Friday, April 18, 2008

Darkside Dawn is back

I know I should be happy. The weekend is almost here. My parents will be visiting tomorrow. I may be seeing Joe in concert on Monday night. However, Darkside Dawn is here. I'll let her vent and then hopefully she'll go away.

1. The debt monkey monster- The "good" car broke down yesterday. We just put $200 into it in March. Today's bill- $800! I hate cars. The car is one payment away from being paid off. I guess we could look at the repair costs as just another year's worth of car payments. WHERE'S MY REBATE CHECK SO I CAN STIMULATE OUR MECHANIC? Hey...is the government pimping me out? Looking at our piling debt and the inflation nightmare we're all in right now, I can't see this monkey ever climbing off my back.

2. The job search is stalling and last night the pool owner dropped the bombshell news- she may sell the pool I work at! This is yet another sign I need to develop my own business, but I'm at a loss as to what to do. (If I had more time I'd insert the clip from "Say Anything" here. "I don't want to sell anything manufactured, bought or sold...")

Okay wait. Stop! Dawnside Dawn realizes all these worries she's about to list are financial. I'm slapping her across the face and telling her to SNAP OUT OF IT, Cher in Moonstruck style! (Again if I had more time, I'd insert clip here.)

Here's what the real Dawn will do today rather than dwell on financial stress;

1. Pray
2. Clean the nest.
3. Exchange DH's shoes
4. Drop off the bags of stuff at Goodwill
5. Return library stuff
6. Buzz DS9's hair- As much as we love it longer, he doesn't like it. He wants to go short.
7. Its cookie Friday at the corner gas station. 3 for a buck. Hey, Darkside Dawn's okay with it?
8. Count my blessings!

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Thursday 13

My first "Purge", Thursday 13! I know its mostly clothes. Actually I have a huge bag of clothes, more than 13 items, but the object of this blog post is to make sure every Thursday, I'm purging at least 13 things from my cluttered home.

1. Light fleece yellow blankie

2. My spare pair of eyeglasses

3. My spare, spare pair of eyeglasses
  (Now I'll have to buy new glasses since I won't have any spare pairs left! The ones on my head right now are so outdated, they need to become the spare, and I need to update my look.)

4. Lands End Swim trunks- made it through 2 boys and they still are in great shape!

5. A pair of navy pants

6. orange t-shirt

7. pair of shorts my children never wore

8. black t-shirt

9. gray polo shirt

10. burgundy shirt

11. Lands End polar fleece pullover- again this went through 2 boys and its like brand new. I hate getting rid of it, but the fact is it doesn't fit anyone living in my house!

12. Baby gate - My baby is 9. I don't think I need a baby gate anymore!

13. Cereal container - This is one of my moron purchases. Cereal already comes in bags & boxes. Why did I think keeping it in a "space saving" container was a good idea?

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

The Whipping Boy

Rating:★★★
Category:Books
Genre: Childrens Books
Author:Sid Fleischman
DS12 - The book's too short. I guess I'd give it 3.5. I kind of recommend it.

DS9- I give it 2 stars. There's these bandits and Prince Brat who is very selfish.

Me- It was a challenge for me to read out loud because of Jemmy's accent, but I enjoyed it. I had to make baked potatoes after reading chapter 18!

Here's a website with activities and questions to go along with the book

http://www.mce.k12tn.net/reading8/whipping_boy.htm

I'm having a love affair...

with my HUSBAND!!! He called me at work last night and told me Blind Melon is coming to Madison. I wanted to scream and yaaaa hooo it up, but I had to remain composed. The lobby was full of pool guests.

"That's great news dear. Did you get us tickets?" Inside I'm screaming and jumping like a kid. He's going to try and order tickets online for us today. I'm hoping they are not sold out.

The concert will be just two weeks after our 15th wedding anniversary. It also will mark 21 years we've been a couple. I like to say we got hitched on our 7 year itch! LOL!

I can't imagine my life without my husband, and recently I've learned of the sudden deaths of two homeschooling husbands, only in their 50's.  They weren't friends of ours, but it's still scary to think, what would I do? I can't see myself as a widow and single parent. I'm too much of a wimp! He's my best friend too! Its so unthinkable to me!!

We have insurance and extended family, but I can only imagine the void left would be colossal. If not for my children, I don't know where I'd find the will to go on.

Its just a reminder I need to cherish every day and cherish every pet peeve! I may get frustrated knocking over the stack of CDs I just hit with my foot under the computer desk, but that toppled stack is there because DH is! I'm grateful I have laundry and dishes waiting for me everyday because it means my loved ones are here with me making the mess!

I have to remember to take better care of myself to be able to really enjoy the days I've been given to be with my family. DH has been doing awesome with his fitness goals, but I continue to slip up. For example, although I walked to and from the grocery store yesterday, I stupidly decided to drink the last of the chocolate milk so I could fit the new gallon into the fridge. Now I'm wheezing. Dairy triggers my asthma.

I skipped the fresh baked cookies at work and ate my apple, but when I got home, I dove into the ones at home. At least my home baked ones are the new low fat recipe I've been using. I have to recognize my weakness and learn to overcome them. I think that's a big deal for me.

I need to love myself as much as I love my husband. I need to love myself enough to want to get healthy so I can continue to share my life with those I love! 

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Crunchies Recipe

Crunchie Recipe

Slice day old French bread into cubes

Toss the cubes with olive oil, lightly coating the bread cubes

Shake seasonings onto the cubes, stirring to coat the cubes
    We use Garlic powder, Italian seasons & Parmesan cheese, but feel free to flavor as you wish. We coat our cubes pretty well, shaking lots of spice onto them!

Spread the cubes out evenly on a cookie sheet

Bake the cubes in a 375 degree oven for 10 minutes or until lightly toasted

They taste amazing right out of the oven. Storing airtight they will last weeks in the pantry- if you don't eat them first!
 

What Unschooling looked like 4/14 for DS9

Many people wonder what a typical unschooling day looks like. There really isn't a typical day, but to give you an idea of what one day could look like, I recorded everything the boys did yesterday. I have permission from DS9 to post his day on the blog. (DS12 is still thinking about it.)

DS9's Unschooling Day for April 14th, 2008

Woke up around 8:00am

Read game guide books

Ate breakfast- waffles & milk

Played with Magnetics (He knows not to put them in his mouth!)

Laundry chores with mom

Went outside to garden with mom
    Pulled up last year's annuals and examined root structure
    Found a new ground squirrel hole
    We heard a woodpecker but couldn't find him!
    Helped mom move the patio furniture

First Aid! -Mom got a bad splinter

Made "Crunchies"- (These are homemade croutons. We use old bread, olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasons and parmesan cheese.)

Created his own Wacky Packages- DS9 designs trading cards like the Wacky Package cards. By doing this, he practiced writing, spelling, rhyming words and alliteration.

Discussed the 3 second rule with mom! (health)

Lunch - crunchies, carrots, ranch dressing, milk

Magnetics

Studied booby traps (Should I be concerned?)LOL!

More reading on his own

Helped Mom clean up the guest room

Got cozy in the newly cleaned guest room and listened to mom read out loud from the Whipping Boy

Checked the mail

Had a long talk with mom about feeling frustrated and disappointed when a package you expect doesn't come in the mail. Discussed what a business day is and how mail moves across the country. Discussed how to help yourself feel better after being disappointed.

Outside play with Posse Rats home from school- rode bikes, tag, skateboarding, 500 catch

Sorted and organized his trading cards

Hunted for his lost wallet

After finding the wallet, decided to count his money

Chilled out with Spongebob

Turned off Spongebob after 15 minutes and decided to play his SP (hand held video game)

Dad's home! Time for supper!

Worked a math riddle that DS12 shared with the family at supper- Would you rather, starting with a penny, double your money every day for 30 days or receive $10,000 every day for 30 days? Which do you think is a better deal?!  Try it out!

