Saturday, March 31, 2007
In your spare time
Here's a fun game to play quickly on the computer, CatchThirtyThree. My best time was 35 seconds, considerably better than Holly's and Trevor's times. I was really surprised by that, because they slay me on PS2 . . . I guess all my computer practice gives me a slight edge. :)
Book Review - Peacemaking for Families
Kathy had a great post on her blog about Peacemaking class her children had attended and the great effects that were showing up at home. When Kathy writes something like this, I sit up and listen. After browsing the Peacemaker Ministries website, I requested this book through an interlibrary loan.
I read too many parenting books, but that's because it's an area in which I know I have a lot of room to improve. My favorite book remains Scott Turansky's Say Goodbye to Whining and Complaining, but I'm always looking for more practical ways to apply its teachings.
Peacemaking for Families is written by Ken Sande, whose wife Corlette authored the children's version (which was used for Kathy's kids). The book begins with a focus on resolving marital issues, a little surprising to me as that's not what I was expecting. However, it laid the perfect foundation for the next section, titled "Family Conflict" and dealing with children. I liked the consistent, specific steps that the book gives to teach children how to resolve conflict. Over the past several years, I realize how important it is to get to "heart" issues--it's not enough for someone to change their behavior just because they "should." I want my children (and me!) to change behavior because we WANT to, we know it's not right, not what we are taught Biblically, not the heart that God wants us to have.
Only a portion of this book dealt with children and families as a whole. I want to read more, and I just made an interlibrary loan request for Corlette's book, The Young Peacemaker. There's a curriculum available, which includes this Young Peacemaker book, and an activity book. I'm definitely interested, so I'll be able to see if I want to give that a try.
Thanks, Kathy, for your comments about this book, which I highly recommend!
I read too many parenting books, but that's because it's an area in which I know I have a lot of room to improve. My favorite book remains Scott Turansky's Say Goodbye to Whining and Complaining, but I'm always looking for more practical ways to apply its teachings.
Peacemaking for Families is written by Ken Sande, whose wife Corlette authored the children's version (which was used for Kathy's kids). The book begins with a focus on resolving marital issues, a little surprising to me as that's not what I was expecting. However, it laid the perfect foundation for the next section, titled "Family Conflict" and dealing with children. I liked the consistent, specific steps that the book gives to teach children how to resolve conflict. Over the past several years, I realize how important it is to get to "heart" issues--it's not enough for someone to change their behavior just because they "should." I want my children (and me!) to change behavior because we WANT to, we know it's not right, not what we are taught Biblically, not the heart that God wants us to have.
Only a portion of this book dealt with children and families as a whole. I want to read more, and I just made an interlibrary loan request for Corlette's book, The Young Peacemaker. There's a curriculum available, which includes this Young Peacemaker book, and an activity book. I'm definitely interested, so I'll be able to see if I want to give that a try.
Thanks, Kathy, for your comments about this book, which I highly recommend!
Friday, March 30, 2007
Thursday
I was not expecting to wake up to snow this morning! While it "spit" at us all day long, nothing accumulated on the roads, and it even melted off the grass by mid-morning.
The sun tried to peek through; you can see it glowing on the lowest hill.
Holly has riding lessons usually every other Thursday. She hasn't had nice weather for this for many, many months, so today was no exception. She went out to get Big Mac.
Several other horses were already in the arena. The barn is wonderful, and the design lets in tons of light.
Poor Big Mac was so excited to see them, but then Holly put him in his stall. The other horses were let out. Big Mac was NOT happy to see his friends go out and play, leaving him inside.
I stayed to watch. I don't know much about horses. He's usually very calm, but he was jumping around, snorting, straining at his rope, showing his displeasure. This is a side of him I've never seen. Holly took him out in the arena and used a few techniques to calm him down. I think she was showing him that she's the boss. I was really impressed. If *I* had to go in his stall to get him, I would have been terrified. She's told me about doing this before, but I've never had the opportunity to see her in action.
It didn't take her long to work her magic, and she was able to get down to business.
I went to the grocery store, stopping along the way, parking my car in odd places, wanting to get some nice shots. While the wind was blowing like crazy out here, there was a lot more blue sky than we had at home.
We headed back home, back under the clouds and gray.
While we were gone, Robert took Trevor to see the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie. It was a nice treat for Trevor.
I made French Onion Soup for dinner, posting the recipe below.
Looking forward to tomorrow, and maybe we'll see a little bit more of spring around here!
The sun tried to peek through; you can see it glowing on the lowest hill.
Holly has riding lessons usually every other Thursday. She hasn't had nice weather for this for many, many months, so today was no exception. She went out to get Big Mac.
Several other horses were already in the arena. The barn is wonderful, and the design lets in tons of light.
Poor Big Mac was so excited to see them, but then Holly put him in his stall. The other horses were let out. Big Mac was NOT happy to see his friends go out and play, leaving him inside.
I stayed to watch. I don't know much about horses. He's usually very calm, but he was jumping around, snorting, straining at his rope, showing his displeasure. This is a side of him I've never seen. Holly took him out in the arena and used a few techniques to calm him down. I think she was showing him that she's the boss. I was really impressed. If *I* had to go in his stall to get him, I would have been terrified. She's told me about doing this before, but I've never had the opportunity to see her in action.
It didn't take her long to work her magic, and she was able to get down to business.
I went to the grocery store, stopping along the way, parking my car in odd places, wanting to get some nice shots. While the wind was blowing like crazy out here, there was a lot more blue sky than we had at home.
We headed back home, back under the clouds and gray.
While we were gone, Robert took Trevor to see the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie. It was a nice treat for Trevor.
I made French Onion Soup for dinner, posting the recipe below.
Looking forward to tomorrow, and maybe we'll see a little bit more of spring around here!
