wow!

My husband got to go see his brother Saturday. (The one that's in the PEN) I was not able to go because their mother and his brother's friend went and you can have only have 3 adults, but my little girl was able to go. (Her and I are the only 2 that have not seen him in 2 years.) I was a little worried of her going, but that is her uncle. When she got home she was very quite, a little too quite for me because she is always bouncing, laughing, singing and all that. She is a child that if was to make sit completely still and quite at the same time I think she would explode. LOL! I love her this way but sometime I just want to super glue her butt to something especially during school work. LOL! So, for her to come home like this I was a little worried at 1st. I went in her room to check on her and she was sitting there working on her activity books. I asked her if she was okay and she said she was great! She was as happy as a lark and doing something I have been trying to get her to do for months. And now for the past 2 days that is what she has been doing. I asked my husband and my MIL what did they do to her! They said they didn't do anything, then KB spoke up and said I got to see my Uncle Matt and I'm happy. Oh, Boy! I wished we had already took her. LOL! It makes since thou, if a child is worried about something they act out and know she she has seen him and knows he is okay. I just wonder how long this will last!

I finally got my computer hooked up......

....... to my cable! I'm glad I was able to do it as soon as I did and not have to be without it through the summer. I didn't say anything to my husband because I didn't want him to feel bad, but I was nervous about my computer for a bit. I know we are in a strain with our money and need to cut back, but my only outlet is my computer. I'm not big on TV, but my hubby is. I don't care about having a land line (phone) I got my cell. The home phone rang all the time and we hardly used it so we let it go. We will save about $150 or more a month. Now I can get my daily dose of the DJ, read the blogs I usually do, my email and I'm content!
I'm so glad to be BACK!!!!!!!!!

I dedicate this to my little girl!

I've got sunshine, On a cloudy day. When it's cold outside, I've got the month of may. I guess you'd say,What can make me feel this way?
[Chorus]My girl, my girl, my girl.Talkin' 'bout my girl.My girl!
I've got so much honey,The bees envy me.I've got a sweeter song,Than the birds in the trees.Well, I guess you'd say,What can make me feel this way?
[Chorus]Ooo-ooo, hoo-ooo.
I don't need no money,Fortune or fame.I got all the riches baby,One momma can claim.Well, I guess you'd say,What can make me feel this way?
[Chorus]I got sunshine on a cloudy day with my girl.I've even got the month of may with my girl.

I saw, I read, I had to post

Home-School - A Family or a School?
by Marianne Vanderkolk
It seems like we are stuck with the term, "home-school" and I will use it in my article just because we all know what we are talking about, but it really conveys the wrong idea. It makes us think that we are "doing school" at home. We are not.All of life is education. Home-Education is a much more comprehensive term. We are instilling character, teaching worldview, developing life skills and growing in knowledge, enlightening the understanding and pursuing wisdom, and this is not happening between the set hours of 9.00am -3.00pm. It is all day and night, every day, through holidays, sickness, excursions.. .yes...through all of life!How can we educate as a family without home-"schooling" ?
* We need to live life as a family. Yes, it is important (I believe) to structure our days and lives, but real life mustn't be an interruption to our "schooling." We need to view the whole of our day as a teaching moment. It is not necessarily easy to view interruptions as a part of the plan, (I don’t find it easy), but the way in which we handle these times are just as important as teaching Maths. Having another baby in the home is not an interruption!* As a family, we can break free from thinking in terms of school hours and school terms. As we home-school, we need to remember that we are primarily a family and we can arrange our days and holidays to suit our family needs. For many years now, I have worked for 5 weeks and then had a one week break. This enables me to focus on a block of time and plan out a course of work. Then, I can home-school solidly for the next five weeks. If my term was to go for ten weeks, I would find it really hard to keep up with those frustrating bits of housework that stare you in the face. I can keep going with my work for a solid five weeks, knowing that the overflowing cupboard will be dealt with in the next week.* We also need to remember not to measure productivity by "book-work". Education is not confined to books! Sometimes we may feel disappointed when we do not have a lot to show for our children's efforts, but we must keep in mind that the nurturing and development of character will mostly come about through conversation and discussion and relationship building. The fruit of our efforts in educating our children should not be summed up in a score or a mark or a status or placement.
* We do not have to follow a school’s curriculum. We are a family. Through prayer, reading and research, we can set our own goals for our home-school and for our children's education. After all, the goals that one sets for their family determines what they will be studying. If music is a priority in your family, a goal you have set, then you will make time, find excellent teachers, and insure practice takes place – all because it is one of your goals. If you want your children to have a solid Christian worldview perspective, then you need to think carefully about what you teach, the materials you use and how the education you are giving displays the Lordship of Christ over all- and over all education. These decisions are for your family.
* As a family, we are teachers who care about our children's weaknesses and struggles. It sounds ridiculous, but at times, I have found myself marking work with the aim to find out what my children don’t know - and ready to point out their deficiencies without the encouragement and kindness that should accompany my marking pen. At times I thought it was cheating to give my children the tricks and tips to get the right answer. Now, I understand that that is why we are there - we are home-schooling them to be gentle with those who struggle and give them all the tools, tricks and tips to promote learning in their area of difficulty. It also means we are strict with those who are lazy and who do not give their best effort, and we need to look for ways to help the struggler and challenge and excite the child who never struggles. We do this because we care - about them and their character.
So, do we "home-school" ?Yes - we provide an education for our children.
No - we live life and teach through the moments of each day.

