My Balancing Act

Our CSA and a Recipe

2011-11-07T16:34:00.000-08:00

In our attempt to eat healthier, untainted foods we once again joined up with a local CSA. This one was new to us and consists of TWO farms working together to bring us quality, fresh and ORGANIC produce!

So far, we have been thrilled with the produce we receive each week. There are usually more leafy greens than we know what to do with. Often there are items we are not quite sure of what they are! And then there are weeks like this last one where there are lots of neat goodies that are like treats to us!

This week we were thrilled with pomegranates, a variety of squash including pumpkin and even a melon that at first we thought was a squash! Then, we had these neat, little, teeny tiny potatoes! They are REALLY little. Actually each one wasn't much bigger than the top of my thumb!

After being on a 4 day long juice fast, and craving lentils, I decided to use them in a lentil soup:

Notice the ring around the pan showing how full it started and how empty it became. We ALL LOVED this soup! Actually we all stuffed ourselves with seconds and then argued over who would get the last for their lunch the next day! I let my husband take it to work for his lunch today, but then my 14 year old started going on and on about how much he loved it and wished we had more. Kind of craving it myself, I relented and made another pans worth!

Keep in mind these are LENTILS my teen is BEGGING for! They were so good, I thought I'd share the recipe here!

Lentil Soup

2 cups red lentils

6 cups water, divided

4 tablespoons olive oil

1 small onion, diced

2 stalks celery, sliced

4-5 cloves garlic, pressed or minced

1 large jalepenio seeded and diced

1 cup diced potato

1 14 oz can diced tomatoes

4 cups organic chicken or vegetable broth

1 tablespoon Tapatio or other hot sauce

1/2 tsp turmeric

2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp chili powder

In a smaller pot combine lentils and 4 cups water. bring to a boil, turn off heat and cover. Allow to sit for 20-30 minutes

In a large soup pot add oil and onions and saute until onions become soft. Add celery, garlic and jalepenio. Cook for 3-5 minutes longer until fragrant. Add potatoes, can tomatoes, broth and remaining 2 cups water, hot sauce and seasonings. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer 20 minutes.

Add lentils and water and cover and cook until lentils and potatoes are soft.

This is yummy and great alone, but it would also be great served in a whole wheat bread bowl, or served with corn bread. We enjoyed it with TLC crackers, with some in the soup!

Never a Dull Moment!

2011-11-07T16:18:00.000-08:00

One thing my life isn't is dull, boring or routine! It's been a busy last couple of weeks around here! It all started about three weeks ago when my 14 year old ran into a book shelf and broke his toe. I mean, he really broke his toe! It broke into a Y shape and the toe was about two good inches from where it belonged.

Then the same child was referred to an Orthodontist and it was determined he did indeed need braces on his teeth.

Not to be outdone by his brother, our youngest started back up again with his morning "migraines." When we went into our pediatrician for a refill on his prescription medication it was determined because of his developmental delays he should see a neurologist. The neurologist agreed that his issues needed more looking into and scheduled tons of tests, scans and such.

Keep in mind we live 40 minutes out of the nearest town, and all these doctors and specialists are another 40 or more minutes each further from that town! For over two weeks straight, literally every week day and one weekend day we

were at these doctors!

Thankfully, so far everything is turning out okay for both children, though we are waiting for the scan results on the youngest!

Matthew is thrilled with his braces and for the first time in his life he has become a bit of a ham in front of the camera. Here he is showing off his new smile in the making!

We lucked out with a great orthodontist who even took the time on a SATURDAY to call just to check in and see how the new patient was doing a few days after getting the braces on. I was impressed with that!

We did manage to sneak in a trip to the pumpkin farm which Austin LOVED!

Hopefully, things are slowing down a bit now and getting back to as normal as they get for us around here! Of course with the holidays starting.......???????

I LOVE These Record Books!

2011-10-10T16:12:00.000-07:00

While I remain a loyal fan and customer of the Well Planned Day Planners for my own planning I recently came across some Student Record Books that I am totally crazy about!

These would be perfect for families that use a variety of homeschooling methods, especially a Charlotte Mason Style or relaxed approach. Even those using a traditional workbook/textbook style will love these.

This year for the first time ever really, I think in our 15+ years of schooling at home, we are using a very traditional worktext program(ACE PACES) but we do SO MUCH MORE than just our book work! My family leads a weekly PE class for local homeschool families, attend AWANA, one child is in Confirmation Classes this year, one is learning ASL, we take art classes, guitar lessons, voice lessons, participate in the church choir, take frequent field trips, volunteer with two well known organizations, and MUCH, MUCH more!

I feel like by just looking at our lesson plans, you don't see much other than our book work. These Record Books take care of that! It is recommended to get one per child and there are places to record service projects, health and fitness, spiritual life, and MORE!

There is room in the back for recording not only what books the child read, but what books were read TO them! We do LOTS of read a louds around here! There is room to record test scores, grades and even awards.

I will definitely be ordering these each year from now on, I only wish I had seen them sooner! Not only are the books great but customer service is AWESOME and shipping at regular rates was lightening FAST! I just love it when I find something new and exciting! Be sure to check them out, there are even samples to view at their SITE!

A Homeschool By Any Other Name

2011-10-07T14:29:00.000-07:00

I believe I've shared on here in the past the importance of choosing a good name for your homeschool. But just today I was reminded of that as I filled out our yearly affidavit for our state. When I first named our school I had several young children in the home and the name I chose sounded like a cute name for a preschool or grade school. I liked it and it never occurred to me that one day my children may not like that particular name on their high school diplomas.

When I sent our order for my oldest sons diploma to be printed was the first time I realized that name may not be best suited for a high school diploma. I sent it in as such anyway because for twelve years we had filed our affidavits with that name and I was concerned if I chose another and anybody for some reason checked records, there would be no record of our school under any other name.

My son shared his graduation with his best buddy, who also was homeschooled and their diplomas looked very similar, but while his friend had what we thought was a really cool name for their school printed on their diploma, there on ours in BIG, BOLD writing was our preschool sounding name! My son has had to take that diploma, his transcripts and other records to places such as the Navy recruiters office!

Now, the name isn't that bad, but still, it wasn't very grown up or official sounding.

So, today when I once again filed our yearly affidavit, I decided with my next oldest son now in 9th grade, now was an ideal time to make the name change.

Oddly enough, after having all of these years to come up with a new name, we were stumped! Seeing as it will be the name on my sons diploma, I thought best to let him pick. He had no name in mind, all he knew is he didn't want THAT name on his diploma like his big brother had!

We wrote down several ideas and narrowed it down to a few and I let him make the final decision.

I know in some states, you can't change your school name once you pick one, and in others you don't even need a name. Check you local laws and regulations and follow those, but keep in mind what may be a cute idea in your first year or two of homeschooling, may not seem like such a good idea when your child is a high school senior and about to graduate!

The Simple Pleasures of Life

2011-09-11T12:02:00.000-07:00

Last week after a rain-shower one of my sons called me out to go look at a rainbow. He was so excited over that one rainbow, you can imagine his pleasure when just a bit later he saw a DOUBLE rainbow!! He was almost giddy with joy. I myself had never seen a double rainbow so shared the photo below on facebook:

Several people kept referring to the "Double Rainbow Guy" and I had no clue what they were talking about. My curiosity getting the best of me I googled it and came up with the following video clip:

This guy REALLY enjoyed that rainbow! At first it's easy to assume he's on drugs or something, but maybe, just maybe, he really, really enjoyed the rainbow and like my son was just giddy with excitement. We could all use a lesson from him and learn to find and experience such joy in the simple pleasures of life!

A New Career For Me!

2011-09-04T08:08:00.001-07:00

As I am sure you've all noticed, I have not been around here all that much lately. I've kept part of the real reason why pretty quiet, but I am now ready to share. Since about Christmas time, I've been working on my Personal Training Certificate and I am now DONE!! I passed my exams and am now officially a Certified Fitness Trainer Through ISSA.

You can visit my website HERE. I will be working on updating it over the next several days to be more specific to my offerings and specialties.

While I am qualified to work with most anyone and help them to reach their health and fitness goals, I am in the process of working on some programs specially designed for homeschooled youth and their families. I think it's incredibly important for families to stay fit, healthy and active together.

So, stay tuned for more details on all of this and I hope I am now able to be more regular in posting here from here on out!

Chicks!

2011-08-17T14:38:00.000-07:00

We've raised chickens more years then I can count and for many years, got new batches of chicks each spring. But for these last few years we haven't gotten any new ones and our older ones quit laying years ago.

I've been paying for organic eggs lately, and even at Costco, the prices are pretty outrageous, especially when I know how cheap and easy it is to raise your own!

So, this last weekend we loaded up the kids and headed to the feed store and bought just under a dozen Rhode Island Reds and Ameracauna's.

Of course, the kitty cat thinks they are her new playthings as she is rarely more than an inch or two away from them. But lucky for them they are headed out into the little house tonight to finish their growing before moving them out in the coop. I just couldn't resist sharing this picture of our Samantha Kitty with her little "friends."

Container Gardening

2011-08-17T12:34:00.000-07:00

On our quest to eat better we've been really trying to grow as much as our own food as we can. Years ago we intentionally looked for homes with property with gardening and animal raising in mind. We do now have just under five acres, but we don't have the mini-farm we envisioned. We have been fighting pests, bad soil and extremes in weather for years.

Our soil is mostly either really sandy, or thick, hard and clay like depending on which part of the property you are on. Neither is really great for growing. Not only that, but we have rather large amounts of rabbits, gophers, squirrels, birds and other pests that literally have taken down a rather large garden area in one night alone! For years after this incident we didn't even try to plant a garden.

We did have an old grape vine though on the property when we moved in, and for the first couple years I watered it faithfully, and nothing really ever came of it. It grew, and looked rather pretty but the grapes never took off so I just gave up.

Then one year, after no watering for about two years, guess what? GRAPES!! We have gotten plenty each year since!

After lots of thought, reading, and asking around, we decided to start planting in containers. That way we could purchase good soil, and have the plants kept safe from the over abundance of bunnies and gophers we have around here!

We use everything from old detergent containers, kitty litter containers, wheel barrels and more!

Years ago, we got a great deal on old wine barrels and purchased several. These are by far my most favorite containers, but normally they are pretty expensive and not easy to come by. I am always keeping my eyes open for more though!

We also use old animal water buckets and old Christmas Tree pots.

Kitty litter buckets don't make the prettiest containers, but they work and will get the job done!

A wheelbarrow is cute and functional!

Even old plastic bins are great for things like herbs.

We've been able to grow great peppers in just a five gallon bucket we got free for asking at our local garden center!

We currently have garlic growing in an old plastic water barrel we cut down. In that we also have some seeds starting in small planters, kept out of the dogs reach(who has turned out to be the BIGGEST garden pest of all!)

Our inherited grape vine!

A small grape vine we planted last year.

Green onions in the other half of the water barrel that the garlic is in pictured above.

A view of the larger containers lined up.

Swiss Chard in our old water bucket.

Tomatoes

Our kitty litter containers with stuff actually growing in them!

Most of these ideas can work anywhere regardless of the space you may have. It just requires a little creativity. I am sure it can be done on a small porch, balcony, stairs, just about anywhere. It's nice because you can control the soil, water, and pests so much easier in these small confined areas.

We have grown zucchini, squash, cucumbers, radishes, beets, a variety of greens, tomatoes, strawberries, onions, garlic, peppers, carrots and more in these containers.

You can save money on your produce, limit your trips to the grocery store and eat healthier by growing your own food. By purchasing organic and/or heirloom seeds and controlling the soil and what I use or don't use for pest control, I also know my food is poison and toxin free.

It's a great way to involve the kids too and teach them about where food comes from. Makes a great homeschool or afterschool project. Just give them a container or two and some seeds and let them grow their own little mini-gardens. They might even eat a veggie or two that they normally wouldn't even try if they grow it themselves!

Soda Pop Planters

2011-07-24T05:54:00.000-07:00

Just yesterday I saw a picture for these in Mother Earth News and thought it was such a clever idea that I did an Internet search for them this morning to share a picture with you, and not only did I find the picture, I found INSTRUCTIONS!

I plan on finding a soda drinking friend and hitting them up for several of these bottles as I have lots more herbs I'd like to plant and I think these are just perfect for that project!

Avoiding Toxic Food Substances

2011-07-23T18:01:00.000-07:00

So, now that I have pretty much figured out that I have an obvious sensitivity not only to MSG and Aspartame as I have been sharing here over the past couple of weeks, but as I've shared in the past a sensitivity to High Fructose Corn Syrup, the hard part is figuring out how to avoid these substances, not to mention GMO's. It can be overwhelming.

The first and easiest way to avoid these items in your food is to avoid packaged and processed food. An overwhelming majority of these kinds of food will contain one or more of these substances. If you stick to fresh produce, meats and whole grains you can avoid many of these and by sticking to organics of these items you can avoid most GMO's as well.

I know organics can seem significantly more expensive, but by cutting back on the processed and packaged food, you can apply the saved money there to organically or naturally grown produce without too big a hit in your budget.

Another option is to grow as much as your produce as you can. What if you live in an apartment or have no property to grow on? No problem, many foods can be grown in containers! While I am blessed to live on several acres, between rabbits, gophers and moles not to mention sandy soil I have never been able to grow in the ground. But, I have been able to grow tomatoes, zucchini , yellow squash, strawberries, cucumbers, lettuce, onions, garlic, several varieties of herbs, peas, peppers and more all in containers!

Almost anything can be used as a container. For bigger plants we use wine barrels, but we also use gallon and five gallon buckets, kitty litter buckets(ones the fresh litter comes in) old animal water buckets and more. Just today I saw a clever idea that would work well for herbs and smaller plants; 2 liter soda bottles, hanging up side-down with the bottom end up and cut off! I am going to copy this idea myself as I still have more herbs I wanted to plant but ran out of containers. Those pests I am battling will have a hard time getting to hanging containers too!

If you must buy packaged foods try your best to stick to organics and be sure to take along a list of the hidden names of MSG. Unless you stick to a totally pure natural, fresh food diet you're not going to totally be able to avoid these substances, but you can do your best to avoid them as much as possible.

I have also discovered for myself once I cleansed my body of all the toxins I was continuously taking in I have been able to add back in my health shake or protein shake once a day with no obvious side effects so far. I think for me, it was that I was consuming SO many items that had these substances on a daily basis I reached toxic levels. I had learned in the past with my corn syrup issues the same thing. Once I had gone a long time without any I could occasionally have some with no ill effects, but if I had it more than a few days in a row I would have symptoms again.

While I personally feel it's best to avoid these substances as much as possible, my point is that each of our bodies are different and each of us may be able to tolerate different levels of these substances and like all things in life, moderation is the key. While I want to try my best to attain optimum health, I also don't want to be overly neurotic about my food.

I will share some photos of my container gardens past and present later and see if I can find those hanging soda bottles to share with you along with a few other ideas.

Symptom Free

2011-07-19T12:07:00.000-07:00

I have gone close to a month now avoiding MSG, Aspartame and other harmful ingredients as much as possible. Not surprisingly nearly all my concerning symptoms went away. I expected they would once I narrowed down what was causing them and avoided the substances that were causing them.

What surprised me though were other health concerns that have cleared up that I never related to these substances. Since I was sixteen years old I have suffered from chronic heart burn and acid reflux. I have been on over the counter and prescription meds for close to 30 years. Not one night would pass even on medication that I wouldn't wake up with burning pain and food coming back up my throat into my mouth. I had tried every thing from bland diets, natural remedies and more. NOTHING ever helped. Well, guess what? Since less than a week after giving up foods with toxic substances I am for the first time in close to thirty years off ALL medications for heart burn and acid reflux!

One night about a week ago I made Green Chili Enchilada's for supper. I used natural chicken, organic salsa, organic corn tortillas, canned green chili sauce and natural cheese. Within ten minutes the left side of my face around my lip went numb. I knew everything I used other than the can of sauce was natural and/or organic. So in a frenzy I dug through the trash for that can to look at the ingredient list. Sure enough, not even hidden on the label was the MSG! That night for the first and only time since giving up toxic foods I again experienced heart burn and TERRIBLE acid reflux.

That experience is enough to convince me, that I am on the right path. I also now realize other health issues I just passed off to age or environment or my liking for spicy foods is also related to these toxic food substances. Other symptoms I never would have expected to be related besides the heartburn that are now gone or nearly gone, are allergy type symptoms, fullness in my left ear and menstrual irregularities.

Avoiding this stuff is harder than one might think at first as it is in so many foods. More on this later.....

Mother Knows Best

2011-07-17T06:46:00.000-07:00

After watching the films in my previous posts, I became sure that my mother was right, and Aspartame was evil stuff. I now sure wish I would have listened to her all those years ago. The other substance my mother used to nag me about was MSG. Again, I was never convinced until watching those movies already mentioned, as well as THIS ONE:

I honestly don't remember if this one named MSG specifically, but it was a combination of the movies already listed as well as this that convinced me my bizarre health symptoms were from substances in my food. To this day I don't know whether it is the MSG or the Aspartame that I am reacting to or both. But I do know without them, I no longer have symptoms, and other symptoms I never even related to these substances are now gone!

See, my drinks not only contained Aspartame, they contained MSG as well. MSG is in EVERYTHING, or nearly everything. And those who put this substance in their food stuff are VERY sneaky about it. It wont always say MSG or even monosodium glutamate.

I wonder why they are so sneaky about it? Why don't they just label it as it is, rather than sneaking it under hidden names?

Here is a GREAT website that has tons of information on this toxic substance as well as lists of the hidden names, and just about anything else you could ever want or need to know on the subject: TRUTH IN LABELING. They are also really friendly and helpful if you email them with questions. They helped me to find the hidden MSG in a "health" shake I consume and was reacting to, but couldn't find the MSG or Aspartame in the ingredient list. It was surely in there, just under one of the many hidden names.

Later I will share the other symptoms that I had that I had lived with for years, that I never even would have thought had anything to do with any of this, that all have miraculously disappeared since I gave up foods containing these substances. I will also share what medication I have been able to give up for the first time in over 30 years since stopping eating foods that contain MSG or Aspartame. I will share ideas on how to avoid these substances and more.

Is Your Diet Soda Making You Fat...or Sick?

2011-07-07T11:40:00.000-07:00

I came across this video a few weeks back on Facebook and found it VERY informative, not only about "diet" soda and weight gain, but more so on other effects on our health. It really covers how they are bad for our bones and yet another symptom I suffer(ed) from; heartburn/acid reflux.

VERY much worth watching!

My Big Light Bulb Moment.

2011-07-07T10:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was sharing my bizarre health symptoms and how I was able to link them to my favorite calorie free beverages. I didn't know for sure what it was in them that was causing the symptoms. I was assuming it was the caffeine. Perhaps I was overdosing myself on caffeine. I checked the milligrams I was consuming per day with the recommended amounts and it was a bit over, so for that time being I was sure that was the issue.

A few days later SWEET MISERY arrived from Netflix.

I honestly don't recall why I had it in my queue to begin with, I had originally thought it was about GMO foods, and was a little disappointed that it was on Aspartame.

My disappointment quickly faded! As I watched this documentary I quickly realized that BOTH the drinks I was consuming that caused these symptoms I was having had Aspartame! People in this film talked about symptoms VERY similar to mine. All of a sudden it all made sense. I HIGHLY recommend this movie for all, whether or not you think you are having symptoms related to Aspartame and similar substances. It is VERY eye opening in many other ways. I was shocked and angered as I learned more about how this product actually got approved and how it had great difficulty getting approved at first, and of all the noted side effects and diseases caused by using this product. Yet, we are constantly being assured it is safe to use.

Feeling I found my answer, I quickly purchased the follow up; SWEET REMEDY.

I was unable to find it on Netflix, so I purchased it as I really felt so strongly that this was my answer! This film was even more enlightening as it touched on even more toxic food substances like GMO's and MSG.

I feel both these films are worth watching, but if I could only see one, it would probably be the second one as it went into more depth on the dangers of many of these food additives, and some of the politics behind keeping these dangerous substances on the market while keeping safer, natural sweeteners off the shelves.

I wish I could say the Aspartame was my full and complete answer on my health issues, but it wasn't. While these films opened my eyes and helped me to start to narrow down what substance(s) are a concern for me, it just scratched the surface. But they did get me looking into all of this a bit more.

I will share a few other films that have helped me in my search as well as some youtube videos you can view now, and many helpful links to sites on the web. I thought here was a good place to start though, as this was my own personal starting point as well.

Check back in soon for more!

What Is Causing This?

