www.lauranielsen.com

Never gonna give you up.

2011-07-23T14:09:00.002-04:00

(above: today's lunch)

Day 4ish... All is well! Grains are def. more difficult for me to give up than dairy. I love cheese and all, but I'm what you might call a "cheese snob". I only eat really good cheese (which is pricey), so my indulgences are few and far between. Grains are everywhere, but I love a good challenge so BRING IT! A friend of mine, Lynn Fish, (<--- check her out) is a wonderful encouragement to me. She lightly suggested I check out the Paleo eating style. It has given me lots of insight as to how our body processes different crap we shove in our faces and, for the most part, I could see myself adapting this "natural eating" lifestyle. I will NOT, however, give up my beloved legumes. I LOVE beans. They are good for me. They are from the earth. I am not a huge meat eater, so they are my major form of protein besides eggs.
I'm really enjoying taking care of myself. Health and Nutrition was ALMOST my major until I realized I would have to take more math classes as a result. No joke.
So... so far, so good. I'm still not consuming a large variety of foods, but I am looking forward to trying a couple new recipes a week that incorporate my local farmers market. Stay tuned.

know what makes me happy?

2011-07-22T15:48:00.003-04:00

PLUS

ON ICE
.
.
.
.
.
that is all

Dim the house lights...

2011-07-21T19:32:00.004-04:00

My 5 followers can relax. I'm back.
I am fixin' to let you all know how I handle cutting DAIRY AND GRAINS for the next 3 weeks.
It hurt me to think about it, and it even hurt me to type it.
In a nutshell, my body is mad at me.
My innards don't feel like they are up to par.
I recently had a full physical and all is well. I'm even "remarkably hydrated with great immunity"!
Who knew?
After chatting with friends that care about their bodies and researching some credible websites, I have a sinking feeling that dairy and (GOD FORBID)/or grains are the culprit.
This brings me to today - DAY 2 of neither DorG. Can I just call it that? You will catch on soon...
How do I feel? Eh. Can't tell yet. No positive or negative effects except for the fact that I CAN'T
STOP thinking about cheese, crackers, or beer. I feel as if these 3 things are the reason for my existence. Obviously, they are not. But the fact that I feel SO deprived is REASON #1 why this is a GOOD thing for me to do. Not attempt... DO!
Reason #2?... well, I just want to feel AWESOME. Not "ok" or "good". So tired of saying that. I'm ready for my body to be all that it can be. I'm strong and active and ready to investigate why I'm just not as awesome as I should be. ;-)
"What have you been eating, Laura?" Good question, Laura! I'll give a little recap:
Eggs, Boar's Head Chicken, veggie salads with bals. vin. and EVOO, Krab, lots of beans, cut up veggies on hand, smoothies made with frozen fruit and almond milk...
I will be more specific with my meals in later posts. I went to the library and found lots of good reads with some great recipes. I can't wait to share my journey with you!
Dreams of feta and hops,
Loo

United "States of Laura"

2010-01-06T12:13:00.011-05:00

I'm only gonna back it up so far... guaranteed I will get "happenings" waaay out of order if I try to pull memories farther than say... oh... the holiday season. 40 is right around the corner, and you know what "they" say about short term memory... "They" suck. (and I'm really not very close to 40)

I digress... (strong personality trait of mine, not to be confused with "blonde")

I think once I get back on track again with my blogging schedule, not like I ever had one, there will be themes, or subjects, if you will, to my online story-telling.
Please bear with my rambling. It's good to get to know the author. Creates a connection. A bond.

Christmas was nice. I'm not going to give it much more than that. I get really (really) hyped up for the holiday, but when it gets here, I'm usually not all that impressed. This years theme was Legos and DS's. Tall orders, but we made it happen. We also made THIS happen:

Happy Birthday, Jesus.

Speaking of Jesus... (terrible segway, my apologies)
Our church, Genesis, HAS A HOME!
I know a church is not a building, don't get me wrong, but SHOOT it's been a long, Exodus-like, 10 years!
From cafeteria to cafeteria to THIS:

Our first service in our new-but-really-old building was last week. It was so great. If I can get my hands on the video (that really explains this super-cool transition and also made me cry...) I will be sure to post it! If you happen to stumble across my blog, don't already go to Genesis, and live in the area... STOP BY! (and PLEASE, track me down if this happens! I would be SO excited!)

Okay, so more about me. Come on, it's my blog, and I don't get to talk about myself much. Don't ask my husband, he would disagree...

I got my hairs cut a bit, and threw in a little more blonde. (why not?)

Apparently I feel the need to take pictures of myself while wearing my dirty gray zip-up... or, I just wear it so much that it's no shock it's in most pictures of me. Irrelevant.
This slight hairstyle change makes me feel a little more sassy than the dishwater-blond-non-layered me.

Okay, okay... perhaps it was the contents of the Solo cup.
Back off. It was New Years Eve... and the children were ASLEEP! Gosh.

New Year, new me? Nah. I'm pretty cool with me...
ALTHOUGH... I do plan on continuing my quest to be a healthier ME all around -

Financially:

Take that picture literally. Cash. In envelopes. God give me strength.

Physically:

See her? Down there? I'm very uncomfortable about our relationship. I want to hate her so badly, yet I come back for more. The girl knows her sh...shhh-tuff! But, you WILL cry. And yell obscenities...
BUT LOOK AT HER ARMS?!?!? Ok... I'm done.

Mentally:

Eh.
I don't want to overload myself.
Besides... what kind of stay-at-home mom would I be if I had it ALL together?
People would just want to punch me.
(Don't pretend like you don't know what kind of blogger I'm talking about...)

Okay, that wasn't nice.

Happy Twenty Ten. That's how I'm going to say it.

whattya mean?

2009-07-23T10:04:00.003-04:00

So... I hear that when you update a blog every 5 months, it tends to lose momentum.
Yup, that's what happened. Good thing I'm not relying on this as a source of income! (seriously, have you SEEN some of those blogs out there?) I can only dream.

First, I owe you an apology. I'm sorry. (Don't take that apology lightly! It's hard for me to say I'm sorry.) *now I'm singing*
Second, answer the question, "What the heck have you been up to?"

Super, over-generalized list of WHAT'S UP'S! ~ ~ ~

* barely finished up the (home)school year (read: we just kinda stopped because mom reached a burnout of epic proportions!)

* bought a pop-up camper!

* threw a 60th surprise party for my daddy

* took the camper down to KY for a family reunion

* got the younggins registered for public school in the fall

* cried

* planted a garden

Wow. That list doesn't even scrape the surface of our crazy fun lives! ;)
I will use subsequent entries (promise) to elaborate on the above, afterall, I know the 7 of you are DYING to know how many of these things came about/went down!

Let's stay in...

2009-02-13T19:10:00.003-05:00

More often than not, especially with the current economy, we choose "in" over "out". Whether it be carry out, chillin' with the pals or movie watchin', it's only a matter of time before couples butt-heads in the decision making process. I can't help you decide which friends to have over that you both MUTUALLY adore, and I am currently researching games that kick-ass across the gender gap - but - just in time (like, by the skin on my teeth) for Heart's Day....
Here is a list of CHICK FLICKS THAT MEN ENJOY!
I'm going to have to strongly agree on over half of these movies, but then again, I think my man just might enjoy the romantic comedy more than me! Gotta love him!

10. Titanic
9. Ghost
8. Mean Girls
7. While You Were Sleeping
6. When Harry Met Sally
5. My Big Fat Greek Wedding
4. Moulin Rouge
3. Pretty Woman
2. Bridget Jones' Diary
1. Love Actually

I have to expand on this list and say that pretty much any movie with Hugh Grant should have made the list. That being said, The Holiday should replace Love Actually for the numero uno slot. I also have to say that I was sorely disappointed that Dirty Dancing did not make the cut? Men?... you've GOT to agree with me on this one!

a day in the life

2009-02-11T10:58:00.008-05:00

First, let's just start off by taking a look at my kitchen counter. What's so special about it?... YOU CAN SEE IT. I figured I'd better archive such an accomplishment because it will not be this way in, ohhhh, 3 hours!

The kiddos didn't put up much of a fight this morning. They were quite on task (hence, "clean" kitchen). There was the usual goofing around and me threatening to separate them into different areas of the house... but overall, we got the job done.

Let's just take a minute to "ooo and ahhh" at the marvels of IKEA. Storage solutions like these actually make it so that I can tolerate my kitchen ALSO being a school room! I already have plans for a cubby unit along the backside of the kitchen counter. We're very cramped for space, so every trip to IKEA makes a huge difference! (like, my justification here?)

Sorry, Tess... math can't ALWAYS be fun! She loves schoolwork. I think it's because it all just comes easy to her (and I really should put her ahead but don't want her to WAY overshadow her big sister academically... ugh.... that's for another post...). But when the girl gets stuck on something she gets really frustrated. I need to be close at hand before she starts tearing at her page or writing angry notes in the corner!

All the while, Parker chills on his "reading pad" and plays Starfall on the computer. He's making his way slowly through the "Learn to Read" section. He spends most of the time clicking on the characters to see what cool things they do rather than actually learning to read. But... hey... every bit of exposure counts!

