tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34310710868895387942024-03-14T01:59:20.478-07:00Thursday's GoodMy opinions, observations and rantings of everything simple in my life.PammyVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08927638875072988093noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3431071086889538794.post-80376951973970429462009-10-02T08:50:00.000-07:002009-10-02T09:09:08.131-07:00Yeah, I'm Still HereBusy, busy it seems.<br /><br />After moving and unpacking this summer (which ended up taking ALL summer) I finally had a whole week to take a breath before the kids started <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">NVVA</span>. Between the heavier load of school work and soccer practices 4 nights a week, I've been a little overwhelmed. The boys don't seem to mind, but I'm finding very little "me" time these days.<br /><br />We are enjoying the K12 curriculum offered through <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">NVVA</span>. It's seems to be based on a classical model focusing heavily on Language Arts, Math, History, Science on the Arts. My 5<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span> grader has 5 History lessons a week. How great it that? So many kids don't get any real History in their education these days. Also, being mastery based, we can cruise through things that we already know, take more time on subjects that challenge us and just skip over the busy work. Love it!<br /><br />Soccer has overwhelmed our lives as well. Z is still with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">AYSO</span>, but practicing 2 nights a week. (and thankfully his coaches are not only super nice guys, but are also skilled players.....looks like Z will grow in his soccer skills this season!) N in on a club team this year. His coach is the one he has last fall and many of the same boys are on the team. It's been a great experience for him and we've seen quite a bit of growth in him as an athlete.<br /><br />Me? Well, just trying to keep up with all the minor details of running a home so everyone is fed and has clean clothes!PammyVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08927638875072988093noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3431071086889538794.post-82735415682256789882009-06-20T07:16:00.000-07:002009-06-20T07:24:08.102-07:00Whew...I Needed a Break!It's been a while, hasn't it? Lots of little things in my life have added up to me being just plain reoccupied!<br /><br />We are currently in the process of moving to a new home. Moving totally takes over your world for about two months. Purging, selling, gathering boxes, searching neighborhoods, looking at homes, organizing, packing, moving, unpacking, decorating (my favorite part) all while keeping my family fed, keeping the house relatively clean, the laundry done and still getting out to see friends and family now and then. <br /><br />So don't expect anything out of me until August. That's 'bout all I have right now. Wish me luck!PammyVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08927638875072988093noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3431071086889538794.post-39037653752045555482009-02-16T13:00:00.001-08:002009-02-16T16:19:04.696-08:00I'm Remembering Why I Moved Away From Oregon<div><br /><div>It rains there.....a lot. </div><br /><div> </div>The rain is nice when there's just a few hours of it and the sun comes out in the afternoon. Or when you get a crashing thunderstorm for a few hours. <br /><br />Or maybe on a Saturday, when you just want to curl up and watch a movie.<br /><br /><div></div>It also smells heavenly when you haven't had rain in a while.<br /><br /><div></div>But the endless drizzle a grey skies really gets on my nerves.<br /><br /><div></div>This winter, we have seen more gray skies in Las Vegas than I have in the past 12 years combined.<br /><br /><div></div>Here's Proof:<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303505528715363458" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 240px; height: 320px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBx2CHK6ecmIYGuTvxeOJFi2QB4y1gz54TW9EBbtwnbsOaVBa1tJm3eAeq1Wh217pT78Esxqux6l75n181CZsI3LTiHlKucp6NQGerVTO1M4210YTXkQqsJKZCgBqCuln0T8gh8hB66zY/s320/100_0679.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><div></div><div>I need my sunshine and I need it now!!!</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div></div>PammyVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08927638875072988093noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3431071086889538794.post-12757331147981067002009-01-13T07:59:00.000-08:002009-01-13T08:31:11.050-08:00The New YearWell, the Christmas decorations are packed away and the new year has come and gone. There are some new possibilities on the horizon, but I'm not getting my hopes up until they come to fruition. I suppose you can say I have the usual January blues...even through it's a new year, I don't get excited about it until spring. And even though it's in the mid 60's and sunny out, I still feel like its winter. And past the holidays, there's nothing I like about winter.<br /><br />To top it off, it was Z's birthday yesterday. His 8th birthday. This is significant to me because the way I see it, my parenting era (although we know that never truly ends) is half over. My oldest is almost 10 and in 10 years, Z will be an adult. It's gone by so stinkin' fast. Wasn't it just a few weeks ago I was still changing diapers and strapping the boys in strollers? It seems that way. I can't imagine how fast the next 10 will go.<br /><br />*Sigh*<br /><br />Last week was also stressful in other ways. I experienced a bit of drama with another homeschool mom (I won't claim to be totally innocent, I do have a tendency to be snarky). Seems even in my 40's Jr High is still not over. I'm not going to go into detail here, but lets just say I've joined a long list of people she's alienated. On the other hand, I've never been one to be in lockstep with a group. That's the direction our homeschool group was going (you must only agree with the opinion of the Queen, lest be exiled from her majesty's kingdom). Yes, I've been exiled.<br /><br />*Sigh*<br /><br />So what else? Hmmm, I finally discovered Facebook last month. It's a bit addicting....but I like it. There's friends I think of often, but we don't have time to get together. There's extended family I only send Christmas cards to once a year. And there's old school chums that I haven't seen in 25 years, but it's good just to see their faces. I like that I can peak in on them and know they are well. It makes me happy.<br /><br />*Sigh*<br /><br />Oh, am I avoiding the New Year's resolution? Yes, yes I am. But here it is: I have decided to be more self disciplined. It carries over every where in my life.....exercise, diet, homeschool, spirituality, housekeeping, etc. I'm starting slow and trying to add small things in and make them habit. I'm getting there and I think in a couple months I will be at a good place. I just know that jumping in with both feet will cause great stress and most likely quick failure. Better to start small and work new habit into my life.<br /><br />*Smile*<br /><br /><br />So that's it. Nothing to exciting....but that would be January, wouldn't it?PammyVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08927638875072988093noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3431071086889538794.post-66629800063093897942008-12-30T16:59:00.000-08:002008-12-30T17:03:10.737-08:00A Little IronyI was on my way home from the grocery store when I drove past a minor car accident. Nothing unusual, really. The SUV was up on the median, tire blow out and the small car had a nice dent in the drivers side. <br /><br />I'm just ticked I didn't have my camera with me. Why? The sign on top of the car read Driving School. Heh.PammyVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08927638875072988093noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3431071086889538794.post-37344482152889748072008-12-23T08:33:00.001-08:002008-12-23T09:04:01.579-08:00Believing in Santa<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5MaRORPajGg5Ru_2m7asS8GgtleO6YvLMAXioP9PN4AMiMrnlgefZG16F3zkfDSeDUC51SdpdhkYmVqUqLIlIN_cutbwnNmB1aTWYZO1Oe8NSPplcg9p1x-2qfZW2L_fwQ858T_mlKbU/s1600-h/santa.