Homework time again. I ususally do my homework at the last minute because I am so busy during the week. This weeks assignment is to write a paper and express our view on whether we believe that the traditional printed newspaper meshes with our lifestyle, and if we believe the internet could ever replace the traditional newspaper.
Here are my thoughts: The traditional newspaper doesn’t have as much importance in my life as it used to have. I don’t subscribe to a major paper primarily because it seems a waste, and accumulates too much. On occasion, I do pick up the Express News Sunday paper to look over the jobs, read the Metro section, read the comics, and cut out the coupons. I do read a printed paper on a weekly basis. It is the Leader News, and is a weekly a paper in my town. As a weekly paper, it doesn’t contain much national news. For instance, the front page news this week was of a horse in the town contracting West Nile virus. Normally, it will be whatever major accident occurred that week, a major storm that swept through town, or a nasty school board meeting. The Leaders News, as a community paper, while often times “hokey”, does provide a service. It lists the town events like parades, music venues, county fairs, local festivals, births and deaths of the town citizens. Without this paper, I wouldn’t know what is going on around town, without resorting to gossip.
I believe that the internet could substitute for the printed daily paper, if all the news was reported instead of only the major events. For one thing, it is easier to access, and updated on a faster basis than the newspaper can print. If towns had a website, where they updated information, or listed town happenings, I could see the reader base of the Leader News decreasing. The Huntington Chronicle in WV has a good online newspaper that I read regularly, as well as, the Washington Post and the LA Times.
*******
That's the start of my assignment. Still working on it, as I just got in from my friend Perla's new home. She threw her mom a birthday party, there were a lot of people there, and I left after two hours, though the party was just starting to wind UP. I left at 9:30 p.m.! I am not a party person per se, and I did have fun, but the kids were sleepy and we have church in the morning.
Made dill pickles earlier this afternoon. Canned 12 pints, and a 1/2 gallon jar for the refrigerator. Still have another more to do, and plan to finish up tomorrow. I'd love to can whole pickles, but the cucumbers are really large, and I don't have a container big enough. I will probaby make pickle spears and dill relish tomorrow.
Off to bed, church in the morning...
Note to self: talk to Karen about using cloth diapers, buy them for her if necessary.....she's having twins and on one income...Please pray for her pregnancy, family and financial situation.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Wednesday
Sorry, no snappy titles lately...my brain just doesn't want to work that hard. I was talking to a friend today who's mom has fibromyalgia like I do. I guess I have been in pain so long (most of my life) that it is a constant presence. I don't have the luxury of giving into the pain. I wish I could just take my medication, and curl up in bed all day, but I have responsibilities. Often I take a milder pain medication, one that won't make me drowsy, because my children need me.
I get asked quite often by another friend who truly SUFFERS from fybromyalgia, how I do it?
I don't want to hurt her feelings, but I would like to know how SHE does it. I mean, how do you curl up and ignore that your children are raising themselves? As a mother you do what you have to...grit your teeth and just do it....I was diagnosed with rheumatoid nodules at age 5, rheumatoid arthritis in my teens, which went into remission in my mid 20's, then diagnosed with deep muscle rheumatism and fibromyalgia in 1997. The RA comes and goes out of remission which baffles me. I was told in my teens that I would more than likely be in a wheel hcair by my 40's, and am glad at 38 that I am not close to that, though some days a wheel chair looks extremely attractive.
I guess I am just not compassionate enough, especially when you have kids. If you don't have kids, hey go for it...that's my goal! LOL! when the kids are grown, I might just sleep until noon!
Sitting here typing about my illnesses and pain, has evidently brought it to the forefront of my mind, because now I FEEL the pain. I always try to shove it to the back and just do SOMETHING!
I guess I had better get up and do laundry and take my mind off it, or I might end up in bed before the kids. ;-)
I get asked quite often by another friend who truly SUFFERS from fybromyalgia, how I do it?
I don't want to hurt her feelings, but I would like to know how SHE does it. I mean, how do you curl up and ignore that your children are raising themselves? As a mother you do what you have to...grit your teeth and just do it....I was diagnosed with rheumatoid nodules at age 5, rheumatoid arthritis in my teens, which went into remission in my mid 20's, then diagnosed with deep muscle rheumatism and fibromyalgia in 1997. The RA comes and goes out of remission which baffles me. I was told in my teens that I would more than likely be in a wheel hcair by my 40's, and am glad at 38 that I am not close to that, though some days a wheel chair looks extremely attractive.
I guess I am just not compassionate enough, especially when you have kids. If you don't have kids, hey go for it...that's my goal! LOL! when the kids are grown, I might just sleep until noon!
Sitting here typing about my illnesses and pain, has evidently brought it to the forefront of my mind, because now I FEEL the pain. I always try to shove it to the back and just do SOMETHING!
I guess I had better get up and do laundry and take my mind off it, or I might end up in bed before the kids. ;-)
*************************
Finally talked to Tammy. I can't believe it has been over a month since I actually talked to her. I was feeling like a really bad friend, but have been swamped with so much since my daddy passed away last month. I cried all over her "telephone" shoulder. In the midst of dealing with everything, I have been worried about her too. She always tells me not to, but I do. I am much relieved that she won't be freezing this winter, as she has chosen to move into town with a friend to spend the upcoming winter. Whew!
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Tuesday
My normal schedule is blown to pieces this semester. With getting up every morning and running my son into town for college it totally throws off the pace.
Tuesdays and Thursdays are the worst days, as once I leave the house I don't end up back here until late. His first class is only an hour long, so I wait to save gas. Then I run him over to the golf course, and wait for him to finish. The girls have been working on their school work in the car, until I discovered the nice air conditioned pro shop within walking distance of water and a bathroom. Two things little girls seemd to need a lot of. I bet I have checked out every restroom between home and town...twice.
Trying to get my house in order, and going over things in my mind. I really need to get some of this stuff out of my house. Will talk to my sisters regarding when they think they can come get it, or if I can give it away or sell it. I am tired of tripping over furniture, boxes, etc.
If I could get the back porch completed for Taylor's bedroom, I'd have a spare room to set up as a guest room/sewing room. Which would alleviate many of my problems. My sewing stuff is stacked in the corner of the dining room. If I had a room to put it in, it would solve a big problem. If I had my way, the back porch/apartment would be a self contained guest room, but I have already told Taylor he can move out there once it is complete.
Sunday after church we headed for the river for a couple of hours. The water was down, and the girls could actually get in to swim. It was very nice. I was actually the "relief team" for the guys. They had left earlier in the day to float down the river from further up, and fish. They floated for 5 hours! They are so dumb..no food, water, sunscreen, or hats. They lost their hats 30 minutes into the trip, and broke their poles when the tubes turned over going down a small water fall. By the time they made it to the get out point they were sick...the big dummies. I had brought bottles of water in the ice chest, cookies that I had made, and fried chicken. They were so glad to see me. That's because I am the smart one. I think I am making them each a fanny pack with granola bars, jerky, sunscreen, and a small bottle of water. At least it will be something to help the dummies survive.
Monday was my 19th wedding anniversary. The past few years not something I normally commemorate, but this year I am at least on pleasant terms (for now) with my husband, and he offered to take me to dinner and a movie. Not one to turn up a kid free night, we went to eat at the Alamo Draft house. It is a movie theater that serves dinner while you watch the movie. It was a different experience, and somewhere around midnight last night I was sick. I know it was food poisoning.