7:00pm - DS9 tells me he's been counting the hours he's awake (14). He notices he has about 3 hours left!

Sorted out cards he wants to sell at Grandma's upcoming garage sale- Counting chickens before they hatch, he figures he can make over $200!

TV- watched Cat Scratch for 30 minutes

Played Wii while dad ran on the treadmill

TV- watched a little of Smokey and the Bandit with dad- DS9 discussed how people would have been killed if trucks and police cars really played chicken!

10:00pm Bed

To translate this into education-ese- DS9 practiced math, language arts, science, physical education, social studies and health. We learn by living it!


Monday, April 14, 2008

Startling Lives

http://startlinglives.blogspot.com/
Melissa's unschooling blog

Minute Musings (mi-nute, not min-ute)

http://mi-nutemusings.blogspot.com/
Paige's unschooling blog

Living is Learning

http://livingislearninglearningisliving.blogspot.com/
Heather's fantastic unschooling blog

Letterboxing North America

http://www.letterboxing.org
Everything you need to know to get started Letterboxing!

Atlas Quest: International Letterboxing

http://www.atlasquest.com
Another great Letterboxing site

DS15




Clog warning

Our grass is finally starting to green up. Spring has taken its sweet time arriving here. We may finally reach the 60's for a few days in a row this week. I can't wait to open up my windows. The House Wren's didn't take long to find the Nyger seed, and Yumi is enjoying making her little cat squawks to let us know there is prey on the deck. I'm hoping we can head out to search for wildflowers in the woods soon. I'm sure it will be soggy though.

I scored a cheap rate at the hotel we stayed at last year for our spring homeschooling conference. Now I just have to finish carving stamps and making log books for our Letterboxing workshop!

Letterboxing is sort of like Geocaching only you don't trade trinkets. You trade stamped images instead. You follow clues to a hidden box which contains a stamp, usually hand carved, and a log book. You carry with you your own stamp and log book. You exchange stamped images and then re-hide the box for other Letterboxers to find. Clues can be found online at www.letterboxing.org or www.atlasquest.com. You don't need an expensive GPS.

One thing I'd like to start doing is making Letterbox Artist Trading Cards. Regular ATCs are art cards artists trade one for one. They measure 3.5 by 2.5 like a baseball trading card. Letterbox trading cards are cards you've made with your hand carved stamps. You leave them in Letterboxes to share rather than trading directly with other artists. I've made RAK cards, (random acts of kindness) where you don't expect to receive an art card in return. I often leave these with tips at restaurants. The idea of leaving them in Letterboxes sounds like fun!

Last night we were bored. We didn't want to read out loud. We didn't want to watch TV. We decided to pose for silly pictures. (What I did before having a digital camera I don't know! Not having to worry about wasting film rocks!) We tried making angry faces but we'd always crack each other up before we'd get the photo snapped. I'll have to post them to my blog.

I have a new goal to get rid of 13 things every week. (Hmm... maybe I should post them on my Thursday 13?) I don't purge stuff as much as I like to, and I hope this helps me. Want to join in? I'll show you my 13 things if you show me yours! LOL!

This time next week, my parents should be rolling through on their way back from Arizona. I've got to get the guest room ready! I'm hoping my mom brings me another giant bottle of Mexican vanilla. Hopefully they'll bring some Arizona warmth with them too!

DS12 has been thinking about getting a hermit crab. DS9 wants a turtle. A turtle habitat seems like it would be more difficult to maintain. I'm leaning towards the hermit crab, but do they need lots of attention? One of the Posse Rats told us his mom threatened to give away his hermit crab because he didn't spend enough time with it. How much time do you have to spend with a hermit crab? They are hermits right?

Okay. I've sat here and rambled long enough. Time to get moving. Hope your Monday is a good one!

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Death At A Funeral

Rating:★★★
Category:Movies
Genre: Comedy
Ahhh... British humor! This movie entertained me. It is the kind of movie you have to tell yourself, "Its a movie," and just sit back and enjoy it. Of course its ridiculous. Of course this would never happen in real life.

Its a grown up movie; lots of swearing, mature subject matter, backside nudity and drug use. I did have to scream and gag during the scene where Grandpa has to use the bathroom. Maybe I am cured of my chocolate addiction after all!

Friday, April 11, 2008

Out with the old, in with the new....

Its official. I'm becoming an old person. You know, the kind of person who doesn't bother to follow technological advances. Remember how your parents never bothered to figure out how to set the clock on the VCR and your grandparents couldn't figure out how to use a TV remote?

DH bought a new cell phone. The old one worked fine, but it wasn't cool. It didn't flip open. LOL! We gave DS12, DH's old phone.

Now I've had this same old phone for a year now. You would think I knew everything about this phone and how to use it right? DS12 had DH's old phone for about 5 minutes and he discovered it has a voice recording feature. I had no idea it could do this!

Maybe its because I'm just not a gadget person? Maybe its because DS12 is? How did this kid figure out this phone so quickly without an instruction manual? (BTW- I did read the manual and don't recall the voice recording feature.)

If DS12 wants to actually make calls & text, he will have to purchase his own prepaid units. For now he's just enjoying the games and voice recording feature.

I have to admit, once I saw DH's new phone, I did get a bit jealous. I don't really use a cell phone that often so my cheapo TracFone works for me, but once I tried DH's, mine didn't seem very satisfactory. I reminded him we live in a marital property state! :) What's his is mine! LOL!



Thursday, April 10, 2008

I should go back to bed...

I could just bury myself under my down comforter and sleep until Friday. Its cold, dark and rainy outside. I stayed up too late watching a brilliant, but NOT FEEL GOOD movie. I'm trying to go through the motions and get myself moving, but its not working. Head hurts! Eyelids must close!

DS12 has a great idea. He wants to write a story, post half of it online, and ask people for $1 if they want to read the story's end. He wants to donate .50 of every dollar to the Red Cross.

I have to figure out a way to make this work. First off, I explained to him that the Red Cross may want the entire $1. They may not like the idea of him making .50. Second, I have to figure out the Paypal/online payment thing. Third, I need to help him develop his own website and finally, how to promote it. But for right now, I'm making him waffles for breakfast, taking a long shower, putting on comfy clothes and staying under my blankie until its time to get ready for work.

Tonight, I must sleep and not watch movies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sleep- good. Late night movies- bad!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Into The Wild

Rating:★★★★
Category:Movies
Genre: Drama
Be sure to watch this movie when you are not currently depressed and when you have an entire box of tissues nearby! I think I'm going to see if my boys want to watch this one. I know its rated R but the story's message is very powerful in the end.

I did find myself getting very frustrated with this young man, but at least his lesson learned is now being shared by all who watch the film and read the book.

Happiness must be shared!

Tuesday, April 08, 2008

Its Firefox

Although I haven't found the cure, I have figured out its my Firefox browser my Multiply page doesn't like. Apparently, you could still see my background photo, while I could not. I couldn't customize anything either. I logged on with Internet Explorer (blah), and now I can manipulate my page again.  I hope I do hear back from Multiply though. I would rather use Firefox.

Last night DH and I had a great conversation about how people refer to time periods. We noticed that while you do hear people say, "That's so 70's," or "Remember the 80's?" you don't hear people say, "Its the one's," and will people refer to the decade from 2010 to 2019 as the tens or teens?

We wondered if around 1803 people had this same experience. Did they refer to the years of 1790-1799 as the 90's? Will we in 2032 look back at the 20's and not think of 1920's but the 2020's?

I'm thinking people before 1900 referred to centuries rather than decades. My reasoning is that within the latest hundred years or so, technology has advanced so quickly. You have inventions unheard of just 10 years prior. The world communicates much more quickly and on a global basis now. With all this comes constant, rapid changes. Time periods have more crunched into them. KWIM?

For weeks now I've felt the weeks and days go by too quickly. I feel like the world is literally spinning faster, the earth cruising around the sun even more quickly. If this was really happening all throughout the universe would we even be able to measure it?