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283031911046485026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 204px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5MaRORPajGg5Ru_2m7asS8GgtleO6YvLMAXioP9PN4AMiMrnlgefZG16F3zkfDSeDUC51SdpdhkYmVqUqLIlIN_cutbwnNmB1aTWYZO1Oe8NSPplcg9p1x-2qfZW2L_fwQ858T_mlKbU/s320/santa.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I knew the day would come, and I actually thought it would have happened before now. My oldest is a very logical child. He thinks everything through before he does it. It does not accept "just because" lightly and normally demands a thorough explanation for any question he might have.</div><br /><div>The fact that at almost 10 years old, he hasn't questioned the legitimacy of Santa is beyond me.</div><br /><div>I'm sure the fact that he has been homeschooled since 2nd grade has something to do with it. He is not surrounded by kids that are too cool to believe in Santa. I know there is also a want to believe in things that are magical when you are a child. It makes anything possible.</div><br /><div>Yesterday, after watching old repeats of "Tim the Toolman Taylor" (blanking on the actual title of the series.....I'm blaming hormones), he asked my why some kids say there is no Santa.</div><br /><div>Oh great, here we go. I have made up all kinds of crazy excuses to overcome any questions the kids have had regarding Santa. </div><br /><div>Them: "Why can't we ask for a Wii?" </div><br /><div>Me: "Because they are all sold out"</div><br /><div></div><div>Them "Can't Santa's elves make more?"</div><br /><div>Me: "Oh, honey, the elves have to <em>outsource </em>electronics. Something to do with magnetic energy on the North Pole."</div><br /><div>Them: "OH! That makes sense"</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I've been quite creative in preserving the Christmas Magic. I eat and crumble half the cookies they leave out on Christmas Eve for Santa. I use a different kind of wrapping paper for Santa's presents. I tell them about the special mail drop for late lists to ensure it gets to Santa on time. We've thrown Reindeer food from the balcony, had Santa visit our Christmas Eve parties (how they didn't notice it was really Grandpa, I'll never know) and make up all kinds of magical answers about how Santa gets into homes without chimneys.</div><br /><div></div><div>Now N wants to know why some kids don't believe in Santa.</div><br /><div>I told him,"Sometimes older kids think they are too cool to believe in Santa."</div><br /><div>"Why would they think that?" he asks.<br /></div><div>"I don't know honey....it just happens when you get older. I hope you aren't one of those kids."</div><br /><div>He didn't say much more about it and I didn't want to dwell on it too much. But I think deep down he knows the truth. I think he's known it for quite a while. </div><br /><div></div><div>I enjoy making the Christmas magic for the kids. I find it fun to give them hope for particular items on the wish list....the ones I know Santa will bring. I love the look on their faces when they receive something from Santa. I love the innocence of it all. It warms my heart.</div><br /><div>I just hope he continues to play along for a couple more years. <strike>For my sake</strike> For his brother's sake.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>PammyVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08927638875072988093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3431071086889538794.post-35393149988092040082008-12-15T20:21:00.001-08:002008-12-15T20:24:57.739-08:00Vegas Snow Day!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXarRdxi33hxBlaI3jTFjpU7r91_fEcqKFA8s0jBZfQr9X0lTfIZCApK_eRDivt25j70pZ2uOwMTRGZflBiihvxqGDqM_nFl96cILELapIZmaAaAMq0QigrFy0XE3lcRklZTkKEn4bPZU/s1600-h/100_0636.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280238468831969234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXarRdxi33hxBlaI3jTFjpU7r91_fEcqKFA8s0jBZfQr9X0lTfIZCApK_eRDivt25j70pZ2uOwMTRGZflBiihvxqGDqM_nFl96cILELapIZmaAaAMq0QigrFy0XE3lcRklZTkKEn4bPZU/s400/100_0636.jpg" border="0" /></a> Yes, it snowed, really snowed here today! This is our 12th winter here and we have seen snow stick maybe three times before (although it happens annually in the foothills). Of course by the term "stick" I mean it stuck to the grass for about an hour or two. We had snow falling all day long today and it was really beautiful. Forcast calls for more snow tomorrow!<br /><div></div>PammyVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08927638875072988093noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3431071086889538794.post-48375264619549666642008-12-15T15:19:00.000-08:002008-12-15T16:31:54.612-08:00Go Fireballs!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8WzWv2yaOcfXE5VaKqQHQeD6ix2nC_K0dPI3ygBYsD9YszU7e7DL-AZRssyO6arae2NOi_bj1qcqAPJRXxZHXMb6YdeP6m7kixjQYsN_Wjoqe4-UFSaz7wu5uE8hgTHmPtMoiTiYwL3w/s1600-h/cap003.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8WzWv2yaOcfXE5VaKqQHQeD6ix2nC_K0dPI3ygBYsD9YszU7e7DL-AZRssyO6arae2NOi_bj1qcqAPJRXxZHXMb6YdeP6m7kixjQYsN_Wjoqe4-UFSaz7wu5uE8hgTHmPtMoiTiYwL3w/s320/cap003.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280176416649752050" border="0" /></a><br /><br />My kids have been playing soccer for 4 years now. Each year they play in the fall and the spring. It is a "non-competitive league", which just means there is no official score and no standings at the end of the season. Once the boys get to the U10 (under 10) level, they do have regional playoff games at the end of the season to rank the teams. The top three teams go to Area Playoffs.<br /><br />Two teams per year, two kids, we have encountered a lot of coaches......14 so far. Being an all volunteer league, we've been fortunate to have some really wonderful Dads coach the boys. There have been some that were more skilled at coaching than others, but all in all, we've enjoyed the parents, kids and coaches over the years.<br /><br />That said, this fall was absolutely over the top! Coach Henry has gone over and above with the boys this season. We lucked into a great mix of a committed coach, a group of boys that had a great attitude and heart, and parents that showed unlimited support of their kids. Mix that together and you get a team of 8 and 9 year old boys who played some REAL soccer!<br /><br />I really can't say enough great things about Coach Henry. My younger son had him as a coach last spring and when I got the email in August that N was on his team I was jumping for joy. Henry is kind, yet expects the boys to pay attention and be disciplined. He is former military, and also used to be a conditioning coach for a women's soccer team when he was in college. He never yells at the boys, and also never lets them get away with not putting forth their best. He insists they work as a team.....and if you know young boys, you know how hard that is. They tend to be very egocentric which can be a hindrance in a team sport such a soccer.<br /><br />He has not only taught the boys skills, he has conditioned them so that they can out run the other teams. They never seem to run out of energy and if you could see some of the little guys run, you'd be amazed. Imagine big kid on opposing team dribbling the ball up the field getting ready to take a shot when out of now where come this little punk from the back of the field to get in his way. Our forwards run like the wind and manuever in and out of the larger kids on the other teams. I equate it to a bunch of little gnats that just keep getting in your face. <br /><br />Over the season, the boys only lost one game: they had 3 teammates that were out of town or sick that weekend and had to play the field with one man down and no subs. It was torture because the team they played that week was the only undefeated team in the region. But guess what? Last weekend, they play the same team again and held their own. The game was still tied at the end of overtime and had to be decided by goal kicks. It took a few kicks, but the opposing team finally won. The Fireballs took second place in the region.