Today I feel much better, so no lasting effects, though my stomach does feel strange still.
Cleaning the house when I get home this afternoon, as I will be having company tomorrow for the first time. I like inviting people over, as it motivates me to really clean and throw things away. It is my normal baking day today, so I need to think about what to make....probably cookies and a coffee cake for the morning.
Well, off to get ready to take Taylor to school. Hope everyone has a great day.
Tuesdays and Thursdays are the worst days, as once I leave the house I don't end up back here until late. His first class is only an hour long, so I wait to save gas. Then I run him over to the golf course, and wait for him to finish. The girls have been working on their school work in the car, until I discovered the nice air conditioned pro shop within walking distance of water and a bathroom. Two things little girls seemd to need a lot of. I bet I have checked out every restroom between home and town...twice.
Trying to get my house in order, and going over things in my mind. I really need to get some of this stuff out of my house. Will talk to my sisters regarding when they think they can come get it, or if I can give it away or sell it. I am tired of tripping over furniture, boxes, etc.
If I could get the back porch completed for Taylor's bedroom, I'd have a spare room to set up as a guest room/sewing room. Which would alleviate many of my problems. My sewing stuff is stacked in the corner of the dining room. If I had a room to put it in, it would solve a big problem. If I had my way, the back porch/apartment would be a self contained guest room, but I have already told Taylor he can move out there once it is complete.
Sunday after church we headed for the river for a couple of hours. The water was down, and the girls could actually get in to swim. It was very nice. I was actually the "relief team" for the guys. They had left earlier in the day to float down the river from further up, and fish. They floated for 5 hours! They are so dumb..no food, water, sunscreen, or hats. They lost their hats 30 minutes into the trip, and broke their poles when the tubes turned over going down a small water fall. By the time they made it to the get out point they were sick...the big dummies. I had brought bottles of water in the ice chest, cookies that I had made, and fried chicken. They were so glad to see me. That's because I am the smart one. I think I am making them each a fanny pack with granola bars, jerky, sunscreen, and a small bottle of water. At least it will be something to help the dummies survive.
Monday was my 19th wedding anniversary. The past few years not something I normally commemorate, but this year I am at least on pleasant terms (for now) with my husband, and he offered to take me to dinner and a movie. Not one to turn up a kid free night, we went to eat at the Alamo Draft house. It is a movie theater that serves dinner while you watch the movie. It was a different experience, and somewhere around midnight last night I was sick. I know it was food poisoning.
Today I feel much better, so no lasting effects, though my stomach does feel strange still.
Cleaning the house when I get home this afternoon, as I will be having company tomorrow for the first time. I like inviting people over, as it motivates me to really clean and throw things away. It is my normal baking day today, so I need to think about what to make....probably cookies and a coffee cake for the morning.
Well, off to get ready to take Taylor to school. Hope everyone has a great day.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Happy Birthday!
Lauren turned 10 today. I can hardly believe it. We ate out for her birthday last night, then played video games at a local hangout, before heading to the store for her to pick out her birthday present. We all had fun last night. My nephew Blake came along for the ride with us, as well as, Lauren's friend Cheyenne. (She met Cheyenne during her short sojurn in public school last year.)
Her friend spent the night and they spent the morning riding bikes, with poor little Hannah trying to keep up on her tricycle. No sooner than Hannah had made it to the top of the hill with the "big girls" than they were racing back down. Hannah was so discouraged, she finally came in side to mope around the house. It is so hard to be four.
I went to a yard sale this morning where I managed to pick up a goodly amount of baby clothes for Candi. The clothes were in excellent shape! Afterwards, I cleaned up as much as I could before fizzling out. I feel great today! I believe my sinus infection is totally gone! That herbal stuff works great!
This afternoon, I headed over to drop the baby clothes at Candi's before I headed over to pick up some free American Girl books that I read about on Freecycle. I spent the evening researching possible unit studies using the American Girl series of books. I was pleased to locate a book that has compiled the lessons in one place, similar to the Prairie Primer. I had planned to use the E.D. Hirsch series and lesson plans next year, but may incorporate the American Girl unit studies in there somewhere. We'll see.
I also managed to pickup one of those lare Igloo dog houses. I thought it would make a good goat house or chicken coop, and since it was free, and in good shape, I didn't have anything to lose.
After Lauren's friend left, I bathed the girls, and got them ready for bed. Had them settled down to watch a video, while I baked cookies for them. Everyone's asleep, except for me now. I was finishing up an assignment for my Mass Communication course.
I'd like to share my assignment with everyone here. The assignment was to write an argumentative paragraph either supporting or not supporting the United States in censoring books. Here is what I came up with after thinking about it all day. It was the most politically correct I could do....Okay, I realize this is supposed to be only a paragraph, so it will be a long one. I thought long and hard about my response to this question. I read several items, including the text, to try and formulate a thought provoking argument. This topic could prove to be very volatile. According to most resources I studied, just the term “censorship” brings to mind negative images for most, of dictatorial governments suppressing the rights of the people. When governments try to use the law to censor books from the public it insults the intelligence of the general adult populace. Personally, I am of two minds regarding censorship. On one hand, I am fearful of the government becoming more involved in the daily business of its citizens, but on the other hand, I believe censorship has its place. In a perfect world, it would be nice if only the “good books” made it through publishing. But this is so hard to define. With so many people, come many beliefs, and opinions.
While I believe it is wrong of the government to tell me, as an adult, or other adults what we can and cannot read. I do believe we as a society should “self patrol” meaning that what we want to read is fine in the privacy of our homes, but not all information is suitable for all people, especially children. I am not an advocate of allowing children to decide for themselves what is appropriate, and what is not appropriate. That is what a parent is for….As a parent, I take my responsibilities seriously, and strictly censor the books my children read. I take into account the age of the child, the ability to decipher fact from fiction, and the content of the book. For instance, there have been several controversial books on the market recently that I would not allow my daughter of 10 to read, but at an older age, say 14 and up, I would be more inclined to allow it. Not EVERY book is worth reading just because it is published. As a home schooling parent I try to balance the educational need for a book versus the recreational need for a book. I read every book before my child reads it, so that I will be able to ascertain the appropriateness of the book, and if I allow my child to read it, then I will be able to discuss the book with her/him. I have compiled a list of required literature, from among the great literary classics. My children are allowed to supplement with additional books after they have read the required readings, and are aware of the topics that are not allowed. If there is a question, they always discuss it with me, and I will make a decision. Again, the age of the child is always my first concern. In the interest of self censorship, I also believe just because I am an adult that there are those books, magazines, etc., that I shouldn’t read either. I would rather read something that would improve my mind, rather than fill it with trash. I can never get the time back that I waste on a book that isn’t worth the paper it is printed on, and would rather read something that would improve me intellectual, morally, spiritually, and so on. I do believe because of the immaturity of some authors, that some censorship will always be with us. So, in summary, while I definitely do believe censorship has its place, I would not want the United States to exercise censorship on a regular basis, because as soon as I take someone’s right away to read something, then my rights are potentially infringed. .
******************
Let me know what your take on censorship is, and I will share with my class/instructor. Who knows I might get extra credit points! LOL!
Hope everyone has a great Sabbath!
