My sister sent me Crapola....

And now I'm full of it!!!! (snicker)

As a thank you gift, my sister sent me Crapola granola from Ely. Its so good!!! I have to discipline myself from eating the entire bag. My sister had a milestone birthday and celebrated in Ely, MN getting fitted for Mukluks. While there, she discovered Crapola.

Yesterday we gathered with our home schooling posse and made Valentines for veterans. For a group of pre & young teen boys, it went amazingly well. (I found ideas that weren't too girly.) We made paper airplane Valentines that said, "You're Plane Awesome", and we used old heart playing cards to make Valentine buddies, ATC's with pipe cleaner arms and legs. I'm kicking myself for not bringing the camera.

I found out that I'll probably be hosting not one, not two, but three workshops at the Wisconsin Parent's Association's home schooling conference! I'm stoked!! Every year, the first weekend in May ends up being a fantastic family weekend away while we get pumped back up for home schooling. We've been attending for years now, and although I no longer need workshops like, "How to start homeschooling","Great math ideas", "How to prevent home schooling burnout" etc., I am finding its a great opportunity to give back.

My family will be hosting, once again the Letterboxing event, and two new workshops, Flat Travelers and Apples to Apples. I'm a bit sorry to see they passed on my offer to host another ATC workshop, but I understand why. They don't want to keep offering the same workshops, year after year, because people will stop attending. You have to mix it up to create interest. I do think I will sneak in a few LTCs, (Letterbox Trading Cards), during the Letterboxing workshop.

I'm thinking long and hard about making a huge lent sacrifice. Last year I gave up carbonated drinks, which turned out to be easy after the first few weeks. This year I'm considering giving up sugar.

This presents a huge challenge for me. Sugar is everywhere! I'm referring to the entire catalog of sweeteners, although I think I may decide to cut myself a break and still use honey. If I can pull this off, I know I'll feel better, but its the detox that has me a little scared. I'll keep praying about it.

An herbalist once told me to try dried fruits when giving up sugar.  I'm discovering dried cranberries usually contain sugar. Same goes for dried blueberries. I'll have to hit the co-op and see what my options may be.

I better get cruising. I'm taking my Crapola on a photo walk. I'm hoping to win the photo contest and win a case of Crapola!

In The Event I Go Into The Witness Protection Program

1. REAL NAME:
Dawn Inger Petersen

2.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME:(mother and fathers middle names)
Catherine Henry (perfect, I love it.)

3.NASCAR NAME:(first name of your mother's dad, father's dad)
Helge Charles (Swedes don't have southern boys' names)

4.STAR WARS NAME:(the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first name)
Petda (Sounds like a pet store to me)

5.DETECTIVE NAME:(favorite color, favorite animal)
Indigo Tiger (Wicked cool! Maybe its more James Bond though?)

6.SOAP OPERA NAME:(middle name, town where you were born)
Inger Chicago (also cool!)

7.SUPERHERO NAME: (2nd fav color, fav drink, add "THE" to the beginning)
The Green Tea (boring, but perhaps my superpower would be anti-oxidants!)

8.FLY NAME:(first 2 letters of 1st name, last 2 letters of your last name)
Daen (I wouldn't even know how to pronounce it.)

9.STREET NAME:(fav ice cream flavor, fav cookie)
Fox Fudge Freak-out Chocolate Chip

10.SKANK NAME: (1st pet's name, street you grew up on)
Muffin Manchester - (Very skanky but with class! LOL!)

11.GANGSTA NAME:(first 3 letters of first name plus 'izzle')
Dawizzle

12.YOUR GOTH NAME:(black, and the name of one of your pets)
Black Yumi

13. STRIPPER NAME: (name of your fav scent, fav sweet )
Grass Chocolate - (Doesn't work at all does it!)

What we've been up to...

Everything is melting into muddy messes. I was able to find the lid to our garbage can since the snow bank has been reduced to a crusty, dirt covered mound. Today I'm tempted to open the windows since we will probably break a high temperature record. It may be in the upper 50's!!  Its been great for walking, but I should be careful of the wind.

Something strange is going on with my ear. I can't tell if I'm getting an ear infection or what else could be happening, but it really hurts, and I can't hear out of it too well. I'm not running a fever though. If it doesn't go away in a few days, I'll guess I'll break down and pay for the doctor's visit.

DS10 is doing extra jobs, helping me organize. He wants to save up enough money for the video game, Skate II. Cleaning out the cabinet, he helped me realize we have way too many plastic bags. I like having a few around for cat box presents and to line our smaller trash cans, but we have enough to stuff a bean bag chair!

DS10 has also been into drawing his own comics lately, inspired by the Diary Of A Wimpy Kid series. He drew one of Domo this morning in which his TV wasn't working. Domo ends up grabbing his rabbit friend and placing him on top of the TV to improve the reception. (Get it, rabbit ears!) I thought it was very clever.

I'm reading a really good book, The Language Police by Diane Ravitch. Its about the damage that has been done to the education of our nation due to groups lobbying for censorship in textbooks and curriculum. I've always felt our nation, (the US) has been dumbed down and this book explains how this has happened. The author offers an eye opening list of banned words and phrases and a terrific book list in the appendix.

Reading this book makes me so glad we home school! If I want to read Huckleberry Finn to the boys using the word, "nigger" I can. I can also explain to them how in our history's past, this word was used freely. We can further the discussion by examining the damage this has caused our country's race relations, and how we can make wiser decisions knowing these effects.

In the business of publishing and education, money motivates. You won't sell books if you offend. Whether its removing theories of evolution in textbooks marketed to schools in the bible belt, or banning references to pizza and ice cream to comply with California's ban on junk food. Diversity isn't marketable.

DS10 wanted to know what my dream job would be. When I thought about it realistically, I had no clue. I told him I loved being home and learning with him.

"But what are you going to do when Jake and I don't need you anymore?"  The kid is 10 and he's forcing me to think about an empty nest!

I have no idea really. I love teaching, but schools that last place I'd want to be because my philosophy of learning is so different. I'll have to brain storm it a bit and reflect.

Last week I was asked if I had all the money in the world, what would my dream house be like. My boys were in disbelief when I told them I didn't need a Crib's mansion, but all I would require would be lots and lots of land to grow gardens and forests on. This made me realize I should be doing more with the little lot we do have. If nature is so important to me, why isn't this reflected on my little patch?

And on that note, I'm going outside. The sun is high in the sky and I need to feel the wind on my skin. 

The Dining Divas

I went out with my Divas last night. We try to get together every month or so for a girl's night out. This outing included my sister, SIL, cousin and aunt. We dined at the 5 Forks and then saw, He's Just Not That Into You.

The photo is my sister's Chilpotle and Turkey pizza. It had blueberries on it! I would never think blueberries on a pizza, but it was so good! I had crab cakes with citrus salsa, red pepper aioli and a mustard remoulade. They were also very tasty, but I'm paying for the salt consumption today. I'll have to drink lots of water. 

The movie was Divalicious. Yes, its a chic flick, but it also makes a great date movie. Its packed with strong, female actors, but no one over powers it. Its a great ensemble piece.

We had such a great time its inspired me to pitch a reality show idea to Food Network or the Travel channel based on our fun, "The Dining Divas!" It would be 5 women, 5 different palates, dining out at restaurants all over the world. The Divas would dish on the dining experience, but they would also dish on each others lives.

Of course I'm hoping we're all chosen to be the 5 Dining Divas. We've got our endorsements all planned out! LOL! There will be cookware, fashion, jewelry, even luggage- "Diva cases", since we of course will be traveling all over the world! We'll be so much more fun to watch than Anthony Bourdain! LOL!!

Did you know I AM a Superhero

Find the superhero in you at http://www.cpbintegrated.com/theherofactory/

I couldn't choose  my name. If I could have, I would be Jedi Kitten.

Scattergories

I forgot how much I love this game. Want to play with me? Consider yourself "tagged" if you do.

Rules: Copy to your own blog, erase my answers, enter yours, and tag 10 people. Use the first letter of your name to answer each of the following questions. They have to be real . . . nothing made up! If the person before you had the same first initial, you must use different answers. You cannot use any word twice and you can't use your name for the boy/girl name question.