French Onion Soup recipe
I found this recipe several years ago in Cooking Light magazine. I've modified it over the years, but it's been a long time favorite of ours.
FRENCH ONION SOUP
cooking spray
1 T. butter
4 c. thinly sliced onion (2 large)
1/2 t. sugar
1/8 t. pepper
3 T. flour
4 cans beef broth (about 13.75 oz. each) (I use low-sodium when possible)
10 oz. can beef consomme (this is a Campbell's condensed soup)
1/4 c. Chablis or other dry white wine (I use cooking wine)
1 T. Worcestershire sauce
sliced muenster cheese, optional
Coat large cooking pot with cooking spray; add butter, heat on medium until melted. Add onion, stir well. Turn heat down to medium-low, cover and cook 15 mins. Stir occasionally, and check to be sure the onions are browning. Add sugar and pepper; stir well. Cook, uncovered, over medium heat for 15 mins. until onion turns deep golden, stirring frequently. (If it starts getting too brown, either turn down the heat, or move to the next step.) Sprinkle with flour; stir well, and cook 2 more mins. Add broth, consomme, and wine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, for 30 mins. Add Worcestershire sauce, stir well, and serve. Makes about 9 cups.
We like to slip slices of muenster cheese into the soup bowl.
The original recipe gave instructions for browning slices of french bread in the oven. After putting the soup in bowls, you were supposed to put a slice of bread on top of each bowl, put a slice of cheese on the bread, and broil all in the oven until the cheese melted. Way too much trouble for us here.
FRENCH ONION SOUP
cooking spray
1 T. butter
4 c. thinly sliced onion (2 large)
1/2 t. sugar
1/8 t. pepper
3 T. flour
4 cans beef broth (about 13.75 oz. each) (I use low-sodium when possible)
10 oz. can beef consomme (this is a Campbell's condensed soup)
1/4 c. Chablis or other dry white wine (I use cooking wine)
1 T. Worcestershire sauce
sliced muenster cheese, optional
Coat large cooking pot with cooking spray; add butter, heat on medium until melted. Add onion, stir well. Turn heat down to medium-low, cover and cook 15 mins. Stir occasionally, and check to be sure the onions are browning. Add sugar and pepper; stir well. Cook, uncovered, over medium heat for 15 mins. until onion turns deep golden, stirring frequently. (If it starts getting too brown, either turn down the heat, or move to the next step.) Sprinkle with flour; stir well, and cook 2 more mins. Add broth, consomme, and wine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, for 30 mins. Add Worcestershire sauce, stir well, and serve. Makes about 9 cups.
We like to slip slices of muenster cheese into the soup bowl.
The original recipe gave instructions for browning slices of french bread in the oven. After putting the soup in bowls, you were supposed to put a slice of bread on top of each bowl, put a slice of cheese on the bread, and broil all in the oven until the cheese melted. Way too much trouble for us here.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Day's highlights
I was shocked to find that I've not taken one single picture since Monday night! I think I'm having camera ww-ii-th-d-r-a-w-a-l-s . . .
SANTA FE CHICKEN
1 can black beans, drained
2 large chicken breasts, cooked and cubed
1 c. salsa
1 can corn, drained
8 oz. pkg. cream cheese (I used the "lite" cream cheese)
1 c. cheddar cheese
4-5 cups cooked rice OR tortillas
Combine first 4 ingredients in a large pot and cook until heated through. Stir in cream cheese just until melted and blended. Serve over cooked rice, or roll into tortillas, and top with cheese.
* * * *
We went to Mimi's Cafe for breakfast this morning. We haven't been there in ages, and it is so good. (Blissful sigh.)* * * *
I made Lisa's Santa Fe Chicken tonight, which was a pretty big hit. Like Lisa and Eric, I ate it over rice; Trevor and Robert ate it in tortillas; Holly pushed it around her plate and filled up on guacamole and tortilla chips. But if three of us really like it, I consider it a hit! I'll definitely make it again; it was super easy, and the most time consuming part was cooking the brown rice. While a few of the ingredients are the same as the Emily's Tortilla Soup, they taste nothing alike. This is also very healthy, and I'm quite sure you could substitute fat free cream cheese. I'm copying my slightly modified recipe here, so I'll have it handy later:
SANTA FE CHICKEN
1 can black beans, drained
2 large chicken breasts, cooked and cubed
1 c. salsa
1 can corn, drained
8 oz. pkg. cream cheese (I used the "lite" cream cheese)
1 c. cheddar cheese
4-5 cups cooked rice OR tortillas
Combine first 4 ingredients in a large pot and cook until heated through. Stir in cream cheese just until melted and blended. Serve over cooked rice, or roll into tortillas, and top with cheese.
* * * *
My washer is dying. We bought it with a dryer 15 years ago, refurbished (meaning well used, and nicely cleaned up), for about $300 total. We replaced the dryer several years ago, but this washer has lived a long and useful life. We bought a new one tonight, and it will be delivered Tuesday. Robert's trying to convince me that I don't need to do any laundry for six more days. (We'll see when he runs out of socks.)
Holly: The guy at Sears tonight was weird.
Mom: No, he wasn't.
Holly: You don't know who I'm talking about. It was Dad.
I almost died laughing.
* * * *
Holly, Trevor and I watched American Idol. Chris was my favorite male singer, and while there are others that should have gone first, he probably wasn't good enough for the top several spots anyway. I wish Phil would get a tan and stop wearing those hideous hats. Bald is fine, but it doesn't need to be blinding white!* * * *
Conversation with Holly:Holly: The guy at Sears tonight was weird.
Mom: No, he wasn't.
Holly: You don't know who I'm talking about. It was Dad.