Her friend spent the night and they spent the morning riding bikes, with poor little Hannah trying to keep up on her tricycle. No sooner than Hannah had made it to the top of the hill with the "big girls" than they were racing back down. Hannah was so discouraged, she finally came in side to mope around the house. It is so hard to be four.
I went to a yard sale this morning where I managed to pick up a goodly amount of baby clothes for Candi. The clothes were in excellent shape! Afterwards, I cleaned up as much as I could before fizzling out. I feel great today! I believe my sinus infection is totally gone! That herbal stuff works great!
This afternoon, I headed over to drop the baby clothes at Candi's before I headed over to pick up some free American Girl books that I read about on Freecycle. I spent the evening researching possible unit studies using the American Girl series of books. I was pleased to locate a book that has compiled the lessons in one place, similar to the Prairie Primer. I had planned to use the E.D. Hirsch series and lesson plans next year, but may incorporate the American Girl unit studies in there somewhere. We'll see.
I also managed to pickup one of those lare Igloo dog houses. I thought it would make a good goat house or chicken coop, and since it was free, and in good shape, I didn't have anything to lose.
After Lauren's friend left, I bathed the girls, and got them ready for bed. Had them settled down to watch a video, while I baked cookies for them. Everyone's asleep, except for me now. I was finishing up an assignment for my Mass Communication course.
I'd like to share my assignment with everyone here. The assignment was to write an argumentative paragraph either supporting or not supporting the United States in censoring books. Here is what I came up with after thinking about it all day. It was the most politically correct I could do....Okay, I realize this is supposed to be only a paragraph, so it will be a long one. I thought long and hard about my response to this question. I read several items, including the text, to try and formulate a thought provoking argument. This topic could prove to be very volatile. According to most resources I studied, just the term “censorship” brings to mind negative images for most, of dictatorial governments suppressing the rights of the people. When governments try to use the law to censor books from the public it insults the intelligence of the general adult populace. Personally, I am of two minds regarding censorship. On one hand, I am fearful of the government becoming more involved in the daily business of its citizens, but on the other hand, I believe censorship has its place. In a perfect world, it would be nice if only the “good books” made it through publishing. But this is so hard to define. With so many people, come many beliefs, and opinions.
While I believe it is wrong of the government to tell me, as an adult, or other adults what we can and cannot read. I do believe we as a society should “self patrol” meaning that what we want to read is fine in the privacy of our homes, but not all information is suitable for all people, especially children. I am not an advocate of allowing children to decide for themselves what is appropriate, and what is not appropriate. That is what a parent is for….As a parent, I take my responsibilities seriously, and strictly censor the books my children read. I take into account the age of the child, the ability to decipher fact from fiction, and the content of the book. For instance, there have been several controversial books on the market recently that I would not allow my daughter of 10 to read, but at an older age, say 14 and up, I would be more inclined to allow it. Not EVERY book is worth reading just because it is published. As a home schooling parent I try to balance the educational need for a book versus the recreational need for a book. I read every book before my child reads it, so that I will be able to ascertain the appropriateness of the book, and if I allow my child to read it, then I will be able to discuss the book with her/him. I have compiled a list of required literature, from among the great literary classics. My children are allowed to supplement with additional books after they have read the required readings, and are aware of the topics that are not allowed. If there is a question, they always discuss it with me, and I will make a decision. Again, the age of the child is always my first concern. In the interest of self censorship, I also believe just because I am an adult that there are those books, magazines, etc., that I shouldn’t read either. I would rather read something that would improve my mind, rather than fill it with trash. I can never get the time back that I waste on a book that isn’t worth the paper it is printed on, and would rather read something that would improve me intellectual, morally, spiritually, and so on. I do believe because of the immaturity of some authors, that some censorship will always be with us. So, in summary, while I definitely do believe censorship has its place, I would not want the United States to exercise censorship on a regular basis, because as soon as I take someone’s right away to read something, then my rights are potentially infringed. .
******************
Let me know what your take on censorship is, and I will share with my class/instructor. Who knows I might get extra credit points! LOL!
Hope everyone has a great Sabbath!
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Prepare the Way....
I was inspired to write this tonight by a friend who calls me Lady A. How cute! I will call her Lady A too, because our names start with the same letter.
I don't know if I have mentioned on this blog, so many reading may not know that my ultimate goal in life is to live off grid If you are unfamiliar with this term it basically means living without any government provided utilities. I have two pieces of land I have toyed with beginning this lifestyle on, but due to a couple of recent events, I was forced to delay the move by a couple of years (until my son graduates college). If I happen to locate a more local piece of land to live off grid on, than great, but if not, a move is in the future.
In preparation for this move, I have taken the past several years to develop new skills. This past year has been the most educational for me. A couple of things I have learned over the years are these:
living with a wood stove as your sole source of heat
cooking on a wood stove
sewing clothing, pillow cases
crocheting afghans, scarves, hats
learning to make mittens out of old wool sweaters
raising chickens
starting a garden
learning to compost
using oil lamps for light
using rechargeable batteries for flashlights (charging in the car as I drive)
using a hand crank radio for music/news
charging laptop in car and finding sources of free WiFi (McDonald's, Libraries, Motels)
baking all my own bread for a year
decreasing my dependence on electricity
decreasing my dependnce on the refrigerator
As a primer, I'd like to encourage anyone interested in living off grid to PRACTICE.
Take a weekend, and shutoff the power at your meter, and see how you do living without electricity for a week. You HAVE to stay home that weekend, no cheating by eating out, or staying somewhere else. You have to learn at home with what you have, using no electricity. I will allow you running water but no hot water, unless you heat yourself outside using a propane grill or regular grill, or coleman stove. NOTE: NEVER USE A PROPANE DEVICE INSIDE THE HOUSE KEEP THESE OUTSIDE TO AVOID KILLING YOURSELF AND FAMILY
We had personal first hand knowledge of this working this past winter when we had an ice storm. Many people in town were suffering here in South Texas without power and/or alternate heat sources. Oh, a couple have fire places around here, but as far as we know (according to the local police) we were the only ones with a wood stove, and enough wood to heat the house, a way to make food, and enough food.) So, it can be done, prepare now, just in case you need to know how to live this upcoming winter when a power outage strikes.
Events like these help you to find out what other items you may need during an emergency or if you actually lived full time off grid. It's pretty satisfying, let me tell you, to be able to be so self sufficient that even the local police are impressed.
For myself, I am not preparing to live totally off the land. Just mostly....I'd like to be able to purchase staples, supplement with food that I raise (goat milk, eggs, chickens for food, deer meat, pigs), and garden produce, when possible. So, I concentrated my learning skills in learning how to shoot a gun this year, getting chickens, hatching eggs (ok the chickens did this part, but I bought the eggs!) and growing my first major garden.
I branched out into a homestead business. Meaning I sell items that I make and prepare on my homestead. You can go to my website at www.geocities.com/queensedgefarm to see what I am talking about.
I am studying and using herbal medicine to treat my illnesses, and sometimes the kids.
I am studying to receive my ham radio license.
I am learning to knit.
My son is studying horticulture in college to help with the planting side of things.
I already know how to sew by hand, bake, and cook on a wood stove. I have friends who are in various levels of off grid living, so I am learning a lot from their experiences.