1. What is your name: Dawning

2. A four Letter Word: deep

3. A boy's Name: Daniel

4. A girl's Name: Daria

5. An occupation: doctor

6. A color: dark blue

7. Something you wear: Domo t-shirt

8. A hobby: doll making

9. A food: doughnuts

10. Something found in the bathroom: duck

11. A place: Dodgeville, WI

12. A reason for being late: Don't have anything to wear

13. Something you shout: DUDE!

14. A movie title: Do The Right Thing

15. Something you drink: Diet Rite

16. A musical group: Blind Melon - (Ok I cheated, but there is no other for me!)

17. An animal: dog

18. A street name: Doty

19. A type of car: Datsun

20. The title of a song: Dumptruck (yes its a Blind Melon song)

I should wake them up.

I can't believe they are still sleeping. They talked it up big last night that they wanted to get up at 5:00am in order to get to Denny's by 6:00am. Denny's is offering free Grand Slams breakfasts today.

I'm sure when they do get up, they will give me a hard time for not waking them. What can I say? I preferred to stay in my warm house, with my hot mug of Sangria tea, cozy slippers on my feet, munching on Trader Joe's Anti-OXidant Nut & Berry mix.

Did you know my cat like's dried blueberries?

I'll make it up to them. Maybe we'll go out for lunch.

Death cold is back. Wind chills in the negatives once again. Crazy thing is, by the end of the week, we'll be in the 40's! It will feel so good, I bet we'll put on shorts!

I've discovered I really like punching! Who would have thought a pacifist like me would find such gratification from socking it to a punching bag? Maybe you do have to watch out for us quiet types?

We bought a heavy bag for DS10's birthday and hung it in the basement. I had no idea what a workout it could be! I can feel myself being more relaxed and calm throughout the day, and I know its because I've sent all my stress into "Everlast" land. After my first session, my arms felt really weak the following day. Now I'm doing better. I have to remember to dress appropriately though. DS13 broke out in laughter when he caught me trying to kick box with fuzzy slippers on.

Ok, they're up now, and I'm in trouble. They are asking for breakfast which is strange because usually they take awhile to wake up first. How can they be hungry after eating so much for supper last night?

I made a pound of hamburger, "crumbly" style, along with pasta and broccoli. DH and I didn't eat any of the crumbly meat. Our offspring polished it off all on their own. I guess I'm not cooking right for growing teen boys. Have we really become a more than a pound of burger family?  Where's the recipe book for teen boys? I'm not understanding the portion requirements.

I better stop babbling now and get them fed before things turn ugly and they remember our Denny's plans.

Groundhog was set up....

DS10 pointed out perhaps they shouldn't hold that groundhog up so high and his shadow won't appear that big. You think people would learn to erect a tent over him so the sun's rays miss him entirely.

I so need spring. This past weekend it did warm up enough for an outdoor walk without a cold air induced asthma attack. That was a blessing. It felt good to stroll and stretch my legs, but I still had to watch for melting ice and snow.

DH fought with setting up computers and convincing the cable guy we needed wireless. "But you aren't hooking up a laptop?" Dude, with two computers, and two game consoles, we don't want wires everywhere tripping people. We're still having reliability issues with the online gaming.

Now that the new computer is up and running, DH confessed to me that our old computer's fan has gone completely out and its a matter of time before we lose the hard drive if we don't replace it. I have to make a point to get all my photos burned and uploaded to a backup site. For now, I use Winkflash.com because prints are only .6 cents each. DH may ask our nephew to help him install a new fan so we don't lose our old computer.

For months now, DS10 has been a tad bit envious of DS13 because we decided DS13 is old enough he doesn't need to be told when to go to bed. I told DS10 he could stay up and read if he wanted to, but he had to do it in his bed for now. He was ecstatic. He thought that was the coolest thing, to be able to read all night if he wanted.

Since we home school, I don't have to wake them at any certain time. They can sleep until they feel rested, and they are learning to listen to their bodies and go to sleep when they are tired. I actually read last week that there are physiological changes that happen to the teen body that prevents them from getting tired before 11:00pm. Unfortunately, teens in school have to get up early, so they are not getting enough sleep. A high school in Minnesota pushed back the morning start time and grades started improving.

We watched the Superbowl and I had to remind DH, although we were rooting for the Cardinals, we're used to losing because we're Bear fans. "Settle down and take it like a Bear Fan!"

I made guacamole and discovered I have no diminishing returns when it comes to creamy green heaven! I can't have avocados in the house. As if that wasn't enough of a calorie nightmare, I made brownies too. Hopefully the weather cooperates and I can keep walking outside. I get too bored on the treadmill just watching TV.

I have to go. Yumi is freaking out. With the little bit of snow that has melted, the stray cats are once again on the prowl. She sees them in the yard and goes bizerko. I should look into getting her those kitty happiness pheromones. 

Smooth Away Hair Removal

Rating:	★★★★
Category:	Other

After having a nightmare my face was covered with white fur, I was motivated by subconscious fear to try Smooth Away, that "European hair removal secret". I didn't have to order it online but instead our Walgreens carries it for $10. I thought for $10, it was worth a try.

It does really work. Yes, you're basically sand papering your skin, but if you don't push too hard, it not only removes hair but exfoliates your skin. I rinsed and moisturized my skin afterward and it felt great. No nicks from razors, no painful waxing or tweezing.

I was afraid my skin would end up all red and swollen but it didn't. I don't know how long the pads will last, but the kit came with several replacements. There's also a travel case so I can bring it to the pool with me in case of "Opps, I missed a spot."

Now I'll be super quick swimming those laps! LOL!

Trying not to fry my brain this Friday.

Woke up with a headache. I don't want to get sick!

Last night a co-worker told me she was feeling stomach sick and had a really bad headache. I'm hoping my investment of trying to eat better and get rest will pay off, and I won't fall ill this weekend. I'm worried though because I haven't been walking as much.

I broke down and took Advil because I couldn't function. As understanding as my children are, I feel badly when I can't be there for them. Even if I could call in a substitute, their interest in my children's explorations would only be minimal compared to mine. The only real substitute I could tag team would be my husband, but his schedule is limited since he's our bread winner.

So taking DS10's advice, I laid back down to rest and waited for the Advil to take the edge off.

I think it may have worked.

I got up to check emails, risking the effects of staring at a glaring monitor. I had to beat DS13 to this new computer DH hooked up last night!

The keyboard is identical to the new one we just started using at work, and unfortunately, its not my favorite. It feels like the keys are squooshed together, and I keep hitting Cap lock unintentionally. I'm sure I'll eventually get used to it. When I do, and my brain is fully recovered, I believe I'll be heading over to Facebook to deliver servings of smack down.

Last night I realized, people don't know how to relax. Waiting for the female members of his family to change and dress, this dad paced our lobby like he was going to lose it. It reminded me of old style animal cages before zoos had habitats, where the big cats would just pace back and forth along the bars, hating life, ready to pounce.

I'm trying to learn to chill out more. I know I have a tendency to run high strung, and I know it affects my son. He is hyper sensitive and often confuses emotions. He's been better about asking me what's going on, but I have to remember frustration can look a lot like anger. I need to focus on staying calm.

Calm, peaceful people help those around them also feel calm and peaceful. This is the environment I want to live in. Plus its so much easier to learn and explore when this is the dominant vibe in the tribe.

So I'm going to chill out, go with the flow, learn to reflect rather than react. If more people would do this, imagine how less stressed everyone would be.

Now that blogging has awoken my brain and the cloud is lifting, I'm craving cherries. Time to go make some smoothies! Have a great Friday!

Sonic is here and Lefties Rock!

Those of you in the south, I'm sure, won't understand my excitement. After years of being tortured by commercials, I have learned a Sonic Drive In has opened near where I work! (Madison,WI)

It will probably be awhile before I can check it out. DH, (who also works near it), told me they have police directing traffic on the street where its located. Forget about trying to get into the parking lot. They are lining up cars along a side street and shuffling in cars as they can.  Culvers, (Wisconsin's home grown frozen custard and butter burger franchise) is shaking in their boots I'm sure. Mind you its still very cold here in Wisconsin, yet people crazed by seeing years of Sonic commercials, are lining up for slushies!

DS10 just finished up writing his thank you cards for the birthday gifts he received. He handed them to me to look over, and there's no denying this kid is a lefty! To our family about to receive these cards, you'll see what I mean!!

I just finished reading an article on how a large percentage of US presidents have been lefties, President Obama included. Read it here.

