Happy New Year

I pray that everyone has a very blessed and happy new year.

Maggie and the nose

There once was a sweet babe named Maggie, who needed her personal space.
Her daddy loved her so much, that he liked to kiss her face.
When Maggie grumbled, her daddy thought she wanted to coze.
She said "Back off" and bit him right on the Nose!





Add in courtesy of Bigfoot~~~~
Eric, Beth’s Red Nose Dear
Eric, Beth’s red nose dear, had a very shiny nose, all who seen it recently would say it glowed, all his friends Maggie and Ellie would laugh under there breath and call him names, then Maggie told him right before New Years Day, Eric I’ll bite your nose if you don’t get it out of my face! Then all of Eric’s family began telling him he would go down in history, the only one with a nose so bright it matched his pickem up truck!
We Know it only hurts when you laugh so we are laughing with you!

Christmas traditions

knitting pics

knitted doll for cousin. My creation.

DIAMONDS!!!!!!!!!!

I have waited for 10 years for diamond earings. When hubby and I got married 10 years ago, I asked for diamond earrings for our 10th anniversary. AND HE REMEMBERED!
He even painted my toenails! I am wondering what happened to my husband? Maybe he is just being nice. Maybe he really does like me! Possibly he loves me so much that he couldn't function if I weren't here? I don't know but I know that he is the sweetest husband I have ever had. he he he.......he's the only husband I have ever had so I guess that makes him the best and the sweetest #1 husband ever.
Thank you hunny bunny, MUAH!

teaching

You may not agree with my homeschooling my children. All that I ask is that if you pray for me, that you pray for God's will to be done. Homeschooling is hard, but we have learned by leaps and bounds. I had no way to comprehend the amount of work and love that goes into teaching my children, until I took on the responsibility that I feel God has led me to. I am not "certified" but how many are "certified" on paper , and yet still should not teach or lack the ablility to really teach.
I can only do what God has led me to do.
I do not need comments about when I plan on putting them back in school. Hello they are in school, and with one on one tutoring/teaching. I don't think it can get any better than that. I know my children's faults and weaknesses, also their strengths.
As someone who previously did not comprehend the work and the love involved in this endeavor. I am now stating, "It is not always easy, but it is always rewarding!"

Our friend Thelonius Dukes has passed on to be with the Lord.
God bless him!


http://abc26.trb.com/news/wgno_news_110907dukesdies,0,5843096.story?coll=wgno-news-1

Pic's from my life

This is Maggie, she is totally freaked out by the camera.
She had the shakes for 15 minutes. I think it is the flash that spooked her.
"What is that contraption that you are pointing at me? Are you coming to steal my soul?"






A doll and clothes for someone for Christmas.

Slippers made with donated yarn from Lou/CCNG and donators from across the United States.

Science and history sites

This is a kid friendly site. Lots of science helps and information.
www.doi.gov/kids/index.html


Here is another really cool site. They have a contest to name a baby giraffe.
www.globalwildlife.com/



Here is a website for US History.
www.historycentral.com

Officer Shot

Our friend "Tank" ,Thelonius Dukes, was shot this morning.
This is a really Great guy! It just saddens me that people have no regard for life. This officer is a 19 year veteran of the New Orleans Police Dept., He stayed through Katrina. Tank was an officer in the Child Abuse Division ,and more recently in Narcotics Division. When I say a Great Guy, I am not kidding, he didn't know any strangers. His Charisma was welcoming.
Please Pray a prayer for him, this officer is one of the Best people I have ever known. He is still in Critical conditon at University Hospital. Please also say a prayer for his wife, She is also having a hard time.


UPDATE: Tank is better. Still not out of the woods, but better. Thank you for your prayers. Thank you Father for listening.

Free wool yarn!

Wow, I have been blessed sooo much today.
One of the ladies of our needlework guild gifted me with yarn! A LOT of yarn. All of it wool.
I have been seeing the new trend (felting) and I kept thinking, I would never spend that much money on a good quality yarn, just to felt it! But surprise I have wool yarn coming out of my ears.....
I have 400- 1 oz. balls of drab olive fingering yarn, any suggestions on a free pattern?
I would love to try socks but I have only tried 2 needle socks that have to be seamed. They work up easily, but the seams are limiting and aggrivating. Any suggestions on which socks work best(toe up or cuff down)?

homeschooling is official for 2007-2008

Yes, our letter came back in the mail today. Good!
We are registered for homeschool for the 2007-2008 school year.

Computers are crazy! It must be the "internets" fault.
this past month has been interesting.

My hubby bought me a camera, yeah. I will be able to post pictures of my projects(as soon as I figure it out).

Not much else to write about today!

Yeah, I'm posting---what's it to ya?

I thought about posting every day like some people do. I just don't want it to feel like a chore. Sometimes I just don't have anything to say. Other times I have something really cute that I am knitting, but I just don't have a digital camera.
I don't have many people that stop by and say hello.
I think I offend some people.I am not a "Bible Beater". So,for one reason or another no one reads this blog.
So I think "Why post today?"
Well that turns into "Why post this week?"
and then "Did I post this month?"
I enjoy visiting other blogs, usually leaving a comment.
The point I am getting at, not to sound tooo needy......
If you drop by, say hello.

Freedom of Religion NOT Freedom From Religion

Over a week ago El-Guapo(the computer) was struck by lightning, through the phone line, frying the Modem. What fun!!! Well it's fixed now, Halleluia!!!!!!!
Our family did have 2 great school weeks though, go figure!

Anyway-- this is a great email, WE DO PRAY, ALOT! I will not compromise our family's belief system for a practically useless public school system value. THE END IS NEAR!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is a statement that was read over the PA system at the football game at
Roane County High School , Kingston , Tennessee , by school Principal, Jody McLeod.

" It has always been the custom at Roane County High School football games, to say a prayer and play the National Anthem, to honor God and Country."

Due to a recent ruling by the Supreme Court, I am told that saying a Prayer is a violation of Federal Case Law. As I understand the law at this time, I can use this public facility to approve of sexual perversion and call it "an alternate lifestyle," and if someone is offended, that's OK.

I can use it to condone sexual promiscuity, by dispensing condoms and calling it, "safe sex." If someone is offended, that's OK.

I can even use this public facility to present the merits of killing an unborn baby as a "viable means of birth control." If someone is offended, no problem...

I can designate a school day as "Earth Day" and involve students in activities to worship religiously and praise the goddess "Mother Earth" and call it "ecology."

I can use literature, videos and presentations in the classroom that depicts people with strong, traditional Christian convictions as "simple minded" and "ignorant" and call (that teaching) "enlightenment."

However, if anyone uses this facility to honor GOD and to ask HIM to Bless this event with safety and good sportsmanship, then Federal Case Law is violated.

This appears to be inconsistent at best, and at worst, diabolical. Apparently, we are to be tolerant of everything and anyone, except GOD and HIS Commandments.

Nevertheless, as a school principal, I frequently ask staff and students to abide by rules with which they do not necessarily agree. For me to do otherwise would be inconsistent at best, and at worst, hypocritical... I suffer from that affliction enough unintentionally. I certainly do not need to add an intentional transgression.

For this reason, I shall "Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's," and refrain from praying at this time.

"However, if you feel inspired to honor, praise and thank GOD and ask HIM,in the name of JESUS, to Bless this event, please feel free to do so. As far as I know, that's not against the law----yet."

One by one, the people in the stands bowed their heads, held hands with one another and began to pray.