I have learned to not be "as picky" with my food choices from two friends. Candi tells me constantly how picky my family is, backed up with more evidence from Tammy. I have eaten beans and survived to tell the tale. LOL!
So, if you are interested in moving off grid, stop thinking about it. Make an active plan, list the things you will need to survive, research, start learning and do it. Don't let life discourage you, steal your dream and your joy. Start learning, and moving forward. Just because you aren't on your land by now doesn't mean it won't happen in the future. Learn, always learn! Everything is a baby step on the path to your own Oasis.
I don't know if I have mentioned on this blog, so many reading may not know that my ultimate goal in life is to live off grid If you are unfamiliar with this term it basically means living without any government provided utilities. I have two pieces of land I have toyed with beginning this lifestyle on, but due to a couple of recent events, I was forced to delay the move by a couple of years (until my son graduates college). If I happen to locate a more local piece of land to live off grid on, than great, but if not, a move is in the future.
In preparation for this move, I have taken the past several years to develop new skills. This past year has been the most educational for me. A couple of things I have learned over the years are these:
living with a wood stove as your sole source of heat
cooking on a wood stove
sewing clothing, pillow cases
crocheting afghans, scarves, hats
learning to make mittens out of old wool sweaters
raising chickens
starting a garden
learning to compost
using oil lamps for light
using rechargeable batteries for flashlights (charging in the car as I drive)
using a hand crank radio for music/news
charging laptop in car and finding sources of free WiFi (McDonald's, Libraries, Motels)
baking all my own bread for a year
decreasing my dependence on electricity
decreasing my dependnce on the refrigerator
As a primer, I'd like to encourage anyone interested in living off grid to PRACTICE.
Take a weekend, and shutoff the power at your meter, and see how you do living without electricity for a week. You HAVE to stay home that weekend, no cheating by eating out, or staying somewhere else. You have to learn at home with what you have, using no electricity. I will allow you running water but no hot water, unless you heat yourself outside using a propane grill or regular grill, or coleman stove. NOTE: NEVER USE A PROPANE DEVICE INSIDE THE HOUSE KEEP THESE OUTSIDE TO AVOID KILLING YOURSELF AND FAMILY
We had personal first hand knowledge of this working this past winter when we had an ice storm. Many people in town were suffering here in South Texas without power and/or alternate heat sources. Oh, a couple have fire places around here, but as far as we know (according to the local police) we were the only ones with a wood stove, and enough wood to heat the house, a way to make food, and enough food.) So, it can be done, prepare now, just in case you need to know how to live this upcoming winter when a power outage strikes.
Events like these help you to find out what other items you may need during an emergency or if you actually lived full time off grid. It's pretty satisfying, let me tell you, to be able to be so self sufficient that even the local police are impressed.
For myself, I am not preparing to live totally off the land. Just mostly....I'd like to be able to purchase staples, supplement with food that I raise (goat milk, eggs, chickens for food, deer meat, pigs), and garden produce, when possible. So, I concentrated my learning skills in learning how to shoot a gun this year, getting chickens, hatching eggs (ok the chickens did this part, but I bought the eggs!) and growing my first major garden.
I branched out into a homestead business. Meaning I sell items that I make and prepare on my homestead. You can go to my website at www.geocities.com/queensedgefarm to see what I am talking about.
I am studying and using herbal medicine to treat my illnesses, and sometimes the kids.
I am studying to receive my ham radio license.
I am learning to knit.
My son is studying horticulture in college to help with the planting side of things.
I already know how to sew by hand, bake, and cook on a wood stove. I have friends who are in various levels of off grid living, so I am learning a lot from their experiences.
I have learned to not be "as picky" with my food choices from two friends. Candi tells me constantly how picky my family is, backed up with more evidence from Tammy. I have eaten beans and survived to tell the tale. LOL!
So, if you are interested in moving off grid, stop thinking about it. Make an active plan, list the things you will need to survive, research, start learning and do it. Don't let life discourage you, steal your dream and your joy. Start learning, and moving forward. Just because you aren't on your land by now doesn't mean it won't happen in the future. Learn, always learn! Everything is a baby step on the path to your own Oasis.
Wednesday
I subscribe to an online devotional for women. I don't actually get to sit down and think it through every day, but today I find I have a few moments to concentrate on the devotional. The scripture verses for today are in Romans. Romans 6:12 "Let no sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof." Romans 6:14 "For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace." Normally, I read the NIV, but this morning the KJV was handier.
Questions: What joy have you experienced knowing that sin is no longer your master?
As a Christian, I don't feel I am free from sin. Daily I struggle with bad habits, that make my sinful nature flare. I am fortunate and thankful that I accepted Christ at a young age because it probably helped guide me along a better path. I never drank or did drugs growing up, nor have I ever been promiscuous. I did suffer through the sins of pride, vanity, lies, stealing, gossip when I was younger, and struggle yet still with a few. Overall, I am very joyful that I am not enslaved to sin.
What are practical steps you can take to not let sin "reign" in your life? I think the practical steps that I use are: 1) acknowledge the temptation is there 2) prayer 3) reading God's word, 4) actively going out of my way to do the EXACT opposite of what I am being tempted to do or say or feel.
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Lauren and I are still suffering with sinus infection. I went to the health food market yesterday and purchased an Echinacea/Goldenseal Antibiotic tincture. You place 60 drops in a glass of juice (I'd suggest orange, as it masks the flaver of the tincture) 3 times a day for 3 days, then decrease the dosage for the next four days, finally ending up with 20 drops on the last day. I have only taken three doses so far, and I feel GREAT. I purchased some other herbal teas like Licorice root which I drank mixed with honey last night. It was very bland, but along with the vaporizer going, I started out sleeping great. I added a handful of Eucalyptus leaves to the vaporizer water, as well as, a teaspoon of salt, and it cleared my sinuses.
I made an appointment to take Lauren to the doctor. For about 4 years we have had the same doctor in our small town. But yesterday, the receptionist informed me he hadn't been taking my insurance since last November. We've been to the doctor since then, and no one said anything. I was very angry. I told them it was highly unprofessional on their part to not notify their patients of this change. They could have cared less. I filed a complaint with my insurance over this, primarily because this means Lauren can't be seen at her new doctor until November 1st! If you make a doctor change before the 15th of the month, you can see the new doctor on the first of the next month, but if the change is made after the 15th, you have to wait until the next month. Oh, I could still take her to the doctor, but I'd have to pay $160.00 for the doctor visit, plus her prescriptions. I was livid. I can't afford it, but I can't have her sick until November. I will have to treat her myself. I try not to give my kids too many herbal treatments, as I am unsure of the their reaction, and would hate to accidentally overdose or poison them.
This morning, I did give Lauren the herbal antibiotic in some cranberry juice, since I took it 3 times, and I haven't had any adverse reaction. I will watch her before giving her any more.
Just checked her for any hives or breathing problems, and she seems fine. She says she feels a little better, and she is up working on the computer, researching Oats for her report.
Hannah's school work is done for the day. Though she would like more.....
We counted beads on the abacus, added different numbers of beads together (1 + 4, 2+2), read a numbers book, read a story out of her Toddler Bible, wrote her name, and the numbers 1-6. That's it. She is watching Little Einstein's now. She just loves the music on that show. Later, she will work on her computer program, the Jumpstart Advanced Preschool. She really likes the Art section on that one.