Life's lessons: Your never too old

Never explain--your friends do not need it and your enemies will not believe you anyway.
Elbert Hubbard (1856 - 1915)
This quote is all to true! Here lately it seems that I have had to learn this. (a long with other things) It doesn't matter what you say to explain yourself. If someone is a true friend they will take you as you are and go on. If the person don't care about you other than the casual "Hello" then it doesn't really matter what you say. I guess it's true what my grandaddy use to say, " You are never too old to learn."
And boy have I ever been going through a learning process here of late. I guess it's a middle age thingy! LOL!

Quote of the Day -

Andre Gide - "Be faithful to that which exists within yourself."
To me this quote hits home! Because what exists within yourself is so important! I'm glad I found this quote because it is exactly what I needed for today & maybe will help someone else also!
Hope you have a Happy!

My vent for today

I haven't been online much this week or able to much of anything else I normally do. My niece that drives me crazy at times got her a job. So, I baby sat her 2 little ones this week. I love the boys to death, but I do not want to keep them all summer. I had 1st ask my MIL if they could pay me for the summer to help me pay for my kids Home School material this fall and she told me flat out no. She said, that she was going to put them in day care. (Oh, my niece lives with maw maw and maw maw raised her- another long story) It sorta pissed me off, but on the other hand I really don't want to be tied down all summer either. She never helps my husband and I. She has her favorites and we aren't on the list. (The women has funny ways and all that is another long story) -(I could write a book about my life and have started a few times but life gets in the way. HA! Ha!) So, Thursday when my MIL picked up the boys I told her she needed to call the Day Care by next week. Well, on Friday when she picked up the boys she told that my niece had to work this week end and was off Monday and Tuesday. Oh, hold up! You said you were putting them in day care. She just gave me that funny look and walked out. The only time the women or my niece calls me is when they want something and I don't think they should expect me to baby sit all summer. I get so sick of my MIL but don't really know what to do. She is my husband's mother. He feels the same as I do, but they have always treated him different and he wont stand up to them. They don't respect my home schooling either and that makes me mad. I guess because I'm home they think I can just drop everything to meet their needs. I told my husband that this fall had to be different and I really don't know how to handle it but I'm getting tired of my husband, kids and myself always being on the back burner. His mom don't like me home schooling either but they are mine and she can kiss my grits! I just wish I had the nerve to tell her so, but if I did, I don't really think it would make much difference.
I guess I'm through venting. Now I can smile!!!!!!!!!!!
kitten

I'm a BAD momma. NOT!

