When homeschooling goes bad

It is with embarrassment and true mortification that I share with you my 'homeschooling gone bad' story. Sadly, I have no one to blame but myself for this because several of my non-homeschooling friends can now say, "I told you so."

So, here it is, the good, the bad and the ugly about homeschooling science.

I'm not sure when exactly I got the bright idea to raise mealworms as part of our life cycle study, but I did. I ordered them and was slightly nervous but excited when they arrived. We set up our mealworm display (sadly no pictures) and were off.

A few days later we bought geckos. Bonus! Not only could I teach the life cycle of a mealworm, but I could illustrate part of a food chain for my children and they could enjoy watching their geckos feast on the mealworms. Fair enough.

Later I discovered there was an actual mealworm shortage and I joked about keeping our experiment going and raising them for money! But I was only joking people.

Then one day the boys casually mentioned they saw a darkling beetle in their sisters bedroom on the 2nd floor.

No, that couldn't be true.
I ignored that.

Then one day they said they saw a darkling beetle in the hallway on the first floor.
No..... that couldn't be true.
It better not be true.
I ignored that.

Oh, did I mention I kept our mealworm experiment in a hall closet INSIDE my house? Oh yes, with a top that I made myself. A nice net and rubberband contraption that surely would hold the mealworms that are not supposed to be able to climb up the sides of the complete mealworm kit (with no lid) I bought.

So, one day I go in the closet to get some mealworms to feed the geckos and what do I see on the floor next to the mealworm bucket but a few mealworm sheds and a darkling beetle on its back (still alive)!

That I cannot ignore.
I scoop them up and toss the entire experiment (mealworm shortage be darned) into my trash outside.

No more mealworm experiments!
Whew, that was a close one, right?

So why am I still finding the odd Darkling Beetle inside my house almost three weeks later?

Looks like I better call an exterminator when we go out of town.
I am horrified to say the least.

I want to know what those suckers are eating since I had to faithfully cut potatoes and apple slices to keep them happy and fed. I don't have any laying around my house.

How are they still alive three weeks later? How many escaped?

And mostly, do I really want to know the answers to these questions?
I think not.

Somewhere an exterminator is going to be blogging about me.
I'm so not happy about that!
Shhhhh, Don't tell Big Daddy!

More Halloween Madness

We've decided to embrace Halloween this year but spend it at Disney World with my cousin's family and the grandparents.

The kids are excited about going to Disney for Halloween and are enjoying pondering what Mickey and Minnie and the other characters are going to dress up as.

There was a brief moment of concern over who would be giving them candy, but I feel confident that I've addressed and put to rest their candy-less Halloween fears.

Since we will not be home for Halloween we are not decorating.
This has been hard on the kids and on me.
I really enjoy decorating.
But, we are moving next year (hopefully) and most of our belongings are in storage.
It just doesn't make sense to decorate this year.
So we have been concentrating on fall crafts and small homemade interior decorations.

If you are naturally crafty of course you can whip up anything.
If you aren't naturally channeling Martha it's amazing what neat things you can find to download online.

Treat Boxes/Party Favors:
Candy Corn treat boxes
Dancing Skeleton puzzle
Box for Dancing Skeleton
Black cat Halloween treat bag
Tiny treat bag




Misc.
Jack o lantern bookmarks



Decor
Cat Silhouette banner
Owl silhouette banner
Pumpkin silhouette banner
Candy Corn Garland

Vote

I went to the polls today with my husband.
Don't worry, I'm not going political on you.
I just wanted to say that it was a proud day for democracy.
There were RECORD turnouts at the early voting centers where I live. Each day breaking the record from the day before.
I'm so glad I got to go to the booths with my husband!

Facts by the dozen

1.) I am a new blogger who isn't quite sure how to pronounce Meme and always posts them late.

2.) My heart skips a beat when someone leaves a comment about something I've written about.

3.) I am very content being by myself.

4.) I like to putter around the house. It just might be one of my favorite things to do.

5.) Although I feel extremely blessed to have four children, I would love to have more.

6.) I wanted to name my youngest daughter Hannah because I felt like Hannah----crying out to the Lord for a child. I still cannot read about her in the bible without tearing up.

7.) I like to scrapbook yet never have the time. My third child (age 3) has half a baby book and my fourth child has none.

