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:

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.

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.

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!