This spring my family joined a Home Schooling Co-op. I have to say I feel this has been a great changes for both my children and myself. There are 90+ families in this co-op. One family had 12 children and is expecting #13. So total there are over 200 kids.
Each child has his or her own classes they can pick, 4 classes. Catherine is taking Ballroom Dancing, Art, Music, and Games. Anna is in a 3 year old class. Christopher is in a 2 year old class.
I think this is also very beneficial for myself as well. I have met many wonderful ladies (mostly moms come although you do see some dads). We have talked about everything from schooling to fun.
If you ever have a chance to find a co-op check it out, it might be a perfect fit for your family.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Back in the swing of life
Well the holidays are 99% over for us. We are getting back into the swing of life and our routines. I find mixed feelings with this. I enjoy the holiday season so much, I love the excitement, the smells, the smiles, I love it all......and at the same time I am some what relieved that is it over and we can get back to a sense of normalcy.
For us the Christmas decorations won't come down till January 6th. As we take them down we are going to sing and play Christmas Music, especially "We Three Kings" and "The 12 Days of Christmas". It will be nice to have my house back in "normal" mode and yet I will miss the look of Christmas. Although this year it has not been as much decorations as in years past, just never got time to get it all out (I have tons).
I love the laid back days and not having to worry about "did we get this assignment finish?" mode and yet life seems more peaceful when we are in our routine and doing school.
So today we will stand once again at the Flag of our Country, say the Pledge of Allegiance, bow our heads in prayer and look forward to this new day and what it may bring to our lives.
For us the Christmas decorations won't come down till January 6th. As we take them down we are going to sing and play Christmas Music, especially "We Three Kings" and "The 12 Days of Christmas". It will be nice to have my house back in "normal" mode and yet I will miss the look of Christmas. Although this year it has not been as much decorations as in years past, just never got time to get it all out (I have tons).
I love the laid back days and not having to worry about "did we get this assignment finish?" mode and yet life seems more peaceful when we are in our routine and doing school.
So today we will stand once again at the Flag of our Country, say the Pledge of Allegiance, bow our heads in prayer and look forward to this new day and what it may bring to our lives.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Bible Study Restarted!
I have always been one of those persons who set out with big goals on new years only to fall short of achieving them. So once again I have set out a goal, only this year I hope to get further with my goal. Last year a group of ladies and I decided to try to do daily Bible reading, with the goal of reading the entire Bible in one year. We lasted a few months. Well some of us our going for round two and trying again.
So todays reading is Genesis 1-3. This is the passage of creation and Adam and Eve being kicked out of the Garden of Eden. I think with all the times I have started my reading goal I could probably recite the entire passage from memory.
This year we noticed something. One lady in the group came up with a point. She wonders why the first 2 chapters are put in the order they are. You have all of creation then the author went back and gave details about day 6 and creating Adam and Eve. So then I pointed out how easy it is to give what we think is the whole story, only to find we need to give more details. So what details in our lives are we over looking?
So todays reading is Genesis 1-3. This is the passage of creation and Adam and Eve being kicked out of the Garden of Eden. I think with all the times I have started my reading goal I could probably recite the entire passage from memory.
This year we noticed something. One lady in the group came up with a point. She wonders why the first 2 chapters are put in the order they are. You have all of creation then the author went back and gave details about day 6 and creating Adam and Eve. So then I pointed out how easy it is to give what we think is the whole story, only to find we need to give more details. So what details in our lives are we over looking?
Happy New Year!!
Well it is now 2008. I pray that everyone is protected and blessed this year.
We had some friends over for the evening. We played Halo 3 (or I tried to) and watched Blazing Saddles. It was a good time.
Catherine wanted to watch the ball drop, so we switched on the TV at 11:30 pm and she got to see it. She was very happy.
We had some friends over for the evening. We played Halo 3 (or I tried to) and watched Blazing Saddles. It was a good time.
Catherine wanted to watch the ball drop, so we switched on the TV at 11:30 pm and she got to see it. She was very happy.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Finger Printing 101
I recently took a job doing on-line tutoring for Sylvan Learning Centers. The program is their esylvan program. Basically I work from home via my computer and tutor kids in Math and Reading. So far it is has been pretty basic. I have tutored on young man in Reading and one young man in Math.