I almost died laughing.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Book Review - Teach Your Own: The John Holt Book of Homeschooling
John Holt is best known in hsing circles for his unschooling philosophy. "Unschooling" has many different "definitions," and contrary to what some believe, it does not mean that children are left entirely on their own to do whatever they please. There's a little more to it than that.
I'm not sure why I chose this book. Maybe I thought it was time to read John Holt? Maybe it caught my eye someplace recently? True unschooling is a wonderful method, but I've always known that I'm not committed or creative enough to pull it off. I'd read a book like this to be informed, become a little more well-rounded, pick up hints to apply at our homeschool, and I'd read it in general for pleasure and entertainment.
John Holt died over 20 years ago. Teach Your Own has been updated and edited, and the editor's comments are interspersed with the text of the original book. The revised book does not flow well, and I often found myself trying to figure out exactly whose writing I was reading.
While we don't choose public school for our kids at this time, I don't feel the need to slam it across the board. A few comments in the book really bothered me: "One of our readers gave us a vivid description of what must be a very typical school experience." "This reader's experience is surely not unusual." "Parents could argue . . . that since they believe that school can and probably will do their children deep and lasting harm . . ." Please. If someone painted hsers with such a stereotypical brush, we'd be up in arms.
After reading garbage like this, I decided to stop the book. It's not informative, it's of no benefit to me. Unfortunately, I'm unable to recommend it.
I'm not sure why I chose this book. Maybe I thought it was time to read John Holt? Maybe it caught my eye someplace recently? True unschooling is a wonderful method, but I've always known that I'm not committed or creative enough to pull it off. I'd read a book like this to be informed, become a little more well-rounded, pick up hints to apply at our homeschool, and I'd read it in general for pleasure and entertainment.
John Holt died over 20 years ago. Teach Your Own has been updated and edited, and the editor's comments are interspersed with the text of the original book. The revised book does not flow well, and I often found myself trying to figure out exactly whose writing I was reading.
While we don't choose public school for our kids at this time, I don't feel the need to slam it across the board. A few comments in the book really bothered me: "One of our readers gave us a vivid description of what must be a very typical school experience." "This reader's experience is surely not unusual." "Parents could argue . . . that since they believe that school can and probably will do their children deep and lasting harm . . ." Please. If someone painted hsers with such a stereotypical brush, we'd be up in arms.
After reading garbage like this, I decided to stop the book. It's not informative, it's of no benefit to me. Unfortunately, I'm unable to recommend it.
Book Review - Dr. Denese's Secrets for Ageless Skin
This book recommendation came from Emily. Although I've never heard Adrienne Denese, M.D., Ph.D., she is a well known skin care doctor, appearing on several "news" style tv shows and sells her line on QVC.
I enjoyed her well written and informative book. It was a great lesson in skin care (both from the outside and inside), with a background in cosmetic companies and ingredients. When recommending products, Dr. Denese includes a few other choices, along with some in her own line.
So I now have a list of things I'd like to buy, or ingredients to either watch for or be wary of. Unfortunately, several of her recommendations (regardless of the product line) are not in a price range that I find reasonable. Since there are different steps to her skin care procedure, though, I can pick and choose between products. That will give me some flexibility without feeling that I'm sacrificing too much. I considered posting a bare faced, close up "before" picture with the thought that I will use some of the skin care steps--and then reality stepped in. That's not really something *I* want to see on my blog!
If you find this an interesting topic and can get the book at your library, I'd recommend it.
I enjoyed her well written and informative book. It was a great lesson in skin care (both from the outside and inside), with a background in cosmetic companies and ingredients. When recommending products, Dr. Denese includes a few other choices, along with some in her own line.
So I now have a list of things I'd like to buy, or ingredients to either watch for or be wary of. Unfortunately, several of her recommendations (regardless of the product line) are not in a price range that I find reasonable. Since there are different steps to her skin care procedure, though, I can pick and choose between products. That will give me some flexibility without feeling that I'm sacrificing too much. I considered posting a bare faced, close up "before" picture with the thought that I will use some of the skin care steps--and then reality stepped in. That's not really something *I* want to see on my blog!
If you find this an interesting topic and can get the book at your library, I'd recommend it.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Ready, set, GO!
Today was GAME DAY! While I would like to plan these monthly, I usually fall a little short of my goal. But we have Game Days a few times a year. It's a day where we just play games instead of doing any other school work. This was a perfect Game Day, since we were counting on Robert coming home FINALLY tonight.
Game rules? Any game is fine, kids' choice. The point is to play, and pajamas are definitely allowed.
We saved one more time of eating out, which oh-so-conveniently tied into our upcoming study of India this week. While we'd planned on our favorite Indian buffet, when we got there, we found it was closed on Mondays. But, in our town of 350,000 at the foot of the Rockies, we have a selection of Indian buffet restaurants. They are both very good, just a few blocks away from each other.
(I don't know the translation, but I can imagine all sorts of possibilities.)
It's difficult to make any buffet really look appetizing.
Holly fulfills her chicken quota for the year, eating six helpings of two different chicken dishes. Chicken nuggets are no longer her number one favorite (and that's definitely a good thing).
Trevor and I go back for more while Holly plays with my camera.
Shortly before bedtime, the kids choose to get in their pajamas for the ride to the airport. True to form, I once again leave Robert to WAIT for us outside the airport. I don't want him to think we missed him too much.
And Monday starts great, ends perfectly. Thanks, Holly, for taking great pictures!!
Monday, March 26, 2007
Weekly menu
Lisa, thanks for posting your weekly menus, which has encouraged me to do the same. I copied the chicken taco recipe down several months ago and found it this weekend. If I'd been posting weekly menus, it would have stayed on my blog, and I'd have made them already!