... and we finally finished decorating the Valentine Tree.
It's our goal to decorate this sad little tree for every upcoming event. We'll see how disciplined I can be with this! Next up, St. Patty's Day/Daddy's Birthday. They are already pretty excited about ways to display BOTH events on one tree!

2009-01-29T22:32:00.004-05:00

Not the best blogger, but I have been behaving in my absence. Despite the fact that I have wanted to do one of 2 things: hibernate like a bear or move to South Carolina and wonder who would really miss me...

I'm being good in that I have been on my trusty Gazelle, yes, the Tony Little Gazelle, JUST ABOUT every day for JUST ABOUT a month. I mean, we all have the occasional day off. I ain't gonna lie.

If it wasn't enough to be in the midst of Doula Certification, I am going to meet with an admission counselor at a massage school this weekend. I would love to see me juggle a school schedule AND expectant mothers! I'm so adventageous! (stay tuned for my nervous breakdown).

For fun I have successfully caught up on 3 seasons worth of How I Met Your Mother and it has turned into somewhat of an obsession. I refer to Lilly and Marshall as if they are my closest friends, and I wonder if Barney would return my phonecalls and allow me to be his "WingGirl". Not healthy. But it's SO like me to get into something a little over my head.

Winter in Michigan is bringing me to my knees. Never in my life have I despised a season as much as the one I am currently in. As a result, I have had a very foul attitude and my attitude has been preventing me from seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I think it could be the ungodly amounts of snow that is prohibiting me from seeing the light.
Winter in Michigan has made me so desperate that I have been visiting a TANNING SALON! Me!!! TANNING! To give you a clue on how pathetic my need for warmth is, and not my desire for a tan: I slather on a SPF 30, wear a tanktop and shorts, and lie on a towel. God give me WARMTH! (ok, confession: the fake rays have made me look "less dead".) And... YES, it really makes me feel better.

Exercise, goals, fake sun, mixed with the world's best sitcom has pulled me through.
What's been giving you the up & at 'em's?

hoopdy-doo and dickory-dock

2008-12-28T19:12:00.003-05:00

my cry.

2008-12-28T18:49:00.004-05:00

new year.
new beginnings.
REnewed heart
new me...

Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10

underway...

2008-11-10T10:39:00.002-05:00

The process has officially begun!

I attended my weekend training this past weekend for my Doula certification!

The word doula comes from Ancient Greek δούλη (doulē), and refers to a woman of service.

My head is whirling right now. Full of checklists that keep changing their order. I have time, so I just need to relax - being careful not to lose my drive.
What I know now:
Childbirth Education class at Providence (Dec.)
Breastfeeding class, Ann Arbo (Jan.)
I need to finish my "packet"
LOTS of books to read, and start building my lending library.
... and, AND...
I'm waiting to hear from a potential first client!

Big stuff.

decision pending

2008-10-20T14:44:00.004-04:00

If I talk about it...
it will become too real.
With that reality comes the commitment.
I'm still prayerfully considering,
but I thought I'd give YOU a hint.
Stay tuned...

rewind

2008-10-08T12:35:00.012-04:00

How silently they tumble down
And come to rest upon the ground

To lay a carpet, rich and rare,
Beneath the trees without a care,

Content to sleep, their work well done,

Colors gleaming in the sun.

At other times, they wildly fly

Until they nearly reach the sky.

Twisting, turning through the air
Til all the trees stand stark and bare.

Exhausted, drop to the earth below
To wait, like children, for the snow.

by Elsie N. Brady

Overdue amounts of fun

2008-09-15T11:25:00.005-04:00

+ absence of manners and maturity = GIRLS NIGHT!

... and just in case the photo confuses you...

Home-Centered Learning - GREAT Article!

2008-09-15T11:20:00.000-04:00

Putting the Home in Homeschooling

By Clay Clarkson
Printed in PHS #25, 1998.

A young mother approached Sally at the break during one of our conferences. She had a worried look in her eyes that said, "Help me, please!" For several minutes, she poured out her anxious concerns that she wasn't doing enough for her children, that they weren't progressing, and that she was failing as a homeschooling mother. "How old are your children?" Sally asked when the woman finally took a breath. With a note of seriousness, the woman replied, "Oh, they're three and five years old."

If that seems humorous to you, that's good. There's hope for you! After countless conversations just like that one, though, our stifled chuckles have turned to sighs. Too many parents see their homes only through the lenses of institutional education. Rather than finding joy and freedom in their homeschooling experience, they find themselves in bondage to cultural models of education defined by textbooks, workbooks, classrooms, age-grade norms, testing and grading.

Fortunately, we discovered early in our homeschool experience that textbooks and formal curricula are artificial means of education. Rather than unleashing learning potential, they hold it back. For us as parents, they created a false security that we were doing enough, and a false confidence that our children were really learning. For our children, they created a false dependency on formal methods of learning, and a false distinction between learning and living. Conventional classroom methods diluted the wonder and joy of real learning, turning it into a tedious and burdensome task unrelated to real life at home.

On the other hand, our children naturally loved reading and being read to, talking about their own insights and ideas, learning through real life, and having lots of time to explore and learn on their own. The more we studied Scripture and observed our children, the more confident we became that this was how God designed children to live and learn. It was the liberation of learning in our home!

As we lived out these principles, we found it helpful to express them in a model. Educational theoreticians would call it a paradigm, but we think of it as a corrective lens for seeing your home from God's perspective as a living and learning environment. It consists of five areas of focused studies.

Discipleship Studies: We start with the study of God's word to gain wisdom. Our goal is to shape our children's hearts to love God and to study and know his word.
Disciplined Studies: Then, we study the "basics," such as math and language arts, that require a more disciplined approach. Our goal is to develop our children's foundational learning skills and competencies.
Discussion Studies: Then, we spend the bulk of our studies in the humanities, reading and reading aloud literature and history, and studying the fine arts. Our goal is to feed our children's minds on the best in living books and the fine arts.
Discovery Studies: Next, we direct our children into the "study of learning" in areas such as nature, science, the creative arts, and all other interests. Our goal is to stimulate in our children a love for learning by creating opportunities for curiosity, creativity and discovery.
Discretionary Studies: Finally, we turn to the "study of living," focusing on natural gifts and interests, community involvement, and life skills. Our goal is to direct our children in developing a range of skills and abilities according to their drives and gifts.

Your home can and should be a warm, vibrant place where your children love to learn as freely and as naturally as they love to play. In fact, education is the natural outgrowth of the discipleship relationship between parents and children, so it should be the natural activity of every Christian home. That is what this "home-centered learning" model tries to capture.

There is great freedom in knowing that what you are doing conforms to a pattern that is already built into the very fabric and rhythm of your lives by God - he has designed your children to learn, he has designed your home to be a learning environment, and he has designed you to be a learning guide. Joy and freedom naturally follow when we cooperate with God's design.

We have come to the place where we can honestly say that there is no distinction in our home school between home and school - we are living to learn and learning to live all at the same time. That is what should happen in a home.

be informed...

2008-09-04T16:20:00.000-04:00

Sid the Science Kid

2008-09-04T11:06:00.003-04:00

Our friend, Michael Lloyd, has been working on this show.
I am extremely impressed and my kiddos LOVE it!
Check out your local listings!
The show has a great website, too!

fashion plate at 8

2008-09-04T10:45:00.005-04:00

Let's not forget the MP3 player in the ears with Daughtry, Colbie Calliet, Jonas Brothers, and Leeland.
Miley Cyrus? - ppssshhhh, she's SO 5 minutes ago!

aaaand, we're off!

2008-09-02T15:37:00.002-04:00

First day of school.
Kids were per-fect.
We got everything done.
We stuck to the schedule.
It will not last.

C'mon, be real... it just WON'T!
That's okay. I don't really prefer this "robotic" type of morning, but I'll tell ya...
if I can get this school day to be more of the norm.... PRAISE GOD!

I love that each year I am getting a little more and more into their groove, and them mine. We are learning so much about each other. I really want to encourage others (since I'm usually the one needing the encouragement!) to stick it out. I can say that because today went well. One good day really does cancel out 10 bad ones.
And what is a "bad" day... really?
Your kids would rather PLAY than do math??? - Set up a "pet store" with all their stuffed animals
Your kids would rather be anywhere but the kitchen table listening to you "teach"? - Pack up a bag of books and a blanket and head to the park
Your kids have ants in their pants and you can't wait until wine 'o clock?? (okay, that's usually my complaint) - Crank up the music full blast and attempt to dance and clean one room... all before the song ends. OH, and don't forget to laugh.

For the most part, we CAN get through this with great joy.
For the most part, my days won't be picture-perfect (who has that "picture", anyway??)
But... as always... I am blessed beyond belief to have this opportunity to be with my children in this capacity...
and THAT is worth it ALL!

It's a "Mom Thing"....

2008-08-21T10:40:00.002-04:00

... Isn't it?

those were the days, my friend...

2008-08-21T10:37:00.003-04:00

Summer 2008

ouch.