In order to finish my paperwork I have to be finger printed for the state of New York. The State of New York requires this if you are going to tutor students from that state. So this week my finger print kit arrived. Within this kit I found two finger print cards, one for the state of New York and the other for the FBI. This is done for my background check. So I made some phone calls to find out where I can get finger printing done, must be ink printing. Well Gladstone (the area I live in) does not do this service. I called NKC they too do not do this service but recommended KC Police. So I called KC police and spoke with a lady. To be finger printed with them, you must come between the hours of 8 am and 2 pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and the place you go is in a rough area of town. They charge $12 per card (so $24 total). I then called Clay County and spoke with a lady and she said they do this service FREE! You can come seven days a week between 7 am and 9 am. So we have a deal! I waited till today, Saturday, to do this so I could leave the kids home with Tony.
Clay County does this service at their Adult Detention Center (County Jail). I have never been to a Jail let alone a county Jail. So once I found the location I was happy. I walked in to see this big booth with a lady behind it. I told her what I was there for and she said I could have a seat and someone would be with me shortly, this was 8:15 am. While I was waiting people are coming in an sighing up for visitation for people who are locked up. I guess to visit someone you have to come on days their “tank” is having visitation. I learned the “tanks” are organized by letters. When you come you must turn in ID and are given a key to a locker, you must put all your stuff in the locker and then return the key to the lady in the booth. Then you sit and wait. Every 30 minutes they call those who can go visit. Then they start over again with people signing in for the next visitation time. What broke my heart was what a I saw. This young boy who was 3 was being brought by his grandmother. He knew the whole drill, he came in and stood by his grandma while she signed them in, and then he said “Key so I can put my coat away.” He then put his coat in the locker and sat on the floor by the locker playing with his cars till it was almost time. When he heard the lady in the booth say “Ok those for the 9 am visitation, (she then read the names of the people who where being visited) the boy said “key to put my cars away.” He locked his cars up and went to stand by the metal detector so he could go in. It just broke my heart that a 3 year old would know how to do this. My 3 year old knows how to do a lot of things, but visiting someone in Jail is not one of them. It is obvious to me that this young boys life is kind of “messed up” at this moment in time and I pray as Christmas approaches that he can have the kind of Christmas every 3 year old dreams of. A Christmas filled with joy, happiness, and some kind of sense of security and family.
In order to finish my paperwork I have to be finger printed for the state of New York. The State of New York requires this if you are going to tutor students from that state. So this week my finger print kit arrived. Within this kit I found two finger print cards, one for the state of New York and the other for the FBI. This is done for my background check. So I made some phone calls to find out where I can get finger printing done, must be ink printing. Well Gladstone (the area I live in) does not do this service. I called NKC they too do not do this service but recommended KC Police. So I called KC police and spoke with a lady. To be finger printed with them, you must come between the hours of 8 am and 2 pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and the place you go is in a rough area of town. They charge $12 per card (so $24 total). I then called Clay County and spoke with a lady and she said they do this service FREE! You can come seven days a week between 7 am and 9 am. So we have a deal! I waited till today, Saturday, to do this so I could leave the kids home with Tony.
Clay County does this service at their Adult Detention Center (County Jail). I have never been to a Jail let alone a county Jail. So once I found the location I was happy. I walked in to see this big booth with a lady behind it. I told her what I was there for and she said I could have a seat and someone would be with me shortly, this was 8:15 am. While I was waiting people are coming in an sighing up for visitation for people who are locked up. I guess to visit someone you have to come on days their “tank” is having visitation. I learned the “tanks” are organized by letters. When you come you must turn in ID and are given a key to a locker, you must put all your stuff in the locker and then return the key to the lady in the booth. Then you sit and wait. Every 30 minutes they call those who can go visit. Then they start over again with people signing in for the next visitation time. What broke my heart was what a I saw. This young boy who was 3 was being brought by his grandmother. He knew the whole drill, he came in and stood by his grandma while she signed them in, and then he said “Key so I can put my coat away.” He then put his coat in the locker and sat on the floor by the locker playing with his cars till it was almost time. When he heard the lady in the booth say “Ok those for the 9 am visitation, (she then read the names of the people who where being visited) the boy said “key to put my cars away.” He locked his cars up and went to stand by the metal detector so he could go in. It just broke my heart that a 3 year old would know how to do this. My 3 year old knows how to do a lot of things, but visiting someone in Jail is not one of them. It is obvious to me that this young boys life is kind of “messed up” at this moment in time and I pray as Christmas approaches that he can have the kind of Christmas every 3 year old dreams of. A Christmas filled with joy, happiness, and some kind of sense of security and family.