Maybe its because I'm reaching the big 40 this August. Maybe its because my babies are becoming young men, seemingly overnight. Maybe its because overall, I'm loving my life and can't get enough of the blessings God has given me. I don't want the fun to end!

At the same time I do feel like I can't keep up the pace. Every day there are things I don't get to that I wish I could. Last night, I fought off the droopy eyelids because I just had to keep reading. As much as I do share with my children, I have so many other things I wish we could do while we can. I feel like Sandy in the episode of Spongebob. You know the one, she wants to get it all in before hybernation.

Its comes down to making good choices with the time we have. I know this. I'm just not a great decision maker. You do not want to be behind me in line when I'm trying to figure out what to order!

I'm dreading the phone call I know is coming. As I had feared, the library can't offer a very good wage. Gas money included, its much, much less than what I currently bring home. I feel badly, but I think I'm going to turn it down. I would really enjoy working there and all the perks, but the fact remains we need the income. This is probably just another sign that I need to develop my own business.

Well, time's a wasting. Got lots to do and never enough time!

Monday, April 07, 2008

Have you written a book?

Everyone in their lifetime should at the very least, write one book. Don't you think? Even if no one reads it. Just write it for yourself.

I mentioned this to my boys, since one of them is into writing recently, and they asked me what books I had written. I've written many letters, blogs, term papers, reports, procedures, lists and cards, but I can't say I've really written a book. Maybe when I was a young child I wrote something that my teacher would have asked me to color pictures for and then call a book, but I've never really written a real book.

One of my children then mentioned how difficult it was to get a book published. (He's worried no one will read his book, "The Zone.")

I think it doesn't matter if your book gets published. I think just working through the process of writing and finishing it, is worth it alone. Maybe only your family will read it, but it will still be out there, in written form. As they say, "Don't die with your story still in you."

I think this is going to be my next thing I'm into. I'm going to start writing a book. I have no idea what kind. I tend to read non-fiction, but I have this rich fantasy life in my head! LOL!!

I'm bummed my Multiply page is not working the way I want it too. I really hope this is temporary. I seem to be able to post a blog entry but not insert photos, links, change the font etc. I've just tried to edit the post and to my horror, its all one giant paragraph. BLAH!!!!! I hope this gets fixed!!!!!!!!!!

I don't think my blog is feeling well....

Having technical difficulties. I'll give it some time and check back.

Sunday, April 06, 2008

Its official. I'm a coffee drinker.....

I blame my sister for corrupting me. For years, although I enjoyed the smell of coffee brewing, I didn't like the taste. Tea was the hot beverage of my choice. Then last year she bought me my first mocha from Starbucks. Chocolate does make everything better doesn't it?

I became an occasional drinker of lattes, although I pinched my pennies and steered clear of Starbucks, stopping at Kwik Trip gas stations instead. I've now taken another step down this dark, java path. I brewed my own pot!

My mom had bought me a little coffee pot to keep on hand for when she visits. I brought it out while DMIL was here and this morning she made herself a little pot of French Caramel Cream Decaf. It smelled so good. She wasn't gone an hour before I decided to brew another pot and give it a try. I added a shot of soy milk and wallah, for around the price of .25, hug in a cup!

DMIL was here babysitting the boys. Last night DH and I headed to Milwaukee to catch the Kids In The Hall show. It was a good time although the experience was marred by the shock of stopping at the box office to pick up our Joe Jackson tickets come to find out they weren't there! We checked when we got home and yes, our Visa card was charged. DH also has the email confirming the ticket sale including seat numbers. I'm really hoping there are tickets waiting for us at will call or we'll both be very disappointed. I'm worried they screwed up and gave our tickets away! I don't want a refund. I want my 6th row seat in front of Joe's Piano!!  DH will call tomorrow to try and straighten it all out. The show's on the 21st.

I did a little "saleing", (not sailing), with DMIL before the date night. We scored at the first garage sale open for the season.  I found a dozen Tupperware containers that will make excellent Letterboxes, and DMIL bought for us an early anniversary present, really nice patio chairs and cushions. I'm on the hunt for a patio table now!

Unfortunately, DH is working again this weekend. Sure we squeezed in a date night, but the poor man has worked 15 straight days now. It stinks!

Well, I can't sit here any longer. We're breaking the 60 degree mark today! I have to get out, even though its windy, and soak this up. Its been a long winter, and I can't get the Beatles tune out of my head- "Here comes the sun....na, na, na, na.... Here comes the sun and I say.... ITS ALL RIGHT!!"

Friday, April 04, 2008

Burr Ball

Who needs paint pellets and paint ball guns?

1. Find a few sticky burr balls and stick them together.
2. Find someone to chase!
3. Throw the burr ball at your victim.
4. Run away quickly!
5. If you are hit, remove the burr ball and seek revenge!

Tips:

Hitting your opponent where they can't reach the burr ball buys you more time to run away.

If you can't run very fast, HIDE!
       
Wear a hat!!!

We are thinking of trying another version of homemade paint ball soon. I just read a great use for old baby socks is to fill them with flour or baby powder and sew them shut. Then chase each other throwing the flour filled baby socks. When you are hit, you'll have a white mark to prove it. We're going to try this outside, when its warm enough to use the hose for washing off.

p.s. We did manage to get half our cleaning done today but the sunshine and 50 degrees called us outside. Here in Wisconsin, you have to take full advantage of any nice day.

Spring Cleaning

Look out dust bunnies! Here I come! I'm gearing up to do some serious spring sprucing. My MIL may be visiting tomorrow as well so I have to get cracking.

Yesterday I bought microfiber towels to use instead of paper towels. Not wanting to pay a high price, I skipped the cleaning products aisle at Target and hit up the automotive care aisle. I found a really great set of premium detailing microfiber towels for $6! I know any old towel cut into pieces would have worked but once you've tried microfiber, you know why I spent $6 on cleaning rags!

After work last night I did something I rarely do. I went out for drinks with my co-workers! I don't drink alcohol, but with my manager friend leaving, I wanted to wish her well. My naive coworkers almost all barely aged 21, decided to gather at the worst Mexican restaurant in Madison, Pedros. Anyone experienced with true Mexican cuisine knows this place is a joke. I think they choose it for the giant margaritas.

My manager friend is my age, and she doesn't really do the bar thing either. We did have a good time though. I realized I missed being 22, but I'm really glad I'm actually not!

I have a job interview scheduled already. I just started looking yesterday and my first interview is Monday. With my friend leaving, I began to think I too should look for something else. I want to stop driving so far. Our local library is hiring. Would this not be a homeschooling mom's dream come true? Actually I'm not getting my hopes up because I'm guessing the wage will be really low. Don't you wish you could just ask,"How much would this job pay?"  I will go through the protocol, ace the interview and then find out the wage is unrealistic for my family's needs. If anything else it will reaffirm that we need to develop a home business.

Alright. Enough talk. Time for action. I want to play infomercial with my new microfiber friends! LOL! Have a great Friday!

Thursday, April 03, 2008

Goofy Girl!

Yumi wants spring as badly as I do. I cracked the patio door to get a little fresh air, and she managed to wedge herself between the door and the screen. I just hope the screen holds! She's suppose to be an inside kitty.

DS9 has turned the corner and he's less goopy. DS12 says he now has a sore throat. I guess it wouldn't be spring if we didn't have one last blast of cold virus running through the house.

This is motivating me to spring clean and disinfect. My back is feeling better so I'm doing a little more, but the thought of how much there is to do overwhelms me. I have to remind myself to take baby steps.

I not doing so well with this week's tip from the "I Can Make You Thin show." We were suppose to visualize what we crave covered in something disgusting while pinching our thumb and forefinger together on our left hand. I tried to visual cookies and chocolate with worms but that didn't work. I went further and put the cookies and chocolate in a truck stop toilet in my mind's eye. This did gross me out, but it only worked for me that first day.