This week end the kids and I worked so hard in our yard and garden plus my mom's yard that we didn't do school lessons Monday. We did swimming lessons! And after that we all pitched in and done or chores for the day. I guess if you judge me with your point of view or standards of how I should school my kids then I guess you would considered me of being a bad mom. But in my point of view I don't see it that way.
When I 1st started home schooling I thought I had to go with the standards of the Public point of view, but I found that don't work for us. In my point of view, you can have all the book knowledge in the world and still don't know how to deal with what the real life will throw at you once you get out of Momma and Daddy's house and sometimes them little twist that hit you before. To me life skills is just as important. Most kids that are in the public school system has so much stress to live up to this standard, home and peers that they are so stressed or they don't get taught how to do some of your most important things to live life. Example: How to cook, take care of their home, enjoy life, how to deal with life stressers, ect and ect. Example: There is a lady I know that her 16 year old daughter could be a good example, plus I have a niece that could be another. Okay, this 16 year old-She is in Color gaurd, Band, works and is expected to keep on the national honor roll. That is all good and all, but here while back this little girl got so stressed that got cutting herself to release pain. (I don't understand, but) Instead of the parents understanding, getting her help or trying to show her how to deal with stress, they pulled in the strains on her a little harder. Her mom sit right here yesterday and told me she didn't know what her little girl was going to do when she gets out on her own because her grades have went down a little (A's & B's instead of all A's)plus she said her daughter did not know how cook, wash her clothes, so on and so forth. She had the nerve to tell me she wished her little girl was more like my kids! I looked at her a little stupid and said how do you get that? She told me that my kids knew how to cook, clean house, take care of themself, and so on and so on. Well, you don't have to be a home schooler to teach that, I said, before I thought. She just looked at me funny and changed the subject. I guess what I'm trying to say is people (mostly family) Just because we don't school on the standards of Public school they don't think I'm doing my job as a mother. Well, PS DON'T work for us.
kitten

Mother's Day

Yesterday and Saturday was very wonderful and peaceful. Saturday I finished filling up our new pool for the kids and while I was doing that I weed-eated the yard. After the kids played for a few hours in the pool we went to my mom's to take her mother's day present and clean out most of her flower beds. (I guess the kids and I will go back this week and finish her flower beds since she isn't able and she is stroking over how awful they look, Plus part of homeschooling right now has to do with taking care of gardens). After that My husband , little girl and I went to his momma's for a visit while our boys went on a spend a night. While we were waiting on her to get home we stopped by Bask in Robbin's and got a Reece's peanut butter sundae. (Them things are almost heaven!) LOL! After we left her house we went to Pizza Hut for super. Sunday started off a little slow but I'm not going to complain about that. When KB and I got home from church the boys came home and spent all day working in our yard. Boy! Does it ever look so much better. After we got through with yard we all took a swim and then my husband put some steaks on the grill. When the steaks were done we all came in got baths and eat. Then my middle child decided since they haven't gave me a physical present he would make me a cake. It was kinda funny, he wanted to do it all by himself without me and I let him. After he had mixed the mix for 2 mins he came in and said, momma the cake is too runny. I went to go check and started asking him questions of what exactly he had done. I thought he would be fine without me since I help them all the time, but bless his heart he read the water as 1 and 1 1/3 but it was 1 1/3. I tried really hard not to laugh and told him to get out the other cake mix and we would do 2 cakes. So I showed him his mistake but assured him it was okay and told him it just showed me I was double blessed and loved. So, that was my mother's day week end. Kinda laid back, in the yard instead of the house and fun, but now I have got to get the kids and myself back motivated to finish remodeling the house. HA! Joy! Joy! Happy Happy! Joy!, but it will be so nice to get my house back together.
kitten

Dyslexia! Dyslexia! Dyslexia!

I have 3 kids that have dyslexia. You can not really tell with my oldest thou. But my youngest 2 seem to struggle to no end. I'm not complaining about my kids, for real, but I wish it was easier to help them. I feel so helpless sometimes. I can see the world around me getting more aware of kids with dyslexia and I think its great! But there is a big BUT! My but is that they do all these conferences to make parents and teachers aware, but no real help. Yea, if you got money coming out your ears you can get help, IMO. I was getting help with mine, but now our insurance will not pay for it. They also have a lot of materials you can buy and use at home, but again MONEY is the issue. There was 2 teachers here in our local area that went back to college to help the kids in our local schools. The Superintendent told these teachers that the school didn't want to deal with those kind of kids. What? These kind of kids are over all smart, high IQ's for most. They just have to learn a different way of learning and if dyslexia a learning disability why don't we have more resources or help that is affordable. To me these kids already feel different and with the right help can be something really great! But no!
Okay! I laid in the bed most of the night with this on my mind and was going to write all this glorious stuff this morning and now I have forgot 1/2 what I had on my mind. So, I guess I'll end my rant, but still wish there was more help out there because these kids (mine and others) are very precious and have a lot to offer if they just had a chance.
This might just be a problem in my area because of where I live, but I really wish I could do more to help my kids.
kitten