My peppers are continuing to produce, though that is about it. The baby chicks are pretty good size now, and are basically on their own and WILD! I can't catch them at all, and I want them in the chicken house. They are on their own, safety wise.
Today is cleaning day, so I need to get started before it's time to pick up Taylor from school at 2 pm
Monday, September 17, 2007
Monday's Happenings
A busy day so far...at least in terms of running around. Dropped Taylor off at school this morning, and headed over to Candi's. We were scheduled to go to the library. I was showing where it is located in relation to her new home. Well, since I don't live in town anymore, I was unaware that the library there opens at 1 p.m. on Mondays, and 9 a.m. the other days. Very strange. So, after that outing, we headed back to her house, and then I left to get started with my day, and her with theirs.
We aren't schooling today, as Lauren is sick. We did swing by the library, and she checked out a couple of videos to watch in her room, while she lays in the bed. I think the choices came down to Swiss Family Robinson, Barbie Nutcracker, and the Disney movie about the Bible character Joseph. Not sure of the name at the moment.
Rodney's parents well pump has gone out, so he is headed over there to help pull it out and replace it. His dad is 76, and needs a little more help than he used to, strength wise. So, this means dinner will be delayed or much easier, if he eats over their tonight.
He and two of his nephews spent the day at the river yesterday up in Medina fishing and floating the river. They all came back burned and hungry, and Rodney had a headache. (I am sure it is heat related, as he NEVER takes food or water with him when he fishes.)
I have my first problem with the Prairie Primer book. Many of the suggesting readings they list are difficult, if not impossible to locate. The local library doesn't have them, neither does the San Antonio Public Library. A huge pain in the posterior. I tried to supplement by finding other books on the related topic (California Gold Rush) to read to the girls.
Taylor had his first doctor's appointment BY HIMSELF today. Very unnerving, but I am trying to give him a little more responsibility, and since it was only a checkup in order to get his prescription renewed, I am not too worried. I really like living where we do (at this point in time) for Taylor's sake. We are in the middle of our small town, which affords him the ability to ride his bike to the grocery store, movie store, Sonic, the library and the doctor's office. Due to his disabilities, he is unable to drive, so being within bike riding distance is great for a small sense of independence for him. Once we finish his apartment (in the back yard), it will be another step in his development, and a hard one for me. Please pray for his continued maturity, as he is sadly lacking in this area, and it affects his judgement and decision making abilities.
He is almost 19, but mentally around 11-12 years old. Functional, but not capable of being left on his own for too long, without doing something silly (like nailing the old sliding board to a tree so he can slide out of the tree LOL! or attempting to go from tree to tree on a zip line, or fighting with his sisters like a little kid.)
Please pray for the following also:
getting my dad's estate/affairs completed ASAP
Candi's pregnancy and family
Unspoken
Bob and Cherie's health
Un-potty trained puppies everywhere LOL!
My self control
We aren't schooling today, as Lauren is sick. We did swing by the library, and she checked out a couple of videos to watch in her room, while she lays in the bed. I think the choices came down to Swiss Family Robinson, Barbie Nutcracker, and the Disney movie about the Bible character Joseph. Not sure of the name at the moment.
Rodney's parents well pump has gone out, so he is headed over there to help pull it out and replace it. His dad is 76, and needs a little more help than he used to, strength wise. So, this means dinner will be delayed or much easier, if he eats over their tonight.
He and two of his nephews spent the day at the river yesterday up in Medina fishing and floating the river. They all came back burned and hungry, and Rodney had a headache. (I am sure it is heat related, as he NEVER takes food or water with him when he fishes.)
I have my first problem with the Prairie Primer book. Many of the suggesting readings they list are difficult, if not impossible to locate. The local library doesn't have them, neither does the San Antonio Public Library. A huge pain in the posterior. I tried to supplement by finding other books on the related topic (California Gold Rush) to read to the girls.
Taylor had his first doctor's appointment BY HIMSELF today. Very unnerving, but I am trying to give him a little more responsibility, and since it was only a checkup in order to get his prescription renewed, I am not too worried. I really like living where we do (at this point in time) for Taylor's sake. We are in the middle of our small town, which affords him the ability to ride his bike to the grocery store, movie store, Sonic, the library and the doctor's office. Due to his disabilities, he is unable to drive, so being within bike riding distance is great for a small sense of independence for him. Once we finish his apartment (in the back yard), it will be another step in his development, and a hard one for me. Please pray for his continued maturity, as he is sadly lacking in this area, and it affects his judgement and decision making abilities.
He is almost 19, but mentally around 11-12 years old. Functional, but not capable of being left on his own for too long, without doing something silly (like nailing the old sliding board to a tree so he can slide out of the tree LOL! or attempting to go from tree to tree on a zip line, or fighting with his sisters like a little kid.)
Please pray for the following also:
getting my dad's estate/affairs completed ASAP
Candi's pregnancy and family
Unspoken
Bob and Cherie's health
Un-potty trained puppies everywhere LOL!
My self control
Sunday, September 16, 2007
The properties of the church - Book of Acts
For the past several Sundays, we have been discussing the properties of the New Testament church. Not the properties that we own, but what makes up a church. So far, we have discussed fellowship with the Spirit, the body and why the Lord's Supper is so important. Primarily, because Christ asked us that when we celebrated the Lord's Supper to do so in rememberance of Him.
The Lord's Supper is another controversial aspect of Christianity. Many congregations believe that the Lord's Supper should be done during every worship service, quarterly, yearly, etc., Personally, I don't believe God mandates a frequency, only that when it is partaken of we do so with the property attitude and manner, and realize that it has value.
Candi, Brian, and kids attended church for the first time with us today. Their daughter, Mary had been several times before when she spent the night with my daughter Lauren. Sadly, Lauren wasn't much company for Mary this weekend, as she is down with a sinus infection. Candi said that she enjoyed the service, and they would be attending again next week. It'd be nice if they made it their church home, unless she's tired of seeing me so much. LOL!
I don't know if anyone remembers, but Candi and I are doing the Prairie Primer curriculum together with the kids. We normally see each other at least once a week, if not more. The kids get along okay, with the exception of my 4 year old Hannah, who is grumpy and doesn't get along with even herself, so she is not good company for Candi's 5 year old. He is anxious to please Hannah, but she has early on-set of PMS (about 10 years early), so you know how that is going....
After church Candi's family came over for lunch and to hang out. I cooked hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken fajitas for lunch with fresh tortillas. We also had tomatoes, salad, carrots, chips with an assortment of condiments, potato salad, and chocolate cream pie for dessert. Are you hungry yet? It was good. Candi and I talked most of the afternoon, while the kids did their various activities, and Brian watched movies in the living room. They left around 6 pm for home, as all of our kids were getting whining, and Lauren was starting to droop seriously.
Time to get the kids cleaned up, and put in bed early I think. Ready to start the new school week. Off to the library in the morning, and hopefully to the zoo on Tuesday, if Lauren is feeling better.
Hope everyone had a good weekend.
The Lord's Supper is another controversial aspect of Christianity. Many congregations believe that the Lord's Supper should be done during every worship service, quarterly, yearly, etc., Personally, I don't believe God mandates a frequency, only that when it is partaken of we do so with the property attitude and manner, and realize that it has value.