One of my goals for posting this was to be more accountable, plan out my meals and not be heading to the grocery store almost every day. It's worked out so well that even Trevor commented about it the other day, something about, "We never go to Albertson's anymore!" My thought: YIPPEE!! The other advantage I've noticed is that I'm not spending nearly so much money for grocery shopping. It feels great to get back into this routine of meal planning. :)
This week:
hot dogs, fruit cocktail (for the kids)
Crustless Jarlsberg Quiche, spinach salad, rolls
Lisa's Santa Fe Chicken Tacos **
French onion soup, bread or breadsticks, salad
Sam's Club pizza
cheeseburgers, Caesar salad, ???
On the back burner (as a substitute for something this week, or planning for next week):
bockwurst, sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, canned fruit
Swiss Enchiladas (new recipe)
cutlets Romano, salad, ??
a main dish to go with Dorothy's Baked Rice with Cheese and Green Chiles
One of my goals for posting this was to be more accountable, plan out my meals and not be heading to the grocery store almost every day. It's worked out so well that even Trevor commented about it the other day, something about, "We never go to Albertson's anymore!" My thought: YIPPEE!! The other advantage I've noticed is that I'm not spending nearly so much money for grocery shopping. It feels great to get back into this routine of meal planning. :)
This week:
hot dogs, fruit cocktail (for the kids)
Crustless Jarlsberg Quiche, spinach salad, rolls
Lisa's Santa Fe Chicken Tacos **
French onion soup, bread or breadsticks, salad
Sam's Club pizza
cheeseburgers, Caesar salad, ???
On the back burner (as a substitute for something this week, or planning for next week):
bockwurst, sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, canned fruit
Swiss Enchiladas (new recipe)
cutlets Romano, salad, ??
a main dish to go with Dorothy's Baked Rice with Cheese and Green Chiles
Book Review - The Digital Photography Book by Scott Kelby
This is a terrific "little" book, and as I've waitlisted for two months at the library to read it, I'm not the only one who thinks so. At first glance, it's unassuming, a rather small paperback. The pages are heavyweight, glossy. While the book contains eleven chapters, each page neatly covers one topic within the subject, and half the page is taken up a terrific photograph furthering the subject. The text is brief, entertaining, and easy to read.
The book cover promotes, "Great for point-and-shoot digital camera owners, too!" I didn't find this to be true. I have an okay camera, but this book is written more for those who can make fancy adjustments, use various lenses, etc. I'd like to get such a camera down the road (although the last book I read almost has me questioning my learning curve), and at that point, I'd probably buy a copy for myself. Even though it doesn't benefit me or my camera right now, I'm still glad I was able to read it.
Fun stuff. Recommended.
The book cover promotes, "Great for point-and-shoot digital camera owners, too!" I didn't find this to be true. I have an okay camera, but this book is written more for those who can make fancy adjustments, use various lenses, etc. I'd like to get such a camera down the road (although the last book I read almost has me questioning my learning curve), and at that point, I'd probably buy a copy for myself. Even though it doesn't benefit me or my camera right now, I'm still glad I was able to read it.
Fun stuff. Recommended.
Book Review - Climbing Parnassus
"If I have brought anything original to the task -- a tricky when not ridiculous word -- other than my own limited experience, it's probably just a bit of retrograde thinking feared and eschewed by others saddled with that side-glancing reticence often awarded with academic tenure."
How's that for a representative sentence from Tracy Simmons's Climbing Parnassus: A New Apologia for Greek and Latin? It never stops, every other sentence in the book reads like that.
I don't think I'm a complete illiterate and yet I would get just as much from flipping through the dictionary reading words at random. It will go down in my book log as surely the most overrated book I've ever read.
I've heard for years that Climbing Parnassus is so inspiring, encouraging readers to return to true roots of classical education, including the languages of Latin and Greek. At least I think that's what it's about. Well over 100 pages into this book, I finally gave up the mind numbing reading. The only thing keeping me awake was the turning of the pages and I'm relieved it's over. Books like this can explain why regular people find the idea of Latin and Greek 'tricky if not ridiculous' (see quote at beginning).
I have no doubt that the author is very intelligent, but I honestly cannot imagine anyone I know having the energy, mindset or desire to make their way through this unbelievably tedious book. I borrowed it via interlibrary loan, and the last --and ONLY-- time it was checked out was 2003. I'm just thankful that I waited so long to (try to) read it, because it seriously would have killed any of my enthusiasm of bringing the study of Latin (or Greek) into our home.
Climb Parnassus? Nope, not me. I'll take sea level. Or possibly even underwater.
How's that for a representative sentence from Tracy Simmons's Climbing Parnassus: A New Apologia for Greek and Latin? It never stops, every other sentence in the book reads like that.
I don't think I'm a complete illiterate and yet I would get just as much from flipping through the dictionary reading words at random. It will go down in my book log as surely the most overrated book I've ever read.
I've heard for years that Climbing Parnassus is so inspiring, encouraging readers to return to true roots of classical education, including the languages of Latin and Greek. At least I think that's what it's about. Well over 100 pages into this book, I finally gave up the mind numbing reading. The only thing keeping me awake was the turning of the pages and I'm relieved it's over. Books like this can explain why regular people find the idea of Latin and Greek 'tricky if not ridiculous' (see quote at beginning).
I have no doubt that the author is very intelligent, but I honestly cannot imagine anyone I know having the energy, mindset or desire to make their way through this unbelievably tedious book. I borrowed it via interlibrary loan, and the last --and ONLY-- time it was checked out was 2003. I'm just thankful that I waited so long to (try to) read it, because it seriously would have killed any of my enthusiasm of bringing the study of Latin (or Greek) into our home.
