I did It - Blogathon 2011 Is Done

With this entry, I can officially say I did it! I took the challenge to blog every day throughout the month of May - A long month with 31 days, mind you - and, with this entry, I have officially accomplished that goal.

I hope you have enjoyed reading these 31 blogs and that they have not been just a bunch of empty words. I aim to provide useful information to my readers.

If you have enjoyed this month-long blogging frenzy, Don't despair! It has sparked some interesting ideas that I still have on the back burner ready to put down into a blog entry.

I have a Wikki Stix contest coming, still trying to formulate how to do the giveaway - Any ideas are welcome! I have a blog about the color of words and many more to come.

If you enjoy reading this blog, or have an idea for what you would like to read about, please comment below!

John Wayne and Red Skelton Pledge Allegiance For Memorial Day

A few weeks ago, someone handed my husband a handout explaining a couple things. For one, it explained how Memorial Day started and the traditions of wearing a poppy and such. But, it also included a breakdown of the number of wounded and battle deaths for many of the wars Americans have fought. It was as follows:

Revolutionary War - 6,1888 wounded - 4,435 dead
War of 1812 - 4,505 wounded - 2,260 dead
Mexican War - 4,152 wounded - 1,733 dead
Civil War - 354,805 wounded - 191,963 dead
Spanish American War - 1,662 wounded - 385 dead
World War I - 204,002 wounded - 53,402 dead
World War II - 671,846 wounded - 291,557 dead
Korean Conflict - 103,284 wounded - 33,741 dead
Vietnam Conflict - 153,303 wounded - 47,424 dead
Persian Gulf War - 467 wounded - 147 dead
There was no information on the current wars, but we know thousands have been wounded and dead.

This is the cost of freedom. Yes, I prefer peace to war as do many of you, I'm sure. But, sometimes something has to be fought for to maintain. Freedom is like that. It does not come free but with a price.

For Memorial Day, I thought a couple pledges of allegiance were in order:




Red sums this up with saying: "Since I was a small boy, two states have been added to our nation, and two words have been added to the Pledge of Allegiance "under God." Wouldn't it be a pity if someone said, "That's a prayer" and that would be eliminated from schools, too?"

Well, welcome to our current time. It has been eliminated from some schools in our nation.



Happy Memorial Day! If you enjoy your freedoms, you might want to thank a member of the armed forces.

Memorial Day Lessons

Memorial Day has been said to be the official kickoff to summer. But, it is truly more than that. While backyard BBQs and swim parties can bring families and friends together to share and say thank you for freedoms int his country, it is not at the root of what Memorial Day is all about.

I'm not wanting to be preachy. I know you know Memorial Day is not a frivolous event. At least, if you are the family of a soldier lost fighting for those freedoms you know. If not, you may be one of the grateful ones. Or, you may just want to kick back and enjoy a day off at the pool without feeling guilty. You can do this because you have been given freedoms in this country.

Those freedoms did not come free. Because I do not want to preach away in this blog, I will direct you to a Website that will bring the message of Memorial Day home for homeschoolers.

The site is Vision Forum and they address this holiday! They present it well - Lessons from the battlefield!

When To Correct The Cute Way A Kid Says Things

When I was a parent for the first time to my son, I learned that it was best to correct improper speech patterns or mispronounciations by simply repeating what the child said correctly. No reprimand or put down verbally, just a simple validation of what was said, only this time said properly for the child to hear. And, I did this with my first born. I even managed to get a chance to do it with my 2nd. But, when my 3rd came along I find myself wanting to hang onto the cute little mishaps of speech.

Today, for instance, my 4 year old told me, "Mommy, do you know how I can do this puzzle so well? It's because I MEMBER-IZE where the pieces go!" Hah! I thought it was cute. Even cuter in my opinion is how she refers to a question mark as a CHICKEN MARK! These are just things I'm not ready to correct. Far too soon she will pick up on proper speech. For now, I enjoy these little childhood mis-speaks in that cute little girl voice that will also grow up and change.

Yes, there are words or phrases I will correct by repeating it in the proper form. But, there are some I'm just gonna hang onto for awhile because they make me smile.

Science for Kids: Physics Behind Levers And Catapults

Physics sounds ominous and way too far over the heads of many to be able to instruct it. But, it's not. The laws of physics may seem unattainable to teach, but much of these complex laws can be boiled down to simple explanations and demonstrations. These laws pre-date their discoverers such as Newton. King David put the laws of physics to good use when he pulled out a slingshot and killed the giant.

Yesterday, my children had a blast learning laws of physics involving levers and projectory. We build this easy-to-make catapult out of a paper cup that we had left over from a Christmas party, a rubber band that came in a bundle of mail and a plastic spoon. After we built it, the kids had fun launching salt water taffy into the air. Surprisingly, even my 4 year old shot that taffy clear across the dining room and halfway through the living room with her little hands launching the catapult. Don't worry! We did not aim the taffy toward anyone or anything that would be breakable.

The Tornado And Lessons Of Science

Tornadoes have swept through numerous states leaving devastating damage, injuries and even loss of lives. When a tornado strikes, it seemingly haphazardly leaps over some areas while completely destroying others. Some seasons are more deadly than others. Is there a science behind this?

This article from Live Science explains their reasoning behind scientific causes to these tornadoes!


Tornadoes typically hit the midwestern or plain states, but can crop up elsewhere if conditions are right for it. So, educate yourself as to what to do if a tornado hits your area. This articles gives some helpful tips on tornado safety!

The devastation of these recent tornadoes in places like Joplin, MO; Alabama and Oklahoma have left loss of life which adds to other areas such as Bridgeton, MO and others who left people with life but no houses or belongings. People are left grieve, rebuild and live on. These devastations leave an opportunity for the rest of us to teach our children how to give. Giving can be done hands-on with help of clean up, through giving canned goods or bottled water or through raising funds to send to the areas to offer a hope for their future. Teaching compassion is a lesson that is not easily learned through a text book alone.

And of course, there are other practical lessons from the tornado that can be learned from a book. Most are familiar with a tornado in a bottle experiment.