I think I need to take more time to visualize and meditate, really training my brain not to crave sweets.  I always thought I was a visual person, but maybe I should actually take cookies and mini chocolate bars into a public restroom? It actually does gross me out thinking about it. Should I take a picture for the blog? Maybe that will cure me from my cravings? (Sorry if I've grossed you out.)

Gotta run now and cut more card stock. DS9 has just asked for 55 cards. He has an ambitious ATC project in mind.

Wednesday, April 02, 2008

I'm a Poplar.

WHAT TREE DID YOU FALL FROM

 
Find your birthday and then find your tree. This is really cool and somewhat accurate. Then send it to your friends, including the one that sent it to you, so they can find out what tree they fell from, but don't forget to change the subject line to your tree. Find your tree below and see what you are like...

 

 

Dec 23 to Jan 01 Apple Tree
Jan 01 to Jan 11 Fir Tree
Jan 12 to Jan 24 Elm Tree
Jan 25 to Feb 03 Cypress Tree
Feb 04 to Feb 08 Poplar Tree
Feb 09 to Feb 18 Cedar Tree
Feb 19 to Feb 28 Pine Tree
Mar 01 to Mar 10 Weeping Willow Tree
Mar 11 to Mar 20 Lime Tree
Mar 21 (only) Oak Tree
Mar 22 to Mar 31 Hazelnut Tree
Apr 01 to Apr 10 Rowan Tree
Apr 11 to Apr 20 Maple Tree
Apr 21 to Apr 30 Walnut Tree
May 01 to May 14 Poplar Tree
May 15 to May 24 Chestnut Tree
May 25 to Jun 03 Ash Tree
Jun 04 to Jun 13 Hornbeam Tree
Jun 14 to Jun 23 Fig Tree
Jun 24 (only) Birch Tree
Jun 25 to Jul 04 Apple Tree
Jul 05 to Jul 14 Fir Tree
Jul 15 to Jul 25 Elm Tree
Jul 26 to Aug 04 Cypress Tree
Aug 05 to Aug 13 Poplar Tree
Aug 14 to Aug 23 Cedar Tree
Aug 24 to Sep 02 Pine Tree
Sep 03 to Sep 12 Weeping Willow Tree
Sep 13 to Sep 22 Lime Tree
Sep 23 (only) Olive Tree
Sep 24 to Oct 03 Hazelnut Tree
Oct 04 to Oct 13 Rowan Tree
Oct 14 to Oct 23 Maple Tree
Oct 24 to Nov 11 Walnut Tree
Nov 12 to Nov 21 Chestnut Tree
Nov 22 to Dec 01 Ash Tree
Dec 02 to Dec 11 Hornbeam Tree
Dec 12 to Dec 21 Fig Tree
Dec 22 (only) Beech Tree


TREES (in alphabetical order)

Apple Tree (Love) -- quiet and shy at times, lots of charm, appeal, And attraction, pleasant attitude, flirtatious smile, adventurous, sensitive, loyal in love, wants to love and be loved, faithful and tender partner, very generous, many talents, loves children, needs affectionate partner.

Ash Tree (Ambition) -- extremely attractive, vivacious, impulsive, demanding, does not care for criticism, ambitious, intelligent, talented, likes to play with fate, can be very egotistic, reliable, restless lover, sometimes money rules over the heart, demands attention, needs love and much emotional support.

Beech Tree (Creative) -- has good taste, concerned about its looks, materialistic, good organization of life and career, economical, good leader, takes no unnecessary risks, reasonable, splendid lifetime companion, keen on keeping fit (diets, sports, etc.).

Birch Tree (Inspiration) -- vivacious, attractive, elegant, friendly, unpretentious, modest, does not like anything in excess, abhors the vulgar, loves life in nature and in calm, not very passionate, full of imagination, little ambition, creates a calm and content atmosphere.

Cedar Tree (Confidence ) -- of rare strength, knows how to adapt, Likes unexpected presents, of good health, not in the least shy, tends to look down on others, self-confident, a great speaker, determined, often impatient, likes to impress others, has many talents, industrious, healthy optimism, waits for the one true love, able to make quick decisions.

Chestnut Tree (Honesty) -- of unusual stature, impressive, well-developed sense of justice, fun to be around, a planner, born diplomat, can be irritated easily, sensitive of others feelings, hard worker, sometimes acts superior, feels not understood at times, fiercely family oriented, very loyal in love, physically fit.

Cypress Tree (Faithfulness) -- strong, muscular, adaptable, takes What life has to give but doesn't necessarily like it, strives to be content, optimistic, wants to be financially in dependent, wants love and affection, hates loneliness, passionate lover which cannot be satisfied, faithful, quick-tempered at times, can be unruly and careless, loves to gain knowledge, needs to be needed.

Elm Tree (Noble-mindedness ) -- pleasant shape, tasteful clothes, Modest demands, tends not to forgive mistakes, cheerful, likes to lead but Not to obey, honest and faithful partner, likes making decisions for others, noble-minded, generous, good sense of humor, practical.

Fig Tree (Sensibility ) -- very strong minded, a bit self-willed, honest, loyal, independent, hates contradiction or arguments, hard worker when wants to be, loves life and friends, enjoys children and animals, sexually oriented, great sense of humor, has artistic talent and great intelligence.

Fir tree (Mysterious) -- extraordinary taste, handles stress well, loves anything beautiful, stubborn, tends to care for those close to them, hard to trust others, yet a social butterfly, likes idleness and laziness after long demanding hours at work, rather modest, talented, unselfish, many friends, very reliable. Extremely intelligent. Loves life.

Hazelnut Tree (Extraordinary ) -- charming, sense of humor, very demanding but can also be very understanding, knows how to make a lasting impression, active fighter for social causes and politics, popular, quite moody, sexually oriented, honest, a perfectionist, has a precise sense of judgment and expects complete fairness.

Hornbeam Tree (Good Taste) -- of cool beauty, cares for its looks and condition, good taste, is not egoistic, makes life as comfortable as possible, leads a reasonable and disciplined life, looks for kindness and acknowledgment in an emotional partner, is strong, loyal, very independent and serious, self-confidence,mistrusts most people, very conscientious.

Lime Tree (Doubt) - intelligent, hard working, accepts what life dishes out, but not before trying to change bad circumstances into good ones, hates fighting and stress, enjoys getaway vacations, may appear tough, but is actually soft and relenting, always willing to make sacrifices for family and friends, has many talents but not always enough time to use them, great leadership qualities, is jealous at times but extremely loyal.

Maple Tree (Independence of Mind ) -- no ordinary person, full of imagination and originality, shy and reserved, ambitious, proud, self-confident, hungers for new experiences, sometimes nervous, has many complexities, good memory, learns easily, complicated love life, wants to impress.

Oak Tree (Brave) -- robust nature, courageous, strong, unrelenting, independent, sensible, does not like change, keeps its feet on the ground, person of action.

Olive Tree (Wisdom) -- loves sun, warmth and kind  feelings, reasonable, balanced, avoids aggression and violence, tolerant, cheerful, calm, well-developed sense of justice, sensitive, empathetic, free of jealousy, loves to read and the company of sophisticated people.

Pine Tree (Peacemaker) -- loves agreeable company, craves peace and harmony, loves to help others, active imagination, likes to write poetry, not fashion conscious, great compassion, friendly to all, falls strongly in love but will leave if betrayed or lied to, emotionally soft, low self-esteem, needs affection and reassurance.

Poplar Tree (Uncertainty) -- looks very decorative, talented, not very self-confident, extremely courageous if necessary, needs goodwill and pleasant surroundings, very choosy, often lonely, great animosity, great artistic nature, good organizer, tends to lean toward philosophy, reliable in any situation, takes partnership seriously.

Rowan Tree (Sensitivity) -- full of charm, cheerful, gifted without egoism, likes to draw attention, loves life, motion, and even complications, is both dependent and independent, good taste, artistic, passionate, emotional, good company, does not forgive.