Candi, Brian, and kids attended church for the first time with us today. Their daughter, Mary had been several times before when she spent the night with my daughter Lauren. Sadly, Lauren wasn't much company for Mary this weekend, as she is down with a sinus infection. Candi said that she enjoyed the service, and they would be attending again next week. It'd be nice if they made it their church home, unless she's tired of seeing me so much. LOL!
I don't know if anyone remembers, but Candi and I are doing the Prairie Primer curriculum together with the kids. We normally see each other at least once a week, if not more. The kids get along okay, with the exception of my 4 year old Hannah, who is grumpy and doesn't get along with even herself, so she is not good company for Candi's 5 year old. He is anxious to please Hannah, but she has early on-set of PMS (about 10 years early), so you know how that is going....
After church Candi's family came over for lunch and to hang out. I cooked hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken fajitas for lunch with fresh tortillas. We also had tomatoes, salad, carrots, chips with an assortment of condiments, potato salad, and chocolate cream pie for dessert. Are you hungry yet? It was good. Candi and I talked most of the afternoon, while the kids did their various activities, and Brian watched movies in the living room. They left around 6 pm for home, as all of our kids were getting whining, and Lauren was starting to droop seriously.
Time to get the kids cleaned up, and put in bed early I think. Ready to start the new school week. Off to the library in the morning, and hopefully to the zoo on Tuesday, if Lauren is feeling better.
Hope everyone had a good weekend.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Thankful Thursday!
I am thankful for....
being able to homeschool my kids
my mom
my husband's job
and last but not least.....God
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I read somewhere how many people believe that Jews and Muslims worship the same God, but that Christians worship THREE Gods! That is just too crazy for me to wrap my mind around. It seems that "people" enjoy creating conflict where none exists.
I believe that the Jews and Christians worship the same God. Still debating on the Muslims. I don't think I would find it hard to believe that it was the same God if many Muslims didn't allow the prophet Muhammad to get in the way, and if they weren't so volatile and argumentative. I know that won't change though, because the Bible states it will be so, due to Abraham's sin of not waiting for the legacy of Issac, and rushing along his legacy with Ishmael.
Now to address the "three gods" statement. Christians do not worship three Gods. There is only one God, and his name is well.....God. The three Gods come into play for others I think due to the trinity. The trinity is not three seperate Gods, but a way to explain the three aspects of God (the Father, Son and Holy Spirit). I explain it to my kids this way each person has a variety of relationships with those around them. I am wife, mom, sister, daughter, friend, but still just plain old Amy. See? one person, different aspects of my personality. Likewise an egg has three parts, the shell, the white, the yolk, but still just one egg. That is how I see God. Depending on what we need him for, he shows himself in a different way. Relating our every day relationships to those we have with God is not blasphemous, but a great teaching/learning tool.
I have a relationship with God, sometimes distant, sometimes great. Just like the one I have with my mom. Sometimes I talk with her more than other times, but I still love her, and still strive to have a better relationship with her, likewise, I work on the one I have with God.
Okay, enough with my soapbox.
This week has been a good one homeschooling wise. Lauren has been doing great. Very cooperative. We reviewed half of her workbook already in multiplicaton and she has those down. We started review in simple division yesterday, that way it will refresh her memory for long division which is coming up. I like to take the first month, and review the end of last year, because everyone's brain blanks out over summer break. Prairie Primer is going great. I am learning a lot, refreshing even more, and enjoying sharing the Little House books with my girls. I don't know if they will ever know what these books mean to me. Don't think I am strange please, but when I was 5-6-7 years old, I was really, painfully shy. I spent a lot of time by myself reading in my hollow tree in the woods in Maryland. The Little House books (and others) went with me on my journeys, daydreaming and otherwise. They were my friends, when I had none. They fueled my imagination and kept me company. It is this I want to share with my girls.
With Hannah, I have been just doing reading, writing, and arithmetic. This consists of reading one or two stories out of reading text I have, teaching her to write her letters one day, and working on her name the next, finally finishing up with writing her numbers and a simple "math" page. This normally consists of her counting the objects on the page, and circling the correct corresponding number. She just turned 4, so I think this is enough. She then likes to spend TOO much time on the computer using her Jumpstart Advanced Preschool CDs. I just bought them for her this week. I also use http://www.starfall.com/ for her, and Mickey's Clubhouse on the Disney website. She colors, watches PBS or plays the rest of the day.
I have homework myself that I have ben neglecting, and really need to get to tonight. I have a test to complete.
Well, off to have lunch with Perla, and then pick up Taylor from school. We got an early start today, since Taylor had to be at school by 8 am this morning, and we are just about finished with school for the day.
being able to homeschool my kids
my mom
my husband's job
and last but not least.....God
************************
I read somewhere how many people believe that Jews and Muslims worship the same God, but that Christians worship THREE Gods! That is just too crazy for me to wrap my mind around. It seems that "people" enjoy creating conflict where none exists.
I believe that the Jews and Christians worship the same God. Still debating on the Muslims. I don't think I would find it hard to believe that it was the same God if many Muslims didn't allow the prophet Muhammad to get in the way, and if they weren't so volatile and argumentative. I know that won't change though, because the Bible states it will be so, due to Abraham's sin of not waiting for the legacy of Issac, and rushing along his legacy with Ishmael.
Now to address the "three gods" statement. Christians do not worship three Gods. There is only one God, and his name is well.....God. The three Gods come into play for others I think due to the trinity. The trinity is not three seperate Gods, but a way to explain the three aspects of God (the Father, Son and Holy Spirit). I explain it to my kids this way each person has a variety of relationships with those around them. I am wife, mom, sister, daughter, friend, but still just plain old Amy. See? one person, different aspects of my personality. Likewise an egg has three parts, the shell, the white, the yolk, but still just one egg. That is how I see God. Depending on what we need him for, he shows himself in a different way. Relating our every day relationships to those we have with God is not blasphemous, but a great teaching/learning tool.
I have a relationship with God, sometimes distant, sometimes great. Just like the one I have with my mom. Sometimes I talk with her more than other times, but I still love her, and still strive to have a better relationship with her, likewise, I work on the one I have with God.
Okay, enough with my soapbox.
This week has been a good one homeschooling wise. Lauren has been doing great. Very cooperative. We reviewed half of her workbook already in multiplicaton and she has those down. We started review in simple division yesterday, that way it will refresh her memory for long division which is coming up. I like to take the first month, and review the end of last year, because everyone's brain blanks out over summer break. Prairie Primer is going great. I am learning a lot, refreshing even more, and enjoying sharing the Little House books with my girls. I don't know if they will ever know what these books mean to me. Don't think I am strange please, but when I was 5-6-7 years old, I was really, painfully shy. I spent a lot of time by myself reading in my hollow tree in the woods in Maryland. The Little House books (and others) went with me on my journeys, daydreaming and otherwise. They were my friends, when I had none. They fueled my imagination and kept me company. It is this I want to share with my girls.
With Hannah, I have been just doing reading, writing, and arithmetic. This consists of reading one or two stories out of reading text I have, teaching her to write her letters one day, and working on her name the next, finally finishing up with writing her numbers and a simple "math" page. This normally consists of her counting the objects on the page, and circling the correct corresponding number. She just turned 4, so I think this is enough. She then likes to spend TOO much time on the computer using her Jumpstart Advanced Preschool CDs. I just bought them for her this week. I also use http://www.starfall.com/ for her, and Mickey's Clubhouse on the Disney website. She colors, watches PBS or plays the rest of the day.