This is a safe way to show the extreme power of a tornado.

Science Projects with sand

Are you longing for a beach vacation?

Do you like the sand? Are you fascinated by how sand dunes form and the science behind them? It's science facts like this that can create fun, hands-on science experiments for children.

This is a great science experiment project that is simple to do and requires minimal mess yet provides a huge learning experience for kids:

Sand Dunes Project For Kids!

Socialization Car Schooling and Homeschooling Gear

Find my homeschool gear here!

On a lighter note, I have heard about Cafe Press for a long time now. The other day, I decided to design my own merchandise. Rather, tongue in cheek I immediately put together a couple designs that hit home for me and put a smile on my face. One of the hot buttons with homeschoolers is the 'S' word - Socialization! The other is the idea that many don't stay at home when conducting their daily classrooms. After many dance lessons, swimming lessons, tumbling, etc. it dawned on me one day that I did a lot of "Car-Schooling." So, I designed another line of merchandise that involves the idea of car-schooling. There are t-shirts, messenger bags, bibs, onesies, doggie t-shirts, totes, coffee cups and just about anything you can ever want in homeschooling gear. I hope you find something you like.

As a homeschooler, people often ask me why I homeschool. One day when someone asked me, I responded:

Because of socialization! That's why I homeschool!

Of course, I got a very strange look and more questions to follow. But, what I meant by my response was true. Socialization is one of the main reasons why I homeschool. I believe that by homeschooling my children, I can provide for them a solid foundation. If they have a solid foundation and know they are loved, they will develop confidence. Once they develop confidence, they are free to excel at what God has gifted them with. If I throw them into a social environment where there is no encouragement and no loving foundation, they are left to believe their peers' opinions of who they are. I don't believe in throwing my newborn into an ocean full of sharks to teach him to swim. I believe that my elementary education in a public school taught me a lot about standing in line, not making waves, obtaining a hall pass to use the restroom, etc. But, life at home after school as one of four children taught me how to share, that I was loved no matter what and that there was always a shoulder to cry on and a big brother ready to stand up for my causes.

I know there are plenty who will agree with me on this point and many others who will disagree with me. If you disagree, maybe that is because I haven't adequately described my position. Or, maybe it's because we simply disagree. But, if you homeschool because of socialization or if you car-school, take a look at the Cafe Press shop and hopefully it will at least bring a little chuckle to your day!

Ed Emberley's Drawing Books for Kids

The other day my 4 year old presented me with a drawing of an elephant. It was adorable! It was so cute that I assumed her older sister had done it. But, the 4 year old was the actual artist. Come to find out, she was following a book we picked up at the library on drawing animals from Ed Emberley. The steps this author laid out were so clear my 4 year old understood them. She cannot yet read, but she could follow these drawing instructions.



If you are looking for a fun way to entertain or even log some art hours with a book that also is rich in teaching handwriting skills, I highly recommend any of Ed Emberley's Drawing Books. Here's some more to check out:

Online Learning With Lakeshore Learning

Homeschooling offers so much more resources nowadays than it did for the times of those homeschooling pioneers who went before us. With the internet, there is literally free education at our fingertips.

I found out about Lakeshore Learning several months ago. I receive emails from them weekly and keep meaning to investigate them and put them to more use than I have. No, they are not paying me for this post. And, no I have not been given a product of theirs to review. I'd like to just share some of what they have to offer to pass around the benefits to other homeschoolers.

Teacher corner. This section offers free tips and resources for teachers. You can download free writing worksheets, make awards, flash cards and print off word searches.

There are instructions for arts & crafts projects that teach things such as the life cycle of a frog, the parts of a sunflower and more.

There is a large selection of clip art, calendars and templates.

There are outdoor learning resources and more.

And, all this is before you even get a sampling of the products you can buy. You can shop by age or grade and find teacher workshops in your area. There is so much more this site offers.

No, I Don't Have To Be Super!

In her sleep the other day, my 2 year old screamed out, "No I don't have to be super!" It was plain and precisely audible. I laughed when I heard it wondering what she was dreaming about. What a funny thing for a 2 year old to say, especially in her sleep.

As I thought about this statement throughout the day I thought m ore and realized that her sleepy words rang so true in my life. As a mom and wife, I quite often feel pressure to make everyone happy. When my toddler is screaming, at me, I feel pressure to make it stop and satisfy her need. I feel pressure when my husband is leaving for work and needs a sandwich to take with him. I feel pressure when my children are needing clothes to wear or help getting a bath. I feel pressure when I hear, "mom, I'm hungry!" I feel pressure as a writer to get my articles out in a timely manner and such that they make sense to the reader. I feel pressure as an Ebay seller to get the items photographed, listed with a proper description & then shipped out safely to make the customer happy. I feel pressure as a Christian homeschooling mom to instill in my children God's values and words and to give them the best possible education they could receive. I constantly feel pressure to make others around me satisfied, needs met & happy.

Perhaps I am a people pleaser. Perhaps i just like peace and quiet so any squeaky wheel makes me uncomfortable and want to make things run smoothly. Or maybe, I want to be a super hero of sorts. Maybe I want to be the hero in my children's eyes. Maybe I want to be a hero to my husband. Maybe I want to be a superhero to the world looking on. Maybe I want others to think I am something more than human and wonderful. In reality, I'm limited to my humanness and the hours and minutes within the course of a day. I can only do what my Lord, Jesus Christ, empowers me to do.

The Bible,says, "I can do all things in Christ who gives me strength. Apart from Him, I can do nothing!"

If Christ empowers me to complete something it will get done. Otherwise, I can only do the best I can do.

So, today I scream along with my 2 year olds - "No, I don't have to be super!"

Teaching with the Beatles

Anyone who has tried to teach a child, especially a very young child, comes to realize quickly that music plays a very important role in getting the material to stick in the child's memory. Studies have been conducted that the music of Mozart can actually improve a child's math skills. It is thought that it somehow stimulates the part of the brain that processes mathematical equations. There may be numerous genres of music available that are not necessarily beneficial to learning, but if facts set to a tune help get the message across, it's a fantastic learning tool.