Climb Parnassus? Nope, not me. I'll take sea level. Or possibly even underwater.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Comment to ponder
I was talking on the phone with an old friend today. She mentioned she's been specifically praying for me. It was surprising because, for one, she's not the praying type. Second, she thinks that my life is perfect. (I guess I have someone fooled, lol.)
I often pray for her. I don't know her heart, but she goes to church because that's where AA meetings are held--when she makes those. In the past couple of years, I have often wanted to end our friendship that began over 25 years ago. But I keep hearing that whisper to maintain contact, to listen to her, to continue being her friend. And so I pray.
But why is she praying for ME? It was definitely unusual enough for me to ask. She reluctantly told me that she's not sure if I have a lot of "emotional support." She was careful about it, as if she worried I might be offended. It was an interesting comment, and I'm not sure what I think about it.
What kind of "emotional support" does she mean? (Remember, she thinks I have a perfect life.) I don't feel I'm lacking any emotional support at all. I depend on and have complete faith in Jesus. My relationship with my dh could not be better. I have family on whom I believe support me in all things, and I have a loopy bunch of friends to further support me.
Maybe she means girlfriends? I don't have a best-friend girl-friend, but honestly, I don't have the time, energy, or desire to invest in a relationship like this right now, not during this season of my life.
Our conversation took a different turn, and I didn't get a chance to ask further. I have no doubt that she was led to pray for me, but I wish I knew why she thinks I might not have "emotional support." I'm not saying she's wrong, it could easily be something I don't see.
It's something for me to ponder.
The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. Matt. 7:25
I often pray for her. I don't know her heart, but she goes to church because that's where AA meetings are held--when she makes those. In the past couple of years, I have often wanted to end our friendship that began over 25 years ago. But I keep hearing that whisper to maintain contact, to listen to her, to continue being her friend. And so I pray.
But why is she praying for ME? It was definitely unusual enough for me to ask. She reluctantly told me that she's not sure if I have a lot of "emotional support." She was careful about it, as if she worried I might be offended. It was an interesting comment, and I'm not sure what I think about it.
What kind of "emotional support" does she mean? (Remember, she thinks I have a perfect life.) I don't feel I'm lacking any emotional support at all. I depend on and have complete faith in Jesus. My relationship with my dh could not be better. I have family on whom I believe support me in all things, and I have a loopy bunch of friends to further support me.
Maybe she means girlfriends? I don't have a best-friend girl-friend, but honestly, I don't have the time, energy, or desire to invest in a relationship like this right now, not during this season of my life.
Our conversation took a different turn, and I didn't get a chance to ask further. I have no doubt that she was led to pray for me, but I wish I knew why she thinks I might not have "emotional support." I'm not saying she's wrong, it could easily be something I don't see.
It's something for me to ponder.
* * * * *
The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. Matt. 7:25
Taking pictures
My camera is now a part of me. I take it almost every place we go. My kids have resigned themselves. My dear husband still rolls his eyes, but he's no longer vocal about it. Robert's decided to save his voice. He can only protest so much--after all, he bought me this new camera, and I'm sure he'd rather I use it than not. (But I'm not sure enough to actually ask him.)
My family's used to it, but other people aren't. I take pictures at the library, I park in weird places for that "perfect" shot, and I've even taken the camera in the dressing room. (Sorry, Holly, but at least you were dressed.)
At Home Depot last week, I snapped a few pics of Robert (boy, was he happy), and the checker asked me if it was a new camera. How am I supposed to answer a question like that? Fib to avoid embarrassment, and say, yes, it's new? Be honest, and tell her I'm going to put them on a blog? That's almost too weird. Feeling a little flustered by her genuine interest, I mumbled something about taking a lot of pictures as I hastily slid my camera back into my purse.
That was the same day that I took my camera to the Harley store. They had a free bbq going in the parking lot, and I was planning to get behind the guy grilling hot dogs. The shot was perfect in my mind, but then too many people got in line for food, and I chickened out. I was already the only dork there (surprise) taking pictures of my wonderful husband sitting on bikes. And I guarantee we stood out from the beginning as the only people in the whole place wearing tennis shoes instead of big, black boots. And not having visible tattoos.
(I'll never tell, so don't ask.)
When Holly and I went to the ice skating competition, I knew she was taking a lot of pictures, but my biggest concern was that she didn't run out her batteries. When the show was over, the couple nearby commented to us about the dozens of pictures Holly took. (Okay, so it was 18 dozen, but who's counting?) We just don't think it's unusual any more.
Tomorrow we're going to a buffet for lunch. Of course I'm bringing my camera. But it makes me a little nervous. Will they wonder if I'm checking out the restaurant as competition? As a reviewer? As the health department? Will they even care? As I said, I'm used to bringing my camera everywhere, but other people aren't used to having photos taken in "odd" places.
Yet.
(And just to clarify, I'm not taking pictures of anyone but my family. But others still notice and are naturally curious.)
Thanks, Jodi, for this post topic, which came from your comments about taking pictures at your Trevor's PT!
My family's used to it, but other people aren't. I take pictures at the library, I park in weird places for that "perfect" shot, and I've even taken the camera in the dressing room. (Sorry, Holly, but at least you were dressed.)
At Home Depot last week, I snapped a few pics of Robert (boy, was he happy), and the checker asked me if it was a new camera. How am I supposed to answer a question like that? Fib to avoid embarrassment, and say, yes, it's new? Be honest, and tell her I'm going to put them on a blog? That's almost too weird. Feeling a little flustered by her genuine interest, I mumbled something about taking a lot of pictures as I hastily slid my camera back into my purse.
That was the same day that I took my camera to the Harley store. They had a free bbq going in the parking lot, and I was planning to get behind the guy grilling hot dogs. The shot was perfect in my mind, but then too many people got in line for food, and I chickened out. I was already the only dork there (surprise) taking pictures of my wonderful husband sitting on bikes. And I guarantee we stood out from the beginning as the only people in the whole place wearing tennis shoes instead of big, black boots. And not having visible tattoos.