8.) I have been known to make up dates for my 3rd child's baby book. (Shhhhhh!)

9.) When I get stressed, I loose weight.

10.) I always fantasize about reinventing myself, but then I'm too lazy to do it.

And because the rules said you could add more

11.) I live for organizing projects. Give me a label maker and a closet and I am a happy girl.

12.) It is my dream to become a published author one day. But first I have to work on my punctuation.

What I want you to know....

Although I have four children and can thankfully put most of my infertility struggles behind me, there are some things I want you to know about infertility. Things I want to encourage you to just never, ever say to someone who is struggling with any form of infertility.


Never ask, "Is it you or your husband?"
First of all, its none of your business. Secondly, as a couple we are already struggling with "whose fault it is" and that carries a tremendous amount of guilt and strain on our marriage as it is without you adding to it. And is it ever really anyone's "fault" if they cannot control it?

Never say, "Wow, I just look at my husband and get pregnant."
I mean honestly, did you think that was going to make me feel better? And come on, we both know you did a little more than look at him so your statement isn't even accurate. Lastly, what are you trying to say or suggest with that statement? That I should just start looking at your husband?

Never point out all the many ways that I am lucky that I don't have children while you complain about the many things you can no longer do (sleep in late, have a clean house, read a book) because you have children. It makes you sound ungrateful and shallow. Would you really trade your blessings forever to get to sleep in late?

Unless you think I am capable of the most heinous forms of child abuse NEVER say, "Maybe you just aren't meant to have children." That is hurtful when I can turn on the TV and hear about children being murdered, placed in trash cans or born to crack addicts or teenagers in the bathroom during a prom (where they are left in the toilet or trash afterward). According to your theory those women were MEANT to have children. Those women were more deserving than me. Because they could pregnant without a second thought they are somehow more deserving and better than I who is struggling. And yes, someone did say that to me and it still hurts 6 years and four children later.

Never say, "Why don't you just adopt?" if you are not yourself an adoptive parent. Adoption is a wonderful option and blessing. But there is a process that must bring you there. There is a mourning that must be gone through before one can move on to be able to accept adoption as the wonderful blessing and GIFT that it is, instead of seeing it as a consolation prize, which it never should be. Every couple that is struggling with infertility has thought about adoption and is aware that it exists. For some couples, for various reasons it is not an option for them and then they must accept childlessness. Yes, you can still have a wonderful life without being a parent, but at the time that you want to be a parent, it doesn't feel like it. Show some compassion to a couple that is trying to find the path they are meant to follow. If and when they are ready to face adoption (that has its own struggles with waiting not to mention expense) they will be proud to talk to you about it. They will have embraced it and they will celebrate the child they are able to parent. But right now, they have to mourn.

Never say, "Just don't think about it and it will happen." It is a nice sentiment, but frankly its impossible. If the person you are speaking to is undergoing treatment they cannot not think about it. There are blood tests to be taken on certain days, injections or pills to be taken at precise times, ultrasounds that are timed and results that are anxiously waited for each step of the way. There are temperatures that are being taken and romantic interludes that are being forced onto a time table. There are tears. There are desires. There is fear.

Never say, "Well at least you have one child. You should just be happy with what you have." If you lost a limb I would not say, "Well, at least you have another limb. Be glad for that." Obviously having a child is a blessing. But a couple's desire to have another child is not because the first child is less than or not good enough. It's because they want another child. They have a desire to add another person to their family. And, maybe they want that first child to have a sibling.


What should you say or do when someone is struggling with infertility?

Its okay to say, "I'm so sorry. I don't know what to say."
Sometimes, even those who have gone through it don't know what to say. Or perhaps they realize there sometimes isn't anything to say.

Its okay to say, "I will pray for you. I hope you are blessed with a child soon."
This is kinder than lecturing them about the fact that God is in charge and they shouldn't worry over things they have no control over etc. Yes, God is in charge. Yes, he has a plan for our lives. Yes, through him all things are possible. But you can say that in a kinder way by saying you will pray to the One who is in charge that the desires of their heart will be met. It is called compassion. Our Lord was compassionate. Don't use Christianity to beat someone down. It is intended to lift us up.

Its okay to ask, "What can I do to help you right now?"
Everyone is different. Some want to talk about it, others want a distraction and some prefer to not talk about it with others. Find out what your friend needs from you.