Monday, December 03, 2007
SFBB Christmas Party
OH the party was great. The party started at 7pm...it was funny, we get there and I hit the bar (this is the one time a year I tend to drink) and Tony laughed at me and said "how many drinks did you tell Chris (my trainer) you are going to drink"...I said "at least the same number as last year which was 5 I believe" Well the bar tender hears me and bust up laughing and tells me I have to keep coming to his bar to get my drinks and he will keep count. So any time I walked past him he would say "Hey come on time for a new drink." It was funny. Although I only ended up drinking 4 drinks, I got a 5th one but just did not want it, I just wanted water by that time.
The food was fabulous, it was a sit down dinner and they served us:
Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese and Pomegranate Vinaigrette
Petite Filet of Beef with Peppercorn Demi Glaze
Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken Breast served with Tomatoe Avocado Fondue
Barley and Mushroom Risottoand Rolls.
Then there was dessert...oh my gosh I took a mini slice of each (they served dessert as a Buffet)Cheesecake
Snicker Bar Pie
Caramel Apple Granny
Chocolate Torte (this was my fav....like eatting a hunk of Fudge)
Chocolate Mint Pie
Fruit and Dip
Sugar-Free Cheesecake
The evening began with some entertainment. The Education Law department wanted to thank everyone for all their help this year so they brought in the Marching Cobras. The Marching Cobras is an International Award Winning Drill Team from the Inner City of KC. Oh my gosh it was soo loud. Here we are in the ball room of the hotel with about 10 drummers going at it. At one point they took 3 of the guys from the law firm and tried to have them being Cobras in training....that was funny. To see two of these guys, gray haired white lawyers trying to find rhythm was just funny.
Tony got his 5 year service award, which rocked ($75 visa gift card) and we danced the night away. So yes it was a wonderful night.
The food was fabulous, it was a sit down dinner and they served us:
Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese and Pomegranate Vinaigrette
Petite Filet of Beef with Peppercorn Demi Glaze
Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken Breast served with Tomatoe Avocado Fondue
Barley and Mushroom Risottoand Rolls.
Then there was dessert...oh my gosh I took a mini slice of each (they served dessert as a Buffet)Cheesecake
Snicker Bar Pie
Caramel Apple Granny
Chocolate Torte (this was my fav....like eatting a hunk of Fudge)
Chocolate Mint Pie
Fruit and Dip
Sugar-Free Cheesecake
The evening began with some entertainment. The Education Law department wanted to thank everyone for all their help this year so they brought in the Marching Cobras. The Marching Cobras is an International Award Winning Drill Team from the Inner City of KC. Oh my gosh it was soo loud. Here we are in the ball room of the hotel with about 10 drummers going at it. At one point they took 3 of the guys from the law firm and tried to have them being Cobras in training....that was funny. To see two of these guys, gray haired white lawyers trying to find rhythm was just funny.
Tony got his 5 year service award, which rocked ($75 visa gift card) and we danced the night away. So yes it was a wonderful night.
Monday, November 05, 2007
Healthy at last!!
Oh my gosh my family is healthy at last!! Only took just over a week for the bug to make it through our entire family but it has come and it has gone and I am thankful.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Christopher's Asthma Check-up
Just got home from Christopher's asthma doctor check up.
First off the nurse about ripped me a new one when I told her we took Christopher off all meds during the summer since he was breathing nice and clear. She told me I should never do that for he needs his meds every day all year long. Then she asked me about the meds and I told her I was out of them now and did not have scripts for them. She told me I should have called.
Then the Doctor came in. He was not upset at all about me taking him off the meds. He is now taking him off of all but 1 of them!! From 2 inhalers, 1 nose spray, and one liquid....down to just 1 inhaler. We still have his rescue med if needed. We go back in a month and all is well we will just be seen for check ups and issues. The goal is to keep it down to just 1 inhaler for the next 2 years and then see if we can get off it all together.
First off the nurse about ripped me a new one when I told her we took Christopher off all meds during the summer since he was breathing nice and clear. She told me I should never do that for he needs his meds every day all year long. Then she asked me about the meds and I told her I was out of them now and did not have scripts for them. She told me I should have called.
Then the Doctor came in. He was not upset at all about me taking him off the meds. He is now taking him off of all but 1 of them!! From 2 inhalers, 1 nose spray, and one liquid....down to just 1 inhaler. We still have his rescue med if needed. We go back in a month and all is well we will just be seen for check ups and issues. The goal is to keep it down to just 1 inhaler for the next 2 years and then see if we can get off it all together.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
It's Toddler Story Time....
Yes today was the second time of Toddler Story time. We got up this morning and had breakfast. Little people got dressed (and yes I was already dressed). Catherine did Spelling and handwriting and we where out the door. We timed it this trip, takes exactly 4 minutes to get to the library!!