2011-07-06T10:17:00.000-07:00

For many years now, more than twenty at least I have been consuming diet beverages despite many warnings from my mother and others. I never thought I was suffering any of the so called side effects other than an occasional head ache or digestive upset. But certainly nothing that would make me give up a calorie free treat in exchange for the same treat with 200 or more calories! My goodness, I wouldn't want to get fat!

I read all the warnings that drinking such beverages could actually lead to weight gain, and ignored them, as there seemed to be as many disputing that argument.

In the last two years as I have gotten really into fitness, I started consuming protein powders, health shakes, amino supplements and more. Not to mention continuing my 2-3 a day energy drink habit. I mean, I need energy to keep up with these intense workouts, right?

Several months ago, I started having really bizarre symptoms and was convinced I was having either several mini-strokes or developing MS. My left side of my face would get numb, even my brother noticed my mouth drooping. My left hand would go numb and my arm felt heavy and like it was lagging. My speech felt like it was slurred to me, words were hard to form and I was having lots of trouble concentrating, forming and keeping thoughts and just more odd such symptoms.

Now, you'd think I'd go to the Dr. My brother even urged me to after he witnessed one of my "episodes." Those that know me well, know I don't go to the Dr. unless it is an immediate life threatening emergency. Also, over time I noticed these symptoms were most severe after consuming my Energy drink and also a certain Amino supplement that I am fond of.

Once making the connection, I completely stopped all of the above supplements and drinks to kind of test myself to see if this was really what was causing such disturbing symptoms. My symptoms almost completely disappeared within three days. One day I was extra tired and had a big day and drank an Energy Drink. That was the day my brother witnessed my symptoms and the very last day I consumed an Energy Drink. Not only did the numbness occur, but the confusion was the worst ever, so bad in fact, that I actually got lost driving to meet him, because for some reason, I couldn't distinguish my right from my left. I was sure I was making left turns to my destination and was confused to why I was struggling to find where I was going. I eventually got there after several calls to my brother, and didn't realize until the last turn what I had been doing! He told me to make yet another left turn into our final meeting place, and I was outraged when it appeared to be a right to me. Why would my brother screw up the directions so badly? Then all of a sudden it hit me...I was the screw up...I had been making rights rather than lefts the whole time!! I was frightened beyond belief. As a 42 year old woman, who takes pride in how well I educate my children at home and someone who is very physically acute and aware, taking martial arts, yoga and more, I have NEVER had a problem telling my right from my left!!

It was that day I realized something was terribly wrong, and something I had been consuming for years in my quest for health and fitness was causing it.

It was then I started my own research trying to discover exactly what was going on. What I found surprised, shocked, scared and totally outraged me! What was happening to me, had happened and is happening to several others. I did not like the answers I found, on many levels.

Over the next several days, I'd like to share with you what I've discovered and what I am doing to improve my own health and my family's health. I will share links of sites and research I found as well as movies, youtube clips and more.

So, check back very soon as I try and gather everything together in a way that wont overwhelm or bore you. If you have been suffering with strange symptoms or have children who are suffering with hyperactivity, behavior problems, chronic allergies or sickness, be sure to check back in. Hopefully you can find some answers too!

A Recipe.

2011-07-05T17:36:00.001-07:00

I found this recipe last week and made it last night for the family and it was a HUGE hit! It makes a nice summer meal. The dressing was incredible. My fourteen year old actually asked me to make the dressing again to dip chicken in.

Here is the link to the recipe: Oriental Chicken Salad.

A Video Worth Watching!

2011-06-22T14:45:00.000-07:00

I saw this video making it's rounds on Facebook today and just had to share here! I love that it is so positive about homeschooling, without necessarily bashing the alternatives! I LOVE the Ron Paul comment at the end too!

Done!!

2011-06-22T14:27:00.000-07:00

Today we officially finished our 2010/2011 School Year!! A week and a half earlier than scheduled at that! It feels SO good to be done! We will be taking a short summer break, just under a month and a half before we start back up again.

This school year was a little more hectic than most, though not the most hectic we've had. But because of a very demanding toddler and other things going on in our lives I really feel like this school year wasn't our most productive.

We've always been more eclectic type homeschoolers using a little of this a little of that, Lot's of unit studies, read a louds and more "creative" learning methods. Next year though I think we are going to switch gears a bit and go to a more traditional workbook style curriculum for all of our core subjects with the older boys, hoping that they will be able to work a little more independently, while I focus on the preschooler and some of his needs. Also, this way I can be sure they are getting their basics in giving me more time to plan more fun type activities and electives. I will share in another post later more specifics of our plan for the next year. Right now, I just want to relish in the fact that we are DONE!! And VERY glad about it!!

Counting My Blessings....and a WARNING

2011-06-09T07:24:00.000-07:00

Last night I experienced one of the biggest scares in my twenty-five years of parenting. I am praising and thanking God that all turned out well, as it could have been a tragic even fatal accident. The most important lesson learned, is that this was all 100 % preventable.

Words can't even describe the overwhelming fear and dread I felt when I heard a huge crash and bang from the upstairs bedroom.

My youngest had been a handful most of the day. I was really sick, the sickest I've been in a while, coming down with the nasty cold bug he and my twelve year old had earlier in the week. My youngest kept challenging me all day, climbing on furniture, jumping off of furniture, basically just doing dangerous stunts and not responding to my corrections. Tiring out and not feeling well I sent him to bed early.

As usual, I sent him up with a snack, tucked him in, gave him a kiss and latched the safety gate, which we keep up to keep the little dogs and other pets out of his room. I came back down and sat at the computer to listen to a sermon I had downloaded and was anxious to hear.

About ten minutes later, came the CRASH, BOOM, BANG!

I quickly ran up the stairs, with my 12 and 14 year olds following closely behind. When I saw the scene all I could do was start praying out loud that my child would be okay. I found the tall chest of drawers fallen over on top of him and his body half in and out of the dresser. It looked like a dreadful scene. I was sure there had to be VERY serious injuries. Before I even entered the room I ordered the 12 year old to go down and call 911.

I was so eager to get into the room, and my strength just over took me as I tore the safety gate right off the wall to gain access. The first goal was to get the dresser off of him. The way he was under it I feared he could have a back injury and most likely a broken arm and leg on his left side.

I am 100% convinced it is a miracle that other than some bruising the child is fine! Luckily the 12 year old had difficulties operating the cell to call 911(Something we will work on and review today, as it could have been tragic if it turned out we did need them and precious moments were lost due to him not being able to figure out how to use my smart phone) After the tears were shed, and we got the injured child up and moving, it was amazingly obvious he had no serious injuries.

If you had seen the scene I saw when I found him with the dresser on him, you too, would be having the same feelings of awe that I now am. I am extremely grateful he is fine, but can hardly believe it!

In this horrible situation, my 14 year old really stepped up and played man of the house. He took down the gate to my room and moved the dresser over there until my husband can install brackets on it to secure it to the wall in the boys room. He put back up both gates, did the clean up(a lamp, and several books and other items were on the dresser when it fell) and basically took care of all the stuff his father would have had he been here, so I could tend to and comfort the injured child. I am so proud of my son for taking all this on, on his own without being asked. He just knew what had to be done, and did it.

I want to warn all parents of young children about the serious potential dangers of large pieces of furniture not secured to walls. We had already had brackets on the other dresser, as we noticed he was climbing on it long ago. It is secure to the wall. Why we didn't have this dresser secured, I don't know. I don't know if we just thought because it was so tall, he wouldn't climb it, or we just overlooked it or what. But it wasn't secure.

Even if you don't have a climber, they can still pose a danger if you live in an area like we do that is prone to earthquakes. I just urge you, for the few dollars it will cost, and the few moments of time it will take, SECURE your large furniture to the walls!

I know last year there was a fellow blogger who lost a young child due to a similar accident. That was what was running through my mind when I saw my child under that dresser. I am SO thankful and know it is only by the grace of God, that he is okay.

In my sons case, it turns out he opened the drawers and climbed the drawers to get onto the dresser. So after reading articles about securing dressers I wasn't surprised to learn that it is also wise to put safety latches on the individual drawers as well.

Accidents happen, but many are preventable. No matter how hard we try to protect our children, there will be times we will overlook something, and we can't blame ourselves if the worse does happen. I am just beyond thankful that this time all turned out okay.

What 100 Doctors Say

2011-05-07T12:55:00.000-07:00

I have been using Beachbody products for almost two years now. Starting with P90X back in June of 2009, followed by two more rounds of P90X, a round of Insanity, currently doing Asylum, and mixing up all of the above including ChaLEAN Extreme and all of the One on One videos.

I guess it would be no secret that I am a HUGE fan of Beachbody products! So, it may surprise you to know during all of this time, until two weeks ago, I NEVER tried Shakeology. Shakeology is probably one of Beachbody's biggest selling products, right up there with P90X, Insanity, Turbo Jam and others.

I think it sells so great because it really is made for everyone, from the elite athlete, to the stay at home mom, to the overworked dad, those looking to lose weight, and certainly anyone looking to improve over all health. Rare to find a product that could appeal to such a diverse group of people, and really deliver the desired results to each individual.

I really thought it was a bunch of hype and wasn't interested in even trying. I like my morning post workout protein shake/smoothie, but beyond that, I am not one who is a fan of liquid meal replacements or similar type items.

So, what made me finally try? Well, a couple of my friends got on it and were raving about results such as weight loss, healthier skin, nails and hair, improved digestion, increased energy and more. I was still reluctant until my husband came home and started saying how people at his work were on it and making the same sort of claims!

So I broke down and bought some. Now, I wont lie, in regards to the taste it wasn't love at first bite...or sip. There is a reason they send out recipe cards with your order! The Greenberry tastes much better than, but still very much like any other "greeen" health shake. It is much improved with a banana and orange juice blended in.

The Chocolate, is okay on it's own, but downright heavenly with added fruits. My favorite is a handful of frozen raspberries or cherries. A close second is a banana and peanut butter.

I noticed right away a HUGE increase in my overall energy. Also almost immediately there was a MAJOR decrease in cravings for not only sweets, but caffeine. I still drink my Amino Energy, but have cut down to three scoops a serving rather than four. I also have given up my Monster Energy Drink addiction. I normally buy and drink a CASE a week and I have had one or two CANS since starting Shakeology.

A few days ago I started noticing my hair felt better, smoother and softer. Just today I am noticing my skin is softer. I have lost four pounds without changing anything other than this week I am exercises LESS due to an injury. I haven't changed my diet and I don't replace a meal with it, just use it as a snack.

So, now you could say I am a believer! But don't take my word on it. Watch this video to see what Doctors say about it:

If you'd like to learn more or find out how to order please consider visiting my Shakeology Website: SHAKEOLOGY

When you buy Shakeology or any BEACHBODY product from my websites you also get me as your FREE personal coach to help you in your journey towards better health. I am here to answer your questions, guide you and walk with you on your journey towards improved fitness and health.

2011-05-05T19:34:00.000-07:00

Confirmation Day and a Major Breakthrough

2011-05-05T18:07:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday was a HUGE day in many ways for my family! My 14 year old son, Matthew, got confirmed into the church! That was a huge deal, but not the hugest. Those who know my family in real life know that Matthew is incredibly shy. Shy is putting it mildly. He is painfully shy. He likes to just keep to himself and maybe a close friend or two. He doesn't do well in large groups, has a hard time making eye contact, and is just....painfully shy.

Our pastor was insistent that for confirmation my son get up in front of the church and read an essay he wrote in response to two questions asked of him by the pastor. My son has been DREADING this for months. He was so excited to get confirmed after two years of classes, but just did NOT want to do this one thing. I honestly thought he wouldn't.

I had emailed the pastor several times requesting my son be excused from this request. Perhaps he could just read his confirmation verse? The pastor was insistent! UGH!

The big day arrived and my son was refusing to go! Now what? I called, and emailed everyone I knew and asked them to pray. My son finally gets ready but insists he wont read this. Now, really unless you know him, you have no idea how painfully shy he is and what a huge and to me at the time unreasonable request this was.

We arrive and take our seats and I can just see my son turning different shades of green and grey! I thought he was going to get sick right there!

His name was called and he went up and.....READ his essay!

Now, I wont lie, or glorify it. The truth is he was so quiet he could not be heard by those beyond the front two or three rows. He skipped sentences and mumbled a bit. But HE DID IT!!

I don't think anybody there believed it. My son has grown up in this church and not one person thought he'd do it. Nobody even noticed how quiet his speech was or how slurred it was, because they were all praying for him the whole time!

What a break through! Once it was done he was so relieved and just enjoyed the rest of the day.

That morning I wasn't sure how much I liked my pastor. I didn't have warm and fuzzy feelings toward him, that's for sure. But you know what? He was right in making my son do this and in thinking he could. I don't think my son would have done this for anyone else either. He has some connection with this pastor that he never really has with any other and I think he'd do just about anything for him out of respect.

I really think this was a big step and will give my son more confidence in the future because this pastor believed my son could and would do this instead of just letting him stay in his shell like everyone else(including mom and dad!) has always done!

He did it!!

Still Trying To Balance It All...

2011-05-05T17:50:00.000-07:00

I know I've written similar posts too often before, but I have to remind myself often, that I named this blog "My Balancing Act" as at the time I created it, I really felt like I was wearing many hats and trying to balance many things in my life.

At the time, instead of trying to compartmentalize my life into many blogs, I decided to share it all here. Slowly over the last year, I have found myself again trying to compartmentalize not only my life, but my blogging life too. I moved my recipes over to a cooking blog, and my fitness lifestyle issues over to a specialized Facebook page and fitness blog over on my Team Beachbody profile page.

This made sense as I didn't want to clog this blog and subject readers that weren't interested to post after post of fitness information, or recipes. But in the process what has happened is I have 3-4 blogs, Facebook pages, and profiles at fitness sites and most if not all are being severely neglected. As I decide "which" blog or profile to post on, I end up not posting on any.

I have had people tell me they love reading my homeschool or family related posts here, but are turned off by my fitness posts or reviews. I've had others tell me they come looking for the fitness posts but don't really care about homeschooling. That is fine, to each his or her own. We all have our own interests.

But, I happen to be a Christian, a homeschooler, a total fitness fanatic, a mom to five blessings, a patriot and many more things. As such I will be blogging about all of the above and probably more here. The scroll wheel is a great tool. If something is posted that just doesn't interest a reader, scroll on past...no offense will be taken, honestly I'll never even know!

I will no longer be maintaining my cooking blog. I will keep it up as that is where most of my personal recipes are stored. But in the future if I come across a recipe or cooking site I want to share, it will be posted here along with the occasional fitness review or tips and an array of homeschooling related items.

I hope as a result I will be posting here more frequently.

Checking Myself In!!

2011-04-11T09:27:00.000-07:00

After going completely insane with Insanity and getting the best results I've had yet, I've decided to check myself into the ASYLUM!

Asylum is the follow up to Insanity and looks like quite a challenge and loads of fun! I ordered mine and was so excited I even ordered second day air delivery! I can hardly wait!

As usual when I start and complete a new program you can count on before and after pics and reviews of the workouts.

If you'd like to join me, you can order from the link above, then add me as a buddy on the Team Beachbody site and we can do this together. As a Beachbody Coach I am always here for you to help you with your goals!

Here's just a sample of what Asylum is all about!

"Signs"

2011-04-06T05:53:00.000-07:00

We had to make a LONG drive over the weekend and so I had the chance to see lots and lots of signs on the freeway each direction. I didn't notice the signs so much on the way out as I was anxious about where we were going, but on the way back once boredom set in I couldn't help but notice the signs.

There seemed to be three main themes and I just couldn't help but laugh at the irony of two of them. The first theme was the gambling/casinos. Nothing too striking there, other than it sure reminds you how old you really are when they are advertising your favorite singer from the past and your kids have no idea who they are, and they now look old enough to be a grandparent. Makes you wonder if you too look that old.

The other two themes, which where overwhelming in amount, kind of struck both a funny bone and a sore spot with me. I kid you not when I say at least every four miles there was a sign for some form of weight loss gimmick. The overwhelming majority were for the lap band procedure.

I just couldn't help but think one couldn't help but feel fat or overweight when every four miles was a sign for either the lap band procedure or a diet clinic or some form of liquid diet. I can see and understand a sign or two, but for the 150 mile drive home I was reminded every few minutes that I am fat.(I'm not by the way, but you sure can't help but wonder when being bombarded with these signs every few minutes)

What was somewhat ironic and to be honest, enraging for me was the fact that the signs right in front of or right across from these weight loss signs were signs for fast food restaurants. What is the message here? The media is always sending these sorts of mixed messages. Who are we to listen too? I watch American Idol or Dancing with the Stars and am told via Carl's Jr. that I am sexy if I eat this over sized, dripping burger or sandwich and men will watch me with their jaws dropped as I look like a sexy vixen eating this artery clogging death sentence of a meal. But then, right by this Carl's Jr. sign on the freeway is a reminder of how fat I am once I consume this meal and need my stomach stapled.

As an adult and one who makes health and fitness a hobby and lifestyle and soon to be career, I can easily decipher these mixed messages, but what about our young and impressionable youth, especially the young ladies? What kind of messages are we sending them?

Driving another direction through Palm Springs which we often do, there are just as many signs, but these are for various forms of plastic surgery. It seems no matter where we go, or even how hard we may try to avoid negative forms of media, it seems to find a way to sneak into our lives and taunt us and remind us of how inadequate we are in the eyes of the worlds standards! No wonder we have so many who struggle with eating disorders and body image issues!

Then we have the real problems of unhealthy school lunch programs and lack of PE programs in the school. Not to mention just lack of general healthy movement of any sort thanks to our lifestyles today. It is hard to stay healthy physically and even more so mentally in regards to healthy thought processes about our bodies when we are constantly bombarded with these sorts of mixed messages and overwhelming negative ones.

I suppose it's just all a good reminder of where we really need to be looking for our self worth and it's not the commercials on TV, the radio or even the signs on the side of the road. A good place to start is :

Psalm 139:14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

Label Me(NOT)!!

2011-04-02T06:38:00.000-07:00

Lately I have noticed on a variety of message boards and egroups that people have personalized signature lines. Because most of the groups I frequent are homeschool related, most of these custom signatures include a list of the members children, ages, and usually something extra about each child. It seems in the past, it use to be the curriculum each child used or school method or something educationally related.

Lately though, I've noticed something different that seems to just kind of rub me the wrong way. Perhaps it's just me, but the new trend seems to list the child's name, age, and now instead of curriculum used, a label diagnosing the child's "disorder." This could be anything from Apspergers and Autism to Bipolar disorder or ADD.

I know(trust me I know) that there are an increasingly growing number of children with these "disorders." What I don't understand is why so many are so quick to use one of those labels to identify their child to the world.

Labels can be helpful, to give you a label to identify my son might help you understand better why he cringes away when you reach out to touch him, or why he seems to be lacking in communication skills. It can help a health care provider to understand why he is difficult to treat, but here's what that label doesn't tell you, it doesn't tell you;

that his favorite colors are pink, red and orange and in that order. It doesn't tell you that he loves animals with a passion and they seem to naturally flock to him as well. It doesn't tell you that he loves to give "high five's" and has an unusual interest in the weather and weather conditions. It doesn't tell you how much at four years old he loves and appreciates a good sunset. It doesn't tell you how much he LOVES to dance and express himself through movement. There are just so many things that label can't tell you about my son, so I hesitate to and rarely use that label. I feel that label defines and limits him, and he is so, so much more than a one word label.

In the past many of our great inventors and artists were labeled as such, just great inventors and artists. Today, we even want to go back in time and label these great contributors to our world. Sure, I am sure today they would have been labeled with some sort of "disorder" but what defines them? The label or their genius contributions?

So, while there is nothing wrong with using a label to shed some understanding or explain your child's unique "quirks" don't let that be what defines them to others or themselves.

Here's my new siggy line for my special child:

Tara, mom to Austin: Sunset lover, weather watcher extraordinaire, Video game master, possible future veterinarian or professional dancer and expert high fiver!

Preaching To The Choir

2011-03-15T15:34:00.000-07:00

Convention season is starting soon! I normally LOVE homeschool conventions and can't wait to go. This year though I find myself second guessing whether or not I'll go. Usually it's a no brainer...I GO! This year the one closest to me has one of my very favorite speakers. At first I was SO excited and was sure I'd go. I have yet to mail in my payment and registration form though. Why? Well...

I totally agree with most everything this speaker regularly speaks on and have a great deal of respect for him. He is one of the few speakers I get totally excited over and feel like shouting AMEN to several of his famous one liners. I have noticed the great majority of the audience does the same and we all get fired up. I've also noticed though that several squirm in their seats. I have seen talk of him on several popular homeschool message boards and have come to understand the discomfort many have with him and others like him.