It's okay to just pray for that couple and not even tell them about it. Some people need to talk about it and others need to keep it inside. But you, you can pray. Pray for the right words to say and for God's plan to ultimately be revealed to that family. Respect whatever decision they choose because it's their choice, even if it isn't one you yourself would choose. You actually never know what you would do in the same situation until you are in that situation.

This post came out today because I have several friends struggling right now and I can still relate. Even 6 years, 1 miscarriage and 4 kids later. It doesn't matter to me if they have no children or 5 children. I understand the desire to have a child and I understand how hard it is to wait.

They know who they are and I hope they know I am praying for them.

Rappin' with Sarah Palin

I love Saturday night live.
I thought this was the funniest skit I've seen in awhile and I know I could sure use a laugh.
Whatever you may think of Sarah Palin the girl has rhythm and can take a joke.
I post this for your amusement only.
No political agenda.

HOTM Video Introduction

The Heart of the Matter Friday Meme this week is a video introduction.
As you may already know, I am a writer/reviewer for Heart of the Matter.
I am very proud to be associated with the magazine and the women on the team.
As a team member I guess I need to be a team player----and play along.
That means participating in the Video Meme.

This is not easy.
I really don't like seeing myself on video.

I must admit, it is fun to watch the videos that have been uploaded. There is something about hearing someone's voice that you previously only "read" in your head.
Do they sound or even look like you thought?

Its been especially fun for me to see the ones from my fellow team members: Angela, Nikowa and Marsha. I can tell Mr. Linky is going to keep me on my computer all day.
(sigh)

Have I mentioned I don't like seeing myself on video?

Well, here are two videos.
Why two videos if you hate seeing yourself on video?

Twin 5 year old boys= shooting 2 videos (so everyone gets a turn).
Thankfully my daughter was busy playing upstairs.
Otherwise I'd have to shoot 3 videos.

Please note:
These were shot in one take.
Excuse the bra strap in the second video.
I'm really not that tacky.
Really, I'm not.

**** Part One******




****Part Two******




Want to join in on the fun?
You can, just jump on over here and add your video intro to Mr. Linky!
I look forward to meeting you online.

Mom Uniform

I recently wrote an article for Heart of the Matter Magazine that included back to school tips for homeschooling moms. One of the tips most commented on was my suggestion of creating a mom uniform.

Oprah once featured a show that had hundreds of mothers wearing baggy sweat pants, oversize t-shirts and their hair twisted in a knot on top of their head. Yep, it was a nationwide mom uniform---and it sucked!

Did I mention I wore it too?

Yes, many mothers already have a mom uniform.
Its just not one that they can feel proud about or being seen in.

After years of Big Daddy complaining I finally got my act together and so can you.
Throw out those baggy sweats, t-shirts and hair scrunchie. You don't need the lazy temptation.
You can do it.

Then, come up with a uniform you can be proud of.

T-shirts and jeans,
shorts and a tank,
Polo shirts and jeans, short, slacks etc.
dresses,
twin sets

Whatever it is, decide on the look and then build your wardrobe around that.
You can build a great wardrobe cheap. So don't use money as an excuse.
If you need help check out my friend Andy Paige's website, Cents of Style she has great tips and even offers a beauty boot camp and personal shopping assistance.

You will be so glad you did.
No more hiding behind the soda displays at the grocery store.

In my own personal quest to be the cool, hip, stylish mom I've decided to change up my mom uniform to include tanks and jeans. I was never really a jean person, but I'm going to give it a try for fall----in Florida, so I hope I don't sweat to death in the jeans!

Here are a few that I'm currently obsessing over available from Ellembee

Floral tank in celedon or Robin's egg blue
Lacy Indigo v-neck
Chocolate brown scoop Dandelion Wishes

You can also hop over to A Soft Place to Land and enter the contest to win one of these cute shirts. I've got my fingers crossed for the Floral tank in celedon.

Complimentary Cappucino

If you are looking for a nice little Mom Break (and you are a coffee drinker) Barnes & Noble is offering a Complimentary Cappuccino through October 31st.

Don't forget to use the coupon for 15% off one item as well.
Thanks Grocery Mama for the tip!

Pumpkin Dip

Need a great snack?
A friend passed this along to me about 5 years ago and we've been enjoying it every October since.