I know we have a cousin, born just 3 weeks after DS10, that is also a lefty, and I know my mom is. I know my mother's mother was suppose to be, but growing up in Sweden a hundred years ago, they tied down her arm forcing her to use her right.

Sometimes I think my DS10 is actually ambidextrous, but I suppose that could be an effect of living in a righty world. I don't try to force him one way or the other, but just ask him to do whatever feels right.

He'll begin writing with his left hand and then sometimes switch over to his right hand as he works across the page or chalkboard. I've even caught him working on two drawings at the same time, using both of his hands simultaneously. I don't care as long as his writing is legible and he's comfortable.

Personally, although I'm probably a righty, there are some things I prefer to do with my left hand such as cut meat or swing a golf club. When I drive, I find myself favoring my left hand, (having to remind myself to use two hands on the steering wheel, especially these days!)

Well, I better get moving. I have to start work early this afternoon and before that, I have to help find the answer to the question of the day in our house-  What is the world record for the longest hug? Hmm... I wonder if anyone wants to break it with me! LOL!

Cabin fever

I've not only been messing with my Multiply blog's look, but my need to redecorate has spread to our Sleepyhouse as well. DH has the bug too and we've started to rearrange furniture and move computers in anticipation for the new PC arriving. (Nesting for a new computer baby?)

I knew something was up when DH called me at work and asked, "Would you mind if I drilled a hole in the floor?" Sure, why not.

We decided to move our futon frame and mattress back downstairs to the man cave. We did this after I got home, at 11:00pm at night! Just a few nicks I'll have to touch up with paint, along the stairs.

Of course the idea of moving furniture around always sounds like a cool idea to freshen things up, but you forget about all the little, piddly stuff you also have to move. So this morning my nest is in desperate need of sprucing.

I think its cabin fever making me want to change my surroundings. I also think I've finally grown used to the bitter cold or lost my mind. During the car's oil change bright and early this morning, rather than wait inside, I walked the lot, looking at cars we can't afford. It was -16 F. This doesn't make any logical sense does it. I must have cabin fever.

I'm praying for a new vehicle. I know the van's on borrowed time only now I'll know why I'm crashing when the wheel falls off. Our concerned mechanic showed me. We did get over 200,000 miles out of it. We've had it for 11 years and now we'll most likely, LITERALLY, run it into the ground. Hopefully I'm not driving 55 on the highway when this happens.

I have no clue how we can afford a car payment. Maybe we'll be blessed and we can find a decent used car for a few grand. We can't make it with one vehicle when both of us need to work. There is no public transportation option.

The work from home I was doing for the pool is drying up. We are up and running with our new software and I've begun to threaten those I work with- use it or I'll personally get you! I spent much of December setting it up only to discover no one used it. I had to re-do much of it during January because of this, and now that its complete and ready to roll, I'm not giving the other staff any choice but to use it. I've told the boss she needs to hide the old, paper files and books, and force staff to use the computers.

We are so conditioned that change is scary aren't we? I'm realizing change is what keeps you alert, alive. You need to adapt or you'll become a fossil.

I think I'll go and make more adaptations to our Sleepyhouse right now. Happy Hump Day!

10 For Tuesday

Life has been keeping me away from the computer. Here's ten quick updates.

1. DS9 turned into DS10 over the weekend! YEAH! His party was great fun. We had 10 feet of submarine sandwich and 10 feet of cupcakes. We made ATCs and he scored some great gifts from our generous family.

2. A new computer is coming! Although its scary making such a big purchase in this economy, my friend reminded me its really an investment in my children. Having a decent home computer does make home schooling much easier. It will be wonderful to have two PCs up and running, making it easier for the 4 of us to share.

3. I'm wondering if Yumi is dry heaving because she keeps licking the windows. I'm thinking that really isn't a clean source of water for her. I also think she's been trying to drink the water coming from the furnace as well. I've covered up that drain and I've been trying to dry the windows. We change her water dish daily and I often allow her to drink from the faucet. Too bad those water fountains for cats are so expensive.

4. Our cleaning and purging project is coming along nicely. We still have miles to go, but its been a relief knowing everyone is on board with this process. I'm getting tempted to have a garage sale this spring, but I'll have to talk myself out of it. Its just not worth the effort it takes. Plus I appreciate the instant gratification knowing the clutter is gone for good. After a garage sale, it seems there are always boxes that linger in my garage waiting for ride to Goodwill.

5. I'm a tad disapointed we aren't going to the Unschoolers Winter Gathering at the Kalahari in Ohio. It would have been so awesome to be in a resort filled with unschoolers like us. When it came down to it, we wanted a new computer instead of a week's vacation. Plus, its difficult for DH to take the time away from work. It wouldn't have been any fun without him.

6. Its time to paint! We've lived like college students long enough and we deserve a grown up bedroom. My problem is, I can never pick a color. I always thought I wanted romantic jewel tones, but the room is small and I don't want dark paint making it seem smaller. Although I've never stayed at the Sundara spa, I like the room photos. I'm thinking we need something nuetral, but then I also want some color. I'm leaning towards chocolate milkshake brown, with cranberry accents. The windows are strangely placed, according to my symetrical needs, so I may just drape an entire wall in cranberry curtains.

7. I'm trying to convince DS13 to build a cat tree for Yumi. He keeps eyeballing them at the pet store, but I point out how expensive they are. I know he could probably build one if he wanted to. I keep dropping hints hoping he'll take the bait.

8. Got any Superbowl plans? I'm thinking we need to have a party. Now that Christmas has come and gone, and DS10's birthday has passed, I need another excuse to make party food. Its what you do to get through the winter. Create reasons to celebrate! I don't think I want to stand outside and grill. Got any ideas?

9. I know how to kill someone with my bare hands. The boys and I watched a self defense video. I told DH it also qualifies as science because they went into the physics and physiology. Don't mess with us now. LOL! 

10. I might be able to fix our washing machine myself, thanks to my brother's advice. This should be a service available. Instead of a repairman coming to do it for you, it would be better to have someone who would show you what the problem is and how to fix it yourself, for less money. I'm sure there are some people who don't want to do the labor themselves, but being able bodied, if we knew how to do it, we would. Hmmm... home repair coaching. Maybe that's the business to start? Or a home repair co-op?

No time to blog! How crazy fast can I type this babble?

Watch out. Random ADHD blog post ahead.

I need these shoes. (I'm sure Blind Melon fans will understand why.) Unfortunately, I think I need to go to Venezuela to get them.

I must bake and decorate 10 feet of birthday cupcakes for my decade old dude.

My family thinks I'm being too mean if I hang the banner I painted. It says, "NO MORE WIMPY SINGLE DIGITS!" (We'll have single digit aged guests in attendance.) Kind of reminds me of the time my then future MIL made me a birthday cake that said, "You're not a crummy teenager anymore.." only I was turning 19.

I cranked out a bunch of work for my job this morning and because our CD surround player stopped working, I listened to WXRT via the internet. How I miss some things about living in Chicago! WXRT is the best radio station on the planet!

Why must it get death cold again? Just to spite me because I was feeling naturally high this morning?

It was weird. I had this rush of euphoria just looking forward to the upcoming weekend, being with my family, knowing spring has to come, finishing a project. Of course when "our" song came on the radio, (Little Wings), that helped tremendously. It was followed by No Rain, which even thought that's not my favorite Blind Melon song, just the fact Blind Melon gets play time on the radio is a plus.

I suppose because my dryer is now fixed, my washing machine had to go. Makes sense. She's crying because she's jealous the dryer was getting all the attention from Mr. Appliance Repairman. There is a nice little stream running across my basement floor whenever I try to wash clothes now. Sigh... Must wait for next paycheck to invite back Mr. Appliance Repairman.

Holy Cold Cows! I opened up my gas bill yesterday. Highest its ever been. Last January I paid $130 something. This bill was $175. During the months we don't have to run the heat, its only around $30. My friend said hers was over $400!! She lives in a 2 story, one hundred plus year old home though. I so need Spring! (Or those shoes!)

My parents may run away to Arizona after all. I wish I could stow away.

