paragraph that walked me through setting up the student binders. Everything was in order. I lined up my first lesson supplies and we were ready.
~~
I am happy to report that the outline follows Mr. Pudewa perfectly, all of the source material was correctly sequenced, and it was very easy to follow along as he taught. If notes are to be taken, there is either a pre-made sheet to fill in, or he very carefully describes what he wants the children to write on their pages. The sheets that are included are color coded, so that there is no mistaking what he wants when he says “the yellow sheet” or “the pink sheet”.

Although the DVD portion of the course originally took place over 4 days, this is ideally taught over 15 or 30 weeks. The teacher notes correlate which parts of the recorded session go with each lesson, because you will be watching the DVDs in smaller parcels of time. If you need to go back and find a specific thing (such as how you were first taught to write a conclusion) you can easily look to see that on Disc One, at 9:04, that subject is covered.

Even reluctant or disorganized writers can turn in beautiful papers if they apply this method. The biggest stumbling block, (what to write about) is removed for the children. Then they are given some tricks, like how to outline ideas, remove boring (banned) words, and “dress up” their writing. They are also taught how to write strong conclusions and great titles. All the while, they are laughing. (Yes, laughing!)

I thought this was a wonderful program. I’m grateful that it is available on DVD. My boys (who could never be still for a class like this) were able to sit in our living room, on our comfortable couch, and glean all of this wonderful information. Their fidgets didn’t disrupt anyone, and we could take breaks whenever we needed.

Student Writing Intensive is available in three levels. Level A is for elementary students, B for middle school, and C for High School. As I mentioned, we did Level B. The course is $99.00 which includes:

• Four DVDs

• A binder with dividers

• A packet with the teacher’s notes, handouts, and checklists (about 100 pages in all)

Additional Student Binders may be purchased for $18.00. (or $10.00 if buying the e-book version) Student pages may be reproduced within families, but not for co-ops.

All programs come with a 100% Money Back Guarantee if you are unsatisfied for any reason.

You’ll also find that each course description includes sample pages and some video clips like this one for SWI-B.
~~
The last item included in our package was the Portable Wall. I love this. It’s a trifold laminated folder with a pocket so a report in progress can be stored in it. It has the “dress ups”, word lists, and the hints that are taught in class printed on the inside and back. The student doesn’t have to take copious notes and then marinate in them. Everything is a glance away. I found this to be a great tool for reinforcement. It is available for $7.00 .
~~
I realize that most people are not like me. I get curriculum and I dive into it. If you tend to open the box and cringe, you’ll find help with these Yahoo groups. They are populated with plenty of experienced IEW families and moderated by IEW staff members. There are also several other help options such as Where to start?, FAQ, and contact us located on the Help Page.

If you visit the website, www.excellenceinwriting.com, you’ll find a wealth of information available. Contact information for homeschooling families, schools, and international orders will be found on this page. General Inquires and Homeschoolers will use this information:

• Call toll free: 800.856.5815 (local 918.894.5802)

• Email:info@excellenceinwriting.com

• Fax: 603.925.5123

• Write: 8799 N. 387 Rd., Locust Grove, OK 74352
~~
The Institute for Excellence in Writing offers several other writing course options and an in depth seminar for parents about teaching the IEW courses.

IEW also offers music, grammar, literature and poetry, spelling, theme based studies, eBooks, Pre-k items and more. You’ll also find lists of upcoming events and webinars, suggestions for which courses to take and in what order, past conferences and seminars, and information about the instructors.

Some of my TOS crew mates have reviewed a variety of the writing courses at all levels. Stop by the Crew Blog and read some more of the reviewsHERE.

**In order to write an informed review, I was given the materials mentioned. I was not compensated for this blog post, and my opinions are genuine.

Copyright © Our Village is a Little Different ~ Product Reviews and Homeschool Things Powered

I'm grateful for reviews like the preceding.  It helps making the decision what curriculum to purchase next year.

Baseball Poetry

This year our oldest son took a writing class through a local homeschool education program.  I love writing and actually liked teaching him to write, but thought he might benefit from some instruction, encouragement, and deadlines from someone other than me.  

The class has been very good for him.  At first, he was a little overwhelmed.  Upon receiving assignments, we'd discuss the topic, research and brainstorm his ideas.  He'd begin writing and then we'd fill in the gaps together.  Eventually, as the year went on, he said, "Mom, I'll do it on my own.  You can proofread, but I'll do it in my own words."  Wow, my guy gained independence and confidence in his writing!

Today he had to turn in a poetry cube.  He had to choose a theme and write six poems based on his theme.  He chose "Baseball."  He wrote five of the six required poems.  I'm not quite sure why he didn't write the sixth poem.  Maybe it will be his writing assignment for tomorrow.