Walnut Tree (Passion) -- unrelenting, strange and full of contrasts, often egotistic, aggressive, noble, broad horizon, unexpected reactions, spontaneous, unlimited ambition, no flexibility, difficult and uncommon partner, not always liked but often admired, ingenious strategist, very jealous and passionate, no compromise.

Weeping Willow (Melancholy) - likes to be stress free, loves family life, full of hopes and dreams, attractive, very empathetic, loves anything beautiful, musically inclined, loves to travel to exotic places, restless, capricious, honest, can be influenced but is not easy to live with when pressured, sometimes demanding, good intuition, suffers in love until they find that one loyal, steadfast partner; loves to make others laugh



Bummer

Bummer #1

I'm hoping I go into work tonight and find out it was an April Fool's joke. My manager gave her two weeks notice. I am seriously bumming because she is the best person I've ever worked under. She listened and respected you. She did anything within her power to help you. If you could design the perfect boss, she is it.

She is moving on towards a health field career rather than HR/office management. I'm happy for her because her dreams are coming true, but I'm going to really miss her. I'd like to say we'll keep in touch, but I've been down this road before. Its very easy to lose touch with work friends. New jobs and families take up time.

My fear is the company owner will move over the manager from the other pool. She's the complete polar opposite of my current manager. If this happens, it will motivate me to move on. This is probably a good thing though. When I think about the price of gas, the fact this job is a cake walk, and how I want to show my children how to be entrepreneurs, I know I have to move on. Its just such an easy paycheck right now. I suppose I've grown soft.

Bummer #2

My son is in goopy misery. Its beginning to remind me of the book, The Stand! He isn't running a fever so I can't warrant taking him to see the doctor. Or can I? Are 4 straight days of congestion and dripping with no improvement reason to see a doctor? Or will they simply tell me, "Virus"? I hate giving my highly allergic boy medications, but maybe I should look into that Musinex stuff?

What's really frustrating is that so many children's medications have artificial color. When DS9 is sick, his immune system reacts to artificial colors. He breaks out in hives if he ingests them. Why does medicine have to look pretty? There is dye free Motrin now, but that's it. We've even run into problems with prescription meds when he had strep last year. The doctor's great advice- give him Benydrill with the prescription. This infuriates me. Why give my child more drugs because a drug has unnecessary colors? The best medicine is really to stay well and not get sick!

Bummer #3

My yard is the last one to have a glacier still in it. Does this confirm all the snow blew over into our yard? The glacier has southern exposure. Why is it hanging around? To taunt me of course!!! Every day its here I resolve to plant one more flower come May!

All these bummers mean I need a little retail therapy. I'm stopping by Target to buy "Sweeney Todd"- special edition!

Tuesday, April 01, 2008

April Fools Day

We told DS12 that DS9 had dripped Popsicle into the Wii and now it was broken. He bought it hook, line and sinker. DS9 and I yelled out, "April Fools!"

DS12 said we were cruel. We're still waiting for our payback.

I think I want to look for a really good bento box, no surprise since our family is fasinated with all things Japanese. I came across a cool website showing you how to pack awesome bento lunches. We don't have the need to pack a daily lunch since we are at home, but there is something artistic in packing a bento box that appeals to me. I think I get from my mother the need to make food fun.

Also like my mother, I have unfinished art projects everywhere. I know this is a sign of genius, (Davinci did as well), but right now I think its because I'm feeling insecure. This is probably stemming from my spine being out of alignment. I made ATCs yesterday and almost threw them out. I stopped and told myself work on them again another day. I know its all attitude. I began carving stamps for the Letterbox workshop and stopped dead in my tracks worrying I'd screw them up. I don't know whether to continue looking for inspiration or just go with the flow. I should have married a chiropractor. I truly believe when your back is screwed up, it messes with your energy.

Well, I better lace up the shoes and get moving.


Today's hot lunch

I decided if I couldn't have any sunshine outside my door, I'd cook some up in a pot. I adapted a black bean soup recipe my MIL sent me. Its very tasty! I also baked up corn muffins to go with it.

Black Bean Soup

1-2 T olive oil
1 onion, chopped
4 cloves of garlic, chopped
2 celery ribs with tops, chopped
1 Jalapeño pepper, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
large handful of baby carrots, chopped
1 Quart of veggie broth
2 T cumin
1 Garni bouquet *(see recipe below or use a bay leaf)
1 15 oz can of chopped tomatoes- I used the kind with chopped chilies in them.
3 cans of black beans, drained and rinsed, (reserve one can for mashing)

Heat the oil in a soup pot and add in chopped veggies, starting first with onions, garlic and celery. Add the rest of the veg, broth, seasons and tomatoes. Mash one can's worth of black beans and add with the 2 other cans of beans. This will thicken things up a bit. Remove Garni bouquet before serving. It freezes really well. 

Garni Bouquets
(makes 12 for use in making soups/stews)
-12 dried bay leaves
-1/4 C dried thyme
-1/4 C dried parsley
2 T dried celery leaves
Crush the dried herbs with a rolling pin and mix together.
Cut a double layer of cheesecloth into 3 inch squares.
Put 1 T of herb mixture on each square and tie up tightly into a little bag using string.
Store in airtight jars.


Monday, March 31, 2008

Rainy days and Mondays....

maybe for Karen but not for me. Rainy days and  Monday's don't always get me down. Today is actually quite nice.

We first woke up to thunderstorms and the power going out around 2:30am. Thankfully it came back on. We can't sleep without a fan blowing. We need the white noise. We got up to see DH off at 7:00am, and then crawled back into our beds and piled on the covers. Another homeschooling plus!

We got up for good when our tummies rumbled, and noticed the rain still hadn't yet washed away the last of the snow. I'm hoping it will be gone by tonight. My baby Boxwoods seem to be trying to lift themselves back up after having 100 inches of crushing snow on them this winter.

We read from The Whipping Boy while listening to the soft thunder outside. Later I'm going to work on my ATCs and stamp carving.

Our weekend was off because DH had to work and I hurt my back. I didn't get the spring cleaning done, but I'm grateful the boys have been helping me pick stuff up from off the floor and bring the laundry basket downstairs to the washer. DS9, even with a bad runny nose, has been pitching in extra trying to earn money to purchase more cards for his Wacky Packages collection. I don't know exactly how I hurt my back, but walking is helping. I just can't sit too long or bend over.

Missing dad, we decided to drive in to meet DH for Sunday supper. We met at Laredo's, one of the best Mexican restaurants in Madison. My only complaint about the place is where are the women? The restaurant is all men, the host, the servers, the cooks. They do an outstanding job, but I have to wonder if they'd ever hire a woman to work there.

I had tortilla soup- so good!! Now I have to brew up a home batch because I keep craving it. We inhaled an entire jar of the complimentary salsa and chips. I love their house salsa. The cilantro makes it taste so fresh!

After supper we hit the used book store to score our 50% off coupon. DH found a great collection of scary Japanese DVDs. I found an old issue of Somerset's Memories magazine. DS12 found a Star Wars recipe book, "Wookie Cookies" but we decided to pass on it. It was regular easy recipes only with photos of Star Wars action figures.

I can tell I've been sitting too long. I have to get up now. Maybe I can carve stamps standing upright?

Hope you have a great Monday!

Sunday, March 30, 2008

The Mist

Rating:★
Category:Movies
Genre: Horror
Why did I waste 2 hours of my life?!

I admit DH is more the Stephen King fan than I am, but I was looking forward to seeing this movie. I was really disappointed. It wasn't even a good cheesy scary movie. It was just a disturbing study on how fear turns people into lunatics. It wasn't even really a good commentary on that either.

The movie is bent- evil wins. Its not the first time King has ended a story this way, but it just really disappoints me when he does. I was left with the same anger and resentment I had after watching "Storm Of The Century." Granted I haven't read the print versions, but I can't help but feel so cheated.