The Beatles have been an American icon since they first came onto the United States' music scene in February of 1964. They may not stimulate mathematical processing in the brain, but they did change the way music was played throughout America. By today's standards, their original sound was really quite basic. With a strong guitar sound and British accents, the group was a sensation. In July, one of their photos from their first concert will be auctioned off through Christies. You can find out more about this auction, the photo and the photographer here. Many musical groups have taken on the sound and look of the Beatles throughout the years. One such group is called Ticket To The Beatles!

With all this love for the sound of the Beatles, maybe their songs can inspire learning. Here's a few videos that use the music of the Beatles to teach other facts:

Let It Be - Letter B:

Beatles parody (II) - Sesame Street by beautifulcynic

Hello Goodbye: Early reading/opposites:


Back in the USSSR: History/Ulysses S. Grant:


Help - Science/Electrons:


Help - Very fun artistic typography:


Imagine - Math:


Asteroids Across the Universe - Science:

Discovery Education's A Walk In The Park at Six Flags For Children's Miracle Network

Most homeschooling families know that there is a whole lot more to education than just book work. Part of it involves character building and part of it involved building strong bodies. Some children cannot participate in sporting events and other physical education that others easily accomplish. According to statistics, one out of every five children have a minor chronic illness. Children's Miracle Network comes alongside families to help. Now, you can help a child in need.

Discovery Education is sponsoring A Walk In The Park - Donor Drive. Click on the words in orange above (A Walk In The Park) to find out more. How does it work? You walk for pledges. If you cannot walk, you can pledge. If you cannot pledge or walk, you may be a family who will benefit from such an event. If you do walk and you raise $50, you get a free Six Flags ticket. If you raise less, you still come away a winner for your participation and whatever funds you help to raise goes to help a child in need.



What better way to instill an empathy and compassion in your children but to walk for an event that gives back while offering an incentive of a free Six Flags ticket. Even if you do not reach your $50 goal, every little bit helps to build a fund for children in need.

iPhone Space Shuttle Endeavor Pictures Go Viral

It's funny in our world what is ignored as mundane or uninteresting and what is passed around and latched onto with fervor. The Space Shuttle Endeavor that recently launched was more than just a space shuttle. Congresswoman Gifford's husband was onboard. Perhaps the pictures going viral is more of an indication of hope than of the actual picture: Hope for her recovery, hope for our nation.

Whether it was the interesting angle, science in action or hope that made these pictures go viral; the fact is that they are being seen around the world. The person who shot the pictures was merely living out her day, boarded a plane and then pulled out her iPhone at the precise moment to capture a view we seldom, if ever, have seen.

You can get a glimpse at the picture she took of Space Shuttle Endeavor taking off from her view in an airplane here!

The article is well-written and shares even more insight. Enjoy this little impromtu science lesson / Art lesson / Religious Studies Lesson / Social Studies Lesson - Whatever you want to make it. The story and the pictures are ripe for learning.

And here's a slideshow of the pics!

When Gas Prices Effect Stay-At-Home Moms SAHM and Homeschoolers

Homeschoolers and stay at home moms really seldom stay put at home as the names imply. Many homeschooling families supplement with sporting events, dance lessons, music lessons, math tutors and so much more. Sometimes it's as though it should really be called car-schooling or taxi-tutors. Regardless, when gas prices go up and gas mileage is not efficient, schooling becomes expensive.

Here are two great sites on saving money on gas and getting better gas mileage. One of them is a quiz you can take to see how savvy you are about gasoline savings.

How Much Do You Know About Gas Mileage and Saving Money On Gas?

7 Tips to Save on Fuel and Boost Gas Mileage

And, if you are in the St. Louis area or passing through:

Best Prices on Gasoline St. Louis area - Updated Daily

New Generation Of The Truman Show Of Our Children

One of my favorite movies of all time is the Truman Show. Much like the Truman Show was an animated version called Bolt. Both main characters were nothing more than a character whose life was portrayed on screen for all to enjoy without their knowledge of who they really were.

Sometimes I feel as though I am the main character in one of these movies as I wait for a director to scream, "Cut!"

When my children were young, I used a baby monitor. When my youngest was a baby, I had the privilege of using a video cam. Even though it was black & white, I loved my video cam. Not only could I hear my infant when she awoke, but I could see her every move. We would put the monitor on the kitchen counter and the rest of the family would watch her every move until she awoke. It was reassuring that even though she was asleep in the other room, I could keep an eye on her. But, it also made me feel that it must be similar to how God keeps an eye on us.

True - God is almighty, all knowing, omnipresent and does not need a baby cam. But, it is similar in that He is always watching over us. Like a doting and loving father, He observes and cares for our every move. He gives us our breath and then sets a plan in motion for daily lives. While I don't like the thought of a perfect stranger watching me on the big screen without my knowledge like in the Truman Show or Bolt, I love the idea that I am always on "God's video cam." He will never let me out of his protective sight and loving care.

Butterfly Lesson Plans

Butterflies are one of the nice things about spring. They are also a fun way to learn about many aspects of science. A very small child can understand the concept of a caterpillar turning into something so beautiful. The Very Hungry Caterpillar is one fun way to get started!
If you are fortunate to live in a city that has a Butterfly garden or house, this is a wonderful, hands-on enjoyable way to learn about these beautiful winged creatures. There are also numerous lesson plans and lap books to be enjoyed that encompass the concept of butterflies. Here's an article that lists several free butterfly resources:

Free Butterfly Lapbooks and Lesson Plans!

Ultrasounds Are Supposed To Bring Good News of Life!

Ultrasounds I have had in the past brought good news of life. They showed me my 3 beautiful and healthy babies before they were born. They were an exciting time.

Of course, there were also other ultrasounds in my life. The ultrasounds that showed first a beating heart and then confirmed a miscarriage. And, now I face two more ultrasounds that have nothing to do with life forming inside of me, at least not the kind of life I want inside of me.

Woke up this morning and drove in the rain to my very first mammogram appointment. No, there wasn't any reason to be alarmed or concerned. It was merely routine. I went through the test just fine and then was asked to wait. Before I knew it, the doctor came in and told me I would need to return for an ultrasound as he thought there is a cyst. What? I didn't expect them to find anything.

