tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-113231352011-04-21T14:04:29.137-04:00AT <a href="http://mysocalled.homeschooljournal.net">WWW.MYSOCALLED.HOMESCHOOLJOURNAL.NET</A>Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comBlogger2221100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1150241766543497362006-06-13T19:30:00.000-04:002006-06-13T19:36:06.543-04:00

THIS BLOG IS NOW DEFUNCT, PLEASE CLICK OVER TO MY SO-CALLED HOMESCHOOL.(If I knew how to put a banner across the top, I would, but this will have to do)

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1142723404879430572006-03-18T18:03:00.000-05:002006-03-18T18:10:04.896-05:00

Not in real life, oh, I couldn't handle that right now, lol! I've imported all my older posts to my new place over at My So-Called Homeschool . Blogger is giving me fits, and my friend Andrea has started a new homeschool blog site with her husband, what a nice coincidence. It's by invite only for now, let me know if you're looking for a new home. Andrea and Ron have really been inspiration

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1142562407532163492006-03-16T21:23:00.000-05:002006-03-16T21:26:47.546-05:00

Greek Salad -- specifically, feta cheese and banana peppers. I've read pregnant women aren't supposed to eat soft cheeses, but what do you think Greek women eat while they're pregnant?

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1142111564232513622006-03-11T16:06:00.000-05:002006-03-11T16:12:44.256-05:00

My little budding star has recorded her first CD! Her daddy took her to his office today and they recorded 4 tracks. Does anyone know somewhere I can upload them so you can hear them? I so want to show them off!!! She's named her CD "Jesus Controls Everything" and even drew a picture for the cover of Jesus calming the storm. It's so precious!!!

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1142048565356593452006-03-10T22:38:00.000-05:002006-03-10T22:53:21.226-05:00

We have told my family, and his, so now I can tell the blog world. Drumroll please . . .. . .. . .. . .Yep, #4 is percolating as we speak. Probably due around October 24, although that is really just a guess at this point. No, it wasn't planned. Yes, we know what causes that, lol! Yes, we're excited, and yes, we're totally freaked out too. We're trusting that God knows what he's doing and

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1141956090675686312006-03-09T20:58:00.000-05:002006-03-09T21:01:30.740-05:00

Do you ever have one of those days where everything makes you want to cry and you don't really know why? Yeah, having one of those today. Unfortunately my oldest is exactly like me, so we are really clashing today. I can't wait til she hits her teen years and we're all moody the same time of the month. I think we'll have to put it on the calendar so Hubby and Little Dude can vacate the house

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1141439507710982132006-03-03T21:25:00.000-05:002006-03-03T21:31:47.740-05:00

Sorry about that! Live is just insane around here. I am homeschooling, keeping house, and getting dinner ready all before 2pm each day, before I leave for work. The job isn't too taxing or even that many hours (3-4 per day), just takes time out of the day. Hopefully I'll get into a routine soon.

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1140793201129899902006-02-24T09:56:00.000-05:002006-02-24T10:11:18.163-05:00

I'm sorry, but this is Holly Hobbie.This, while cute,is not. Maybe her great-granddaughter. Maybe. Quit messing with good stuff!!!

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1140661403509698052006-02-22T21:21:00.000-05:002006-02-22T21:23:23.540-05:00

Dear God,Thank you for my mommy and my daddy and my little sister and my little brother and my cat and all my friends (rambling here about who is her best friend and who only likes her when there's no one else to play with). And God, when my little brother grows up to be a big kid like me, please let him be neat and not a weirdo like most little brothers. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1140623369600903032006-02-22T10:43:00.000-05:002006-02-22T10:49:29.656-05:00

Still sickness all around. I finally had a fever-free night last night, but Little Dude was burning up this morning and coughing. I gave him a breathing treatment and ibuprofin, he's a little better now. Miss M is still hacking and was a bit warm this morning, but no fever. So, it's Day 3 off of work, no groceries, trapped at home with the sick kiddies. Oh, and still mouth breathing myself,

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1140461362884464152006-02-20T13:45:00.000-05:002006-02-20T13:50:08.640-05:00

I was going to blog some this weekend but got busy, then planned to blog last night, but got sick! Some kind of flu-like virus has hit. Just head-cold flu, not stomach flu thank goodness! I had a fever last evening of 102.9, and the Little Dude was feverish in the night and coughing. Can't breath, can't sleep, toss and turn, it was not a fun night. My wonderful hubby is home from work today

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1139800741734048842006-02-12T22:14:00.000-05:002006-02-12T22:19:01.753-05:00

. . . Sis is getting her hair cut at a posh salon next weekend and is wondering the correct protocol for tipping. Is it 20% like for waitstaff? Do you tip the shampoo girl? If so, how much? C'mon my savvy readers, enlighten us!