Excitement at the pool last night! Our lifeguard had to jump in because a guest with special needs had a seizure. His therapist was right there with him, but our lifeguard jumped in to help. It only lasted a few minutes and he never lost consciousness. I guess this poor fella has them all the time, thus his need for a therapist to swim with. Strange thing was, our life guard told me after wards, he could feel, only the part of the guy's body that was out of the water, his head and shoulders, was seizing. From the chest down, what was under the water didn't seize up. I have to wonder if the warm water had something to do with this? (We keep our water at 88 degrees.) After about 15 minutes, the young man could walk and talk again like nothing had happened. His father thanked us and promised they would be back next week to work with their therapist once again.

I'm not sure how our lifeguard liked hearing this! He seemed pretty shook up, but that's what happens with your first rescue. Your adrenaline starts racing and even after the guest is safe and secure, you're pumped up.

Ok. I'm getting too cold sitting by the window here. Time for hot cocoa! I probably won't be able to check back in until after our birthday party bash weekend. Have a great one yourselves!

Mini babble on Thursday

It was such a beautiful dawn this morning. Our temperatures are up so fog covered everything. The fog froze on the trees and everything looks likes its covered in frosting. The sun eventually rose higher and burned off the fog, but for now, branches are still covered in crystals. I did wake up grumpy, but after seeing all the beauty around me, I can't stay this way. 

DS13 is super stoked because his letter was chosen for Game Pro magazine. He had emailed them a question and although they basically re-wrote his letter, he was still excited they chose to answer it. If you have this month's issue, turn to page 88. He used his screen name, Quickfoo. I'm sure this will encourage him to continue writing.

We're worried about Yumi. She keeps dry heaving. We've given her hairball medicine daily, but no such luck. I suppose its that time of year, as she's spending more time sun bathing in the window. She doesn't seem sick otherwise.

Well, I better keep today's check in short. I've got so much to do along with having to start work early. 

Trying to keep our cheeks rosy.....

Sorry I wasn't around yesterday. We were too busy watching history unfold and enjoying our snowy world. The temperatures are up to safe levels so we're outside enjoying as much as we can. Its the only thing you can do to beat cabin fever, bundle up and get out there!

I felt really upbeat yesterday for some reason. I think it was the speeches. I particularly liked Rev. Joseph E. Lowery's benediction which moved me to tears and laughter. I think he stole the entire show with that ending!

I know some people purposely avoided watching the inaugural, which is a shame. Even if President Obama wasn't your first choice, the message was uplifting. No one person can dig us out of the mess we're in. We each have to work for it. We have to be willing to push on, regardless of our differences.

Today we're keeping the chill out grooving with baking cookies, washing blankets, building Legos and playing games. I'm also trying to create decorations for DS's upcoming birthday, but this is very difficult with him being around. I'm afraid he won't be surprised much.

I read through Carol Alt's Eating In The Raw. I can certainly agree eating fresh, raw fruits and veggies can be great for you, but I don't think I could ever eat raw meat. No offense to raw foodists. Its just, I could never get past thinking I'd be ingesting a tape worm or worse.

I should back up and explain why I read Eating In The Raw in the first place. I wasn't thinking of becoming a raw foodie. It was DS13 who asked me why people started cooking food in the first place. I told him anthropologists aren't certain, but its a guess that perhaps some game meat landed too close to the fire. Or perhaps their food source froze so they decided to thaw it over the fire and discovered, hey, that tastes pretty good! It was also probably realized that cooking and drying could preserve food as well. This is a good thing when you don't have a Piggly Wiggly down the block.

Anyway, I'm too much of a baker to want to give up anything heated over 100 degrees. Call me a carb addict, but I'll take fresh, whole wheat bread over dehydrated crackers.

Speaking of baking and being an addict, I can't stop making batches of chocolate cookies with white chips. I got the recipe from the back of the Nestle bag. I sent the remaining cookies with DH to work, but all it took was DS13 asking, "Where did those awesome cookies go," and I'm baking more. I'll have to ask him to hide them from me. Of course I asked my younger son to do this with my peanut butter, whole wheat cookies, and I discovered them weeks later under his bed. EWW!!

Well, its time to get my hands all covered in paint. Stay warm and stay positive!

Weekend Update

We had a great one, but nothing went as expected. Sometimes you just have to stop trying to hold onto the side of the bank, and go where the river wants to take you.

DS13 received a last minute sleep over invite. I knew I had to let him go. How do I say this without being disrespectful to him? Lately, its been felt he needs time away from us. Its not teen rebellion, but we're all wondering why he wasn't getting our sense of humor. Time apart is what we all needed to be able to come back together strong.

Plus DS(almost 10) loved having us all to himself Saturday night. We watched the end of Be Kind Rewind, and then I grew roots into the easy chair and read magazine after magazine, book after book, while DH and DS enjoyed "midnight gaming." (Midnight gaming is any late night video game playing with dad in the Mancave.)

Along with reading through several issues of Vegetarian Times magazines, looking for healthy recipes, I read Feed Your Family Right, by Elisa Zied and Ruth Winter. I basically speed read through to chapter 10, where you learn the real deal on the how tos. There's a brillant chart, The Ultimate Family Food Guide, that really helps you visualize the nutritional needs of each family member. I've made a copy of it for the fridge. Based on sex and age, you follow the chart to see how many servings of each group you should eat to meet, roughly, your calorie needs for the day. Older males for example, get to have more servings than females, or if weight loss is a goal, slip down a level and eat less servings. 

After picking up DS13 on Sunday morning, it was all about football. We watched the playoff games, hoping the Cardinals and Steelers would win. (DH told us he wouldn't be watching the superbowl if the other teams won.) We are technically a BEARs household, but DH has family in Arizona and he likes the Steeler's uniforms. LOL!

I didn't get the cleaning done I wanted to, but as always, it waits for me! I didn't make any ATCs but our party is still a week away. We didn't find a deal on a new computer yet, but there will be more sales next week.

We all got what we needed this past weekend to recharge. 

I'm just like Vernie! (Organization Project 2009- the pantry)

"Roaming through the cupboard, jar of pickles never opened since 1983..." - Shannon Hoon wrote this lyric about his beloved Grandmother, Vernie.

I didn't discover any pickles, but I did find a jar of Nutella from 2005. How was this still in my pantry? I know I have cleaned the pantry since 2005. It must have survived previous pantry purges because it has chocolate in it. I'm over that. If I'm going to have chocolate now, it has to be good chocolate.

I was really disgusted I filled an entire garbage bag with stale crackers and cereal, half eaten bags of snacks, and forgotten science project potatoes. As a family, we must stop wasting so much food. We're not saving money buying in bulk when we toss much of it.

I tried to place the not so healthy food up high.  I attempted to leave space so food can be shifted around to see what's hiding behind. This hopefully will stop new bottles being opened before old bottles are used up.

The over the door shoe holder doesn't look tidy, but its doing a good job of holding all the little stuff that could get lost, like seasoning packets. Hanging behind it are thermal shopping bags and my aprons.

I'm using a plastic shoe box for all of my tea bags. It was insane how much tea I found I didn't know I had!

Tea doesn't expire right? I suppose it could loose potency over time. Maybe I'll have to mix and come up with new, crazy brews.


 

Quick Friday update

Today should be our last brutal day and then it will warm up to the 20's. YEAH! I may just have to go outside tomorrow and build a snowman to celebrate.

Last night about half the families were grateful we were open, but the other half were calling, "What! You're still having lessons?! Well, we aren't coming!" I was really hoping after lessons were over, no one would come for open swim but on the contrary, I guess people wanted to be submerged in 88 degree water on bitter cold nights.

My plan today is to tackle the pantry. I know I would enjoy cooking healthy meals more if I could find the food, which is currently hidden behind half eaten boxes of cereal and packages of stale crackers. I remember buying organic black beans and salt free stewed tomatoes, but all I can see are cake mix boxes and forgotten candy. I'll take before and after photos and share later.

DS-soon to be 10- is building Lego cities and I've heard conflict is brewing. The colorful Lego figures are being attacked by the non colored, conformists. I'm rooting for the colorful people, but over all I just hope peace prevails. I don't want to be vacuuming up Lego figure body parts the next few days.

Well, I better get busy. Have a great Friday!

I have to give a shout out to Cuddle Duds!

Rating:	★★★★★
Category:	Other

I don't know how I could stay warm without them. They aren't the long underwear of years gone by, but a comfortable, really soft, toasty layer that fits so well under your clothes.