Here's what he came up with:

Baseball

The green grass smells sweet

Crackling under my huge feet

Will this moment end?

  

Baseball

Happy, Joyful

Jumping, Running, Hitting

What an amazing Game

Baseball

  

Baseball

The American Pastime

Catching

Diving, Swinging, Hitting

Baseball

   

Batting

Around

Safe!

Enjoyment

Bases

All at

Little

League

  

Jackie Robinson

There once was a time in baseball

When the game was not open to all

Then came a man

Who took a stand

And to him we’re forever grateful.

Memorable Dates in History

I love history.  I majored in history.  I memorized dates, times, and places to make it through college.  I can't say I remember many of those {important} dates now.  Sad.

Because of my love for history, we do a lot of history in our daily homeschooling.  The last couple years we've really focused on American history through the Civil War.  There are a few dates I really try to get the kids to remember.  I can't even count the number of times I've asked the kids, "What year did the Pilgrims arrive?"

No matter how many times they hear the question, their response is..."Ahhhh... Ummmm.... 14...no...16???"

I started thinking.  We've can do better.

There is one date many kids remember.  "In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue."  If we have a rhyme to associate a date with, maybe they will remember.

So, I put on my thinking/rhyming hat.  My dad is great at coming up with rhymes and jingles.  I seem to be able to come up with them too.  They may not be great, but I think the kids will remember.

To remember when the Pilgrims arrived, I came up with,  "The brave Pilgrims did not come with plenty, when they arrived in 1620."

Do you have rhymes or jingles to share that help you remember dates in history?  Please share.  I'm looking forward to this history challenge.

Now Presenting...Our Teenager!

Always Smiling

Today is the BIG day!!  I now have a teenager.  The last thirteen years have gone by SO quickly.  I know that sounds cliche, but really, they have.  I waited for so many years to have this little precious and now he's quickly becoming a man. 

With Dad

As I think back over the years, I'm so thankful for the blessings God has poured out on me through this little guy.  He's a miracle.  I'm thankful for the medical technology that made the pregnancy and subsequent birth possible.  I'm thankful for his unending energy, laughter, and hugs.  This little guy makes his momma feel loved!  He's a blessing to those around him.  He's caring, funny, smart, kind, generous, talented, and such a joy!  He's a hard worker and so helpful around the house.  He's always there for me if I need help cleaning, moving furniture, or anything.

So today, I will cherish another day with my sweetheart!  He's the best!

My Guy

Playing 3rd Base

Pitching

Happy Mother's Day

This is my mom...after I was born

I'd like to wish a Happy Mother's Day to my MOM! 

Mom, thanks for having me.

Thanks for staying home to raise us kids.

Thanks for showing us how to stretch a dollar to make ends meet.

Thanks for being there everyday for us after school so we could tell you about our day.  Except for that one day in high school when I couldn't find you.  If I only have to remember one day you weren't home, that's amazing!

Thanks for making us eat the whole apple core and all.  We learned to never waste, and I'm sure there's some healthy benefit to it.

Thanks for teaching us to try new things.  Because of your adventuresome culinary expeditions we live outside the box and are able to share cooking and food with others of all cultures.

Thanks for raising us on healthy food.  I'm glad junk food was the exception instead of the rule.  I'm glad to have had a mom who tried to give us co-op, farm-raised, home made food before it was even cool.

Thanks for making hot breakfasts for us everyday and for making me large stacks of pancakes cut in perfect bite-size squares every time.

Thanks for tucking us in every night and saying prayers with us, even into adulthood.  And for coming and covering me with blankets every time I called.  I know I was lame, maybe even lazy, but I remember and it mattered.

Thanks for being there for us through sickness in and health.  Thanks for rubbing my stomach every time I was sick and for taking me to the ER at all hours of the night for ear infections.  Thanks for never making us suffer through sickness.  You always made EVERY effort to get us the speediest healing.

Thanks for rubbing my feet and legs when they ached so bad from working and standing all day long.

Thanks for driving alongside me when I'd go running at night.  It made me feel safe.

Thanks for encouraging us to get an education and placing a value on reading.

Thanks for reassuring me in life's difficult times.

Thanks for giving wise advise during hard decision-making times.

Thanks for being there to give me injections through the IVF process.  Thanks for shouting, "Help me, Jesus" when you first stuck the needle in and then pulled it out before emptying the syringe.  I knew you were relying on Jesus to give you the strength to poke your kid when common sense told you it was going to hurt me.

Thanks for cancelling and/or dropping everything when I called in need.  I'm grateful I can rely on you.

Thanks for being there for me in the delivery room with our three kids.  What an ordeal, but a dream come true.

Thanks for introducing us to Sam.  He was the best!