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1139596467105685722006-02-10T13:05:00.000-05:002006-02-10T13:40:47.086-05:00

Well, she finally bit the bullet and did it. Little Miss T got her hair cut for Locks of Love!!! It is so adorable -- yeah, I know I'm biased, but I think you will agree. I also got Little Dude's buzzed, it was getting a little shaggy looking. Miss M decided she needed a new look also -- one almost just like T's, but with bangs. Here they all are, befores and afters:Miss T's before pictures. Not

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1139407055684321272006-02-08T08:34:00.000-05:002006-02-08T09:09:34.100-05:00

It has been WAY too long since I've had a decent post. This job is KICKING MY BUTT! I don't know if it's just because I haven't had an outside job in a few years or that three and four year olds have more energy than anyone ought to have, but I'm just bushed at the end of the day. And I'm only working 4 hours a day! I've been waiting to put together a coherent (read NOT just blurting out

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1139199992827346482006-02-05T23:23:00.000-05:002006-02-05T23:28:30.753-05:00

Yeah, I need to write a real post. But in the meanwhile, here's a little tidbit about me:Your Five Factor Personality ProfileExtroversion:You have high extroversion.You are outgoing and engaging, with both strangers and friends.You truly enjoy being with people and bring energy into any situation.Enthusiastic and fun, you're the first to say "let's go!"Conscientiousness:You have low

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1138801774784327252006-02-01T08:44:00.000-05:002006-02-01T08:49:34.800-05:00

Man, it is just impossible to find time to get on here these days! I didn't get lost. Work went well, I ended up working in a closer center -- brand new, only 5 kids so far. Mine will make 8. The girls haven't been to this one yet, but I took the Little Guy with me yesterday. Hubby was off so the girls stayed home with him and he took them to dance. I guess once they get some more kids

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1138589110035437342006-01-29T21:40:00.000-05:002006-01-29T21:45:10.053-05:00

I decided to take the job! I talked to the director today (C, our minister's wife) to see when she would need me to start. She said "Can you come tomorrow?!" Oh, boy, nothing like jumping right in. I'm still very nervous about driving into Detroit. Nothing really rational, just a Kansas small-town girl's fear of the really big city, lol! I've been living here for 10 years now, but have

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1135606229098387132006-01-27T18:26:00.000-05:002006-01-27T18:26:46.000-05:00

I've had this one in draft, so I thought I'd FINALLY post it. I want to do a photo post of the whole basement renovation soon. It's not done yet, but he has two walls completely mudded with two coats of Kilz on them, waiting for paint. He has one more wall to build, drywall, and mud, then the other room that will be created by that wall to insulate, drywall, and mud. Then it's just painting!

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1138307324328325172006-01-26T15:07:00.000-05:002006-01-26T15:28:44.353-05:00

Wow, how time flies. Nothing much going on, just the same old thing. I'm really trying to get a better routine going for housework and such, so that I'm not constantly cleaning. I hate this part of my job. Not the new job, the old one -- mom and wife. I love the mom-ing part and the wife-ing part. But the housekeeping part just sucks. I constantly remind myself that I chose this job, it

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1138078963476139912006-01-23T23:54:00.000-05:002006-01-24T00:02:43.493-05:00

I have had some concerns about the job I mentioned below, but took them to C and she answered every one. I didn't discuss the influences thing with her, but the more I think about it, the more I realize it will be a great thing for my kids to be surrounded by children of other cultures. I think I'll be at her center called Angels in the Neighborhood or in Spanish it's called Los Angeles en el

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1137641099223220622006-01-18T22:11:00.000-05:002006-01-18T22:24:59.346-05:00

Well, maybe. I'm so not sure about this. You know, I've blogged a little about having some financial trouble. We are 100% committed to my staying home with the kids and continuing our homeschooling, but something's got to give! However, a possibility has arisen that just might help. Our preacher's wife runs a Christian daycare in Detroit, one that serves primarily single women who can't get

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1137465875647743862006-01-16T21:35:00.000-05:002006-01-16T21:44:35.663-05:00

. . . is making me crazy! I don't know if it's a girl/boy difference or just personality differences, but this boy is sooooo different than his sisters. Two weeks ago he put a tic-tac up his nose (I can't believe I didn't blog that!), but sneezed it out while I was getting him dressed to go to the doctor. Today he stuck a Cheerio up his nose. He sneezed, but since he had a mouthful of O's at

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1137363652950440442006-01-15T17:16:00.000-05:002006-01-15T17:20:52.973-05:00

Nope, Dy, I haven't been sucked into a vortex of homeschool science experiments gone awry. Do you ever have a period of time when you just don't have the energy, oomph, insight, or whatever to sit down and write a post? Nothing huge going on around here, just that. I've got lots of ideas running around in my head, ideas about homeschooling, faith and other assorted things, but just haven't

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1136951213561446632006-01-10T22:22:00.000-05:002006-01-11T09:05:53.146-05:00

***UPDATE BELOW***Well, let's see, what did we do today? The girls were playing princess in their room when they decided to listen to Miss M's Disney Princess song player. Lo and behold, it won't play so "Mommy, this needs batteries!" Luckily, we were still stocked up from Christmas and I actually knew where the tiny screwdriver was. Actually I thought I knew, so we killed another twenty minutes

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1136835110566889882006-01-09T14:22:00.000-05:002006-01-09T14:36:16.583-05:00

We had a little scare today. Actually, it started yesterday at church. Little T's Sunday school teacher asked me after church "What's wrong with Little T's eyes?". I gave her a look like "What you talkin bout Willis" and told her that I didn't know she was having any problems. So much for homeschooling parents having a better idea of what's going on with their kids, right? She told me she had

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1136824568768875992006-01-09T11:33:00.000-05:002006-01-09T11:37:42.600-05:00

Breakfast at Tim Horton's at 9:30 am.