(I'll never tell, so don't ask.)
When Holly and I went to the ice skating competition, I knew she was taking a lot of pictures, but my biggest concern was that she didn't run out her batteries. When the show was over, the couple nearby commented to us about the dozens of pictures Holly took. (Okay, so it was 18 dozen, but who's counting?) We just don't think it's unusual any more.
Tomorrow we're going to a buffet for lunch. Of course I'm bringing my camera. But it makes me a little nervous. Will they wonder if I'm checking out the restaurant as competition? As a reviewer? As the health department? Will they even care? As I said, I'm used to bringing my camera everywhere, but other people aren't used to having photos taken in "odd" places.
Yet.
* * * * * *
(And just to clarify, I'm not taking pictures of anyone but my family. But others still notice and are naturally curious.)
Thanks, Jodi, for this post topic, which came from your comments about taking pictures at your Trevor's PT!
Springtime in the Rockies
"If you don't like the weather, wait ten minutes." This is a popular saying around here. I've since discovered it's also a saying in Idaho. And in Montana. And Cincinnati and New England and Chicago and North Texas and even Halifax.
Whatever. It's true here. The wind blew all night, and it began raining around 8:30 this morning. The rain turned to snow, big, fat, fluffy flakes.
The snow turned small and cold, changed back to rain and finally stopped after lunch. It dried up in the afternoon, and a few hours later, we saw blue sky with storm clouds lingering over the mountains.
It was a typical spring day in the Rockies. You won't find me complaining. All I have to do is wait ten minutes. Really.
Whatever. It's true here. The wind blew all night, and it began raining around 8:30 this morning. The rain turned to snow, big, fat, fluffy flakes.
The snow turned small and cold, changed back to rain and finally stopped after lunch. It dried up in the afternoon, and a few hours later, we saw blue sky with storm clouds lingering over the mountains.
It was a typical spring day in the Rockies. You won't find me complaining. All I have to do is wait ten minutes. Really.
My favorite socks
This was a blog challenge posted on our hs list a week or so ago, and I'm finally getting around to it. I don't wear shoes in my house very often. In fact, we wear shoes so infrequently that most people take their shoes off too when they come over. That's embarrassing to me, only because it's not a "rule" at my house or anything. I'm not concerned about my floors; I just don't like to wear shoes.
But I like my socks. I wear them all the time in the winter. I wear them around the house during the day, and I wear them to bed at night. (Fortunately, I have several pairs!) I'm very particular about them. I've worn the same kind for years. My dad is responsible, but it was so long ago that I don't remember why. Did he tell me about them? Buy me my first pair? I've only found them at REI, they are a specific style, and they cost a lot more than what I think is reasonable. But they're worth it. I'm worth it.
My feet are almost always cold, even when I'm wearing my favorite socks. When I'm cold, I wear my socks with a pair of slippers. You can tell I wear these quite a bit. I got them for Christmas, and in my mind, they're almost brand new. In reality, they're falling apart. It's a good thing Robert and the kids bought me two pairs, because I'm saving the other pair for summer.
Make level paths for your feet
But I like my socks. I wear them all the time in the winter. I wear them around the house during the day, and I wear them to bed at night. (Fortunately, I have several pairs!) I'm very particular about them. I've worn the same kind for years. My dad is responsible, but it was so long ago that I don't remember why. Did he tell me about them? Buy me my first pair? I've only found them at REI, they are a specific style, and they cost a lot more than what I think is reasonable. But they're worth it. I'm worth it.
My feet are almost always cold, even when I'm wearing my favorite socks. When I'm cold, I wear my socks with a pair of slippers. You can tell I wear these quite a bit. I got them for Christmas, and in my mind, they're almost brand new. In reality, they're falling apart. It's a good thing Robert and the kids bought me two pairs, because I'm saving the other pair for summer.
Make level paths for your feetand take only ways that are firm.
Pro. 4:26
Pro. 4:26
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Curriculum junkie update
Other than the pure joy I get from knowing as much about other options as possible, something positive this week has come from my addiction.
Trevor's almost done with one math book, and I don't want to start him on the next. Normally I would--just because the book's done doesn't mean the work ends. But the next book moves into a lot of new concepts, and I don't want him to start now, forget over the summer, and have to restart in the fall. I was going to buy a practice book based on what he's already done, but he doesn't really need that either.
So what to do for the five weeks he'll have left over? Hah. I finally figured it out yesterday. I have the second side of Saxon 3 worksheets. I have a virtually brand new Coming Up Fractions workbook that goes with my Cuisenaire rods (that no one's used since 2002). I have a partially used Grades 3/4 Skills Practice workbook. I don't have to buy anything new! This is really cool, I have my own used curriculum store, lol!
Trevor's almost done with one math book, and I don't want to start him on the next. Normally I would--just because the book's done doesn't mean the work ends. But the next book moves into a lot of new concepts, and I don't want him to start now, forget over the summer, and have to restart in the fall. I was going to buy a practice book based on what he's already done, but he doesn't really need that either.
So what to do for the five weeks he'll have left over? Hah. I finally figured it out yesterday. I have the second side of Saxon 3 worksheets. I have a virtually brand new Coming Up Fractions workbook that goes with my Cuisenaire rods (that no one's used since 2002). I have a partially used Grades 3/4 Skills Practice workbook. I don't have to buy anything new! This is really cool, I have my own used curriculum store, lol!
Friday field trip
Holly's comment yesterday: "Why do we get to party when Dad's gone?"
Today's comment: "I like when Dad's gone, because we get to do so much!"
Sorry, Robert. Normally YOU're my entertainment, so when you're gone, I have to plan something!
