Complete one of these sentences: I'm most proud of my child when he/she .......
or "I'm most proud of my parent when he/she ......
November 4, 2010
November 3, 2010
November 1, 2010
Conversation starter of the day Nov 1
If you had the power to give everyone in your class A's--but they didn't deserve them--would you do it? Why or why not? (Homeschoolers are especially encouraged to participate :)
October 6, 2010
An Ode to one of God's Creatures
How many odes to felines have been written?
I'll just add one more to the list.
Twelve years ago, we got them as kittens,
In Texarkana, and I'm sure they were missed.
These brother kittens I wanted to name
Cirrus and Stratus, but it didn't quite fit.
We saw that they should instead be called
Jacob and Esau. Anyway, it's not as lame.
They lived up to their namesake quite a bit.
Bro. Esau was adventurous and brave, red and hairy
Bro. Jacob had short white hair, and was a little sneaky
They lived inside for a while right after we were married.
Once the washing machine's hose burst and made an icky,
Wet mess, and the kitties were trapped in the laundry room.
Poor kitties; we found them shivering under the spray.
When the new baby arrived, not to mention a new, unclawed couch,
We sent them outside to enjoy the trees on which to groom,
The warm sunshine, and neighborly dogs. And each busy day,
I could see them romping, rolling, and running off Pomeranians.
One sad day, Esau trudged home very sick.
We took him to the vet. He received a shot.
We all pondered the reason, maybe a deadly tick.
At home, he wandered off, to some secret, shady spot.
Horridly, the neighbor brought him back in a sack.
Greg pulled out a shovel and we murmured our farewell.
Now he sleeps on Shoemaker, having been only 3 years old.
Jacob survived and thrived, perhaps missing his brotherly pack.
We carried him with us when we moved. He liked White Oak; I could tell.
Once we were unsure if he'd come home, but he did with adventures untold.
Through each new child, Jacob stayed. He got a taste of wild suburban game.
He caught bunnies and birds, but squirrel was his absolute favorite.
Our cat-hating neighbor could put up with this feline's ways, if he caught that game.
Jacob wasn't interested in bugs or rodents; he didn't seem to care for it.
When we would go for walks around the block, especially on snowy days,
He traipsed along with us, enjoying every step. Full moon, ice on the ground,
We loved it all. He wasn't especially cuddly, does that surprise you?
But he liked to be petted on the head and to lay in your lap which was all the craze.
He liked to kitty-claw into your jeans while sitting in the swing and make that purring sound
While waiting for something to eat. For 6 years on White Oak, too.
Toward the end, how did it come to be? How and why did he get sick?
Only this year we noticed he didn't seem to like his food.
Maybe it was the heat or maybe he just wanted food he got to pick.
Could have been a bad squirrel or a neighbor in one of those moods.
I wonder, too, about the rabies shot he was given
Or if he licked some antifreeze or chewed on a lily.
We took him to the cat specific vet who tried to save him.
Dehydrated is all, the vet said. We let him come in.
We forced him to eat and drink, and even though it seemed silly,
Many, many different types of food was what we gave him.
We did think he was getting better, but nothing helped, nothing worked.
Jacob laid around the house and under the desks, sleeping.
He did drink water, but soon his walking was becoming jerked.
That last night, I put him in the laundry basket for safe keeping.
Earlier I had told him that it was ok to go see Esau.
I wanted him to go naturally, even though some questioned,
Why did you make him suffer so? It wasn't what was intended.
It just happened that way, right or wrong and so we saw
Jacob go. One final shake and the breath was hushed.
The wonderful life of Jacob--and that's how it ended.
While we were at the animal shelter, a clergyman from
An Anglican church visited the animals. It was a feast day,
And he was blessing each of them, one by one
Asking the Lord to give each there a good home this day.
He said he was there representing St. Francis of Assisi,
Showing concern for each of God's wonderful creatures.
I'll just add one more to the list.
Twelve years ago, we got them as kittens,
In Texarkana, and I'm sure they were missed.
These brother kittens I wanted to name
Cirrus and Stratus, but it didn't quite fit.
We saw that they should instead be called
Jacob and Esau. Anyway, it's not as lame.
They lived up to their namesake quite a bit.
Bro. Esau was adventurous and brave, red and hairy
Bro. Jacob had short white hair, and was a little sneaky
They lived inside for a while right after we were married.