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1136645385661472462006-01-07T09:46:00.000-05:002006-01-07T09:50:53.246-05:00

The Common Room has an incredibly insightful post on happiness and doing right, and how the latter does not always equal the former. What caught my attention is that it was not written by Headmistress, but by Equuschick -- her teenage daughter. There's not a "like" or "kwim" in the whole thing. HM is doing something right over there!

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1136643789377342242006-01-07T09:20:00.000-05:002006-01-07T21:35:17.493-05:00

Andrea and Ron have a new scientific experiment going, here's how it works: There is a game known as ‘6 Degrees of Separation’ (from Kevin Bacon - no relation to the best of my knowledge). The way the game works is to try to connect 2 famous people via 6 associations. We have been watching the blogsphere for the last year or so and believe that nearly all blogging homeschoolers

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1136592825694429622006-01-06T19:13:00.000-05:002006-01-06T19:13:45.703-05:00

Haloscan commenting and trackback have been added to this blog.

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1136571419355742232006-01-06T13:15:00.000-05:002006-01-06T19:13:05.786-05:00

She did it! What do you think of the new look? I just love it, all rich and gem-y looking! I just logged on to post a blonde joke and found it!!! Woot!Quick note: The RH sidebar is messed up in IE, she's working on it. Evidently, it didn't show up until she launched. Just gotta love Internet Explorer! NOT.UPDATE: It's all fixed. Loooookin' good! Oh, and I'm going to re-install Haloscan

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1136563689039628662006-01-06T10:51:00.000-05:002006-01-06T11:09:26.680-05:00

If anyone's left to read this blog, I'm getting a makeover! Andrea did a great job on this one (insert applause for Andrea here), but I am a compulsive furniture re-arranger. So, I've been thinking about a new look here. As a tribute to Andrea, I have used some elements of this blog over at my new Homeschool Blogger blog. Andrea, if I'm sucking bandwith somehow by using that background, please

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1136299343594459262006-01-03T09:40:00.000-05:002006-01-03T09:42:56.503-05:00

The first ever Carnival of Homeschooling is up over at Why Homeschool. Henry's been working hard on this, pop on by and have a gander! I know some of my favorite blogs have submissions there and I can't wait to read some new ones. Tell him Gem sent you by!

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1135998814019072492005-12-30T22:08:00.000-05:002005-12-30T22:18:58.936-05:00

The Homeschool Blog Award winners are posted! I didn't win, but Hubby said he was very proud of me for being nominated, and that's good enuff for me. I surely do love that man! There are a lot of blogs I hadn't read before who won, and one of my very favorites, The Common Room,won for Best Current Events. Go check out all the winners, you may find some new faves, as I did!

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1135697062606678112005-12-27T10:22:00.000-05:002005-12-27T10:24:22.606-05:00

Well, I'd hoped to have a post about our weekend by now, but we've just been enjoying being with each other. Today through the end of the week, I'm watching a friend's daughter while she works, so I'm not sure if I'll get the chance! I posted some pictures, I hope that will do for now.I hope your weekend was as great as ours was!

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1135659225459716062005-12-26T23:53:00.001-05:002005-12-27T10:13:03.076-05:00

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1135659236389479272005-12-26T23:53:00.000-05:002005-12-27T10:12:13.373-05:00

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1135538561413346082005-12-25T14:14:00.000-05:002005-12-25T14:22:41.426-05:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1135313709297194422005-12-22T23:44:00.000-05:002005-12-22T23:55:09.313-05:00

Not at the same time, of course! I have an incredibly awesome friend (dare I say best friend?!) who, while IMing this morning threw out an "I can take the kids for you if you want to finish your shopping." Are you kidding?! And then she said "I'll take them to the park across the street, we'll go sledding and build snowmen and then have hot cocoa." What? I can shop alone AND not have to

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1135132386576801772005-12-20T21:03:00.000-05:002005-12-20T21:33:06.603-05:00

Carol tagged me, and I didn't have anything to post today anyway. Here goes:Christmas Tag1. Hot Chocolate or apple cider?Oh, hard to choose. I love them both, but chocolate wins out every time. My SIL got me a lovely basket this year with several gourmet packets and some chocolate-coated peppermint stir sticks. Yum Yum!2. Turkey or Ham?We've done both. Growing up, we always did turkey for

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1135054685220307732005-12-19T23:47:00.000-05:002005-12-20T09:17:19.920-05:00

UPDATE: Well, I took Headmistress' suggestion and checked them out on Ebay. Looks like there's not much demand for vintage card games -- or even true antiques! There was a 1830's set, it only had 4 bids and was only up to $26. I do love old things, simply for the history and sentimentalilty. It will be fun playing with them, knowing that Jim's dad probably learned his authors from this