Our Bike ride today

OmGosh! I think I have lost my ever loving mind! I took the kids on a 6 mile bike ride this morning with A LOT OF HILLS! I made it thou, but next time I'll know not to take so many hills till I get in better shape. It did help my anxiety level thou. When I was a teen I ran all over Pontotoc. I was in cross country and that my excape time, but I forgot how many hills and how steep they were till today. Now if we can just make it a daily routine everyday before school and before we tutor an hour a day we all might feel much better. I just hope I stick to it and get use to the hills! LOL~~

My new Hobby

Here lately I have found a new hobby/sport. It's bike riding! Yea, for real! I really enjoy it and it has helped me cut down on smoking and I know it will help me loose the weight I need to. My only problem is everyone is always calling on me to help to do this and that and I'm afraid it's going to get to the point where I can't ride like I need to and want to. My kids are really into also so that's a plus. I know my mom has been sick (COPD-serve), but she has got where she thinks I should be there everyday on her time. I don't mind helping mom, but I wish she wasn't so picky over every little thing. I know she is worried about her health, so am I, I know she is not want to give up her independence, bills and so on and so forth, but when someone else needs me she gets jealous and if I don't do as she wants then she gets mad. I do love her, but between her and others in the family I don't always have time for my self. I told someone this morning if I was to catch up with my self I probably wouldn't recognize my self! HA~ I'm really not complaining about my mom and sorta am about the others, but I just wish my whirl wind of a life would calm down enough for me some me time. I also hope that this bike riding thing really helps me with my stress, weight and smoking and don't fade out like I do with so many other things.
kitten

wandering about my son getting is HS Diploma

Earning Your High School Diploma - Mississippi

Mississippi's minimum requirements for graduation are as follows:
4 credits English/language arts
4 credits mathematics
3 credits science
1 credit U.S. history/constitution
0.5 credit economics
0.5 credit U.S. government
1 credit additional social studies
1 credit physical education
7 credits oelectives
Recommended college prep courses include:
4 or more credits English with an emphasis in composition and usage
2 credits foreign language
3 credits mathematics (algebra and geometry)
2 credits laboratory sciences (biology, chemistry, or physics)
1 credit U.S. history or world history
2 credits social science
1 credit electives
This is what is recommended in Mississippi.
Is a GED as good? Some say yes and some say no and I say I don't know. I really would like for him to get his HS diploma. I'm going to call a school in Memphis, TN for I can help him get his diploma. I'm also wondering what electives you can earn in HS. I know Art, Bible and Music, but what other I'm not sure but would like to know. I also wonder about labs. How does one get lab time in Home school?
Here is our list for next year:
Geometry ( Hoping to buy Math U See)
World History 2 Konos
Here is what we will cover in History

The Big Picture
ROME
The Roman Republic
The Roman Empire - I
The Roman Empire - II
The Life and Times of Jesus Christ - I
The Life and Times of Jesus Christ - II
The First Hundred Years of Christianity
Roman Britain
The Early Church in the West
The Early Church in the East
The Fall of Rome and the Germanic Tribes
Early Britain
MOSLEMS
Muhammed and the Rise of Islam
The Muslim Invaders of Europe
CHARLEMAGNE
Charlemagne
VIKINGS
The Vikings
THE BYZANTINE EMPIRE
Byzantium
MEDIEVAL TIMES
The Norman Conquest
The Papacy
Feudalism
The Crusades
The Monastic Tradition
Cathedrals
The Growth of Towns and Cities
Medieval Science and Philosophy
The Growth of Government
The Black Death and the Hundred Years War
Pilgrims, Travelers and Trade
The Warning of the Middle Ages
Marco Polo
CHINA
China I - Ancient History and Art
China II - Medieval History and Religion
China IV - Modern China
Review I
Review II
LITERATURE LIST
Julius Caesar, by William Shakespeare
Augustus Caesar’s World, by Genevieve Foster
The Bronze Bow, Elizabeth George Speare or Quo Vadis?, by Henryk Sienkiewicz
City Of God, by Augustine
Beowulf
Stories of King Arthur
Tales of the Arabian Nights
The Song of Roland
Norse Mythology
Murder in the Cathedral, by T.S. Eliot
Robin Hood (many authors including Howard Pyle)
Ivanhoe, by Sir Walter Scott
Saint Joan, by George Bernard Shaw
The Canterbury Tales, by Geoffrey Chaucer
English comp 2
Biology (not sure from what book yet)
Typing (Computer)
Spanish2 and some Latin
He will also be doing more Art, Bible and music to finish the second part of what we did this year.
As for this year his credits are:
English Comp 1
World History 1 - Konos
Literature
Earth Science
Bible
Art
Geography
Algerbra 1
Some computer (Typing)
Spanish 1

Home School T-Shirts

I thought of using this one for the kids. The 1st one be DJ, The 2nd KB and the 3rd be JB.