Once the washing machine's hose burst and made an icky,
Wet mess, and the kitties were trapped in the laundry room.
Poor kitties; we found them shivering under the spray.
When the new baby arrived, not to mention a new, unclawed couch,
We sent them outside to enjoy the trees on which to groom,
The warm sunshine, and neighborly dogs. And each busy day,
I could see them romping, rolling, and running off Pomeranians.
One sad day, Esau trudged home very sick.
We took him to the vet. He received a shot.
We all pondered the reason, maybe a deadly tick.
At home, he wandered off, to some secret, shady spot.
Horridly, the neighbor brought him back in a sack.
Greg pulled out a shovel and we murmured our farewell.
Now he sleeps on Shoemaker, having been only 3 years old.
Jacob survived and thrived, perhaps missing his brotherly pack.
We carried him with us when we moved. He liked White Oak; I could tell.
Once we were unsure if he'd come home, but he did with adventures untold.
Through each new child, Jacob stayed. He got a taste of wild suburban game.
He caught bunnies and birds, but squirrel was his absolute favorite.
Our cat-hating neighbor could put up with this feline's ways, if he caught that game.
Jacob wasn't interested in bugs or rodents; he didn't seem to care for it.
When we would go for walks around the block, especially on snowy days,
He traipsed along with us, enjoying every step. Full moon, ice on the ground,
We loved it all. He wasn't especially cuddly, does that surprise you?
But he liked to be petted on the head and to lay in your lap which was all the craze.
He liked to kitty-claw into your jeans while sitting in the swing and make that purring sound
While waiting for something to eat. For 6 years on White Oak, too.
Toward the end, how did it come to be? How and why did he get sick?
Only this year we noticed he didn't seem to like his food.
Maybe it was the heat or maybe he just wanted food he got to pick.
Could have been a bad squirrel or a neighbor in one of those moods.
I wonder, too, about the rabies shot he was given
Or if he licked some antifreeze or chewed on a lily.
We took him to the cat specific vet who tried to save him.
Dehydrated is all, the vet said. We let him come in.
We forced him to eat and drink, and even though it seemed silly,
Many, many different types of food was what we gave him.
We did think he was getting better, but nothing helped, nothing worked.
Jacob laid around the house and under the desks, sleeping.
He did drink water, but soon his walking was becoming jerked.
That last night, I put him in the laundry basket for safe keeping.
Earlier I had told him that it was ok to go see Esau.
I wanted him to go naturally, even though some questioned,
Why did you make him suffer so? It wasn't what was intended.
It just happened that way, right or wrong and so we saw
Jacob go. One final shake and the breath was hushed.
The wonderful life of Jacob--and that's how it ended.
While we were at the animal shelter, a clergyman from
An Anglican church visited the animals. It was a feast day,
And he was blessing each of them, one by one
Asking the Lord to give each there a good home this day.
He said he was there representing St. Francis of Assisi,
Showing concern for each of God's wonderful creatures.
September 10, 2010
September 9, 2010
Conversation starter of the day Sept 8
Suppose your best friend occasionally used the Lord's name in vain. What would you do?
September 4, 2010
Conversation starter of the day Sept 4
This is just for Rich Benson (haha)
: If you got sick on an airplane, what would you do with your filled sick bag?
: If you got sick on an airplane, what would you do with your filled sick bag?
August 21, 2010
Poetry written tonight after Bible Bee Bible Study
Go to different places
Be in different places
Spend time in different places
Go, Go, Go
Stay in Your hands
Identify Your Hands
Grasp Your Hands
Stay, Stay, Stay
Here, I find Who You Are
Climbing the tower of strength
Feeling this Joy of the Lord
Here, Here, Here
There, I can tell of Your love
Seeing some of Your design
Sharing Your love with them
There, There, There
Conversation starter of the day August 21
What would you consider was the nicest thing you've ever done for someone else?
August 17, 2010
Conversation starter of the day August 18
Would you rather explore the depths of space or the depths of the sea? Explain.
August 1, 2010
July 23, 2010
Conversation starter of the day July 23
When eating at a restaurant with a friend, do you usually pray before you eat? Why or Why not?
July 22, 2010
Conversation starter of the day July 21
Should parents be able to control their teenagers' choice of hair styles and clothes?
July 17, 2010
Conversation starter of the day July 17
If you could receive $10,000 for having your every word and move recorded for the next month for a TV documentary, would you do it? Why or why not?