They prayed in the stands. They prayed in the team huddles. They prayed at the concession stand and they prayed in the Announcer's Box!

The only place they didn't pray was in the Supreme Court of the United States of America- the Seat of "Justice" in the "one nation, under GOD."

Somehow, Kingston, Tennessee Remembered what so many have forgotten. We are given the Freedom OF Religion, not the Freedom FROM Religion. Praise GOD that HIS remnant remains!

Is homeschooling for you?

I keep asking myself if homeschooling is right for us. The answer is YES!
If you are unsure, I have found a book at the library that will help you to decide.
The Complete Guide to Homeschooling, by John and Kathy Perry.
This is a GREAT book. Even if you are not a homeschooler, or are one of those who have a million questions, and think we are crazy. Than this book is for you, too!
When I read in this book a passage that describes a note sent home from a public school to the parents, I almost choked, but it sums it up.
p56--"It's the school's job to teach the child. It's the parent's job that the child learns. The school accepts no responsibility for your child learning."
Please read this book. I highly recommend it.

Taps

Taps
AN INTERESTING HISTORY

If any of you have ever been
to a military funeral in which taps were played;
this brings out a new meaning of it.

Here is something Every American should know. Until
I read this, I didn't know, but I checked it out and
it's true:

We in the United States have all heard the haunting
song, "Taps." It's the song that gives us that lump
in our throats and usually tears in our eyes.

But, do you know the story behind the song? If not,
I think you will be interested to find out about its
humble beginnings.

Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during the Civil
War, when Union Army Captain Robert Ellicombe was
with his men near Harrison's Landing in Virginia.
The Confederate Army was on the other side of the
narrow strip of land.

During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moans
of a soldier who lay severely wounded on the field.
Not knowing if it was a Unionor Confederate
soldier, the Captain decided to risk his life and
bring the stricken man back for medical attention
Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire, the
Captain reached the stricken soldier and began
pulling him toward his encampment.

When the Captain finally reached his own lines, he
discovered it was actually a Confederate soldier,
but the soldier was dead.

The Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his
breath and went numb with shock. In the dim light,
he saw the face of the soldier. It was his own son.
The boy had been studying music in the South when
the war broke out. Without telling his father, the
boy enlisted in the Confederate Army.

The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked
permission of his superiors to give his son a full
military burial, despite his enemy status. His
request was only partially granted.

The Captain had asked if he could have a group of
Army band members play a funeral dirge for his son
at the funeral.

The request was turned down since the soldier was a
Confederate.

But, out of respect for the father, they did say
they could give him only one musician.

The Captain chose a bugler. He asked the bugler to
play a series of musical notes he had found on a
piece of paper in the pocket of the dead youth's
uniform.

This wish was granted.

The haunting melody, we now know as "Taps" used at
military funerals was born.

The words are:
Day is done.
Gone the sun.
From the lakes
From the hills.
From the sky.
All is well.
Safely rest.
God is nigh.

Fading light.
Dims the sight.
And a star.
Gems the sky.
Gleaming bright.
From afar.
Drawing nigh.
Falls the night.

Thanks and praise.
For our days.
Neath the sun
Neath the stars.
Neath the sky.
As we go.
This we know.
God is nigh

I too have felt the chills while listening to "Taps"
but I have never seen all the words to the song
until now. I didn't even know there was more than
one verse I also never knew the story behind the
song and I didn't know if you had either so I
thought I'd pass it along.

I now have an even deeper respect for the song than
I did before.

Remember Those Lost and Harmed While Serving Their
Country.

Also Remember Those Who Have Served And
Returned; and for those presently serving in the
Armed Forces.

You Are A Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Girl

Creative. Expressive. Unique.

What Flavor Ice Cream Girl Are You?

Mingle² - Online Dating

Ha,Ha,Ha! My blog is rated PG---- What????
the word Dead is mentioned 3X'x now 4. And the word Poop is mentioned 1X now 2.
How about this one -Go take a dead poop! OOOPPPSSSS that makes it 5 and 3.
What ever, this is not really a big deal I guess, considering what ususally
comes out of my mouth is Triple X rated. After all of this hullaballo I guess I am rated R. My kids hear worse on Saturday morning cartoons.
Forgive me Lord, I know, we are working on that.

Want a way to help New Orleans?
Try donating cash to our Libraries!
All of the information is there on the website.

We now have a temporary library in Mid City.
Kind of pitiful really,only about 150 books.
The boys and I were still able to find books for
their summer reading list.
Still unsure about schooling over the summer.
I am consentrating on the math and reading for fun.
I have been lucky enough to find a science experiment work book,
that I think will be perfect.(If I ever get around to it)

As far as crafting goes- I have been busy making a crochet
doll and lots of doll clothes. I am not quite sure what to do with it
when I am finished, but since everything is my own design, I may sell it.
Still not sure, I am in love with her already.
She is made like a newborn, big head and long body with skinny arms and legs.
I still have to work on the eyes though.

The garden is doing well-but the weather is strange, either
really dry and hot, or really wet and chilly.

The husband bought me a camera phone for my birthday but it doesn't transfer
pics to anything other than a phone. That really pisses me off,
but it was a nice present anyway.

Theodore Roosevelt's ideas on Immigrants and being an AMERICAN in 1907.

"In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person's becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American...There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag... We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language... and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people."

Theodore Roosevelt 1907

This statement is a bit all or nothing, but the gist of it is, America is a melting pot of the world. Even though we may be German,French,or Hispanic, to live in America, you become American!
I am American! Thank God for America!

Postpartum depression

Postpartum depression!
Yeah, I admit it! After the birth of my first child, it was very mild. During my second pregnancy it became worse. After the birth of my second child it was horrible. I did not seek treatment, because I did not know I had it. 2 years later, When I miraculously "snapped" out of it. I could put 2 and 2 together.
If you feel any ill will toward you baby or resentment, please talk to your doctor. Don't just muddle through like I did.
My youngest is now 8 years old, and I still feel some guilt about not "wanting" him when he was born. But I wouldn't give up any of my kids, they are my life.

Finally someone with Christian sense! I think the public puts too much faith in certain people who are not what they seem. Choose your public officials and spokes-persons wisely.
This was sent by Bigfoot...

This piece is classic. Pure truth. And thank God that this writer is black..Can you imagine the uproar had a white writer penned the very same words?. Don't wait to read this in the NY Times or Washington Post, or see it on CBS, ABC, or NBC..If you agree pass it on...and, by the way, get out your dictionary! This guy is good!









Dear Jesse Jackson:

Posted: September 19, 2006
1:00 a.m. Eastern

Dear Rev. Jackson :

I read with interest your Sept. 12, 2006, article "Goodwill, unity, money have been squandered since Sept. 11," which appeared in the Chicago Sun-Times. I do not object, as such, to your poisonous screed directed at President Bush. I object to the substance that so freely flows from your mouth and that can best be likened unto that which is consistent with encopresis albeit in your case, the malady can hardly be defined as involuntary.

You purport yourself to be a minister a reverend a so-called man of God but a minister is a servant and a reverend is a member of the clergy, which means said individual is to be obedient unto the God he serves. If one serves the "god" of chaos, deceit, lies, whore-mongering, dysfunction, greed and resentment then perhaps within ecclesiastical environs it can be said you serve well. Apart from same being the case, you are antithetical of everything that can remotely be identified as a biblical servant of the true "Living God." But I get ahead of myself.