2008-08-21T10:16:00.003-04:00

Pulled this from an article by Sonny Scott of EdNews.org

Young families must make the decision: Will junior go to day care and day school, or will mom stay home and raise him? The rationalizations begin. "A family just can't make it on one income." (Our parents did.) "It just costs so much to raise a child nowadays." (Yeah, if you buy brand-name clothing, pre-prepared food, join every club and activity, and spend half the cost of a house on the daughter's wedding, it does.) And so, the decision is made. We give up the bulk of our waking hours with our children, as well as the formation of their minds, philosophies, and attitudes, to strangers. We compensate by getting a boat to take them to the river, a van to carry them to Little League, a 2,800-square-foot house, an ATV, a zero-turn Cub Cadet, and a fund to finance a brand-name college education. And most significantly, we claim "our right" to pursue a career for our own "self-fulfillment."

Please don't misunderstand my agreement with Sonny as "tooting my homeschool horn", rather, I am extremely saddened by the breakdown of the American family. All of these "stranger-raised" children will soon be the adults of our society.
It's not going to be a pretty picture.

just like that.

2008-07-25T23:09:00.003-04:00

He's done.
My sweet baby/little boy is really okay with the fact that
he does not need his trusty blanket anymore.

Trusty blanket = "ee-haa"
"Ee-haa" also comes with "taggy".

I love "taggy".

"Taggy" and "Ee-haa" have been his source of comfort when mommy is not around.
Now, he's such a big boy, that he's alright when mommy is not around.

He's confident in the fact that I will return and passes the time with a book, or a matchbox car, instead of running his fingers in and out the silky tags.

I don't keep much.
I'm good at getting rid of things we are done with around here.

But "Ee-haa" and "Taggy" will have a special box, in a special place...
... to help me remember these special days.

this ain't no disco!

2008-07-24T13:50:00.005-04:00

Go ahead and start the track down there before you read.
Soundtracks are an important part of ignorant stories. (are they?)

Okay, let's begin.
Cutting fresh, delicious, fiery peppers from your garden and then PICKING YOUR NOSE is far from smart.... OR any other part of your face for that matter - your eyelids, upper-lip, or forehead. Ladies and gentlemen, I just went through a double ice-cube healing regimen in an effort to stop the BURN. Not only did I fry the tender inner-nose, but WAAAAY up there into the sinuses - GOOD GOLLY MISS MOLLY!!!!!!!!!!! NOT THE SHARPEST TOOL IN DA SHED!!!!
Not smart y'all.
Not smart.

Lesson: For the love, PLEASE wear gloves and then wash your hands after handling habanero peppers! Washing your hands after picking your nose, optional, but highly recommended!

You now have full permission to make fun of me.

Disco Inferno (Single Edit) - The Trammps

something in the air...

2008-07-16T13:56:00.002-04:00

Homeschooling moms everywhere are starting to think. (uh, oh... that could be dangerous!)
The official learning year is fast approaching and the FUN of planning begins!
Really, I mean that! From those I know, MOST are very excited to plan!
(it's the implementing that stinks to high heaven!) Ohhh, the best of intentions should never be disregarded!

A few thoughts:
I'm changing things up a little bit from last year.
I'm getting a little more serious about getting certain things completed.
I may put my little man into a preschool program a couple days a week to have a little concentrated time with the girls.
I'm going to do some joint subjects with friends. (science and history)

Here's what we've got on the plate so far...
Piano once a week.
GRACE Co-op Fridays
Language Arts - Rod and Staff everyday
Math - Horizons everyday
Science - Apologia, Zoology 1 (and all the birding that I am in love with...) T&Th
History - Mystery of History M & W
Bible - Stick Figure Bible and morning devotionals everyday

For us... that's M-O-O-O-O-RE than enough.
We've been doing math and reading all summer... just to keep it all fresh in our minds.
Both girls will also be involved in Girl Scouts and cheering for the Royal Oak Chargers.
Little man will be choosing a sport in the next year or so...
Until then, he'll just have to be content being my baby!

It's going to be a good year!

anointed.

2008-07-09T08:59:00.002-04:00

... to be in the presence of God.

Carrried to the Table ~

Wounded and forsaken
I was shattered by the fall
Broken and forgotten
Feeling lost and all alone
Summoned by the King
Into the Master's courts
Lifted by the Savior
And cradled in His arms

I was carried to the table
Seated where I don't belong
Carried to the table
Swept away by His love
And I don't see my brokenness anymore
When I'm seated at the table of the Lord
I'm carried to the table
The table of the Lord

Fighting thoughts of fear
And wondering why He called my name
Am I good enough to share this cup
This world has left me lame
Even in my weakness
The Savior called my name
In His Holy presence
I'm healed and unashamed

You carried me, my God
You carried me

~Leeland

life in a northern town

2008-06-26T14:35:00.008-04:00

Some highlights from our latest adventure.

We headed north to Grayling/Gaylord to do a little campin' and attend the Big Ticket Festival... take a looksie!

Jammin' with the David Crowder Band...

Chillin' with Brandon Heath. Love him.

Enjoying my new FAV band! - LEELAND!

... can I pause a moment right here to say, WHAT'S WITH THE MUSICAL, OBSCENELY TALENTED TEXANS? I'm speechless...

Other highlights would include...

Bullriding...

Hiking...

Learning about big trees...

Reeeeally big trees!

Discovering...

... and just enjoying the good life...

they're the people that you meet each day....

2008-06-24T14:59:00.003-04:00

... or... do you?

So... I was recently reading Peppermint Filled Pinatas by Eric Bryant. He's from a super-cool church in L.A. called Mosiac, and this past winter, he spoke at my favorite place of worship (*ahem* my church, Genesis).
Wow.
Like Shane Claiborne; amazing author, speaker, radical - this book did a great job of making me notice my short-comings when it comes to living out Gods will with every part of my life. I LOVE THIS FEELING! I know! Feeling like I suck is AMAZING! Know why? In a nutshell, it gets me off my butt and makes me move.
I always ask God to guide my steps and move me in ways that will bring glory to his name.
God does not always lead us in a way that feels gentle and safe. Sometimes he gives ya a swift kick in the rear. "Go! Move! It's out of your comfort zone, do it anyway!" -God.
Aannyway... back to the book.
You can read the synopsis and reviews on the Amazon link up there (click on the book's title), but in a nutshell: Embrace diversity and love your neighbors.
We are all different. It's not always comfortable. Many of us are residing in jam-packed little neighborhoods with a bunch of people that we do not even know! This did not sit well with me. It was on my mind for several months. Complacency and comfort were binding my hands, heart and feet to make any difference.
Why do I live in a NEIGHBORhood and feel so distant from my neighbors? Why don't we just pack up and move out to the country? We chose to live here, surrounded by people that get out of their cars, go straight into the house with closed up doors and windows, and stay there until they get back into their cars again.
I was ready to make an effort.
I made out a flier and passed it out to my neighbors, inviting them to come over on Monday night after dinner for snacks and socializing. We figured, what was the worst that could happen? No one would show because it was a lame idea and we'd have a family night playing games in the backyard. No harm done.
Monday night came and the people started trickling in. 1, 3, 4, 6.... 19 people showed up, with snacks in hand, to see what this "Patio Party" was all about!
Aside from going away to school and living in Berkley for 5 years, I have lived in this home for 30 years! I met neighbors that remember me running around outside in my diaper when I was 2!
Everyone was so happy to be here. We hung out until the sun set and decided that we would rotate "Patio Parties" every Monday night this summer.
Last night, we met again across the street. Neighbors told neighbors and we had 30 people show!
God is good.
I had little faith in the idea but gave it a shot with the nudge of God.
Today, I know my neighbors and relationships are being built! I looked outside this morning and saw 2 neighbors chatting on the sidewalk that lived 3 houses away from each other and never met. I look forward to going on a walk tonight and possibly running into some of the new people that I've met. I pray that I can show God's love regardless of our differences.
Making a difference, one backyard at a time...

in lieu of pools

2008-06-12T16:36:00.003-04:00

The Batman Slip-n-Slide ranks up there on my list of Top-10-purchases-that-entertain-young-children. You can't be too in love with the lawn, because it does not return to its original form for a couple of weeks. If you're anything like me, you should use the potty prior to the show, or your liable to pee yourself laughing at all the slippery mishaps.
That's terrible, I know. Thank my mom for that inherited trait.

letterboxing

2008-06-09T23:41:00.005-04:00

Excuse me... did I grow up under a rock?
How in the world did I not know about this?
I have found the best family hobby EVER and I can't wait to get started.

Okay, well, I did get started. It failed. (stay tuned for details, it was pretty funny.) But it did pique my interest enough to make me a bit, oh, shall I say OBSESSED?

Letterboxing. A world-wide treasure hunt. Can it get any cooler than that?
I am 32 and FINALLY get my wish to become a GOONIE!

For those of you that have "known about it for years"... yeah, thanks for sharing. ;)
For the rest of you that are saying, "What? How can I join in on the hunt?!?!?!"...
Just let me know. We'll chat.

beauties.

2008-06-06T23:26:00.004-04:00

I'm ba-a-a-a-ck!

