Trans- Siberian Orchestra

This music is so beautiful! I like most of their stuff, but this one moves me nearly to tears for some reason. Music does that to me sometimes ;-)

I want to go see them every year, but we never go, We're actually thinking about it this year. It's a 2.5 hour drive though so we might just go to see Manheim Steamroller locally. It's a lot cheaper too. I think they would both be pretty cool concerts. My middle child would love either and he's the main reason we're looking into it. Well that and my love of TSO!

Home Is Where My Heart Is

I knew I hadn't posted anything here in a while, but I didn't realize it was so long.
We made it through another season of football and soccer. Homeschool kid joined the public school band. Both boys are in wrestling now. As you moms know, that means lots of running. My husband works in the evening so I'm it.
Lately I've been feeling pretty irritable and depressed. There is always so much to do and so little time. I would quit my job in a heartbeat if I didn't need the extra cash.
My heart and mind are here at home. I think of everything I could be doing with my daughter (almost 3) and my homeschooled son (10). I have felt boards to make and folder games to play - art projects - theatres - museums.
I've been trying hard not to slip into a self pity mode, but I truly hate the way things are. I'm usually hopelessly optimistic, but something's gotta give here. I'm worn out.
When I read blogs of women who have military husbands who are deployed I'm ashamed of myself for whining. At least I have mine around to watch my kids while I'm at work and help with homeschool. But...but ...but I so resent having to work when all I want to do is be a wife and mom.
I'm working on paying some bills off, and when that happens I'll be home where I belong. I pray it isn't much longer.

The Giver

We read The Giver earlier this year. Great book! I printed a study guide free from someplace online, but I can't remember for the life of me where I got it from. I would like to do more literature unit studies of some sort, but so far we've been pretty busy.

Identity Theft And The Economy

I think there just might be an up side to a lousy economy.
I'm quite certain I haven't been the victim of identity theft only because I'M BROKE!

Nickelodeon Election Bias?

Sorry to my many readers for another political post, but this one is a little different.

I don't watch much TV, but I did see a few snippets on Nick that seemed a little one sided. I wondered if they were biased at all, but I kept it to myself. Today, my 13 year old told me Nick obviously wants Obama for President. My 10 year old was outside. When he came in, I asked him what he saw on Nick's election coverage. He told me it's mostly about Obama.
I'm wondering how much truth there is to this, or if it is simply perception. I hate to endure Nickelodeon for any length of time, but I'm curious. I might have to see what's going on.

The Economic Crisis - Who is to blame?

This is an eye opener. It moves fast so I used the pause button quite a bit. I checked into the claims and found them to be facts. I think it's worth the time to check it out.

The 2008 - 2009 School Year Is Underway

We started school on Aug 25th when my oldest son went to public school. We had some semblance of a schedule that we were following for the first two weeks. We were all sick the second week, and it was just really hard to get into a routine this year. I was late ordering books and didn't have lesson plans ready. Not that I didn't try, I just couldn't get it together. There never seems to be enough time in a day.
I've browsed some blogs and saw quite a few others who were dragging as well. Maybe this is normal. And maybe I shouldn't feel badly since, after all, the weather is still nice. Isn't this part of the beauty of homeschool? They aren't stuck in some stuffy building when there are holes to dig, gardens to tend, and things to fix....or tear apart if you're a 10 year old boy.

Art any rate, we are in full swing now. This is what my 5th grade son is using this year...


Math
- A Beka
- Math U See - (Intermediate- old program)

English
- Voyages In English 5
- Easy Grammar
- Daily Grams

Reading
- A Beka

Spelling
- A Beka

History
- The Story of the World Vol. 2

Science
- I'm thinking about Real Science 4 Kids.


We're hoping to do a lot more literature based studies this year.
The Giver
Thomas Edison
Noah Webster
Where the Red Fern Grows

Some lapbook/notebook topics
Music
China - Olympics

My 2.5 year old daughter likes "school" too. We usually try to find things for her. I thought about buying some sort of curriculum for her, but decided against it. To keep her busy, we give her paper, scissors, glue sticks, crayons and markers. The girl loves to draw, and loves for us to draw for her. I draw like a 4 year old, but she doesn't mind.
I also give her mess makers like dry beans or rice with some measuring cups and spoons, funnels, bowls, etc. It keeps her entertained for long periods of time so I guess it's worth the clean up when you need to give the other one some serious attention.

Why Obama?