True! A cyst is considered harmless, and they are not anticipating anything unexpected. Still, I cried all the way home.

On Monday, I will be left to get not only this ultrasound but other tests for other female issues I care not to discuss on a blog. I feel as though my body has betrayed me. It has been so loyal to me most of my life. Why would my body choose to betray me now?

If anyone is actually reading this blog. I covet your prayers for safety and for good results come Monday, May 17. My first round of tests is at 10:00 a.m. CST. Then, the 2:00 ultrasound.

Just Two Comments And You Could Win! Yesteryear Organic Soap Gift Basket Giveaway and Blog Party

Have you ever used soap? Of course you have! But, have you ever experienced the difference organic soap brings to your skin with natural ingredients and no chemical additives? If you have, you've probably realized there is a difference.

Like many homeschooling families, we made the decision that I would leave my job and stay home when my son was born. My main job would be to take care of the family and raise Godly children who hopefully, also do well academically. Eleven years later, we see that this has been one of the best decisions we could have ever made. However, it did not come without a price - my pay check used to pay the house mortgage each month.

I hate the in-home party gimmicks. I hate asking friends for help. I really make a pathetic sales person as rejection and begging don't come naturally for me.



However, I have come across a company whom I have agreed to promote. I am not making this my lifelong career. I am not an employee of this company. I have simply agreed to sing their praises and share their amazing products with you. In the process - They have given me a really nice gift basket to offer as a giveaway! It is pictured here!

The company is Yesteryear and they make and sell some nice organic soap in a variety of forms from the single bar to an elaborate gift basket. You can even get a bundle of soap to last the entire year which is specially priced during this one-day online show!

Here's how the giveaway will work - All it takes is 2 comments. Here's how:

1. Follow this blog by either adding your email address to the left of this column where noted or following through the Google follow.

2. Visit my Facebook Fan Page - Click Like It! Then, comment on my wall! Again, only pleasant comments will stick!


3. Comment Below this post - You don't have to say much, any comment will do. But, make sure the word Yesteryear or Soap is in your comment and please be pleasant. Nasty comments will be eliminated!

Also please join me in this one-day only/online-only party! Participation in party is not a requirement to win the giveaway!

On Monday, May 16 at Noon through Tuesday, May 17 at Noon - You can browse Yesteryear products here and take part in a one-day only/online only party! Wait till Noon on Monday to make your purchases, but be sure they're in before Noon on Tuesday! If the site asks for a password, enter: Spring

A winner will be selected using Random.org and notified Wednesday.

Products start at just $3.50 and make for great graduation, wedding, birthday, or just-because gifts! If you have never tried organic soap, this is your chance. There truly is a difference!

If you would like to sell their products and make some extra money or turn it into a home-based business, you can! When you click on the One-Day Party link, scroll down and fill out the information for hosting your own online party.

Learning About Sleep

As I type this, Blogspot keeps giving me a message saying it is unavailable.  So, because I'm blogging every day in the month of May, I didn't want to miss an opportunity, so I went to my email to see if even though it's down, it would take an email post.  This is learning.  And, I'm doing this in the middle of the night.  It's so late, almost 4:00 a.m. to be exact.  It's the only time the house is quiet enough to think.  I will now stop rambling because I don't even know if this is going to work.  If it does, I apologize for such a silly post.  But, there truly is a lot to learn when I should be asleep.

 

A Homeschool Haiku

As part of the Blogathon 2011, Haiku day was yesterday. I had other things to write about yesterday, so today I am writing my Haiku. When teaching poetry and literature, Haiku poetry is a fun technique to get children interested in writing poetry and in encouraging learning rhythm by clapping out the syllables. There are technically more than one form of Haiku poetry, but the basic Haiku is 3 lines of a poem that does not rhyme and has a 5 syllable 7 syllable 5 syllable pattern. Following is my Haiku on homeschooling:

Why do I home school?

Socialization for one

Solid teaching too

This Blog Could Be One Of The Top 25 - Will You Help?

UPDATE 5/13/11: THANK YOU!!! This blog was voted as one of the top 25 Homeschooling Blogs With Circle Of Moms!


This is the last day! This blog has been nominated as one of the Top 25 Homeschooling blog by Circle Of Moms. I have ranked within the top 25 for the duration of the weeks of nomination, but today sunk to #25. It's o.k. if I finish at the bottom, but it would be so cool to finish a winner within the top 25.

I have many purposes for sharing in my blog. Homeschooling is a complicated decision. It is not made without resistance that sometimes comes from the most unexpected sources. Being a good parent is tough. Being a good parent and a good teacher is something that should be respected and honored even if homeschooling is not the decision you feel is right for you or your family. If I encourage one person, I am happy. If I shine light on darkness, I am giddy. And, if I touch someone's heart inspiring them to embrace faith and pass this onto their children, I am complete.

Will you vote? All you have to do is click here and then click on the orange thumbs up button. That's it! Done. But, you only have until 5:00 PST today, Wednesday, May 11. So, please vote now if you would!

What I love about my son on his 11th birthday

Today my son turns 11. Can you believe it? 11 years ago today I became a mother for the first time. I always wanted a baby boy first and a girl to follow. I was fortunate enough to get my desire. After over 20 hours of natural childbirth, my son entered the world. As soon as his head entered the oxygenated air, he began to scream. The rest of his body did not follow for at least several minutes, but my son was screaming and was so purple from screaming that they had to re-do the Apgar score a second time to get a decent number.

I remember in the delivery room the encouraging cheers of a nursing staff and a doctor to whom natural childbirth was not their normal routine. They were all very kind and tried to give me the birth I wanted but didn't quite get it as they cheered me on, "here he comes, here he comes! Oh...There he goes!" "Oh, here he comes here he comes! Oh....There he goes!" I wanted them to say nothing more until he really was on his way and not just teasing me with his hair barely visible to nurses. But, he did arrive and with a fury.