<br /><br />So this past Saturday was the area tournament. The Fireballs had an early game Saturday and another at 1. It's been a beautiful fall here in Vegas, but Mother Nature changed her tune on early Saturday morning. A cold front blew in and it was miserable! The wind was blowing with gusts up to 60 miles per hour, it was cold and the whirlwinds picked up dirt, leaves, grass and garbage spewing it across the soccer fields. The kids had to wear shorts with a long sleeve shirt under their soccer uniform. They were freezing!<br /><br />They played their little hearts out! But unfortunately due to a couple of bad calls and the power of the wind, they lost 2 to3. The afternoon game fared better and they won 2 to1.<br /><br />Sunday morning we woke to 29*. Yes, 29* in Vegas. It was clear and no wind and by the time we got to the fields, it had warmed to a muggy 41*. Much nicer than the day before, being that there was no wind.<br /><br />The teams met on the field and sized each other up. How do I describe the scene? Our boys tend to be smaller than average....other than my son who stands at least a head above all but two of the boys and is still a few inches and 20 pounds bigger than those two. The <span style="font-style: italic;">average</span> kid on the opposing team was the size of my son. On top of that, we heard that this team was ranked first in the tournament. Yikes!<br /><br />The whistle blew and play began. Our boys ran the field twice as fast as the opposing team. They passed the ball, they made plays, they marked their man, they two touched and controlled the ball. These little guys played the best soccer they've played all year and WON 2 to1!<br /><br />After the game, a referee cam to talk to the boys. She told us she was also from Bullhead City, where the team they just beat was from. Apparently this team had never lost a game and generally wins by many points. Just the day before, they won a game 7-0. She congratulated our boys on such great play!<br /><br />Coach Henry came to the boys with a good news/bad new scenario. The good news is that they were the highest placing team in Summerlin (placing above the team they lost twice to in our region)! The bad new is that they did not have enough points to move on to the final game.<br /><br />The boys didn't seem too disappointed. They wanted to know what time practice was on Tuesday. (Season's over guys...sorry). They persisted....all the boys wanted to have practice!<br /><br />Coach Henry suggested that after Christmas, we have a parents' vs the kids game. That will be a ton of fun.<br /><br />I'm really sad to see the season end. The boys have had a wonderful time and we've met some really nice families.<br /><br />Go Fireballs!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA9YuMp5aFslZFpfYqJsAypF1FYsNHwGrKNIYs5aY84LBvVB4wRuydFBoV8Ev8R1RUK1rl-AAbW__UynR_9zzP8xtATfs58Bm4L_Id_5MBLDphO27NQRWSlprl600UKoNLPbklUU6uFDw/s1600-h/cap002.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA9YuMp5aFslZFpfYqJsAypF1FYsNHwGrKNIYs5aY84LBvVB4wRuydFBoV8Ev8R1RUK1rl-AAbW__UynR_9zzP8xtATfs58Bm4L_Id_5MBLDphO27NQRWSlprl600UKoNLPbklUU6uFDw/s320/cap002.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280176411770048722" border="0" /></a>PammyVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08927638875072988093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3431071086889538794.post-33643839539240742792008-12-12T08:33:00.000-08:002008-12-12T09:12:45.145-08:00A Wonderful WeekI've had a really great week. it's been lots of little things that add up to one big nice week.<br /><br />We started last Friday spending the afternoon at a friend's house. The boys have bonded with Jake and Will and could spend 24/7 with them without incident. It's so nice they have such wonderful friends...and also that their mom and I have become good friends as well! (You know how hard it is to find both parents <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">and </span>kids who get along?)<br /><br />Last Saturday, my son's soccer team won second place in the region. It was an amazing final game that went into overtime and was still tied. They had to do goal kicks to secure a winner. We also had their pizza party that evening. The area playoffs are this weekend after which I will write more about what a great experience the past 4 months have been.<br /><br />Sundays we normally go to my parent's house for dinner and play cards. They haven't been here for a while.....in the summer we swim at their place and lately Dad's back has really been bothering him so it's more comfortable for him to stay home. But I had them over last Sunday. I made a simple baked chicken with baked potatoes, salad and brocoflower. Nothing fancy. But it was nice to have them here for a change.<br /><br />Monday was our Christmas Craft day for our Co-op group. We have 4 families that gather on Mondays for a co-op class. We have covered dinosaurs and fossils, election process, and world geography and maps over the past 3 months. For December we decided to do Christmas crafts. Last week we decorated gingerbread houses and cut out salt dough ornaments to be painted next week. My friend Tara and her son joined us. I haven't seen her in a few months. I really enjoy her company; it was good to spend some time with her.<br /><br />Tuesday brought a field trip to Fitwize 4 kids. Its a gym for children with all the traditional equipment but on a small scale. The kids got to do circuit training and had a lecture on good nutrition. They learned a cool way at looking at food: they were given a list of foods categorized as "go foods" (healthy, eat them all the time), "slow foods" (not so healthy, eat them less often) and "whoa foods" (for rare consumption). All I've heard all week is "Oh, I already ate 2 slow foods today, I better not have a whoa food!" I'm very happy with the reinforcement. N and I have a plan to turn French Toast from a whoa food to a go food. Success! N also had soccer practice that evening.<br /><br />Wednesday is my DH's day off. He has had serious shoulder pain. He had an MRI a week ago and took it to a specialist today. He was told he most likely could be cured with physical therapy. Good News! We spend the afternoon at my In Laws and had a quiet evening. My aunt underwent a lumpectomy for breast cancer this day as well. She came out of it just fine and the tests on her Lymph nodes came back negative, so more good news.<br /><br />Thursday started early. We attended a field trip to the Regional Justice Center. It was a small group only 4 children. We got to sit in on Traffic Court, talk to the guy who handle house arrest (and the kids got to try on the ankle cuff, blow in a breathalyzer, wear handcuffs, etc) another woman spoke to them about the dangers of drugs, we saw the Nevada Supreme Court, and then went back to the Traffic Court to speak with the Commissioner. But then came their favorite part. We got to go into the holding cell where the Marshall let the boys wear the waist chains and shackles! She was very nice (as was everyone involved in the tour) and also took the boys out to see her car. They crawled all over the Marshall's Squad car, turned on the lights, used the loudspeaker and buckled themselves in the back like prisoners. I just hope that's the last time they wear shackles and are in the back of a squad car!!!!