I can not figure out why people flock to Obama. Regardless of the picture he paints, America is full of opportunities. Why do people support a man who convinces poor people and minorities that they are stuck in a rut if he doesn't get elected President and save them from it?
I grew up poor and hate to be told I can't do something. I can't imagine being told I need someone to give me a chance right here in AMERICA.

Sarah Palin Delivers A Smackdown!

Homeschooling MY child irritates other people

This is only our second year homeschooling. It seems like the start of the public school year is the worst time for people to criticize our choice to do so. Is this typical, or is it just me?

I saw a "friend's" mother today. As soon as she saw me she let me know how much trouble I caused for her daughter and granddaughter. It seems little "Susie" wants to homeschool after talking to my son. They just can't do that. Mommy has too much on her plate, and "Susie" would become a recluse if she wasn't forced to go to school. Now poor mommy has to deal with "Susie" wanting to stay home - as if they didn't have enough to deal with. Sigh.
Can you say narcissist?


Second rude person of the day... a 14 yo. boy tells my 10 yo. son that he is a sissy because he homeschools.

I told my son to tell him that it was okay because sissies make good doctors.

The Toddler, The Garden Hose , The Standoff

If you have a toddler, you've probably been there. The two year old learns to spray the hose and holds the entire family at bay.
Adults are no match for three feet of sass with a water cannon and an ornery smile. We all stand just beyond her spray and think while the neighbors delight in our dilemma.
We thought we could outsmart her - she is only two for crying out loud. We had a great plan, which involved using the neighbor kid as bait. We sent him running as a decoy while one of my other kids made a break for the shut-off. Go Go Go! Almost there! - Whoosh! - She turns and cuts him off at the last second.
We regrouped and came up with another plan, but she fell and we seized the opportunity to disarm her.
Due to the quick, swift action of everyone involved, the incident ended with nothing more than a minor boo boo on a finger.

It's the most wonderful time of the year...

My middle son was at the local pool today. He said "Hey, mom...Do you know what I heard a lot of parents saying at the pool today? - They said they are so happy their kids are going back to school."
I think he was offended :). I assured him thatI am quite happy he isn't going and that I never did like sending them because I enjoy being with them.
Why don't people like being with their children?

Homeschool Resource

VegSource has a homeschool discussion board and used curriculum board.

Wedding Songs

My niece is getting married on Saturday so I'm reminiscing. I think a wedding is kind of like having a baby -you can't help but think of your own experience. Have you EVER told a childbirth story without every other woman in the room telling hers? And everyone thinks their labor was the worst even though we all know mine really was. = )

Anyway.... She was asking me about a certain song we had played at our reception. Naturally, I had to look it up on You Tube. Our first dance was a monster ballad - I'll Never Let You Go - Steelheart
For real.

At the church, my cousin did an amazing job singing two Stryper songs - Honestly and Together As One




What music did you have at your wedding?

Homeschool Share

Homeschool Share is fantastic!
I love the idea of literature-based studies. This will make it so easy.
They have a lot that coincides with Five In A Row. I've been think about using Before FIAR for my daughter(2), so this helped me make up my mind. I found tons of stuff that I will use for my 5th grade son as well. I hadn't really considered FIAR for him, but the more I understand the concept the more I like it.

The free pritnables are wonderful for anyone. They have way more than FIAR studies. Countries, science, inventors, music - you name it.
Go buy some ink and have fun!

Keeping With The Anti-Obama Theme...

Letter in the newspaper.....

Obama Supporters Forget Our Freedoms

“People who vote for candidates because of only one issue should not even vote. ... Do everyone a favor and just stay home on April 22.”

“Put an end to conservatism.”

These are only a couple of the stunning comments made in the Readers’ Forum during the past few months.

Barack Obama supporters seem to have concluded the following:

Anyone who isn’t a Democrat is ignorant.

Anyone who isn’t a starry-eyed Obama worshiper is unintelligent.

Anyone who rejects a parental nanny-state is uninformed.

Anyone who believes we need to preserve the Second Amendment is a gun-toting redneck who clings to his guns.

Anyone who believes marriage should be between one man and one woman is a fundamentalist who clings to his religion.

Anyone who opposes abortion is a single-issue voter.

Anyone who rejects socialist policies lacks compassion for the poor.

Everyone should be a liberal Democrat.

Everyone should think alike.

Everyone should vote for Barack Obama in November.

Oh, that’s right … this is America!

“Should not even vote”? “End conservatism”? Unless a person had an antipathy to people who aren’t like him/her, why would someone make such statements?