July 16, 2010
Conversation starter of the day July 16
When was the last time you felt falsely accused of something? How did you respond?
July 15, 2010
a Scripture Question
Luke 8:14 says, "As for the seed that 1 fell among thorns, these are the ones who hear, but 2 as they go on their way they are choked 3 by the worries and riches and pleasures of life, 4 and their fruit does not mature. 5 "
If in someone's life he find himself choked out by the thorns, will he be just weeded or destroyed and replanted?
If in someone's life he find himself choked out by the thorns, will he be just weeded or destroyed and replanted?
July 14, 2010
Conversation starter of the day July 14
Which of the following comes closest to being the most accurate reason for poverty: Lack of Education, Laziness, Lack of Opportunity, or Unfair Treatment by Society. Explain.
July 13, 2010
Conversation starter of the day July 13
Should part of a teenager's wages to toward family? Explain.
July 12, 2010
Conversation starter of the day July 11
If you knew that eating healthy foods--and cutting out such things as hamburgers or ice cream--would (for a certainty) add ten years to your life, would you do it? Why or why not?
July 7, 2010
Repost of Anniversaries, Updated
Where for our 16th? We haven't gone this year yet. We're thinking Georgia.
Trying to visit all 50 states on each anniversary:
'97, Honeymoon--Tennessee
'98, 1st--Arkansas (Eureka Springs)
'99, 2nd--California (Jasper came with us)
'00, 3rd--Arkansas (Siloam Springs) *
'01, 4th--Texas (Jefferson) (Emma came with us)
'02, 5th--Texas (Dallas) *
'03, 6th--Oklahoma
'04, 7th--Illinois (Ame' came with us)
'05, 8th--Louisiana
'06, 9th--Arizona**
'07, 10th--Ohio (pregnant with Jace)
'08, 11th--Kentucky
'09, 12th--Kansas
'10, 13th--New York***
'11, 14th--Indiana (pregnant with Isaiah)
'12, 15th--Mississippi
* Had not technically decided to visit a different state for the first 5 anniversaries.
** After we liked the idea, some years we could be gone on the exact date (June 14th). Other years
we were already on an out-of-state trip during that year and used that state as one for the record, but as for the actual date, we probably went to Jade China and got a movie.
*** a Family trip and had to share with the children, but it was ok and had fun anyway :)
NOW Where to Next Year??
Trying to visit all 50 states on each anniversary:
'97, Honeymoon--Tennessee
'98, 1st--Arkansas (Eureka Springs)
'99, 2nd--California (Jasper came with us)
'00, 3rd--Arkansas (Siloam Springs) *
'01, 4th--Texas (Jefferson) (Emma came with us)
'02, 5th--Texas (Dallas) *
'03, 6th--Oklahoma
'04, 7th--Illinois (Ame' came with us)
'05, 8th--Louisiana
'06, 9th--Arizona**
'07, 10th--Ohio (pregnant with Jace)
'08, 11th--Kentucky
'09, 12th--Kansas
'10, 13th--New York***
'11, 14th--Indiana (pregnant with Isaiah)
'12, 15th--Mississippi
* Had not technically decided to visit a different state for the first 5 anniversaries.
** After we liked the idea, some years we could be gone on the exact date (June 14th). Other years
we were already on an out-of-state trip during that year and used that state as one for the record, but as for the actual date, we probably went to Jade China and got a movie.
*** a Family trip and had to share with the children, but it was ok and had fun anyway :)
NOW Where to Next Year??
July 6, 2010
Conversation starter of the day July 5
Jesus said: "Anyone who loves his father or mother... [or] his son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me." How do you react to this statement?
July 2, 2010
Conversation starter of the day
If you could take back something you've said, what would it be?
I would take back all the insensitive and hurtful words I've said to my children. After I said something, I saw it was too late. They were already hurt. :( I wish I wouldn't do that ever.
I would take back all the insensitive and hurtful words I've said to my children. After I said something, I saw it was too late. They were already hurt. :( I wish I wouldn't do that ever.
March 31, 2010
Recess Blog
What a beautiful day for the kids to have a recess.
I'll type a blog while the children have some recess time.
Yesterday, I was listening to this week's chapter in History on the French Revolution.
Here are the things that stood out to me:
1) the French common people saw how the American government was working so well.