In the piece you wrote, our military is "stranded [in Iraq ] with inadequate training and inadequate direction." On what did you base that premise? On what basis do you brand the finest all-volunteer military in the history of civilization as poorly trained and inept? Or was your statement an effluence based on an apriori moment designed to gain political points for the upcoming election?

You spoke of "catastrophic climate change, global pandemics and unsustainable trade deficits" but you never make mention of the catastrophic zeitgeist that has wreaked havoc and "more economic damage" upon the community you self-servingly claim to represent. You are never heard making reference to the "pandemic" level of black on black crime, black abortion rates, black single-parent homes (albeit you contributed to those numbers) and black criminal behavior, all of which threatens the future of blacks as a whole.

You wrote that the president, "instead of asking Americans to sacrifice to meet the challenge [of 9/11] called on them, literally, to go shopping." You condescendingly wrote, "He allowed business as usual to go on in Washington ." I ask you how much more could Americans have sacrificed than watching their innocent family members and co-citizens perish? How much more sacrifice could the president have called upon the people to make? Or by sacrifice were you saying that the president could have called upon Americans to give more pints of blood or more supplies to charity groups that were immediately besieged with donations? Perhaps you reasoned that ordinary people performing extraordinary acts of volunteerism and acts of mercy were not sacrifice enough. Or were you suggesting that President Bush should have ordered everyone to hide under their kitchen tables and quake in fear?

What part of the American spirit do you perceive wasn't grieving after those attacks? What do you believe the people of Washington and its metropolitan area experienced daily as they commuted past the final resting place of those aboard United Flight 77? What would you have done differently? How would you have displayed leadership?

In the article, you spoke of the 9/11 commission being "nonpartisan": Does that include Richard Ben-Veniste and Jamie Gorelick? You derided the very intelligence tools that have prevented terrorist attacks on our soil since 9/11. You intentionally and erroneously labeled domestic eavesdropping "warrantless wiretapping," never mentioning that it prevented Lyman Farris from blowing up the Brooklyn Bridge , was instrumental in protecting the Sears Towers and was key in uncovering the UK suicide bombers' plan to blow up 10 international passenger planes just one month ago.

You blame the president for bringing "discredit to the nation across the world." My question to you is, who brought discredit on the nation in 1979 when we had a president who betrayed a trusted ally and was unable to free Americans held hostage. Who brought "discredit" on America in the years preceding 9/11, as the mongrel followers of a pedophile and false god bombed American interests around the world? Is President Bush to blame for the 1993 World Trade Tower bombings?

You referred to Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld as "ugly and dishonest." I ask you, is that not a more appropriate self-description? You are the man who rubbed the blood of a fallen hero on your clothing and then lied, saying he died in your arms Shall we outline your financial dealings?

You claim the president's credibility is gone, when in truth it is you who has no credibility. President Bush is fulfilling the role of his office. But as a minister, can the same be said of you? Are you fulfilling God's prescripts for the priestly office you claim to hold? How many people have you personally led to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ? How many people have you preached the salvation message to?

What have you done to bring glory and honor to the name of Christ? Is that what you were doing as you paraded your pregnant mistress around the White House while supposedly ministering to a president taken with sexual sin of his own?

"Goodwill, unity, money" have indeed been squandered, but not since 9/11. They have been squandered on you and your morally depraved kind. You claim a title that should offer "hope," but instead you offer fool's parsley.

My prayer for you would be, and is, that you would confess the error of your ways while there is yet time, because the "Living God" takes a dim view of those who intentionally lead his children astray.

Sincerely,

Mychal S. Massie

P.S. I am available to debate you, anywhere, on the relative principles of your ersatz theology versus true Christianity

(Think on this and click on the link for the article- you decide for yourself)

Why so blue?

I have an Uncle who died today. I am feeling sad, but oddly relieved. When my Aunt M. died a few years ago, it really threw us all(malpractice???) She was very sweet, and my Grandmother's only sister. Since her death my Uncle has really been having a hard time coping. After 50+ years of Marriage I guess I would too! The circumstances surrounding his passing will leave many to speculate for years.(Broken heart!) I take comfort in knowing that he is with Aunt M, where he always wanted to be. That is why I am relieved.

sewage

Can poop really rebuild the marsh lands? Yes it can!!!!
Marshland rejuvination

word association

I am not really sure what this word association tells about me but here it is.

1. Savage ::
rude

2. Warrior ::
strong

3. Daisy ::
garden

4. Schedule ::
shmedule

5. Rock, paper, scissors ::
winner

6. Medical ::
money

7. Jade ::
green

8. Elevator ::
go-up/go-down

9. Drain ::
emotions

10. Goldfish ::
dead

Please remember to use http://subliminal.lunanina.com when linking to Unconscious Mutterings. Thanks!

sculpture garden-nudity

My eldest son and I took a long walk and found ourselves in city park today. Our City park just so happens to be next to our museum and a sculpture garden. We decided to have a stroll through this garden. It is free, with donations.
We had a good time, but I had some 'splainin' to do. I really had not thought that an 11 yr old would be shocked by a sculpture of a naked woman, or naked men, but he was. I guess I am a bit used to seeing nudity in "ART", and it just was over my head.
We had a few discussions about his reactions, and the art. Of course his favorite sculpture happend to be a naked woman, I thought her form was quite lovely, and gracefull. The biggest shocker for ES happend to be the 4 sculptures of naked men, he asked me to cover my eyes. They were crudely done but naked none the less.
ES seemed to be fascinated with a walk way made of stepping stones crossing over a small pond (it seemed as if the blocks were little islands, with water flowing around them). I hope that this will be a memory that he will always treasure, as I will. Our expenses- Burger King...$10, Sculpture Garden....$6, Your son telling you to cover your eyes.....Priceless!!!!

Family finds....

My SD went on an attic hunt a few days ago. She found a bunch of old letters from WWII and some pattern books(in Norwegian) from some my H's Mor-Mor.
Well I kept the stamps from some of the letters, and my H's Bestemama gave me the pattern books. As I was perusing through these I found a pattern book for a sweater that is almost identical to a sweater that Silja finished for MrT.
Of course it is a kids pattern, but I have other patterns that are similar.


Unfortunately, I can't read them, but they are nice to look at.

Name a smell that you are fond of, and why. This is from Silja's blog.
If you are interested in playing Name that favorite smell---be my guest, I am not too fond of tagging people either.

Coffee- yeah, simple I know.

Growing up, when I would smell coffee I would think of my Dad. Even though I wasn't raised with my father, the few memories that I do have, usually involve coffee, or alcohol, but that memory has no place in my wonderful coffee memory.
I smell coffee and I feel alive and refreshed, but also calmed and relaxed, Go figure!
I LOVE coffee... and if I could mainline it I would. With sugar and Half & Half of course, I am a creamer purist.... No, No, No fake powdery creamer touches these lips, unless I am out of the good stuff of course.
I like coffee hot, I like coffee cold, I like coffee in a house, I like coffee in a box, I like coffee.....coffee I am!!!

Craft-tastic!!!