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1134968322417658072005-12-18T23:48:00.000-05:002005-12-18T23:58:42.453-05:00

Miz Booshay asks (well, actually her sister Sue did), "What is your favorite ornament on your tree and why?" I actually have a whole set of favorites. Hubby has a cousin who lives in Virginia, near DC, and volunteers at the White House. His aunt is so proud of her, she gets us all White House commemorative Christmas ornaments. We have all of them back to 2002 -- not an extensive collection by

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1134880603281376232005-12-17T23:29:00.000-05:002005-12-17T23:37:52.730-05:00

. . .a lot like Christmas!!! We're finally getting into the Christmas spirit around here, and none too soon. We got our tree up Tuesday night; the girls and I decorated it Wednesday while Hubby was at work. He was surprised to see we got the whole thing done AND the boxes back into the attic (just for reference, I had boxes of Christmas stuff on my screen porch until, well, um, March last year!).

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1134792098781721952005-12-16T22:54:00.000-05:002005-12-16T23:01:46.526-05:00

Hubby has this little joke with the girls. He takes a book, puts it on their heads and pretends to push down on it saying "Stop growing! Stop growing!" They just giggle and giggle.I felt like that today! Miss M decided that 7 was a good age to get her ears pierced. We decided when she was an infant just to wait until they asked and really wanted it done. She sat Hubs and I down the other day and

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1134573056617677522005-12-14T10:06:00.000-05:002005-12-14T10:10:56.616-05:00

I've been thinking about moving over to Homeschool Blogger for a while now. I have so many friends who have blogs there and I love the templates! Do you have any pros/cons about their blog hosting, and any tips or suggestions to make the move as smooth as possible, without losing my current content or comments? Can I use Haloscan comments over there as well? I will probably wait until the

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1134570166168179642005-12-14T09:13:00.000-05:002005-12-14T10:00:07.463-05:00

We are blessed with friends and love, and the grace of God! After my angst over the Blogad image, one of the ladies on the e-mail list I mentioned below contacted me to see if they could send us some cash to tide us over for Christmas. She would have done it anonymously but she needed our address. I wasn't sure if Hubby would accept it, but he did, just repeating off and on "Just tell them thank

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1134499745459502102005-12-13T13:49:00.000-05:002005-12-13T13:51:30.086-05:00

According to KSMilkmaid's Parenting Expertise Scale, my rank is. . .demigod status on raising young children close in age. Offered free unsolicited advice (with aspirations to charge for it) on scheduling, sleeping through the night, home schooling methodologies. Wore handmade, embroidered super woman garmets with cape accessories.My cape is neither handmade nor embroidered, but I think she's

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1134493354288488602005-12-13T12:02:00.000-05:002005-12-13T23:57:31.693-05:00

Well, I've been tagged! In my melancholy lately I hadn't been surfing blogs as much as usual and missed that I'd been tagged -- twice! I'm probably the last person in the blogosphere to do this meme, but here goes . . .1. Seven things to do before I die Act or sing again professionallyFind my father's other childrenRead the entire Chronicles of NarniaLearn liturgical danceSee my children

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1134446097406412452005-12-12T22:49:00.000-05:002005-12-14T10:14:18.196-05:00

Wow, I am surprised. I have a little ol' stream-of-consciousness blog, nothing profound or thought-provoking. At least that's what I thought. Now, imagine my surprise when I get my e-mail announcing the nominations for Spunky's Homeschool Blog Awards are up and go browse -- and see Roughcut Gems listed as a Homeschooling Moms blog!!! I guess I need to do less whining and more substantive blogging

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1134431286541312242005-12-12T18:36:00.000-05:002005-12-12T22:57:35.453-05:00

Boy, the Bad Guy really knows where to hit us, doesn't he? Yesterday, I got an e-mail from Blogads, saying I had a new ad to approve. There was a follow-up e-mail (which is unusual), explaining that this was a mass ad by MSNBC -- the biggest blogad buy ever -- to promote it's new "digital day" and if we were going to reject it, would we do it right away? My curiosity was piqued, so I read on.

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1134358091836323612005-12-11T22:08:00.000-05:002005-12-11T22:29:27.256-05:00

Yep, it's another pity party with Gem. And it's not even that time of the month!!!I am so tired. Tired of faking a smile, tired of saying "fine" when asked howzit going, tired of trying to muster up the energy to feel and connect with the worship music we're singing at church. Have you noticed I haven't blogged anything about Christmas yet? Some of that is because we really try to start the

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1134096057663996732005-12-08T21:04:00.000-05:002005-12-08T21:40:57.693-05:00

I became a mother! Little Miss M had taken her own sweet time, she was actually due on the 1st. The evening of the 6th, I thought I might be having some early twinges, but nothing regular was happening. We went to bed, but I just tossed and turned. I was so nervous, this being my first baby I was so unsure if I was in labor or not. By 6 am, I asked Hubby not to go in to work that day since the

