Socialization, yeah right, NO Thank you.

Here is an answer to socialization........... and one of the reasons why my children are no longer in public school. And if one more person asks me "what about socialization" they may find me "GOING OFF" on them!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I want my kids to have an education and to fear the Lord, not to be instructed on how to take a leap test and fear for thier lives. My children have many friends, I know thier parents and where they live, I even know who to call when "they" act a fool. In a P.S. setting, guess what, my kids are on thier own, and I am not allowed to interfere in my child's "safety and education"
Socialization, yeah right, NO Thank you.
Beth

Click here: School is Not for Socializing — Out of the Mouths of Public Schoolers! | Mother By Nature

http://motherbynature.ca/2009/02/school-is-not-for-socializing-out-of-the-mouths-of-public-schoolers/

New Orleans vernacular

Curious why we Nawlineans speak the words we speak?

Check this out!

Learn things about our culture.

Check out the rest of the site while you are there.

Pissing and moaning

Lord help me!
I don't know if I am in a funk because my husband and youngest boy went out of town for three days or if I am loosing my mind.
Yesterday I snapped at my mother about going to drop off 8 bags of clothes at the thrift store. I had a decent time, but didn't manage to look at much for myself, since oldest boy was ready to go. Sure he was ready to go after I shopped for him for 45 min.
Then this morning he pissed and moaned about the clothes that HE picked out.
Schooling was a disaster. I have been dealing with disrespect and laziness all day.
I have had to leave the room 4 times just so they didn't get the crap beat out of them. Yeah sure it must be the "teen angst" that I am dealing with, but why do I have to be the brunt of all of the worlds evil.
I am not the cause of everyone's troubles, just like any one person is the cause of mine.
I have taken it to God, multiple times. I am just not sure if I can hack this homeschooling thing anymore. My level of anxiety is at its top most level. I am having nightmares and chest pains with muscle tension, almost to the point of wanting to pack my stuff and leave. Just to get away from this everlasting misery.
Maybe I am depressed? But I am not taking a dang thing for it. I ususally have someone to talk to, a best friend, but she has been soooo busy with her own problems that we just don't talk anymore. I really miss her. And maybe I am loosing her. Or maybe it is just the season.....I don't think I even know what I am doing anymore.
Maybe I should reserve a bed in the nut house!
Or maybe I could just hang on one more day and pray that God sees fit to fix these things...or not.
Why bother! Now I am just pissing and moaning about crap that I have created.
So what now?

My wonderful boys

This is Kris, my 9 year old.


This is Shelby my 12 year old. Or a likeness of him, any way.

Back to school 100th post

This is my 100th post!!!!

We are now in a new school year! This technically makes year #4 for us homeschoolers. Actually just #3 because of Katrina.
Wow, I am totally shocked. I can't believe that.
Thankfully it is in God's hands.

List of gratitude

Sometimes I feel like this blog has become a "bitch-fest" please forgive me. I don't always feel this way. Life has been challenging lately.
I guess I should post more on the things that make me happy, or make a gratitude list.

I am grateful for.....

God
My Husband
My children
My Mother
My Mother in Law(now passed)
My grandmother
My Mimi
My Bestemama
My Aunts... all 5 of them
and the rest of my family
a place to live
food to eat
money to survive
money to splurge
money to save
money to pay bills
money to .....whatever
a comfortable bed
a sweet dog
a sweet bird
a computer
a recliner
knitting needles
crochet hooks
donated yarn
knowledge
skill
paitence
that my husband has a job
that I can school my children
that my children are safe
that I still have my health
that my family still has their health
that my MIL is no longer suffering
a flea comb
flea medicine
school materials
electricity
gas
water
a bathroom sink that is unclogged
cable
computer
internet
that my identity is still intact...I pray
that my body can still function
that I still have all of my faculties
my earings
my wedding ring
that my husband still wants me
that I still want my husband
that my husband has quite a few years off of drugs(5ish)
that we had places to go when Katrina demolished our city.
that we had food to eat
that we didn't lose anyone
that we didn't lose our home
that I still have my hair
for the grays-I have earned them
for the wrinkles-aging gracefully(I HOPE)
that my children are good kids
that I even had children
that they are boys
my stepdaughter
that she is still alive
that she didn't do me in...
that she is an adult
my step dad-Bigfoot
my extended family
my father in law
my sister in law
her family
all of my brothers and sisters
my friends
wanda
her family
that I have people who give me clothes
that I have a church
that I have my faith
that I have hope
that I have love
that I have comfort
that I have relief
that I have strength
that I have peace
that I have knowledge
that I have wisdom
that I have discernment
that I have energy
that I have health
that I have God
that I have Jesus
that I have life
that I was able to give life
that I am able to see and know those lives
that I am able to love those around me
that I can forgive, many times over
that I can be forgiven
that I can dream
that I have all of my senses
that I know love
that someone loves me
that I am able to make things for people who have less
that I don't live in a third world country
that I can be proud to be an American
for our soldiers
for those who have fought/given life/limb/sanity for my freedom
God blesses America
God blesses me and my family

This is a long gratitude list...I could continue, but I think I could be here all night.
Thank you, God- for everything.
Your daughter

Medicated child?!!!??!!!!!????!!!! What!!!!!!!

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/medicatedchild/

As a homeschooling Mom of 2, I have been confronted with "teachers" who have suggested that I put my children on medication for ADD or ADHD. This special on Frontline--The Medicated child, really opened my eyes. I am proud to say that with the help of God and the support of my husband, I have NOT put either of my children on any medication. If I do go to a Doctor who suggests Medication I will change doctors. WHAT is WRONG with people.... A 4 year old "normal" hyper child should not need to be zombieized.
I know parents and children who have had to be medicated. Knowing the situation, it was necessary. And the child is thriving. But these medications are being over prescribed and the kids are being over diagnosed.
Let kids be kids and pay attention to them Parents, stop being lazy, sending them to overcrowded schools, with teachers who are too busy to cope with a curious or bored child.
I don't know how far this will go. But I have no intention presently of putting my boys on anything. I will do my best as their mother, to give them the best possible chance for a drug free life as I can. God willing.

Wow, so busy!

A lot has been going on here. Mostly doing the Lord's work involving a fellow Christian. Long story, but so far GOD HAS IT!
After a month's vacation, we started our school routine again. I have become a tad more strict lately, since I realized I had become the "DOORMAT MOM".
They don't like me very much at the moment, but we accomplished a great deal today. As a free educational tool for President's Day, I took advantage of The Presidents shows on the History channel. I regret one thing, that I didn't take the time to watch it with them. I used the opportunity to catch up on some housework, and every 10 minutes or so I would pass them by and ask what they have learned about each particular president.
Now they know that President Garfield was not a Cat who loved Lasagna!
And that a certain President was a homosexual!
Maybe not all very factual information.
Be careful what you allow, cause it can come back and bite you!

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!"

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!