People living in cold climates can relate to that feeling of not wanting to bend your legs when you are outside because that bitter cold snaps at the back of your knees. Even in jeans, when its below zero Fahrenheit, that cold bites, unless that is, you are wearing Cuddle Duds!

I'm so grateful to have mine!

Brrrrr............................

Its a safe bet we won't be playing basketball today. At least the sun is trying to come out.

The death cold has moved in for the next few days. This is when I must reach down and remember my Scandinavian roots. I will survive! With my multiple layers, warm hot fluids, and running the van's engine every few hours, I will make it.

Getting to work may not be fun with the blowing and drifting snow, but once I'm there, its warm and cozy thanks to our 88 degree water temperature. There are many families though that elect to not come to swim lessons because its so cold outside.

Another problem I have with this weather is the fact it makes me want to eat. Its so tempting to keep the oven baking up goodies, because it keeps the kitchen warm. I swear I do feel more hungry than usual. Is it because my body's furnace needs the fuel? Doesn't it realize we have fuel reserves in abundance?!! LOL!

Bananagram is keeping us busy. This game is sort of like Scrabble only without the board. For the most part, DS just enjoys spelling out words on the carpet, on the kitchen counter, on the table, on the couch, anywhere but a sheet of paper! That's how unschooling works. If I would give him a piece of paper and ask him to spell words, he'd be bored. The carpet surface, spelling while on your belly is so much more fun!

I have to keep this short. DS9(soon to be10!) just read my blog post over my shoulder and now he's asking to play Scrabble.

I'm just not feeling it...

I'm not feeling this blog post today. We've got the worries. I think the bitter, dangerous cold has me scared. Will my car start when I need to leave for work? Will it start when I need to drive home? My furnace is constantly running. Will our utility bill be outrageous?

DH was a little late last night coming home, due to the blowing snow, and DS9 was worried something bad had happened. He's so much like me when it comes to worrying about the what ifs.

What doesn't help matters is hearing of bad news. My parents were witness to a horrible tragedy involving their neighbor, so now I'm worried about them. They're not in danger of a mob hit or anything, but I'm worried about them dealing with their grief, especially since right now they are trapped inside due to the dangerous temperatures.

I'm really going to try and focus on the positives today. It would be so easy to give in to the anxiety and depression but this isn't where I want to be.

DS9 asked me to provide healthy food and snacks to him. He told me he is beginning his plan to get in shape because he wants to be a police officer. He told me even though being a police officer doesn't necessarily mean constant action, you still need to be in shape.

"You know being a police officer isn't going to be like being James Bond, mom."  That's good. I would prefer he wasn't shot at everyday.

We've been having some serious UNO battles. We're currently using a National Parks deck, with wonderful photos from US parks. The special card is the Bear Attack card. You don't want to be hit with that!

Speaking of cards, DS is creating special cards to infuse into his Apples to Apples deck. He's also been writing trivia cards.

Last night DH and I watched a different version of Sweeney Todd. Now I'm wondering how the original story was written. The version we watched last night wasn't the Johnny Depp musical. I don't recall the actor's name, but in this version on the IFC channel, Mr. Todd isn't after the judge so much. He's even more of a psyco, turn on a dime, type killer. It was more dark than the Burton film, and showed more of what life was really like during that time period.

I better stop putting off going out into the arctic air. I have to try and start my van or for sure it won't start tonight. I also need to stock up on healthy snacks for someone's future law enforcement goals. 

Stay warm!

Our Weekend...

We spent Friday watching the snow fall and digging out. After lugging 4 loads of wet clothes to the laundry mat to dry, I decided we are paying to have the dryer fixed or buying a new one. Our mom and pop appliance store here in town will agree to take off the cost of the service charge if I decide to buy a new one after I learn what the cost of repairs will be. (I'm waiting for the repair guy this morning.)

Saturday morning after moving more snow out of the way, we headed to town to shop around dryers and computers. We enjoyed lunch at Noodles, but couldn't find the new computer DH was looking for. I decided I really don't like sales people in the slightest. I know what kind of dryer we need, just give me your best price. Sales people always come across as liars and a waste of time to me. I couldn't help but also notice they left DH alone to look at PCs while I was hounded in the appliance section. Was it because I was a woman?

Sunday we cleaned half of our basement, totally motivated by the fact a repairman was coming! We hauled out a giant bag of garbage and bag after bag of recyclables. Now I'm thinking why was I living with all of this garbage? Its been a great kick start, and I hope we can keep the ball rolling. We have lots to purge and organize!

We took the boys to the sledding hill in our town. It wasn't too crowded. (We're used to having it to ourselves during school hours.) We all went down multiple times, but of course on DH's last run, he injured himself. He hit not one, but two jumps built into the hill. Unfortunately under the 6 inches of fresh snow was a solid sheet of ice. DH said he felt like he compacted his vertebrae. My only injury at the time was several white washes to the face. Later that night though, I could feel my leg muscles ache. It was quite difficult to walk up the hill with the ice underneath the snow.

The boys want to go back today, but I think its getting too cold. We are suppose to dip down to -20 F wind chills. Its going to be brutal like this all week. Lucky I found the window plastic kit in the basement while cleaning up! I don't know if that trick really works, but its simple to install so I'm trying it.

I suppose we'll stay inside this week and dream of spring.

Watch Super Nanny tonight!

A few months ago Super Nanny came to our small town of Evansville and tonight the episode airs. I don't know the family, but I'll be watching tonight to see if my sister is in the background!

While she was shopping at the Piggly Wiggly, Super Nanny was shooting the family trying to grocery shop with begging children. I'm also curious to see how they portray our small town. We have about 4000 people, but we're a bedroom community close to Madison.

Its on ABC at 8:00pm CST.

All Children's Books Banned?

I haven't researched this extensively yet, but if this is true, we must all act to stop it. This was posted in a home schooling email newsletter I receive, The Homeschoolers Notebook by Heather Idoni,  Familyclassroom.net.

I really hope this law doesn't pass. I'd rather it not be a crime to buy used books. I can make sure my children don't eat them. I think its ironic the EPA would be causing more harm to us by banning all books previously published than saving us from lead exposure.

I think this legislation also bans home made items being sold, such as baby blankets, hand made toys, etc. (Having trouble getting the link to work, but here's the address: http://coolmompicks.com/savehandmade/  )

 The Sale of Children's Books to be Banned 
 
  --- 
 
  Oh, how I wish this were a joke!  But it is a grim and looming, 
  almost Orwellian, reality. 
 
  Effective February 10th, in the United States, the sale of 
  all children's books (books intended for children ages 12 and 
  under) is to be PROHIBITED.  Every single book printed prior 
  to the ruling is affected, whether new or used.  New books in 
  production are required to include a "lead-free" certification 
  and will be the only books that are legal to offer for sale. 
 
  What does this mean to the homeschooling family? 
 
  Well, for one, curriculum fairs across the country will be 
  canceled as book vendors scramble to figure out how to comply 
  with the new ruling.  Complete book inventories will have to be 
  destroyed -- the ruling even prohibits giving away the books! 
  Local thrift stores will be hard hit -- most will likely have to 
  close their doors -- yes, even Goodwill and Salvation Army. 
 
  Clothing, toys and books -- even CDs and DVDs are included in the 
  ruling.  Thrift stores will no longer be able to accept or process 
  anything (including clothing) that would be intended for a child. 
 
  No more library sales.  Libraries will not be permitted to give 
  away or sell book donations.  It is unsure yet, however, how 
  the libraries' shelves themselves will be impacted (the ruling 
  doesn't explicitly mention "loaning" books, just selling or 
  giving them away).  The key word, however, is "distribution" -- 
  libraries may well be required to destroy books from their shelves. 
 
  (The ruling that originally passed was about toys, but the EPA has 
  since made a statement that clothing, books and media are included 
  in "children's toys".) 
 
  Just how serious is this new law? 
 
  Amazon.com has already notified all vendors of their need to comply. 
  No book can be sold at the Amazon site that was printed prior to 
  compliance.  And the "compliance" must be coordinated at the manu- 
  facturing stage.  At the time of this article there is no clause 
  to be able to grandfather-in older books or even rare out-of-print 
  books.  It can cost between $500 and $1500 to test a book for lead. 
 