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1134012654920984322005-12-07T22:22:00.000-05:002005-12-07T22:30:54.936-05:00

Thanks for all the encouragement everyone! We sang a couple of songs tonight that really focused me back on God and Christ -- it really helps not to just hyperfocuse on me! Of course, it was one of those nights where I was swearing at the kids to get them ready for church -- what an instance of "For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing." I

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1133965657743088432005-12-07T09:15:00.000-05:002005-12-07T09:28:22.966-05:00

I hate it when I visit a favorite blog and they haven't updated for days and days! A week is an eternity in blog-land. But I just haven't had the oomph to get on here and start typing. Some financial turmoil, some depression, it just started to pull me down. Our preacher spoke Sunday on Jesus in the desert -- how Mark says the Holy Spirit drove him into the desert -- and how he thinks that

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1133152708994401912005-11-27T23:30:00.000-05:002005-11-27T23:38:29.020-05:00

How hard would it be, really, to make flannel sheets myself? I really would love to have some, since our room is up in the attic and gets quite chilly at times. But flannel sheets for a king-size bed are around $60 which is completely out of my budget. I've been looking at flannels over at JoAnn Fabrics and they are running some sales at $2.79 a yard. You can make a mess of sheets for $60

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1132950717422459582005-11-25T15:25:00.000-05:002005-11-25T15:31:57.436-05:00

Sweet bread cloverleaf rolls from the 1950 Betty Crocker Cookbook that belonged to Hubby's grandmother. The girls had so much fun making the little doughballs.Do you notice anything missing? Yeah, I left the cranberry sauce in the cupboard! It was yummy today with leftovers, though!That's hubby, doing his best Vanna impressionOh, the bird turned out so good! I was pretty proud of myself. I

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1132792232811645552005-11-23T19:18:00.000-05:002005-11-23T19:30:32.826-05:00

There are a lot of people in my area who are going through Thanksgiving, wondering how they're going to manage Christmas. With GM closing 9 plants, 4 of those in Michigan, we are going to get hit hard. It's not just the plant closings, but I'd estimate at least half of all industry in this area is auto-related, probably more. It's going to be a tough holiday season here in the Metro Detroit

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1132718069077889992005-11-22T22:37:00.000-05:002005-11-23T10:13:17.133-05:00

Yes, I am a SHE. It's two days before Thanksgiving and I just went shopping. I can't believe I spent around $55 for ONE MEAL! Of course a few things will go longer than one meal, but still! And that's just for the five of us. Hubby's family is mostly in Texas, although his sister just lives an hour or so away. I think they're spending the holiday with her in-laws. My mom and one sister

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1132632693210276982005-11-21T23:15:00.000-05:002005-11-21T23:21:53.223-05:00

For the first night in 3 nights, sleep! She's been coughing all night Friday night, Saturday, and Sunday. I finally got her to the doctor today -- pneumonia! She'll be fine, she's on antibiotics and expectorant. I gave her a little Benadryl tonight, since they want her to cough to get the gunk out and didn't prescribe a cough suppressant so she could sleep. I figure even if she coughs, she should

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1132633079045624722005-11-21T23:13:00.000-05:002005-11-21T23:20:21.256-05:00

This is the current sign on the Dds' door. Dd5 made it, she was finally fed up with Ds2 coming in her room and cranking the CD player (yes, he's just 2). I guess the AKA's are unneccessary since their names are on the sign. But it was too cute not to post.Oh, and this is the "Don't you DARE put this on your blog, Mom!!" picture. I'm so bad!

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1132268695151520452005-11-17T18:04:00.000-05:002005-11-17T18:05:30.426-05:00

OK, so my birthday isn't for another six months, you can start saving! Mom, Hubby, et.al., these are so cool! I just love Mary Engelbreit. If someone came up with an ME blog template, I'd buy it in a FLASH! For now, I'll settle for a Crock Pot.

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1132198105724479342005-11-16T22:23:00.000-05:002005-11-16T22:28:25.726-05:00

Portsmouth Tea Company was offering a free cannister of tea for anyone who linked to them. The offer is over, but I thought I'd link anyway for friends and family (hint hint hint mom, hubby, and in-laws) who might still have Christmas shopping to do. I do love me a nice cuppa in the morning, and anytime I'm feeling under the weather. I used to have a tea pot collection, but as we were

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1132197318755325182005-11-16T22:13:00.000-05:002005-11-16T22:17:54.490-05:00

After a rather, um, satisfying evening of Alone Time. Yeah, complete with rakish grin and cocky strut. Boy, am I one lucky gal!