I thought to use this one for me without my name and either use the same picture for my husband or find him another picture of a panther or something, but I really like this one.

The kids asked me here while back if we could make Home School shirts for when we go on field trips and such for we will match. I this could be a good idea since I have already gave us the name, Kitten's Home School. This is what I was thinking of the design and I would like opinions if possible.

Okay, I was think of putting Kitten's Home School on front on the left upper chest. And for the kids on back I pick out a picture, which I will show, with their names under the picture I feel best fits them. And for my husband and I I have chose the same on the front but with a different picture.

How I was going to make the shirts is either use paint for the front or make a design from the computer and print off and iron on. I already have the pictures I think I'm gonna use on my computer and I'm gonna iron them on.

So if you would be so kind let me know what you think.

Thank You bunches!

A day of spazzing

I know I keep spazzing over my son that is doing High School, but maybe if we make it through I'll be able to calm down with the other 2. HA!
Sometimes I wonder if I had started home schooling in the beginning I may not spazz as bad, but I didn't so I got to just suck it and deal with it and CHILL! Yeah Right! But I really do.
I'm really glad that I have the support of some wonderful ladies on the Denim Jumper. They have help me more they ever know through my crazy days and not just in home schooling. It's good to be able to talk to other moms (even if we are miles apart) about anything and everything. (well almost) It makes me feel good that I have these ladies that go through some of the same things as I do.
Well, I guess I got this little spazzing rant off my chest and feel better. I know! I know! One day at a time!
kitten

Quotes of thought

The greatest mistake you can make in life is to continually be afraid you will make one.Elbert Hubbard
Little minds are tamed and subdued by misfortunes; but great minds rise above them.Washington Irving
Our greatest glory consist not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.Oliver Goldsmith
Wherever we look upon this earth, the opportunities take shape within the problems.Nelson A. Rockefeller
What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?Vincent van Gogh
Try not to become a man of success but a man of value.Albert Einstein
Men do less than they ought,unless they do all they can.Thomas Carlyle
Let thy words be few.Ecclesiastes 5:2 from Words of Wisdom
Happy are those who dream dreams and are ready to pay the price to make them come true.Leon J. Suenes
The power of imagination makes us infinite.John Muir
Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising every time we fall.Confucius

Socialization and Mainstream society

Someone shared this on the board I visit everyday. I thought it was funny and thought I would share with all~LOL!!

My look into the past

This is whe I was 16 and I did look sick.
I was 19 here.
I was 18 here and weighed 88.
This is my little brother.

Here lately a lot of people has been talking about going on diets and such. I said something in front of my kids the other day that I use to be overly skinny and my middle child said, momma you too fat to have been skinny like Uncle Da Da.(Uncle DaDa is my little brother and now at 34 he don't wiegh over 105 @ 5'9") So I got to thinking of my years of the past and went to momma's and got some pictures from age 16-20. My son was shocked of how skinny I use to be. He said momma you don't need to get that skinny you look sick. I told him that back then I still thought I was fat, but now looking back I was way too skinny.

I only gained 20 lbs with each of my kids. (I lost right back down after having them) I wished I had gotten a picture of what I looked like after my third kid, but I didn't I might come back later and add it. When I was pregnat with all 3 I started off at 105-110 (something like that) When I was 16 -20 I only wieghed 88 -100 lbs. I had my 1st weight gain after my 2nd child, not because of having him but they put me on the de-po shot. I shoot up to 150lbs. The Dr. said I was alergic to it and took me off. 11 mths later I had Kb and lost back down to 110lbs. Then in 2001 I had a partical hesotrectomy and gained 50 lbs in 5 weeks. I could eat nothing. The only thing I could hold down was jello and water. The Dr said my overaries went in to shock. Well I lost some but still felt miserable. I'm short (5'2") During this time my nerves went through the roof. I got to clinching my teeth and broke almost all of them. I had to get false teeth at this time, but I started doing better. Well in 2005 they had to go in and take my overaies out. I didn't gian at that time, but about the past year I have gianed and have been unable to loose and I'm back clinching. The clinching my teeth is my main problem in my book because I feel if your system is out of wack your whole baody is. Well I broke my dentures and got concerned I was more worried about my hormones affecting me than my over all weight gain. 1 reason is because I don't have teeth because I can't afford a new pair and if my hormones are at of wack so am I. And to me it looks like a patteren of my hormones causing my problems. I went to my Dr. here while back and he seemed to agree. He sent me to a hormone Dr. What a freaking JOKE! He checked my thyroid (whih I knew was good) and told me I was mentalpauseal and that I had too much belly fat and I needed to llose weight. He would even talk to me. I have had regular Dr's seem to understand and he was rude and has just passed me off. So now I'm at lost of how to loose weight. I have small legs and arms but my a big middle. I don't to be that skinny I just want to loose about 30-40lbs so I can feel better and feel better about my self.