3/4 cups (6oz) cream cheese
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
2 teaspoons maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Apple Slices

Place first 3 ingredients into a mixer at medium speed until well blended. Add syrup and cinnamon, and beat until smooth. Cover and chill for 30 minutes. Serve with apple slices.

Wordful Wednesday on a Friday

I know it's Friday.
I know its called "Wordful Wednesday" because it is to be posted on Wednesday.
I just wanted to post this anyway.
Even though I'm late.
Hey, I'm new at this.



My beautiful daughter put on her own shoes the other day.
Even Perfectionist Mom couldn't bare to correct her.
You see I learned something from my daughter that day.
There is perfection in the things that are sweetly imperfect.
Thank you dear sweet daughter of mine for reminding me of that.
I hope I am able to remind you of this in your own life.
Thank you dear Lord for giving me this daughter and allowing me to be her mother.
I am not deserving but I am thankful.


Visit other Wordful Wednesday posts that were posted on time here.

I have a confession

At the risk of everyone thinking I don't wash my hair regularly I will tell you that I am in LOVE with dry shampoos.

My favorite thus far is Psssst instant spray shampoo although it's unscented so if you were around smokers or feel like your hair is smelling funky, this isn't going to do much. But, if you are like me, who just wants/needs an extra two or three days out of her blow dry----this is the product for you.

I took it with me to the hospital when I had my baby in March. I knew I'd be there 4 nights and between the baby and recovering from a c-section, I didn't think I'd be up for my 1 hour long blow dry. And I refuse to have pictures floating around of me with frizzy hair commemorating the occasion. Nope, I wanted the gorgeous hospital pictures where you have the full make up on too. Not that, that happened. But I at least had good hair.

On my first day out of bed I used it and as Big Daddy strolled into the hospital room (only slightly blurry eyed) he said, "Wow, what did you do to your hair?"

Now I have to say, I love Big Daddy for a lot of reasons, but that is certainly one of them.
He notices things.
Big Daddy can also drive me crazy sometimes because, well, he notices things.

So
even though I was trying to go green and this is an aerosol can...
even though I was trying to spend less money and not encourage spending...
I had to tell you about this amazing product.
Because I really, really, heart this product!

Sleeping Beauty

Insomnia apparently doesn't run in our family.


My beautiful daughter can sleep anywhere.



I wish the same could be said for her run-down-not-feeling-too-beautiful-lately mother.

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There are no words

There are no words that could match this post from my friend Marsha Drews about her beautiful son, Christian Drews, who passed away.

It's worth a read.

Secrets in the sauce

I've always seen these cute little buttons on some of my favorite blogs, but I wasn't quite sure what was in the sauce. So today I decided to do something about that and go on over there and find out what all the excitement was about. And there is a lot of excitement going on over there today because of the giveaways going on every hour...but more on that later

Whether you are new to blogging and looking for blogs to read, or a veteran looking to expand your readership, SITS is for you!

Basically, the SITS girls want to make sure you get support and lots of comments. They know what its like to put yourself out there and write a blog---and then wonder if anyone is even reading it. They want to encourage you, and point out some other cool blogs to you that you may not have known about. Of course they explain it better than me, so go on over here to read more about SITS (Secrets in the sauce).

Now about that giveaway I was telling you.

Here is how you can enter:
Basically, you post on your blog about the giveaway.
Link up to the SITS website with the URL of your post
Cross all your fingers and toes and hope you get some cool prizes & cheer on those that do!

Good-Luck!

Bento Lunchbox #1

Here is my first official Bento Box creation.
I think I deserve the cool mommy award.
The fruit was in the top section but I didn't photograph it...but trust me, we had fruit too.

What you see is cheese rolled with salami and chicken (separately), a carrot stick and 2 animal crackers.

My little guys were so excited to take it to Co-Op with them. I hope I can keep this up.

Frankly, I'm more than a little worried about my Bento abilities.
Especially since the picky eating little ones are so darn picky.
So far, so good though.

Green Mommy

Did you know that stylish clothes are being made out...bamboo?
Hopefully it's not just me that is shocked.
Mommies are banding together and really making sure our environment is safe for our kids and our future grandkids. I love it!