Today was Missouri Building Block Picture Book Award Nominees for 2007. So we read 5 of the books: Edwina, Cha-Cha Chimps, Starry Safari, Snowball Fight!, and Looking for a Moose. The books were great. Two of them we had already read at home. Then each child was allowed to make a Building Blocks book, to keep track of all the stories in and help them choose which book to vote for.
Then we did our weekly check out, checked out 40 books total (24 of which are for school).
Today was Missouri Building Block Picture Book Award Nominees for 2007. So we read 5 of the books: Edwina, Cha-Cha Chimps, Starry Safari, Snowball Fight!, and Looking for a Moose. The books were great. Two of them we had already read at home. Then each child was allowed to make a Building Blocks book, to keep track of all the stories in and help them choose which book to vote for.
Then we did our weekly check out, checked out 40 books total (24 of which are for school).
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Story Time
Well today was the first day of Toddler Story Time at our library. We signed up for Toddler Time because it is ages 18 months to 3 years. They have a Pre-school time for 3-5 year olds, but Christopher is only 2 and Anna is 3. Catherine gets to come along for the ride.
There were about 9 toddlers who came. We listened to 4 books about fall and scarecrow then the kids where able to make a scarecrow.
The lady was really nice and even let Catherine participate. So now we have a regular Tuesday morning activity we will be doing.
There were about 9 toddlers who came. We listened to 4 books about fall and scarecrow then the kids where able to make a scarecrow.
The lady was really nice and even let Catherine participate. So now we have a regular Tuesday morning activity we will be doing.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Behind the Mic 2007!!!
Oh my gosh last night was a night I don’t think I will forget in a long time. My mom met me at my house and off we went. We got down to the “Uptown” theater about 5:30 pm and got in line outside in the rain to get in. We had our tickets but like they said “having a ticket did not mean you would have a seat.” So we stood and talked and just waited. We saw Laura’s tour bus come down the road and we were off!!
We got in and found some great seats and then it was waiting time.
First up was Chris Stigall, he is the morning local guy for KCMO. He introduced the other members of the KCMO staff.
Then it was Rusty Humphries turn. He did music parody songs. It was great! Started off with American song and they had people who have served in our military stand so we could honor them for being willing to protect us and serve this wonderful country. Two guys down from was a guy who just came home from Iraq and you could see the love he had for our country.
Next was Dave Ramsey. He talked about how much each person can do. How you can change your life financially by being willing to take it one step at a time. And remember God had the best rules for how to live. He ended with a quote from Winston Church Hill….”NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER QUITE!”
Then it was the lady of the hour….Laura Ingraham. She look so beautiful. This was her book tour so she talked about what is in her book. She also talked about how we have to take back our country. We can do this by getting active in local government and thus it will make a change in Federal. She talked about how sad it is that with all going on we see the news and we see O.J. Simpson…..hello we have a bill before the Senate right now dealing with illegal aliens and getting instate tuition and we are following an has been Football person. What a sick world. She also talked about how much we need to get rid of the pornographic world we live in. The best thing she said and I don’t think I will forget is “What have you done for America Today??” Have you helped a person??? Have you voiced you opinion in government??? Have you made the US any better today??? Or have you sat on your butt and just complained and watched but did not help???
I think that is a quote I want to keep in my mind every day…..so I ask you
WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR AMERICA TODAY???
We got in and found some great seats and then it was waiting time.
First up was Chris Stigall, he is the morning local guy for KCMO. He introduced the other members of the KCMO staff.
Then it was Rusty Humphries turn. He did music parody songs. It was great! Started off with American song and they had people who have served in our military stand so we could honor them for being willing to protect us and serve this wonderful country. Two guys down from was a guy who just came home from Iraq and you could see the love he had for our country.
Next was Dave Ramsey. He talked about how much each person can do. How you can change your life financially by being willing to take it one step at a time. And remember God had the best rules for how to live. He ended with a quote from Winston Church Hill….”NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER QUITE!”
Then it was the lady of the hour….Laura Ingraham. She look so beautiful. This was her book tour so she talked about what is in her book. She also talked about how we have to take back our country. We can do this by getting active in local government and thus it will make a change in Federal. She talked about how sad it is that with all going on we see the news and we see O.J. Simpson…..hello we have a bill before the Senate right now dealing with illegal aliens and getting instate tuition and we are following an has been Football person. What a sick world. She also talked about how much we need to get rid of the pornographic world we live in. The best thing she said and I don’t think I will forget is “What have you done for America Today??” Have you helped a person??? Have you voiced you opinion in government??? Have you made the US any better today??? Or have you sat on your butt and just complained and watched but did not help???