It would be easy to say that they are feeling convicted in their sin and that is what is making them uncomfortable. That may be true for some, but I am not too sure. While I do believe most of what he and others like him speak is the truth, what good is the truth when you are only preaching to the choir so to speak? Those of us in agreement with him get all excited and riled up and more convinced than ever that we are on the right path, but we already believed that BEFORE we walked in to the conference. What about those who may NEED to hear what he says, but whose ears are going to be closed because of the delivery of the message?

Those who need to hear the truth in a loving way are going to be turned off to it because of the delivery. It's one thing to be convicted on something, but sometimes there is a fine line between expressing that conviction and arrogance. I have to repent here myself and say that I am afraid there have been times I have allowed my own personal convictions to turn to arrogance. A feeling of superiority that I am doing things the "right" way and therefore those who aren't doing things just like me have it all wrong and are wretched, horrible sinners. Okay, slight exaggeration, but shamefully I have suffered from feelings of superiority and pride in areas of my life.

Sadly many considering homeschooling may never begin because they go expecting to learn something about this still somewhat unfamiliar to many alternative in education and end up in a room full of people all excited and raving how this particular way is the ONLY way to do it and any other way is wrong and perhaps even sinful.

I don't know, see, I'd rather be speaking and reaching to those that are searching, than those that already agree 100% with me. First, I think we who homeschool for religious reasons need to remember that not everyone interested in homeschooling is doing so for religious reasons. I wasn't when I started. I wasn't even a practicing Christian when I started. It was homeschooling that helped lead me back on that path. I think if I had been hit over the head with what I see and hear from many prominent so called homeschool "leaders" I may have run FAR the other way and not even considered homeschooling and as a result may not be a Christian today.

It's like that in many areas of Christian life, whether it be the preaching in churches to those already saved rather than hitting the streets or jungles to those who have never heard the Word. Christian films that have great messages that even unbelievers could appreciate, UNTIL the sappy preachieness becomes so overwhelming and obvious that those who aren't already part of the choir shouting "AMEN" get up and leave.

Don't get me wrong, there is a definite place for Christian films, good preaching and powerful homeschool messages. I happen to be a fan of all of the above, but I recently am starting to wonder if in too many of these areas those in leadership should be trying to reach out to those who really need the message rather than continue to the back patting, ego stroking choir.

I know I rush out and buy or download most of the big conference speakers talks as they become available, and all the latest Christian films, and I LOVE them, but I am not so sure many of my family or friends would feel the same. I do believe we should boldly speak the truth, but that bold truth must also be spoken in love or it's only going to be spoken to deaf ears or of course those who already agree with you.

One thing that really got me thinking about all of this and it's relation to homeschooling is the movie "Waiting for Superman" which I will share about a little later. Great film, but I think I got something a little different out of it than most.

Looking Back

2011-03-03T09:02:00.001-08:00

I am feeling rather nostalgic today thinking back on my son leaving a year ago for boot camp. That combined with the fact that one of my oldest and dearest friends own son is leaving for boot camp this May.

As I think back on my own experience and in trying to prepare her what to expect, a few major(at least to me) things pop in my mind. I am sure I have shared many if not all of these things at one time or another on here(with each year that passes, so does a bit more of my already failing memory) but I want to share them again in hopes they may help someone who is getting ready to go through the experience of a loved one leaving for military service.

First and foremost, I truly believe my biggest support through our whole boot camp experience was Navy For Moms. I HIGHLY recommend any mother, wife or loved one of a future or current Sailor take a visit there and sign up for the group or groups related to your expected needs(boot camp group, A School group, etc..) Having the support of those who had already gone through the experience as well as the bonds made with others currently going through it with you make a HUGE difference. I knew what to expect and when, from the first letters, to the dreaded "box" of your loved ones items they left home in and more. Thanks to letters shared by other mothers and wives from their Recruits I knew how things were going even when I didn't get my expected letter one week. A year later and many of those ladies are still my friends on Facebook and other social networks. Our loved ones are now stationed in different places all over the globe, yet we women still share that bond of having gone through the boot camp experience together.

One thing many loved ones want to know is what kind of gift to give the recruit before they leave. Honestly, if it wont fit in their wallet, they shouldn't bring it, because it WILL get sent home! Many learn this the hard way. Even stationary items will be sent home. The best gift you can give is a phone card, already activated, stamps, and LOTS of letters while they are in boot camp. I was so sad to learn how many young men didn't get letters. I wrote my son daily, sometimes more than once a day. I sent Facebook status updates, photos of friends, thoughts I had friends write before he left and I held on to and other items of interest.

A year later and my son still often comments on how much mail he received. Those letters from home really help them get through the whole experience. Even if it's not your own family member going through boot camp, WRITE and write OFTEN! Church members wrote, friends, other family, and I can assure you each and every letter was saved by my son and still cherished.

Which leads me to my next thought. The nicest thing I think anybody has ever done for me! Before my son left a friend sent me a keepsake box:

Filled with many boxes of cards, stamps and writing instruments:

We not only used these to write many of our letters, but in turn have used it to store his letters to us as well as other small Navy related items he has sent home or left here:

I still often go through these letters . Some bring a tear, some bring a smile, but all remind me of this last year and the growing all of us as a family have gone through, through this experience.

I loved and appreciated this thoughtful gift more than words can express, and I plan on stealing this idea for my dear friend whose son is leaving soon(my best ideas are my "borrowed" ones!)

Our church has a quilt ministry. Several of the ladies make quilts for those who are ill or going through tough times. On the quilt are SEVERAL threads, and we as a church pray for the person receiving the quilts and then tie a knot for each prayer. There is no magic per say in the quilt or the knots, the magic is in the prayers, but the knots show the person how much they are cared for and how many prayers are being said on their behalf. I think that is pretty magic!

Our church also has made "pocket" quilts for our brave young men and women serving our country. One was given to my son prior to leaving for Boot Camp, and was able to fit in his wallet, making it so he can keep it at boot camp.

While those brave young men and women who willingly choose to serve our country, especially in these times when we are already at war deserve our utmost respect and gratitude, let us not forget the moms and wives who are at home holding things up on the home front. The young wives especially who are doing the hard work of perhaps raising young children and running a household alone could sure use some extra help and support. Parenting and marriage is hard enough under ideal circumstances, but can seem especially overwhelming when you are worried about your better half serving and protecting our country.

If you know such a young lady, offer to watch her children for an afternoon giving her some much deserved rest or make a meal or two occasionally. Anything special to lighten her load and lift her spirits.

Of course us moms missing our child can use a smile or word of encouragement as well. We all feel an overwhelming sense of pride in our young service member, but we also miss our children dearly. For our family, it's one year of service down, and four to go, more if he decides this is his career path. It gets easier over time, but never "easy."

A Year ago Today

2011-03-03T08:29:00.000-08:00

Today marks the one year anniversary of my son starting his Navy career. A year ago today I left him at the recruiters station and spent the next several months locking myself in the bathroom crying. I was and am so happy and proud of him, but the mom in me had a hard time letting go, and the no contact for those first few weeks was nearly unbearable.

It's been a long year in many ways, and in others it seems like just yesterday that I left him there in that parking lot and said good-bye.

Most of this first year has been training for him, first bootcamp, then "A School" for his Hospital Corpsman training, followed by yet more training with the Marines this time for his Field Medical Training Battalion (FMTB) Training. So he didn't actually arrive at his first non-training duty station until this past December. He is at a small Marine base, and for the most part enjoys it. We are so incredibly blessed that he is only a few hours from home now and we get to see him at least once a month if not more often.

Overall the Navy (and the Marines he serves with!) have been very good to and for him. I am confident he made the right decision for himself and couldn't be more proud!

The night of graduating boot camp

Arriving home after bootcamp and A School

After his training with the Marines

Treats for my Sweeeties!

2011-02-14T18:14:00.000-08:00

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!! I always loved Valentines day as a child. We never did much in our family, but I loved the Valentines exchange at school, it was one of my favorite events! As a homeschooler I always worried my children would feel left out(actually it was ME who felt like I was missing out!) so we've always participate in mail valentines exchange with our online support groups. They are great fun! I LOVE getting valentines from all over the U.S. and in some cases even other countries!

For the past several years we've also arranged Valentines Day parties for our local homeschool group. They are usually one of our bigger events, though this year only two other families showed. It was still fun!

This year for the first time, I made goodies for the kids and my hubby. They were surprised and enjoyed them lots! It went over so well, I think I will do something similar every year.

I TOTALLY stole the idea from THIS blog. I even used two of the recipes, though I must say hers turned out much prettier than mine. Good thing my husband or kids never saw hers so therefore had no comparison and were quite pleased and thought I was quite original and talented!

Bye-Bye Facebook!

2011-02-11T09:42:00.000-08:00

I did it, I pressed the button and it feels SO freeing! I clicked "de-activate" account on Facebook. I have struggled off and on for months or longer with the "should I or shouldn't I" be on Facebook crisis.

It's not that there is anything wrong with Facebook in and of itself really, it's just that for me it became a HUGE time eater. Not only that but while I had hundreds of "friends" on there I felt it was keeping me from maintaining those "real life" friendships I had. For instance just this week I found out on Facebook that my dear sister in-law had a surgery. I would have known that had I just picked up the phone and called her each week like I use to. But no, I was too busy posting three sentence blurbs about my workout or my dog or something else lame...

I even found out my own son had pneumonia on Facebook before he called to tell me. To top it off he was staying with me on his leave when this happened!

I in many ways felt more "connected" to my loved ones on there, especially those like my son who may be far away, but I think really in the long run it makes me less connected. Instead of long phone calls or letters I became content with the three sentence blurb.

I also started to get annoyed with so much negativity on there. So many post nothing but their negative thoughts or negative things going on in their lives whether it be their health, children, family life, whatever. There is nothing wrong with venting occasionally, but with hundreds of "friends" and half of them posting only negative items, it starts to bring you down as well.

I have also gotten into real life disagreements with people because of misunderstandings either on my end or theirs in regards to a status update comment. NOT worth it!!

I think Facebook can be a great way to stay in touch with friends and family, and stay up to date on current events, but like anything else it takes a certain amount of self control to use it in a wise and worthwhile way.

I have an addictive type personality, whether it be food issues, caffeine, Internet usage, even my health and fitness. I struggle to find balance in all these things.(hence the name of my blog: My Balancing Act) For me personally, at least for now it has to be an all or nothing decision for me. For now I choose nothing. It is zapping too much of my family, schooling and sadly even Bible time.

So, if we were "friends" on Facebook, I didn't de-friend you, I am gone from there period. I may or may not be back, but it will be many months, if ever. If you were a "fan" of my fitness page, watch for details here, I am working on a website dedicated to that, until then I may post occasional items of interest here.

I suspect I will find more time to post here now as well, whether that is good or bad, well you can decide that I suppose!

FAREWELL FACEBOOK(and good riddens! LOL )

A Rare Breed

2011-02-08T16:44:00.000-08:00

"A Rare Breed." "A Dying Breed." "One of a Kind." These are phrases we often hear in regards to our eleven year old son, almost daily during our daily trip to the post office. Some people give him strange looks, most just look utterly surprised, many smile, and a surprisingly large amount will actually seek me out in the office to comment on my child.

What is it that he does that warrants so much attention? Actually something quite simple, but apparently not often done these days; He holds open the door for people coming in an out of the post office.

It started off with just me asking once or twice for him to run on ahead and open the door for an elderly person or someone with lots of packages. Over time, either because he started to enjoy it or because of all the attention he receives, he now always stands guard at the door during our time there, opening and closing the door into the mail box hall as well as the door to the actual post office. It really does seem it just makes him feel good to make other people if even briefly feel happy or special and the positive comments only make him more enthusiastic to do so.

I guess there are at least two lessons to be learned here. One, there is much joy to be experienced by helping others and letting them experience a moment of feeling good, and second, a positive comment to a child can really help build those character traits in children that we want to see more of. Those comments should come from mom and dad often at home, but a word of praise to a child or about a child to the child's parents, yet within hearing distance of the child can go a LONG way in developing that child's character. Those comments and words of praise are also sweet music to a mothers soul and just the encouragement she may need to keep up the hard day to day work of raising and building young boys into young men!

A Tale of Two Movies(or "The Value of a Life")

2011-02-07T11:35:00.000-08:00

I recently watched two similar yet very different movies within days of each other. They both left me thinking about each one itself as well as how there were similarities yet completely drastically different endings. (WARNING: Spoilers ahead!)

The first was Million Dollar Baby

We started off really enjoying this movie about a young lady, who it seems had a pretty difficult life, and a love for boxing. With the help and training of an at first somewhat reluctant coach/trainer, she goes on to be a champion female boxer.

This is a somewhat rags to riches story, she is eventually able to provide well for her ungrateful mother and family and seems to have it all; Success at a sport she loves, money to provide for herself and her loved ones. Life is now good.

Then a tragic accident happens, one that leaves her permanently disabled. I don't know whether this was a true story or not. I suspect not, but I honestly don't know.(more on this movie in a minute)

The next movie we watched was Joni. This movie is a true story. It is similar in that Joni was once a very active, young lady as well. It is also similar in that a tragic accident left her permanently disabled just like the young lady in the movie above.

The difference in these movies is how each responds to her situation. You would think being a major Hollywood, well known and successful production the first title would have the happy ending and be a more uplifting movie, while the less known true story would have a more tragic ending..you would think, but think again!

In the first movie the young lady decides without the use of her body, her life isn't worth living anymore. Sadly it seems many agree with her. Ridden to her hospital bed she tries to find ways to end her life. She even begs her beloved coach and seemingly only true friend and support to help her end her life.

I mean, once you've lived and experienced the glory of winning a championship who would want to live life confined to a bed? What use was there for her in this life? What reason did she have to continue going on? Apparently she or her coach never found those answers because in the end he granted her request, though he struggled on many levels with it, in the end I guess he decided that was the right thing to do.... How sad...

Joni is different. While she struggled with many of the same feelings(which one of us wouldn't!) she DID find a reason to go on! For one, her faith in Jesus, which grew and became deeper over time was a huge part of that, with her family and close friends by her side, a self worth defined by more than her body or accomplishments she has gone on to live a full and vibrant and worthy life. She has been a HUGE inspiration to many, and has reached out to help and bless others.

Is her life different than it once was? Of course! Is it less than it once was? Not a chance! Her life will obviously never be what it would have been had the accident not occurred. But it doesn't make it any less a valuable life, or one less worth living.

I personally just really had a hard time with the decisions and choices each made and the drastically different views each had of their own worth and life's worth. As a Christian I can't help but believe that it was Joni's faith in Jesus Christ that made the difference for her. I guess if you don't have an eternal perspective on life, than even the life here on earth has a different meaning and value.

If all we have is ourselves, our bodies, our money and accomplishments, I guess it would be hard to find a reason to continue on when all that is taken from us.

It does make one want to take the time and pause and evaluate where we are placing our worth and value. If you look closely you will usually see it is where we are spending most of our money or our time, energy and thoughts.

If you look closely and are honest with your self, you may find you need to do a little re-prioritizing in your own life. I know I do!

Workout in a Skirt??

2011-02-01T13:41:00.000-08:00

I will be attending a Beachbody Coach Summit in LA this summer and am on the look out for some cute, yet modest workout clothes to take with me as there will be at least one if not more group workouts. At home where I workout alone, I just wear yoga capris and a Tee. I wanted to get something cute, but a little more modest at the same time. While I am in pretty good shape, I am not wanting to wear something that will hug all my curves if you know what I mean!

Well, the answer came from a friend and fellow Beachbody Coach at THIS site. They have several cute options from short tennis style skirts with full length shorts under them, to the design above, which is what I like. These have gotten RAVE reviews from my friend and they look comfortable to workout in while still allowing for some modesty. My only beef is the price, but if they are good quality, they will be worth it!

I wanted to share these as I know several ladies who do everything in a skirt or dress and I thought they may appreciate these as a workout option. I know I certainly would feel more comfy in these bending and stretching in front of others than I would in most of the workout gear I see out there!

I will share my full thoughts when I am able to purchase some and try them out for myself!

Did You Know?

2011-01-31T16:30:00.000-08:00

I also have a cooking blog here: Cooking Simply

I have been debating combining both blogs into one as I have been posting there even less frequently than here. I have not been posting here as much as I used to or like to either. I thought by combining both here, I could post more frequently.

I am still thinking about it. For now though feel free to visit at the above link!

After Going "Insane"

2011-01-31T15:42:00.000-08:00

I just finished my 60 days of the "Insanity" Program from Beachbody. I hadn't posted updates like I had planned, but I did want to share my results here. I started off at just under 120 lbs and am now 114.2.

I lost and inch and a half on my waist and two in my hips. I am comfortably fitting back in my size 5's. (even 7's were tight when I started.

I have to say it was truly the hardest program I've done, but it was also a great deal of fun. I also have such a great feeling of accomplishment and pride. There were things I saw the examples of and was just sure I at 41 couldn't do, but you know what? I DID!!

I am happy with my results. I am sure they would have been much better if I hadn't started the week before Thanksgiving and had to make it through that whole holiday as well as Christmas and New Years! On the bright side though, while others gained over this time, I lost! Just not what I would have had I been watching my eating better(those cookies get me every time!)

So, looking for the next challenge I started ChaLEAN Extreme today. I am glad for a change and a little less banging on my joints, but I think it seems not quite as intense as the workouts I am used to with Insanity and P90X. I got a GREAT deal on the program though and want to give it a fair try. I did do the first workout today and still had energy to burn so did the Fast and Furious Insanity workout. Those two together wore me out good!

You know, it really is about more than just looking good or getting into a certain pant size. It's about being as healthy as you can, making sure you're doing everything you can to set a good example for your children and loved ones. It's about making sure you are physically up to any task God may call you to do.

Finally Done!

2011-01-26T19:38:00.001-08:00

It seems like it's been forever, but it's only been a bit over two years since Daniel got burned in the campfire incident. We started off with trips to the burn clinic several times a week, then weekly, bi-weekly and monthly until we finally got to these last couple of check ups several months to six months apart. This whole time we still never knew for sure when the trips would end and when and if surgery would be ruled out.

Finally last week we got the news we've been waiting for. Daniel has a clean bill of health in regards to the burn! We not only do not need to make the two hour trips(each way) to the plastic surgeon anymore, but surgery has also been ruled out!

This whole thing has been an ordeal for us all, but also in many ways it all turned out so much better than it could have. From the first day until now, everything has just gone so smoothly and surprisingly well not only to us, but the Doctors involved in his care as well.

At first it was assumed and we were told he'd require to stay in the hospital for days for pain management, yet he went home that same night and has never taken anything stronger than a Tylenol for pain.

Each visit to the Burn Clinic they were prepared with strong pain killers before they began treatment, all of which he never needed.

Surgery until now had never been ruled out, as areas of the burn were third degree and the fear was that as he grew the skin may not stretch with him, but that appears to no longer be a concern.

Below are pictures of the progression from day one, to after the first few treatments to last week. I think it is all nothing short of a miracle. The human body, the skin and it's healing abilities just awe me beyond words. What a wonderful designer who created our bodies!

(oops! The pictures are in reverse order with the top one being the most recent!)

Yummy, Chewy, Home-made Brownies!

2011-01-22T11:26:00.000-08:00

I LOVE brownies! They are one of my few food weaknesses. Lucky for me, I don't get to indulge too much, as I had never found a home made recipe I really enjoy. UNTIL NOW!!

In most cases, nothing beats homemade, whether it be desserts, main meals, sauces, whatever. One of those few exceptions in my opinion, would have to be brownies. I just love how the box mixes come out chewy and slightly gooey. SO soft.

All the homemade recipes I've tried always came out dry or cakey rather than chewy. Until I found this recipe! (warning, they are SO good, you can't eat just one!)

2/3 cup butter(softened)
2/3 cup peanut butter
2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
4 eggs
1 cup flour
2/3 cup baking cocoa
2 tsp baking powder

In a mixing bowl, cream butter, peanut butter, sugar and vanilla. Add eggs. Then mix in flour, cocoa and powder.

Bake in a greased 13x 9 inch pan at 350 for 25 minutes. Do NOT over bake!

These are SO yummy! Hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

Hoarder, Mental or Just a Slob?

2011-01-14T21:36:00.000-08:00

I love watching "Animal Hoarders" on Animal Planet. I'm not sure why, as most people I know are disgusted by it. I think it's because I can relate to the situations on there on several different levels. I have always kept animals, usually many animals at a time. Currently I only have four dogs(2 outdoor, 2 indoor) and two indoor cats as well as our chickens, which obviously are outdoors.

At one time we had three horses, seven goats, three rabbits, a few dozen chickens, cats, four dogs and assorted caged reptiles.

At another time I had 15 or so cats. All indoor, no other pets though.