2008-06-02T22:32:00.004-04:00

(with a very hearty appetite for life)
encouraging words greatly appreciated!

vices 1 - 7

2008-06-02T22:22:00.008-04:00

You're going to Hollywood!

2008-05-28T10:27:00.004-04:00

If we've learned anything over a 5 year span of watching American Idol, it's the fact that mom has a thang for men that can sang! No, no... seriously, (well, that is true) it's the ability of each singer to "make the song their own". It shows that you are not merely a professional karaoke singer, but someone that can throw a little artistry into somebody else's songs.
My oldest gal, in my professional karaoke opinion, is one step closer to The Golden Ticket. Take a listen. You'll agree.
I'm so very proud...

WHAT'S GOIN' ON OUT THERE?!?!?!

2008-05-19T13:41:00.008-04:00

These...

... this...

... some of these...

... ooo, and this...

... and to top it all off with these intoxicating little buggars...

... and some ambiance.

(I didn't think it would be appropriate to show piles of doggy-doo)

anime-boy

2008-05-19T12:27:00.002-04:00

a test to see if you are paying attention

2008-05-19T11:32:00.005-04:00

I think it was last week that I blogged about Ross' Salad.
Well, I'm still not over it and I will make it a staple in my diet... like chocolate, or water.
I understand that the thought of watching Ross' Talky Blogs may not be appealing to some, so I've caved and decided to include a photo and recipe so that you, too, can over-indulge in this sensory-explosive meal!

(note: there is no tofu in the image above, and I have thrown in some arugula, sunflower seeds and a piece of fiber-filled cardboard, I mean, Wasa toast with a wedge of Laughing Cow cheese on top!)

- baby spinach
- strawberries
- crumbled goat cheese
- tofu (however you like it, I buy it baked and firm)
- shredded carrots

dressing: (there's no right or wrong to the ratios here, although the vinegarette is the main component)
- basalmic vinegar (i just buy the dressing)
- honey
- stone ground mustard
- squirt of lemon juice

Okay, I'm done talking about it.
I swear.

silent struggles

2008-05-19T08:57:00.004-04:00

Aside from exercise, there are other ways you can combat anxiety and depression. In a recent personal battle of "medicate vs. unmedicate", alternative therapies have become a huge interest of mine. Along with Weight Watchers, I have found the following info (which I didn't write, but don't feel like citing) to be extremely helpful in my quest for stability.

* FISH – Fish oils have a stabilizing effect on moods. Studies using supplemental fish oils have shown success in treating depression without prescription medications. Healthy fish to increase in your diet include salmon, trout, sardines, arctic char, mackerel, herring, and sole. If you don’t care for fish, then fish oil supplements called EPA/DHA are available in most health food stores. I’d recommend 1000 – 3000 mg per day.

* B complex vitamins – B complex vitamins including B12, B6, and folic acid are important in the production of serotonin in the brain. These B vitamins can be taken as a supplement, but are also found in foods such as dark green leafy vegetables, eggs, fish, poultry, and whole grain cereals.

* Magnesium – Magnesium is also essential for mood stabilization. I would recommend 350-500 mg of magnesium daily. Foods rich in magnesium include wheat germ and wheat bran, nuts, tofu, and dark green leafy vegetables. If you don’t care for any of these foods, magnesium supplements, such as magnesium glycinate are available.

* FIBER – Increasing your intake of fiber helps your body to process and maintain stable hormone levels. Good sources of fiber include whole grains, fruits & vegetables, nuts & seeds, and beans.

* Reduce your intake of sugar – Although sweets, sugar, and carbs can provide a temporary “feel good” effect, they cause swings in the levels of serotonin and other neurotransmitters in the brain that are unstable. A rule of thumb is to reserve carbs and small amounts of sweets for after dinner only – these foods transiently boost serotonin levels, which may help with getting to sleep, so they’re best avoided until evening.

* Consider a natural antidepressant – If your symptoms are not severe, under the supervision of your physician or therapist you might consider one of the natural antidepressants. These natural therapies have shown effectiveness of varying degree in helping mild to moderate depression. These include St. Johns Wort, and SAMe. Both are natural products that can be very effective, but they can have interactions with other medications, so please consult your physician before trying these therapies.

still crazy after all these years

2008-05-14T07:52:00.003-04:00

THIS THURSDAY
I'M THERE
CAN'T HANDLE IT
*(insert teenage squeal)*

it's a party, no... it's a SALAD!

2008-05-12T20:08:00.005-04:00

This can't be one of those "long story short" kinda tales.
I can't, in good conscience, take credit for such a culinary masterpiece.
My friend, Ross, probably can't either... but I took it from him.
Is this an appropriate citing of my resource? Can I continue?
Okay, back up a sentence or so.
This Ross guy?... Not really my "friend".
(Gosh, why we gotta be so technical?)
Any of you watch (semi-religiously) The Tonight Show? Or...
How about VH1's Celebrity Fit Club, I believe, Season II. (?)
Well, Ross Mathews is aka "Ross the Intern" on Leno. His ridiculously magnetic personality captured me at HELLO! I watch Ross' "Talky Blogs" several mornings a week while drinking my coffee. I'm working on substituting the Blog for The Bible. Don't be hatin'.
AAAAAANYHOOO...
This morning, Ross shared a recipe. I ran out and bought the ingredients because I could only imagine the explosion of flavor that was to come.
I was right. It was amazing. It was... expen$ive.
It was worth it.
I would give you the recipe, but I would love for you to meet "my friend", Ross.

$elf-"worth"

2008-05-11T18:44:00.002-04:00

I always love when these articles resurface from time to time...
Not that you can put a price-tag on my job...
Oh, ok... you can if you want to. Nothing wrong with a little validation, right moms?

the swell season

2008-05-11T14:50:00.003-04:00

What an honor to be in their passionate presence last night.
The same passion that oozed from their beautifully simple, captivating, award-winning movie, "Once", filled every inch of the theater and made my heart swell - the way pure, raw, music does once in a blue moon. Glen and Marketa are shining stars in a sea of over-produced, under-talented noise that we are all too often subjected to.

faith, trust, and pixiedust

2008-05-09T15:55:00.003-04:00

Fairy Houses...

literature in action.

Flowers in the WILD

2008-05-09T13:50:00.002-04:00

"You mean flowers grow where people don't plant them?"
Oh, you sweet city-dwelling children...
LET'S GO ON A HUNT!

Sooo... off to the
Madison Heights Nature Center
we went!

Can't leave without our trusty Pocket Naturalist!
We own several and LOVE THEM!

What did we find?

BUTTERCUP

CANADA MAYFLOWER

TRILLIUM

WILD GERANIUM

... what else did we see?

my favorite bird!

life-learning

2008-04-29T11:47:00.002-04:00

...begins at birth
it is a naturally progressing,
child-led, mommy-directed,
always-nurturing,
God-given desire.

Grocery Store Math

2008-04-24T15:22:00.003-04:00

How much does it cost to make a LASAGNA?

Math in the real world...
that's what it's all about!

(oh, we'll be able to make 2 lasagnas for less than $20!)

couldn't resist...

2008-04-11T23:54:00.004-04:00

girl stuff.

2008-04-11T15:09:00.004-04:00

I've seen sunny days that I thought would never end...

2008-04-11T14:56:00.002-04:00

CAN'T. HANDLE. IT.

2008-04-04T08:36:00.003-04:00

I adore this.
State your argument now
if you've seen anything more precious.

cup 'o goodness

2008-03-24T14:18:00.003-04:00

this has become a new obsession of mine
when i have a hankerin' for somethin' sweet...
a splash of cream and swizzle of honey
and i'm good to go...

dip baby, dip.

2008-03-19T20:52:00.008-04:00

Despite all the sickness,
we were able to muster up enough strength
to color the eggs.

micro-wha?

2008-03-19T10:42:00.003-04:00

Goodbye microwave, hello COUNTER SPACE!
We're going to give it a try. It's headed to the garage.
It's hardly used anyway.
We can wait the extra, oh, 15 minutes it might take to heat up leftovers. (tastes SO much better reheated in an oven anyway!)
So sad that we need everything so darn fast nowadays!
They don't call us the "Microwave Generation" for nothing!

better than green beer...

2008-03-17T14:30:00.004-04:00

It's a very special day for the most special person in my life...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARK!

...oh, and... CHEERS!

peep.

2008-03-17T14:11:00.006-04:00

The kids and I jumped in the van and headed to Wolcott Mills this morning
to pick up our latest project!

We hope to have some of these in 21 days

So we loaded a bunch (20, to be exact) of these

...into this thing

... and now we wait!

a day like today...

2008-03-13T15:41:00.004-04:00

for my own good.

2008-03-10T19:56:00.003-04:00

In lieu of my recent, slow (yet steady) weight loss (15 lbs. since 1/3/08), I've decided I owe it to myself to make some other changes in the way I care for my body. It's not as overwhelming as it may seem because, let's face it, there's SO much we can do to give our "temples" a much needed renovation!

Listen to your body.