The freedom to determine our own values and principles is what makes this country beautiful. We don’t have to agree.

Why the need to eliminate anyone with an opposing view? In this country, everyone has the right to think independently and vote for whomever they choose.

God bless America.

Obama, The Messiah

Feeding the Ducks

We make it a point to go feed these ducks at least once a year. My daughter LOVED it this year. We went last week, and almost everyday she asks to go feed the "gucks" again. My older kids enjoyed the time too. Sometimes it's hard to find things they all enjoy since their ages span 11 years. Sometimes the simplest things make the best memories. I was a good mommy and gave them something they'll always remember. I fell flat on my face. Yep, they aren't forgetting that anytime soon.

Fruits of Labor

Some of our first pickins.

The kids enjoy the garden. My 2yo daughter and my husband check on it every morning. My 10 yo son and my daughter are always looking around there for interesting things - growth, bugs, rabbits, etc. I love seeing them get excited about it. It makes a great science project!

I support Barack Obama - and there's nothing I can do about it.

I work part time during the school year. I more or less had to join the worthless union. Either I pay to belong, or they would take my money anyway and call it my "fair share". It's anything but fair. If that isn't enough, I've been flooded with phone calls from "The Teamsters" campaigning for Barack Obama. The Teamsters must be pouring tons of cash out for BO. Guess where they get the cash? Guess what I get from the union? Nothing. Most of the calls were recordings from Jim Hoffa. Today a young man called and asked if I received the mailing they sent out. When I replied yes he said GREAT! so enthusiastically that I knew he was one of the starry eyed, awe struck, Obama worshipers. I asked hm if this is what my union dues were paying for, He said Yes! He was still excited so he must have thought I was grateful to know my money was going to such a worthy cause. Wrong. The union takes my money and gives me nothing, uses MY money to campaign for a candidate I would never vote for and he's all excited. Glad someone is.

One of my favorites...

It's been a bad week.

We nearly lost my sister last week to septic shock. She's going to be fine, but it was quite a scare.


Today, I lost a dear cousin to cancer.

And then one day I'll cross the river,
I'll fight life's final war with pain.
And then as death gives way to victory,
I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives.

If homeschoolers were so smart .....

Most homeschoolers have probably already seen Laura Ingram's interview with Dr. William Bainbridge. I realize Í'm late here, but as any homeschooler would, I had a few problems with what he had to say.

First of all, he is a "forensic education expert". He holds the "Dr." and "expert" titles so we know he is educated. Why wasn't he better prepared for his bit with LI? He should be embarrassed. Í can't believe someone who is supposed to be as smart as he is would go on TV and run his mouth about something he didn't research.

He said something like..."If parent's are so smart why can't they work and afford private school?" I don't even know what to say about that.

There were a few more points that irritated me. He seemed to think a regular mom isn't capable of teaching all subjects or higher grades. He said "I haven't ever met anyone - one single person - on planet earth who is qualified to teach all the courses for example in a secondary school curriculum."
I guess he never met one of the many homeschoolers behind the statistics showing how well homeschoolers do.
Doesn't he realize public schools commonly have teachers placed in a subject outside their area of expertise? Many teachers have a master's degree in one area, and end up teaching another, regardless of their abilities. I removed my middle child from the public school. The woman who would have been teaching him science this year told me how much she resented teaching science while she held a master's degree in math. At the high school, there is a math teacher who also obviously resents her position. Her words were, "I'm not even supposed to be teaching math."
Those are just two examples. In our small district, I know of quite a few who would rather not be teaching their grade or subject. Compare that to a homeschool mom who has her own child's best interest in mind when teaching any given subject.
The wise Dr. went on to question a scenario in which a homeschooled child might want to pursue chemistry or math more intensely. He REALLY doesn't get homeschooling, does he?
Also, he might want to research home education curriculum before making such assumptions about a regular person's inability to teach higher grades. Í don't think he knows we can learn what we need to teach them, hire a tutor, rely on family or a homeschool cooperative, or use a program that offers DVD's and online classes.
If you were going to make the statements he made wouldn't you check into what's available to homeschoolers?

In case you haven't seen it...

I started this blog beacuse....

I started this blog mostly because there is exactly ONE other homechooler in my town. I first learned of homeschoolblogger and realized what a wonderful resource blogging could be. It seemed a lot of people had technical problems there so they came over to blogger. That is why I'm here and not there. (even though i loved a lot of features and the "community" feel over there)
I've found an amazing amount of information from both places. I wish I knew half of what a seasoned homeschool mom does. Blogs have been incredibly helpful. I thank all of you who share your wisdom and experience!