<br /><br />We also had soccer practice Thursday. I picked up one of the boys because his older sister had a concert at the same time. I visit with his Mom all the time, but haven't spent time with the boy. He was so polite! We went to Taco Bell after practice and his Dad picked him up there. It's so nice to be around polite kids. I just hope mine would behave as well in the same situation.<br /><br />And now it's Friday again. We are going to the park this afternoon with friends. And I have to go to Trader Joe's...I suppose a trip to the pet store is in order since the toads haven't had live crickets for a few days.<br /><br />So that's my wonderful week. <br /><br />N is calling. The day has begun. I'll post after the soccer tournament this weekend!PammyVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08927638875072988093noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3431071086889538794.post-8725030601471275082008-12-02T09:13:00.000-08:002008-12-02T09:16:15.312-08:00.....and March Them Right out the Door!My friend<a href="http://thatgirltasha.blogspot.com/2008/12/call-to-dunkirk.html"> Tasha posted this </a>on her blog. It's a must see. <br /><br />The modern schools are doing a moral disservice to our children and the ONLY way to combat this is to march them right out the door and teach them ourselves or in private and parochial schools.PammyVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08927638875072988093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3431071086889538794.post-90218448320408319552008-11-25T09:09:00.000-08:002008-11-25T09:48:07.550-08:00Revelation!I have been homeschooling my two sons for two and a half years now. When I began, I jumped into it quickly and with out much consideration. It felt right and it was something I always had in the back of my mind as an alternative education. <br /><br />I purchased a couple of math workbooks and grammar workbooks at various stores and jumped in with both feet. My boys were 5 and 7 at the time and were already reading well and ahead of their peers in math. That made it an easy transition for me given the fact that I was the one that taught them to read and set the foundation for math in the first place.<br /><br />Over the course of the first year, I joined homeschool groups, asked a billion questions of the seasoned homeschool moms and read a whole bunch of books recommending various types of instruction. I read about learning styles, brain wiring, and fine motor skills all of which can effect a child's ability to learn.<br /><br />I settled on A Well Trained Mind as a guide to education. It is a classical approach, and I like the idea of learning through history and literature. Teaching young children Latin also appealed to me (I had never learned myself). <br /><br />As I began to follow this approach, I found that it was a bit heavy for my energetic boys. I have a solid two hours of attention span to make use of. Copy work and hours of dissecting sentences was not an option. <br /><br />I adjusted my curriculum to include minimal textbooks and writing. They recite as much of the work as possible. We do some unit study, and I try to teach as much as I can through real life. I called it Classical lite. <br /><br />Today, I was perusing a homeschool website. I have heard many people discuss The Charlotte Mason Method. Long ago I asked someone what it was and she must have told me it is a type of classical, like Well Trained Mind. Fine, no need to research, that's kind of what we do anyway.<br /><br />But today, I thought, I should see what the difference is. <br /><br />Guess what? I've been doing The Charlotte Mason Method all along. What I call Classical lite, is in essence, Charlotte Mason. The short lessons, reciting, whole language, living books, putting off much writing and grammar until later, plans to study Shakespeare: I was right in line with out knowing anything about Charlotte Mason.<br /><br />Geeze, I'm brilliant! <br /><br />I'm off to the library to secure copies of her books. I'm so excited to have an official name for what we do. It makes it so much easier to discuss when I have a label for it.PammyVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08927638875072988093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3431071086889538794.post-32037765121742715572008-11-24T16:21:00.000-08:002008-11-24T16:25:36.621-08:00Who Left the Piano in the Woods?Q. <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,456648,00.html"> Who left the piano in the woods?<br /></a><br />A. The same person who <a href="http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=xaZim6ybvdA">left the cake out in the rain</a>.PammyVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08927638875072988093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3431071086889538794.post-64718934826782661182008-11-18T08:47:00.000-08:002008-11-18T08:54:04.521-08:00NeglectWow, such neglect! With the run up to the election, my brain was in political overload; and after, just not in a mood to write. I didn't even post much over at Right Wing Chick.<br /><br />And although my life gets pretty boring at times, I am determined to post more often. Of course, without any comments, I don't know if anyone is reading (hint hint).<br /><br />Soccer season is about over for the boys. My eldest made playoffs, so that should give me some material.<br /><br />Promises, promises, I know. But I intend to improve the frequency of my posts!PammyVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08927638875072988093noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3431071086889538794.post-69920240771295504222008-10-07T09:18:00.001-07:002008-10-07T09:45:58.301-07:00Root Canal!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZgdMG7ZZ4wLry0KGItjKokB2NPWm0d5ERxuH0N8iJZQYk0RTdBbEsIuz6YSLeYbaRsPdbkfSPBv7hYjGu0FO4sribBRm7Ix8puL3wZ6GhoYCHey1Dkclc7J6cLZvVRiUNEFkm-Sft2Y/s1600-h/tooth.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZgdMG7ZZ4wLry0KGItjKokB2NPWm0d5ERxuH0N8iJZQYk0RTdBbEsIuz6YSLeYbaRsPdbkfSPBv7hYjGu0FO4sribBRm7Ix8puL3wZ6GhoYCHey1Dkclc7J6cLZvVRiUNEFkm-Sft2Y/s200/tooth.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254454015170199426" border="0" /></a><br />OK, so one Survivor recap and I already drop the ball. I have an excuse.<br /><br />I suffered from a toothache/sinus pressure all last week. I tried to convince myself it was just my allergies and sinus pressure. I HATE going to the dentist (although I have always liked my dentists). Avoidance has resulted in this predicament, I suppose!<br /><br />This all started last Tuesday and by Friday I was numb to the pain. Naproxin seemed to help, but that dull ache was always there.<br /><br />My friend Susan's DH is an medical doctor and she offered to have him give me a call. Although he is an endocrinologist, he could help determine whether I need to see a dentist of internist.<br /><br />He called and we went over the symptoms which made me realize I was trying to fool myself into thinking I had a sinus infection. I don't.<br /><br /><br />I spent two hours at the dentist's office on Saturday afternoon, in between the kid's soccer games. Dr Galimore is <span style="font-style: italic;">nice enough</span> to squeeze me in, prescribe antibiotics, and tell me I need a root canal.<br /><br />The point of all of this is that I had a massive headache last week and I did not feel like looking at a computer screen, thinking or typing. I will try to be more diligent this week. Can't promise anything.<br /><br />As for the root canal, I'm not sure when I'm going to be able to schedule it. Since I do not have dental insurance, I have to plan it into the budget. That's going to be a challenge.<br /><br />PS That's not MY tooth up there.PammyVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08927638875072988093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3431071086889538794.post-7400111629826619872008-09-26T18:01:00.000-07:002008-09-26T23:11:39.839-07:00Survivor Recap?? Really???Although I've been a Survivor fan since half way through the first season, I'm late to the blogging party. What if I do weekly recap of survivor? Just for myself, really. Do I want to commit to this? Would anyone care? Would anyone else actually read it? Well, we're gonna find out.