Sounds vague, I know. But really, start journaling how you feel. Pay attention to the foods you put in your mouth at the time you're feeling "that way." Over time, you're bound to see a pattern evolve. I promise you a #3 Extra Value Meal will NEVER elicit a "thank you" from your body!*

Something about my body feels.... for lack of a better word, but probably the correct word, TOXIC.
I thought about toxins in my body, and wondered how I would face this battle!
Start over. Flush it out and START OVER.

I'm currently researching the "juice fast" With my anemia, it may not be a good idea. If it seems do-able, I will start trying this method in the warmer months (recommended) . I'm not looking forward to it - but the results fill me with hope and determination to feel the way that God created me to feel. (or darn close to it anyway... let's face it, Adam and Eve REALLY did screw it up for us!)

For the time being, I am introducing PROBIOTICS to my system. Here's a little definition that I took from a site (that I should site, sshhh) to help you better understand the importance of these little capsules:

Probiotics are intended to provide nutritive support for the normal absorption of nutrients in the digestive tract. Each serving provides 20 billion friendly micro-organisms.

I am also going to continue taking my Triphala Internal Cleanser. I don't need to go into details. You can imagine it's role in all this. If you're curious though, just click the name for more info!

I'm also continuing a diet high in fiber with PLENTY of water (good stuff, I ACTUALLY go to a WATER STORE!) and exercise.

So... feel free to chart my progress and hold me accountable.
I'm optimistic. I have all the confidence that I will feel better than I felt this time last year... and that's all the motivation I need right now!

* but this might... ;)

hemp therapy.

2008-03-03T22:02:00.002-05:00

GET SOME.
YOUR HANDS WILL THANK YOU.

they're not gonna pay

2008-03-03T15:37:00.004-05:00

ONE.
LAST.
TIME.

Adam & Anthony
RENT ~ Farewell Tour
Begins Jan. 2009

easy exfoliant!

2008-02-24T16:56:00.006-05:00

Forget dumping lots of cash into skin products, most of which are damaging your body's largest organ! I'm learning so much about the benefits of olive oil and I'll be sure to share as I continue to learn more.
The cold winter air combined with dry indoor heat are a killer on my skin! I have highly sensitive skin and have very little luck with store bought facial creams and scrubs. My latest discovery has been scrubs and masks made with- you guessed it, extra-virgin olive oil!

Moisturizing Scrub
Step 1 - Gather and measure the following
1 T brown sugar
1/2 T olive oil
(really! that's it!)

Step 2 - Smooosh it all together and lightly apply to your face, paying close attention to the dry patches (exfoliate). Mine happens to be my "T-Zone" (forehead, nose, chin)
Remove (don't scrub) sugar with a warm, wet washcloth.

You may find you have too much scrub.
I highly suggest you use the left overs on your (probably) neglected tootsies!

After my mini-facial, I like to bask in a little steam.
Unlike many nasty oils found in many store-bought products, olive oil (high in antioxidants and Vitamin E) won't clog your pores and trap in the dirt and suffocate your skin. The skin is able to breathe and the steam opens your pores and leaves you feeling very refreshed!

A good rule of thumb is to only exfoliate once or twice a week. Even though it's natural, the rough texture of the sugar can be a little harsh on your skin.
Mix it up a little bit and go for a MASK!
I'm due for one pretty soon... and I'll be sure to share!

on this day...

2008-02-22T15:22:00.003-05:00

... a precious boy was born into this world, 4 amazing years ago.
Happiest of days to you my sweet little man!

healthy rays

2008-02-22T15:14:00.006-05:00

BENEFITS OF SUNSHINE

Droppin' in just to give a little THANK YA JESUS for the gift of SUNSHINE in Michigan today!
Yes, we do recieve some Vitamin D from the healthy foods we eat, but did you know that nearly 90% of the benefits come from the big light in the sky?
Click between the pictures to find out more!

aim for the tar-jaaaaay

2008-02-19T09:28:00.003-05:00

Click here for the insider's scoop on GREAT DEALS at your local Target!

daddy's arms.

2008-02-14T19:35:00.002-05:00

say it with... pancakes

2008-02-14T08:06:00.006-05:00

... off to start the day's festivities!

happy to shelter, thanks.

2008-02-12T12:27:00.000-05:00

Do you "shelter" your children? (by G. Suarez)

We're finding that's a bad word in some circles. Something is creeping into the church (and even the homeschooling community), and it isn't biblical. It is an "anti-sheltering campaign" of sorts, and it's full of holes. Think about it. What does it mean to shelter? Protect. Defend. Guard. Preserve. Watch over. Shield. Safeguard. Hmmmm, so far so good, right? Sure, until "pop psychology" comes in and tells us we should allow our children to taste a little of the world in order to understand it or pray for it - that we should not "over-shelter" them. Nonsense.

What's the opposite of shelter? Expose. Endanger. We parents are called to be like our Father in Heaven. He is the greatest "Shelterer" there ever was, and it is us He shelters - or watches over; protecting us, preserving us, shielding us. Praise Him for this! Glory to God who knows how to parent (shelter) us perfectly. May we as parents follow this model - His model. Let's continue to shelter (love) our children as He loves us. Dismiss the garbage that crawls in; don't buy it. We're promised there will be false teachers, liars in the church (and there are many). I want to keep my eyes focused on Christ, come what may.

Parents: Keep sheltering them. You are bringing them up in the love and admonition of the Lord, not in the latest "homeschool philosophy." God's word trumps any speaker! It dwarfs any author! May you be blessed as you continue to walk in obedience of His word.

Lord, thank you for sheltering me. Please never stop. "Over-shelter" if You will (if there is such a thing). Fine with me!

Over-protect, over-defend, over-guard me; please do! I'll take it all, Lord. Keep me tight to Your side. I'm safe in that place. There, I can breathe and thrive. It's where I live.

For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. - Psalms 61:3

the TRUTH does not hurt.

2008-02-11T08:59:00.000-05:00

6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

smiles lost.

2008-02-11T08:03:00.000-05:00

It's an uphill battle keeping the smile on this time of year - for me anyway! Thankfully, I "do community" with a message board chock full o'moms like myself, and a very wonderful woman had this to say about the battle with her own blues... I couldn't agree more and wanted to share her to-do list:

read the Bible, pray and be thankful for so very much you have

surround yourself with uplifting people

take a hike outside regardless of the weather

have a pamper me night or whenever...paint your toenails a new sassy color, dreamy lotion, pluck your eyebrows, etc.!

exercise and eat right

laugh

serve other people .... it's hard to be depressed when you're making a meal for a shut in neighbor or tray of cookies for the rest home!

smile, smile and smile some more...it's an instant mood-lifter

declutter your home

visit with someone elderly

play uplifting music (pssst! don't tell...but I popped in a very old John Mellancamp from my pre-mom years and danced around my kitchen!) it felt so good!

visit inspiring blogs

It's real, my friends... this Seasonal Affective Disorder. As hard as it may be to "shake it off", there really are some things you can do to lift your spirits until the trees bud and the days become longer.
Hang in there!

how will i know joy when i see it?

2008-02-07T20:10:00.001-05:00

today is -

2008-02-07T13:36:00.000-05:00

... not a good day.
Looking back, I woke up with the best of intentions.
Multiple circumstances have made this house next to unbearable for me right now.
My hands are tied, my children are fighting, there's no one to blame.
I want so badly to live in the moment, but right now I'd like to trade this moment for a peaceful, joy-filled one.

pride, i suppose.

2008-02-03T15:56:00.000-05:00

I got a great present at my meeting yesterday.
It's been 1 month since I started WW.
It has been so great to consciously take control of my health, and I've really developed some great habits!
I look forward to learning more, feeling better, and reaching my goal!
(and staying there, darnit!)

Zeke-a-licious!

2008-02-03T15:49:00.000-05:00

dinner's on!

2008-01-31T12:05:00.000-05:00

Question is... where should we eat?

a little battle

2008-01-30T21:47:00.000-05:00

Let's face it, most of us don't know a real battle when it comes to our health.
I am blessed beyond measure that I'm just dealing with some extra baggage on the hips and belly!

Update:
It's going well.
This week, I've blown it. Big time. I've wrestled through the emotional reasons as to WHY I possibly gained back half of my loss in 5 days - and I'm moving on.
I'm in the midst of week 4 and I'm down 9.5 pounds!

I'm very proud of myself.
This is not easy, but I'm loving the changes.

Less of me to come later!

what's a little more?

2008-01-30T21:40:00.000-05:00

Especially when it comes in a package like THIS?!?!:

Yep.
We (ok, I) rescued a pup.
I've learned that one way to battle OCD is to throw children and puppies IN IT'S FACE!

His name is Zeke.
WE love him!

on my mind.

2008-01-30T21:34:00.000-05:00

So this is what happens when my blog is squished into a "word cloud"...
Pretty neat!
At closer glance, just what does it say about me?

ch-ch-ch-ch-changes.

2008-01-03T15:29:00.000-05:00

183.5 lbs.

No more of this.
I'm done.
I'm ready for the battle,
and I am going to WIN!

I joined Weight Watchers this morning. No more whining about not feeling well. There is no one to blame but myself and I am ready to change. Stay tuned to my blog and I will share my success.

"There is no food that tastes as good as being thin feels!" ~Florine Mark

these guys rock.