I would say the closest I was to a "hoarder" was when I wasn't the hoarder per say but the caretaker of the hoard itself. I was 14 and my mother was recently divorced and in need of employment, housing and an income. We became the caretakers of a gentleman's house and his 37 cats. Yes, I said 37!!

So, you can see I have plenty of experience with large numbers of animals. Perhaps even to the point of being considered a hoarder at various points in life.

I can understand the emotional aspects that are involved in loving animals and the circumstances that may drive one to latch on to their pets rather than the people in their lives. While it's not necessarily healthy, it is understandable.

But keeping the hoard and understanding the emotional aspects is where my sympathies and understanding end.

Watching this show I am always disgusted and appalled at the filth the majority of these people live in! I have watched episodes where a couch was pulled from a wall to reveal several FEET worth of cat feces! I watched an episode tonight where most of a woman's floor was covered in feces. In the year or so we took care of those 37 cats I can honestly say I don't think I ever saw animal droppings anywhere in the house other than one of the dozens of litter boxes. There was a bathroom and a garage that was designated just for the cat boxes. There was definitely an unpleasant odor in and near those rooms, I think that is unavoidable under the circumstances, but it was CLEAN.

I am not the best house keeper by any stretch of the imagination, but even while currently training a young puppy you wont find a mess on my floors. Oh sure, they get made, but they also get picked up as they get made. If I didn't pick them up as they occurred I am sure it wouldn't take too long for my house or anybodies to resemble the ones I see on this show. The trick is to clean the messes as they're made!

What got to me tonight was while this one woman's house was gross with cat feces everywhere, considering the cats and nature of the show, you kind of expect to see that, but they showed the microwave she was heating up her dinner in, and it too was sickeningly disgusting! I don't think it had anything to do with the animals, it was just massive amounts of caked on yuck in and out of the microwave.

So, when I see things like this, I can't help but think the issues here go beyond hoarding animals. I have seen one episode where the couple featured had obscenely large amounts of animals yet had a house that was amazingly clean considering the nature of the show and the houses in previous and future episodes.

On similar hoarding shows that involve the hoarding of "things" or "stuff" versus animals there seems to be similar emotional issues that cause that sort of hoarding, but I've also noticed there too, that some of the hoarders houses are absolutely filthy, caked on food on the floors, counters, stove top, etc.. and in others their "hoard" is neatly stacked and piled and the house is relativity clean. I mean sure, there is lots of clutter but considering the amount of junk they hoard the house is reasonably clean.

So it seems hoarding animals or stuff doesn't necessarily make one a slob as well. I try and keep my house reasonably clean and certainly don't judge others by the cleanliness or lack there of of their houses, but for some reason it really bothers me that this show depicts hoarders, animal or other wise as slobs as well as hoarders. To me, it is two separate issues, not necessarily related to one another. I don't know if the causes are the same or if there are different reasons for each issue, I also don't know why this is bothering me this much...it just is.

Large Family Logistics

2011-01-14T17:45:00.000-08:00

I am just finishing up this book and I have to say I am really surprised at how much I LOVE it and how much I am learning from it!

See, having only five children and only three currently at home I don't really consider us a "large" family by any means. Also, being a mom for 24 years and homeschooling for fourteen I just didn't think there was a whole lot more I could learn that would really be helpful. Boy, was I wrong!

To be honest, I only ordered this book because it was half off at the time and I thought I'd look it over and gift it to one of my many friends who really do have a "large" family. I don't want to let it go now! I will certainly be happy to share it and lend it out though.

The tips in this book are great whether you have two children or twenty. Lots of great advice on everything from organizing your house, homeschool, home office to parenting tips and more!

One thing I appreciate is how the chapters are kept short and even those are broken up nicely that if you have to put it down you can easily get to a point where you can easily find where you left off. The chapters are short enough I can read a couple at a time between school subjects or chores.

While it is no longer half off, it is currently 20% off at VISION FORUM and worth every penny!

Doesn't Everyone?

2011-01-14T16:20:00.000-08:00

We just love it when our son brings home fellow Sailors or Marines on his visits home. I know lots of these guys are far from home and haven't had a good home cooked meal for ages. Many just want to be around a family for a few days, even if it isn't their own. I feel like it's just one small way to say "thanks" to them for serving our country. I also hope deep down inside that when it is my son far away from home someone will return the favor and perhaps offer him a home cooked meal or a little hospitality.

This last fellow stayed with us a few days and like most of the Service Men we've had the pleasure of offering hospitality to he was very polite and thanked us at each meal. He did though at one point ask me, "Do you always cook all of your food from scratch?" I guess to him it seemed odd. I am not sure what he is used to, but to him it seemed quite odd that anyone still did things the "old fashioned" way.

Cooking from scratch is really all I've ever done. First in our early years of marriage it was out of necessity as that is all we could afford, after all it is much more less expensive than pre-packaged meals or take out. Now, even though we still do all we can to save money it is also just a matter of preference. I KNOW what is in the food I cook. I also know what's NOT in there, like tons of preservatives and chemicals I can't pronounce. Also, I get a certain enjoyment and pleasure from cooking my family's food.

Really, I always just thought I was in the majority in preparing my own food and those who bought pre-packaged items or ordered out a lot were in the minority. But, I am finding that is not the case. Even one of my husbands uncles recently asked if I ever got "tired" of cooking all of our food from scratch. Well, no, not really.

Even those who cook or prepare a lot of their own food use a lot of packaged items in doing so. I couldn't help but giggle once when shopping and I heard a young daughter ask her mom if she could get a certain salad dressing and her mom said, "No, we're going to make homemade," as she reached for the Hidden Valley Ranch Salad Dressing mix. Don't get me wrong, I happen to love that stuff! But it's not quite "homemade" though it is a step in the right direction I suppose.

I realize that I am blessed that I can stay home and teach my children at home, clean my own home and prepare my family's meals. Not every woman has that luxury and I surely don't judge those who are unable to do the same. I just find it odd, that so many find it so weird that I not only do these things but ENJOY it. The younger generation I can understand, as there does seem to be less and less stay at home moms, but I am finding many even in the older generation who find this odd.

I think it's kind of sad that many have never had the pleasure of having homemade bread with their dinner or a home baked apple pie for dessert. I find it even more sad that so many seem to view a woman who still enjoys such pleasures as odd or even enslaved.

Because I Am A Mom!

2011-01-13T10:52:00.001-08:00

This post is nothing more than a shameless bragging session on my son, so please forgive me, but I am just so proud of him I could burst!

He just recently made E3, which isn't too bad considering he went in an E1 less than nine months ago. But even more exciting, he just became certified to be a BLS Instructor. I think that is Basic Life Saving, but I am not sure. He gets to instruct and certify others who need to become certified.

I am just so happy that he is doing well and enjoying his new duty station. I am so happy that in this harsh economy when so many are without work, he has a steady job and income, and is encouraged to continue his education and already has earned enough college credits for a years worth of college, all while getting paid to do it! The military has been a good choice for him. Not always an easy choice for him or us, but a good one none the less.

My Favorite Planners, Now on Sale!!

2011-01-13T06:45:00.000-08:00

I am SO excited! My favorite home school planner is now on sale! I have shared about this planner several times on here. Next Fall we will be starting our 15th year of schooling at home. In all those years I have tried more planners than I can even count. I never did find one that satisfied all my needs and tastes until I found this one.

Not only are they very useful, they are pretty too! Full of inspiring quotes and Bible verses, I really enjoy using this planner.

This year I am especially excited about a new product to their line; A multi-purpose planner on the go! I honestly was just thinking this week how much I wish they'd make such a planner, and they did! It's like they read my mind!

They also added new binder accessories, and updated their high school and student planners. I didn't think these products could get any better, yet they seem to improve every year.

The same company also publishes a lovely home school magazine, you may want to check it out while you visit the site.

If you order within the week not only will you get the special pre-release sale price, you will get FREE shipping, making these even more of a bargain than they already are. I HIGHLY recommend these if you are looking for a good planner, they have been my personal favorite for two years now, and I will be ordering for a third year tomorrow.

Check them out at WELL PLANNED DAY.

The Lady at the Store

2011-01-06T18:22:00.000-08:00

This evening on my way home from guitar lessons with my boys I stopped at the local mini-mart to treat the kids to a soda. There was a lady in front of me buying minutes for her phone. I heard the clerk commenting how she was going through those minutes like crazy this evening. Then I heard the story from the lady....

Her son just graduated from the Air Force boot camp today in Texas and she was unable to be there. I could sense all of her emotions, having gone through many of them myself not so long ago. She was proud, sad, excited and more all at once. Mostly she was just so sad she couldn't be there on this very special day. Had my kids not been in the car and needing me here at home, I was SO tempted to stick her in my car and DRIVE her to her son!

I was blessed that my son had saved his last couple of paychecks from his civilian job and paid for me to come out to see him graduate. Otherwise, in our financial situation, I would not have been able to go myself.

So, while I could relate to all this woman has gone through these last long months with her son away, so far from home, probably for the first time and with so little contact I couldn't fully relate but could SO understand what she must be feeling tonite. Such a sense of pride yet so deeply sad she couldn't be there to share his special day that he has worked so hard for.

Boot camp was among the hardest things I have done thus far as a parent. There are several weeks with no contact what so ever. When the letters start coming in, there is some sense of relief but they too, have their ups and downs. One day your child may tell you the military is the best thing he/she has ever done, and the next letter tells how they think they made the biggest mistake of their lives! Then the anxiety as they prepare for academic and physical tests, as a failure in one can set them back or even get them discharged. Injuries during the vigorous training can do the same. There are just so many emotions moms, wives, girlfriends or other loved ones go through during this time. Words can't even give justice to the array or intensity of feelings.

I have yet to go through a deployment with my son, though I understand that will be in our future. Aside from that possibility/reality, I think the hardest thing a military family goes through is boot camp.

If you know a mom, wife, girlfriend or other close loved ones of a military hero in training, give them a hug, offer them a thanks for raising such a fine young man or women and support them in any way they may need, even if it's just moral support and a hug or shoulder to cry on.

I think most Americans support our military, but many don't think about those left at home who are supporting them and how hard it is. Many of these young men and women also have children who are without a mom or dad over the holidays and other important times of their lives. Remember and support them too.

Next Stop, YUMA!!

2010-12-16T15:10:00.000-08:00

Today was the day, our Sailor has finally finished Bootcamp, A School and now his FMTB training with the Marines and tomorrow will officially start his military career at his first duty station at the Marine Airbase in Yuma.

All of us but our youngest went to the graduation ceremony and we brought his friend he's known since childhood along as well. His friend too, will soon be starting his career in the Navy, he's just waiting to go to bootcamp. Funny to think they used to play in their camo gear as children and now they will be wearing it for their careers.

Got several pictures on my phone camera, but until the ceremony was over, none of our son in particular as we weren't sure where in the group of young men he was!

Something for Nothing?

2010-12-08T14:15:00.000-08:00

I am sitting here wondering why working for something is called "Volunteering" these days? I always thought volunteering was just that, volunteering. You, doing something for no reason than to help either someone, something or an organization out, just for the kindness of doing it and maybe to make yourself feel good in the process knowing you are doing what you can to make a positive difference in the world.

These days that doesn't seem to be enough any more. Volunteering, in my opinion for many has come to be understood as something different. Oh yes, they call it volunteering but is it? Let's take the recent "Give a day, get a Day" campaign by Disney. You "volunteer" but instead of just feeling good or being happy you made a difference to someone, somewhere you get "rewarded with a ticket to Disney. Isn't that just working for a ticket rather than volunteering?

Another example I heard of recently is a program in which you "volunteer" a certain amount of hours and in return, once again instead of just the satisfaction of "doing good" you get rewarded with a desk top computer, printer accessories and all! Volunteering? I wouldn't call it that. I call it working in exchange for a computer.

Is there anything "wrong" per say with the above scenarios? Not really, as long as both parties know what they are getting in return out of each other and are satisfied. But lets not call it volunteering. Let's call it what it really is which is working for goods, or bartering work for goods.

Here is the definition of volunteer as found via the online Dictionary:
–noun

a person who voluntarily offers himself or herself for a service or undertaking.

2. a person who performs a service willingly and without pay

The above scenarios do NOT fit that definition: willing and without pay, now do they?

I am not against situations as described above, but I am against calling it volunteering, because it's not. These situations are fine in that they enable some people to get luxury type items they may not otherwise be able to afford and in return a business or organization gets some much needed help. The satisfaction and feeling is going to be different though. You will be satisfied you got your Disney ticket or a computer, but you wont have that same feel good feeling inside that you did something just to do it, because it's the right thing to do, or was for an organization you feel strongly about, you will just feel good because you obtained a material possession. It is a whole different kind of feeling and not quite as rewarding.

If you are an organization that offers goods in exchange for work or a person looking to perform a service in exchange for work, great, but please, call it what it is, which is NOT volunteering.

A Soldiers Silent Night

2010-12-07T17:58:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday

2010-11-28T20:45:00.000-08:00

Today was Austin's 4th birthday! It hardly seems possible that he could be four!

His dad made him a Blue's Clues cake to celebrate. Well, we bought a plain cake at Costco, and dad decorated. He did this free hand! Impressive if I may say so!

We took the cake to church so our friends and church family could share in his special day. After we came home and opened his gifts and had his favorite dinner; home made mac & cheese!

It was a good day, and the birthday boy is now tucked in bed cuddled with his favorite gift, another tiger to add to his collection, given to him by a special friend of his!

Start Them Young!

2010-11-26T16:31:00.000-08:00

Recently my 11 year old has become very interested in Beachbody. Particularly the Insanity program and Shaun T. He has been getting up at the crack of dawn with me and trying to keep up with the workouts.

Actually he started a few weeks earlier with my One on One workouts, but he has really gotten into the Insanity Program.

I must say Beachbody's advertising is pretty darn good, as he informed me this morning he wanted "that green drink they show at the end of the workouts" (IE Shakeology).

He also gets online at least once a day a scans all the workout programs for what he wants to do next.

I love it! I have been waiting for someone to jump on board with me. I thought it would be my husband or one of the older boys, but it is the 11 year old, AND the three year old.

Yes, the three year old is in love with Tony Horton and imitates him often.

We have hard floors and use yoga mats for our workouts. The minute he sees those mats come out he starts trying to give us instructions on what to do next.

A couple of weeks ago we went to visit my brother(who went home with P90X last night by the way!) and he too has hard floors, but had a rectangular area rug on the ground. Immediately he starts trying to lead us all in a workout. It took me a moment or two to realize that he thought the rug was one big yoga mat! My brother got a huge laugh over the whole thing.

So, what is the moral to all of this? START THEM YOUNG!! If you start them young and make them think exercise and good nutrition is fun and even a "treat"(working out with mom or dad is special and if they do it ,they can have the "special treats" like protein bars and shakeology) then hopefully it will become lifelong habits.

My older boys just seem to have no real interest. They get curious but lack the commitment to follow through. The younger ones though for some reason are just naturally curious and willing. Just like with anything. Think about when you have toddlers and they are only too anxious to "help" you sweep the floor or dust the furniture. If you take the extra time to allow them the "pleasure" even though in reality it creates more work for you in the long run, it will just become a natural habit to help out in the household. Now think about your teens who perhaps you didn't encourage to "help" when they were littles. Do they help now? It's the same with exercise and eating well.

I too am guilty of not allowing my older children to help when they were little, or encourage in a healthy lifestyle. It doesn't mean they can't be encouraged to change as they get older, it just takes more work and effort on our part as parents.

So, while sometimes the little ones get in my way when I am working out, or I don't really like to share my expensive nutrition supplements, I know that I am creating lifelong healthy choices and making my work later in life much easier for me AND them!

Going INSANE!!

2010-11-22T08:39:00.000-08:00

It was bound to happen sooner or later. I knew it would, it was only a matter of time, yet I avoided it like the plague for some reason. I finally caved in and just went with it and now have gone fully insane, with Insanity:
After doing three rounds of P90X, then spending the last several months doing some of those workouts combined with the One on One workouts, I decided it was time for a change. I had gotten great results with P90X, but was still holding on to a bit of belly flab and a little extra here and there. I also have developed some nice muscles, but need more definition.

I researched several Beachbody and other programs for months, and decided this was the one for me!

Last week I took my "fit test" and Saturday tried the bonus "Fast and Furious" workout that came with the set. This morning I did my first "official" workout and even after 3 rounds of P90X, I have to admit, it kicked my butt, BIG TIME!! I could hardly breathe when I was done, and I was soaking wet. But, I have to also admit, it was FUN!!

I will post some before pics soon, then 30 day and 60 day photos so you can follow my progress if interested. Right now my computer isn't reading my card, so I need to find a cord, then I will get pics uploaded.

I am hoping to avoid that holiday weight gain that seems to come every year. What steps are you taking? By the time New Years rolls around, I wont need to make any health or fitness resolutions, as I will already be fit(at least that's the plan, LOL :) ) and moved on to my next program!

Happy Birthday U.S.M.C. !

2010-11-10T15:36:00.000-08:00

Today is easy to find something to be "thankful" for, continuing on with my 25 Days of Thankfulness I am working on along with my children.

Today is the 235th birthday of the United States Marine Corps!

I am SO thankful to all of those who have served and who are currently serving and protect us and our freedoms!

I LOVED the video below I found earlier on Facebook. As a mother with a son in the Navy who is serving with the Marines as a Hospital Corpsman I feel a certain loyalty and pride towards both branches. Of course I am thankful to all who serve or have served in ANY of the branches in our military but today is devoted to those brave Marines!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY U.S.M.C!!!

Bye-Bye Bailey

2010-11-09T13:58:00.000-08:00

About this time last year, we lost our beloved dog, Sequoia. Some neighbor dogs that had been running loose with a pack of wild, feral dogs got into our yard and attacked him, and killed him. We were so heartbroken as we had this pet for several years, and he was very loyal and very protective.

Not to replace Sequoia, but to help ease the hurt we went and got Bailey, an older puppy. This dog was nothing but love. All he wanted was to love and be loved. We were hoping for another good watch dog. A watch dog he was not! As soon as anyone would pull into the drive way he'd run up barking, then when they'd open their car door, he'd jump in their lap and lick them to death!! He was just a sweetie. He was just as loving and affectionate towards other animals.

He really decided Austin, our youngest was his pet human. When we'd let Austin out to play, he wouldn't leave Austin's side. Wherever Austin went, Bailey was sure to follow. When we'd get home from somewhere and open the van door, he'd jump up and kiss Austin!

A little over a week ago Bailey went missing. This was very unusual for him. Our yard is totally fenced, but this dog could clear anything up to six feet, EASILY!! He would often jump out to chase our car down the road when we'd leave, but two driveways down, he'd turn around and go home. Other than that he rarely if ever left the property.

In the wee hours of the morning he went missing, I had heard what sounded like a nasty dog fight a property or two over, but didn't give it much thought as I was sure Bailey was here, safe at home. Well, ever since he went missing, I've had that fight in the back of my mind.

This morning came the dreaded call. Someone found Bailey, dead. He was just the other side of our fence, the bottom of our property. We're not sure what happened, he appears to have been dead only days, and he's been missing over a week. Best we can guess is that was indeed him we heard in the fight, and he was badly injured and struggled to get home and just didn't quite make it.

While we are heartbroken, believe it or not I do actually have a couple of things to be thankful for in this. One, I am SO thankful for the person who took the time to call(we had signs up all over town) and let us know. Even though we are now hurting, it is a sense of relief to know what happened, than to always wonder. Also, during this whole time we had several people call thinking they saw him or even had them. While none of them were him, again I am thankful for people who care enough to look for signs and scan the Internet for lost notices and call people and try to reunite missing pets with their owners.

One lady that called, even called back to let me know the dog she had that turned out not to be Bailey had been reunited with his owner. He was a special dog for a special lady. He was a companion pet to a disabled lady! I am thankful they are back together.

I hope you too, take the time to stop and look at those "LOST" signs and then keep your eyes open or if you find a lost pet, take the time to search out the owner. I know it's easier to call the pound or just ignore it, but you have no idea how much the owner and pet would be grateful for the few extra minutes of your time. You never know if you will be reuniting a special companion animal or just giving a worried family a sense of peace and resolution.

Attitude of Gratitude

2010-11-07T13:33:00.000-08:00

With Thanksgiving approaching we started a 25 Days of Thanksgiving Lapbook that we purchased from Currclick.com Each day the kids write something they are thankful for, and copy a Psalms on thankfulness.

One of my children almost daily seems thankful for food, while the other is thankful for everything from his family to MRE's. It is fun to see what they will write each day as it gives me some insight into where their hearts are and it helps them to find things to be thankful for and take the time to acknowledge how much they do have and how blessed they really are.

I was amused when one of them asked how the people of the Bible knew we would have a Thanksgiving holiday when they wrote the Psalms! I of course explained the Psalms were not written with the holiday specifically in mind.