  I happen to own a children's bookstore specializing in living books 
  from the 1950s and '60s.  My punishment for selling a book after 
  February 10th?  Up to $100,000 and 5 years in jail.  And yes, it is 
  a felony charge.  For selling a SINGLE book. 
 
  (Although I don't think the S.W.A.T. team scenario would become a 
  reality overnight, at the same time I would be leery of blatantly 
  violating Federal law.) 
 
  So what can you do to help save your local used bookstore that 
  sells children’s books?  Or that homeschool curriculum business? 
  Or your EBay business selling children's items? 
 
  ACT NOW before the quickly approaching deadlines: 
 
  1) Email or call the CPSIA - the office of the CPSC ombudsman at 
     888-531-9070.  http://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/newleg.aspx 
 
     Comments on Component Parts Testing accepted through January 30, 
     2009.  Or email: Sec102ComponentPartsTesting@cpsc.gov 
 
  2) Contact your local representatives. For their contact informa- 
     tion, just enter your zip code. 
     http://capwiz.com/americanapparel/dbq/officials/ 
 
  3) Make your voice heard by voting on this issue!  The top 3 in 
     each category will be presented to President-elect Obama. 
     http://change.org/ideas/view/save_handmade_toys_from_the_cpsia 
 
  4) Sign the petition. 
     http://ipetitions.com/petition/economicimpactsofCPSIA/index.html 
 
  5) Spread the word!  Forward this article.  Send an email.  Write 
     about this on your blog.  Tell others about this issue and 
     encourage them to do the same. 
 
  --- 
 
  For the complete story, read the following links: 
 
  http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html 
 
  Consumer Product Safety Commission Summaries on Legislation Index 
  page for Children's Products Containing Lead; Lead Paint Rule and 
  other rulings 
 
  http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/legislation.html#summaries 
 
  Office of the General Counsel FAQ on retroactive inventory require- 
  ments -- The use of forward effective dates appears to force current 
  inventories to adhere to the ruling on February 10th, 2009 
 
  http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/summaries/101brief.html 
 
  Specific FAQ on their interpretation of books and other media to be 
  included in the testing of lead based products 
 
  http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/faq/101faq.html 
 
  Effective Date: Lead content limit of 600 ppm becomes effective 180 
  days after enactment. An advisory opinion regarding the application 
  of the new lead limit to inventory existing at the effective date 
  can be found on our web site at 
  http://www.cpsc.gov/library/foia/advisory/317.pdf 
 
  Getting the Lead out:  There is no lead in children's books 
  http://news.bookweb.org/news/5695.html 
 
  There is no lead in Children's books: From a Pediatrician 
  http://health.yahoo.com/experts/childhealth/3955/is-there-lead-in-baby-books/ 
  
  --- 
 

Wednesday's babble

We finished up our ATC invitations for DS9's upcoming 10th birthday party. He's going with an Artist Trading card theme hoping friends and family will make and trade cards. (Family members reading this- start making your cards!) We used all number 10 cards from old discarded decks I've collected strictly for making ATCs. Now I've got to get them in the mail pronto.

It took me all of about 5 minutes to get back into the work routine last night. I was nervous having been away for 2 weeks, but it was all for nothing- Like falling off a horse, just get back on. I was somewhat disappointed to learn a great deal of what I've been working on with our new software has to be entirely redone. For some reason, over the 2 week break between classes, the staff didn't use our new scheduling software, but reverted back to our old way. (Anybody read Who Moved My Cheese?)

I think I've decided to buy a new dryer rather than fix our old one. The service visit alone would cost $80 and that doesn't include parts and labor to fix the problem! I'm hoping I can find one of those no interest for a year deals somewhere. In the mean time, I'm hanging up clothes from any surface I can find!

DS9 has been so inspired by the Diary Of A Wimpy Kid series, he's decided to keep his own journal. I'm letting the cat out of the bag, but he'd like to write a journal and draw cartoons and publish his own book to share with our family. I hope he follows through with the idea because I think that's an awesome Christmas gift for next year!

I better keep this short and get cracking. I'm short on time today because of my dentist appointment this afternoon. Oh joy! Where's my Burt Bee's Pomegranate Lip balm! 

Darkside Dawn- the smelly version

Darkside Dawn's nose works too well. Yesterday she had a brain cloud. That's a headache that's not quite a migraine, but you know the potential is there. She figured she could take it easy, and the only thing required of her was to take her two boys to their dentist check up.

She decided to forgo the Advil since she believes medicines are used only as a last resort, and she tried to drink cami tea with lemon as much as possible. (Chamomile tea is naturally  anti-inflammatory.)

At go time, she donned the shades and headed to the dentist office. Traffic was respectful and things seemed to be stabilized.

After checking in on the ground floor, she heads up to the waiting room with the boys. It all goes downhill from here. Apparently, the restrooms are backed up with sewer issues. The office has also screwed up the appointment times and now the boys' appointments are over an hour apart.

Darkside Dawn feels the headache creep back in as she is forced to breathe poo vapor. After first DS's teeth are clean and sparkly, she decides she can't wait another hour in the sewer waiting room so they head to the used book store to kill time.

This should brighten Darkside Dawn's mood, only at the used book store, the horror continues. The clearance shelves are located next to the restrooms, cruel fate. Bargain book shopping comes to a complete halt and retreat when another patron begins to puke his guts out. Add a nauseous stomach to the headache now.

The fresh air outside is cold, but it brings temporary comfort. Unfortunately, Wisconsin in January can be brutal. She couldn't linger for long.

Back to the dentist office for round two. Yup, an hour later, poo vapor's still flowing strong.

Think it can't get worse? Guess again.

In walks cigarette smoking guy with Athlete's foot. I swear this is all factual, and I'm not making this up! Cigarette smoking guy at first doesn't notice the poo vapor. He sits down, across the room, removes his work boots and socks and begins scratching his feet!

Trying to keep her jaw from dropping, Darkside D tries to focus on her book. Cigarette smoking guy eventually notices the plumbing aroma and decides he needs another smoke. He quickly returns, only sitting this time one seat away from Darkside Dawn.

If you are a smoker, your olfactory is impaired so you may not notice, if you go outside in the cold to smoke, you will return with the most disgusting, smoky, sweat smell all over you. Again the work boots come off and the stinky, smelly, itchy feet are added to the violent vapor mix.

Despite her pounding headache, Darkside Dawn remembers a tube of hope in her bag. She whips out her Burt Bees Pomegranite Lip balm. Maybe a little inhalant therapy will get her through this nightmare.
 
People are too busy staring at the cigarette guy scratching his bare feet to notice the strange woman constantly balming her lips. The trick works.

Problem is, Darkside Dawn's dentist turn is tomorrow. She'll have to go back. Why did she have to beat the rhino? A stuffy nose would come in handy.

Berry Good Wheat Waffles

So good, I wanted to eat two!
(no lemons in recipe- I should have moved them out of the shot.)

Berry Good Wheat Waffles

1 egg
3/4 C light vanilla soy milk
2 T apple sauce
1-2 t cinnamon
2 t baking powder
1-2 t brown sugar
1 C whole wheat pastry flour

Whole blueberries (frozen work) and dried cranberries

Spray your waffle iron with non-stick spray and heat the iron to high.

Beat the egg and soy milk until frothy and add the rest of the ingredients, except for the berries.

Once your waffle iron is hot, add about 3/4 C of batter onto the iron and then drop whole blueberries and dried cranberries on top. Close the iron and bake for about 4 minutes or until steam no longer comes out from the waffle iron.

Eat right away or cool on a wire rack to freeze for later. This recipe makes 4, but you could easily double the recipe.

Our Sleepyhouse Sunday....

Woke up to everything being covered in ice. We shouldn't have even tried to go anywhere, but we needed milk. The grocery store isn't that far, but we drove because sidewalks were impassable. As it was, DS9 slipped and fell on his hip at the store. They had put down ice melt salt but there was just too much ice.

We took down our Christmas tree and tried to haul it to the curb. Our village offers free tree recycling. We tried to cut off a piece of the trunk as a souvenir, but our saw kept getting stuck and with the cold wind and icy surfaces, it just didn't work out. Every year we try to keep a slice of the trunk. Our state does this with the official state Christmas tree, and they display the tree rings at the capitol building each year. DH may bring home a better saw from work and if the tree is still at the curb, we'll try to cut off a piece. I'm not sure when the village will come with the wood chipper though.