I think that is a quote I want to keep in my mind every day…..so I ask you
WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR AMERICA TODAY???
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Dress Towel
When we took the kids to the Missouri State Fair I saw this lady who made these towels that looked like a dress. So I set out to figure out how to make them. Since I had Halloween Towels on hand and scraps of Halloween Fabric I used it for my first try. Took me about an hour and half from start to finish which I did not think was too bad seeing as I have never made one before and have not found much on line about how to make them.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
One week and counting
Well we are down to one week.....just 7 days till the first day of school for the Pierce Academy. It is funny because I have been preparing for school most of the summer. However, as I looked at the calendar today a sense of anxiety came over me.....are we ready....am I ready....do I have everything done I need to be doing. So needless to day I am stressing. I guess only time will tell how we do. Although with God on our side I am sure we will do fine.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Good for one more year!
Yeah it is done!! Today Christopher, Anna, and I headed out to get the van licensed. We first headed to get the van inspected. We were 15 minutes early and they took us right away. The van passed just fine! (I was kinda of nervous because I know I need new tires before winter). Then we headed to the DMV. There was no one waiting so we got right in and taken care of. So the van is legal for one more year. Needless to say I am a happy person.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
The high cost of medical bills
This story made not only local news but national news as well:
Kansas City Man Accused of Tossing Ailing Wife From Balcony Over Medical Bills
How sad that a Man felt that his only way to deal with the high cost of medical bills took his own wifes life. It breaks my heart to think that this man felt he had no other choices in this world. Where is the support system for this man....or if he had his support system available why did he not take their assistance.
I think we have to remember to help offer and take assistance when needed.
Kansas City Man Accused of Tossing Ailing Wife From Balcony Over Medical Bills
How sad that a Man felt that his only way to deal with the high cost of medical bills took his own wifes life. It breaks my heart to think that this man felt he had no other choices in this world. Where is the support system for this man....or if he had his support system available why did he not take their assistance.
I think we have to remember to help offer and take assistance when needed.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Lead Lead Lead everywhere
As many of you know first it was Fisher Price who recalled nearly 10 Millions toys. Tuesday we learned of Mettle recalling 9 million toys. Today it is Bib's sold by Toy's R Us.
It is scary to think that in order to save money we have put our own children in danger. I will admit our family is one to try to buy as cheap as possible, however there has to be a limit to what we are willing to give up. Are we willing to give up our own safety?
I heard a story last night about this conspiracy theory that China is doing this on purpose to hurt the US. I dunno if I buy in to that one or not. But it does make you think.
In learning more about this whole issue I found something that broke my heart: Chinese Executive Kills Self Amid Recall Sad how something like this issue can cause a person to feel they must take their own life.
I have a friend who has dealt with Lead in her own children and what she went through was terrible and I can not image going through the process. I pray that children are safe even in this unsafe time.
It is scary to think that in order to save money we have put our own children in danger. I will admit our family is one to try to buy as cheap as possible, however there has to be a limit to what we are willing to give up. Are we willing to give up our own safety?
I heard a story last night about this conspiracy theory that China is doing this on purpose to hurt the US. I dunno if I buy in to that one or not. But it does make you think.
In learning more about this whole issue I found something that broke my heart: Chinese Executive Kills Self Amid Recall Sad how something like this issue can cause a person to feel they must take their own life.
I have a friend who has dealt with Lead in her own children and what she went through was terrible and I can not image going through the process. I pray that children are safe even in this unsafe time.
I was listening to Talk Radio today and there were talking about a company called American Plastic Toys Inc. They are a 100% American Made Toy Company that uses no lead!! I checked out there toys and I think I might be looking into them in the future!! I have said I want to get some "boy" toys in our house and we just might have to look into this one: 
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Masonic Youth Day 2007
Today was Masonic Youth Day in Columbia, Missouri. I met my mom up in Kearney and we left the kids with Pop's for the day. We met up with Crystal and her friend Hailey and we were I-70 bound. Once we got to the Grand Lodge Building we met up with the rest of NKC in attendance. The weather was HOT. They had volleyball set up, which our girls played a lot. They also has softball, horse shoes, Frisbee toss and water balloons. They served Hamburgers, hot dogs, funnel cakes, and snow cones. We received a Frisbee, a water battle, and a Frisbee. They said this year there were 245 youth in attendees which is a record!!
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