I think writing out and acknowledging what we have to be thankful for can be a great exercise for us adults as well as our children. Perhaps I too, shall start this. Let's see, today I am thankful for my family and having my son close to home.... for now.

What about you? What are you thankful for?

Haiti, Hurricanes, and the Navy

2010-11-06T19:35:00.000-07:00

I've been prayerfully trying to keep up to date with Hurricane Tomas and the effects it will have on Haiti. This poor country has already endured so much and I can't help but wonder how much more they CAN endure.

Two of my Compassion Sponsored children are in Haiti and both have suffered losses in the quake, with one still remaining homeless with her family. How is she suppose to protect herself from the hurricane while living in a tent? Even once the hurricane passes, there is still landslides and other things to worry about.

I've been trying to keep up with what's going on with updates on my Facebook page from Food for the Poor and Compassion, both places that do lots of work in Haiti. Imagine my great surprise tonite to see this update from the Navy:

U.S. Navy PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Nov. 6, 2010) Capt. Thomas Negus, right, commodore of Continuing Promise 2010, is briefed by UN officials on initial damage assessments after Hurricane Tomas impacted Haiti. Negus is commanding the humanitarian mission aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), which was diverted fr...om a scheduled Continuing Promise port visit in Suriname to assist Haiti. Air assets aboard Iwo Jima conducted aerial damage assessments as part of U.S. support to the government of Haiti in the aftermath of Tomas. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Jacqui Barker/Released) (CM)

This is such good news to me, and makes me that much more proud of my son and his choice to serve in the Navy. No, he's not on this ship, he is on a base here in CA for now, but still as a mother with a son serving and with children I care about dearly in Haiti, this just warms my heart.

GO NAVY!!!!

It Worked!!

2010-11-06T19:01:00.000-07:00

The last time I posted, it was about a reoccurring dream I keep having about flying to Haiti, going to sleep in Haiti, yet waking up in Africa. I assumed maybe it was a hint to write the girls I sponsor in each country. I did write them all, and indeed the dreams have stopped.

Not only that, but I've been blessed twice this week with letters and photos from some of the girls. First yesterday, I got updated, new photos of Ismaline. She is the youngest and most recent of the girls we sponsored. I SO want to share them here, but my scanner is not working. I will figure something out soon. She is such a beautiful child!

Then today I got yet another letter from Betty. She is the first child we chose to sponsor two and a half years ago. She had been concerned about a drought in her country(Uganda) last I had heard from her, and this time she was so positive and hopeful and thankful. She still had plenty to eat and drink this year even though they were dealing with a terrible drought. For the first time she is doing really well with school and things just generally seem to be going well for her. It is such good news!

I can't say enough times(cause I know I say it a lot here!) but I am the one truly blessed by sponsoring these girls. I am sure our sponsorship helps them and betters their lives just a bit, but I am the one blessed to get to be a part of that and to know them and learn from their hope and faith-fullness. It has opened my eyes to the needs of those in faraway places we may not often otherwise think of. It has improved our school studies as my children are now aware of places they may not otherwise be. They learn so much, and their geography skills are quite impressive. It has opened their hearts to the needs of others, not only in faraway places like Africa but even in their own neighborhood. It has helped them(and me) to be more compassionate overall.

It certainly has taught us to be thankful for what we do have even when there are times we may feel like we are struggling. It has encouraged us to live more simply so that we have more to share with those who have even less than we do.

With the holiday season upon us all, I can't help but think what a wonderful gift the gift of COMPASSION could be. Maybe if each family member agreed to one less gift each under the tree this year that money could be used to sponsor a child? Talk about a gift that keeps on giving!

I Fall Asleep in Haiti and Wake up in Africa!!

2010-10-31T17:27:00.000-07:00

How's that for a catchy title? Well, that's what seems to happen to me each and every night for the past month or so. Well, kind of....

As most know, I have children I sponsor in both Haiti and Africa. My biggest hearts desire for some time now has been to go to Haiti. Even before I had sponsored children there, I have felt a tug at my heart for Haiti. Now, since the earthquake that has only gotten stronger. I had planned on going next year with Compassion, but the trip for now has been canceled. So, with that heavy on my mind, and my sponsored child in Uganda writing me often lately and hearing of her fears of the drought they are suffering, I guess they have all been on my mind causing this odd dream.

I decided maybe to take it has a hint to write as well. I normally write all three girls often, but have been not quite as faithful lately. Maybe now that I have, this dream will stop. I sure hope some day soon, I get to go to sleep in Haiti, but I hope I wake up there too!! Then someday also get to go to Uganda to meet Betty.

I thought I would use this hint as an opportunity to update on the girls here as well, as I have had several people inquire how they are doing, especially those in Haiti since the earthquake.

Sarafina, the older of the two girls in Haiti, had the hardest time following the quake. Her home was destroyed. She sounded so discouraged the first time I heard from her after the quake. So frightened too, as she and her family were sleeping outside at night. The most recent letter she sounds much better and things have improved for her but only slightly. I am just amazed at how positive and thankful she can be for the small things, like a food package, or that Compassion has a place for them to go during the day. While many of us, myself included would most likely focus on what we lost or don't have, she chooses to focus on the good things, no matter how little they seem.

I have not heard from Ismaline since the first letter after the quake. She and her family seem to have fared much better than Sarafina's though lets face it, her situation is still far from perfect.

Betty who lives in Uganda and normally doesn't ask for much in regards to prayer or seem to worry much is very concerned about the drought in her area. It must be a big problem as another sponsor I know from church has a child in Betty's area and has heard the same concerns.

It makes me so sad and angry that little children suffer like this and have to have these kinds of worries at such a young age. Their biggest worry should be getting a passing grade in school or what dress to wear, not if there will be enough food to eat due to the drought or where they will sleep at night due to their home being destroyed in a disaster.

I makes me feel selfish and spoiled that I can make mountains out of mole hills of my own little teeny tiny problems, when in reality I don't really have any. I have food to eat each night with no fear of running out, a safe roof over my head with a place to lay down my head at night, I have clothes, a family that loves me and a God who cares. What more do I need?

As Wes Stafford's quote says "The opposite of poverty is enough."

Signing Time!

2010-10-25T15:12:00.000-07:00

Our youngest, Austin, is turning four next month and still not really talking. He can repeat words he hears, but doesn't really seem to know how or even seem interested in two way communication. I haven't been overly concerned, as I really believe he will start talking and conversing when he is good and ready. The pediatrician though seemed more concerned and referred us to a speech and language specialist.

I can't say I was particularly impressed with her or her assessment. Austin, as usual wasn't very cooperative and wouldn't respond to her questions, so she asked me to answer how I "thought" he would. How she can come up with any sort of realistic diagnoses off of what I "thought" he would answer, I don't know, but she said he has both receptive and expressive language delays.

I wont argue, he does have delays. As far as the seriousness and treatment and prognosis, I can't say I agree with it all, but she did make a suggestion of teaching him sign language as a way to communicate. I have always loved sign language and at one time many, many years ago was actually quite proficient at it! I seem to have forgotten a lot of it, but it is slowly coming back.

At first I kind of blew the idea off, still believing he'll converse when he's ready in his own time. But out of sheer frustration I finally broke down and bought a "Signing Time" DVD. I have to say I am impressed, and think this was probably the best thing we could have done!

Not only is he trying to sign, but he is actually SAYING the words too! I am guessing it is the repetition combined with the "seeing" the picture words, and "hearing" the words and the "doing" of signing them, but he is both saying and signing many words now! He hasn't really moved beyond using them during the video yet, but I am hoping that is soon to follow. Meanwhile, with all the catchy songs and the repetition, the rest of us are picking up on it fairly quick as well so we can use it with him.

I have heard from several parents with children who have responded positively to these videos as well. Some have special needs and are non-verbal for whatever reason and have either learned to sign or like Austin, both speak and sign as a result of these videos. Several parents of just young yet non-speaking babies and toddlers have found teaching their babies sign language has really helped develop their language skills, plus reduced frustration as even though they can't yet speak they can still communicate and let their needs be known.

I HIGHLY recommend these videos for anybody with either children who are having difficulty in the language department or just too young to yet speak and communicate effectively. They are also great for younger children who may be interested in signing. Due to the silly songs and over all nature of the videos they are best for younger children, maybe up to eight years of age, though my eleven year old enjoys them immensely. My almost fourteen year old on the other hand, isn't the least bit interested, they are definitely geared for the younger set.

If you do have older children interested in signing, I highly recommend THIS site. It shows and teaches most of the ASL signs and even offers a free full course in ASL. There are great picture demonstrations as well as video demonstrations for all of the signs. I used this several years ago for my oldest son, for part of his homeschooling program.

Sign Language can be fun to learn, and in the case of non-verbal children, open up the doors to communication. Like many languages, you just never know when it will come in handy somewhere in your life either!

Life Isn't Fair, Get Over It!!

2010-10-11T09:02:00.000-07:00

The past couple of days I have heard, seen, and read a lot of whining about things not being "fair." Surprisingly, this wasn't from children, but in all cases adults!

On a homeschool board I lurk at one mother was complaining because she had one child in public school and one homeschooled, and she felt it wasn't "fair" for the public school child to miss out on field trips and other fun activities that the homeschooled child may get to participate in.

At a recent gathering I recently attended, I overheard a mother complaining it wasn't "fair" that one daughter got invited to a friends for a sleepover and not her other daughter. She was bragging that she actually told the parent inviting the child that she wasn't to ever ask again for one child to sleep over without asking the other!!

I have three boys left at home ages (almost) 4, 11, and (almost)14. There are plenty of times things aren't' "fair" around here. One gets invited to a party or outing but not the others. Do I demand the inviting family invite ALL of my kids? I think not!! What does that teach them?

They need to learn young, that not everything in life is always fair. In most cases it rarely is. The exception to this may be the public school class room where everyone is a winner and everyone gets to be student of the month at least once, and everyone passes the grade regardless of their ability to actually do the next grade level of work.

At work as an adult, someone undeserving may get a raise, while some one deserving gets passed up. Fair? No, but that's life. Better to learn to deal with it at a young age then to grow up expecting and having always had everything be fair thanks to mom.

Recently my oldest son in the military, had to do extra push ups for being late to muster. Meanwhile 2 other Sailors were even later and didn't have to do the push ups. My son was quite angry because it wasn't "fair." I told him the same thing I am telling everyone here "Life isn't fair, get over it!!"

I think the schools, sports organizations and even parents are doing a great disservice to today's young children by making sure every body's always a winner. These kids grow up believing this then have serious issues when they learn that's not the way real life works.

As parents, we are to teach and train our children these valuable life lessons. As painful as it may be to watch a younger child's tears over not being invited along with big brother or sis to a sleep over or other outing, the tears are only temporary and the valuable life lessons being taught will take them well into their adult years!

It's Not All Bad...

2010-10-08T06:06:00.000-07:00

Many parents these days avoid most forms of media for their children because of the negative influences. I agree that these days, this could be a wise choice. I know myself, I recently watched a movie just because it was on and it probably was a movie that was best left unwatched. Two weeks later I still have yucky images stuck in my mind as a result. This particular incident made me really realize how important it is to be very careful when selecting movies, especially for our children.

So many movies and TV shows have little of anything positive or redeeming about them. Most glorify intimacy outside of marriage, depict disrespectful children talking horribly to their parents, and fathers either absent or as some sort of goofy idiot. Not to mention horrible violence, foul language and dabbling in the occult.

Yes, all of this and more make it seem like a wise choice to avoid the media all together. But like most things in life, the media too can be redeemed for the good! I think the reason many of us are leery on what our children watch is because eventually the actions and behaviors on these shows, start to creep up in our own children. To some that may sound far fetched, but it's really not. I just witnessed last night first hand how easily this can happen, but in this case it was for the good!

I rented a movie on Netflix that was recommended based on previous rentals. I had never heard of it before, but was looking for a family film to enjoy with the kids this weekend as I had also ordered a heavy, not as enjoyable movie, for school purposes(Amistad)

We decided to watch the recommended film last night. At first I kind of cringed and thought the kids would find it too preachy as it was clearly a Christian film and like most Christian films, the message wasn't settle and the acting was horrible. Don't get me wrong, being a Christian myself I am thankful for Christian films to show my family, but sadly, often enough, the acting is substandard, the plots are predictable and they can get too preachy. The thing is, often they're preaching to the choir, and most non-Christians are not going to run out and rent or buy these movies.

The kids as expected started to complain that is was boring or stupid. Then something happened. They started really getting into it! I know one of them even cried in a highly emotional scene. By the time we were half way through, if one had to get up for some reason they insisted I pause it.

What impressed me was that about 3/4's of the way through, one asked me if we could start having a Bible study here at home for children! Both boys seemed to take to heart the lessons in this film. These are boys that are used to watching more worldly films with very little limits on their selections and yet they were enjoying this sappy film and most importantly taking the life changing lessons to heart.

This also got me thinking about not only my own children, but how we treat the youth and youth programs in our churches. Many use worldly gimmicks to attract and keep kids in their programs. Rock bands, overnight video game parties, etc..most youth groups are little more than entertainment, and the worlds entertainment at that. It is as if leaders don't think Gods word alone is enough to attract and keep youth. In this film, the man giving Bible studies did from time to time utilize games and object lessons to teach a truth, but they were totally wholesome and non-worldly. Of course in the film, it showed the kids responding positively. But MY kids responded positively! They want and long for something similar and are willing to try and provide that for their community themselves!

I will post more on that topic another time(youth groups) I mostly wanted to share how while we do need to be careful what we let our children(and ourselves) watch, I don't think we have to avoid all media all together. It can be used for the good. I think my kids learned more and were more inspired by this simple, preachy and poorly acted film then they have ever been in any Sunday school class or youth event.

If you're curious, this movie was The Secrets if Jonathan Sperry. It is available at Netflix.

The Day Captain Hook Took His Sword!

2010-09-21T11:42:00.001-07:00

When my oldest son was about 4-5 years old he was OBSESSED with Captain Hook. We had the movie "Hook" and he watched it several times a day, every day. As he watched he re-enacted each and every scene. Finally, we bought him a full, complete Captain Hook costume. It was the fancy one that you could only get at the Disney Store. He wore that, his plastic hook and carried his sword EVERYWHERE he went. Perhaps, OBSESSED is too mild a word to describe his fascination with this character.

We tried to explain that Hook was the "bad guy" and Pan was the "hero", but he wouldn't hear any of it. Hook was just totally cool and nothing we could say would convince him otherwise.

This was just all so cute, we decided a trip to Disneyland was in order so he can "meet" his hero in real life. I don't believe he wore his costume that day, but he did wear his hook, and brought his sword. Early in the day, there he came walking up Disney Blvd. Captain Hook himself!! We were all so excited for my son, cameras ready to capture this "Disney Moment."

My dear son could hardly contain himself as his hero came walking up to him. This was going to be the magic moment, a day none of us would ever forget! And we certainly haven't cause here I am writing about it some 15 years later! It just wasn't quite the moment any of us anticipated.

My son runs up to Hook, full of expectation, and what happens? Hook takes his sword! This person in costume did his job well of playing Hook as a bad guy alright. Instantly my son is in tears, this Hook guy is SCARY!! Rather than the happy, cute moment we all thought it would be it ended up being quite humorous to us, and rather disappointing to my son. He was just crushed. Here is his hero, who I am sure he thought he was going to run off to some floating ship in the sky with and he was a big bully!! Poor kid....

So why am I telling this story some 15 years later? To embarrass my poor son to death? Well, sort of, but not really. This story just came back to my mind last week when we took this same son to check in at the Marine Base where he will be receiving his Field Medic Training.

See, my son really wanted to join the Marines when he first started thinking Military. Why didn't he? Well, the job he thought he wanted at the time(Police) was not available until age 19 and he wanted to join right then at 17. So, he went and talked to the Navy recruiter. Of course he wasn't going to join until 18, but we wanted to start the process at 17 so he was ready at 18 as we were aware of the long waiting lists to get in.

He of course went hoping to get in as a MA(Master at Arms AKA military police) Through the whole enlistment process, four trips to MEPS waiting for the job to open up, his thought process the whole time was that he was going MA. Finally after many, many long months jobs opened up and we were back at MEPS. Our son went into the career counselors office alone, but we were sure he was selecting MA as we heard that job was open. We were a bit surprised that he came out signed up as a..............HM(Hospital Corpsman) Now, I honestly don't know if that is just truly what he wanted, or if once he found out that was possibly his ticket to serve with the Marines if he selected it, but either way, he is now a Hospital Corpsman!

All through DEP, Bootcamp and Hospital Corps School, it has been his deepest desire to serve with the Marines. He really wanted to go FMF. There were no orders for FMF, but he is going to serve with a Marine Air Wing starting December. For now he is here nearby waiting for his training to start. Until it does start he is on what they call PSI duty which depending on whether he is assigned to a clinic or 1st Division Marines he could be doing anything from digging ditches to giving injections.

With that same anticipation of meeting his hero at age four, he drove onto that base ready to work with, serve and serve with his heroes(big difference, these ARE the good guys, vs. Hook being the villain) but it was that same almost child like anticipation and excitement.

It did at first though turn out a bit like his meeting with Hook. I don't know if it was just being the new guy on base, or being one of only a small handful of guys in a Sailor Suit on a HUGE Marine base or what, but his words were, "Man, those Marines are mean and BIG." "And they yell, ALOT, but it sounds more like barking." "I hope they don't eat me for breakfast" "They eat Happy Meals with K-Bar knives!"

I am sure it is more just the difference in branches of the military more than anything else, and a bit of fear factor and nerves on his end, but it just brought back the memory of the whole Hook incident.

I reassured them that the whole reason he is there is for them to train him to be one of them and in no time at all he will feel at home there too. I am fairly sure all must be well, as I have heard no further complaints from him at all other than he is bored and can't wait for training to start next month.

Dad and I and other family all got a good laugh out of it all, as we have several family and friends who are Marines and know they are great guys and are excited for and proud of our son for choosing this path. We know it's just all par for the course and in only a short matter of time he will be one of those big and intimidating guys himself!

So now we just anxiously await for him to class up, and finish up so we can proudly attend his graduation.

MIA

2010-09-16T08:34:00.000-07:00

I've been MIA this past couple of weeks, it's been a whirlwind of emotions, activity, excitement and more since my son got off the plane from Great Lakes to enjoy his leave before reporting to Camp Pendleton tomorrow morning!

As I mentioned before, when he arrived he was very ill. Being a man and all he refused to go to the doctor even though Dad and I were sure he needed medical treatment.

I hate to say "I told you so" but, I did!! The kid had "severe" Pneumonia!! Luckily he was able to come home and ordered on bed rest and given some strong antibiotics. He took the meds, but ignored the bed rest orders.

Good news, he's fine now. He's had his own share of ups and downs and heartbreaks and joys in this short amount of time. We had his party, but silly me, I forgot to get the promised photos!

BUT.....he did get a new flashy ride and we got pictures of that:

Quite a few friends and family have asked if he is still happy with his decision to enlist. When asked, his answer is over all a yes as while many of his friends his age are working dead end jobs or still trying to figure out what they want to do with their lives he already has a HUGE head start on a good career, a nice car, money in his pocket, some in the bank and always knows he will have a roof over his head and food in his belly.

Sometimes he does admit to feeling sad though that he has to be far away and not able to have the same regular day to day activities and involvement with his friends that they all enjoy. Like anything in life though, there is always a trade off. He's not so sure he will stay in until retirement anymore, but he will at least finish up his five years proudly and keeping his mind open about the possibilities beyond that.

Welcome Home!

2010-09-02T18:25:00.000-07:00

He's finally here! After waiting for what seemed like forever, we finally picked up our Sailor Son from the airport. That's the good news. The bad news is he came home with a 104 degree fever and hacking cough. We are praying for a speedy recovery as he only has 14 days with us, and we'd like him to enjoy all of them. Right now he is passed out cold on some cough medication and fever reducers we picked up on the way home.

My Guitar Heroes

2010-09-02T10:42:00.000-07:00

My 11 and 13 year old just started guitar lessons a few weeks ago.

Neither of them are doing too bad for only having four or so lessons if you ask me! They are enjoying the lessons and practice all the time. We are so blessed that we found a great teacher who works well with them both!

Plane Ticket in Hand!!

2010-08-31T14:35:00.000-07:00

Finally, we got the call we've been waiting for...my son will be coming home on Thursday! For sure this time as he has a plane ticket in his hand as I type this. We can hardly wait, we are all SO excited to see him.

Now, I have to try and plan this party thing all over again!!

Photos to come!

My Favorite Things(Fitness Edition)

2010-08-29T10:38:00.000-07:00

I had planned on getting to this the other day, but we have had a series of mini crisis's which I will share about at another time. I am so excited to share some of my fitness favorites, as fitness is one of my very favorite things!