2) the French common people were taxed and the king and nobles were not
3) the French common people were going broke and getting hungrier
4) the king thought the nobles could now pay taxes, but the nobles said, "I don't think so." The king didn't seem to have any authority anymore.
5) the French wanted change. The changed that was wanted differed. Some blamed the king, some blamed the priests, and some blamed the nobles.
6) some folks wanted the king to come back and be subject to the law himself but be the French leader.
7) The Revolutionaries didn't know what to do with the king after they "cornered" him in his palace. Eventually, he was called a traitor. He was sent to the guillotine. His wife followed almost a year later b/c she was not sympathetic to the Revolutionaries?? Then the Reign of Terror. If anyone suspected you of not being sympathetic to the Revolutionaries, you could be sent to the guillotines. 16,000 were killed. (I'm hoping I'm remembering this correctly)
Here's what I'm thinking about (since history repeats itself and all):
1) our government doesn't seem so wonderful any more or maybe the ones in leadership aren't doing an honorable job.
2) the Amer. common people are being taxed, and going broke, and we might be going hungry some time in the future, who knows?
3) lots of Americans are wanting change. Our views of change all look different.
4) How far away are we from becoming like France in 1800? Will we rebel against the government calling it a revolution? Will we kill people on suspicion of disagreement with our viewpoint--whatever side we happen to lean toward?
5) Pray for those in authority; vote when you can. Be honorable in all things.
Just thinking during recess time.
Shake it; don't break it.
I'll type a blog while the children have some recess time.
Yesterday, I was listening to this week's chapter in History on the French Revolution.
Here are the things that stood out to me:
1) the French common people saw how the American government was working so well.
2) the French common people were taxed and the king and nobles were not
3) the French common people were going broke and getting hungrier
4) the king thought the nobles could now pay taxes, but the nobles said, "I don't think so." The king didn't seem to have any authority anymore.
5) the French wanted change. The changed that was wanted differed. Some blamed the king, some blamed the priests, and some blamed the nobles.
6) some folks wanted the king to come back and be subject to the law himself but be the French leader.
7) The Revolutionaries didn't know what to do with the king after they "cornered" him in his palace. Eventually, he was called a traitor. He was sent to the guillotine. His wife followed almost a year later b/c she was not sympathetic to the Revolutionaries?? Then the Reign of Terror. If anyone suspected you of not being sympathetic to the Revolutionaries, you could be sent to the guillotines. 16,000 were killed. (I'm hoping I'm remembering this correctly)
Here's what I'm thinking about (since history repeats itself and all):
1) our government doesn't seem so wonderful any more or maybe the ones in leadership aren't doing an honorable job.
2) the Amer. common people are being taxed, and going broke, and we might be going hungry some time in the future, who knows?
3) lots of Americans are wanting change. Our views of change all look different.
4) How far away are we from becoming like France in 1800? Will we rebel against the government calling it a revolution? Will we kill people on suspicion of disagreement with our viewpoint--whatever side we happen to lean toward?
5) Pray for those in authority; vote when you can. Be honorable in all things.
Just thinking during recess time.
Shake it; don't break it.
March 6, 2010
Lessons on a hike
Areas of lessons while on a hike.
Family. Family is important. A big family is great and a special thing to cherish. Time passes so fast, and we can't get back all this togetherness once the children grow up. Even if the children are so little they have to be carried a part of the way, we should still go on hikes.
Friends. Friends need to be made. Giving and gracious receiving are a part of it all. Sharing apples and lollipops mean a lot at the end of the trail. Seeing a friendly face on top of a mountain encourages us all.
Marriage. Our men need respect. If we holler at our husbands like they are children, we end up the ones sounding foolish. (I'm saying this about an unknown couple on the trail.) Even if we don't like what they are doing, showing disrespect won't help.
Education. The forest was our school book today. We were shown the heart of the tree, the beginning of buds, lichen, and the many colors of the rocks. It all becomes real when you get down on the level of the child studying it.
We really had a great day.
Family. Family is important. A big family is great and a special thing to cherish. Time passes so fast, and we can't get back all this togetherness once the children grow up. Even if the children are so little they have to be carried a part of the way, we should still go on hikes.
Friends. Friends need to be made. Giving and gracious receiving are a part of it all. Sharing apples and lollipops mean a lot at the end of the trail. Seeing a friendly face on top of a mountain encourages us all.