Did you know that the toxic levels in your home are most likely higher than outside? That's right, unless you've already gone green inside your home, the air pollution in your home are most likely TWO to FIVE times MORE polluted than outside!

Everything we bring into our home emits and nothing emits more poluution than the cleaning products we mothers use so much in an effort to make our home safe. You can read more about the EPA's findings here.

So, on that note here are some Green Shopping Tips just for you.

We all like a clean house, especially when we have young children, but we really need to watch the toxicity levels in our home. Thankfully we now have a lot of choices and we'll have even more if everyone starts to vote with their wallet. Cleaning products like Method (available online and at organic grocery stores), or Shaklee (featured by Oprah herself) have made a name for themselves due to terrific marketing and well packaged products. Well, I've found a line of great cleaning products that are also green that you probably have not yet heard of, Clean Team makes great affordable products for professional cleaning services (but you can order too). These products get the job done without the additional scents and fumes and many times, a little goes a long way. If you are like me, you may have to get over your idea that it has to "smell clean" (i.e. like lemons or flowers) and come around to the true fact that truly clean has no scent.

If the decorating bug has hit you, be sure to consider organic milkpaint that is also safe for children's toys. If it seems too expensive for you, consider making your own organic paint.



If you truly want to go green then stop buying sport bottles of water and get your own refillable water bottle. These cute waterbottles for kids will also be a hit with your little ones!


I found Our Green House online and had to share it with you. They carry a variety of products that are, um....green! But seriously, their product line is extensive (pet products, baby products, toys, children's clothing, products for the home etc.) and not to be missed. If you live in Conneticut, you are lucky because they have a store there, but for the rest of us, the website is a great alternative.

Oh, and before I forget, here is a link to an article about the benefits of bamboo clothing...who knew?

This and That

In case anyone missed me, we are back from our trip to Austin, Texas. You can view the pictures and posts from our field trips at our homeschool blog Passport Academy.

I'm also pleased to announce that I now write for Homeschool Blogger's Front Porch. My weekly column (each Thursday) is entitled, The Littlest Learners, and its about preschoolers.

Now tell me, why is it that following a vacation, you are most in need of one?

And another thing...

What drives you crazy?
I mean what really gets your blood boiling?

When reading blogs I came across this post from Still His Girl and Rachel's response to the first; and I had a good laugh. Then I remembered I have to write something on this blog so I did what any desperate blogger would do----I stole their idea, linked it up so they don't get mad, and here it is!

In no particular order here is what REALLY ticks me off:

Tip jars at convenience stores. Did I miss something? Aren't they being employed to ring up the purchase, collect my money, bag it up, and issue change, a receipt and a non-sarcastic somewhat honest sounding, "have a nice day?" To what do I owe the pleasure of adding another 15%-20% to my purchase?

Mothers with rude bratty children who are literally (ha!) wrecking havoc on the playground as their mother sits there doing nothing. Like the mother who 2 years ago (and yes, I'm still annoyed about it) allowed her (bratty) child to climb up and down the slide while 5 children (and yes I counted) waited at the top of the slide for a chance to slide down. Did said mother remove her child from the slide or point out that others (younger than hers) were patiently waiting their turn? No. Looking back I almost wish I let my boys slide down right on top of that girl. But I guess that wouldn't have been too Christian of me.

Friends who feel the need to constantly email me their political views. If I want to hear some political views I will turn on the television. If I want to hear yours, I will ask you. Please don't email me your political views. I don't shove mine down your throat. Oh, and if you have a blog and you post your views there---that's 100% fine. Its YOUR blog after all and so no, I wasn't talkin' about you!

People who see you waiting for a parking spot so they decide to brush their hair, write a letter to their mom, check their voicemail, reprogram the stations in their car, and learn a foreign language. Okay, well I don't know for sure they are doing all those things----but it sure seems like it to me.

When you let someone in front of you and they don't even give you the little wave.
That's the international signal for 'thanks' and maybe I'm petty but I just tried to make your day better and your arrogance and sense of entitlement just ticked me off in return.

When you hold the door open for someone and they don't even say thank-you.
Did you think the mall just hired me to hold open the doors for everyone? Did you not see my little boy struggle to hold the door open for you and look up at you for a response? Did you see his face when you didn't even acknowledge him or his efforts?