Saturday, March 29, 2008

What did I tell you!

Did I not predict more flowers were coming my way?! Hee, hee, 

Maybe it was because he was jealous of the Christmas cactus flower on Thursday night?

Maybe it was because I baked him kick butt cookies?

Or maybe its because he had to work today, and he missed me as much as I missed him!

Low Fat cookie chip cookies

I tweaked a recipe to try and make chocolate chip cookies less bad for you. I can't say they are healthy, but this recipe makes them less evil. My family expects a fresh baked, home made cookie once a week. With this recipe I feel less guilty, although I have to admit, this recipe makes less than my typical several dozen. Maybe that's a bonus too. Less cookies to consume overall!

Chocolate Chip Cookies- Low fat

1/3 C brown sugar
1/3 C white sugar
2 T melted butter
3 t vanilla extract
2 egg whites
1 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
1 1/4 C flour
1/3 C chocolate chips
1/4 C chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350. With an electric mixer, mix sugars, butter and vanilla until well blended. Add egg whites and mix 2-3 minutes on high. Add in baking soda & salt. Slowly add flour, chips and pecans. Drop by spoonfuls onto a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicon baking sheet. If you don't have these, use non-stick spray.

Bake for 10-12 minutes. Makes 18-24 cookies depending on the size of your spoonful. The size in the photo made 18. They came out very yummy considering there isn't very much butter in them, and they still tasted like typical chocolate chip cookies.

Friday, March 28, 2008

How I torture my children.....

(Ironic title given the previous blog post, I know, but it got your attention.)

I'm dragging their butts to craft stores! Mwa,ha,ha....

I plan on hitting Hobby Lobby first. I've been wanting to check them out, but I usually don't think of it until Sundays, the day they are closed. I haven't really shopped a Hobby Lobby before and there's a brand new store near us.

Next on the list is the serious craft store, where most likely I will drop my serious cash. Its a 30 minute drive, but I love shopping the Nasco factory outlet store in Fort Atkinson. They give a homeschooling discount too! They have two outlets within one block and if you don't see what you want in the store, they will hand pick your order from their warehouse. I love Nasco!  We usually make an event of it and grab lunch out.

I need this craft store shopping pick me up after yesterday's snowfall. Its so depressing to look at my swing and realize its going to be out of commission for even longer. Look at my sad flower boxes too. :(  The snow should melt this weekend, but then it will be rainy.

Last night I got another Christmas Cactus flower from a nice homeschooling family that comes to the pool for lessons. Isn't it beautiful! I walked in the door last night and DH's first words were, "Who gave you that!" Ahhh...jealousy. Hmmm... I wonder if more blooms will be in my future?  I told him it was from a homeschooling family. They are really great kids and really great swimmers. I think in a few years they will be ready to become teachers themselves and they'll be my co-workers!

DS12 has a sleepover tonight. :( My gut reaction of course was- ITS FAMILY FUN NIGHT- but I have to let him go. He's growing up. So it will be DH, me and baby (DS9) makes 3. We'll watch the Badgers win and eat finger food for supper. For some odd reason, DH is craving Tator Tots. I don't think I've had these since I was a kid.

I'm sure after the victory we'll watch Corneil and Bernie cartoons. DS9 got several DVDs in his Easter basket. (Gotta love shopping Preplayed for used DVDs!) Hopefully tonight I'll be carving away at stamps too.

Have a great weekend! Peace and blessings!

This is a tragedy...

I just knew when I first heard about this story, I was afraid you'd find the mention of homeschooling in there somewhere. Sure enough, its there.

To all non-homeschooling people, I want to say- We are not all like this! I take my children to the doctor every year for wellness checkups. When they show signs of illness, I take them to the doctor. As a Christian I do pray for them, but I also believe God blesses us with talented doctors and life saving medicines!

The fact this girl was homeschooled has nothing to do with her death. If she would have been attending school, I'm sure her parents would have called in sick for her.

The overwhelming majority of homeschoolers are not hiding their children away, abusing and neglecting them! The media just loves to point fingers when an alternative family has a tragedy.

I'm praying for this family and I hope you do too. I just have to wonder if they were in denial she was that ill.

click here
or
http://www.charter.net/news/news_reader.php?storyid=14509490&feedid=248

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

What am I going to do with this cat?!

I almost bought a Japanese Peace Lily today. They had them for $12.99 at the Piggly Wiggly, and there was a beautiful plant over 3 feet tall. I was very close to grabbing it, but then I wondered if they are poisonous to cats. Came home and Googled. Yup. No Peace Lily for us.

Yumi most definitely would try to eat it. She's an indoor kitty, but she constantly tries to get outside and the second she does, she eats grass. I have grown kitty grass for her inside, but she eats it so quickly it never really flourishes.

Last night she tried to break through the window and attack the Tom cat visiting on the back deck. She completely freaked out, howling and clawing at the window. Goofball! I don't know what we'll do when its warm enough to open the window. She'll probably claw through the screen. DH thinks we can never bring another cat home or she'd rip it to shreds. 

I discovered last night I need to create a book wish list and keep it in my organizer. I get this kind of amnesia when I enter a book store. I can't remember any of the books I want! I'm like a deer in the headlights. I had a 40% off coupon for Half Price Books, and I had 30 minutes. I caved and bought a Kingfisher ancient history book for our homeschooling stash. It is a cool book, covering each continent, but I probably could find something like this at the library. I'll have a chance to redeem myself on Sunday. I have another coupon for 50% off on that day.

We're heading out to homeschool gym class and then to hang out with homeschooled friends. It will be a nice break from the Posse Rat crew this week. Its been spring break in our town and the word is out we have Super Smash Brothers. This week has reminded me I need to make summer plans or my house will be over run.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Rain

Rating:★★★★★
Category:Music
Genre: Other
Artist:Joe Jackson
DH was more the Joe fan than I was in high school. He's kept track of him over the years and he's picked up tickets for us to see his Milwaukee show coming up soon. He also ordered Joe's latest CD, Rain. I have been listening to this non stop, every morning. I'm hooked! It makes me want to sell the kids and buy a piano! Maybe in my after mom life, I will take up piano again so I can play along with Joe. :)

This may just work....

I've been watching the "I Can Make You Thin" show on the TLC channel featuring Paul McKenna. Once I got over the irritating, infomerical style of the program, my ears really perked up for his message.

The first show covered the 4 basics;

Eat when you are hungry

Eat what you want

Eat consciously

Stop when you are full

This sounds too easy right. Well, I've been trying it. It seems to be working.

I wait for true hunger, not emotional hunger. True hunger comes on after some time, emotional hunger is instant. I eat what I'm craving, only I've completely changed how I eat it. Eating consciously means you slow down, (really slow), eat without distractions, chewing each bite 20 times. You place your fork down between bites.

The first thing I noticed was its hard to chew oatmeal or soup 20 times. The second thing I noticed was distraction was everywhere! If the TV was off, I was still looking around for something to read, something to stare at and study. So I decided to either close my eyes or stare at my food. I can't chew oatmeal 20 times a bite, but I could hold the food in my mouth a little longer, really tasting it.

What also surprised me is it doesn't take very much food at all before you can feel full! From that very first breakfast, I was stunned I was full after eating maybe 5 or 6 bites. I could always finish an entire bowl (1/2 c) of oatmeal, but now I was asking myself, do I need to? I was full. If I get hungry again later, I'll make more oatmeal.

After a few days of feeling bad about the food I was leaving on my plate, I decided to take smaller portions to start with. I also switched to smaller bowls. I no longer eat past the point of being full because of guilt or even because if I don't, I'll be hungry later. So what. Getting hungry later will be a good thing because I can then eat something different!

Eating slower has really awakened my taste buds too. Have you tried to really keep a piece of donut in your mouth for very long? It doesn't actually taste very good after that initial sweet. Same with french fries. Chew one 20 times and you'll see what I mean.