I remember the room swirling as they shot off statistics to me that made no sense because they were all even numbers. I kept thinking something must be wrong because no birth can be that precise - May 10, 2000 - 5:05 p.m. - 7 lbs. 10 oz. It went on as I mustered up the strength to plug the important numbers of his birth into my head. But, that is how this child would be. He is very precise and extremely sequential. To this day, if he begins a story and becomes interrupted, he will begin all the way back at the very start of the story to continue on instead of picking up where we left off. He is very concerned with fairness and what is just, so the even numbers of his birth day begin to make more and more sense to me as I watch him grow.

My son was a very high need infant who would not let me put him down to sleep and did not gain weight with my attempts to nurse. It broke my heart when I felt pulled to make the decision to supplement with infant formula so he could grow beyond those scrawny newborn legs even at 3 months of age. He cried a lot unless he was being held or nursed. He was not an easy toddler either. He has never handled transition well. But, these trying infancy and toddlerhood moments with my son turned me into a parent. He has made me a better parent than I ever imagined I would be. I do not say that with any amount of pride. I say that because it's true that my son turned my husband and I into real parents.

But, here I sit on the wee morning hours of his 11th birthday looking back at his infancy and his toddler fits that are several years in our past. I look at my son who is really looking more and more like an adolescent and young man than a child. And, he continues to consistently amaze us. This child has taught himself numerous computer programming codes. This started when he nabbed a book I bought for my own reference on html coding. He devoured it and then begged me to buy him a computer programming book on the language of Basic when we were at Goodwill one day. The book included a CD and was a college course book. However, Goodwill had it priced at merely one dollar. So, I agreed. He took that book home and read 21 chapters in one night. He has written games for the computer. He has written me games for Mother's Day, one where I had to shoot out love hearts to destroy the enemy. He is amazing with his comprehension and desire to write computer programs. He loves any books on computers, but especially enjoys the "For Dummy" books. He is far from a dummy. This child scored college level in vocabulary on his SATs in 4th grade. He is far from a dummy for sure. But, he loves these books because he loves the humorous manner in which they approach instruction. So, he has chosen his theme for his 11th birthday to be "For Dummies" books on computers.

This child is also my sensitive love bug of a boy. He loves to cuddle and have his hair played with. I used to put him to sleep as a toddler by rubbing his head. He has a heart for his mama and is quite often the first to realize when I'm worried, upset or sick. He also has a heart for his God. He is the first to pray for me or for a passing ambulance passenger at the drop of a hat.

I know that I am partial because I am his mother, but this child is uniquely special in design. When he was born, his eyes looked back at me and hooked me with love for the rest of my life. I'm glad he is the one who turned me into a parent. I'm glad he is my son.

Happy birthday, Graham!

A homeschooler's guide to interior decorating

I hear often women who decide to stay home with their children whether they left the work force with a successful position first or never really entered the working world doesn't seem to matter much. When asked what you do for a living, many stay at home moms will answer, "I'm just a mom!" But, the work of a mom who stays home all day is a very important job. The culture in America doesn't allow payment for this position, so she gets paid in hugs and kisses. The culture in America tends to look down their noses at any position that doesn't bring in large paychecks. Add to this the fact that you're not only a stay at home mom, but also a homeschooling stay at home mom and watch the faces shift to display any number of responses.

I realized all the more the importance of what I do as a mom when we decided to purchase new furniture several years ago. We went to a reputable furniture store int he area who provided a designer to come by the house and advise as to her recommendations of what should be in our living room. At the time, I had a just-turned 3 year old son and a very active climber barely toddling daughter. We had a child gate around our fireplace. The bricks were sharp, and I had a heavy mirror resting on the mantle. I didn't want jumping, curious children to cause that mirror to topple on top of them. Nor did I want either of them to fall and get hurt on the bricks. I don't like the emergency room at the hospital that much. So, we put up the child gate which was adjustable to wrap around the fireplace. The designer came in, was friendly enough but then went to work. Her first comment was said in a very condescending tone suggesting that she was here to help us take back the living room for mom and dad, the adults. I didn't like her insinuation, but decided to let it slide. But then the clincher came. She turned and said, "When my daughter was little, I didn't need child gates, I simply told her 'no!'" I think all the air sucked out of my lungs as I stood there trying to remain composed in the face of the obvious insult to not only my decor of child gating but also to my parenting skills. I was apparently inadequate in her eyes.

It took awhile, but I realized what was at the root of her comment. This was a woman who worked full time the entire time her daughter was small. This meant she would wake up early, drop her child off at daycare and go to work all day. She would then pick up her child in the evening and head home or run to a restaurant for dinner. Then, it was off to bed to do it all over again. There was no need for child gates because there was no time for an accidental journey to the fireplace. The child and the mother were hardly ever even at home. On the other hand, my house which had just been criticized was being used as a house, a daycare, a restaurant of sorts (place where we ate), a place to sleep, a place to play, etc. We lived in our home. Sure we went to library programs, church, dance classes, etc. But, we used our house for the purpose of raising our children. They were not sent away so I could earn a living. I do not mean as a cristicsm to her as she had her reasons why she worked and made the decisions to allow someone else to spend the day with her child. And, I had my reasons for putting up child gates for the safety of mine.

I Wasn't Ready To Say Goodbye To My Mom!

It wasn't supposed to be this way. I know I waited to have children far too long, and I'm the youngest of four siblings myself, so expecting my parents to be healthy enough to enjoy their last set of grandchildren from me was a far-fetched hope. Still, my son was supposed to have a grandma. There she laid all but motionless on that hospital bed as we checked off one rare surgical complication after another that she suffered. I wasn't ready to say goodbye to my mom and wasn't ready to end what was only 6 months into a grandparent relationship with my new infant son.

This was the mom whose side I would not leave as an infant. I clung to her screaming at any other arms attempting to hold me. She nursed me through severe allergies and worrying over me through asthma-like attacks as an infant, then held me in the hospital after having my tonsils out at only 13 months of age as the nurses left the room due to my screaming upon the sight of them. She was the one who would rock me to sleep and read me bedtime stories in her sleep as she would grow weary of reading and drift off yet continue to read, most likely a memorized story for her because she would read word for word in her sleep to me.