Yesterday, I decided to make some shorts for my son. He is outgrowing everything so quickly. I have a really good pattern for shorts, with a zipper but I didn't have the back panel-don't know where it went to!
Then I remembered when the boys were wee ones, I had a very simple pattern that makes a left and right panel. I have figured out how to do this after much forgotten experience. The really exciting part is that I made these shorts-pattern free, out of a 2XL t-shirt........
Let me explain, I hate to throw out anything. My Mom brought over some clothes for this season, slightly used, still wearable. No shorts! So I made them out of some of the T-shirts.
--Lay the t-shirt flat, You have to have a front crotch and a back crotch. Starting with cutting under one sleeve make a narrow J cut(front), removing the sleeve. Do the same on the other sleeve only make a much deeper J cut(back), removing the other sleeve. Making sure that the length of the legs match with the cut for the crotch.(bottom half of the t is the legs. Cut across the top removing the neck and shoulders of the T-shirt.Cut evenly along the sides of the Tshirt making a right and a left leg. Matching right sides together, sew a seam matching front crotch, then sew a seam matching back crotch- you will then have a tube. Match up the seam for the front and back crotches and sew the leg seams,if you save the original hem of the t-shirt you will not have to hem the legs.
Add elastic in the top, in what ever manner suits you, and Ta-Da!!
You will have a pair of shorts that my son calls Craft-tastic!!!!
If this dosen't make sense to you.. try it, you will see!

Goodbye to dear friends

Tonight after the realisation that I have to wait for more episodes of Heros, I was struck by the devastation that I have nothing to watch on Monday or Tuesday!!!!!!
Gilmore Girls heinously ripped from my viewing pleasure,
And now this long and boring wait for the next volume of Heros!!
I can't stand it!!!! I really don't watch TV that much but GG and H are my favorites. I guess I will have to relinquish the tv to the Hubby, and go to bed early.
This really bites!!!

I've been tagged!!!!

Well I have finally been tagged.
I didn't think I would be excited about this, but I am, sort of.

I have been tagged by Tabitha. These are the rules.

Each person tagged gives 7 random facts about themselves.
Those tagged need to write in their blogs the 7 facts,
as well as the rules of the game.
You need to tag 7 others and list their names on your blog.
You have to leave those you plan on tagging a note in their
comments so they know that they have been tagged and to read your blog.

1.I am still on the fence most days about homeschooling. I know this is what God has called me to do. He has shown me this in too many ways for me not to notice. This is actually our first full year, and we still have 4 more months of school work to do. When the teacher is out sick, the school is out of session. Sure helping me with my housework and other odd jobs is sometimes classified as a school day, but isn't that cheating?
2.I love, love, love, to wear sweaters, socks, and anything warm. This doesn't always work out for me since I live in the south, but it helps that I am less than 100lbs.
3. Yes! I weigh less than 100lbs. I am only 5 foot tall. Quite tiny, not anorexic.
I eat, promise. Living in New Orleans, how can you not eat. My Dad is also very skinny. Sorry ladies, I try to gain weight, honest!!!!Highest weight 111 lbs on due date with 2nd child. I was all baby.
4. I survived Katrina! Long story. We are back home now.
5. I am not a big fan of chocolate. Weird huh! I would rather vanilla, Coffee, or something salty.
6. I sleep mostly on my right side, with a stuffed pig. My husband says it "hogs" the bed.I love pigs even in my sleep.
7. Yarn talks to me.I can go through a "Wal-Mart yarn clearance sale stash" in about 1-2 months. Mostly for charity. I am self taught at crochet and knitting. Crochet not a challenge, been doing that for 13 years. Knitting, only 2 years,is somewhat more difficult since I am a combined knitter. It makes it harder to follow patterns.

talking about myself- not a problem
tagging 7 people- a problem

since I tend to take Tabitha's view on the whole forwarding thing, this time I will abstain on that.

I may have a add on later..

As for my surgery. So far mostly well. Interesting turn of events....It may not have been my eye teeth giving me all the trouble... still have pain and it is in the same spot.
I will write more about this later.

Thank you Tabitha for tagging me!

Crochetme site

cool new site for crochet.
Crochet Me
cool pattern for an apron, and a mesh bag.
I am thinking of making the mesh bag.
Check it out.

Oral surgery tomorrow.
Have mystery pain medicine. Meprozine, for moderate to SEVERE pain.
WHAT!!!!!!!!!
I pray that it works, 'cause this is freaking me out!
Not that I have many readers of this blog,
but to those who may be curious about the outcome of this situation,
you will have to wait a week, I think.
God Bless us all, everyone.

Surgery

It is very hard not to give in to fear!
For the last month or so, I have been dealing with massive tooth infection.
First started as a simple abscess,that popped up and engulfed the left side of my face in 2 days time.
After repeated visits to the dentist and many rounds of expensive antibiotics,a trip to the oral surgeon. I now have an appointment to have an impacted eye tooth removed. Two actually. The main one is in my pallet, an it has a cyst on it. Worst fears realised. Kind of major mouth surgey.
Funny how the docs' want it done NOW, but I can't get an appointment for 2 weeks. Go Figure.
Other than a Yeast infection that I am sure came from the bowels of Hades itself. I am just buying time.
Everytime I close my eyes all I think of is that Mexican man on Dr.90210, who had a major cleff lip and pallet. Major reconstruction surgery. Then I realise how blessed and lucky I am not to have that.
God will be my strength.

New Orleans is still here.

Check out this site on New Orleans

History of the Pineapple in design

I have been busy dealing with an abscess. Now on Cipro, and worried about my tendons.

Anyway, The History of Pineapple in design, is something I thought would be interesting.

Have a blessed day.

tooth ache and sweater

Other than dealing with another tooth ache I am in the process of making a knit in one piece sweater. This I hope to be for charity.
I still have a bit of tweaking to do, but I will try to post it when I am done.
Life is busy but I still work in the garden when I can.
The boys and I will be taking the next few days off of school.
We all need a break, it is Easter weekend after all.
Jesus is the reason for the season.

stupid survey cause I am bored

1. What time did you get up this morning? 8:30

2. Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema?
Ghost rider, Cage's body is in really great shape

4. What is your favorite TV show? Gilmore Girls

5. What do you usually have for breakfast?
Oatmeal, or banana, Copious amounts of Coffee!!!!!!!!!!!

WHERE DID 6 go???
(maybe 6 is afraid of 7, because 7 , 8, 9.....hahahaha!)

7. What is your middle name? Ann

8. What food do you dislike? Ketchup,cauliflour

9. What is your favorite CD at the moment?
I have been on a Classical kick lately, on tape of all things.

10. What kind of car do you drive?
What is driving? Oh, you crazy kids with your new fangled ideas!

11. Favorite sandwich? anything with chicken

12. What characteristic do you despise?
Big fat LIARS!!!!!! And skinny ones too!!!!!!!!

13. Favorite item of clothing? cool socks, and sweaters

14. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go?
Egypt

15. What color is your bathroom? a way to bright peach and mint green tile,
sage green slate tile on the floor, that I am in love with.

16. Favorite brand of clothing? no fave brand, It has to be comfortable

17. Where would you retire to? the country, maybe Vacherie or someplace slightly wooded.

18. What was your most recent memorable birthday? My 21st, I had my son 2 days after, whew that was interesting.

19. Favorite sport to watch? does knit or crochet count??

20. Furthest place you are sending this? Florida

21. Who do you least expect to send this back to you? Bigfoot

22. Person you expect to send it back first? Mom

23. Favorite saying? "Come the **** on Bridget!"

24. When is your birthday? 7/8 **

25. Are you a morning person or a night person?
Night person, always have been, ask my Mom.

26. What is your shoe size? 6 1/2

27. Pets? Husband , Kids, 2 birds, 1 Maggie(my baby-dog)

28. Any exciting news you'd like to share with us?
We are still alive, we made it through another day of homeschooling!

29. What did you want to be when you were little?
A Mommy, What the heck was I thinking??????

30. How are you today?
Ask me tomorrow the verdict is still out on that one.

31. What is your favorite candy? Heath bar

32. What is your favorite flower?
Lilly of the valley, we have snow bells in the garden
and they are really close but no smell.