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1131942318252855342005-11-13T22:42:00.000-05:002005-11-14T08:02:39.870-05:00

(Warning: Long post with LOTS of pictures, may take a while to load)Oh, we've been hit by the bug! Two and a half years in the house and we're finally getting rolling on improvements. Hubby is building a family room in the basement, we've torn out all the wallpaper in the bathroom and I -- well, I decide we need just one more project.When hubby left for work around 2:30 Friday afternoon, the

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1131558235924901852005-11-09T12:22:00.000-05:002005-11-09T12:43:55.940-05:00

This post is a week or so late, we made tried to make cookies for Halloween treat bags for our friends. They were supposed to be soft sugar cookies, but cookie novice that I am, they were terrible! When I tried to scoop them up off the counter they just wadded up and stuck to the spatula. I think I've narrowed the problem down to not keeping the dough chilled and trying to roll too much out at

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1131498958438679842005-11-08T20:13:00.000-05:002005-11-08T20:31:46.276-05:00

Sis recently got a makeover at a posh salon in her new hometown, courtesy of a GREAT boss! She is so happy with this family (she's a professional nanny), she has finally found a family who treats her with the respect and professional courtesy she deserves with 15 years experience. Anyway, wanted to share her picture (sorry Sis, couldn't resist!). She looks SO happy!

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1131044068958514302005-11-03T13:51:00.000-05:002005-11-03T14:01:58.356-05:00

I promise, I won't announce each and every haircut. But he went from Buster Brown to GI Joe, and it's so stinkin' cute!!!

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1130813438586886112005-10-31T21:35:00.000-05:002005-10-31T21:54:14.356-05:00

I found an interesting future meme over at Absinthe and Cookies.American Snapshot According to the book, a majority of Americans: • Eats peanut butter at least once a week I have a 5 and a 6 year old, what do you think? • Prefers smooth peanut butter over chunky Of course! • Can name all Three Stooges Unfortunately. Hubby has even taught Ds2 to say Nyuk, nyuk, nyuk!!! •

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1130792442273665382005-10-31T16:00:00.000-05:002005-10-31T16:00:42.340-05:00

I found this over at Waterfall's place. It is eerily accurate in many ways. I'm one of those people, though, who write differently each time they write -- a nearly different handwriting. Maybe I'll try again tomorrow and see if it turns out very differently.Gem has a healthy imagination and displays a fair amount of trust. She lets new people into her circle of friends. She uses her

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1130629178413033172005-10-29T19:21:00.000-04:002005-10-29T19:39:38.436-04:00

Now, let me preface this post with a disclaimer. I have 3 children, and am contemplating a 4th. I do NOT expect people to go out of their way to help me, I have accepted the gifts God has given me in this many kids and I am fully prepared to do whatever it takes to take care of them. But this evening as I struggled trying to balance three Happy Meals, a chicken BLT and fries meal, the toddlers

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1130552941915684162005-10-28T22:26:00.000-04:002005-10-28T22:29:01.930-04:00

We had a Fall Fest at church today. Here are the girls in costume. Traditionally, they have changed their minds about their costumes between Friday and whichever day Halloween actually falls, so we'll see what they decide to be by Monday!!!

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1129986754640161262005-10-22T09:12:00.000-04:002005-10-23T00:56:08.370-04:00

Update: We didn't make it to Home Depot today. Dh got a bunch of stuff ripped down in the basement, and the girls pulled off wallpaper in the back entry way. I guess after two years in the place, it's about time we got a fire lit under us! Now, let's see how long til it all gets put back together!Monday morning I posted this.. Monday night I was reading it to Dh and giving him the responses.

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1129938410591888242005-10-21T19:46:00.000-04:002005-10-21T21:22:11.150-04:00

Miz Booshay at Quiet Life posted her Friday Feast today and I thought I'd play along.Friday FeastAppetizerDo you button shirts top-to-bottom or bottom-to-top?I start in the middle and go up, then down.SoupWhat is your favorite sandwich?Grilled Cheese with sliced tomato in the middle, or RuebenSaladWhat was a family project you helped work on as a child?Remodelling our living room when I was a

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1129596484990888382005-10-17T20:17:00.000-04:002005-10-17T21:01:30.933-04:00

It was so strange, to drive to the hospital NOT in labor to have the baby. Our first two children came after about 12 hours of light labor and then 4-5 hours of heavy labor in the hospital. Baby Boy (I guess I should graduate him to Ds2 now), on the other hand, was nice and comfy and did not want to come out. I had been having random contractions but nothing regular, so earlier that week my OB

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1129521677069672582005-10-17T20:01:00.000-04:002005-10-18T12:12:29.770-04:00

The Common Room posts a hymn every Sunday. I love these posts, having grown up in the same church as The Headmistress. Our church does a pretty good job of balancing the newer worship songs with the oldies-but-goodies, but I could stand a few more. Today's hymn is "The Lord's My Shepherd", a rendition of Psalm 23 set to an old Scottish hymn tune "Orlington". It is one of my favorites. I just

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1129434550518665892005-10-17T10:34:00.000-04:002005-10-17T10:37:05.226-04:00

(Ron and Andrea, this means you.) We've been living with an ugly, small bathroom for 2 years now, and I anticipated living with it for quite a while longer. But the faucet really does need to be replaced -- it doesn't just drip, it runs, so it's a waste of money to let it keep running. In order to replace the faucet, we have to replace the sink bowl, it's totally rusted out since it's been

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1129522678796008122005-10-17T00:16:00.000-04:002005-10-17T00:17:58.806-04:00

I was trying to make a cute little post to test-drive the new audioblogger function, but it seems to have disappeared! Have any of you on Blogger used it yet, and how long does it take to show up after you hang up the phone?