As a child, I would not leave my mom's side. Oh, it wasn't all rosey. Though, she gave me her best, as a late teen and early adult I demanded more. We had our share of arguments - One that ended with me walking out and not speaking to her for months. Thankfully, I came to my senses and began to make amends. I'm glad I did because now she could be a part of my wedding, and now a part of my children's lives too. That's what I thought. That's what I had hoped for anyway.

She is a woman who has a natural gift of hospitality. As a child our doors were opened quite frequently to visitors, traveling missionaries or singing groups who needed a place to stay and relatives. When we moved to St. Louis, we must have visited the Zoo and Arch 27 times in one summer with all the visitors. She is a natural cook. She is quite the chef, though she will tell you it's just something she enjoys and that at one time in her life she was actually quite the picky eater. She values her family. I don't know that I would call her a "Mother Bear" type, but she loves to have her children near. She's a natural grandma too. And, my husband often says she's a great mother-in-law as well. In fact, that day before her surgery, she wasn't thinking of herself as I would probably have been fearful of the outcome. Instead, she looked each one of my siblings and I in the eye and made sure we knew how proud she was of us and how God had answered her prayers for us to find wonderful mates. She was thinking of me while she faced the unknown in that hospital room.

I'm happy to say that as I write this it is 10 1/2 years after those long months spent recovering with showers of prayer over her bedside. She is alive and just celebrated another birthday on Easter this year. She has welcomed not only my son who was 6 months old at the time of her hospital stay, but also my two daughters who love their Grandma. Oh, she no longer drives a car and her mobility is slower due to other issues of hips, knees and bunyons. But, she is alive. She is my children's grandma and she is my mom to whom I have not yet had to say a final goodbye!

Happy Mother's Day!

A Stay At Home Mom's SAHM Job Resume

A stay at home mom is so much more than "just" a mom. And, the stay-at-home mom who also homeschool may actually qualify for even more. In fact, she might just qualify for a whole lot more. Following is a stay at home mom's resume'.


Manager - A Stay-at-home mom is great at multi-tasking management of running a household. She is the chief (or one of) decision maker for every choice associated with the household and the children.

Teacher - A homeschooling mom is obviously the main instructor in her children's lives. But, even the non-homeschooler stay-at-home mom teaches her children. She is the first teacher her child encounters.

Nurse - Scrapes, bruises, cuts and emergency room visits. The stay-at-home mom is not just a nurse, bur a triage nurse making decisions on when it's time to visit a doctor or an emergency room for advanced help. But, daily there are little boo boos that require tender care.

Maid - Stay-at-home moms are constantly tidying up. As she cleans, a new mess is following her.

Chef - A stay-at-home mom is head chef and cook. All meal planning is cooking is usually done by mom.

Taxi Driver - A stay-at-home mom is a term that is not true. Stay-at-home moms do so much more than "stay." She does a lot of driving and shuttling children to and from lessons, church and more.

Secretary - A stay-at-home mom takes notes whether mentally or written about her children. As they grow, she will also field phone calls, etc.

Accountant - Many stay-at-home moms also balance the check book and pay the bills to keep a household afloat.

Police - If a stay-at-home mom has more than one child, she is daily a police woman. Constant policing of her children's behavior and stepping into the middle of fights.

Judge (sibling disputes) - When the children get into bickering arguments, a stay-at-home mom is the one who decides who is right and who is wrong and what is fair.

Counselor - A stay-at-home mom counsels her children. This includes a listening ear and wiping tears.

Actress - From puppet shows to putting on a happy face, a stay-at-home mom can be quite an actress.

Film maker (video) - A stay-at-home mom with a video camera is quite the film maker and documentary. She documents her children's growing up.

Photographer - A stay-at-home mom with a camera and a child is a perfect combination.

Zookeeper - If a stay-at-home mom also has pets in the house, she is a bit of a zookeeper. If not pets are in the house, she may just be in charge of sorting out the stuffed animals.

Lifeguard - Any stay-at-home mom with a child near a beach or swimming pool takes on the role of lifeguard with a very keen eye to protect her children from danger.

Masseuse - Some stay-at-home moms offer infant massage to relieve stress and help children calm down for a nap or sooth aching muscles.

Dietitian - A stay-at-home mom plans meals and makes them as nutritious as possible.

Fashion Designer - A stay-at-home mom coordinates hers and her children's wardrobe. This can be quite the challenge when the teen years approach and disagreements ensue.

Waitress - A stay-at-home mom often takes on the role of waitress by serving in many way.

Hostess - A stay-at-home mom plays hostess to her children's friends who stop by unannounced at dinner time, for instance.

Hair Stylist - A stay-at-home mom often takes on learning to cut her child's hair to save money. If she doesn't do the actual cutting and trimming, she will at least encourage proper grooming.

Seamstress - Many stay-at-home moms try their hand at making clothes for her children. If she does not, she at least will make herself handy with a needle and thread to mend a torn doll or sock.

Reporter - A stay-at-home mom often keeps a journal and reports the growing up happenings and behaviors of her soon-grown child.

Writer - A stay-at-home mom may keep a journal about her child's good points. She may write a diary to free up her thoughts or she may jot down some little encouraging love notes for her child to find.

How the 15th Anniversary of ECPlaza B2B Marketplace Can Help You

Happy 15th anniversary to ECPlaza! What does the 15th Anniversary of ECPlaza mean to a home educating family? Are you familiar with ECPlaza? It can be found at http://www.ecplaza.net and is an amazing Global Online B2B Trade Marketplace that helps you get your product noticed. B2B refers to a "Business-to-Business" site.



Many homeschooling families are also small business owners. Several homeschoolers even take on the philosophy that they want to develop a business which can be handed down to their children. In essence the children train, alongside their school work, as an apprentice to operating the family business. But, finding the time to promote product can be tricky when time is needed to spend learning the typical subjects found in school. That's where ECPlaza steps in to help.