33. What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to?
I am not even sure what day it is anymore, they all run together!

34. What are you listening to right now?
My husband fussing my son about fussing at my baby Maggie. ( see 27)

35. What was the last thing you ate? A taco salad

36. Do you wish on stars? No, but don't we always say the
star light poem when we see that first star?

37. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Cerulean Blue

38. How is the weather right now?
I wish it would rain, I have a garden that I am too lazy to water today.
But I guess over all it is really nice.

39. Last person you spoke to on the phone? Mimi

41. Favorite soft drink? COFFEE COFFEE COFFEE!

42. Favorite restaurant? The Cabin, in Burnside, La.

43. Hair color? brown with redish highlights

44. Sibling? Robert, Charles, Fred, Eric, Amanda, Kristina, Kenny, Doug, Sarah, Matt, Ryan, August, and another one that I don't know and have never met. I guess that is all so far. 13

45. Favorite day of the year? Christmas

46. What was your favorite toy as a child? Baby Beth

47 Summer or Winter? Winter ,I get to wear sweaters, scarves, hats and socks,
I can even use blankets.....Wooooohooooooo!

48. Hugs or kisses? I am not very touchy feely, 3 feet of personal space unless I approach you please!!! Hugs I guess.

49. Coffee or tea? Duh, COFFEE

50. Chocolate or Vanilla? Vanilla or Coffee

51. You have to go 3 blocks, walk or drive? Walk

52. When was the last time you cried?
Everyday! It is good to cry, even at commercials!

53. What is under your bed?
A monster, he eats shoes and poops dust bunnies.
Am I the only one who has to run and jump to get in?

54. Who is the friend you have had the longest?
Becky S. Who now resides in FL. She had great Barbies

55. What did you do last night?
knit, laundry, cry to hubby about the kids. Same thing every day.

56. Favorite smell? Vanilla, or coffee, night blooming jasmine

57. What are you afraid of? bugs touching me, snakes, and newts....eeewww!

58. Salty or sweet? I like salty, but sweet is a good chaser

59. How many keys on your key ring? too many

60. How many years at your current job? Spouse-15 years, Mother 10, teacher 1

61. Favorite day of the week? Friday, that is when the creepy shows come on the travel channel.

62. How many towns have you lived in? Seems like a whole bunch, I guess about 8 or maybe 9.

63. Do you make friends easily? I guess, most people freak me out.

Have you ever been to New Orleans?

This is an email that was sent to me. The author is unknown. The sentiment is real. If you have ever been a part of New Orleans as I am, you would understand. We are a different breed of people. Not that we are better just different. Our culture and family are very imporant to us. The food is unique. We are unique.
Come and visit us before you write us off the map. WE ARE STILL HERE!!!!!!!!


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

New Orleans


New Orleans. How wonderful those words sound when said with no quirky
emphasis on odd syllables. They always seem to elicit some response. Have
you been there?

Have you ever been to Café Du Monde for beignets and café au lait and gone
back every morning of your visit? Have you ever sat for hours in the piano
bar at Pat O'Brien's sipping hurricanes? Have you ever been to Mardi Gras -
Bacchus? Endymion? Rex? Have you ever had oysters at the Acme House? Have
you ever sat out on the "fly" eating crawfish and drinking Dixie beer?

Have you ever taken a walking tour of the Garden District? Have you ever
sung karaoke at Cat's Meow? Do you know who John Folse is? Have you ever
risen at 6am to roam the streets of a "quiet" French Quarter? Have you ever
been to Galatoire's? K-Paul's? Emeril's? Can you remember when Zulu threw
gold-painted coconuts? Have you ever ridden the street-car down St.Charles
Avenue secretly sipping your strawberry daiquiri?

Have you ever had
a mint julep on the porch of The Columns Hotel? Have you ever been to
Audubon Park? City Park? Have you ever been to mass at the St. Louis
Cathedral?

Do you know who Harry Connick, Sr is? Have you ever had breakfast at
Brennan's? Have you ever been to the original Tipitina's? Have you ever been
to the Superdome? Saint's game? Sugar Bowl? Super Bowl? Final Four? Have you
ever had cheese fries at Fat Harry's? Thrown peanuts on the floor at
O'Henry's? Have you ever been to the Rendon Inn? Can you remember the New
Orleans World's Fair?

Have you ever been to the campuses of Tulane and Loyola? Have you been to a
crawfish boil? Sucked the heads? Have you ever been "on the lake"? "Across
the lake"? To the "west bank"? Have you had a Ferdi from Mother's and
wondered what "debris" was? Have you ever been an unexpected invitee to a
jazz funeral? Have you ever been to Jazzfest ---- first or second weekend?
Have you ever been to Pontchartrain Beach?

Have you ever stood in line at the Camellia Grill? Had a po-boy at
Uglesich's? Oyster and artichoke soup at Mandina's? BBQ shrimp at Pascal
Manale's? Gumbo at Dookie Chase? Have you ever been to a plantation home?
Have you ever been to the French Quarter festival? Can you pronounce
Tchoupitoulas? Thibodaux? Boutte? Have you ever been to Clancy's? The
Upperline? Brightsen's?

Have you ever been to the Biloxi beaches? Have you ever had a monsoon at
Port of Call? Breakfast at the Blue Bird? Have you ever seen the Neville
Brothers? Cowboy Mouth? The Radiators?

Have you ever been to New Orleans?

If you've been there, undoubtedly one of these things found its way to your
itinerary. You probably also saw the dirty streets, the tired shotgun
houses, and cracked sidewalks. You've heard about the high crime, poor
public schools, poverty, and racism. And yes, there are many housing
projects. It is very hot in the summer, people are generally overweight, and
the city is always a hurricane away from being flooded.

Each visitor chooses to see the New Orleans they want to see it. Luckily,
New Orleans has the amazing ability to win over many more than it loses. It
can cause one to see the big oaks hovering over St. Charles and not the
trash on the sidewalks. It can cause one to focus on the street musician and
not the street beggar. It can cause one to see the wrought iron balcony
rather than the dilapidated building. What is it about the Big Easy that
makes most see the positive and not the negative? The answer to New Orleans'
allure may, on the surface, seem different for locals and tourists but I
suspect that there is a common thread - the people, the heart and soul of
New Orleans.

There is a culture and tradition in New Orleans that is sweet and simple. No
need to over analyze this. It recognizes that the enjoyment of family and
life is as attainable for the poor as it is for the rich. A hand on a
shoulder and touch on the arm is just the way we say hello. We know that
good music, food, and drink is made all the better when surrounded by
friends who share the same outlook. When it is your way of life, when it is
woven into your circle of friends, social gatherings aren't seen as
"excesses" but as something you just do.

New Orleanians don't believe they've cornered the market on this way of
life. They recognize it when they see it elsewhere and they applaud it. What
makes New Orleans special is that they have a concentration of people who
have it and foster it. It's generational. It's hereditary.