When you arrive on time for a scheduled activity and the host has you (and everyone else who arrived on time) wait for all the late people. It bugs me because I made a huge effort to arrive on time out of respect for the group, instructor or activity that was planned and you just showed me (and my children) that we don't matter at all. You are going to wait for the people who REALLY matter----the people who couldn't bother to show up on time. And yes, I know they cannot bother to show up on time because they are always late and don't even apologize.

So, have I scared you off or fueled you up?
What are your pet peeves?

Presidential Election

I'm really not usually one to get political but you should really see this video about a grassroots movement that is, in my opinion, going to heavily impact this election.

No matter whom you choose to vote for.
Make sure you vote and let your voice be heard.

Cooking with Kids

I pulled out my copies of Pretend Soup and Salad People today and made a few things with the little picky eaters. I might have to pull out these cookbooks out more often because we had the BEST day preparing food together.

The recipes aren't anything you would want to serve up to guests, but they are fairly healthy and are made for the preschool crowd. My children enjoyed "reading" the directions (illustrations with a few simple words).

From the Salad People book we made a Salad person which the kids got a kick out of. Bento Boxes here I come!

From the Pretend Soup book we've made Bagel Faces, Number Salad, and Noodle Soup. Tomorrow we are actually going to try out the Pretend Soup recipe which is a fruit soup type treat. My kids actually are good fruit and vegetable eaters, it's the protein I have a hard time getting into them.

Tomorrow I hope to try a chopped salad recipe with them (maybe I can chop the protein up so small they won't see it). Apparently this is the salad chopper to get if you are in the market for one, although this one looks a little more kid friendly.

Do you cook with your kids? Do you have any tips or favorites you would like to share? Below are some of my favorite books for cooking with kids.

My Favorite Room

I've been reading a lot of decorating blogs lately.
We are currently building a house, so that is part of my motivation. The other is that I have just always enjoyed looking at other people's homes. I find it interesting to see the personalities that are conveyed within their home that I may or may not have noticed before. Like the macho tough guy who lets his wife have the pink master bedroom. That type of thing.

Our current house is very nice. It's just half the size of our previous house and so with homeschooling and an additional child we are bursting at the seams and it's gotten me depressed. I am so affected by my surroundings its not even funny. The clutter is really getting to me. Although I would love to have "a place for everything, and everything in its place" we simply have more things than there are places in this house.

So, in an effort to focus on the positive I wanted to share with you one of my favorite rooms in our current house and a couple things I know I need to change about it!

This is our living room. Even though the rest of the house has literally exploded with STUFF, I manage to keep this room looking good. And we rarely sit in it. Isn't it a shame? Especially since it's one of my favorite rooms? The chairs are very comfy cozy and the natural light from all the windows make it a great room for reading. As you can see, this picture to the left was taken last Christmas right after the tree went up. I have to lose the fake palm tree. It will be replaced next week, I promise. Actually it's already out of the house! I only had it because I am deathly afraid of roaches and someone talked me into the faux palm saying that the other type attracted roaches, as in palmetto bugs----the H-U-G-E flying roaches. But, and I sincerely hope I don't end up regretting this, I'm going to take my chances because the fake plant is just plain tacky.

Yes, I have a white slipcovered sofa and four children. People are usually surprised to see a woman with four children with such a white sofa. White slipcovers are the best. You can wash them and bleach them. You can change up your pillows and get a whole new look. I love my white slipcovers. Since we live in Florida in a Mediterranean style house I wanted to go for a tropical slightly ethinc look. Do you like the zebra pattern? They are actually in dark brown and its one of my favorite things about the room. That, and the worn leather wing chair. Some of you might feel I need a rug. I don't really care for rugs so I usually skip them.


Two of the accessories in this house came from our other house. They are both antiques that are too precious to me to put in storage----so even though the American Country Whirly Gig doesn't really fit this decor---its gotta be there because I have no other place for it. The giraffee is also an antique. Its a carousel piece. My kids are just dying to get on it. I love my carousel giraffe so much. I cannot wait to find a place for it in the new house. In our previous home it was in the dining room with another great American Country carousel piece. Have I mentioned I used to live in Pennsylvania?

Maybe I'll post a few more pictures of this room after I replace the faux palms. Or maybe you want to see the dining room? You can see a bit of the handpainted mural if you closely in the first picture.