2007-12-20T18:56:00.000-05:00

... 'nuff said!

The Receiver - MySpace

a december day.

2007-12-20T14:55:00.000-05:00

Our morning started with more of the story of Christ's birth.
The girls drew pictures to go along with their copywork.
(actually, the day started with lots of "cushion forts" and fighting...)

It's SNOW TIME!
Parker helps roll the giant snowball.

Big sister jumps in to help...

Push, Carly!

Look who has to go potty!

The weather is gorgeous, sunny and 40.
The snow melts a bit and becomes PERFECT for packing!
Only a few more days until Christmas.
We are all really looking forward
a weekend full of family, friends, and fun!

seasonal snaps.

2007-12-16T11:08:00.001-05:00

she's crafty.

2007-12-14T19:17:00.000-05:00

I'd like to thank Amy for the sudsy inspirations.
I find it amusing that I went from "inspired" to finished product in less than 24 hours.
It was so easy and affordable - how could I not?!?

Take a look!
There was no special formula here. I used the melt & pour method, used goods from my own cupboards (cinnamon, vanilla, honey, oatmeal, coffee, molasses...) - AND VOILA!
Fresh, yummy soaps!!
(and just in time for Christmas!)

i'm a mom. i'm in a band.

2007-12-13T14:50:00.000-05:00

Silent Violet at the Royal Oak Music Theatre.
Wanna see?
I love it. It's one of the things on my "must do before I die" list.
Now if Clay Aiken would only sing a duet with me...

learning in a new year.

2007-12-13T14:10:00.000-05:00

I've gotta be honest here... our first semester was kinda wishy-washy as far as curriculum goes. We learned! We had FUN! We did not have much structure. As I've said in the past, my children respond well to SOME structure, and I believe it is very good for them.
New year, a few new adjustments to OUR SCHEDULE.

We still use Five In A Row. Love it. Plan on continuing.
Still enjoying Math-U-See, both girls are doing math - AND NOT HATING IT!
We are going to add the "Burgess" books and create a real Nature Study!
I am so excited about this. Spending the day outside - exploring- it really reminds me of WHY I keep my kiddos with me.
I will be using the Ambleside curriculum for our Nature, Hymn, and Composer Studies.
I'm also looking into Rod & Staff for Language Arts. A friend recommended it, and I think I'm sold! So far, we've just been using random workbooks, which have worked well, but I can tell the girls are ready to kick it up a notch!
They love using the Explode the Code books for Language Arts, too. I plan on purchasing the next level.
History? Eh, we'll just read cool books and rent fun videos from the library. They are still young and I don't see the need to learn it now only to RE-learn it again in 4 years.

We're enjoying our Christmas break. Learning about advent has really helped us get excited for MORE than just the gifts under the tree. While the kids make paperbag puppet shows to the music of "Hairspray", I am eagerly anticipating a new year of learning!

oh yeah, i have a blog.

2007-12-13T13:48:00.000-05:00

I would like to keep this going, I really would... I just have a hard time fitting it into my schedule!
We are well.
The kids are amazing.
Life is beautiful - it really is...

Remember "If You Give A Moose A Muffin"?

2007-10-15T22:25:00.000-04:00

If You Give A Mom A Muffin

If you give a mom a muffin
She'll want a cup of coffee to go with it
She'll pour herself some.
Her three-year-old will spill the coffee
She'll wipe it up
Wiping the floor, she'll find dirty socks
She'll remember she has to do laundry
When she puts the laundry in the washer
She'll trip over boots and bump into the freezer
Bumping into the freezer will remind her
she has to plan for supper
She will get out a pound of hamburger
She'll look for her cookbook
(101 Things To Do With a Pound of Hamburger)
The cookbook is sitting under a pile of mail
She'll see the phone bill, which is due tomorrow
She will look for her checkbook
The checkbook is in her purse
that is being dumped out be her two-year-old
She'll smell something funny
She'll change the two-year-old's diaper
While she is changing the diaper, the phone will ring
Her five-year-old will answer and hang up
She'll remember she wants to phone a friend for coffee
Thinking of coffee will remind her
that she was going to have a cup
And chances are . . . If she has a cup of coffee
Her kids will have eaten the muffin that went with it

YES!

2007-09-19T08:59:00.000-04:00

If you do homeschool, let this reassure you!

If you don't, read on and think before you ask that dreaded question again!

***

No Thank You, We Don't Believe in Socialization!
by Lisa Russell

I can't believe I am writing an article about socialization, the word makes my skin crawl. As homeschoolers, we are often accosted by people who assume that since we're homeschooling, our kids won't be "socialized." The word has become such a catch phrase that it has entirely lost any meaning.

The first time I heard the word, I was attending a Catholic day school as a first grader.

Having been a "reader" for almost 2 years, I found the phonics and reading lessons to be incredibly boring. Luckily the girl behind me felt the same way, and when we were done with our silly little worksheets, we would chat back and forth. I've never known two 6 yr. olds who could maintain a quiet conversation, so naturally a ruler-carrying nun interrupted us with a few strong raps on our desk. We were both asked to stay in at recess, and sit quietly in our desks for the entire 25 minutes, because "We are not here to socialize, young ladies."

Those words were repeated over and over throughout my education, by just about every teacher I've ever had. If we're not there to socialize, then why were we there? I learned to read at home. If I finished my work early (which I always did,) could I have gone home? If I were already familiar with the subject matter, would I have been excused from class that day? If schools weren't made for socializing, then why on earth would anyone assume that homeschoolers were missing out?

As a society full of people whose childhood’s were spent waiting anxiously for recess time, and trying desperately to "socialize" with the kids in class; It is often difficult for people to have an image of a child whose social life is NOT based on school buddies. Do you ever remember sitting in class, and wanting desperately to speak to your friend? It's kind of hard to concentrate on the lessons when you're bouncing around trying not to talk. Have you ever had a teacher who rearranged the seats every now and then, to prevent talking, splitting up friends and "talking corners." Were you ever caught passing notes in class?

Now- flash forward to "real life." Imagine the following scenes:

Your Employer is auditing the Inter-Office Email system and comes across a personal note between you and a coworker. You are required to stand at the podium in the next sales meeting to read it aloud to your coworkers. The Police knock on your door, and announce that because you and your neighbor have gotten so close, they're separating you. You must move your home and your belongings to the other side of town, and you may only meet at public places on weekends.

You're sitting at a booth waiting for a coworker to arrive for a scheduled lunch date. Suddenly a member of upper management sits down across from you and demands your credit cards. When your friend arrives, you just order water and claim you're not hungry, since he stole your lunch money.

You're applying for a job and in an unconventional hiring practice, you are made to line up with other applicants, and wait patiently while representatives from two competing companies take their pick from the lineup.

You're taking your parents out for an anniversary dinner. After you find a table, a waiter tells you that seniors have a separate dining room, lest they "corrupt" the younger members of society.

You go to the grocery store only to find that since you are 32 years old you must shop at the store for 32 year olds. It's 8 miles away and they don't sell meat because the manager is a vegetarian, but your birthday is coming up and soon you'll be able to shop at the store for 33 yr. olds.

You'd like to learn about Aviation History. You go to the library and check out a book on the subject only to be given a list of "other subjects" that you must read about before you are permitted to check out the aviation book.

You're having a hard time finding what you need in the local department store. The saleslady explains that each item is arranged alphabetically in the store, so instead of having a section for shoes, you will find the men's shoes in between the maternity clothes and the mirrors.

Your Cable Company announces that anyone wishing to watch the Superbowl this year must log on a certain number of hours watching the Discovery Channel before they can be permitted to watch the game.

You apply for a job only to be told that this job is for 29 year olds. Since you're 32, you'll have to stay with your level.

In a group project, your boss decides to pair you up with the person you don't "click" with. His hope is that you'll get learn to get along with each other, regardless of how the project turns out.

These absurd examples were created to point out how absolutely ridiculous the idea of "socializing" in schools is. Many people had a friend who they stayed friends with all through grammar school- WHY? Because their names were alphabetically similar, and they always ended up in line with each other. As an adult, have you ever made friends with someone simply because your names were similar? How long would such a friendship last and how meaningful would it be, providing you had nothing else in common?

People often use the bully as an example of why it's so important to let kids "socialize" at school. If that's so important, then the bully needs to go to JAIL after a few months, because self-respecting society simply doesn't put up with that, nor should my 6 yr. old. Sure, there are crappy people in the world, but the world does a much better job of taking care of these things. A bullying brat in the first grade will still be a bullying brat in the 6th grade. He will still be picking on the same kids year after year after year, unless he moves to a new town. How long would the average adult put up with a bully? Personally, as an adult, I have only come across one grown up bully. I choose not to be around this miserable woman. So do many other people. THAT is real life. If she were a coworker, I would find a different job. If she worked at a business I patronized- not only would I refrain from doing business with that company, I would write a letter to the bully, her manager, the owner and the main office. A kid in a classroom has no way to emotionally protect themselves against such a person. I would never expect my kids to put up with bad treatment from a bully in the name of "toughening them up." For what? So they can be submissive wimps when they grow up too? So they can "ignore" their miserable bosses and abusive spouses? In real life, if an employer discovered that an employee was harassing the other staff members, that employee could be fired (pending the 90 day evaluation) or relocated. In real life, if you are so dreadfully harassed by a coworker you can seek legal recourse independently. In a classroom, the teacher and other children are often powerless.