The challenge to New Orleans, to the New Orleanian, is as great as ever. Its
reputation temporarily tarnished by the things that occurred in the
aftermath of Katrina, it is up to those who live there, have been there, and
adopted this city to not let these terrible scenes replace the ones they
have of the Big Easy. While money is needed to rebuild, preserving that
feeling and attitude that New Orleans gave you on that last visit is just as
important. Did the flood waters wash away the New Orleans way of life? Not a
chance. Not a chance that New Orleanians would deprive future generations of
this breeding ground of the good life.

With the vast destruction of parts of New Orleans now clear, the question is
being asked repeatedly, "Is New Orleans worth rebuilding?" To that, I can
only reply, "Have you ever been to New Orleans?"
Author unkown

To end, here is a quote from the Times-Picayune newspaper"

We dance when there is no music, We drink at funerals.
We talk too much, and live too large and, frankly, we're suspicious of
others who don't...When you meet us now and you look into our eyes, you will
see the saddest story ever told. Our hearts are broken into a thousand
pieces. But don't pity us, we're gonna make it. After all, we've been
rooting for the Saints for 35 years. Thats got to count for something."
-Chris Rose, Times-Picayune Columnist, New Orleans

Freeform knit/crochet for the bored.

For those who knit/crochet, I have found a really fun website. If some of you are like me, (I hate to throw out ANY scrap of yarn) Frugal(tight-wad)and bored with the same old things. Check out this website.Freeform by Prudence, My hands are already itching to try it. I might try a purse. I have sooo much eyelash yarn left over.

Teacher's stop

If anyone is interested in helping out a New Orleans business, this is a great one to check out. The Teacher's Stop
I know this lady personally. Her store was destroyed thanks to Katrina, but she has thankfully returned to my area.
Check out her online store. This is a great resourse for teacher materials.

I love plants

This is a very cool website for Gardeners. I LOVE PLANTSNot only are you greeted with a sweet bird chirping this site has almost everything. Check it out!

Relative sun sizes

Check out this awesome website.
Relative Sun Sizes
This one will be a shocker.

God is in control!

Have a great day!

Canola Good or Bad

With all of the chemicals that we ingest everyday, sometimes we just have to go back to basics.
I am no longer using Canola oil, but am switching back to EVOO- extra virgin olive oil.
Some say Canola oil is bad, others say it is good.
I know for a fact olive oil is good.
So back to Olive Oil.

The Truth is Exposed

This was sent to me by my stepfather. It is shocking to say the least.
I hold no grudges on anyone's religion,or sexual preference, that is between you and God.
I personally believe that Jesus is my savior,I know where I am going, my Father told me so.

The Truth is Exposed--- Muslim Religion

Rick is the founder of Mission Gate Prison Ministry.

Living in the Detroit area I can concur with this, we have more Muslims in our neighborhood monthly and they are very active in the schools preaching all the time about their 'rights' and how tolerant we should be of their faith. However toleration is a one-way street with them. We are to learn about Ramadan, etc. but they are not to learn about Easter or Christmas. What is below is very true. 'In God We Trust'

The Basics of Islam

The Muslim religion is the fastest growing religion per capita in the United States , especially in the minority races!

Allah or Jesus? By Rick Mathes

Last month I attended my annual training session that's required for maintaining my state prison security clearance.

During the training session there was a presentation by three speakers representing the Roman Catholic, Protestant and Muslim faiths, who explained each of their beliefs.

I was particularly interested in what the Islamic Imam had to say.

The Imam gave a great presentation of the basics of Islam complete with a video. After the presentations, time was provided for questions and answers.

When it was my turn, I directed my question to the Imam and asked: 'Please, correct me if I'm wrong, but I understand that most Imams and clerics of Islam have declared a holy jihad [Holy war] against the infidels of the world. And, that by killing an infidel, which is a command to all Muslims, they are assured of a place in heaven. If that's the case, can you give me the definition of an infidel?'

There was no disagreement with my statements and without hesitation, he replied, 'Nonbelievers!'

I responded, 'So, let me make sure I have this straight. All followers of Allah have been commanded to kill everyone who is not of your faith so they can go to Heaven. Is that correct?' The expression on his face changed from one of authority and command to that of a little boy who had just gotten caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

He sheepishly replied, 'Yes.' I then stated, 'Well, sir, I have a real problem trying to imagine Pope John Paul commanding all Catholics to kill those of your faith or Dr. Stanley ordering Protestants to do the same in order to go to Heaven!'

The Imam was speechless.

I continued, 'I also have a problem with being your friend when you and your brother clerics are telling your followers to kill me. Let me ask you a question. Would you rather have your Allah who tells you to kill me in order to go to Heaven or my Jesus who tells me to love you because I am going to Heaven and He wants you to be with me?'

You could have heard a pin drop as the Imam hung his head. Chuck Colson once told me something that has sustained me these 20 years of prison ministry. He said to me, 'Rick, remember that the truth will prevail.'

And it will!

Needless to say, the organizers and/or promoters of the 'Diversification' training seminar were not happy with Rick's way of dealing with the Islamic Imam and exposing the truth about the Muslim's beliefs.

I think everyone in the U.S. should be required to read this, but with the liberal justice system, liberal media, and the ACLU, there is no way this will be widely publicized. Please pass this on to all your e-mail contacts. This is a true story and the author, Rick Mathes, is a well-known leader in prison ministry.

Locks of Love

Since Hurricane Katrina I have been growing my hair.
My Mother-in-law has the dreaded "C".
Last go round I shaved my head, she was offended.
This go round I decided I would grow it and send it (10") to Locks of Love.
Well tonight, after finally catching my Mom in law in the same room,
I asked her to do the honors. I don't think she was offended this time.
I now have the hair cut from hell, but my hubby helped to straighten it out.
I have to wait a few days since it is the weekend-That is a bummer!
If you have 10 or more inches of hair that you would like to donate check them out.
Locks of love.

Gracious Parcels project

In my net surfing of blogs I have come across a wonderful site. This is one to check out. Make 7" squares for the Gracious Parcels project for Habitat for Humanity.

coats and clark

Through my web meandering I have discovered something that may intrest knitters and crocheters who use acrylic yarn. Coats and Clark no longer are able to guarantee consistency of color in their pounder skeins.
Other than that life is still life.
Mardi Gras is tomorrow. I am so glad it is almost over.

Tornadoes

We had a really awful tornado in our area this morning. We, by the grace of God were spared. But many were not. Some lost homes and businesses. One Lady even lost her life. God is in control of all.

On another note, here is another Quote--

"Going to Church doesn't make you a Christian,
just like standing in a garage doesn't make you a car!"
~Anonymous

I am in my Father's hands, let him mold me as he wishes.
But please don't send anymore catastropies my way anytime soon.
Amen

Happy Valentine's Day!