After school work was done today, I took the kids to visit the U.S. Olympic Training Center. There are only three in the whole U.S., and this one is also the headquarters for the U.S.O.C. We've lived here for 4-1/2 years, and we've never taken the tour. It's about time!
Waiting for the tour to begin, Trevor and I check out the bobsled (or whatever the technical name is).
The tour began with a short 7 minute movie promoting the Olympic spirit. Nicely done. We had about 25 people in our group. The guide had great voice projection (thankfully!). We walked outside for most of the tour, stopping in a few buildings. This is one of the weight training rooms.
Wrestlers practiced next door.
The athletes of course are totally focused. An average of 300 people tour daily, and they're used to being, well, gawked at.
We saw some other athletes, although most weren't actively practicing. We saw the gymnastics area and the swimming pool too. The facility houses 105 permanent residents, with many other Olympic hopefuls living nearby and hoping for a room to open up. Some of the recent most popular Olympians that have lived and trained here include Rulon Gardner and Apolo Ohno.
The background shows the main path of the complex, along which most of the tour is conducted. There's a surprising amount of art and sculpture. When the tour's over, you are free to roam around, although most of the buildings are off limits.
The center's daily focus is on one thing.
The site used to house NORAD (now currently inside Cheyenne Mountain, slotted to close and be based at Peterson AFB nearby). Many of the old AF buildings remain, but the athletes' housing is new.
It was a nice way to spend part of the afternoon.
Afterwards, we stopped by the library and timed Chili's perfectly for dinner.
It's always fun to get out and play tourist, especially when it's close by and free!
Today's comment: "I like when Dad's gone, because we get to do so much!"
Sorry, Robert. Normally YOU're my entertainment, so when you're gone, I have to plan something!
After school work was done today, I took the kids to visit the U.S. Olympic Training Center. There are only three in the whole U.S., and this one is also the headquarters for the U.S.O.C. We've lived here for 4-1/2 years, and we've never taken the tour. It's about time!
Waiting for the tour to begin, Trevor and I check out the bobsled (or whatever the technical name is).
The tour began with a short 7 minute movie promoting the Olympic spirit. Nicely done. We had about 25 people in our group. The guide had great voice projection (thankfully!). We walked outside for most of the tour, stopping in a few buildings. This is one of the weight training rooms.
Wrestlers practiced next door.
The athletes of course are totally focused. An average of 300 people tour daily, and they're used to being, well, gawked at.
We saw some other athletes, although most weren't actively practicing. We saw the gymnastics area and the swimming pool too. The facility houses 105 permanent residents, with many other Olympic hopefuls living nearby and hoping for a room to open up. Some of the recent most popular Olympians that have lived and trained here include Rulon Gardner and Apolo Ohno.
The background shows the main path of the complex, along which most of the tour is conducted. There's a surprising amount of art and sculpture. When the tour's over, you are free to roam around, although most of the buildings are off limits.
The center's daily focus is on one thing.
The site used to house NORAD (now currently inside Cheyenne Mountain, slotted to close and be based at Peterson AFB nearby). Many of the old AF buildings remain, but the athletes' housing is new.
It was a nice way to spend part of the afternoon.Afterwards, we stopped by the library and timed Chili's perfectly for dinner.
It's always fun to get out and play tourist, especially when it's close by and free!
Friday, March 23, 2007
Thursday Thirteen - Things I Did Today
I'm really stretching it here, as it was a very boring day.
1. We began our school morning with a movie, "Retracing the Tracks of Hannibal." The kids found it, well, pretty boring.
2. We finished reading Pinocchio. Pinocchio was not a sympathetic character. I'm glad we read the book, but I was expecting to like him quite a bit more than I did. Perhaps the version had something to do with that? (Debbie, which one did you read? Our translation is by E. Harden, illustrations by Roberto Innocenti.)
3. After reading a short biography of Gladys Aylward, we looked at online photos of "golden lilies" (bound Chinese feet). I've long been fascinated by the role of women in Asian cultures, and Holly's seen some of these pictures before. They were new to Trevor, and even though I've seen them, still -- WOW.
4. I began writing next week's schedule. I enjoy planning out the upcoming week.
5. I watered the grass seed outside. I keep expecting it to be cold (maybe because the weather reports SAY it will), but it's been 60s for the past few days.
6. We saw Charlotte's Web at the $1 movies, which is now the $1.50 movies. It was very good. Trevor caught me just as I fell asleep (didn't sleep great last night), so I only missed about 10 seconds of the movie.
7. On a quest for a football jersey to fit over Trevor's new pads, we went to Steve & Barry's and Goodwill. Both were unsuccessful.
8. I'm desperately trying to find something to order from amazon. For $.01 more, I get free shipping. But I want my purchase choice to be perfect . . . What would YOU choose?
9. I made Emily's Greek soup for dinner, along with homemade blueberry muffins. Since I didn't have blueberries, I chopped up frozen blackberries, and it turned out GREAT!
10. We watched Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader? tonight. I was. Sometimes I'm not.
11. I talked to Robert on the phone for quite a while about nothing (because I had nothing to say, imagine THAT). He's visiting his mom, and it's just quite boring here without him. Even when we first met, we never did anything exciting, and yet I was never bored when he was around. That hasn't changed.
12. I continued reading Family Under the Bridge to Trevor. This is a feat worth mentioning, since I'd returned it to the library, checked it out again a week later, and we are continuing to read. It would help if I were reading it to him with any regularity . . . maybe this time.
13. I watched the Chefography special on Mario Batali tonight. Food Network is running chef biographies ("Chefographies") all week, and Mario's my favorite Iron Chef.
Whew!!! I didn't think I could come up with thirteen! I think I'm in the running for the most boring person in the world today.