Thanks for being there for me many times to organize, clean, move, garden, harvest, can, etc.

Thanks for dancing with our kids to Marc Anthony and others.

Thanks for teaching us about God and how we're part of His plan. Jeremiah 29:11

And mostly, thanks for praying for me.  I know the life I'm blessed with is answered prayer.

I love you!

Ladybug Gommer

Gommer with Kids

Zebra Gommer

The Lightning Bolt

Easter is almost here.  Many people across the country will flock to churches for their biannual visit.  Others will steer clear and mention, "If I stepped foot in a church, I'd be struck with a lightning bolt."  This lightning bolt thing has got me thinking.  Lightning Bolt?  God?

We are enjoying the last few pages of the final Percy Jackson book in the Rick Riordan series.  These books have been great read-alouds.  The kids and I have learned quite a bit about the characters in Greek mythology, their strengths and also their weeknesses.  We've learned about gods, demi-gods, monsters, and mythological locations.  One thing I've learned is the lightning bolt belongs to Zeus.  The premise of the first book was about the missing lightning bolt.  It had to be returned to Zeus or war would ensue. 

As I think about God, our Creator, who loves us with and everlasting love, I'm having a hard time linking coming to Him and being struck down by lightning.  I found a verse in Matthew 28:3 mentioning lightning describing Jesus's appearance after His resurrection.  "His appearance was like lightning and his clothes were white as snow."  In Revelation 4 we're told there are "flashes of lightning and peals of thunder" which are symbolic of the awesome power and majesty of God.  The lightning described here leaves us in awe.  The sight of Jesus should stop us in our tracks with a jaw-dropping, "Wow!"

If we truly seek out God's character and the character of Christ we don't find the angry lightning bolt hurling actions of mythological god, Zeus.  In turn, we find the welcoming love found in Luke 15 in the Parable of the Lost Son.  In this story, the son requested and early distribution of his share of his father's estate and inheritance. He left for a distant country and squandered the wealth with wild living.  He lost everything.  With nowhere to turn, he decided to humbly return to his father's home to hopefully work as a hired man. 

As the son approached his father's home, his father sees him in the distance.  His father was FILLED WITH COMPASSION for him.  He didn't take out his slingshot and try to aim it toward his son or send out his servants to send the son away.  He ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him!  Surprised, the son said, "Father, I have sinned against you, I am no longer worthy to be called your son."  His father then told the servants to prepare for a great feast and celebration.  He exclaimed, "For this son of mine was dead and is alive again;  he was lost and is found."

This story describes what I think God does when we leave the self-centered, out-for-our-own-interests life and return to Him.  As I told the kids what I was blogging, they informed me that in the culture of the father in the Lost Son story, it would have brought humiliation on the father to "run" to his son.  It was unheard of to do such a thing, yet he risked the humiliation.  God cares so much for each and every one of us, there is no need to "save face."  He embraces us when we humbly come to Him.  True compassion.  No lightning bolts.  Just a celebration for a child who comes home to his/her Father.

The Trade-off

It's lunchtime.  I just finished heating up a Trader Joe's frozen macaroni and cheese meal.  I looked down at this pitiful little black disposable container with about two cups of frozen macaroni and think to myself, "What am I doing?  This minuscule amount of macaroni costs about $2.99.  It barely feeds two kids let alone three.  I could make this for a fraction of the cost and feed the whole family a healthier option and have leftovers!"  I guess I kind of blurted out my thoughts as I was serving it to the kids.  One child then comments, "Yeah, you always say you're going to make it, but you don't."  My next comment is, "When is there time?"

How sad.  There's no time to even make homemade macaroni and cheese for dinner.  There's limited time to even make dinner many nights.  There's little time to sit down together to have dinner.  I never thought I'd be the mom to one of "those" families.  I thought I'd have sit down dinners, conversation around the table, and homemade meals.

My kids often ask why I didn't do sports as a kid.  I never really have an answer, but I'm starting to realize there's a huge price a family pays to be active and/or sports-centered.  I'm not saying having an active lifestyle is a bad thing, in fact there are MANY benefits, but there is a trade-off.  There is no way a mom can homeschool most of the day, shower, run errands, run three kids to various sports events, attend all sports events and make a wholesome dinner.  This really frustrates me!  I want to be home in the afternoons making dinner, cleaning up the house, planting my little container pots, decorating, and preparing for the following day, but it's really hard to have the best of both worlds.  I desire for our kids to have the sports experiences I didn't have, yet they're growing up having pre-made macaroni and cheese (today).  This just really bothers me!

I don't have an answer to this dilemma, and don't know that I'll find one.  Maybe I'll plan this weekend to make macaroni and cheese.  Maybe I need a day off.