kitten

My goofy kids

Today my kids had more energy than I knew what to deal with. After we did a little school here and there, I thought I might be able to get them to settle down a bit by doing a read aloud. Well, as you already may know that didn't help I got a little frustrated. I said, OK! Tell me what I have read. They all 3 replied by let us show you. I said okay smarty pants show me. Well they did. The picture I took is them building a pyramid. I guess they were listening more than I realized.

kitten

IT STAGGERS THE MIND !!!!!!!!!

THE YEAR 1907 This will boggle your mind, I know it did mine! The year is 1907. One hundred years ago. What a difference a century makes! Here are some of the U.S. Statistics for the Year 1907 : ************************************ The average life expectancy in the U.S. Was 47 years old. Only 14 percent of the homes in the U.S. Had a bathtub. Only 8 percent of the homes had a telephone. A three-minute call from Denver to New York City Cost eleven dollars. There were only 8,000 cars in the U.S. , and only 144 miles of paved roads. The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph. Alabama , Mississippi , Iowa , and Tennessee were each more Heavily populated than California . With a mere 1.4 million people, California was only the 21st Most populous state in the Union . The tallest structure in the world was the Eiffel Tower ! The average wage in the U.S. Was 22 Cents per hour. The average U.S. Worker made between $200 and $400 per year . A competent accountant could expect to earn $2000 per year, A dentist made $2,500 per year, A veterinarian $1,500 per year, And a mechanical engineer about $5,000 per year. More than 95 percent of all births in the U.S. Took place at HOME . Ninety percent of all U.S. Doctors had NO COLLEGE EDUCATION! Instead, they attended so-called medical schools, many of which Were condemned in the press AND the government as "substandard." Sugar cost four cents a pound. Eggs were fourteen cents a dozen. Coffee was fifteen cents a pound Most women only washed their hair once a month, and used Borax or egg yolks for shampoo. Canada passed a law that prohibited poor people from Entering into their country for any reason. Five leading causes of death in the U.S. Were: 1. Pneumonia and influenza 2. Tuberculosis 3. Diarrhea 4. Heart disease 5. Stroke The American flag had 45 stars. Arizona , Oklahoma , New Mexico , Hawaii , and Alaska hadn't been admitted to the Union yet. The population of Las Vegas , Nevada , was only 30!!!! Crossword puzzles, canned beer, and ice tea Hadn't been invented yet. There was no Mother's Day or Father's Day. Two out of every 10 U.S. Adults couldn't read or write. Only 6 percent of all Americans had graduated from high school. Marijuana, heroin, and morphine were all available over The counter at the local corner drugstores. Back then pharmacists Said, "Heroin clears the complexion, gives buoyancy to the mind, Regulates the stomach and bowels, and is, in fact, a perfect guardian Of health." There were about 230 reported Murders in the ENTIRE U.S.A. ! Now I sent it to you and others all over the United States , Possibly the world, in a matter of just Seconds !!!!!!!!! Just Try to imagine..... What it may be like ...... In another 100 years !!!!!!! IT STAGGERS THE MIND !!!!!!!!!

Heart breaking

Massacre at Virginia Tech Leaves 33 DeadSalem-News.Com, OR - 30 minutes ago. It is the third-deadliest school shooting in United States history, after Monday’s Virginia Tech massacre and the 1966 University of Texas massacre. ...Massacre at Virginia Tech Sun Journal.com (subscription)Massacre at Virginia Tech Washington TimesJUST IN: 33 people killed in massacre at Virginia Tech The Post Onlineall 3,959 news articles »
This is so heart breaking! And scary at the same time. The world around us seems to be turning to violence more and more. I know my kids will be going to college in just a few short years and I know I can't protect them from everything, but it still makes me nervous just thinking about it. I have heard of so many school shootings and can't understand why these young kids think that shooting a lot of people will make things better. I feel sad for the families and the family of the gunman.
kitten

Spring Cleaning

Our local schools are out for Spring Break and I decided to let mine have off also. Matter fact we took off the week before also. I wanted to DE-clutter my house and remodel. I started Last Monday cleaning every ones room. I mean deep cleaning! I got put on hold a little bit because my middle child got put in the hospital, but I got right back on it when we got home. I'm a few days behind but maybe this week I can get caught back up. I know I don't really have to push a clock, but I don't want to start back schooling until I get the whole house done.