<br /><br />First things first. I deleted last night's episode off the DVR. So anything I write is from memory and I already forgot the old gal's name that got voted off second! Also, I haven't read anything about this years season. I haven't read any spoilers, which I usually do just so I know who the characters are ahead of time.<br /><br />This first recap is going to suck a bit since I don't have the reference and I didn't decide to do it until after the fact. But here goes.<br /><br />Starting out the traditional way, showing up in street clothes (don't these people know by now to leave the suits and dresses at home and wear comfy shoes even if the producers say "We're going out for some promo shots"?) The elders picked teams. Seems there was very little thought put forth, but it's hard to judge some one's potential based on a quick into and their profession.<br /><br />Ending up at camp, I'm sure everyone was ecstatic that they didn't have to build from scratch. A few patches on one roof and a frame in need of walls seemed to be the worse of it.<br /><br />Challenges were the same ol', although I really thought Michelle showed some spunk. Reminded me of last year's Courtney. Of course I can't remember the tribe names....told you this would be lame. (Promise better next time!) But her tribe lost and Michelle went home. Strictly because she wasn't overly friendly.<br /><br />At tribal, it was discussed that there was not leader. So who steps up? One of the youngest men there. What an idiot. Does he WANT to go home? Unless you are an older male with the cred to be the leader, don't step up. Every time a younger guy steps up, he's thought of as a threat. And if a woman steps up, she's thought of as Mom or a bitch.<br /><br />So then blah blah blah another challenge, same tribe looses and "mom" gets voted off.<br /><br />So here's my take.<br /><br />Pretty standard first episode.<br />No one too interesting, although the gay guy with the crush on the young Dr could stand to be a bit soapy.<br />I like Ace, and the young Dr.<br />Also Sugar seems to have some charm as well as the Olympic Athlete. I also think the Physics teacher will be around a while. People like him, and he has legit knowledge and leadership skills without being an ass. Reminds me of Yoa-man. (sic)<br /><br />OK, any survivor fans are required to leave a comment. It's not fun unless we can talk about it. I promise I will pay more attention to names next week....and not delete the DVR before I post!!PammyVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08927638875072988093noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3431071086889538794.post-88125639336902613772008-08-30T13:52:00.000-07:002008-08-30T14:04:24.672-07:00Mosaic of Me<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzySGCDBQTmqQstYkuVRBgjfM43OdRU1yh1qaMl3GNzHnH_N67UssT1bkHYF51Myae1zfSb6AsUyqWkljlvJ_Fi9tlw6_0vz0mf8MvPVZX_ceiT3xGjN2oiZJBOi1FTOigOi1aq7ChyphenhyphenOY/s1600-h/mosaic6429096.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzySGCDBQTmqQstYkuVRBgjfM43OdRU1yh1qaMl3GNzHnH_N67UssT1bkHYF51Myae1zfSb6AsUyqWkljlvJ_Fi9tlw6_0vz0mf8MvPVZX_ceiT3xGjN2oiZJBOi1FTOigOi1aq7ChyphenhyphenOY/s400/mosaic6429096.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240419274350075474" border="0" /></a><br />I found this idea on another blog. It is a mosaic of ME. You answer 12 questions. Using the answers, you search photos on flickr. You must choose a photo from the 1st page, and place it into your collage. Using the <a href="http://bighugelabs.com/flickr/mosaic.php">mosaic maker</a>, on the flick site, you put it all together!<br /><br />Here are the 12 questions:<br /><br />. What is your first name? <span style="font-style: italic;">(Pam)</span><br />2. What is your favorite food? <span style="font-style: italic;">(Mediterrranean)</span><br />3. What high school did you attend? <span style="font-style: italic;">(Rogue River)</span><br />4. What is your favorite color? <span style="font-style: italic;">(Reddish Brown)</span><br />5. Who is your celebrity crush? <span style="font-style: italic;">(Orlando Bloom)</span><br />6. Favorite drink? <span style="font-style: italic;">(Cabernet)</span><br />7. Dream vacation? <span style="font-style: italic;">(Italian countryside)</span><br />8. Favorite dessert? <span style="font-style: italic;">(Fallen Chocolate Cake)</span><br />9. What do you want to be when you grow up? <span style="font-style: italic;">(Architect)</span><br />10.What do you love most in life? <span style="font-style: italic;">(Hugs)</span><br />11. One word to describe you. <span style="font-style: italic;">(Warm)</span><br />12. Your Flickr name. <span style="font-style: italic;">(Pammy)</span><br /><br /><br />Now when you look at mine, I must mentioned that I inadvertently put my pics in from bottom to top! So the answers start at the bottom right hand corner. Call me original........PammyVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08927638875072988093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3431071086889538794.post-28113479111025811652008-08-22T14:59:00.000-07:002008-08-23T21:53:42.555-07:00Our Pet MenagerieWe are not pet people. Oh, we want to be. The kids <span style="font-style: italic;">REALLY</span> want to be. But I don't <strike>want to </strike>have the energy to train a puppy. I won't have rodents or snakes in the house and I am allergic to cats. I hate the noise and mess birds make. We had some goldfish. I ended up cleaning the disgusting tank. Spiders freak me and the kids out and turtles are boring.<br /><br />It doesn't leave us many options in the pet department.<br /><br />Fortunately, my mom, who lives a mile from us, got the cutest puppy last year and she has filled the pet niche for the boys. This is Lily.....<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237718591256695602" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxAX7jSxWRQMcJg3kPiQuZeKFo9NGSJPfil9xiOJWaThae4-QpwHW215J-2xWmdB4EyCIZWvaroVfA6nRUR9daxX1Km_W30PYJZZrz15llSAEKjcXVDkTgeQUjHrFnZpaE7I_oW5azQjk/s400/100_0401.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />About a month ago the boy's buddies, Will and Jake, were going on vacation. They had recently adopted a gecko and needed a babysitter for two weeks. N and A were asked to do the honors and we soon had a really cute gecko named Shadow and a habitat of crickets in our midst.<br /><br />The boys had a great time taking care of Shadow. We would feed him a live cricket each night and watch him hunt and capture it.<br /><br />The next week, Grandma had the boys over for an afternoon. She had acquired a tadpole environment and was planning to order the eggs online. Unfortunately they can only be sent in cooler weather. So off to the pet store they went.<br /><br />And they brought home these:<br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237718578964151154" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtemWnmjFMBGECn4kZlEJbfG32j-XOcvtNEfNazSAx1WqyZVCBcCfxSTzXH6lhMtgVdSmDZ5s_yRyQ41OkfE4P43rPCtUJR_dpkEKehTruK-ZMVLyKc00QX_jo6S4oX5FoLBkvQ5b7g6g/s400/100_0566.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div></div>We are now the proud parents of two fire belly toads. We have a cricket habitat and fixed up the little terrarium with rock and driftwood. I do enjoy watching the toads aggressively go after the cricket and chow down on them! (not sure what that says about me?)<br /><br />We also adopted a guppy last week. A friend was moving and felt better about giving us the guppy than flushing it down the toilet.<br /><br />We were at the pet store the other day purchasing more dinner for the toads. There were some cute geckos hanging out in a little pool. We already have to buy crickets each week. I started thinking "A gecko wouldn't be any added trouble." I stopped my self. For now.<br /><br />I see our classroom soon becoming overrun with small animals.