I recall at one time, on here even I think, saying I HATED exercising at home in front of the TV with a video. I'd rather be in a martial arts class, hiking or doing something else active to stay fit. While that may still be my preference, I have discovered that thanks to P90X, working out at home with a DVD isn't such a bad thing after all! I actually like it! I can workout when I want, when I feel like it and am not stuck to any one else's schedule.

So, P90X would have to be my very favorite fitness find! Probably not a huge surprise to those of you that read here fairly often!

Beachbody which makes P90x is at the top of my list of favorites. They make all sorts of wonderful products. There really is something there for everybody whether you're a beginner exerciser or advanced, or somewhere in between. Unlike many fitness products that are either geared more towards men or usually women, Beachbody makes products for both! The support via the message boards and other resources make it a nice place to hang out and learn more about health and fitness. They offer 30 day free trial memberships and low cost regular memberships.

Almost tied for first with P90x, another of my very favorite fitness resources is Bodybuilding.com There is SO much information and so many resources there that if you are interested in fitness you will spend hours there! Don't let the name fool you, while it is indeed a bodybuilding site per say, and there are lots of bodybuilders there, it is also an awesome resource for anyone interested in getting into great shape and improving your health. There are message boards, tons of informative articles on everything from exercises, nutrition, supplements and more! I find the "transformation" stories to be truly inspiring. There are many women's stories of those who gained lots of weight after children and never have been very active, who didn't begin exercising until their 30's, 40's and later who now look better than most 20 year olds!

Bodybuilding.com also has a great store to buy supplements at incredibly low prices, FAST shipping and they almost always throw in a little surprise in even small orders. I have been gifted with items such as razors, trial sized deodorants, vitamins, sample protein bars, powders and more! If you order $ 75 or more you get to choose from several nice free gifts!

Speaking of supplements, I will share some of my favorites that I regularly take. I always order from Bodybuilding.com.

A word about supplements though: There is no magic formula or pill for weight loss or big muscles or any other fitness goal. It really all boils down to eating right and exercising regularly. If you are doing those, you really don't need more than a good multi-vitamin and perhaps a protein powder. Other supplements can aid you in your goals if you are working hard, but it is only 5-10% of the whole picture, the rest is really hard work! You can't expect to get a shiny bottle of "fat burners" take them and go sit on the couch eating chips and think you're going to lose weight. Same goes for "muscle builders", still gotta lift those weights to build muscle!

For me because I am trying to build muscle and also eat very little meat or eggs I do rely on a good protein powder supplement. I have tried several brands from name brand to ones you can get at Walmart and they all have caused me a very bad upset stomach! I have found one and only one that works for me. Optimum Nutrition's Whey Protein:

They have all sorts of flavors and all mix well and they taste pretty good too! Gone are the days of those thick, chalky shakes you have to plug your nose to down! Many mix well and taste great mixed with just water which is a plus for those of you who like me don't care for dairy. My favorites are the Orange Cream and Tropical Fruit Punch. I like to get Chocolate and mix it in a blender with ice, a banana and a tablespoon of peanut butter for a filling treat! Same goes with the vanilla, you can mix with a variety of frozen fruits for a nice filling smoothie! Very versatile stuff!!

A good multi vitamin is important, and I like to take a joint supplement as my over 40 year old knees just aren't as limber as they once were. Universal Labs makes a great stack that includes both! Again, I've tried a variety of each, and these work the best for me. The multi is great because it includes SO much; Amino's, Digestive Enzymes, a Performance Complex all on top of your vitamins, minerals and antioxidants! They are like taking horse pills and a LOT of them at that, but I swear by these!

I have been trying to give up my Monster Energy Drinks for years and don't drink coffee, so I've been looking for a better way to get my caffeine. I also like to take a recovery formula because even after over a year and a half of working out at this level, I still suffer from muscle soreness. I recently found a product that seems to take care of all the above:

Optimum Nutrition's Amino Energy. This stuff tastes good! Much better than other similar products I have tried, and mixes much better as well. It tastes much like Kool-Aid, which isn't a favorite of mine, but for a product like this, it works! It has caffeine, which gives me the energy boost I desire, plus it has amino's in it. I take it pre and post workout and once in the afternoon as a pick me up. Since starting this, I have suffered very little if any muscle soreness and have just about given up the Monster drinks entirely. A bit pricey considering a bottle only lasts me 5-6 days, but it is about the same as my Monster habit was running me and I think better choice.

Before finding P90x and Bodybuilding.com I had tried several DVD programs and liked many but just couldn't quite find what I was looking for. I find most instructors a bit annoying, especially female ones. I also find many programs geared towards us females to be too dancy and choreographed for my tastes and ability. I like bootcamp style workouts or just good old fashioned push ups, weights, etc...the closet I found that I think would appeal to most woman looking for more than just your traditional cardio/aerobics type program are the videos put out by Jillian Micheal's.

The 30 Day Shred seems to be among her most popular, but probably my least favorite. It is a good starting point though for someone wanting to up their level of fitness. I liked to combine the Boost Metabolism and and No More Trouble Zones on alternating days. Just recently I tried her brand new Yoga Meltdown, which I will write a full review on at a later time, but this is another winner! Not quite Yoga in the sense that I am used to, more of a workout with Yoga inspired moves. It is a good, short workout and I think most would see results with this. I am glad to see her putting out more DVDs and giving us more variety. I like her style of workouts and don't find myself getting annoyed with her like I do most female instructors. I would recommend Jillian's videos to those wanting to get into great shape but not up to the challenge of something like P90x just yet.

Not quite as high on my list, but worth a mention is Tae Bo. Kind of an oldie but a goodie, although he does continue to put out new products. I have reviewed several of the individual titles here in the past, a search will bring up many. This is another good starting point for someone wanting perhaps more of a cardio workout. What appeals to me is Billy Blanks personality is one I can cope with and also the moves are pretty basic, no fancy footwork. There are many similar programs out there that look like even more fun, but the fancy footwork keeps me from enjoying them. I just am not all that coordinated!

Still at the top of my list is Yoga. It is one of my favorite overall workouts and I still practice on average three days per week. I have written several posts in the past stating both my position on Yoga as a Christian and some of my favorites, so I wont repeat it all here again. If you click on "Yoga" in the sidebar you can read many of my posts on the topic.

I have so many other resources I use, mostly websites and blogs and I do hope to get around to adding links to all of these in my sidebar in the very near future.

What do YOU do to stay in shape? I especially love hearing what other homeschooling moms are doing!

My Favorite Things(Homeschool Edition)

2010-08-25T16:02:00.000-07:00

Lately I've been thinking about a lot of my favorite resources for not only homeschooling, but parenting, military, fitness, etc..I thought it would be fun to share some of them, so I am going to do a series of posts of my favorite things, starting today with a favorite topic of mine; HOMESCHOOLING!!

There are so many curriculum options out there and most of them worth using. Our choices often change year to year, child to child depending on their needs and our finances. I could write for days on my favorites as I have so many. So, today I am not even going to touch on the topic of curriculum itself, just share some of my favorite homeschooling related resources.

The very top of my list would have to be Home School Legal Defense Association(HSLDA) we have been members since day one over fourteen years ago. I personally wouldn't want to educate at home without them. Over the years we have contacted them with concerns about first taking our children out of public school as I had two with IEPs. They have kept us informed on changes in filing our yearly affidavits and informed when homeschooling was declared "illegal" here in my state just a few years ago. They were very involved in assisting us in my sons military enlistment. Certainly worth the ten or so dollars a month!

After HSLDA the very next thing I consider a must have is the Well Planned Day planner. I LOVE this planner! I have tried many over the years and this is the first one I have bought two years in a row! You can check older posts for reviews I've given of this favorite of mine!

To supplement our curriculum or just for fun resources I LOVE CurrClick.com I usually purchase several items a month. There are so many great items to choose from. Excellent copy work pages, note book pages, actual down loadable curriculum item favorites such as Writing Strands and more. Lots of Bible enrichment resources, art resources and more. You'd be wise to check them out now as they are having a HUGE sale with several items up to 75% off!!

To help stay motivated and encouraged I love to listen to homeschool talks given by some of my favorite speakers. I get most of mine from Best Christian Conferences.com. Some of my favorite speakers are;
Kevin Swanson
Andrew Pudewa
The Boyers
David Hazell
The Youngs
With my very all time favorite being Voddie Baucham. My very favorite talk is by Mr. Baucham as well. If I could only keep one of my talks to listen to over and over it would be Harvard or Heaven. He totally says everything I think and feel so much more eloquently than I ever could and this message sums it all up better than any other I've heard.

Other than great talks and messages like those above, the best source of encouragement(besides the Word of God of course!) comes in the mail via one of my many favorite magazines each month. I subscribe to several and at different seasons of my life different ones have been my favorites. At this particular season with my children the ages they now are, and with where we are in our schooling adventure my two favorites are Homeschooling Today andHomeschool Enrichment. Other great ones I either have or currently subscribe to are;

Answers

The Old School House
Home Educating Family
Homeschool Digest
T.E.A.C.H
There are many more great ones out there to be sure, but these are the ones I regularly read.

Oh my gosh, even without discussing curriculum I could go on and on! I have so many favorite homeschool related blogs I love to read and homeschool related podcasts, and more. But dinner is calling and I have a little one who needs my attention. Perhaps I will add links to my sidebar as time allows of each of the resources I named here as well the ones I haven't mentioned yet.

Tomorrow, will be my favorite fitness resources!!

Better Than Nothing

2010-08-24T21:40:00.001-07:00

I was feeling a bit down tonite, as I expected to be tucking my oldest son in bed tonite, and instead he is on hold in Great Lakes for an unknown length of time. I was a bit surprised though when my husband walked in with the evenings mail. He handed me a package which we both thought was my much anticipated Jillian Michael's Yoga workout, and were surprised to see that it was our sons "KEEL."

The KEEL is kind of like a yearbook of his Boot camp adventures. We did find a couple of pictures of him besides the standard posed pic for their divisions. We even found one of him in his "BCG'S" at mail call.

It was nice to get a peek into his life and adventures while at Boot camp, though that seems a life time ago now that he officially graduated his A School this morning and has his orders for his first duty station. It feels like forever, but really it has only been a few months.

All of this anxiety over not seeing him for all these months even though we know he is safe and sound, I can't even begin to imagine the anxiety we will feel when he is in far away places that are not so safe.....For now I will enjoy the few pictures of him we have in the KEEL and be thankful that even though he isn't home tonite, he is safe and sound.

Guess I Just Need To Get Used To It Now...

2010-08-23T11:51:00.000-07:00

Well, once again we are victim of the Navy's famous "hurry up and wait" routine. My son got up this morning expecting to get issued his plane ticket home for a flight tomorrow and instead was informed he and his whole class are on "hold, until otherwise notified."

How long this will be or if his actual orders change we don't know. From speaking with other Navy moms and wives it seems this isn't uncommon. I can deal with change fairly well, but on such short notice is another story. We had already invited over 50 guests to a "Welcome Home" party Saturday. Even harder to deal with is the disappointment in his voice. We were all feeling okay about the fact we couldn't make it cross country to his graduation tomorrow, knowing he'd be on a plane coming home a few hours later, but now....

No one ever told me it was going to be so hard to be a Navy Mom......

Kids in the Kitchen

2010-08-21T19:18:00.001-07:00

My 13 year old has always had an interest in cooking, usually more in baking or cooking sweet treats. Recently he became quite interested in the Jamie at Home cooking show on the Cooking Channel and tunes in daily. More recently he discovered the show that follows; "Everyday Exotics."

Every day from 3:00pm-4:00pm, everything comes to a halt as he watches(and records) these shows. He is even more impressed with the presentation of the food as he is the actual recipes.

Tonite he cooked us a meal from Thursdays episode of "Everyday Exotics" and it was a hit!! First he made Trinidadian-Style Chicken:

I don't often eat chicken anymore, but the smell was so aromatic I couldn't resist. It was super good!

He also prepared Plantain Gratin:

I had never had a Plantain before and didn't know what to expect. They look so much like a banana and the thought of banana's with Shallots and Jalapenos just didn't appeal to me, but boy were they yummy!! I think this dish may be a new favorite around here. I plan on adding more plantains into our diet, yum!

Both of these recipes can be found on the Cooking Channels website HERE.

For dessert he really wanted to make a Rice Pudding recipe he had seen on the "Jamie at Home" show, but we didn't have the exact ingredients. After looking through several recipes for rice pudding on the site, we mixed ideas and made our own;

I am thinking he's got quite a career as a guitar playing chef, what do you think?

He's Coming Home! SOON!!

2010-08-21T19:13:00.000-07:00

I just got the phone call I've been waiting for today. My son will be coming home next week!! We are SO excited to see him. He will get about a week and a half leave before he checks in at Camp Pendelton, but even once there, he will be close to home!

We are planning(on very short notice) a barbecue get together for his coming home. It has been 6-7 months since anybody but me has seen him. I haven't seen him since May, though it seems much longer.

So, be checking back soon for LOTS of pictures!

"Public" Schools Competing?

2010-08-20T13:15:00.000-07:00

I just saw an ad on TV, that for some reason really struck me as odd. It was for the K12 "Public" school at home option. For those of you not familiar, K12 is an educational company that caters to both the public and private schooling sector.

Many states offer K12 as a "public school at home" option. They will provide all curriculum and learning materials free of charge as well as provide a certified teacher to oversee your school at home program. At first glance this may seem like an ideal situation for brand new homeschoolers afraid to venture out completely on their own or for those low on finances, not able to afford all they think they need for school. In some cases it may be a viable option, but it does come with strings attached and one should always go into something like this aware of all the pros and cons. A google search on "charter schools" or "charter school vs. private homeschooling" will bring up lots of resources for you to help make an informed decision.

K12 also offers an "Independent" program. From what I understand, it is all the same resources the public school option offers but for a price(rather steep at that!) but it is a truly "private" homeschooling option.

I am not here today to debate the charter vs. private issue. It just struck me as incredibly odd to see a "public" school advertised on TV. To be honest I am not sure how I feel about it. On one hand I just think it is weird. I mean, does your local public school advertise on the TV? Last I knew, basically you were assigned to a school based on your home address.

On the other hand, maybe this is just what the government school system needs, is competition. I personally, Lord willing, will always choose the private homeschool option, but for those who for reasons personal to their own family and situations "need" to be in the public/government school system, maybe competition will help improve the schools at least from an educational stand point.

Right now, with the way the system is set up, you basically go to the school you are assigned or petition for a request for a transfer, which seem harder than ever these days to get approved. Then you're on your own for transportation and such.

With more "charter" school type programs opening up, both site based and home based now there is a little more competition. For those stuck in the system, I see this as a potentially good thing. Even so, I still think advertising on TV is just plain weird. But I suppose just like all the pharmaceutical ads I will eventually get used to it.

10 More Reasons...

2010-08-17T19:00:00.000-07:00

Just in case you needed any more reasons, here is another site I found via a Facebook Link.

Actually, this one is a little different, as it is 10 Good Reasons to Keep Your Child in Public School.

101 Reasons

2010-08-16T15:52:00.000-07:00

A while back I posted several "Reasons" not to send your kids to Public, IE: Government School. For fun, I think I started on Reason 101 and continued for a few days until I got bored or side tracked.

I've often started a folder with printed articles of some of the outrageous things going on in the schools just to show family and friends who continue to ask "Why."

Well, recently thanks to a link on Facebook from a group I "liked" I discovered an actual website that literally has 101 Reason to Homeschool.

I really have a hard time understanding why anyone in their right mind would still send their kids off to school after looking at this list. Some of the items are about what students do to or with other students, some are about abuses from the teachers and faculty and there is plenty to say about the schools themselves and those who run them.

While I think this is a great list with full articles, I just want to point out 101 Reasons is just the tip of the iceberg! There are many, many more stories just like these and worse.

For Christians in particular, I don't think anybody does a better job of explaining why not to send your kids than Voddie Baucham and his list of FIVE REASONS.

My kids are home with me for the start of our 14th year. Lord willing, we have 14 more years to go. I keep them home to give them a truly Christian education, to teach them to love God, love their country, and to love and show compassion for others.

What about you? Why aren't you sending your kids to Government school this year?

California or Bust!

2010-08-12T17:37:00.000-07:00

After a long wait my son finally got orders! He will be coming back to California and doing his FMTB training then he will be stationed in Yuma. Yuma is not quite as close as we hoped, but closer than it could have been!

He had lots of choices available including locations closer to home but he chose where he felt he could benefit the most with the training and things he wants to do while still staying somewhat close to home.

We are happy to have him very close to home for nine weeks while he does his training, and Yuma isn't that far away. Just a hop skip and jump away. According to Mapquest it's exactly 3 hours and 10 minutes!

Almost Done, Almost Home!!

2010-08-05T15:23:00.001-07:00

We are SO excited!! Today our son took and passed his FINAL test at his "A" School!! All he has left is a couple of weeks of clinicals and the official graduation ceremony then he will be a Hospital Corpsman. But for now, the hard part is done.

It has been so stressful for him and us each week as he prepared for each test, but that part is done with now!

Now we are just waiting to see where his orders will take him and when he will get to come home for some much deserved leave! Other than myself, no one else in the family has seen him since March 2.

Since he left Austin has grown so much and is now talking in full sentences. His dad has gone from a blue collar worker to a white collar worker. Two of his brothers have taken up guitar. We've switched churches. My biceps have grown in size that even he will be envious of(in my dreams at least!) We've also added two Chihuahuas to the family, something he has always wanted!

Things have changed quite a bit. I am sure there are many changes in him as well. I know he has added some new artwork to his body. I know he too has grown some muscles. He left here a somewhat naive homeschooled boy and is returning a bit more matured.

But some things never change. He is still our little boy. Our love for him hasn't changed. Our pride in him has only grown in ways words alone just can't express.

Maybe the hard part isn't over with. I think the hardest part is waiting, and waiting for him to come home!

Cards 4 Heroes

2010-08-05T14:37:00.001-07:00

When my son was graduating Navy Boot camp we were trying to find the perfect card for the occasion. In my search I stumbled upon this site: CARDS4HEROES.COM. Not only did they have the perfect card for graduation, we found cards for just about every military occasion you can think of including but not limited to; Going Away, Welcome Home, Congratulations and more. They even had a card for enlisting!

They also have patriotic general greeting cards for Christmas, Birthdays and more. Also branch specific cards for each occasion.

I know my son really appreciated a special card specific for the occasion. I recently sent him some for his birthday as well.

I really wanted to share this for those of you with loved ones serving or who are Veterans. It is hard to find the right card and this company makes it easy. They also offer several patriotic gifts as well. The prices are reasonable for what they offer, shipping is fast and in both my orders were extra goodies such as stickers and ball point pens.

I am happy to support a company who supports our loved ones who faithfully serve our country!

Since When Did Celeberties Become The Experts?

2010-08-04T14:27:00.000-07:00

I couldn't help but giggle a little this afternoon when I read on one of my "friends" Facebook status updates: "such and such uses such and such said brand, shouldn't you?"

At first I thought it was kind of funny, then I felt a little annoyed. I am tired of celebrities pushing products, politicians and viewpoints down my throat!

First of all, in the case of products, at least nine times out of ten they are PAID endorsements! Pay me enough and I'll push your product too. Of course who'd want to listen to me? I am just an ordinary homeschooling mom doing my best to raise my family, certainly some celebrity who lives in a fantasy world knows more than I about everything, right?

I remember a time when Pastors, Teachers, Parents or other trusted elders were who we went to for political advice. Now we're suppose to listen to Oprah? Or worse, someone like Sean Penn? NO THANK YOU!! But, many, many naive people do. They wont even look into what a candidate stands for, they'll just take Ms. Oprah or Mr. Penn's word for it. No wonder we're in the mess we're in!

Sure, I love it when I find out a celebrity I am fond of shares a love of animals, or is also a vegetarian or does my workout routine or anything else we may share in common, but I am not about ready to vote for anybody or spend my family's hard earned money on a product just because they "say" they use it and that's why they look as great as they do(never mind the fact that they also have a personal trainer, private chef, etc...no, none of that made them look that good, it was the vitamins they are pushing on you!)

No thanks, I wont be trying those vitamins my friend was suggesting simply because Ms. Celebrity trainer claims to use them. I'd rather know what my fellow busy moms are using to keep up with their households. And as far as political advice, parenting tips or anything else of significance, the LAST place I will be seeking that advice is a celebrity!