I saved this post and now I'm updating.(4-16-07)

I did get house DE-cluttered, but the remodeling part is almost at a stand still. I have got to get back to it. Every thing is pushed in the middle of each room and we can't find nothing. I really need a motivator! Major! Here are a few pictures of what my house looks like at the moment. Hopefully we can get back on it soon and get our house back in order. We have paint on the floor, paint on all the base boards and door facings. Yea I know, we should have taped the 1st time. Then we are gonna put tear drops on cieling, put new flooring in the kitchen, hall and both bathrooms. When all that is done we are gonna strip the wood floors and revarnish. (All 3 bed rooms and living room. Well, I guess I'll see if I can't go and get started. Hopefully with in a week or 2 I can show off my re modeled home!

kitten

Wild and crazy day!!!

Yesterday started way too early for me and was way too wild. I got a phone call from my MIL at 1:40 am. My niece on my husband's side got put in jail and I had to go pick her youngest at her boyfriend's mother's house. What Joy! So, not only was I already going to watch her oldest but the youngest. She is so wild right now it's not even funny!
Here is our brief History with her...........3 years ago Sam got pregnat and at 1st she told everyone it was this one guy, then when it came closer to term she said she was raped. Well, it turned out she just said that because the guy was black. Well, most of her family was upset big time! Mostly because she lied, but yes some because he was mixed. So, her and Eli lived with us the 1st 2 years of his life. During this time she ran wild and left him here months on end. I even thought that we were going to adopt him. I had got very attached!(My whole family did) Well, she got into some trouble with the law. (she was a minor at the time) They wasn't going to do nothing but try and scare her, but she didn't believe me so she started causing trouble because she knew if maw maw let her move back in that she would not let them send her off. I knew they wasn't but she wouldn't listen. Well, she attacked me after my sinus surgery and told maw maw a buch of lies and of coarse she blieved her. What Bull! Well, for 6 mths maw maw wouldn't even talk to me. It was one big mess. My family's heart and mine got broke! Big Time! Well, now things are sorta good. But with her getting put in jail it scared me that I would land up with the youngest because nobody else wants to keep him. Don't get me wrong, I do love him, but I don't want to get hurt again. I know maw maw would take care of Eli, he is living with anyways. Thank goodness that the person didn't press charges so they let her out. But for that one day my house was loud, but I I enjoyed it! I'm just glad that we do get Eli from time to time and I know she is his mother, but she don't act like it. I really wish she would grow up! I don't have pictures of the baby, but I do want to show off my other pretty!

kitten

My son found these arrow heads

My son was down at his grand-father's house and they went down at the creek to see if they could find any arrow heads. My husband use to find them when he was young. The man that owns the surrounding land dug out a pond and they went and checked out it also. That is were he found these 2 rocks. The biggest is valued around $600-$1000. At the 1st of the year we studied archeology and went to a place and found a few sharks teeth( James Town). The kids are wanting us to go back down paw paw's this week and really do an archeology hunt in the pond and creek. I think we may just do that. I think it may just be what we need at this time in our schooling.

kitten

Ps. I scanned the biggest one on both sides.

My Dr. visit yesterday

I posted here while back about some problems I've been having for the past 12-13 years. ( http://kittens-homeschool.blogspot.com/2007/02/finally.html) I was not impressed when I 1st went yesterday. Matter of fact I had to come home and look up of what I got out the visit. When I left the Dr.'s office I was under the impression that he was going to be like all the rest, just check my thyroid and tell me to join weight watchers or curves. Well, he did. But I came home and googled what had marked on my sheet so I'm not upset as I 1st was. The sign on the door said,"Metabolic Disorders Institute" When I kept saying this has gone on for the past 12-13 yrs he just said, he was more worried with the present.
This is what I found when I googled what he marked on the sheet.... Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders and he also marked Adrenal Disorders . After I researched this I'm not as reluctant to have blood test done. I go back Wednesday and probably should know by Friday or that Monday.
I also had a test done on my gal-bladder yesterday. Man, was that ever awful! I will know the results this Wednesday. I wished I had knew what the test was before I went, but I guess it's best I didn't because I probably wouldn't of had it done. HA! They gave me this shot to make my gal-bladder show up and when it did they gave me another shot. OMGees! I got nauseous on contact and then I got to hurting. That was the most awful test ever! I just hope they find out why my stomach hurts and I don't have to do that test again.
kitten

Happy Easter!