It is a wise option to explore for any small business owner. You can join for free or to try it out. Once you see how ECPlaza can benefit you, you can select to keep the basic level free account or join the YES Silver or YES Gold level for an annual fee and added benefits. Each level offers even more selling and product promotional opportunities. ECPlaza.net is a B2B Marketplace that reaches worldwide. The potential is limitless.

Visit ECPlaza to find out more. When you visit, wish them a Happy 15th Anniversary! And, I'd love to see a comment at the bottom of this post as to what you thought of the sites and/or how ECPlaza has helped you. Find them at your favorite social networking sites as follows:

ECPlaza Official Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/ecplaza

ECPlaza Official Twitter: www.twitter.com/ecplaza

ECPlaza Official LinkedIn Company Page: http://www.linkedin.com/company/ecplaza-network-inc-

ECPlaza Official YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/ecplazadotnet

Obama's bin Laden celebration, Cinco De Mayo or National Day of Prayer?

May 5 this year holds for many historical events. May 5 is, as the name implies, Cinco De Mayo. The day is also National Day of Prayer and the day the President will celebrate the end of Osama bin Laden. Which will you celebrate? Or, will you celebrate them all? Like any holiday, you can learn a lot about history and culture through the celebration of holidays like these even if you are not of a particular background, faith or political view.

Not wanting to speak my political opinions, I'll leave the choice to watch President Obama's celebration up to you. The capture and killing of bin Laden is certainly a historic event. However, the handlings of the aftermath have spurred a lot of controversy.

The day is also National Day of Prayer. The day falls on May 5 this year because it is to be honored on the first Thursday of May. There are celebrations and events all across America for people to gather and pray. You can read more about the National Day of Prayer including lesson plans and teaching children about prayer at this article:

National Day of Prayer

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And, of course, May 5 is Cinco De Mayo as the name implies. There's lots of traditions to enjoy on Cinco De Mayo. There are confetti eggs that are used by blowing out the yolk and filling with confetti. There are pinatas filled with candy and treats. There is salsa and chips and Mexican food. There is even a way to make a Mexican flag out of veggies for the health-lovers.

Here's some links to some great online learning:

Cinco De Mayo

Frugal Salsa Recipes and Veggie Flag of Mexico

Got a Dollar? Drop some love in May

Hey guys! The Love Drop team is at it again! Last month they gave over $6,000 worth of cash and goods to their recipient, the Kahlen family, who had been going through a financially hard time due to the economy (and whose daughter is currently battling Tuberous Sclerosis). They focused on their love of spending time together, and brought them over 8 pairs of tickets to a whole bunch of local events. It was awesome, and you can watch how it all went down here.

This month they rally behind the Stalnakers - a family who, along with thousands of others along the gulf coast, are still reeling from the effects of the BP oil spill. Our goal is to get them a reliable used car this month as their previous two have died, and it's getting harder and harder for them to manage w/ the one they're currently borrowing. They've been giving back to their community since they moved in, and now it's time for US to help them!

Want to help? Here are three ways you can participate:

1. Help them get a car! - Our #1 goal is to give them a reliable used car in decent working order. If you have any leads, discounts, or connections in this area, please email Love Drop and let them know.
2. Give $1.00 - This money will help get them back on their feet, and relieve some financial burden. Every dollar counts!
3. Give a gift or service - Gift cards are always helpful. Places like Target, Wal-mart, restaurants, etc would definitely help them out. Services too - especially those you can offer yourselves, or from your company.

Thanks everyone! We'll let you know how it goes!

My 5 favorite books on writing

Books on writing are a wonderful resource. When I was in college, I had a Secretarial Handbook that was tabbed and highlighted for easy reference. It was a wonderful resource. But, there are many fabulous books on writing available. The following blog on Goodblogs gives links to several great writing resources:

College Writing Courses Blog

The blog is an entry from an online writer who is a friend. If you like the entry, click on the "It's Good" up arrow at the upper left-hand corner of the blog entry on Goodblogs. In order to vote, you must first be logged into Goodblog. It's a free signup and fast. Then, you're free to vote for other entries you enjoy - up to 5 votes a day.

As far as other writing books go. The Writing Strands series is great for teaching children how to write.

Here's some other books that look worthy of the mention:

Teacher Appreciation National Teacher's Day And What Makes A Teacher Great? A Special Note To Homeschoolers

Today, May 3, is National Teacher's Day!  It is an American celebration of great teachers.  It is spelled out and exonerated by the National Education Association which supports classroom teachers, so where do homeschoolers fit in this equation of honoring teachers?  And, what exactly is it that makes a teacher great?

Homeschooling is legal, and homeschool teachers are legally considered to be just that - teachers. Every state in America has their own laws for homeschoolers to follow. But, in one way or another, every state in America accepts a homeschooling parent as a qualified teacher. Some have to present accreditation or special training. Others have to present proof that their children are learning through state-accepted tests and journaling. And, some states simply require that a homeschooling parent maintain records of a certain number of logged hours of instruction along with samples of the child's work. But, every state acknowledges a home school as a real school. Some states even qualify the home school as a private school in and of itself. If you currently homeschool, you are most likely very aware of the specific laws of your state. If not, you can find states listed individually at Home School Legal Defense Association's (HSLDA) Website

So, what makes a teacher so great? What makes a teacher worthy of a day of appreciation? A good teacher is not simply someone who has a degree stating he or she can instruct for pay. A good teacher comes in many forms. A good teacher knows that it isn't important to know every fact and figure. What is important is that a good teacher knows how to instruct a student to find out this information on their own. A good teacher doesn't just stand at a chalkboard and spew out knowledge. A good teacher is also wise. A good teacher looks into the eyes of the student and figures out how the student is looking at the information given. A good teacher approaches teaching from the point of view of each individual student until each individual student grasps the concept before moving on. This is done through learning on the part of the teacher.