Our dryer has stopped working properly. It still tumbles, but there's little or no heat. Why does this have to happen now, when its way too cold to line dry outside? The dryer is 7 years old. I know we've had it repaired once, years ago, and I don't know if its worth it to repair it again or look for a new one. At first this news really stressed me out, but then I forced myself to chill out. Its a stupid dryer, not worth stealing my joy for!

We watched a really cute movie, CJ7. I highly recommend it. Its by the same guy who did Kung Foo Hustle. We read the subtitles. I don't know if there is a dubbed version, but I prefer to hear the original actors speak anyway.

Here's the trailer.

Watched my first Blue Ray movie and had fun drying my hands....

We headed to K-town to satisfy our pizza cravings and watch our first movie on Blue Ray. MIL has a much better TV so we brought DS's PS3 and watched Close Encounters. I never realized Richard Dryfuss had such blue eyes.

On our way home from MIL's we stopped at a new Target, which surprisingly, looked trashed already. I bought more Emergen-C, (fighting the Rhino once again). On the way out I used the restroom and was impressed with the hand dryer. I normally can't stand air dryers and prefer to use paper towels, but this Target had the "Xlerator" dryer!

As I looked down at the warm air blowing on my hands, I could see the skin on my hands being pushed back like an astronaut's face being exposed to G-force. Strangely, it didn't hurt my hands, even though looking at my skin you would have thought it should have. My hands did dry really fast, to my disappointment. It was fun watching my skin being pushed back on my hands. After I walked out, I wish I would have had someone with me, willing to put their face under the Xlerator dryer. I wondered if you'd look like an astronaut with G-force. (Its so easy to impress me.)

I found this video on youtube to show you.

InHome Conference

Start:	Mar 5, '09
End:	Mar 7, '09
Location:	St. Charles, IL

http://www.homeeducatorsconference.org/

A great home school conference in Illinois.

WPA Home Education Conference

Start:	May 1, '09
End:	May 2, '09
Location:	Oshkosh,WI

Wisconsin's premier home school conference.
http://www.homeschooling-wpa.org/conference/

What day is it?

I am so confused. It's Friday right? It feels like a depressing Monday. I'm going to write the proceeding paragraph as if I'm in depressed, Monday mode, and then I'll snap out of it.

I know DH and I are depressed. Its the post holiday blues with the added stress of feeling helpless. Things are not going so well with the kitty that came to our door, whom we nick named Mojo. No one has called to claim him and we can't keep him. I can't deny it, the itching spread from my skin on to my eyes. (I'm not going to drug my body.) We thought about having him fixed and then keeping him as an outdoor pet. To have him fixed the vet quoted us at $150. That seems really high to me. We only have one vet in town. I called the county humane office and they don't take surrenders. They told me to call the police. I called Evansville's finest, and they told me they don't take cats and don't know why the humane society said they did. I now understand why our town has a huge feral cat population. My heart is breaking.

Yesterday I took down Christmas decorations and then decided I needed retail therapy. DH seemed content to watch college football so I called up my sister. We hit the Target with a Starbucks inside of it. I decided I needed something stronger than retail therapy so I splurged and got a Peppermint Frap.

DS9, soon to be 10, decided he would finish his book yesterday. The kid sat and read for so long I started to get worried. I reminded him of the purpose of bookmarks, but it did no good. The kid's got serious determination skills.

DH decided to go to bed early, but I got caught up watching Half Ton Teen and Half Ton Mom. At one point my oldest son, who had been writing on his blog, asked me why I was watching something so depressing. He had a very valid point. I thought these shows were motivating me to eat better and exercise, but the reality of it, they were depressing as hell. I turned it off and went to bed.

So here I am, feeling like yesterday was a waste and today feels like a Monday. I'm going to remind myself that its FRIDAY and I must not wallow. I must jam the Melon and make my soul sing again. 


 

Happy New Year!

We spent part of New Year's Eve at my sister's house enjoying our 1st Annual Ping Pong Balls Of Fury tournament. She made Swedish meatballs and baked up Ore Ida Cottage fries since they sort of resemble paddles. I brought round shaped rolls, cake ball truffles, chocolate chip pie and we also made the traditional New Year's Eve fudge. My sister also had frozen mini cream puffs. It was too much sugar!! I should have brought over cherry tomatoes, grapes and melon ball salad.

The ping pong was a blast! We played singles and doubles and invented special rules for playing off the ceiling fan. I found the sound of the ball very therapeutic.

DS9 is still recovering from his infected lymph node so he tired out before midnight. We headed home and got comfy with PJs and blankets. We turned on the TV to watch the ball drop in Times Square but while we waited, we saw the most awesome stunt I've ever witnessed.

In Las Vegas, Robbie Maddison jumped his motorcycle 120 feet up to land on the Arc de Triomphe in front of Paris Las Vegas. Then he free fell down 50 feet, barely sticking the landing on the ramp on his way down. It was the first time I was watching a dare devil and thought, there is no way he can pull this off and live! I really thought he wasn't going to make it. Its the most daring stunt I've ever witnessed. Later we watched Robbie Knieval jump the volcano at the Mirage hotel and it seemed lame in comparison to Maddison's stunt. Sorry Mr. Knieval but you were over shadowed big time!
After the stunts and countdowns, we ate our traditional piece of fudge and then I hit the hay. DH and the boys, pumped up from the sugar or the stunt action decided to head downstairs for a little midnight gaming. I'm sure our New Year's Day will be a sleepy one.

Allow me to shock you, Unschooling really works

In a house filled with video games, this kid is reading a book. He wasn't asked to. Its not an assignment. He rolled out of bed and like his mother, enjoys waking up his brain with reading.

As Unschoolers, we didn't purchase any expensive reading curriculum and schedule our days around it. My son reads because he wants to. He saw us reading and we read to him everyday. That's all we did, I kid you not. He reads now because its important to him and he's interested in it. Why fool with self motivation?

We don't limit video game playing. They can play all they want. Interestingly, they don't choose to play as often as you would think. There are some games that require an investment of time, but my children know when they've had enough, and when they are ready to move on to something else.

TV has no limits either. TV is probably the thing my children spend the least amount of time with. I suppose if it was a forbidden fruit, they'd want to taste it more often.

A friend of mine was considering allowing her family to get the DISH network, but she was concerned her children's creativity would suffer. I don't think anything really crushes creativity except being told what to do, when to do it, and how it must be done.

My children have taken inspiration from media and games and their creativity has flourished. DS9 has a binder filled with hundreds of pages of game level ideas he hopes to develop someday. He hand drew each page. He also has several other binders filled with Artist Trading Cards he's created.

Often the neighborhood friends will show up at the door and DS will turn them away, "All they want to do is come inside and play video games. I want to play in the snow." On more than one occasion, DS has chosen to hide his game systems because it seemed like a more diplomatic solution to preventing fights over turns.

My children didn't quite understand why it was so difficult for their friends to share turns. I explained how their not homeschooled friends spend a great deal of time in a competitive environment, where access to fun is limited. They've been conditioned to take all they can get, when they can grab it.

I think my children's own competitive nature is one that is healthy. Of course there is some degree of typical competition among their peers and siblings, but they also have a self competitiveness that propels them forward. More often its about beating their own scores, or improving their own productivity. Their self esteem is coming from their own accomplishments rather than beating down someone else.

I know that by not setting limits, my children have been able to act on self motivation, and develop self discipline. They rarely are bored. They aren't expecting someone to entertain them. They know they can engage themselves with anything that stimulates their fancy. 

As an Unschooling parent, its my responsibility to ensure my children aren't constricted by limits but rather exposed to healthy options.

Take food for example. I'm not in control of my children's hunger, but I do control what food they have access to. I should provide nutritious options, but its up for them to decide what they are craving. That's not to say I haven't provided not so nutritious options as well. If they aren't exposed to both, how will they learn that nutritious choices lead to health and happiness? (There are buckets of candy left over from Halloween in my pantry right now that prove my children know when enough if enough.)

In some ways, I'm a censor in that sense, but I'm only censoring stuff that I think will cause great harm. And it doesn't mean I have to censor it forever. You have to expose them to the good and the bad so they can practice making those choices and learning from the consequences while you're still around to guide and comfort them if they need it.