The second program dealt with emotional eating. This is huge for me. I was eating when I was not only sad but also when I was happy! I had fooled my body into thinking feeling emotion meant eating. Finding your true hunger takes a little practice after years of eating when emotional.

Paul suggested using a tapping technique when you get stressed. Its kind of strange, but it does work. You tap your cheek, tap your collar bone, tap your cheek, tap your hand, close your eyes still tapping, look down right, look down left, circle your eyes, hum a tune and count to 5, hum again. Something is suppose to happen in your brain to relax you. Personally it just distracts me from feeling the stress.

His next show is this Sunday night at 8:00pm. I'm going to keep trying it and hope the rest of my family gives it a try too.

Monday, March 24, 2008

I Am Legend

Rating:★★
Category:Movies
Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy
If the creatures were actors in makeup, I would have given this movie 3 stars. I'm done with CGI. Hollywood needs to go back to using real actors, with real hearts and souls. I felt like the creatures were copied from the screaming mummy guy in "The Mummy." Think how scary "28 Days Later" was! Why didn't they use real actors? How can I be afraid of a cartoon monster?

And I had trouble buying the fact this man was intelligent enough to survive the end of the world while working in a basement lab, researching a cure, but not intelligent enough to stop from walking directly into a trap.

I think I liked the version with Vincent Price better. I'll have to watch Omega man soon.

Ran-dum thoughts....

I want more time to read my book.

I need more time to make my ATCs.

I want to set up bird feeders and play in the yard.

I want to call my mom.

She's not answering her cell.

I still have laundry... and dishes.... and a cluttered kitchen.

My closet looks like its thrown up because its choking on winter clothes even though my heart wants to hang up my capris and short sleeve shirts.

I have to pay bills, but I want to go shopping.

I should run to the grocery store, but I don't know what to make for supper.

If I feed them leftovers will they know I love them?

I have to carve stamps and write Letterboxing clues.

How many more days until my workshop?

The Posse Rats are here.

I should try that tapping technique I saw last night on "I can make you thin."

I have to move my art supplies off of the table.

I still have one more ATC to make.

Maybe I should brew another pot of green tea?

It was decaffeinated. I swear!

Have I brushed my teeth today?

Maybe I can find a little more creative juice to finish up that last card now.

Atonement

Rating:★★
Category:Movies
Genre: Romance
I'm being generous giving it 2 but 1 seems mean. I'm sure I'm in the minority here, but I really didn't like this movie. Maybe seeing the perfume ad ruined it for me. Maybe she needed to drink a milkshake or two? Maybe Mr. Tumnus really isn't sexy? I just couldn't get into it.

Friday, March 21, 2008

First Day of Spring....

Ahhh.... Such a lovely first day of spring! We don't need tulips and daffodils. Why would I want to feel grass between my toes? Isn't it more fun to pull on snow boots over two layers of socks?

Actually I feel really bad for the migratory birds that have already made their way this far. They are probably so confused right now. "Did we fly the right direction?"

I'm staying in today baking chocolate chip pies to stuff my family members with at Easter celebrations. The good thing about today's storm is it should be over by tomorrow. I'm also grateful it's hitting us on Good Friday. DH is home from work! Yeah!

More great news! The Badgers won last night!! I had to stop watching at the half because I was scared they'd blow it. The boys and I retreated into the bedroom to watch Shredderman. After the game DH and the boys headed to the boycave to celebrate the victory with a few rounds of pinball on the Wii. I passed out asleep.

DS12 has decided to write a book and doesn't want to use the PC. He wants to use my old typewriter. He says he likes the feel of the keys and their strike on the page. (I can't help but remember he's recently watch Misery with DH.) He has decided to write it with the chapters in chaotic order, for example, chapter 17 first, then chapter 3, then chapter 21 etc. This sounds really ambitious. I don't think I could write this way. I'd have to write the book in order and then rearrange them. It will be interesting to see if he is successful, but one thing is for sure. It will teach him more about writing.

Well the rest of my crew is now awake. I'm off to heat up the oven and get the pies baking.


Thursday, March 20, 2008

Schooled

Rating:★★★★
Category:Books
Genre: Childrens Books
Author:Gordon Korman
DS12- Its a really good book. I would recommend it to others. But the only bad thing about it, is the ending.

DS9- 2 stars- I thought it was kinda of lame because an 8th grader drives a bus.

Me- 2.5 stars- I would have enjoyed this book much more if I hadn't read the last chapter. It sells out big time! I had expected the homeschooling stereotypes, but this kid is not just homeschooled but isolated from almost all other people. Most homeschoolers we know, ourselves included, are very much out and about, socializing with all kinds of people of many different ages. The main character in this book, Capricorn Anderson, is made into a completely naive, innocent creature. He doesn't know he's being picked on.

He does become the hero of the story, but the last chapter is so terrible, it ruins the glory.

I think DS12 enjoyed it because it gave him a look into what middle school life is like. The clicks, the bullying, the stress... it was all very factual. But what happens in that last chapter is completely out of character for the main character's grandmother.

I got the feeling, even after pointing out the many disadvantages of institutionalized education, the author didn't want to offend it. After painting such a truthful picture of school, he didn't really do the same for homeschooling. Homeschooling, even though it equipped Capricorn Anderson with the skills necessary to survive a drastic change in lifestyle, the author couldn't bring himself to write a better solution for Cap in the last chapter. It doesn't make smart sense to abandon what has worked out so well, and choose an option that has proven otherwise.

My hearing is now coming back....

The concert was brilliant! As you can see, I scored a pick! I have the body damage deserving of it too.

My ears still a have a little ring. In all my excitement, I had left the ear plugs in my jacket pocket which was left in the car since we were so close to the stage door. In fact, we scored a parking spot right next to the tour bus! I was almost geek enough to knock on the bus door and play groupie, but DH reminded me it was 2008. I was now 39, not 26.

More proof I'm 39 is the fact I pulled a calf muscle jumping up and down. My other injury is my forearms. I have bruises from where I was up against the security rail. Yes, we had prime, up front, almost can touch the band, positions! I was even hit with sweat! LOL!!!!

We met some interesting characters. There was Mario. He said he had purchased late lead singer Shannon's Galaxy convertible on Ebay. He offered me a ride in it. I passed.

Then there was drunk Emily. She has just now gotten over Shannon's death. (12 years ago). She was in Jr. High when he died. When I told her my name, she thought I was a hippie child.

The opening band was Rufus Trees. They were pretty good. Their mikes weren't the best but from the few lyrics I could make out, I thought they may be a Christian band. I checked on the internet and they are. I was directly in front of the lead guitarist, and I think he's attended Jack Black's School Of Rock. Once I got over his characteristic guitar moves, I grew to appreciate his enthusiasm. Be free to rock dude! Don't care how you look!

I followed his lead and when Blind Melon took the stage, I let my rock Goddess out. I'm actually surprised I didn't end up with a neck injury from my head banging. I hope I get the chance to rock out again soon!

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Rendition

Rating:★★★★
Category:Movies
Genre: Drama
Stayed up late to watch Rendition with DH. It was worth the sacrifice of a few extra hours of sleep. It's really brilliant!

I'm on dessert....

At both upcoming Easter family gatherings, I'm assigned to bring dessert. I thought about baking chocolate chip pies, but realizing we're going to have so much food, I thought I'd make tiny pies or tarts.

I made a test batch, and DH loved them as much as a regular piece of pie!

The hard part of making them tiny was using my Grandmother's tart molds. The hearts came out well, but the other shapes I really had to bang those little tarts out. I used non-stick spray but they still stuck. If I make hearts do you think my family will think I'm stuck back on Valentine's Day? I wish I could call Mormor up in heaven and ask her how she used these molds without sticking.

Here's the recipe if you're interested. I must say the whole pie version is easier.