My Two Guys

2010-08-03T16:44:00.000-07:00

Nineteen years ago today I gave my husband his first son on his Birthday. We had different plans that night. We were supposed to go see Terminator 2 on its opening day. I was already several weeks late on delivering our son. My son chose that day to be born. While my husband was thrilled to have a son on his birthday, I still sometimes think that he was disappointed we missed opening night of T2!!(giggle)

Today on their shared birthday we've had our shares of excitement and disappointments as well. This is the first birthday our son isn't here with us. He is on the other side of the United States, literally just days away from officially becoming a Navy Hospital Corpsman. He was really looking forward to getting his orders today as well. Not only is he not home for his birthday, but he didn't get orders either(thanks to the Navy's hurry up and wait policy!) He did get a care package from home with birthday gifts and some homemade goodies as well, so the day wasn't a total loss.

My husband on the other hand, got the news he was hoping for. He got a long awaited, rather big promotion at work! We weren't so sure it would happen, but it did! Couldn't ask for a better gift than that. Well, except maybe a son, after seeing the opening night of your favorite movie!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Boys!! Love you both!

Two For 2010

2010-08-01T17:04:00.000-07:00

The 2010 school year will be our second with only two in our homeschool. Austin, our three year old will be doing some informal learning with us this time around, but he isn't officially in our plan book just yet!

This is my second time around participating in the Not Back To School Blog Hop. It was so much fun last year, not only to share what we are doing, but see what other families are doing as well.

Being on a limited budget once again this year, not all of our picks were our first choices, but I must say now that we've officially started(tomorrow we start our third week!) everything seems just perfect!

We started a bit early, so we can take time off when my oldest son comes home on leave from the Navy next month.

This year we have a 5th grader and an 8th grader. Both boys will be doing Who is God? for Bible.

We are really enjoying this one so far! This book has wonderful photos, a great layout, Bible verses for the children to memorize, world view lessons, notebooking ideas and more. I can't wait to use the whole series!

For History both boys are using Beautiful Feet Books Westward Expansion.

We are enjoying this as well. While this is a stand alone program, there are so many great things covered and lots of room to explore more in depth so we are supplementing with materials from Currclick and other resources as well.

Currclick has become one of my very favorite resources this year! If you sign up for their mailing list there are lots of great weekly freebies that can easily be used for your schooling. We have also bought lots of extra resources for History as well as for our Art Appreciation class, Handwriting and Copywork and more. I only warn you of one thing: It is ADDICTING!! There are so many great resources available and the fact you can download them instantly for immediate access makes it that much more tempting. There are also several big name publishers available for download as well. Check it out, if for nothing else other than the freebies! They are VERY good freebies too!

For Science our plan was to do Apologia Elementary Science Astronomy and Human Anatomy, but due to finances those will have to wait until after our Christmas Bonus this year.

We have already completed Zoology 1-3 in previous years and are really looking forward to the Astronomy in particular. While we wait though we were blessed when a dear friend gave us several Delta Science, Science in a Nutshell Kits. Right now we are working on the Crystal Kit and have an Ocean one as well as an Animal one to work on while we wait.

For Art Appreciation we are using a variety of great books we have found and other neat resources as well as Notebooking Pages from the above mentioned Currclick.com.

I feel so fortunate that I am able to combine the boys in so many subjects. They each do their own Language Arts programs and Math programs.

They are each using Saxon Math at their own levels. We have older editions from my older children, but luckily math doesn't change too much over the years, or at least it shouldn't! We also have the D.I.V.E. Cd's for instruction freeing up much time for me and giving the children help in my weakest subject.

For Language Arts we are once again using Learning Language Arts Through Literature.

I have used this one on and off for several years, but I am planning on sticking with this one all the way through from now on! It includes everything I normally try and piece together such as handwriting, grammar, copywork and dictation, spelling and more. It is a solid program as is, but I do supplement a bit with each child in different ways depending on their needs. One gets extra spelling and handwriting via Currclick, another gets extra writing using Writing Trails in History.

Both boys are also taking guitar lessons, will participate in AWANA and we are considering 4H this year as well.

I cannot wrap this up without mentioning my VERY favorite resource once again this year.

I discovered this gem last school year. It is the Well Planned Day Planner. I love this planner! It has made my planning go much smoother and has kept my home and school much more organized! This year the boys were both very excited to get their own "Well Grounded Middle Schooler" planners as well.

I hope you enjoyed reading our plan for this year, and I can't wait to read yours as well! Happy Homeschooling to all of you!

Till Tuesday......

2010-08-01T15:45:00.000-07:00

Here it is Sunday and I am already waiting for Tuesday. I am not sure if I am anxious for it to come quickly or if I'd just rather it not come at all. It is expected to be a rather big day full of lots of news. We're just not sure if we're expecting good news or not so good news.

Tuesday also happens to be both my oldest sons and my husbands birthdays. For their birthdays they are both expecting big news in their lives.

For my son, he is looking forward to picking orders. He will finally have some idea of where he will begin his Navy career as a Hospital Corpsman. It had been looking like he'd be placed on hold for a couple of months at his current location then possibly go to Spain or Japan. Now it appears there are orders available for what he was hoping for and his father and I were dreading...I guess Tuesday, we will know and there will be no more guessing.

For my husband, he is expecting news on a BIG promotion at work. Of course he is hoping for it, but it will mean changes in our schedule and family life as it is an odd shift he will be working. It could also be a pretty big increase in income for us. Personally, this one as well as my sons orders, I am just leaving in Gods hands.

This will also be the very first birthday my son will not be at home. Being on the other side of the country, he wont be coming home either. This is hard for me, mom. I guess it's just good preparation for when he is who knows where in the world in the near future. It does take some getting used to.

So, stay tuned in and Tuesday there could be some big news to report!

Double Trouble!

2010-07-25T08:31:00.001-07:00

Being the gluttons for punishment we are, we didn't get one, but TWO Chihuahuas! A friend of ours lives near a park, and I guess a lot of dogs are abandoned there. These two little girls were dumped there about 10 days ago. Animal Control said if they took them, they'd most likely be put to sleep as they are so overwhelmed with animals right now due to the economy. So, they found a home right here with us!

I was a little concerned at first, as I read that this breed of dog isn't very good with children, but as you can see by the above picture, that doesn't seem to be a problem at all!

This one is "Pixie." She's the more out going one of the two.

This one is "Tiny." She is a little more shy but VERY affectionate! She also doesn't seem to realize she is a little dog. She constantly is challenging our big dogs. We call her Tiny But Mighty. She does sound a bit intimidating!

We weren't looking for another dog, but alone two, and we certainly NEVER would have gone looking for Chihuahuas! But, we're glad they're here and we are really enjoying them. They fit right in, it feels like they've been here forever!

Facebook: Friend or Foe?

2010-07-25T06:20:00.000-07:00

I have a love/hate relationship with Facebook. On one hand it is an excellent way to stay in touch with people, keep up to date on their lives and vise versa. It's a wonderful way to let lots of people know all at once about things going on in your life.

It can also be quite addicting and suck up alot of valuable time! I hate to admit that at 40 something years old I am as addicted to the site as many teens I know. I find myself constantly checking in to see the latest updates or see who responded to an update of mine and it just sucks up far too much valuable time out of my homeschooling day. That's probably my own issue as I know many who exercise great self control when it comes to Facebook and Internet usage in general.

While it's a great way to stay in touch with others, like email where you can't see someones facial expressions or hear the tone of their voice, things can easily be misunderstood. I have personally experienced this at least once. You can also end up learning far more about friends or family than you ever really wanted to know. Many post things on there that may surprise you, and perhaps make you think differently of a person than you previously had.

Also, as we recently discovered, you may find out what people think of YOU! I guess not knowing we had mutual friends, some friends of the family had posted some things on another friends Facebook page saying very different things about the choices our son made to join the military than what they had said just days before to our very faces. Needless to say this led to some seriously hurt feelings and even anger.

So, I sit here pondering my existence on the site. I doubt I will delete my account, there are too many advantages, such as a quick easy way to send out a prayer request or life update quickly to several people at once, or an easy way to stay in touch with adult children living out of state and other friends and family members. I do suppose that I will slowly start to frequent it less and less often though.

The time I allow it to suck is a big issue, but so is the fact that I feel it keeps me from developing real relationships with people. Perhaps if I had spent half as much time in real life, in person with some of my Facebook "friends" I would have known their true thoughts and feelings and not have had to find out in the hurtful way I did on a public forum.

Many have hundreds and hundreds of friends on Facebook. It's like a trophy I guess to collect lots of friends, but how many of them would you really want to spend time with in the real world? How much of what you share on Facebook would you stand up in church and announce or in any other public place?

Like any other form of technology, Facebook can be a valuable tool if respected for what it is, just that, a tool. When it starts to consume too much of your time and even your thoughts when your away from it for a period of time, you know it's time to re-evaluate it a bit. I think it's about that time for me!

Worth The Cost

2010-07-18T06:04:00.000-07:00

We are always looking for ways to save a few pennies and when our Costco membership fees became due again, we thought we'd save a few bucks and just not renew. We love Costco, but rarely buy anything beyond basic food items(and batteries!).

After just two shopping trips without going to Costco, we see we really do save there.

I often see posts on the web or articles in magazines or money saving books on how memberships in such clubs are often not as good a deal as they seem. I have to disagree 100%. I am sure it depends on what you're buying, but here is what we often buy, that is close to half the price of regular stores. Yes the amounts are large, but we are feeding three growing boys(two of them teens or nearing teen hood!) and a hard working husband, so the portions are good for us.

Cheese- all kinds

batteries-seriously can't find a better deal anywhere else

cream cheese

sour cream

turkey bacon

ground turkey

quality bread(we actually don't buy this much, we make our own, but if you do buy bread, this is a good deal. Could do better with an outlet if you have one nearby, which we don't)

printer ink-again something we don't buy here much as with our current printer(a Kodak) the ink is inexpensive anywhere. With past printers, this was a HUGE savings!

cooking oil

small bottled water- our well water isn't drinkable, so we buy alot of this!

Butter

Margarine

diapers

peanut butter

As you can see, we don't buy a large amount of items, so we really thought we didn't need to renew our membership. WRONG! Just two of our bi-weekly shopping trips shows that the savings are big enough that just 2-4 trips the card would pay for itself($50.00)

They do have an executive membership that is $100.00, and at the end of the year you get a refund check based on the amount of purchases you made. When we were just buying whatever we wanted, like movies and books, clothing and such(these are all VERY good deals here, just not things we can afford to regularly buy anymore) we got checks for $100+ dollars. More than paid for the cost of membership plus some extra. Now that we shop a bit more frugally, the cost is not justifiable at all for us.

Whether a membership to a club like Sam's or Costco is worth it for you and your family, really depends on what you buy on a regular basis. For us with the purchases mentioned above, it is very much worth it. I have learned that I will always make sure I have my membership fees set aside each year for now on. I have already spent half of those in just two trips of shopping elsewhere.

The only warning I have is to have a set plan of what you intend to buy and you have to be strong to be able to pass up some of the other great deals on items you may find but don't really need. If not, you will not be saving anything at all.

Plugged In or Tuned Out?

2010-07-12T10:35:00.000-07:00

I LOVE technology! With my oldest son on the other side of the United States and soon possibly the other side of the world, I depend on technology to stay in contact with him. Skype has got to be about the coolest thing around! We can not only talk (for FREE!) we can SEE each other too! This really helps us both to feel more connected. I think I really would have hated to be a Navy Mom even 20 years ago before the dawn of easily accessible Internet for all, cells and Skype. I would have been a nervous wreck having to wait for letters or a once a week phone call!

I also live in a rather rural area and don't have many I would call "friend." Our homeschool group which I helped found is somewhat lacking in regards to consistency and participation. So often feeling somewhat secluded the internet and online social groups such as Facebook and homeschooling message boards have really helped me feel "connected" to others who share my interests.

In these ways I'd have to say technology is a blessing. Not just for me and my family, but I am sure many others as well. It can be a helpful tool.

At the same time, it can be a curse, even for my family. I have been observing these past few weeks, that while we are all home together and under the same roof, I am not sure we are spending as much quality time together. I often can be found right here, at my computer, while my 13 year old can be found at his. When Dad isn't working(which is rare!) he can be found in front of the TV, and even my little 3 year old sits on the couch with his Nintendo DS playing Super Mario Bros. The 11 year old would be on the XBox, but for the fact that it recently died.

I don't think my family is that rare as when I go to the theater there are several texting away during the movie! Oh how that really irritates me! First, I am paying ALOT of money to go see a movie, and I am constantly distracted by the flashing lights and vibrating noises coming from dozens of cells. Why even go to the movie if you can't stay off the phone for a whole two hours? Don't even get me started on Cells in church!!

Go to any restaurant and the scenario is about the same. Couples dining together, and rather than sharing a romantic meal they are constantly allowing themselves to be interrupted with calls or texts.

We are in the same room together, but are we really together? Are we tuned into our family and other loved ones, really? Or are we tuned into our electronic devices?

As I said, for my own family technology has in many ways been a HUGE blessing and made my life situations alot more bearable. So, I don't think the answer is to completely ban technology but like everything else in life, moderation is key!

Church, School and Baseball

2010-07-07T09:47:00.000-07:00

Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important. ~C.S. Lewis

As my children have gotten older over the years I see a common trend with many of their friends. Around age nine or so, many if not most seem to lose interest in attending church services. I know I did around that age. There are dozens more things many of us at any age would rather do on what is our only day off more many of us. But, like our jobs or school or anything else of extreme importance, we go. Sad, that it equates down to that sometimes, but it does. What I find surprising, almost shocking to me, is that while mom and sometimes dad force themselves to go, they give their young children the choice of whether or not to attend!

I am not speaking here about a family who only recently started to attend church, or forcing a child to take on to a religion that they haven't been brought up on, I am talking about families that from infancy have been bringing their children to church. It's just what they do on Sunday mornings, like other important things in life like school, work, sports, etc...

When I ask my dear friends why they don't insist their child come to church I almost always get the following answer: " I don't want to force them to come, then they will learn to not like church and see it as a chore."

I can almost see the logic in that one, really...BUT...Do you not "force" them to go to school Monday through Friday? Do you not "force" them to stick out their music lessons, sports involvements or other things you as a family find important?

IF you claim to be a Christian, isn't your faith at least as important as these other items you "force" your child to attend to?(really, it should be the MOST important thing if your claiming Christianity as your faith!)

Does "forcing" your dear little child to attend school make them hate school? Well, in my case it sure did, I loathed school with a passion, but you know what? I still went, it was just one of those things I "had" to do and I am appreciative of that fact now as I understand the value of an education. Did I "hate" my parents at the time? Sure I did. Do I hate them today? No, as I just explained I appreciate that I was required or "forced" to attend.

With four boys, we have had plenty of time put in on the Little League field. One thing I often see is little Johnny start to get bored with being on the team or not wanting to attend practice as often as required. I also see very committed and deligent parents "force" Johnny to continue even though he clearly no longer desires to. They go on about "commitment" and responsibility to the team. Yet these are the same parents who profess to be Christians and attend church faithfully, while leaving nine year old Johnny at home because they don't want to "force" him to attend.

Now, I am not saying you can't be a Christian unless you attend church. Looking back over my life, I realize the 2-3 years I was NOT in church was the time of my life I actually felt closest to God. That's when I did the most seeking of him and was most actively involved in reading His Word. Like one of my favorite quotes says "Going to Church Doesn't Make You a Christian Any More Than Standing in a Garage Makes You a Car." But for those families that do put a significance on going to church, yet let their young children stay home, I don't understand why they will force little Johnny to go to a school he hates, continue on a sports team he has no desire to be on, play an instrument that he doesn't appreciate, yet they wont require him to attend church for one hour one day a week!!!!!

I agree that at a certain age, you should give your children some freedom in choosing for themselves if they will take on your faith as their own. As my oldest son reached his late teens, we required he be involved at least once a month in some sort of faith based activity but gave him the freedom to seek out for himself, what and where that would be. By that time though, he was already working and paying most of his own expenses, and had already started the enlistment process of joining the US Navy. I figure if he's old enough for those sorts of responsibilities he's old enough to make the majority of his own choices for his life. Would I let him make any of those choices at nine or ten? NO!!

School IS very important, teaching a child to see a commitment through whether it be sports, or music is important too. These things help shape their character and they type of people they will grow up to be. But if you claim Christianity as your faith, that is of ETERNAL importance! If you're not taking little Johnny to church, are you doing Bible Study at home? Devotions? Anything? If not, you may want to re-examine your priorities.

I know I have several non-Christian friends who feel children shouldn't be forced to attend church or have their parents faith forced upon them, and I can understand that point of view to a certain extent, but again I ask should those same parents force their child to attend school even though the child doesn't see the worth in it? As parents we all have to make choices for our own families, all I am saying, is to check yourself and be sure they are lining up with what you are professing to claim is important in your own life and family.

Natural Born Killers?

2010-06-24T16:58:00.000-07:00

I probably knew it was coming sooner or later and should have been more prepared to better deal with it, but today for the first time since enlisting, rather than be thanked or acknowledged for his service to his country, my son was called.....a "killer." I must say I didn't deal with it too well. I got all mama bearish and quite defensive on a public social networking group.

I understand there are many who don't agree with or support this war. That is fine. To be completely honest, I am not sure where I stand on the war itself, but I do believe now that we are in the midst of it, we need to see it through to the end.

I understand we may not all agree on politics and such, whether we sway more to the right or left, conservative or liberal, or somewhere more in between. I try and keep an open mind and see all sides. I respect you and your opinion whether I agree with it or not.

What I don't and can't tolerate is disrespect to the service men and women who serve our country and fight for the freedoms you and I enjoy whether liberal or conservative, right or left! They fight for us ALL just the same.

Our service men and women didn't start this war. It is not their fault we are in it. Don't blame them for something they have no control over. If you want to blame someone, blame your politicians or those who commit acts of terror.

The war is happening, and because we have plenty of men and women who voluntarily serve, there is no draft. So those who don't want to serve aren't required to.

So, while you may not wish to support this war, PLEASE support your service men and women. It's because of them we are able to keep the freedoms we still have. It is because of them you or your sons and daughters don't have to serve in a war you don't believe in. If for nothing else, be thankful to them for that!

And please, keep in mind when you call our military personal "killer", "baby killer" and other degrading remarks, you are not only hurting them, but those who love them like a protective mother, wife or girlfriend.

From the bottom of my heart to all who have served and currently do serve: THANK YOU!!!

When Did It All Get So Complicated?

2010-06-24T12:29:00.000-07:00

In this age of such accessible media there is so much information out there, but rather than finding it helpful to have so much information at my fingertips I find it overwhelming and confusing! I am on the verge of unplugging and turning off the noise for a while!

It's not so much the amount of information that is so overwhelming as it is the conflicting information. And it's about EVERYTHING, and I do mean EVERYTHING!

Our health: steady cardio at a moderate rate or high intensity intervals? Light weights with more reps or heavy weights with fewer reps? Are eggs with their yolks good for us or bad for us? Can Tooty Fruity Cearl really be made with whole grain? If so, does that make up for the glow in the dark food coloring and other junk in it?

Religion: Do all paths really lead to the same place? Does it matter if we commune once a week or once a month? Grape juice or wine? Hymns or praises?

Politics: Can you really believe any of them?

Education: New math versus traditional? Phonics vs. Whole Language Approach?

You get the idea...there is just so much information, and so much of it is so conflicting. Who do you believe? Are we really any better off with all of this information so easily available to us? Lets see; with all that health information is America becoming any more thin or fit? Are we really any better educated today than we were lets say fifty or a hundred years ago? Are we really drawing any closer to God?

I'd have to say from my own observations, the answer to all of these would be a big NO! But how can that be when we now have access to more information than ever before? We have cable news available to us 24 hours a day on no less than 10-20 different channels with opinions from every side imaginable. We have newspapers available to us from states and sometimes countries other than our own. Then of course we have the Internet. Oh, and satellite radio. We can even get news, information and the Internet from our cell phones now!

I don't know about you, but I feel more confused about all of the above than ever before! I think we are so busy filling our heads with so much outside noise we don't often take the time to stop and listen to our own thoughts or that inner voice. I think most of us have a good sense of right and wrong, fact and fiction, if only we'd take the time to stop and listen.

Does Size Really Matter?

2010-06-22T14:01:00.001-07:00

It seems it does and I couldn't help but giggle a little when I was thinking about it these last couple of days.

It seems when it comes to technology, the smaller the better. Whether it be our Ipods, cells, laptops or anything else that you can plug in, the smaller the better. I have an older Ipod Video which I love. I like having a screen big enough to actually SEE the video I am trying to watch(especially now in my 40's when my eyes aren't as good as they used to be) But it seems to most, my Ipod isn't as valuable or even cool as the latest generation that are so little even my Ipods screen alone is bigger than the whole new device!