Wow, I cannot believe how much better I feel after writing a post on my favorite room. I guess to focusing on the positive really does help!

What room is your favorite? Care to offer a house tour? You can use Mr. Linky to link directly to your post of your favorite room. It's okay to link to a previous post you've written IF it's about your favorite room.

Just Shameless

I'm sorry, but it's time for some shameless self-promotion.

I'm looking at my sidebar and as Pastor Tom would say it's just pitiful. I have only a handful of peeps?!

That means there are more little peeps following me around the house than on the world wide web!

How can that be?
I see you on my traffic stats...I know you are here. So what gives?

Perhaps you've been so caught up reading my blog that it just hasn't occurred to you to sign up because you don't even look at the sidebar? I mean, forget the fact my family missed a few meals while I learned how to code and add all those cute widgets into my sidebar. No really it's okay you don't look at the sidebar. (sigh)

Well, you can subscribe to my blog by email.
So every time I make an earth shattering post it will be delivered automatically into your email box. This is my own personal favorite way to subscribe to a blog. I love it so much I was even considering going on a campaign to make sure all bloggers made this an option on their blogs.

Enter your email address:

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You can also be a follower.
(pssst, link on top left of my sidebar) Despite what your mom may have told you before, sometimes its good to be a follower! There are many benefits to becoming a follower. You can read about them here and here (in more detail) but I'll try to recap in my own words.

1.) Your beautiful mug will appear on my sidebar. Leading to instant celebrity status and potentially more traffic to your own blog. I would just love to see your pic on my sidebar.
2.) You will help me save face after this shameless self promotion.
3.) My blog will automatically be listed on your "reading list" making it even easier for you to keep up with me through the "blogs I'm following" folder. So you won't have to worry about missing a single post! I mean seriously, did you even know that such a cool feature existed? Really, it's so much easier to do everything from one dashboard
4.) You will win cash and prizes...maybe. You never know! Why risk it?

You can subscribe in Google Reader or the Reader of your choice.
(Pssssssssst Take a peek at the sidebar on the top right)

You can follow me on Twitter.
Not sure what Twitter is? Read MamaMusings or Business week's posts about twitter and then get twittering.

Now if you are already subscribing, your beautiful mug is on my sidebar, and you are getting my tweets then I THANK-YOU. All that is left is for you to leave a few comments now and then so I can feel like we're in this together.

You might even see yourself listed as a Top Commentator---if I ever figure out how to do that.

Okay.
My shameless somewhat pitiful self promotion attempt is over. Thanks for reading...please sign up and leave a couple of comments at the door!

Halloween

I am on the fence about Halloween.
I've always celebrated Halloween.
My kids have always celebrated Halloween.
I take great pride in selecting my candy for Halloween.
But now, I'm questioning Halloween.

Over the past two years I've noticed a shift in the Christian community towards "fall festivals" instead of Halloween. But I've never really known anyone personally that put a ban on it.

I know that there are members of our society that take great pleasure in doing all sorts of questionable things on this day and a few who view it as a holy day for their mystical worship. But since we didn't participate in those things, I really didn't worry about it.

Then recently I saw this post sort of detailing the history of Halloween from a Christian perspective and I started to ponder the whole concept of Halloween. I also did some research on the internet and came across this Ancient History of Halloween from the History Channel as well as this History of the Jack O'Lantern.

I don't know what to do.
I want to do the right thing.
But what is the right thing?
I don't know.

After reading the History Channel's version of the History of the Jack O'Lantern I have to say I don't see anything wrong with carving a pumpkin. It's crafty, fun, and apparently it's origins come from an attempt to frighten away 'stingy Jack' ----an urban legend of sorts. Now do I think that our Jack O'Lanterns will scare away 'Stingy Jack' or evil spirits? No. I don't even believe in 'Stingy Jack' and neither do my children. Part of me feels that this is not any differant than if someone started worshipping pencils---- I wouldn't stop using pencils in my homeschool because they have distorted its meaning.

While I'm questioning Halloween and pondering its significance (or lack of) I must admit, I'm still leaning towards allowing my children to participate in some of the customs.