Points on homeschooling

I would like to thank those who appreciate what I do as a Christian home schooler, for their support.
Now we get to those who are against/don't understand what it is I do as a home schooler.
Let me break it down for you-
---God led me to this, He is the #1 reason why.
---Next to God and my husband, my children are the most important thing that God has entrusted to my care. They are MY responsibility.
---Public schools are a Joke! E.D.P.S. has some Blacks who are racist. I AM NOT SAYING THAT ALL BLACKS ARE RACIST OR THAT MOST BLACKS ARE RACIST. I am saying some of the Blacks that my children encountered in "one" particular Public school were extremely racist and downright cruel and mean. I find this a very dangerous situation for my children.
---Public school teachers were unable to give my children the time or the quality education that I know they can get one on one, from ME!
---I am able to monitor and modify certain unwanted behaviors here at home that I have no control over while they are in the mainstream.
---I am able to teach them about Our Lord "ALL DAY IF I WANT TO"
---Our physical school day is only about 3 hours of intense one on one tutoring per day. We often have days when we go on field trips,where they learn about the practical side of life, IE..the grocery store.
---I choose to be with my children 24 hours a day. (Not always easy, but I love them) We still have friends and visitors. We also have lives outside of school.
---They still retain relations with old friends, but I get to choose which ones.
---I am able to make up for all that they missed in school, like learning how to read! Yeah go figure.
I can go on for days but I think ultimately, either you are for or against homeschooling. That is not really my place to change your opinion. I have just stated facts for ours. Classroom schooling by a TEACHER was not always the "NORM". Many of our Presidents and greatest Americans were homeschooled. Some by the McGuffey Readers that are God based and that I currently use.
MY...how did we ever survive without the public school prison system?
Hmmmm....Could this current system be the problem?
To quote Forrest Gump "That's all I have to say about that!"

As for me and my family we serve the Lord!

This is the day of cleaning.

Sometimes I neglect cleaning my house. I like to have a clean house as much as most, I just think it sucks that I have to be the one to clean it.
Well I took most of yesterday and today doing just that, cleaning.
I didn't school today. I did NOT school today.
BITE ME!

C.H. Donations Update!

I thought I should update people on the Children's Hospital donation project. Their cup runneth o'er. So just send them blankets for now.
Ronald McDonald house is still taking items, mostly older children items. But I imagine they also need blankets.
If you are still looking for an outlet for all of your creations try calling hospitals in your area.

MOM - JOB DESCRIPTION

MOM - JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION : Mother, Mom, Mama, Mommy, Ma

JOB DESCRIPTION : Long term, team players needed, for challenging permanent
work in an often chaotic environment. Candidates must possess excellent
communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable
hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts
on call. Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive
camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away
cities. Travel expenses not reimbursed. Extensive courier duties also
required.

RESPONSIBILITIES : The rest of your life. Must be willing to be hated, at
least temporarily, until someone needs $5. Must be willing to bite tongue
repeatedly. Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be
able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the
screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf. Must be willing
to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair,
mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers. Must screen phone calls,
maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects.
Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all
ages and mental outlooks. Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, an
embarrassment the Next. Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a
half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices. Must always
hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Must assume final, complete
accountability for the quality of the end product. Responsibilities also
include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility.

POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION: Virtually none. Your job is to
remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly
retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can
ultimately surpass you

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE : None required unfortunately. On-the-job training
offered on a continually exhausting basis.

WAGES AND COMPENSATION : Get this! You pay them! Offering frequent raises
and bonuses. A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the
assumption that college will help them become financially independent. When
you die, you give them whatever is left. The oddest thing about this
reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and wish you could only
do more.

BENEFITS : While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition
reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options are offered; this job
supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth, the awesome
love that only a mother knows, the gift of nurturing and educating,
and free hugs for life, if you play your cards right.

THANK GOD FOR MAKING ME A MOTHER!

Disgusted!!

I am very disgusted today. Yesterday I watched people from the State cleaning out a school in my neighborhood. They were throwing everything in the dumpster and they were not allowing anyone to take anything. I managed to talk to some of the former teachers of this school. They were most distressed. They and I cannot believe that the state of LA has sent people to come and throw away the entire contents of this school. Of the 3 floors the bottom had Katrina water, the top had rain water. The second floor almost no damage. And Yet they were throwing out boxes of brand new books, computers, desks, various other materials.
I think this is horrible. New Orleans public schools are crying about not having books and other important materials neccessary to teach. Yet they continue to throw things out.
I talked to one of the men on the crew and he said they have 100 schools to clear out. WHY THROW IMPORTANT TEACHING MATERIALS IN THE GARBAGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Our tax dollars are paying for this.
I as a homeschooling Mom know how expensive these things can be.
I am shocked and saddend to watch the teachers cry about losing these things they need at other schools where they currently are teaching.
I have no more to say I will now go and cry.

18 She's an adult!!!!!!

Today is my stepdaughter's 18th birthday. Wooooo-Hooooo. I didn't think we would make it in one piece. Her teenage years were absolutely horrid. Many things have happened to her in her life. Our relationship has always been strained. If I could do it over again I would never have married a man with children. Anyway We made it!

Guns,knives, & pepper spray---OH MY!

I must say I am not surprised by the latest developments in LA's public schools. Guns,knives,pepperspray,deterioration of the public school environment,the lack of self control, and the banning of God.
Just to name a few.
These add to why I homeschool.
Thank You,Lord for helping me in every step of homeschooling.
Thank You for giving me courage to stand up for what I believe You want for our family.
Praise you for always being with us, even though we don't deserve you.

Baby donations

I just found this really cool website that has a list of hospitals who take donations for baby items. Yes Children's hospital of New Orleans is on there. Check it out at CARE WARE
I think this may help some people to find a hospital closer to them. Thank you all for helping.

The sweater mistake

With my aversion to measuring or trying things on as I go, I have made a really Huge sweater.
I used one of those pattern generators that you find on the internet. I really don't know what I am doing. It is supposed to fit a size 3 or 4. I don't know what size it is, I think my husband could use it as a boat cover...... realllllly BIG! I thought something was strange when I had to start another "pounder" skein. But not paying attention and just knitting along I really did myself in. Not just BIG.... really really BIG. 95 inches across the Bust..Before adding button strips.
I cannot stress this enough. I thought maybe I would finish it anyway just in case someone might fit it , but I really don't want to insult anyone.
In the end I am going to take it apart and try something else.
I should just stick to quick items like baby caps and blankets.
I still am not sure how this latest blunder came about I guess it has something to do with gauge. I don't need no stinking gauge...LOL . I am too cockey for my own good.

Take this homeschooler quiz.

What Type of Homeschooler Are You?

src="http://images.quizilla.com/G/guiltfree/1086547511_PotatoHead.jpg">
Mr. Potato Head You have your ideal of how things should look, but youre flexible enough to allow for change. You are not bothered by changing methods, mid-course if necessary. You use an eclectic combination of curriculum sources. Visit my blog: http://www.GuiltFreeHomeschooling.blogspot.com
Take this quiz!








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Coffee cups

I have a few blog posts that I read every day.
Silja's is one of them. On her blog today she suggested that we show off our favorite coffee cups.
I do not have a favorite cup, anything as long as it has coffee. I did bring one cup with me when we left for Katrina. I drank coffee out of this cup all day everyday for 4 months. It is just plain White with a white handle. Nothing special. I will never forget that little piece of home away from home. Unfortunately the said cup is still at Mimi's house.I left it there as a reminder when I go there of how far we have come.

Heaven

This is what God has created for us.
Heaven
Isn't He the Best!!!
I am confident that He is in control of all things.
Praise the Lord!

Bless you Boys!

Even though our New Orleans Saints didn't win the game against the Bears. We all still love them. I couldn't imagine life in N.O. without them. They played their hearts out. Bless you Boys, try again next season!

Obituary for Common Sense

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who
has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was,
since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He
will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:
Knowing when to come in out of the rain;
Why the early bird gets the worm;
Life isn't always fair;
and Maybe it was my fault.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend
more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children,
are in charge).

His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but
overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6 -year- old boy
charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended
from school for u sing mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for
reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.

Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the
job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly
children. It declined even further when schools were required to get
parental consent to administer Tylenol, sun lotion or a band-aid to a
student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and
wanted to have an abortion.

Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became
contraband; churches became businesses; and criminals received better
treatment than their victims.

Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a
burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.

Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to
realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot spilled it in
her lap and was awarded a huge settlement. Common Sense was
preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust; his wife, Discretion;
his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason.

He is survived by his 3 stepbrothers; I Know My Rights, Someone Else Is
To Blame, and I'm A Victim.

Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone. If
you still remember him, pass this on.

We may never fully comprehend what we have lost until we have no more lose.

Children's hospital contact information

In my efforts to get Children's hospital of New Orleans to post information about donations of Knitted or Crochet baby items, I have been somewhat unsuccessful. Here is the address

Children's Hospital
200 Henry Clay Avenue
New Orleans, Louisiana 70118
(504) 899-9511
info@chnola.org (Development Department)

They need preemie blankets 15x15 or larger.
Baby caps and other accesories are also accepted.
They will accept only Baby "soft" items. No items made out of wool, as this is too scratchy for the preemies.
Washed without fabric softener.
I like to store these in ziploc bags, it is easier to keep sets together.
Someone informed me that some preemies heads are really no bigger than your fist, just to give you an idea.
I would suggest that you send these items directly to Children's Hospital. As I do not want anyone to feel they were screwed in another "Katrina Scam".
Thank you all for everything that you are willing to do for Our New Orleans Babies.

If sending something to the hospitals (they all need help with baby items) in New Orleans seems too difficult. Try making things for hospitals in your area.
Bless you all.

Saints

GO! SAINTS,GO! We are getting closer to being on top than ever before. LA really needs this boost. Go boys, go! Congrats on the win!

knitted baby sweaters

I usually try simple quick items. This time I am trying sweaters. Not so quick.
One very cute baby sweater down and One left to finish. This was my first attempt at a knitted baby sweater. I love that it is all in one piece.
I ordered those mini in the round needles some people have been chatting about.
The jury is still out on this.
I am going to finish my second sweater now. With the mini's on the sleeves.

Schooling after break

Yahoo! We so far we are having a successful homeschooling week.
My cousin A, has also started homeschooling her son. I guess I am not that crazy after all for choosing to homeschool. You hear that W yes I am realising homeschooling is the way to go!
We still have awful days but most of them are really productive. I find myself in teacher mode most often than not. Scary huh!
I still have not heard from Children's Hospital about donations. I will have to contact them again.

Mardi Gras Again!!!

It's almost Mardi Gras here in New Orleans, Feb 2nd I think. I could just skip the whole thing. Too much chaos for me.
I say this and yet we are going to a parade on Saturday. This depends on the weather of course. This parade should be small, only 12 floats, and we get to hang out with my Mimi. It passes right in front of her house on Metairie Road. Mimi has been a great Aunt as well as a great friend. Of all of the people in my life that make my day better, she is at the top of the list. Next to my Mother of course.
We were blessed to have very generous family members. For 1 month after K we stayed in my Father in law and Mother in law's motor home. She had to have treatment for C so she was elsewhere. But my father in law let us stay with him in the motor home, 2kids, 3 adults, 1 dog. We were very comfortable, all things considered. We all got along well.
When we returned to the N.O. area, Mimi was generous to let us stay at her house.
Even with the over crowding,I was very happy to be there. Quite honestly I did not want to come back to N.O. In the end we did and we survived. Still have a few broken windows that need repairing, but I am not climbing up there. They have to be repaired from the outside, I was told. Sooner or later, Maybe this year.

Enough of that.

Still no letter from Children's Hosp. If you are really curious they have an email
info@chnola.org I do believe.Forward it to the Development Department.

You Are an Espresso

At your best, you are: straight shooting, ambitious, and energetic At your worst, you are: anxious and high strung You drink coffee when: anytime you're not sleeping Your caffeine addiction level: high

What Kind of Coffee Are You?

I really miss the ladies of CCNG. Since homeschooling this year, I have not been able to attend meetings regularly. I contacted our editor about our not having a web site, and donations and this is what transpired.

Beth,

We donated some preemie hats and a couple of blankets to Childrens Hospital before Christmas. Gayle was asked if we could make some preemie blankets. CCNG had made many before Katrina. I put the demensions in the Jan. newsletter. Also in the two years before Katrina CCNG had given Ronald Mcdonald House a number ofquilts, two of which they auction at one of their events. I took 3 baby hats, 5 childrens and two adult hats to Ronald McDonald House on December 23rd. I had talked to the donations person when I made arrangements to take the donation from the ANG chapter. She told me they had some families that could use them. You could barely walk in her office a it was so crammed with bags of donated items! Our group are very giving with their handiwork! We have days when we tie quilts members have made the quick and easy way on their sewing machines. Those meetings are alot of fun, alot of laughter. The quilts have gone to several different groups in the past.You should have seen us making preemie blankets! Nita brought her serger, Rhea and Neva brought embroidery machines. Two other members and I cut out blankets, Nita hemmed, Rhea and Neva embroidered a Disney figure on one end and 4 others tied off the threads. A regular production line! We turned out 35 blankets that day, of course Nita had several hemmed before hand and I had cut out five or so at home. We are hoping to have another day like that soon.
Hope to see soon.Lou

Lou explained to me that most of the ladies are elderly and not computer savvy, so they don't feel the need for a website at this time. Maybe we can change that!

On another note I just discovered a new program on HGTV--Knitty Gritty it comes on at 10 central time, you may have to check your area for the listings.

I will keep you posted on the donation info when I recieve it.

Hat donations

I have contacted our Children's Hospital Development Department @ (504)896-9375.
They do indeed need baby items donated. They ask that they be items made only with soft yarn, baby yarn, or soft material. I asked them to send me an email pertaining to this, as soon as I recieve this I will post it on my blog for all to see. It may take a few days. I didn't catch the lady's name, but she was very nice, and she assured me that they always need donations. So ladies and gents craft away.
Some of the items that I have made may not be soft enough so I will have to donate them to the Ronald McDonald house down the street. Yes they take donations too.

index card pattern keeper

I love to knit and crochet on the go. Pretty much anywhere I can do it, I will do it. Except church of course, but that doesn't meen I don't think about it.
To make it easier on myself, I started using index cards- The ones with the spiral attatched.
I just make a copy of whatever pattern I need and mini it, then tape it with clear tape to the front and back of the index card. I have 1 almost filled full of projects on the go. I love it. Just an idea.

I have every intention of homeschooling today, but with a week long vacation this will be interesting.
I don't understand why the public school students have off until the 5th of Jan. My kids so far havent' caught on. We are schooling.
It is 12:34pm and so far the kids are cleaning their room. I can't promise that today will be productive. This has been interesting. Homeschooling for the most part is really easy and fun, but the discipline sometimes can be exhausting. The boys are slowly coming around to my way of thinking.
While the boys are busy I have been working on some baby caps and blankets. I am almost finished a knitted blanket. Knitting takes so much longer than crochet.
Well it is lunch time and I have to drop everything just to feed the kiddies.
I hope everyone has a much more productive day than me.

Happy New Year

I pray that all of you have a great New Year. We are staying home. I will be making cabbage with pickle meat and potatoes. I will make black eyed peas for the kids. Lets just say we will be very bloated for the New Year....
Have a Great Year!