Marriage. Our men need respect. If we holler at our husbands like they are children, we end up the ones sounding foolish. (I'm saying this about an unknown couple on the trail.) Even if we don't like what they are doing, showing disrespect won't help.
Education. The forest was our school book today. We were shown the heart of the tree, the beginning of buds, lichen, and the many colors of the rocks. It all becomes real when you get down on the level of the child studying it.
We really had a great day.
March 4, 2010
Lesson on the fly
Just a little while ago, D.6 and S.2 got into with each other. There was screaming and pulling and sitting. No blood, though.
After they received a painful reminder that fighting with each other is not appropriate for siblings who should be taking care of each other, I talked to them with a story. At first, I did not know what my story was going to be. I just started it. I did not know where it would be going or if they would even understand it. Here's how it went:
"There were two brothers (or a brother and a sister). They were each told to plant something. The older brother was told to plant some vegetables, and the younger brother was told to plant some flowers. They got to fighting about it. The older brother complained, 'Why does he always get to plant fun stuff? and I have to plant boring things.' The younger brother complained, 'Why does he always get to plant important things?' Well, they fought about it so much that neither one planted anything. (Here I asked D.6 "What do you think happened?" She says, "They got in trouble.") Since nothing happened to get planted, nothing grew. No good food to eat; nothing pretty to look at."
So the moral of the story on the fly off the top of my head, is that brothers have to get along to provide for others.
It may not be the best story ever, but I was amazed that I just looked into their pitiful faces and came out with that. Hmm... Thoughts??
After they received a painful reminder that fighting with each other is not appropriate for siblings who should be taking care of each other, I talked to them with a story. At first, I did not know what my story was going to be. I just started it. I did not know where it would be going or if they would even understand it. Here's how it went:
"There were two brothers (or a brother and a sister). They were each told to plant something. The older brother was told to plant some vegetables, and the younger brother was told to plant some flowers. They got to fighting about it. The older brother complained, 'Why does he always get to plant fun stuff? and I have to plant boring things.' The younger brother complained, 'Why does he always get to plant important things?' Well, they fought about it so much that neither one planted anything. (Here I asked D.6 "What do you think happened?" She says, "They got in trouble.") Since nothing happened to get planted, nothing grew. No good food to eat; nothing pretty to look at."
So the moral of the story on the fly off the top of my head, is that brothers have to get along to provide for others.
It may not be the best story ever, but I was amazed that I just looked into their pitiful faces and came out with that. Hmm... Thoughts??
February 10, 2010
Recess Blog
Children are nicely playing outside in the snow. I've come in to check email which also involves checking facebook which leads to wonder about all kinds of people/friends. I can hardly ever get around to writing a real blog. So much technology; so little time.
Aren't there about 2 area of responsibilities a person needs to get a handle on so be able to say "I've arrived" wherever that may be? Or would this be two areas that folks have to struggle with in some form or another their whole life? Once you've got one down, it's time to work on the other, or is it the other way around?
1) Money management
Work, give, save, pay bills, play... ok, good. Got that one down :)
2) Time management
Ouch. This one I'm dealing with NOW.
Sleep, eat,check email, no pray. Read the Bible, wash your face, check facebook, no, put in contacts/put on makeup. Clean the kitchen, teach a math lesson, check online weather, no, call a friend. At night, spend time with children, spend time with husband, go to the grocery store, join a Bible Study? Spend time with a friend or email that friend?? Who has time for all this?
I can say "no." I really can. I have before. In fact, I've had so much to do in one season, I quit everything. No guilt.
I need to get where I can budget time like I budget money. Except I don't do that by myself. It took a long time to get where we were doing our money together. I suppose I can expect it will take a long to get where we can budget our time together.
Aren't there about 2 area of responsibilities a person needs to get a handle on so be able to say "I've arrived" wherever that may be? Or would this be two areas that folks have to struggle with in some form or another their whole life? Once you've got one down, it's time to work on the other, or is it the other way around?
1) Money management
Work, give, save, pay bills, play... ok, good. Got that one down :)
2) Time management
Ouch. This one I'm dealing with NOW.
Sleep, eat,
I can say "no." I really can. I have before. In fact, I've had so much to do in one season, I quit everything. No guilt.
I need to get where I can budget time like I budget money. Except I don't do that by myself. It took a long time to get where we were doing our money together. I suppose I can expect it will take a long to get where we can budget our time together.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)