1. We began our school morning with a movie, "Retracing the Tracks of Hannibal." The kids found it, well, pretty boring.
2. We finished reading Pinocchio. Pinocchio was not a sympathetic character. I'm glad we read the book, but I was expecting to like him quite a bit more than I did. Perhaps the version had something to do with that? (Debbie, which one did you read? Our translation is by E. Harden, illustrations by Roberto Innocenti.)
3. After reading a short biography of Gladys Aylward, we looked at online photos of "golden lilies" (bound Chinese feet). I've long been fascinated by the role of women in Asian cultures, and Holly's seen some of these pictures before. They were new to Trevor, and even though I've seen them, still -- WOW.
4. I began writing next week's schedule. I enjoy planning out the upcoming week.
5. I watered the grass seed outside. I keep expecting it to be cold (maybe because the weather reports SAY it will), but it's been 60s for the past few days.
6. We saw Charlotte's Web at the $1 movies, which is now the $1.50 movies. It was very good. Trevor caught me just as I fell asleep (didn't sleep great last night), so I only missed about 10 seconds of the movie.
7. On a quest for a football jersey to fit over Trevor's new pads, we went to Steve & Barry's and Goodwill. Both were unsuccessful.
8. I'm desperately trying to find something to order from amazon. For $.01 more, I get free shipping. But I want my purchase choice to be perfect . . . What would YOU choose?9. I made Emily's Greek soup for dinner, along with homemade blueberry muffins. Since I didn't have blueberries, I chopped up frozen blackberries, and it turned out GREAT!
10. We watched Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader? tonight. I was. Sometimes I'm not.
11. I talked to Robert on the phone for quite a while about nothing (because I had nothing to say, imagine THAT). He's visiting his mom, and it's just quite boring here without him. Even when we first met, we never did anything exciting, and yet I was never bored when he was around. That hasn't changed.
12. I continued reading Family Under the Bridge to Trevor. This is a feat worth mentioning, since I'd returned it to the library, checked it out again a week later, and we are continuing to read. It would help if I were reading it to him with any regularity . . . maybe this time.
13. I watched the Chefography special on Mario Batali tonight. Food Network is running chef biographies ("Chefographies") all week, and Mario's my favorite Iron Chef.
Whew!!! I didn't think I could come up with thirteen! I think I'm in the running for the most boring person in the world today.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Book Review - For the Children's Sake
This book, by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay, is popular among homeschoolers. I can certainly see why. It lays out an overview of Charlotte Mason's teachings. While I usually say that we loosely follow The Well-Trained Mind, which claims to be classical education, we really follow a blend of Charlotte Mason and neo-classical education.
My favorite Charlotte Mason style book is Karen Andreola's A Charlotte Mason Companion. I liked it enough to buy it several years ago, and that's unusual. Because I have too many other books I need to be reading (which are due back at the library), I'm skipping this Schaeffer book. I've read about 20% of it, and while I enjoy reading hs books in general, I have already fallen in love with the oh-so-gentle tone of Mrs. Andreola's writings. I don't think completing this book would be of any benefit. (Is it bad that I don't have any interest in reading the original Mason material?)
So I guess this post isn't so much a book review, but more my brief thoughts about my preference for the Andreola book, my lack of enough reading time, and my reminder to myself that we aren't following a true "classical" education. :)
Off to go teach Latin. Or history. Or something.
My favorite Charlotte Mason style book is Karen Andreola's A Charlotte Mason Companion. I liked it enough to buy it several years ago, and that's unusual. Because I have too many other books I need to be reading (which are due back at the library), I'm skipping this Schaeffer book. I've read about 20% of it, and while I enjoy reading hs books in general, I have already fallen in love with the oh-so-gentle tone of Mrs. Andreola's writings. I don't think completing this book would be of any benefit. (Is it bad that I don't have any interest in reading the original Mason material?)
So I guess this post isn't so much a book review, but more my brief thoughts about my preference for the Andreola book, my lack of enough reading time, and my reminder to myself that we aren't following a true "classical" education. :)
Off to go teach Latin. Or history. Or something.
SPRING!!
It's the first day of spring, woo-hoo! In reality, it was a not-very-exciting day, but it IS spring!! Trevor went to karate at co-op. The kids were both a little bored today, and Trev got me to play some basketball. Notice my shoes. Yep, I'm still playing in my Crocs. Dummy. Clearly, I haven't learned much, but at least I no longer chase the ball down the street.
Maybe I can use the shoes as my excuse why Trevor beat me 18-8.
We took a walk to the park, and Holly caught Trevor on the bars.
I snagged the camera to take yet another picture of the sunset and the pond.
Holly WOULDN'T QUIT BUGGING ME, so I pulled out the biggest weapon I had handy--the camera. Every time she started to get too close, I just snapped pictures.
I think she's beginning her own chapter of the Don't Take Pictures of Me Club that was started by Liz's daughter.
OOPS!!!
It's turning out to be a pretty slow week. I'm taking the kids tomorrow to the $1 movie, and that's about the extent of excitement. Except, of course, that it's SPRING!!!!!!! so that's good enough for me.
Maybe I can use the shoes as my excuse why Trevor beat me 18-8.
We took a walk to the park, and Holly caught Trevor on the bars.
I snagged the camera to take yet another picture of the sunset and the pond.
Holly WOULDN'T QUIT BUGGING ME, so I pulled out the biggest weapon I had handy--the camera. Every time she started to get too close, I just snapped pictures.
I think she's beginning her own chapter of the Don't Take Pictures of Me Club that was started by Liz's daughter.
OOPS!!!
It's turning out to be a pretty slow week. I'm taking the kids tomorrow to the $1 movie, and that's about the extent of excitement. Except, of course, that it's SPRING!!!!!!! so that's good enough for me.
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