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">And only a month ago I was breathing a sigh of relief that we were pet free.......... </div>PammyVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08927638875072988093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3431071086889538794.post-62717645020766447582008-08-16T08:49:00.000-07:002008-08-17T09:26:12.399-07:00The OlympicsHaving two young sons and a futbol/football loving dad in the house, you would think we would watch more sports around here. But we don't. DH does make a point of watching the Steelers play and uses the DRV on boxing matches and the World Cup. But that's about it.<br /><br />This year the Olympics have caught our attention. I think the boys are at the ages where they can start to appreciate the strength and abilities of the athletes. They also are showing a sense of patriotism in rooting for the American athletes.<br /><br />It has also helped us reinforce nutrition, endurance and commitment. Both boys play non-competitive soccer. We have made a point to teach them that what goes into their bodies will effect their performance. N has been working on his endurance by running on the treadmill each day. And we decided that they would pay the fees for soccer and we would reimburse them if they showed commitment through the season.<br /><br />I know what you are thinking: they are awfully young to be in training! No, that's not what we are doing. We are trying to teach good nutrition, importance of exercise, fiscal responsibility, and follow through. These are life lessons and we are using soccer as the vessel.<br /><br />Anyway, as we watch the human interest stories about the athletes, it enables us to reinforce all these things. We also have been able to talk about genetics as the commentator analyzed Michael Phelps' body. Long upper torso and short legs makes for a good swimmer. We looked at the runners and noticed that long lean bodies make good runners. The gymnasts were smaller, but extremely muscular. The boys analyzed their own physiques and we decided A has a runner's body and N would be a great swimmer or weight lifter!<br /><br />So we have enjoyed the swimmers and the gymnasts over the first part of the week. When we sat down to watch the Games on Thursday, women's beach volleyball was on. Nick was excited. "I like volleyball!" he said<br /><br />"I didn't know you knew what it was."<br /><br />" Yeah, Mommy. When I was in school I think we played it once."<br /><br />(I think they hit a balloon over a net. Potato, potahto.....)<br /><br />Soon A shows up. First thing out of his 7 yo mouth:<br />"Why are those girls wearing bikinis?"<br /><br />N just giggled. And giggled. (Usually bringing up the subject of girls in any fashion results in anger or denial of interest.)<br /><br />I said, "N, is that why you wanted to watch this?"<br /><br />Again giggles, giggles and no denial.<br /><br />Hmmmm.....I think my 9 1/2 y.o. is on the brink of puberty. I thought I had a few more years.<br /><br />Yes, The Olympics have been eye opening in many ways.........PammyVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08927638875072988093noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3431071086889538794.post-91228769700655284072008-08-03T00:34:00.000-07:002008-08-06T12:48:44.117-07:00Saturday Movie!Tonight I watched "Little Children" by director Todd Field.<br /><br />I have a bit of trivia. I lived in the same dorm as Todd my freshman year of college. He dated a girl named Sharon ( who was <span style="font-style: italic;">really good friends</span> with a girl named Heather) who lived on my floor. He played trombone, he was cute, he was creative. We all lived in Diamond Hall, the "arts" dorm.....lots of people form the theatre, music and art concentrations. It wasn't a huge dorm, I lived on the ground floor, well the basement really, and we had maybe 16 girls on that floor...probably 20 tops on each of the other 3 floors.<br /><br />Anyway, I never had much interaction with Todd, but my two close friends, Janet and Tricia knew him from theater classes. When<span style="font-style: italic;"> Twister</span> came out, we all recognized Todd as one of the scientist. Then he was the piano player in <span style="font-style: italic;">Eye Wide Shut</span>. After that, the big break in directing <span style="font-style: italic;">In the Bedroom</span>. Well, that's my brush with fame, I guess....not that he probably remembers any of us!<br /><br />Now to the movie. It was different in that the movie was narrated, not by a character, but the author, if you will. It was third person narrative. Very different for a film, and it really worked. It helped give the characters depth in a few seconds.<br /><br />It is about suburban life. Mothers who take the toddler to the park everyday and have not much to look forward to. Families who look perfect on the surface, but are not. Families who have apparent problems. Men and women, some crushed male egos, aching to be young. The film is touted as grown ups who haven't passed adolescence. Yes, that about sums it up. and there are a couple of scenes that you could have stuck in the middle of a teen film and yet it would no seem out of place in either. There's even the bully and the kid whose picked on.<br /><br />I can't tell you too much or it gives it all away. If you like characters and observations of people you will enjoy this movie. I think I will find there was more to it that I saw tonight. It's always movies like this that catch me be surprise the next day!PammyVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08927638875072988093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3431071086889538794.post-55108089877422185272008-07-13T22:02:00.000-07:002008-07-13T22:19:55.222-07:00The Strength WithinI have written about my boys and the struggle they have when they get angry. The testosterone rages and it's real tough for a young boy to learn to control his anger. <div><br /><div>The other day, I was talking with A about the importance of what's on the inside versus what's on the outside.</div><br /><div>He was pretty articulate in telling me that popular people think the outside is more important than the inside. He also understood that the strength of confidence came from within. We expanded on the conversation.</div><br /><div>Since he has been trying to get his way by throwing a fit lately, I decided this was a good time to talk about controlling one's temper.</div><br /><div>I said to him: You know, it take a really strong boy to be able to control his temper. (Strong is something he strives for these days)</div><br /><div>My skinny little boy, whose waist my hands fit around, says to me: <em><strong>Yeah, when I get mad it's like a SUMO WRESTLER trying to get out!!!!</strong></em></div><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222734690680974418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 248px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="189" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFr2__8e0SrYDj5V5biJpx1VnXvOD49KKsfMsKpgF6w2zybGlZLEGLCk8AIvJ78cQw8J8zCPne4fOFwVI_MR9NcQ1rTX4XgKAgUfsOIlqTzNWtxizCNzY2wRIzO1dTrjf7RjJL_ZKPAoA/s400/sumo.jpg" width="128" border="0" /><br /><div>Knowing my boy, he's right on target. I'm glad he understands the enormity of anger. </div><br /><br /><div></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"> The ability to control one's anger shows more strength than giving into the fight.</span></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div></div>PammyVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08927638875072988093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3431071086889538794.post-62626662157961534362008-07-06T08:13:00.000-07:002008-07-06T15:40:19.092-07:00Saturday Afternoon Movie TimeI love to watch sappy chick flicks alone and cry my eyes out. I think most women do every now and then.