The Phantom Paperboy

Our paperboy is quite mysterious. I can go out and look to see if he's around. He is nowhere in sight. I come back in and hear the paper hit the porch.
This morning I heard the paper and ran to see if I could catch him. He was gone. How does he do that?!
He is also quite talented. He manages to hit the wind chime with the paper everyday. I think that would take some skill. I thought it was an accident the first time, but nope - every single day he gets it.
Do you think he's messing with me? Maybe he hits the chime and hides to see if the idiot will come out looking around. I bet he's in the bushes laughing like a fool...or at the fool.

School Books and the Budget

As I struggle to find extra cash in the budget to purchase new books, I wonder how those of you teaching several children do it. My oldest is in public school, and my youngest doesn't need a specific curriculum yet. I just have one to buy for, but it takes a chunk of money. Then, when I think about how much money the public school gets for having my oldest there... well, I feel kind of irritated. I catch myself daydreaming of what I could do with $7,000 a year for my homeschooled kid.
If I had more experience homeschooling, or even more time to put plans together, I'm sure I could save more. But for now, I'm relying on reputable curriculum.
I did find this handy site over at Amy's blog. I've found some great resources there and will save some money by using it. I think I will try to compile a list of all the neat free sites I've come across in my short homeschooling journey.... one of these days. In the meantime I'll dream of all the money I could use on trips to DC or Gettysburg or awesome science stuff, but instead is being squandered at the public school.

$ Frugal Tip $

Rite Aid has some great deals. This week, my tab there was $125.00. I saved $30 with coupons from the sunday paper, and another $41 with their Single Check Rebates. In the end, I'll have spent $54. I saved ($71) more than I spent.
The Single Check Rebates are super easy! You just go online and enter a few numbers from your receipt. I was surprised how fast and easy the process is.
Crest Pro-Health toothpaste, Infusium hair conditioner, and Herbal Essences Shampoo and conditioner were all FREE. I refused to buy Herbal Essences for thelongest time because their commercials on TV were so annoying. I have no idea what their ads are like now, but the stuff was free so I went for it.
Anyway.... it takes a little extra time to match coupons with sale items, but it's worth it -especially in a time when every penny counts because you need it for GAS.

I'd like my portfolio back, please.

We turned in our portfolio and evaluation June 18. Today, I went to the school to turn in our affidavit for the coming school year. I asked about the portfolio. The secretary asked "Didn't he call you yet?" I told her he didn't. She said he will when he looks through it. I'm wondering how long schools usually keep these things. I would like to officially wrap up the school year, and I'm feeling antsy about not having posession of it. I copied the essentials, but not everything.

$ Frugal Tip $ - Freezer Meals

This is what I usually do when I buy large quantities of boneless chicken breast for the freezer. It's a lot of work at one time, but I hate chicken messes. I worry abut contaminating everything. I'd rather make one big mess less often than splattering chicken several times a week.

Chicken Quesadilla or Chicken Tacos
I boil off the chicken and either cube it or pull it apart(shred) it with my fingers after it cools. It goes back in the pot with some packets of taco seasoning and water to simmer just a bit. I package it in meal sized containers and freeze. A Foodsaver works well too. Just allow the meat to partially freeze before sealing because of the moisture.

For the Quesadillas, we use a flour tortilla on the bottom, layer the chicken, cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, green chilies, etc. then top with another tortilla. Put it in the oven and you're done. My kids just like chicken and cheese on theirs so it is super easy. I usually heat the chicken up in a saucepan before I put them together. Having the chicken cooked , cut, and seasoned saves a ton of time.

Marinated Chicken for Grilling
Clean the chicken and cut it in strips or tenders - however you prefer. Put it in a Ziploc with some Italian dressing, BBQ sauce or any marinade you like. Pull it out of the freezer for an easy meal on the grill.

Chicken Fajitas
Cut chicken into strips, add Fajita seasoning. Either cook and freeze, or leave it raw and cook it when you take it out of the freezer. Even if it's only cleaned and cut into strips it saves so much time.

Chicken and Rice Bake
1 can Cream of Mushroom soup
1 cup water
¾ cup uncooked regular white rice
¼ tsp. Paprika
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
To freeze: Dump all ingredients into 1 gallon Ziploc freezer bag. Lay flat in freezer.
To cook: Thaw in refrigerator. Place all ingredients in a 2 quart shallow baking dish. Cover. Bake at 375 degrees F for 45 minutes or until chicken and rice are done.

Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake
1 can condensed cheddar cheese soup
1 cup water
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
¾ cup uncooked regular white rice
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
To freeze: Dump all ingredients into 1 gallon Ziploc freezer bag. Lay flat in freezer.
To cook: Thaw in refrigerator. Place all ingredients in a 2 quart shallow baking dish. Cover. Bake at 375 degrees F for 45 minutes or until chicken and rice are done.
Try it with a can of cheddar broccoli soup and add broccoli florets for added color and nutrition.

A Homeschool Family

$ Frugal Tip $ - Freezer Meals

Preparing meals ahead of time and freezing them can save you time and money. When I find a good sale on chicken or ground beef, I buy enough for a few months. I prepare a variety of dishes, or at least do some of the prep work, and freeze it. For example, I make 5 pounds of sloppy joes at a time and store it in 5 - 1 lb. packages. When you are hurried or not feeling well, just pull it out, put it in the crock pot and call it supper. It can be a life saver. I've been doing this on and off for a few years thinking I'm just about brilliant for finding a way to make my life so much easier. Then....I find out lots of people do this. They are more methodical than I've been. They call it Once A Month Cooking or OAMC. Who knew?

I'll share some recipes and ideas over the next few weeks.

All Summer Long

I know Kid Rock can be raunchy, but I have to admit I love this song!

$ Frugal Tip $

I like to use Downy dryer sheets because they smell nice and we have sensitive skin. When I try cheaper brands we end up with rashes. The only problem is they are a bit pricey. In order to keep using my favorite brand, I started cutting them in half. I like to look at it as getting twice as many for the price, and they work just as well.

Sleepovers - Make Toast!

My 13 year old son had 4 of his friends stay the night in a tent in our yard Monday night. They aren't scrawny, little, awkward boys. They're football playing, almost man sized, lets-see who-can -eat -the-most kind of boys. They devoured three loaves of bread, two pounds of cheese, a jar or two of sauce (mountain pies), a pack of hot dogs/buns, a dozen of eggs, half gallon of milk, case of soda, 2 qt Crystal Light, some bottled water and two bags of chips. I'm quite certain they would have eaten more if I would have put it out.

Last night my 10 year old had two kids over. They don't eat much at all. Partly because they are younger and smaller - partly because the bigger kids ate it all the night before.

I learned something though. They all love toast. All I heard was " Mmmmm. I love toast. That was really good toast! This toast is so good. etc." IT WAS JUST PLAIN TOAST! I did put a shaker out with cinnamon and sugar, but they liked the plain buttered toast as well. I highly recommend serving it at your next sleepover. It's a crowd pleaser, and keeps them quite for a good half an hour!

$ Frugal Tip $

If you use hand soap anywhere near the way we do, you might want to try the foaming pumps. When it is empty, fill it about 3/4 full of water and then add some liquid soap - shake it up. You can add more or less soap to your liking. You'll be surprised how well it works. You wouldn't think it is diluted soap. We were wasting so much by using it full strength. A big refill bottle is lasting forever.

I reused some foaming pumps from Bath & Body Works and also have a cute Spongebob one from Wal Mart. The Pampered Chef has a foamer, but I couldn't force myself to pay $9.50 for an empty bottle.

I thought about adding some essential oil to the soap, but haven't tried it yet.

Garden

With the ever rising prices in mind, we decided to plant a little garden this year. It hasn't gone exactly as planned, but that happens when you have little hands helping. My sister gave us tomato "cage"thingys. I hate them. Must be why she gave them away. : ) I think we'll stake them next time. We also planted some green peppers, broccoli, carrots, cucumbers, cantaloupe, corn, peas, and various green beans. Not that all of that stuff is growing now, but we did plant it. We had terrible luck with the cucumbers. I think we have one or two plants left. We have exactly ONE carrot growing. It stayed cold here in the northeast for a long time this spring. I'm not sure if that's what the problem was. Still, that's what I'm blaming it on. But hey, our corn was knee high by the 4th of July. I guess we're doing okay.

Socialization or Social Classification

I've only been homeschooling for one year, but I've come to the conclusion that homechoolers have a love/hate relationship with the topic of socialization. Everyone groans, rolls their eyes or sighs when the topic comes up for the 8,476th time. Yet, homeschoolers commonly talk (or blog) about it. We must love taking on the issue. We love to debate and discredit silly notions, don't we? Or, I suppose, it's because it comes up 8,476 times that we must talk about it. Either way, it's out there - lurking - snarling - lying in wait for the next opportunity to arise.