The idea of learning acceptable social skills in a school is as absurd to me as learning nutrition from a grocery store.

As Homeschoolers, the world is our classroom. We interact with people of all ages, sexes and backgrounds. We talk to and learn from everyone who strikes our interest. We use good manners in our home and I'm always pleased when others comment on the manners my children have picked up. I believe good manners to be an important social skill.

Respecting common areas is also of value to us. We often carry a grocery bag with us on walks, in case we find trash that needs to be discarded. When we're waiting at a bus stop, if there is trash on the ground, we make a point to carry it onto the bus and discard of it properly. Once, while waiting at a bus stop- we saw a grown man drop his popsicle wrapper on the ground. He was 2 feet from a trash can- My daughter looked up at me with eyes as big as saucers. I told her (out loud) "It must have blown out of his hand from that little wind, because no-one would throw trash on the ground on purpose. I'm sure when he's done with his popsicle, he will pick it up and throw it away correctly- otherwise, we can take care of it so we don't have an ugly world." He did pick it up, rather sheepishly. I can't imagine expecting my children to have a respect for the cleanliness of common areas in an environment where bathroom walls are covered in graffiti and trees are scratched with symbols of "love" of all things.

Another social skill we strive to teach our children is that all people are created equal. I can't imagine doing that in an environment where physically disadvantaged children are segregated into a "special" classroom. Or even children who speak a different language at home. They are segregated and forced to learn English, while never acknowledging the unique culture they were raised in, and not enabling the other students to learn FROM them. Learning, in school, comes from the books and teachers. We will learn Spanish from a BOOK, not from a Spanish-speaking student; and not until 7th grade.

I have never felt it would be beneficial to stick my 6-yr. old in a room full of other 6-yr. olds. I believe God created a world full of people of all ages and sexes to insure that the younger ones and older ones learn from each other. A few years ago, we were living thousands of miles from any older family members, so I brought my kids (then 5 and 2) to an assisted living facility, so they could interact with the elderly. Staff members told us that many of the older people would wake up every day and ask if we would be visiting soon. We always went on Wednesdays. My daughters learned some old show tunes while one of the men played piano, and the others would sing along. If I didn't have to chase my 2-yr. old around, I would have had plenty of women ready to share the art of crocheting with me (something I've always wanted to learn.) If a friend was too sick to come out of their room during our visit, we would often spend a few minutes in their room. I always let them give the kids whatever cookies they had baked for them, and I ended up cleaning a few of the apartments while we visited, simply because I would have done the same for my own Grandmother. Every room had pictures from my kids posted on their refrigerators. We called this "Visiting the Grandmas and Grandpas" and my daughters both (almost 2 years later) have fond memories of our visits. I'm sure that if we were still visiting there, my unborn child would have a thousand handmade blankets and booties to keep him warm all winter.

I don't remember any such experiences in my entire School life, although I do remember being a bit afraid of old people if they were too wrinkly or weak looking. I never really knew anyone over 60. I never sped down the hall on someone's wheelchair lap, squealing as we popped wheelies and screeched around corners. I never got to hear stories about what life was like before indoor plumbing and electricity, from the point of view of a woman with Alzheimer’s, who might believe she was still 5 years old, talking with my daughter as if she were a friend. I never got to help a 90 yr. old woman keep her arm steady while she painted a picture. And I never watched a room full of "grandma's" waiting for me by the window, because we were 15 minutes late.

On a recent visit to an Art Gallery, we noticed a man walking back and forth, carrying framed artwork from his old pickup truck. I asked my 6 yr. old if she thought he might be the artist. We both agreed that was a possibility, and after a little pep-talk to overcome her stage fright, she approached him and asked. He was the artist, and he was bringing in his work to be evaluated by the curator. We all sat down and he explained some of his techniques and listened to her opinions about which piece she liked best. He told about how he enjoyed art when he was 6 and would "sell" pictures to family and friends. He recounted how he felt while creating a few of the pieces, and how each one has special meaning to him. He even let her know how nervous he was to show them to the curator and how he hoped she found them as interesting as we did. As he was called into the office, a group of thirty-four 3rd graders filed past, ever so quietly, while their teacher explained each piece on the walls. The children were so quiet and well behaved. They didn't seem to mind moving on from one picture to the next (The problem with homeschoolers is they tend to linger on things they enjoy). They didn't seem to have any questions or comments (Maybe they'll discuss that later in class). And they never got a chance to meet the gentleman in the pickup truck.

I hope my kids aren't missing out on any "socialization."

Oh... how I NEEDED this!

2007-08-30T21:50:00.000-04:00

So, we use an amazing curriculum called Five In A Row. Not only is the program super-cool, but the creators are EQUALLY as cool.
I am a part of the FIAR message board where other moms, similar to myself, can hang out and discuss... well... EVERYTHING!
One thing that most of us unanimously agree on is that this mom/wife/friend/teacher "thing" is down-right DIFFICULT! Sometimes is challenging to find the support you need amongst peers - those going through the exact same thing.
Then, this evening, I log on to find this amazingly beautiful letter of support and encouragement from the publisher of FIAR, Steve Lambert.
Praise God!
He really does know WHAT we need and WHO we need in our lives.
I needed this in my season...

I've seen the posts this week, both signed, and anonymous, about the disappointments, frustrations, heartbreak and disillusionment of homeschooling.

"Dis-illusionment" is good. That means you no longer have any false "illusions" about the job that you've undertaken.

It's easy to to have all kinds of false illusions about what it means to be a parent, to homeschool our children, to make a marriage work, to survive financially in a world that's determined to have "more" every day.

Anything worth doing is generally a challenge. If it were EASY to have a great marriage- everyone would have one.

If it were EASY to raise great kids- everyone would have them.

If it were EASY to homeschool- everyone would do it.

But it isn't. It's hard. All of it.

But Jesus never invited us to take a path without opposition. The scriptures are filled with admonitions and warnings about the challenges we'll face, the opposition that will stand in our way, the cost of discipleship and the price of servanthood.

Homeschooling is no more a panacea for bad kids than a church wedding is a panacea for bad marriages.

It's work... hard work... all of it.

The "formula" for raising great kids isn't homeschooling. If there's any "formula" it's to daily throw yourself on the mercy of the One who created your children, who knows them and to invest your lives in your kids- spending time with them, sacrificing some of the alternative ways you could be spending your time and money, etc. Homeschooling HAPPENS to be a fairly convenient way to do those things- but it's no guarantee!!

The "formula" for having a great marriage is the same. It's to cry out to the One who created your spouse and by working hard and self-sacrificially toward building a better relationship with your mate. Like parenting, it's about both quality AND quantity of time spent together. There are no shortcuts.

And yes... there will be opposition. There will be challenges. There will be setbacks. There will be disappointments.

What does Paul say: "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."

That sounds a lot like some of the posts around here lately.

Well... almost!

Some of the posts have been more like: "We are hard pressed on every side; perplexed; persecuted; struck down."

But Paul adds the other portion, reminding us: "We are not crushed; not in despair; not abandoned; not destroyed."

So I'm not worried when I read that you are hard pressed, perplexed persecuted and struck down in your homeschooling journey or marriage or finances.

That's NORMAL!! That's PREDICTED!! That's what we're told to EXPECT!!

But I want to remind you that the end of the story hasn't been written yet. There are parts and players in this play that you don't even know about yet. There are scenes yet unwritten in this movie which is your life.

And we may be lots of things- but we are NOT crushed, despairing, abandoned nor destroyed.

My grandmother used to say that her favorite verse in the Bible was, "And it came to pass..." She'd say "It didn't come to stay- it came to pass!"

There is a reward for those who persevere- for those who do the mundane drudgery of planting, hoeing and watering there WILL come a harvest!

Great children don't just happen.

Great families don't just happen.

Great marriages don't just happen.

Great character doesn't just pop forth.

I'm not telling ANY of you ANYTHING that you don't already know. I'm just reminding ALL OF US of the eternal truths.

It's the beginning of the new year. Bad habits have been formed over the summer perhaps. Routines and patterns have been disrupted. And the enemy wants to convince you that your efforts are pointless and your future is hopeless.

But don't give up. Don't quit. Don't waver.

Purpose to do a little better tomorrow than you did today.

I PROMISE YOU there will come a time in the not too distant future when you will look back on this season in amazement as you realize how that cloud has lifted and those insurmountable battles have disappeared as surely as the morning fog evaporates by mid-morning.

Bless you as you walk by faith,

Steve

ONE! WEEK! FROM! TODAY!

2007-08-29T20:30:00.000-04:00

Some things need to change.

2007-08-29T16:08:00.000-04:00

Why do we hold onto things that eat at our hearts?

“Bitterness is like swallowing poison and expecting the other person to die.”

I got that quote off of a friend's blog, she's not quite sure where she heard it, but it's stuck in my head. When things that I'm not conscientiously focusing on stick with me thoughout the day, I discern that as the voice of God.