I have homework myself that I have ben neglecting, and really need to get to tonight. I have a test to complete.
Well, off to have lunch with Perla, and then pick up Taylor from school. We got an early start today, since Taylor had to be at school by 8 am this morning, and we are just about finished with school for the day.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Monday's Musings
Today was a busy day though a good one. We got a lot done. Stopped by the funeral home, and picked up the death certificates for my dad. I dropped Taylor off at college by 9:30 am, and headed back home. Lauren worked on her math and reading by herself, while I worked with Hannah on her schoolwork. Hannah finished her little bit of work, and after taking a break for lunch, we headed out to pick Taylor up from class.
Upon returning home, Lauren and I finished up her lessons. We then headed to a neighboring town to drop the puppy off at the vet. Muffin is getting spayed tomorrow morning.
Spent the rest of the afternoon typing up letters to a variety of insurance companies and financial institutes. I need to send these off with a death certificate to get the bulk of my dad's affairs settled. Read two chapters in my Art History text. I have a test due this week.
Playing around last night, I ran across the name of someone with my name (well me with my maiden name of Queen). I contacted her, and we might be distantly related. How cool!
I think I have met more Queens since living in this state, than when we visited WV every summer. The ones living here near me, I know are related. They are the kids of my great uncle (my grandfather's brother). Not kids now, but in their 40's. I have been working on my dad's genealogy for a couple of years, and would like to get it finished. My maternal grandmother's side is complete, thanks to an aunt who converted to Mormonism. Apparently, she had to complete her family tree, and she provided us with a copy. Now, if only someone on my dad's side would become Mormon, it would take a big load off of me LOL! Just kidding....don't want anyone to convert..... did more research tonight...looks like the name deviated from MacQueen and not McQueen as I was originally told. The motto for this Clan is "Constant and Faithful". My mother's clan, Clan Gunn is "If not Peace, than war". So, the MacQueen's were their own clan?I gather, but associated with Clan Frazier/Fraser (cool) and Clan Chatten (the cats). So, the Jamesons are Clann Gunn, the Deans (my grandmother's family) Clan Davidson, and then the MacQueen's...hard to pinpoint an exact clan....hmmmm...so I guess I am 3/4 scottish and 1/4 german (the Otterbine). Basically your average WASP. LOL!
Upon returning home, Lauren and I finished up her lessons. We then headed to a neighboring town to drop the puppy off at the vet. Muffin is getting spayed tomorrow morning.
Spent the rest of the afternoon typing up letters to a variety of insurance companies and financial institutes. I need to send these off with a death certificate to get the bulk of my dad's affairs settled. Read two chapters in my Art History text. I have a test due this week.
Playing around last night, I ran across the name of someone with my name (well me with my maiden name of Queen). I contacted her, and we might be distantly related. How cool!
I think I have met more Queens since living in this state, than when we visited WV every summer. The ones living here near me, I know are related. They are the kids of my great uncle (my grandfather's brother). Not kids now, but in their 40's. I have been working on my dad's genealogy for a couple of years, and would like to get it finished. My maternal grandmother's side is complete, thanks to an aunt who converted to Mormonism. Apparently, she had to complete her family tree, and she provided us with a copy. Now, if only someone on my dad's side would become Mormon, it would take a big load off of me LOL! Just kidding....don't want anyone to convert..... did more research tonight...looks like the name deviated from MacQueen and not McQueen as I was originally told. The motto for this Clan is "Constant and Faithful". My mother's clan, Clan Gunn is "If not Peace, than war". So, the MacQueen's were their own clan?I gather, but associated with Clan Frazier/Fraser (cool) and Clan Chatten (the cats). So, the Jamesons are Clann Gunn, the Deans (my grandmother's family) Clan Davidson, and then the MacQueen's...hard to pinpoint an exact clan....hmmmm...so I guess I am 3/4 scottish and 1/4 german (the Otterbine). Basically your average WASP. LOL!
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Creaking and Crackling
The title describes the feeling in my body....I feel so young in my mind, but my body has other plans for me at times. I am 38, but sometimes my body makes me feel 88. It must be going to rain, as all my joints are swollen and painful, and everytime I move, my bones pop and crackle. I sound like a bowl of Rice Krispies. LOL!
Was back in church this morning, and the sermon was good. Based out of Acts and encouraging us as the body of believers to bear one another"s burdens and to pray for each other. Our congregation is small, and at times people get discouraged, but I don't. We may be small in numbers, but I think that this is God's way of allowing us to bond together. He creates ministry opportunities for everyone outside the walls of the church building, so I am not worried about the "numbers" in attendance on Sunday.
I will probably clean the kitchen, do some laundry and bake a cake. I know that Sunday is a day of rest, but these things relax me, so I hope it's okay with God that I do them. LOL!
Mrs. Workman provided a CD of the music we used at my dad's memorial service, I will make copies for everyone. Or at least try. I listened to it on the way home, and the last song "Daddy's Hands" by Holly Dunn, made me cry all over again. It describes my dad's hands exactly.
Well, need to get on with my day..hope everyone has a good week.
Was back in church this morning, and the sermon was good. Based out of Acts and encouraging us as the body of believers to bear one another"s burdens and to pray for each other. Our congregation is small, and at times people get discouraged, but I don't. We may be small in numbers, but I think that this is God's way of allowing us to bond together. He creates ministry opportunities for everyone outside the walls of the church building, so I am not worried about the "numbers" in attendance on Sunday.
I will probably clean the kitchen, do some laundry and bake a cake. I know that Sunday is a day of rest, but these things relax me, so I hope it's okay with God that I do them. LOL!
Mrs. Workman provided a CD of the music we used at my dad's memorial service, I will make copies for everyone. Or at least try. I listened to it on the way home, and the last song "Daddy's Hands" by Holly Dunn, made me cry all over again. It describes my dad's hands exactly.
Well, need to get on with my day..hope everyone has a good week.
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Getting Back Into the Groove
I feel so blah, and unmotivated. I think it might be depression, which isn't being helped any by a certain someone, you know who you are! LOL!
I need to make myself get back into my normal routine, because I don't feel like doing much.
I want to hurry and get all my dad's affairs taken care of, because I am just plain tired of dealing with it.....
The following is a schedule for today:
pick up daddy's mail
clean off front porch
work on laundry mountain
bake bread
I need to make myself get back into my normal routine, because I don't feel like doing much.
I want to hurry and get all my dad's affairs taken care of, because I am just plain tired of dealing with it.....
The following is a schedule for today:
pick up daddy's mail
clean off front porch
work on laundry mountain
bake bread
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Thankful Thursday
I am so thankful it is almost Friday! Then I can stay home for the weekend! I hope!
Running Taylor back and forth to school eats up a lot of time and gas. In addition, he may be starting a work study job next week. It will be in the mornings 7:30 a.m. to 11 am before his classes begin on Tuesdays and Thursdays
Running Taylor back and forth to school eats up a lot of time and gas. In addition, he may be starting a work study job next week. It will be in the mornings 7:30 a.m. to 11 am before his classes begin on Tuesdays and Thursdays
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Thunderstorms.....
more rain, and the roof is leaking again. I am really frustrated with the insurance company. I will be calling them again tomorrow. Their delays are increasing the damage to the roof, and they are back peddaling on paying for the damage. This is what happens when you pick some no name, fly by night insurance company (which I didn't pick).