My son went to a birthday party last night. That got me thinking about it - again. To me, public school seems to be more about social classification than socialization. Within a school, the kids from better neighborhoods stick together - as do the poor kids. On a larger scale, compare the inner city with more affluent suburban schools. Poor neighborhoods = poor schools = poor kids. Mediocre towns = mediocre schools-= mediocre kids. Unless you live in a wealthy neighborhood, aren't you choosing a doomed, predetermined social class for your children when you send them to public school? If I live in a mediocre neighborhood, chances are my child will be mediocre. Why would people prefer that? Not only do they prefer it, but they ridicule people (like me) for trying to give my children something better.

Bluetooth

What am I missing? I don't get these things. I can't imagine wanting to have a phone stuck to my ear. I realize some people need to be on the phone for employment or whatever. But for the average Joe, what is the attraction?

Single Issue Voters

A candidate has to be pro-life for me to even consider them. I know people object to that thought - some think it makes me a single issue voter. I know people who go to the March for Life , but couldn't care less if a candidate is pro life. My heart won't let me do that. The first time or two I voted I didn't know how partisan the abortion issue was and didn't consider it. Now, I always make sure I vote pro life. My conscience won't allow me to put an unborn baby's life beneath ÄNY political issue. That doesn't mean I don't care about other issues. They just aren't as important. If I didn't care to vote for a pro life candidate because of other issues I would refrain from voting before I would vote for someone who is pro abortion.

Thunder In The Valley - Biker Baby Exploitation

This morning in our local paper I saw some pictures that floored me. Thunder In The Valley is a huge Bike rally in our area. Apparently they have a Biker Baby contest. You click on the pictures and tell me what you think. Exploitation?

Who would do this or this to their daughter? These pictures of the barely covered girls were in the paper, and on their web site so people can purchase them. I don't know about you, but I would be horrified if some pervert could purchase or even look at a risque photo of my child.

The "Thunder" site had this lovely little girl sporting a black leather vest. '

Is it just me or is this disturbing?



It was bad enough some morons dressed their daughters like this, but then it was printed big as life in the newspaper as well - encouragment.

Character/ Handwriting

Myself

I have to live with myself, and so
I want to be for myself to know,
Always to look myself straight in the eye,
I don't want to stand, with the setting sun
And hate myself for the things I've done,
I want to go out with my head erect;
I want to deserve all men's respect;
But here in the struggle for fame and wealth
I want to be able to like myself.
I don't want to look at myself and know
That I'm bluster and bluff and empty show
I never can fool myself, and so
Whatever happens I want to be
Self - respecting and conscience free.

~Edgar A. Guest ~


"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. "
Psalm 46:1




The best reward of a kindly deed is the knowledge of having done it.

~Edgar Fawcett ~

Character

Character

A lucky fellow you say - No, his luck is determined by a good mother, a good constitution, habit of work, indomitable energy, determinationwhich knows no defeat, unwavering decision, consecration, courage, self-mastery, ability to say "no" and stick to it, strict integrity, honesty, cheerful disposition, enthusiasm, high aim, and a noble purpose.

~ Orison Swett Marden ~




The heights by great men reached and kept
Were not attained by sudden flight;
But they, while their companions slept,
Were toiling upward in the night.
~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow ~

The Great Backyard Bird Count

February 15-18, 2008


The Great Backyard Bird Count is an annual four-day event that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of where the birds are across the continent. Anyone can participate, from beginning bird watchers to experts. It takes as little as 15 minutes. It’s free, fun, and easy—and it helps the birds.


http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/

The American Boy - Handwriting / Character Quotes

"THE AMERICAN BOY"

Of course what we have a right to expect of the American boy is that he shall turn out to be a good American man. Now, the chances are strong that he won't be much of a man unless he is a good deal of a boy. He must not be a coward or a weakling, a bully, a shirk, or a prig. He must work hard and play hard. He must be clean-minded and clean-lived, and able to hold his own under all circumstances and against all comers. It is only on these conditions that he will grow into the kind of American man of whom America can be really proud.

In short, in life, as in a football game, the principle to follow is
"Hit the line hard, don't foul, and don't shirk; but hit the line hard."

~Theodore Roosevelt ~

Taken from an A Beka reader as are most of the quotes we use.