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1129516574323578662005-10-16T22:36:00.000-04:002005-10-17T10:34:33.080-04:00

My friend Rachel from an e-mail loop is from Louisiana. I knew that, but didn't realize she was hit so hard by Katrina. She's blogging their comeback, and it is slow! If you'd like to read as they try to get their lives back to 'normal', check out Life in the South. Tell her Gem said HI!

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1129340541237083712005-10-14T21:27:00.000-04:002005-10-14T21:44:54.216-04:00

My Auntie V makes this really cool magnetic jewelry. It's supposed to make your body heal itself better by improving the electrical current in your body. She sent me a bracelet and it was cute, but I lost it when I was carrying Dd6 around to get her x-rays when her foot was sprained a couple of months ago. I got my new one today and it is REALLY pretty! She has a blog where she's started showing

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1129258014771332572005-10-13T23:05:00.000-04:002005-10-13T23:05:49.410-04:00

Ann at Holy Experience describes herself as soul weary today. That's is a really good way to describe the way I've been feeling lately. I wonder if there's something in the air this time of year. Here's her response to her own soul weariness: If I feel under a sentence or burdened, it is because I am carrying something I am not supposed. And He’s given it so I can see:Heaviness is a sign that

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1129177619435223042005-10-13T00:26:00.000-04:002005-10-13T11:40:08.186-04:00

I am trying so hard to foster this type of relationship between my daughters (and when he's older, my son) and myself. But here I am, up at 12:15, unable to sleep, grieving over ugly things my 6yo and I said to each other today. Six years old! I do not want to have an adversarial relationship with her, but we are constantly at loggerheads. I fear that if it is this bad at age 6, it's going to be

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1129090825786376822005-10-12T00:20:00.000-04:002005-10-13T00:29:41.243-04:00

Yes, it's 12:18, and I had to run through my Sage feeds one more time and see who has posted recently. I saw that Mental Multivitamin had posted and had to check it out. All I can say is "I want this." And I don't know if I have what it takes to get that. But I really, really want it.Enough for now. Goodnight!P.S. When I say I want that, start at 8:45 am. I don't want any of that early

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1128915309368287752005-10-09T23:25:00.000-04:002005-10-09T23:37:41.103-04:00

Finally, back home. Wow, what a great weekend. Some chillin', some reading, some spiritual rejuvination, some spiritual challenge. Great music, great speakers. I think the number one thing that touched me was during Mike Cope's final talk. He spoke about each one of us being missional in our every day lives. During the (I hate to say sermon) talk, he mentioned different ways people interact in

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1128621858752893702005-10-06T13:53:00.000-04:002005-10-06T14:04:18.766-04:00

Wow, this is so cool! La Quinta has free wireless internet service in the rooms! I figured out how to get Hubby's laptop connected all by my little blonde self and I'm surfin'! I promise not to live-blog my afternoon in the hotel room, but I can give you the schedule: Surf the netNapBathRead a novel (currently Orson Scott Card's Magic Street)Surf some moreHubby takes me out for dinnerIt's a

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1128566989899760272005-10-05T22:41:00.000-04:002005-10-05T22:51:06.216-04:00

Well, the girls are gone, the Baby Boy is dropped off at his sitter, and I'm here at home alone, packing. Boy, that was hard, dropping him off. I lay him down in the pack-n-play where he'll be sleeping the night, gave him his pluffies and blankie, turned on his music, kissed him and shut the door. He fussed a while, then quieted right down. We had a practice run last week, so it's not actually

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1128482415739212842005-10-04T23:20:00.000-04:002005-10-05T18:24:12.323-04:00

Ron and Andrea of Atypicalife have started a new site -- not surprisingly named AtypicalHomeschool. They discuss a lot of their own homeschooling journey, both on the beaten path and off. My favorite part of the site? Their (somewhat hard to find) forum. There aren't a lot of members yet -- if you're looking for a homeschooling forum that's about as eclectic as you can get, take a look over here.

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1128460249700060582005-10-04T17:02:00.000-04:002005-10-04T21:42:24.786-04:00

Well, we have had one of those days today. You know, one of those let's-see-if-we-can-send-mom-to-the-funny-farm kind of days. I'm trying to get us all ready to be gone this weekend. The girls are going to my sister-in-law's, Baby Boy is going to a friend's here in town and Hubby and I are going to the Zoe Conference in Nashville. So of course, everyone is on their very worst behavior!! The baby

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1128131558520207382005-09-30T21:32:00.000-04:002005-09-30T21:56:51.353-04:00

I baked my first loaf of bread tonight using the Beginner's Bread recipe from Hillbilly Housewife. am so geeked, the recipe said not to feel bad if it didn't turn out, her first loaf was a brick. Mine -- was not! It was delicious, light with a flaky crust. I am itching to branch out now, although I should probably make sure this one wasn't a fluke. I have a crusty french bread recipe, and a

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1127526694890359162005-09-26T11:00:00.000-04:002005-09-26T21:47:26.576-04:00

More news 9/26: I just heard from my Aunt Vonnie. Here's what she said:By the way. Scott told me tonight that they never even lost their power during the storm. Talk about the power of prayer and the All Mighty! They just have to wait for the Wallgreen stores to reopen so Tina can get her pay check and they can resume life. Praise God!!!Latest news 9/26: (Sorry, it was a busy weekend!)