Our costumes have been purchased (2 super heroes, a mermaid and a princess) and following October 31st they will end up in the dress up box where they will continue to be worn with glee. We won't be home for Halloween this year. Instead we have tickets to Mickey's Not Too Scary Halloween Party and plan on visiting family in Orlando. I know my children will enjoy seeing the Disney Characters in their own Halloween costumes and trick or treating through Main Street. And I cannot wait to see my little ones dressed up in their costumes, take a few pictures, and make a scrapbook page of it all.

I know they can dress up any day of the week---but there is something nostalgic about my own childhood Halloweens that I want to experience again through my children's eyes and have them experience.

Each family has a chance to make their own traditions and adapt them to their own beliefs. I respect my friends who choose not to allow their children to participate in Halloween as well as those who do. I respect the churches who want to put on Fall Festivals for the children and take the focus off of costumes and carved pumpkins.

While I don't know what next year will bring for my family I do know that this year I want to spend this time learning about Bats and Spiders, making mini pumpkins, making pumpkin dip together and watching them trade candy with each other and then raiding their Halloween bags after they go to sleep!

Can Halloween be what you make it regardless of what it might have meant a long time ago? Or are we kidding ourselves? What does your family do (or not do) on October 31st? Do you think Christian's can celebrate Halloween?

Penny Pinching

While reading the New York Times this morning I came across this article that really caught my eye and stopped me dead in my tracks. It was about billionaires and how they are cutting back.
Okay, stop laughing.

Seriously, stop laughing.

The B-I-L-L-I-O-N-A-I-R-E-S are cutting back.
If I played the lottery every day and won a few times, I'd still never be a billionaire.
How about you?

Sure, I don't live in a bubble I know that millions of Americans are cutting back on things and I have to confess that I've made only minor adjustments to my spending. I mean I can't lie. Just a few days ago I went on a Bento shopping spree.

However after reading today's article I plan on making a more conscious effort to cut back.

Can you hear Big Daddy cheering in the background?

I mean if someone listed on the Forbes list of 400 wealthiest Americans is cutting back, then shouldn't I?

Now, I will just say right up front that if you want to know how to feed a family of 6 for $300 a month, I'm so not your girl. But I always believe that we can all learn a little from someone. And in regards to finances you can bet you will probably learn just a little from me. I on the other hand, hope to learn a lot from you and if you are like me, and are learning as you go, we can at least go through this together and share ideas and support one another.

So, I want to hear your thoughts.
Are you cutting back?
How have you cut back?
Do you have any cool money saving tips to share?

I'm going to set up a Mr. Linky (help me Amy B!) a little later (check back) so that you can share your thoughts. As always, make sure you link up to the specific post, and not just your blog address.

I'm going to be thinking over the weekend about what I can do to cut back and then post it to my blog. One thing I've learned by watching daytime talk shows (pre-homeschooling days) is that in the area of finances its the little expenses that add up. So while I don't have a private jet to put up on the auction block, I'm thinking it might be a good thing they closed my favorite Starbucks.

Gone Bento

The latest thing going with the kid set is "Bento Box" lunches.
As a homeschool mom this could easily be something I could avoid.

But alas, I want to be one of the cool moms.
There, I've said it.
When my kids open their lunch boxes on co-op day, I want them to have the fun lunch.
I want them to be excited about it.
And if I can trick them into trying new foods, all the better!

So, I'm going Bento ladies.
Who wants to join me?

I promise there is great online shopping and bento accessories to be had.

Here's the scoop on Bento Boxes:

1. Derived from "o-bento" which is what the Japanese call a packed meal.
2. The portions are small and kid friendly---focus is on being visually attractive and compact
   
3. Healthy foods are encouraged and are usually the norm (although obviously you could pack anything) in Japan it follows their food pyramid.

If you want to see some inspiring packed lunches visit the Cooking for Monkeys blog and their online store where I had fun clicking "add to cart". I went a little Bento crazy to say the least.

If you are now desperate to learn more about Bento Boxes read these:

What is a bento box?
Flickr group for bento box photographs
Top Tips from Lunchinabox.com

If you want to join me in my Bento shopping addiction try these sites:
Sugar Charms
Laptop Lunches
Bento Crazy

This lovely Bento design is from Sakurako Kitsa














The former party planner in me cannot help but think this would be a great box lunch for a ladies spa day! The exhausted homeschooling mommy in me is thinking that a spa day with only 2 stale crackers thrown in a ziplock bag sounds great too!