I remember when cell phones, back then; car phones first came out. Those things were HUGE!! Even bigger than most house phones of the day(does anyone really have a landline anymore?) Now most are so small, some can even fit in your ear.

Same thing with computers, back in highschool they still took up whole walls, now they can fit in a gals purse.

So, clearly smaller is a indication of better technology.

Then we have our food. The exact opposite is true here. The BIGGER the better. No one would dream of going to the golden arches and leaving with anything less than a SUPERSIZED meal! We know because it's bigger it must have more calories, fat and all that other stuff we really don't want or need, but somehow the eating out experience just isn't the same unless it's SUPERSIZED!

Even a simple thing like soda has evolved in size incredibly over the past 20 years or so. I remember being a young teen and a BIG GULP was a BIG deal! A whole 320z! What a treat! That was a huge amount of soda! Now, it's nothing. I don't know what the equivalint today is(I don't drink the stuff) but I know I see people all of the time leaving our local Circle K with soda cups that are no smaller than 64 or so ounces. That is probaly close to a whole days worth calories assuming you're drinking non-diet.

Homemade often isn't much better. Our plates have grown in size as well, meaning you can load even more food on!

Then people really wonder why our waist lines are growing?

Cars are interesting, because the "cool" ones go both ways. Some go for the big gas guzzlers like Suburbans and other SUV's, even if they only have 1.2 kids and never go off roading. While to others nothing is cooler than a small, cute little sports car! I mean who wants a boring, safe medium sized Sedan?

Which really is my point in all of this. Do you see a pattern? I sure do. Smaller gadgets going straight into our ears with their electomagnetic waves and other cancer causing who knows whats are preferred over larger, maybe safer models. BIG fat burgers and supersized fries and a mumbo jumbo soda which are laden with fat and calories that will eventually lead to heart disease and or obesity if enough is consumed is preferred over a "kid sized" meal which used to be the norm even for adults just years ago. Many prefer an air polluting, gas guzzling SUV or a not so safe if you're in an accident sports car, over a medium sized, yet I guess boring sedan.

In our world today we have lots of choices available to us and I think that is a good thing. It seems alot of our choices involve size. I just wonder whether we are consistently making the right choices for our health, the environment and our futures?

How Many Bibles Do You Own?

2010-06-21T10:04:00.001-07:00

If you're like most people, you probably own several. I can't even guess how many I own. I think I may go and count them later just out of curiosity. But, if I had to guess I would say at least 30! I know even several of my atheist, Buddhist and Muslim friends own Bibles. There is clearly an abundance of Bibles in America. Anyone who wants one can have on, even those who don't want one can easily get one and usually for FREE!!

We watched The Book Of Eli last night. Without giving away the whole plot for those who haven't seen it, let me just say it is basically a battle between good and evil for the last remaining copy of the Bible. Both sides understand the power of the Book. Of course the evil side wants to use it to control people. The lengths both sides will go through to obtain and keep this Book that we just take for granted really makes you stop and think. At least it did me.

It isn't just this fictional movie, but there are plenty of real life examples of people groups who valued this book both in the not so long ago past and even now today who would do just about anything for their very own copy of the Bible.

I saw a movie several years ago based on fact about the illegal printing of Bibles in the former Soviet Union. These people literally risked their lives to assure there would be Bibles for those who wanted them. It showed how people would share one stapled together copy of the Gospel of John. People would risk everything for this book. This was not very long ago, and probably still happens in several places around the world.

Not too long ago our church participated in putting together copies of the New Testament for a native tribe in Papa New Guinea. These people were so excited to get a copy of the Bible in their own language that they walked several miles, some with bare feet, all with smiles on their faces to receive their own copy, which they paid for with what little money they had. Several tribes came just to see and share the joy even though it wasn't in their language, they knew that soon it would be. Can you imagine a scene like this taking place in America? I sure can't.

Here in America most church goers don't even take one of their 30 or so Bibles to church anymore. When I grew up, we all took our Bibles to church, and used them. Even the children. There was hardly a person under the age of 10 that couldn't locate the chapter and verse the pastor was teaching from. Today I am surprised when I see adults my age and older who can't quickly locate a chapter, or aren't even sure if the chapter they're looking for is in the New or Old Testament.

Yet in places where the Bible is so precious, whole entire books of the Bible are memorized. Many here in America don't know more than one or two verses by heart!

Many like to claim America is a Christian nation, and of course the other side likes to argue that it isn't. Looking at the evidence which side do you agree with?

I can't help but wonder what happened? I don't think it was always like this. I know it wasn't. If you look at school texts from less than even 100 years ago, it is clear that Christianity was alive and well in America. I don't mean just the superficial signs of Christianity such as owning a Bible or going to church, but actually LIVED and PRACTICED. Today the Bible or any mention of the contents of isn't even allowed in the government schools.

If Christianity was based on how many Bibles we owned, or how often we went to church we might win the argument that America is a Christian nation. If it is judged on how much of the Bible we actually know or how much we cherish it or the lengths we'd go through to protect it.....I am not so sure.

As one of my good friends email siggy says so well: "going to church makes you a Christian no more than standing in a garage makes you a car."

But I Don't Want To Be Thin!

2010-06-20T19:46:00.000-07:00

Words I thought would never come out of my lips, yet I sit here giggling a little as these exact words escaped my mouth quite to my surprise just the other day.

Growing up I was always super skinny, never able to gain weight even though I wanted and needed to. Then as I got older and started having children, that changed pretty quickly. At my heaviest I was 152(NOT pregnant at the time!) That’s pretty heavy for me at 5′3". About five years ago thanks to a sound program I got down to a healthy 120. About that time I got involved in Kendo and more weight melted off. I couldn’t keep it on, it was just like when I was young. I could eat whatever I wanted and it still kept coming off. I soon was down to barely 100 lbs! I wasn’t trying to lose weight at all.

Well, things in my personal life changed, I had to give up my Kendo lessons as I now had a young grandbaby to raise and the weight started coming back on. Not alot, just 10 or so pounds that I desperately needed anyway. But as the pounds came on, I started thinking I was fat!! While taking Kendo, I was a size 1 and now I was wearing a 3 and convinced I was fat! I was probaly "skinny fat" but was surely far from overweight at a size 3.

As I started to creep up to a 115lbs and a size 5, I started working out at home using DVD’s and eventually discovered weight training thanks to P90X. As my body started changing, so did my goals. Rather than wanting to be "skinny" I wanted to be lean, muscular, "buff". Not only has weight training been great for my body, it has been even better for my mind and self image issues. It has made me more mindful of my eating. Rather than starving myself to be thin, I now eat to "feed" my body and muscles.

The funny thing is I am now a tight size 5, more comfortable 7 and weigh between 115-118 lbs. This is an increase in both size and weight and yet I am constantly asked if I’ve lost more weight! I personally think I look much better now than I did before, though I still have a ways to go in regards to the look I am trying to achieve.

The funny part though was a couple of evenings ago before I hopped into the shower, I tried on a pair of pants and went out to show my husband who commented on how thin I’ve gotten and while I would have LOVED to have heard those words a couple of years ago and am sure it was meant as a compliment I was actually annoyed and shouted "but I don’t want to be thin!" I think my husband probaly thought I was nuts, and who knows, maybe I am.

Happy Birthday Navy Corpsman!!

2010-06-17T14:39:00.001-07:00

From the U.S. Navy Facebook Page:

Happy 112th Birthday to the U.S. Navy Hospital Corps.

President William McKinley signed the law establishing the U.S. Navy Hospital Corps on 17 June 1898.

The men and women of the U.S. Navy hospital corps provide much of the immediate care to service members injured in the line of duty aboard ship, and with deployed Marine Corps units.

The men and women of the U.S. Navy salute you!

To learn more about medical support services in the navy go to: http://www.navy.com/navy/careers/healthcare/medical-support.html

I also found this poem while researching the history of the Navy Hospital Corpsman:

I'm the one called "Doc"
I shall not walk in your footsteps,
but I will walk by your side.
I shall not walk in your image,
I've earned my own title of pride.
We've answered the call together,
on sea and foreign land.
When the cry for help was given,
I've been there right at hand.
Whether I am on the ocean
or in the jungle wearing greens,
Giving aid to my fellow man,
be it Sailors or Marines.
So the next time you see a corpsman
and you think of calling him "squid,"
think of the job he's doing
as those before him did.
And if you ever have to go out there
and your life is on the block,
Look at the one right next to you...
I'm the one called "Doc."
Harry D. Penny, Jr. HMC(AC) USN

A BIG thank you to all Navy Corpsman past and present, and a BIG Happy Birthday to the corps!!

Incredible Pictures Formed by Thousands of US Soldiers

2010-06-14T18:28:00.000-07:00

I followed a link from where I grabbed the video below and found these great photos!

Incredible Pictures Formed by Thousands of US Soldiers

Living Flag

2010-06-14T16:42:00.001-07:00

Here is a short video clip of the formation of the Living Flag that my son participated in today at Great Lakes Recruit Training Command.

Flag Day!

2010-06-14T14:55:00.001-07:00

Today is Flag Day, and the U.S. Navy Recruit Training Command out did themselves by creating this "Living Flag." Not only do I think it is just totally cool, but to make it even more cool, my son is one of the Sailors in this photo!!

He is one of the Sailors in the second white stripe near the pole of the flag! Yes, if you didn't already know, I am one proud mama!!

It's All About Me!!

2010-06-07T19:28:00.000-07:00

Actually it's all about Kate, although I do believe the show is called Kate Plus Eight and of course prior to the messy public divorce it was John and Kate Plus Eight.

I watched this show faithfully the first season or two as Kate was someone I thought I could relate to. No, I don't have eight kids or any multiples, but she just seemed like an overwhelmed mom to many trying her best. She seemed real. She lost her temper sometimes, could be a little obsessive compulsive, but she was NORMAL.

While Mrs. Duggar from 2o and Counting is the type of mom I aspire to be, Kate was more like the kind of mom I am, for better or worse!

I quit watching a few seasons in as both Kate and the show seemed to change. No longer was it about the kids just being kids and Kate being a stay at home mom trying to stretch the family budget, it became to where every episode they were going on some sort of adventure to places most of us could never afford. Not that they didn't have a right to go there, but that's not why I was watching. I was watching a real life, large family I could relate to, and the show started to become something different than that.

They went from living in a house really to small for all of them( I can relate there too, squeezing six of us in under 1200 sq ft!) to living in a near mansion. They went from busy days at home to extravagant trips. They went from somewhat humble and modest clothing, toys, etc.. to an abundance of expensive goodies. With all of these changes in lifestyle I thought I noticed Kate becoming somewhat of a Diva.

I didn't watch the last season or two, so I really don't know what happened between her and John or any other changes in lifestyle, but out of boredom and lack of anything else better on and a bit of curiosity I watched the new season now entitled "Kate Plus Eight" last night.

Wow!! No mistaking it now, that woman has turned into a diva!! Oh my! Why on earth they call the show Kate Plus Eight is beyond me. It should just be Kate, All About Kate. Out of the hour it was on, I think we saw maybe 5 to 10 minutes of clips of the children. The rest was all about Kate, Kate, Kate......AHHHH!!!

The few minutes the kids were on she was on them about cleaning up, or eating properly or whatever other negatives she could seem to find about them.

I understand she is busy with their show, and the Dancing with the Stars show she did, and book signings and all, but you'd think the few, VERY brief moments she had with her children, she'd want to make them more positive.

Most of the show was her complaining about how hard her life is, how she is so misunderstood, how the rest of the world needs to come to a standstill so she can get her beauty rest and on and on about HER. I wonder if she has a clue how hard any of this is on her kids? Does she even care?

I don't mean to sound so harsh and judgemental towards her, I really don't. I don't know her whole situation, I don't know what she is thinking or feeling, I don't know how the editing is done. Are they showing the worse side of her only or are they showing the most positive they can find? What irks me is that TLC is making money on this families destruction. Clearly Kate isn't going to do the right thing and take her family out of the lime light, she really seems to love all the attention, even the negative, cause after all even negative attention is attention. But I wish TLC or Child Protective Services or somebody would do something and stop this mayhem.

Even better yet, people like myself should just stop tuning in. TLC only shows it because there are people still interested and tuning in. If it wasn't making them money they wouldn't air it.

I am all for big families and the blessing of many children, but I am afraid shows like this and even the Duggars as lovely as they seem is only going to create more attention seekers like Octomom who see large families or multiples as a way to get rich or famous.

I think that is the problem with all of these reality TV type shows that are so popular. That 15 minutes of fame comes so easily now and if you're bizarre enough, dysfunctional enough, or willing to sale your families privacy or your own personal pride for that 15 minutes and a few bucks you may get 30 minutes of fame out of the deal. Is it really worth it?

I know large families and those with multiples struggle financially with medical expenses from premature births and with suitable housing for a large family and other expenses, and I know we are all curious to see the daily workings of such families, but I really think the Duggars had it right when they just did a few specials. It was a good way to generate a little extra income to keep their heads above the water and give us all a peak, but still maintain a normal life the rest of the year. But like anything else, I suppose good enough is never enough when there is more to be had.

I sure hope we don't see a disaster with the Duggars or any of the other reality families TLC features in their shows like we have with John and Kate Plus Eight. In the end it is the children who will be effected by all of this the most, for the better or for the worse.

The only way to stop these types of shows from having the negative effect on these families that they already have had on John and Kate's is for us all to stop tuning in. While I am done with Kate, I do still have a curiosity about the Duggars, but I think I am done for now. I hope they maintain their integrity and strong family and spiritual values, I just refuse to give any more attention to these types of shows as I feel in the end they really are not healthy for the children or even mom and dad for that matter. Hopefully without an audience they wont be aired for much longer and the moms and dads can go back to just being parents and doing what we all do, which is work for a living rather than sell our children's childhood for an income. The kids can have for many of them, for the first time a normal childhood free of camera men in the house and a normal childhood with parents focused on them and their well being rather than playing Diva for the camera or being more outrageous for that extra buck or two or another 15 minutes of fame...

P90X A Year Later

2010-05-30T07:01:00.000-07:00

Next month it has been one year since I started P90X. As you can see from my not so flattering "Before" photo below, I didn't have a lot of weight to lose, but definitely needed some toning and defining.

A year later, I have nearly met my goals. I have toned up a bit. Now I am working on gaining some muscle, especially in my biceps.

P90X works, as most any good program will, the key is to actually DOING the work laid out for you. Many people eagerly start a new program and give it their best for 1-2 weeks then give up when they don't see those results appear as fast as they think they should.

Remember, you didn't become overweight or out of shape overnight. Don't expect to get in great shape overnight!

Also while P90X is touted as a 90 day program, and you will see some great results in those 90 days, any program is really a lifestyle change. The 90 days is to help you create new, healthy habits, but it really is about a lifestyle of maintaining those new habits. You can't expect to workout hard and eat great for 90 days then go back to your unhealthy lifestyle and think you're going to maintain those results!

To learn more about P90X, or the new Beachbody program Body Gospel or any Beachbody product, visit my Beachbody Coach Website. There is still plenty of time to be swimsuit ready for the summer!

I Guess It Wasn't That Bad After All....

2010-05-26T18:57:00.002-07:00

My oldest son was homeschooled from the time he was in first grade(we took him out of public school the second semester) all the way through high school. There were plenty of times he felt he was missing out on something by being at home. There were the clubs, prom, social activities, ROTC, sports and other things that the public school offered that I just couldn't replicate here at home.

For high school we did give him the option to attend the local public school and even went as far as talking to the guidance counselor, principle and others. In the end he decided at least academically I could provide more for him here at home.

I've always wondered if he ever regretted that decision, especially now that he is in a classroom setting for the first time in his Hospital Corpsman training.

Today, I think I got my answer.....

We've been considering putting our toddler in a local Christian Preschool this Fall because he seems to be struggling a little in social situations and we thought regular exposure to people other than us, in a setting other than home and church where he is very comfortable may help(I can't believe, me, a 13 year veteran homeschooler was actually worried about the old "socialization" issue!)

Well, thanks to some health issues it appears it probably wouldn't be a good idea to put him in preschool. I was telling my son about this today, and he was blown away I was even considering preschool and asked why, and I explained, and he said, "school is just going to make those kinds of problems worse." Then he proceeded to give me advice on how to arrange more social situations for our toddler without putting him in school. He was very adamant about it too!

It just feels good to know that know that now that his schooling at home is all done, he still thinks homeschooling is the best educational option for his brothers! And he must have learned a thing or two during those years here at home, as he is doing very well in his school academically and socially and has developed into quite a nice young man...Sailor!

Patriot Guard Riders

2010-05-25T12:10:00.001-07:00

I had never heard of these guys before this morning, but I had heard of the lowlifes they are protecting the families of our fallen heroes from. I am just sickened that these sickos at Westboro Baptist Church even call themselves Christians. They are so full of hate and ignorance, which is so anti-christian, that I really don't understand how they get away with calling themselves Christians.

But this post isn't about them, they don't deserve anymore attention than they already get. It is because of those same fallen heroes whose funerals they protest that they have the freedom to protest, like I said they're just ignorant.

The heroes here are these guys known as The Patriot Guard Riders. They go to the same funerals that the Westboro Sickos are protesting and put up a barrier of sorts between the funeral procession and the protesters with flags so the family members don't have to see the hurtful signs and images the protesters are waving.

Other than this video below, I know nothing more of this group, but I do plan on looking into them some more. This is a group who I would like to assist in anyway possible. This is the group that should be getting the attention at these funerals, not the low life's of Westboro. I think the news and media should focus on them and not even give the Westboro idiots any media attention whatsoever!

Here's a LINK for those having trouble viewing the video here.

Spiders, Centipedes, and Worms, Oh My!

2010-05-23T08:23:00.000-07:00

I was just thinking this morning how much I've changed since I first moved out to the country about thirteen years ago. I was just hopping out of the shower this morning and my kids were screaming that there was a black widow spider running loose in the house. I don't think they appreciated my unconcerned response to just get a shoe and swat it. Really, it's just a spider. It's not like it's going to quadruple in size, evade the shoe, and jump up and bite you! I was a bit irritated at their border line hysteria over the situation.

Me, I would just swat it and be done with it, but they have to make this huge scene over a silly little spider. Then they have to talk about it for the next several hours. Boys....(rolling eyes)

I haven't always been so calm in such matters though. Thirteen years ago I would have and did put on scenes quite similar to the boys or worse! A bee would fly in the house and I'd run out side screaming(where there are hundreds more!) Now I just let them be until they decide to fly back out.

Spiders have never bothered me much but anything else that creeps, crawls or flies and has six or more legs would cause me to go into full blown hysterics running and screaming until someone would come and remedy the situation. Now you will find me often just picking up insects with my bare hands and relocating them outside, or in the case of poisonous or venomous critters, swatting them with a shoe or magazine!

I never would have believed it if you told me thirteen years ago that I could sit in the same room with a bee buzzing around my head for hours and not be hysterical.

There are still less than a handful of critters that will get a reaction from me. They wont send me into a wild scene, but you wont find me volunteering to be the one to get rid of them.

Centipedes, Scorpions and Tomato Worms; yuck, yuck and yuckier!! I just can't bring myself to even swat a centipede or scorpion. I will however, not so calmly and while shaking quite a bit, get a jar and get them in there and make the kids take it outside. Tomato worms are a whole other story. They just gross me out more than you can imagine. They are odd not so little critters too. They hiss when you try to kill them. They just give me the creeps BIG TIME! Until this last year I'd just pay the older kids a dollar a worm to get rid of them. But with finances being tighter, I decided to try and get over my fear and tough it up and do the deed myself. I can now manage the smaller ones myself, but still pay the kids to rid my plants of the larger ones.

What has changed in these thirteen years to make me less afraid of all the creepy crawlies? They are still just as creepy today as they were back then. They haven't changed. I don't think I really have myself that much either. I think it's just the constant exposure. Each time of being exposed and having to deal with the situation at hand made it less yucky than the time before, until finally in most cases it got to where they really don't' bother me at all anymore.

In the case of the insects the repeated exposure has been a good thing. I just wonder how many negatives we allow in our lives as well that we would have never dreamed of, had it not been for the constant exposure making us comfortable with less than noble or moral thoughts, ideas and images? Makes me think of the old children church hymn; Be Careful Little Eyes What You See.

And The Winner Is......

2010-05-14T16:34:00.000-07:00

We have a winner for the Well Planned Day Planner! We did this in a totally old fashioned, unofficial, but fair way. I had planned on using Random.org or some other such site to pick a number, but hadn't signed up for an account ahead of time, so....I told my brother in law how many entries we had, and had him pick a number between one and nine(he hadn't looked at the comments, so it was totally random) and he picked number THREE!!

So, Judy you are our lucky winner!! Contact me via email or Facebook and we can arrange for delivery of your planner! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.