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1127699247167409942005-09-25T21:46:00.000-04:002005-09-25T21:47:27.173-04:00

Who else but a man can have a broken tooth with pain so bad he can't stop moaning for more than 5 minutes at a time, but still doesn't hurt enough that he doesn't want to have sex?

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1127485484249551432005-09-23T10:21:00.000-04:002005-09-23T10:26:04.106-04:00

Modern culture tells us to “obey our thirst,” and the mantra rings stronger than the call to take up one’s cross.Wow. That says a lot, doesn't it? Go read the rest at Amy's Humble Musings.

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1127408381577219072005-09-23T09:28:00.000-04:002005-09-23T13:04:20.523-04:00

(Scroll down for updates)I just got this e-mail from my mom's sister, my cousin lives between Houston and Galveston and is basically trapped there. Please pray that he and his family can find a way out! Tina, Scott, Andrew, Ashli and Erica are stranded in Clear Lake, south of Houston. No money to leave, and a car that won't go. The two little girls went with friends of Tina's to Dallas, if they

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1127014950788978962005-09-17T23:36:00.001-04:002005-09-22T13:40:12.273-04:00

No, not the cars, the FEDERAL homeschooling legislation being pushed by HSLDA. Yikes. I'm not a paranoid, conspiracy theory type of person, but if there are two things I'd rather not see in a sentence together it's "federal legislation" and homeschooling. Please, just leave us alone. Now, HSLDA has done a lot of good things for homeschooling families over the years (well, Christian

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1126989738151884362005-09-17T16:31:00.000-04:002005-09-18T01:28:03.240-04:00

Do you think it's coincidental or deliberate that the theme song for Disney's Recess, a cartoon about the culture of children during public school recess, is so hauntingly similar to the theme song of Hogan's Heroes, a sometimes-dark comedy about a rag-tag group of prisoners of war in a POW camp during WWII? I'm just saying . . .

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1126925164430375882005-09-16T22:33:00.000-04:002005-09-16T23:02:27.476-04:00

I was going through some old floppy disks we had lying around, looking for Hubby's old resume and came across a bunch of old pictures. Ya wanna see some funny stuff???!!!1976 -- For the Bicentennial, our town had different organizations paint the fire hydrants. The Girl Scouts painted this one, I think. Either that, or it was near my dad's Radio Shack store.1985 -- This was from the Modern Miss

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1126898448607858912005-09-16T15:16:00.000-04:002005-09-16T15:20:48.613-04:00

Aren't they sweet?! And that was after losing. I think. We never know with their games, which is just the way it should be, at that age.

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1126833306743813882005-09-15T21:00:00.000-04:002005-09-15T21:48:55.866-04:00

My Dd5 has been begging me to call our hairdresser and set up an appointment to cut her hair. It's almost to her bottom now and I've been trying to get her to cut it for Locks for Love, but she's not convinced yet -- and I really want her to do it from her heart. So, it was just a couple of inches off the bottom to hopefully control the snarls. She decided last minute to get bangs, and it just

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1126734223557838432005-09-14T17:43:00.000-04:002005-09-14T17:48:19.570-04:00

Thicket Dweller from Today's Lessons shares some of the hard moments in the day of a home educating mom -- and some of the Oh-So-Wonderful moments that make all the chaos so worth it! Do you have any of your own to share?

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1126731542348440222005-09-14T16:55:00.000-04:002005-09-14T17:00:38.706-04:00

So, here's a different question. Well, the question isn't that different, just the asker (askee?). I've read many different answers that people give to strangers and family to the question of why they homeschool. What I want to know is, what did you tell your children when you first got started? My girls love being home with mom, but sometimes want to know why they don't go to school like the

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1126667566823195452005-09-13T23:07:00.000-04:002005-09-13T23:14:03.700-04:00

I wish it would just stay fall, OK? It was cooling off nicely, high's in the mid-70's, and then it had to go and get all 80's this week! I was hoping for one month of no A/C, no heat on the electric/gas bill. So, today (like every day since September 1) I kept the air off all day. It works for us, we were at church most of the morning, the kids napped this afternoon and actually never noticed

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11323135.post-1126193303864832282005-09-09T17:19:00.000-04:002005-09-09T17:19:49.873-04:00

. . . to quote Charlie Brown. I am exhausted (late night after church, Baby Boy up a lot in the night, just not sleeping well myself), PMS-ing, and Dr. Pepper deprived. I am not a happy person today. The girls hate our read-aloud for homeschooling, they think I hate them because I want them to pick up their things in their room, and the baby needs constant attention RIGHT when I want to get

Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06414027635346041871noreply@blogger.com