Spent the entire day in town driving Taylor around. I dropped him off right before 10 am, and then went to pick up a textbook for one of my classes. Then stopped at Candi's house for an hour to wait for Taylor's first class to be over. The girls worked on their school work in the car, and Lauren finished up her reading comprehension questions at Candi's.
I picked up Taylor and dropped him off at the golf course for his golfing class. Then picked up some lunch at Chick Fil A for everyone, before rushing back to get Taylor from the golf course. He had lost his High School class ring somehow while playing. Go figure!
Rushed him back to campus for a work study job interview, then headed home. Arrived home a little after 3 pm. Starting picking up the house, which is still a mess, but I am throwing stuff out, sending boxes of my dad's stuff out to the garage, washing clothes and moving furniture.
Moved the book case from the foyer to the hall by Lauren's room, and placed the rest of the homeschooling books on the shelves, along with the encyclopedias. Moved the hall tree back to the foyer to free up the wall in the living room, for a small table/desk and placed the computer there, but it needs to be worked on so I will need to call my sister about coming out to help me.
Sorted laundry, washed more clothes, moved the bed in Lauren's room, and placed a pan under the drip. I am so tired, and finally stopped around 9 pm, when my feet started hurting.
I am hungry, and I didn't eat dinner. I cooked for everyone (chicken breasts, baked potatoes, bread) but didn't eat, as I was on a roll cleaning. Still more to do, and not looking forward to it....
I did manage to finish Lauren's lessons around 6 pm tonight. We did a little all day, between running Taylor around, cleaning, and making dinner. Today we started in the Prairie Primer that uses the Little House books and we worked on the following:
1. Read the 1st chaper in Little House in the Big Woods and finished 10 questions for reading comprehension
2. Talked about the different ways to preserve meat/food.
3. Learned vocabulary such as venison, leather, lard and trundle bed
4. She reseached bears on http://www.wikipedia.org/ and http://www.bear.org/ and took notes for a report she has due Friday.
5. Talked about how in the Bible it states when we are children we learn as children, and as we grow older we are more able to understand the world around us and what the Bible says. Reviewed Piaget's developmental stages and talked about it.
6. Talked about how the Bible states that the heart of the parents are turned to the children, and vice versa, making family important to each other.
7. Talked about manners and why we shouldn't interrupt each other, and how the Bible states that we shouldn't think higher of ourselves than others.
8. Worked on review of multiplication tables,and concepts to see where she needs more work and where to advance to...
That's about it....
Spent the entire day in town driving Taylor around. I dropped him off right before 10 am, and then went to pick up a textbook for one of my classes. Then stopped at Candi's house for an hour to wait for Taylor's first class to be over. The girls worked on their school work in the car, and Lauren finished up her reading comprehension questions at Candi's.
I picked up Taylor and dropped him off at the golf course for his golfing class. Then picked up some lunch at Chick Fil A for everyone, before rushing back to get Taylor from the golf course. He had lost his High School class ring somehow while playing. Go figure!
Rushed him back to campus for a work study job interview, then headed home. Arrived home a little after 3 pm. Starting picking up the house, which is still a mess, but I am throwing stuff out, sending boxes of my dad's stuff out to the garage, washing clothes and moving furniture.
Moved the book case from the foyer to the hall by Lauren's room, and placed the rest of the homeschooling books on the shelves, along with the encyclopedias. Moved the hall tree back to the foyer to free up the wall in the living room, for a small table/desk and placed the computer there, but it needs to be worked on so I will need to call my sister about coming out to help me.
Sorted laundry, washed more clothes, moved the bed in Lauren's room, and placed a pan under the drip. I am so tired, and finally stopped around 9 pm, when my feet started hurting.
I am hungry, and I didn't eat dinner. I cooked for everyone (chicken breasts, baked potatoes, bread) but didn't eat, as I was on a roll cleaning. Still more to do, and not looking forward to it....
I did manage to finish Lauren's lessons around 6 pm tonight. We did a little all day, between running Taylor around, cleaning, and making dinner. Today we started in the Prairie Primer that uses the Little House books and we worked on the following:
1. Read the 1st chaper in Little House in the Big Woods and finished 10 questions for reading comprehension
2. Talked about the different ways to preserve meat/food.
3. Learned vocabulary such as venison, leather, lard and trundle bed
4. She reseached bears on http://www.wikipedia.org/ and http://www.bear.org/ and took notes for a report she has due Friday.
5. Talked about how in the Bible it states when we are children we learn as children, and as we grow older we are more able to understand the world around us and what the Bible says. Reviewed Piaget's developmental stages and talked about it.
6. Talked about how the Bible states that the heart of the parents are turned to the children, and vice versa, making family important to each other.
7. Talked about manners and why we shouldn't interrupt each other, and how the Bible states that we shouldn't think higher of ourselves than others.
8. Worked on review of multiplication tables,and concepts to see where she needs more work and where to advance to...
That's about it....
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Sunday Blahs!
Didn't make it to church today. I am really exhausted. No matter how much sleep I get, I am still bone tired. I think all that work clearing out my dad's house did me in.
We went to look at bunkbeds for the girls, and decided to make our own. Everything in town was too expensive, and cheaply made. We made a stop at Home Depot to look at new shower stalls. I am looking for one that has a seat in it, as my arthritis is getting worse, and it is difficult at times to get in and out of the tub. I also purchsed a new hand held shower head with a 6 foot hose. This will help, until I can afford the shower stall. I am going to put a stool in the tub to use. The girls wanted to check out the new house that was in the Home Depot parking lot. It is a special treat for them to look through the cabins, and storage buildings.
We made it home before it started raining, and watched a couple of DVDs, and then I laid down to take a nap. I woke up around 7 p.m. and the girls and I left for the grocery store to get a couple of items for the week, and to take to the river tomorrow.
I have a busy week ahead of me:
Monday - River to fish, swim, and relax
Tuesday - Taylor to School, Buy Textbooks for him and myself, Start Homeschooling the girls
Wednesday-Friday: Taylor to school every day and homeschooling the girls, as well as, sorting through my dad's stuff here, and cleaning the house.
We went to look at bunkbeds for the girls, and decided to make our own. Everything in town was too expensive, and cheaply made. We made a stop at Home Depot to look at new shower stalls. I am looking for one that has a seat in it, as my arthritis is getting worse, and it is difficult at times to get in and out of the tub. I also purchsed a new hand held shower head with a 6 foot hose. This will help, until I can afford the shower stall. I am going to put a stool in the tub to use. The girls wanted to check out the new house that was in the Home Depot parking lot. It is a special treat for them to look through the cabins, and storage buildings.
We made it home before it started raining, and watched a couple of DVDs, and then I laid down to take a nap. I woke up around 7 p.m. and the girls and I left for the grocery store to get a couple of items for the week, and to take to the river tomorrow.
I have a busy week ahead of me:
Monday - River to fish, swim, and relax
Tuesday - Taylor to School, Buy Textbooks for him and myself, Start Homeschooling the girls
Wednesday-Friday: Taylor to school every day and homeschooling the girls, as well as, sorting through my dad's stuff here, and cleaning the house.
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