<br /><br />Yesterday I watched <em>P.S. I Love You</em>. All I can say is I'm real glad I didn't see it in the theatre. I would have been an embarrassment. The tears flowed from the beginning straight through to the end. There were funny moments, but the whole thing was bittersweet.<br /><br />It's about a young woman who married young to the man of her dreams. They absolutely adore each other. Then he dies early and he has left her a string of letters to help her through his death.<br /><br />Just the synopsis is enough to get the water flowing!<br /><br />Anyway, it's OK as a movie, but excellent for a cry. Hillary Swank and Gerard Butler star. Lisa Kudrow and Gina Gershon are the best friends. Kathy Bates is mom and Harry Connick Jr is the love interest.<br /><br /><br />I'm rating this movie on the chick flick cryability scale. I give it 4 out of 5 tissues.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb8FdqFjHupv4HijM3N4g7OfZbC8w_W7iNmXmJrl1txD3Z_1DAnm2TTrcci9zU5QKTGJ2Lk4Pm8hHNkQFGs782p3D4GyyA5rZmK5sIdi_JNNoLy9eG3gkkyU8DU9CWUjI106y4QK8bo70/s1600-h/tissue.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219924301889017506" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 37px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 44px" height="95" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb8FdqFjHupv4HijM3N4g7OfZbC8w_W7iNmXmJrl1txD3Z_1DAnm2TTrcci9zU5QKTGJ2Lk4Pm8hHNkQFGs782p3D4GyyA5rZmK5sIdi_JNNoLy9eG3gkkyU8DU9CWUjI106y4QK8bo70/s200/tissue.jpg" width="112" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8keieUgjsBExLAxJOT0dVpRuFuohuoyna0jZO6OaiwAdJzi4HMnyaS63EOrg2VmHl7MZzwsux5brIr9U51UOIW50A1YPqvvnn9QwaRDIouslPPoGymWglb_4HvH8FLNWf-7fuil1P9g4/s1600-h/tissue.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219924300564905826" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 33px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 45px" height="62" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8keieUgjsBExLAxJOT0dVpRuFuohuoyna0jZO6OaiwAdJzi4HMnyaS63EOrg2VmHl7MZzwsux5brIr9U51UOIW50A1YPqvvnn9QwaRDIouslPPoGymWglb_4HvH8FLNWf-7fuil1P9g4/s200/tissue.jpg" width="112" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwTRvmQbZncZpiQ4j3wtKNU_rJi6ynWg3oDYt9STttRIvx-tfnN-ETPBcMZw3Q1caReXUmjgaQ6hBcpddlM18exPhdYb-stJimgefEbUAnD1Zt04Afwhgxd5cyqmFbGb5KM67TZbkwkYU/s1600-h/tissue.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219924305397712786" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 35px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 43px" height="68" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwTRvmQbZncZpiQ4j3wtKNU_rJi6ynWg3oDYt9STttRIvx-tfnN-ETPBcMZw3Q1caReXUmjgaQ6hBcpddlM18exPhdYb-stJimgefEbUAnD1Zt04Afwhgxd5cyqmFbGb5KM67TZbkwkYU/s200/tissue.jpg" width="112" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQY7vqmEvTlEQ5_e9itu0j7_aLtveoXghJfW1oYHmAZHbI11_vykHgGbUiy2euoIy93zlcp4suWWy6XzyZSyLI-ojI96smPGkTdHWM2M0mOpdzj_M30YNrf0RTA0C-o-YPI1jCdaOAKTY/s1600-h/tissue.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219924298197316306" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 37px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 43px" height="47" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQY7vqmEvTlEQ5_e9itu0j7_aLtveoXghJfW1oYHmAZHbI11_vykHgGbUiy2euoIy93zlcp4suWWy6XzyZSyLI-ojI96smPGkTdHWM2M0mOpdzj_M30YNrf0RTA0C-o-YPI1jCdaOAKTY/s200/tissue.jpg" width="112" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I also watched <em>Life is Beautiful </em>the Oscar winning film from 1997. Roberto Benigni won best actor for the role of Guido. It was sort of corny in the beginning...I was thinking of turning it off. But because I <em>only</em> have 250 channels there was nothing else on TV that interested me. So I continued to watch.<br /><br />It turned into a sweet love story....but no tears. Then in a flash the whole movie turned. With the back drop of a concentration camp, the humor of Guido endured as he protected his son from the realities they face.<br /><br />Talk about a love story!<br /><br />This is an excellent film definitely a five star, but only a two box on the cry meter simply because the tears don't come until the end, although you may have residual tears when you think about the movie the next day. It's the kind that stays with you.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5TfTfl-oOpmer6R7aUDbjlKWo-tfnuI1fmfxqDelA3X1tHGd_D5p_vwsotF9MmXoafXZJ7xv42DSNZ7L95IzfczXUgD_UUi1RolN5G8fdsx7Rx7SDl7wx-u38biUPjoxr9aQUrPt0UM/s1600-h/star.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219929474924920930" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 38px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 35px" height="67" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5TfTfl-oOpmer6R7aUDbjlKWo-tfnuI1fmfxqDelA3X1tHGd_D5p_vwsotF9MmXoafXZJ7xv42DSNZ7L95IzfczXUgD_UUi1RolN5G8fdsx7Rx7SDl7wx-u38biUPjoxr9aQUrPt0UM/s200/star.jpg" width="124" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7UfMZbXnO27Zj_HPDhJqv54TEnOH6C8b2sjvdUEGC_ku6XAhOudS5CJKSY2rhLWFBzxjfKdus5oaiv6jnopy5lWGDGrewLaKXx91KwZX-JZPzobmrEOFtc01pPj9gcNWtGtv5nU76G8/s1600-h/star.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219929481031310514" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 37px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 35px" height="65" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7UfMZbXnO27Zj_HPDhJqv54TEnOH6C8b2sjvdUEGC_ku6XAhOudS5CJKSY2rhLWFBzxjfKdus5oaiv6jnopy5lWGDGrewLaKXx91KwZX-JZPzobmrEOFtc01pPj9gcNWtGtv5nU76G8/s200/star.jpg" width="124" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVT75yVZJk7GRuBSYPiVoPNeHEaSEzwxFvAAxIgRFChPtEG2FQTaE0UK-q3RPPjRciJ6hVjKsRrJ_1vutQlNTvL8havydkohlUgslBHXUIXk0FjZn8QkB5XLXMt_QVKHJm1o-eB_xam-4/s1600-h/star.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219929478365496002" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 34px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 33px" height="64" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVT75yVZJk7GRuBSYPiVoPNeHEaSEzwxFvAAxIgRFChPtEG2FQTaE0UK-q3RPPjRciJ6hVjKsRrJ_1vutQlNTvL8havydkohlUgslBHXUIXk0FjZn8QkB5XLXMt_QVKHJm1o-eB_xam-4/s200/star.jpg" width="124" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdvSk0aU16VXQ2a0GH2bQpIbP4qGKs4uJtL98jgCqK55qj6nN6w82wPbzZLxyr_4SjpFNjzZNeZXdW9MhdtPKFOV2QvVJW-buS6jIDbSN849eKmWjO98dGvh0LLXqodFqJ2p4rvgPuInY/s1600-h/star.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219929483256987362" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 31px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 35px" height="64" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdvSk0aU16VXQ2a0GH2bQpIbP4qGKs4uJtL98jgCqK55qj6nN6w82wPbzZLxyr_4SjpFNjzZNeZXdW9MhdtPKFOV2QvVJW-buS6jIDbSN849eKmWjO98dGvh0LLXqodFqJ2p4rvgPuInY/s200/star.jpg" width="124" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzED5mPJ5gyN40Z1UdsP8BxZ1Zw0rCdj7nseSwp2OBPKA-cqyoVyTObNPWJlSj_5_fgZsmPskttjDq0Be4Bt1YdM6rPNKtgd7_ZPZHiEvYDXtJxfqCgIVZRxqiJhidQdsciKW3AlClfts/s1600-h/star.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219929482896364642" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 38px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 35px" height="63" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzED5mPJ5gyN40Z1UdsP8BxZ1Zw0rCdj7nseSwp2OBPKA-cqyoVyTObNPWJlSj_5_fgZsmPskttjDq0Be4Bt1YdM6rPNKtgd7_ZPZHiEvYDXtJxfqCgIVZRxqiJhidQdsciKW3AlClfts/s200/star.jpg" width="124" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0rvWQqkeBTE2u5BiBCN5qTMa5nOi-L6D3bchwy8AZzGNPbH9Swr59N0iPpDIa54aTOJkI_gn3ka8QAARleFkbm_XuxRXaD6BCyP7UaNTlunDYI9p5I47IQYGgzup1lWbG5TahIydPW84/s1600-h/tissue.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219930324012501202" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 36px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 37px" height="58" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0rvWQqkeBTE2u5BiBCN5qTMa5nOi-L6D3bchwy8AZzGNPbH9Swr59N0iPpDIa54aTOJkI_gn3ka8QAARleFkbm_XuxRXaD6BCyP7UaNTlunDYI9p5I47IQYGgzup1lWbG5TahIydPW84/s200/tissue.jpg" width="112" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-Ixm045oTm32UabnegTZAnxNJ9kvajYQvlavVsQXIFkNuMmQzpr6qq7W-5AioInzkBjQYtKvAlp7KfTan0R2URyW5SujY_RnoTQ99q3XHEv6cTyASv0_JHIlV8XxTnnRBp7DbtGp0T8/s1600-h/tissue.