Being an Unschooling parent doesn't mean you're lazy. Quite the contrary! You are a primary role model in your child's life. You have to demonstrate all the positive qualities you want your children to develop. You have to be engaged with your children and tune in to their needs. Its not that your children go off and do their own thing. You have to share the experience with them, reading the books they read, playing the games they play. Being an Unschooling parent rocks because you are rewarded with the blessings of having a close relationship with your children.

I just love it when people say, "It must be so difficult to homeschool your children."  Its not at all difficult if you enjoy spending time with them.

"How do you get them to mind you all day?" Uh..they don't misbehave really. They don't rebel either. I suppose giving them the freedom we do, they don't have a need to rebel. I also suppose sharing so much of our lives together we have developed a respect for one another as well.

The most difficult thing about Unschooling is just learning to trust it. As someone who went through the public school system, its conditioned in me, not to trust what God designed so perfectly in me. But these past 10 years have really de-programed me and now I get it. Its not about becoming someone that someone else thinks you should be, but discovering your God given talents and making the world a better place with them.

I have to get off my soapbox now. Kitty fight club is starting.

Let the cat collecting begin!

Call me crazy. Or maybe its just because I have a heart for poor, cold, starving kitties that walk to my window while I'm on the computer and meow at me.

Yesterday I'm sitting here catching up on all your posts, when this black and white bloke walks up to our front window. Too small to be a cow, I recognize that this is the same cat we saw last week hanging around. He makes eye contact with me and meows.

Without a thought, I go to the door and he kitty head butts my legs and reaches up with his paws conveying, "Pick me up! Pick me up!" in kitty body language. He is thin but oh so affectionate. He's definitely not feral.

We put him in our cat carrier and Yumi picks up his scent. She is furious. She puts on quite the show, growling and hissing.

A few years ago there was a black and white kitty the boys nicknamed, Woc, (cow backwards) that ended up belonging to a family down the street. I headed that direction and knocked on doors, but no one claimed him yesterday. I don't think this kitty is Woc. His fur seems to be longer and he seems younger.

We brought him home for the night and set up the basement for kitty bed and breakfast. Yumi continues to growl and hiss, but they are separated for now.

He used the cat box with duel success! He's eating Yumi's Taste Of The Wild, grain free dry kibble, like there's no tomorrow. Later this morning I'll bring him to the vet for a chip check. I know chances are low he is microchipped, but its worth a try.

I suppose we'll then make flyers, but I highly doubt anyone will come forward. I really think he's a house kitty, not a feral, and perhaps someone couldn't afford to keep him any longer.

We would love to keep him but there's two big reservations, Yumi being one of them. I just don't know if she'll warm up to him. The second big problem is I'm allergic to him. He loves to head butt you, and his kitty kisses make my neck itch. I think its just dog and cat saliva that I'm allergic to. My breathing hasn't been affected. Yumi doesn't kiss or lick so she doesn't bother me.

I suppose there is a third reservation as well, the cost. I can provide shelter and food and basic vet care, but when our cats get really sick, it breaks my heart we can't spend what ever is needed. You may recall Yumi became ill a few months back, and the vet suggested surgery. We can't afford big things like this and would have to unfortunately go the euthanasia route. Yumi was blessed it turned out to be a food allergy, but I would have felt terrible if it would have been something more serious we couldn't afford to treat her for.

I know if I end up bringing this cutie pie to the shelter, his odds are grim. Shelters are being filled with surrenders these days. Is it ethical for us to keep him and do the best we can, but if something big happens, it happens?

For now I'm telling myself not to worry about these things. God's blessed us before when things have stressed me out. The basement is cozy enough for a kitty hostel. He'll be fed and loved, even though it means I need to wash up every time he kisses me. Maybe Yumi will settle down or maybe he does have a chip and a home waiting for his return?

Hybernation

Christmas arrived and I just crashed. Maybe it was all the prep or maybe it was the stress of DS9 being sick. I have been down for the count.

We brought DS back to the doctor's yesterday for yet another measurement of his infected lymph node. Thankfully, the swelling continues to decrease so no surgery in sight! YEAH! We're through with $35 co-pay, daily doctor visits until after DS finishes his medicine. Speaking of which, because he's on such a strong antibiotic, the doctor wanted him taking a probiotic.

Eating yogurt wasn't good enough. I had to buy a bottle of Probiotic Acidophilus. I promised DS we'd all take it with him. Each spoonful of what looks like baby spit up, contains billions of "good guy" bacteria which is suppose to be good for you. It tastes like really sour yogurt, but then the after taste hits and vomit comes to mind. I ran out and bought some Activia for DS, but since I've spent $12 on the bottle of vomit yogurt cultures, I will be trying to use it up myself, gagging spoonful after gagging spoonful.

Another reason I think I'm falling into sleep mode is the fact the Christmas clutter is overwhelming me. I really can't have clutter around me or I get tense. Of course isn't Christmas suppose to be this way, toys and packaging laying all around? Its easier to hide away under the covers, while my family enjoys the post Christmas bliss of having all their gifts strewn about. I'm going to try and remain calm and wait for New Year's to start the clean up.

For now, its been great to catch up on rest while the boys entertain themselves with their Christmas bounty.

Christmas 2008

Darkside Dawn returns....

I know I shouldn't complain. Its a blessing we have health insurance and the ability to pay co-pays. I guess I'm just really ticked off at the level of service. Here's the reason why Darkside Dawn is around.

Sunday- DS9 has a temp of 102 and a really swollen lymph node coming out of his neck. DH rushes him to the urgent care center in Madison. They are seen within the hour and DS9's temp is now at 103. They draw blood to test for meningitis and do a culture for strep. The rapid test comes back negative but his white cell count is through the roof. Dr. Quack for some reason ops for an antibiotic shot and write two prescriptions for pain killers. DS did not complain of pain at all. Dr. Quack tells DH the pain killers are to be taken together, and that DS MUST be seen by his regular doctor on Monday.

The pharmacist corrects the pain killer instructions for DH and suggests we only administer one of the two if needed. Later that night DS's temp is 102 and he pukes up the pain killer. Cost- $70 co-pay visit, $10 plus in co-pay for meds.

Monday- Our regular Dr K is reading over the notes. He is stunned to see the incorrect dosage was given to DS at the clinic. They gave him 125 mg of the antibiotic when what he really needed was 1500 mg!! Our doctor also wondered why they hadn't prescribed an antibiotic to continue at home, and he would not have ordered the prescriptions for pain, since DS didn't have any. Dr K checks the lymph node and is very concerned at its size. He tells us we must return Tuesday and DS may need surgery to drain it. He orders an injection of 1500 mg of antibiotic and writes a prescription for a powerful 10 day hit of more.

The nurse from hell enters with an incorrect dosage of antibiotic!! I correct her before she shoots him up and she doesn't return for 45 minutes. When she does, she has two more nurses from hell with her. They bulldoze DS and tell him they are going to hold him down, each taking a leg and arm so they can inject two needles into his legs.

I try to tell DS it will only hurt for a minute and then the pain will end, just like the shot on Sunday.

Nurse from Hell immediately replies, "OH, IT STINGS! IT REALLY HURTS!"

Sidekick Nurse from Hell Jr. ,"Ya, it really does."  These women are lucky my arms are short or they would be sporting rosy cheeks!!

The anxiety level in my son is skyrocketing. Darkside Dawn erupts. I yell at the nurses and they tone down. The guttural, animal scream doesn't come from DS until its all over. He's held it all along and just couldn't take it anymore. Later he told me getting the shots reminded him of the Stephen King story, Misery, when Annie hobbles the writer.

Monday's copays- $35 office visit, $40 antibiotic (original cost $ 224.89) DS, like me, is allergic to penicillin. When we get sick, they have to bring out the obscure drugs.

Tuesday- As soon as I finish this, I'll be driving through the snow storm to bring DS back to Dr. K. (another $35 copay). He needs to measure the lymph node and decide if surgery is needed today. I'm praying we not only make it across the icy roads, but that there's no need for surgery just days before Christmas! 

The diagnosis is Lymphadenitis, an infection of the lymph node. Surgery may be required to drain the lymph node if the swelling doesn't go down because this swelling lies near a major artery in his neck.

Darkside Dawn is going to get through this and then drop down for the count! She has already paid $4 to the swear jar for the language that erupted from her lips upon learning he was given incorrect dosages, incorrect prescriptions and incompetent nurses!