A good teacher doesn't just instruct. A good teacher also learns from his or her students and puts this knowledge to use in lessons presented. My husband and I made the decision to homeschool long before we even had children. I had experience teaching on an early education level and I had a college degree. But, I would soon learn that this was not necessary to parent. Neither would it be necessary to home educate. What I've learned through my almost 11 years of being a parent is that what I thought I knew, was really nothing compared to what my children have taught me. Every year I seek out the perfect curriculum plan. Every year, this perfect curriculum plan gets changed. Why? Because my children are my students, and my children have individual learning needs. When I present a fact to a wide-eyed child only to see those eyes glaze over with boredom or confusion, it spurs me on to figure out the key. What is the key to this child's ability to comprehend what I am presenting to them? Educating multi-grade levels of 3 very different personalities is the challenge. But, I learn from them. They teach me something new almost daily. They have taught me that my ability to wait can take a lesson or two from the patience gallery. They have taught me that a fact I have known all my life as fact may, in fact, not be 100% true. They have taught me that things I take for granted as being necessary knowledge may have a deeper meaning than simply rote memorization. They have taught me that sometimes a 3 year old can read fluently and other times this doesn't come till much later. They have taught me that complicated arithmetic and scientific formulas and concepts can be learned at a very young age if presented at their level. They have taught me that getting through 1000 hours of study in a 9 month time frame as required by my state means nothing unless those hours are filled with family bonding and a groundwork of love and encouragement along the way. I can put on my teacher hat every morning and present a curriculum to my children. But, learning takes place when a spark ignites a burning passion to dig deeper and learn more. This is only accomplished when I'm wearing my student clothes under my teacher hat. Mix it with the love only a parent can have toward their own offspring, and you have the making of education that sticks. At least, that is my hope.

There is a deeper, yet simple formula to education and teaching. The Holy Bible, Proverbs 9:10 puts it this way:

The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom; And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Bin Laden is dead!

I remember where I was when 9-11 terrorist attack struck the twin towers.  I was in my living room with a toddler.  I was 7 months pregnant.  I had awoken that morning to a very strange dream where men from the middle east were chasing me up an elevator in a very large tower with a matching elevator in another building next to where I was.  He was chasing me because of my faith.  In my dream, as I began to wake up that morning in September, I kept hearing the name Bin Laden.  I really had never heard that name before except in passing really, so I tried to remember it.  Even as I was waking from a deep sleep I knew it was important to remember that name.  So, I said it over and over in my sleep even finding a name to associate it with - Dick Lauden from the Newhart Show.  I woke up and began to pray.  For whom?  I did not know, but I knew someone needed prayer as I couldn't go back to sleep for quite sometime.  I finally did drift back into sleep only to wake up a few hours later and plop my toddler in his high chair in front of an Elmo video so I could take a shower.  When I went to rewind the Elmo video, however, there it was!  There was the building in my dream.  I felt as though I had just stepped out of that elevator as the images appeared on my television screen.  I frantically stood to block the view from my little boy who was just learning the word airplane.  I didn't want him to think that all airplanes ran into buildings.  I put Elmo back on and got in the shower in shock.

Late Sunday night, I was once again in my living room.  Only this time we were watching a late-night movie with the family.  We were watching episodes of the old Get Smart TV show.  We were watching this show as a real-life Get Smart action plan was being carried out by the United States Navy Seals.

This is history right before our eyes.  The news came early Monday morning that Bin Laden is dead.  After almost 10 years since the World Trade Towers attack on 9-11 of 2001, Bin Laden was found in a compound in Pakistan.  He was killed by gun fire by United States Navy Seals and then buried at sea so as not to take the chance of having a shrine erected for the man known to be the leader of the Muslim terrorist group, Al Qaeda.

As my husband and I couldn't help but feel as if the 10-year hunt was successfully over, my 9 year old daughter innocently asked why American soldiers killed that man.  She reminded us that Jesus tells us to pray for and forgive our enemies.  So, now the task of explaining war was upon us as we explained that he had many chances to change his ways in that 10-year span but chose instead to pursue terrorism.  Still, her innocence struck me!  She was the daughter I carried in my belly that day of the 9-11 attacks.  I remember staring at the television thinking that the world had come to an end and I may never get to hold the baby in my womb.  She never witnessed that day first hand.  And, now with wide eyed wonder and even with examples of David and Goliath, could not fathom or even begin to understand why Americans were dancing in the streets of New York triumphant over someone's death.

This is history, the good, the bad, the triumphant and the gruesome acts.  It's all a part of the story that makes us who we are.

Learning Styles VARK Blogathon

I entered the 2011 WordCount Blogathon.  Shortly after midnight last night, I posted my first blog entry for the duration of the daily blogging challenge.  But, just to be safe thought I'd better blog again throughout the day to make sure it all counts.  I'm fairly new to blogging, though I've been writing for an online publication since May 2009 and writing and developing documents long before that.  Still, sometimes the ins and outs of specific blogging challenges leave me feeling as though I'm not sure what I'm doing.  So, I just keep plugging way posting information that my readers hopefully find interesting.

The other day, one of my friends emailed me with an online learning style quiz.  She had taken it, and was excited to discover she was an auditory learner.  So, I agreed to check it out and take the quiz myself.

You can take the online learning styles test here! Just scroll down till you see the test entitled "How Do You Learn Best!"  You'll have to email the site to receive the test.  Or, you can take an online test right away here!

The letters VARK stand for Visual, Auditory, Rearing (Writing) and Kinesthetic.  The second test linked above leaves out the R (Writing) option and allows for only a VAK test.

Take the test and find out which learning style suits you best.

It's Time For The WordCount Blogathon 2011

Well, I'm not sure what I have gotten myself into, but I have signed up to blog every day for the month of May.  Hope you don't get tired of hearing from little 'ole me.  Not sure there's enough to even talk about.  But, we will find out.  I have entered the WordCount Blogathon 2011.  What this means is that I am to write a blog entry once a day every day of the month of May.  But, here's the catch.  I signed up to do this with two of my blogs.  So, I'll try to keep them both fresh and keep the reader coming back wanting to read more.  Please feel free to comment on what you would like to read about throughout the lovely month of May.  On my end, there is Mother's Day, my son's birthday, Memorial Day and probably much more.  We'll see what is uncovered as I journey through this blogging WordCount Blogathon 2011 adventure.  I hope you enjoy!