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219930330112380674" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 35px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 36px" height="56" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-Ixm045oTm32UabnegTZAnxNJ9kvajYQvlavVsQXIFkNuMmQzpr6qq7W-5AioInzkBjQYtKvAlp7KfTan0R2URyW5SujY_RnoTQ99q3XHEv6cTyASv0_JHIlV8XxTnnRBp7DbtGp0T8/s200/tissue.jpg" width="112" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYBAHc91PHyLAFL5LY3dhSrsFicByR8U7sbY01Bek5M5EybQcA9c_VXkj0GAK5LPOIqkSRJpQDQXQBUrre1X83zxOSHQN3-l2nThx-ki67PQGRm71Og-YkFrgUiz8GhxBJWNzCQrrVaso/s1600-h/tissue.jpg"></a>PammyVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08927638875072988093noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3431071086889538794.post-10850976330541760762008-07-04T09:45:00.000-07:002008-07-04T10:10:21.424-07:00Happy 4th of July!So today is the 4th of July. Hubby is at work and one of the kids is still asleep. We have a party to go to tonight...the kids are super excited to see their friend Z.<br /><br />I did alright over the week, a couple of slip ups, but the diet is coming along. Those first few days without sugar, carbs, etc. are hard. Yesterday I wasn't missing them and I think by tomorrow I will have the energy to start the exercise program. Feeling a little less bloated, but not willing to take measurements as of yet. (I want to feel like I've actually accomplished something, so I will wait until Monday<br /><br />I just got the boys back on track with "school" but we always take holidays off. I think I will suggest watching the Revolutionary War DVD in honor of the 4th. Fits with the day and is not "work". That will keep us going.<br /><br />The kids willingly (meaning without a bribe) helped clean house yesterday. Yes, take your time, read it again. We made a list, turned up some rockin' tunes and cleaned for a hour together. They did a great job. N is usually willing to help to an extent, but A really got into it yesterday. He cleaned up his games, watered the garden, picked up toys from all over the house and got on his knees and cleaned all the baseboards! He thought that was FUN! Let's hope we can make this a regular event.<br /><br />I'm making some homemade chicken broth right now. Smells so good. I've been out for a while. I make a huge batch, drain all the bones and spices, then reduce it until its about 1/6 of original. After refrigeration, its like broth jello. I freeze in small portions, then reconstitute. Takes up a lot less room by doing it this way. And so much healthier that the store bought loaded with sodium crap.<br /><br />Well, N just came in a said "You're STILL on the computer???" Guess a shower would be in order about now. <br /><br />Happy 4th of July!PammyVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08927638875072988093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3431071086889538794.post-29146035105224270552008-06-27T19:35:00.000-07:002008-07-13T22:38:18.761-07:00Getting My Life on TrackSo the past few months, for reasons beyond my control (yeah.... someone else's fault, I couldn't have got off my butt) I have been really lazy about school, housework, and my eating and exercise habits. This past week, I've been taking the bull by the horns and began to get this things back in order.<br /><br />Since I've been doing next to nothing the past few months, cleaning has become a form of exercise. As I was "exercising" this week (in two hours stretches..pretty good eh?), I realized I had been "exercising" even less than I thought. I have a plan to get the house back in order. Included in this plan is the"no snacks in the playroom" mandate.<br /><br />The kids are not happy about this plan. Its reasoning is two fold. I have one son, A, who is messy. If he spills a bowl of popcorn, he will walk through it before he will clean it up. Unfortunately his brother, although much neater than he, refuses to acknowledge messes that are not his.<br /><br />The second reason for this mandate is to help N from snacking mindlessly in front of the tube. He is developing habits that could become an issue if we don't find a creative way to limit them. I figure this way, if he's really hungry, he'll take a break form the tube (without my intervening). I also don't have to put limits on the snacks....he will have to be willing to leave the program he is watching to munch. I think it will put natural limits on both sides of the issue.<br /><br />I have also become very aware that my body has acquired some additional girth. Since I have about 3 outfits to wear and am longing to get into my cute jeans by fall, I have committed to eating better and exercising (almost) daily.<br /><br />I feel that stating this commitment to the world gives me some accountability. I would post my weight and measurements, but it's just too ugly. Let's agree that I will update on how many inches and pounds I loose each week. No need for the embarrassment of the starting numbers!The final goal is somewhere around a size 6....so I guess I'm losing a good 3 dress sizes.<br /><br />I do have a membership at a gym, but it's probably 10 miles away and between the gallon of gas and the fee for 2 at the Kids Club, the $11 a day is out of the question. I have a (dreaded)treadmill, so that will have to suffice. I plan to do a short yoga session 3 days a week and free weights the other 3 days along with 30 to 40 min of cardio. I think I should see results shortly.<br /><br />And then there is school. We are back on track already, with a unit study on the Revolutionary War and the Constitution. We have math books to finish and some Latin to catch up on. I'm reading the <em>Rats of NIMH</em> to the boys, and I think we will read <em>Narnia</em> next. Although they are quite capable of reading these books themselves, they love having me read to them.<br /><br />Yes, I make my kids do school in the summer. It's so dang hot here, it makes sense. I'd rather hang out in the spring and fall when the weather is great, and take a long break at Christmas. It's the beauty of homeschooling!<br /><br />OK, so here is my commitment to get my stuff back on track. I have more plans for the fall including some art projects (hopefully to become a business) and to catch up on all that scrapbooking! But for now, the basics.<br /><br />If you see me, I hope you will bug me about my progress. Embarrassment is a good motivator for me!PammyVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08927638875072988093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3431071086889538794.post-43789859352275546072008-06-24T19:20:00.001-07:002008-06-24T19:22:45.078-07:00New BlogOK, it's done! I have a new blog for politics only. If you want to read it you can find the link on the right. I hope my politically inclined friends will join me there, whether you agree with me or not.PammyVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08927638875072988093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3431071086889538794.post-46801981704044932222008-06-23T08:44:00.000-07:002008-06-23T08:56:41.682-07:00Change I Can Believe InI'm thinking of starting a separate blog for politics. When I started this blog, I just didn't realize how often I would write and how much of that would be political.<br /><br />And I'm sure there are people out there that would enjoy reading posts about the kids, but really don't give a rats ass about my political opinion!<br /><br />So I need to come up with a title for a political blog. Once I think of something awesome, I will separate the homey family stuff from my wingnut rantings.<br /><br />Be patient, sometime this week I will separate the two.PammyVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08927638875072988093noreply@blogger.com0