Bitterness, lack of forgiveness, whatever you want to call it...
ROBS US OF OUR JOY!

Life is just too short.

Brandon Heath - I'm Not Who I Was

I wish you could see me now
I wish I could show you how
I'm not who I was
I used to be mad at you
A little on the hurt side too
But I'm not who I was

I found my way around
To forgiving you
Some time ago
But I never got to tell you so

I found us in a photograph
I saw me and I had to laugh
You know, I'm not who I was
You were there, you were right above me
And I wonder if you ever loved me
Just for who I was

When the pain came back again
Like a bitter friend
It was all that I could do
To keep myself from blaming you

I reckon it's a funny thing
I figured out I can sing
Now I'm not who I was
I write about love and such
Maybe 'cause I want it so much
I'm not who I was

I was thinking maybe I
I should let you know
I am not the same
But I never did forget your name
Hello

Well the thing I find most amazing
In amazing grace
Is the chance to give it out
Maybe that's what love is all about

I wish you could see me now
I wish I could show you how
I'm not who I was

Stickin' to it...

2007-08-22T08:53:00.001-04:00

It is safe to say that schedules and I do not get along.

Having children has made me realize that a schedule can be good - although I am still strongly in favor of "flying by the seat of my pants". It just allows so much more room for fun!

Some of the secret joys of living
are not found by rushing from point A to B,
But by inventing some imaginary letters along the way!
-Douglas Pagels

When it comes to schooling, and the children getting older and needing a little more "educational beef" in their diet, I have decided to commit to a schedule... definitely for their benefit - possibly for mine. I'm thinking that if I post my schedule on the wall at home AND here on my blog, it will greaten my accountability!

Okay, here it goes (keep in mind, I will STILL scrap everything to run outside and discover a bird call)...

8 - 9: Morning Jobs (including breakfast) I gave the girls a check-list of things to get done before the day begins, i.e., make bed, brush hair, get dressed...

9 - 9:30 Bible & Prayer

9:30 - 10 Mystery of History (MOH)

10 - 10:30 Open (walks, PBS, play, snack...)

10:30 - 11:30 Five In A Row (FIAR)

11:30 - 12 Math U See (MUS)

12 Lunch, core learning complete

1 - 2 Reading Rainbow/Between the Lions (great for rainy days!)

In the afternoon we will work in Sequential Spelling/SpellingTime.com, Silent Reading, educational games, Art (if we don't do it during FIAR), baking, grocery shopping (and other important Life Skills), group activities with friends...

We're starting on September 10th!!!
Our core day (on the 10th) will end with a visit to Chuck E. Cheese with a group of friends.
We are still participating in GRACE Co-Op on Fridays at Kensington Community Church. The group has been such a blessing to our family (and the Support Group, as fun as homeschooling can be, IS CRUCIAL!!!) There are days where I couldn't do it without them!

So... there you have it!
We're ready to begin, but first Mom and Dad need to spend a little time together in New York City!!!!!
After that, business as usual!

Back in the day... a fun history lesson!

2007-07-03T16:11:00.001-04:00

The kids are really having fun with this one! I'm sure it helps that it's my favorite period to study in American History.
We are "rowing" (our curriculum is called "Five In A Row") a book called "When I Was Young In The Mountains."
To go along with that story, and really bring it to life, we visited the Troy Historical Museum this morning.

Our friends that we don't get to see much during the school year were able to come along and share in the experience!
We have gone in the past, but at that time we were relating it to the "Little House" series. It was a neat concept to realize that these 2 stories could have been going on at the same time in history!
We took note of all the things we have now that were not available back then.
The kids were very aware and did a great job coming up with comparison lists!
After the museum we went home and had cornmuffins and home-made butter! Again, the adults may have been a little more excited about this, but it's good for the children to see parents that love to learn, too!

The Glory of God is Man Fully Alive!

2007-07-01T23:43:00.000-04:00

This song always stirs me.
There are times where I think, "yep, this is it... this is the life God has in store for me." Then God says to me over and over again, "No sweet child, there is more! If you can believe it... there is SO much more."
So I live for God. I live for God knowing with full faith and assurance that He has a life for me and a love for me beyond my comprehension... that if I grow with Him and in Him, even my trials will give Him glory and enrich my life.
He is why I live.
There's just no arguing that!

Take a sec to read through this song. I hope it gets in your mind and prompts prayer throughout your day. Is this what God has for you? Have you asked Him to show up?
I assure you - it's a request He LOVES to answer!!

Just Showed Up - Sara Groves

Spending my time sleep walking
Moving my mouth but not saying a thing
Hoping the changes would take by working their way from the outside in
I was in love with an idea
Preoccupied with how a life should appear
Spending my time at the surface repairing the holes in the shiny veneer

There are so many ways to hide
There are so many ways not to feel
There are so many ways to deny what is real

And I just showed up for my own life
And I'm standing here taking it in and it sure looks bright

I'm going to live my life inspired
Look for the holy in the common place
Open the windows and feel all that's honest and real until I'm truly amazed
I'm going to feel all my emotions
I'm going to look you in the eyes
I'm going to listen and hear until it's finally clear and it changes our lives

There are so many ways to hide
There are so many ways not to feel
There are so many ways to deny what is real

And I just showed up for my own life
And I'm standing here taking it in and it sure looks bright

Oh the glory of God is man fully alive
Oh the glory of God is man fully alive

There are so many ways to hide
There are so many ways not to feel
There are so many ways to deny what is real

And I just showed up for my own life
And I'm standing here taking it in and it sure looks bright

It's so much more than that...

2007-06-28T20:29:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite authors on Christian family "issues" is Clay Clarkson.
In this article I just finished, I actually said, "YES!" outloud.
Mr. Clarkson had this to say regarding a "purpose" of educating at home:

Home Education is the natural outgrowth of home discipleship. Your goal is not just an educated child, good SATs and college, or even a career and a good salary. Those may be fruits of your efforts, but your overriding goal should be to raise spiritually mature children who have both the will and the skill to learn, and the desire to keep learning. Your goal in home education, is to raise a well-rounded, spiritually-grounded, truth-founded Christian whose goal in life is to make a difference for the kingdom of God, whatever life path he or she chooses.

CAN I GET AN AMEN?

Johnny Cash's last performance.

2007-06-27T14:46:00.000-04:00

June, the love of his life, passed in May, just 2 months before this performance.
Johnny died 2 months later.
What an amazing gift he is to our music world... and so incredibly missed.

In addition to my last post...

2007-06-25T22:55:00.000-04:00

I ran across this video on YouTube and just had to bring it here... along with the story.

My very first Clay show, 2004.
I got tickets from a kind lady online. I drove out to Jackson, MI all alone, knowing that I'd at least know the 2 ladies I spoke with on the phone.
During that tour, Clay's "people" would audition singers prior to the show. They would take your seat number and come and get you if you were chosen to SING WITH CLAY!
Well... HERE'S HEATHER! Back then, she was just the nice lady I had JUST met and sat with.
NOW? - one of my best friends in the WORLD! ;)
I can't help but look back on this precious night... watching my dear friend experience a dream-come-true in the making!
I LOVE YOU HEATHER LEE.... KEEP ON SINGIN'!!!!

Less than a month now!

2007-06-25T22:14:00.000-04:00

CLAAAAAAAAAAAY!
It's just been too long.
I miss the surge of excitement bubbling amongst all the amazing fans.
I miss the air, thick with happiness, in the hours prior to showtime.
I miss feeling like a teenager for a weekend.
I miss the cars stuffed full o'Claymates - singing and laughing...
Oh... and most of all...

Quite possibly...

2007-06-19T14:11:00.001-04:00

... my favorite song EVER!!!!!!!
Turn it up and try to stay seated.

random acts of kindness...

2007-06-19T11:42:00.000-04:00

... are what surround me.

Tuesday's Thoughts

2007-06-19T11:20:00.000-04:00

"As Christians, we are called to convert our loneliness into solitude. We are called to experience our aloneness not as a wound but as a gift--as God's gift--so that in our aloneness we might discover how deeply we are loved by God."
~ Henri Nouwen ~

I hate to say that I wish for times of loneliness...
My depression last year was the loneliest time in my life.
Lonelier than being without a boyfriend in High School.
Lonelier than starting a college with no friends.
Lonelier than being awake with a baby and post-partum depression at 2am.

In my depression, God sat at the foot of my bed. My fear and sadness was NOT from God, and He reassured me through scripture every time I would listen. Every once in a while I would lose sight and start to sink, and just when that would happen, God would fix my eyes back on Him and I would walk on water - in the assurance that no matter what my trials, HE WOULD NOT LEAVE ME!

My quiet times with God, as few and far between as they are, are my "lonely times." There is no sadness in my loneliness except the knowledge that I should be with God intimately more often. The more I humble myself before Him, the more I receive from Him.
It's a fact that I know to be true and REJOICE in!

Your help is REALLY appreciated!

2007-06-09T00:06:00.000-04:00

Please take a second to click below on the "Demand It" button.
Gavin is one of my favorite new artists and I want to raise enough votes to get him to Detroit!