Chocolate Chip Pie

1 unbaked 9" deep dish frozen pie crust or a rolled, refrigerated unbaked pie crust
2 L eggs
1/2 C flour
1/2 C sugar
1/2 C brown sugar
2/3 C butter, softened (1.5 sticks)
3/4 C chocolate chips
1 C chopped pecans

Preheat oven on 325 F
- Beat the eggs until frothy
- cream together sugars and butter
-mix eggs with creamed sugars and butter
-add flour, chips and pecans

Pour into the pie crust, place pie tin on a cookie sheet and bake 60 minutes

or

Allow the refrigerated, rolled pie crust to come to room temperature and then unroll.

Cut out shapes and press into tart molds- sprayed with non-stick spray or greased

Place on a cookie sheet and bake for 30 minutes

Carefully remove cookie sheets from the oven and allow pie or tarts to cool 10 minutes or so before trying to move them

Warm pie is good, but we like it after its been chilled too! Since the frozen pie shells come two to a package, I often double this batch and make two pies. They freeze very well!

Monday, March 17, 2008

DS12's fact of the day...

"Hey Mom, Did you know a female cockroach can lay eggs without sperm?"

"What do you mean? Do they store the sperm? How are the eggs fertilized?"

"She can make babies with her own unfertilized eggs, only they will all be female like her."

"You're kidding me!"

DS12 has been reading A Field Guide To Household Bugs. I hope we don't have any roaches lurking about!


Happy St. Patrick's Day!

We're not really planning anything special today. I have to clean because the MIL is coming, and I'm helping out at work tonight. Tomorrow will be better. DH is off and we're heading to the Blind Melon concert!!!

Yesterday I scored at SuperWalmart. I normally don't shop there, but my first store of choice didn't have the Super Smash Brawl cheat guides. (Shhhh. Its an Easter present for DS12!) I found a mini trampoline on sale for $15!! I had been thinking of getting the boys something to bounce around on for exercise.

The legs screwed on pretty quick and DS9 says he really likes it. He's not coordinated enough to jump rope so this is the next best thing. He can bounce while watching TV or with a game controller in his hands.

We're trying to find more ways to get moving in our family. Our doctor recommended we take DS9 to see a nutritionist, but I found out its not covered by insurance. Obesity isn't covered but if he had diabetes, he'd be covered. That doesn't make any sense to me. You would think the insurance company would want to help us lose weight so we don't become diabetic!

I also found out seeing the speech therapist isn't going to be covered either. "Is his stuttering due to an injury or acute illness?" Are you kidding me? Not many people I know stutter because they've fallen down or have a virus.

Our library finds this past weekend- The 3 Hour Diet Cookbook by Jorge Cruise, Feed Your Family Right by Elisa Zied and Ruth Winter, The Art of Homemade Bread by Dan Lepard, Body The Complete Human by National Geographic, Athletic Fitness for Kids by Scott Lancaster and Radu Teodorescu, A Field Guide To Household Bugs by Joshua Abarbanel and Jeff Swimmer, and Star Wars Jedi Vs Sith The Essential Guide to the Force by Ryder Windham. I also checked out again, Mommy Millionaire by Kim Lavine.

Well, I better start cleaning.  Hope you have a great St. Patrick's Day!

Friday, March 14, 2008

RIP Chihiro...

Chihiro, our mouse, has left us to join her sisters in heaven. She was the most gentle of her sisters, Cheddar and Chocolate, and she lived the longest. The good old girl held out for the ground to thaw. We thought we'd lose her months ago.





We built her a bio-degradable coffin out of a Girl Scout cookie box. Her shroud was a paper towel, also bio-degradable. Our hope is that her body will nourish the earth and join with the tree. She would have liked that.


First Robins of Spring!

Rating:★★★★★
Category:Other
We caught these two messing around. The first Robins we've seen since winter set in. Constantly bouncing around and flirting, they wouldn't sit still for a photo. I love his reaction to the cold snow on his feet!

DS9's fun game!

This morning DS9 asked us to play a game he thought up. He draws part of a letter or number and we have to guess what he is writing. Its simple but we had loads of fun stumping each other.

We also are celebrating "Pi Day" since its 3/14.  We plan on making pizza pie for supper and chocolate chip pie for dessert. Our breakfast was round waffles cut into wedges. (The boys didn't want to try quiche.)  For more Pi fun, click here.

p.s. I know I misspelled "Pi" as "Pie" on the chalkboard. Didn't realize that until after I took the picture.

News video on homeschooling

I'm currently reading A Thomas Jefferson Education by Oliver Van Demille and digging up any info I can. I came across a great news piece that may help non-homeschoolers understand why we choose to give our children this freedom to follow their passions.

If you're interested, click here.

Thursday, March 13, 2008

I'm groovy.


What type of Motherhen are you?

My poor babies....

This is what 100 inches of snow will do if you don't cover up your baby Boxwoods. I planted 4 baby Boxwoods last spring and by fall they were about 18 inches tall. They are looking very sad right now. I wonder if they will come back.

When I walked in the door last night, the family was watching "Misery." DH said the boys wanted to watch it, so he picked it up from Blockbuster. I had to escape to another room. I just can't watch that scene again. You know the one I'm referring to!

The boys started to feel a little tense before Annie could pick up her sledgehammer so DH turned on "Hot Fuzz". We've watched parts of this movie 3 nights in a row now. Its a really funny movie though, and I'm sure I'll watch it again and again in the future. I highly recommend both "Hot Fuzz" and "Shaun Of The Dead." Maybe I have a thing for Simon?

After we put the boys to bed, DH and I watched "No Country For Old Men."  I'm still speechless.

DH also grabbed for our movie addiction, "Bee Movie", "Infernal Affairs", "Evil Aliens", and "Dodgeball." I'm sure of these, "Bee Movie" will be the Family Fun Night feature presentation but I could be mistaken. I can't believe DS12 asked to watch Misery! 

We have been reading as well. We're still working our way through Schooled by Gordon Korman. We're 5 chapters in and like I expected, the stereotypes are poured on thick and heavy.

Well, the sun is calling me. The temperature is above freezing so I'm hoping I can walk outside without my asthma kicking in. Hope you have a great Thursday!

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Its 80 degrees...

...where my parents are. They called from Arizona this morning. They started their journey days ago from northern Minnesota where it had been in the negative digits. Mom said as they continued their drive south, they kept peeling off the layers. I could hear in her voice she sounded happy and excited to be back in the heat and sun. They'll enjoy a month long vacation before heading back north. I wish I could join them!

It was good to hear from them because I was worried. They will be 76 this April and its a long drive for them. They had promised to call one of their children each night but I hadn't heard anything in several days. We're not the kind of siblings that speak to each other on a regular basis.

I think this is another reason why I wanted my kids to unschool together. I want them to be friends. They will spend more of their lives with each other, than with DH and I.

I have 4 siblings, but I've always felt like the odd one out. I have one sister who will call me once a week. My one brother I hear from probably only when a holiday or other family event is coming up. My other two sisters probably would only call me if someone dies. There is a difference of 5 years between me and my closest aged sibling, so maybe that's the problem. I came too late to be a part of the gang.

Planning our own vacation

I went to plan out our annual May trip and decided this year its time for a change. For years we had been attending the WPA homeschoolers convention, and then spending several days at the Kalahari Waterpark resort in the Wisconsin Dells. We'll still attend the convention, (we have to because I'm a presenter!) but we'll skip the Kalahari. When I called to make the reservation, the rates had jumped up and the reservationist was borderline rude. In years past it was always such a great deal, but this year I'm thinking there has got be a better way to spend $400. We could take some really great day trips or buy some really cool toys for at home.

I'm going to start brainstorming a list for spring/summer fun. Our snow is starting to melt although at night it freezes back up again. I'll be happy when it finally melts all away. Right now its ugly. Its a dirty, crusty mess. We need a good rain to wash it all away. Actually that would be bad. We don't have anywhere for the water to go!