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.