Yesterday we had Easter with my mom. I'm so glad that all her kids, grand-kids and great grands showed up. We had the best time. I guess you can say this was one of the best. A few of my nieces have gone hog wild and not coming around much, but I'm glad they came yesterday. I will be shocked if my mom is here next year, but she is a strong lady, so I really hope she is. Just for her sake I'm so glad everything turned out so well. Here are a few pics from our happy day.

(They all didn't turn out well. We just got our new camera and we are still learning. HA!)

kitten

Ps. A sweet dear cyber friend shared this cake with me so I wanted to show it off!

Home school verses Public school

In the Home school community board I belong to online and a few blogs I have read this has been a hot topic. I believe that Home school is not for everyone and neither is public school. There are so many reasons that people choose to home school. But I see no reason to trash one or the other. Both can have there downs, but they both can so much have there ups. Now if I was to use my experience with the reason I decided to home school it would really sound as if I was bashing public schools. (But I'm not.) I'm going to give views on both.
Before I started home schooling my 3 kids I never thought I could do it and until I started I didn't realize how many people really home schooled. ( I guess because I'm from a small town and if you travel out West or up North you can easily tell that we are a few years behind everyone else. HA!) Most of the people around here that I knew that said they home schooled was using home school as a way to "protect "their child but really didn't home school them, and I didn't want to be labeled one of those parents. (I guess that is why I pushed so hard when I first started) Since I have started homeschooling I have found that there are so many ways to do so. I also think that my kids and I need to De-school more, but don't want them to get to relaxed, so I haven't found our "click" yet.
When my oldest started school he was very smart and didn't struggle, but the teachers picked on him because he would take for ever to get his written work done. Even thou I was at my wits end sometimes I still didn't think much about home schooling him. When my middle child started they just accepted him as a hyper child that needed time to mature.( I started thinking of home schooling but didn't really think I could and didn't want my kids think they could take the easy way out) Yea, I was still dumb to the idea. Okay, my little KB came along and I really thought she was going to do very well because verbally she knew her ABC's very well and had a vocabulary out of this world. Boy, was I ever schocked! Her 1st kindergarten teacher drove me insane! I fought her and the board till they decided to go with my wishes and hold her back that year. I blamed a lot on the teacher. Her 2ND year in kindergarten she had a wonderful teacher that really cared, but still was way behind. I thought the 1st year was because she finally had some friends to play with and the teacher was a night mare. She really was! I started thinking she had a learning problem but didn't know much about this. I had her tested twice and it showed she had an high verbal IQ, but when it came to books, well you get the picture. I still had no clue what I was fighting against or fighting for. When she got placed in first grade I found out that they had put her with a teacher that would knock her down and help with her behavior problem. Wait! She don't have a behavior problem she has a learning problem. I fought the school board all year! They wouldn't even take the test scores that showed she was smart verbally but had some kind of learning problem. They hired 2 behavioral specialist and fired both because they both said that KB didn't have a behavior problem, but a learning problem. I just didn't know what to do. I got so tired of fighting the school. Not only was I fighting them for her that year, but it seemed that they were fighting me with all 3 kids and one was in elementary, one in middle school and the other in upper middle. All 3 schools were in different locations. At the end of that school year her teacher came to me in private and told me if I didn't intervene that she would fall through the cracks. Well, that hit home because I was a child that fell through the cracks. JB's school also called me the day we was to pick up his report card and told me they wanted to do a test, I said ok and allowed it. After a five min test they came and told me that my son couldn't read well or spell. Okay hold up. I ask you all year and you told me he was doing great and he was on the honor roll. I had my belly full. I didn't know what the grap I was doing and still don't but it looked like I was going to home school.
Am I doing the right thing for my kids? I feel like I am. That is what I think people should ask them self about their kids schooling.
Yes, I was a kid that fell through the cracks, but there still a few teachers that believed in "me". When I was in the 5th grade I was going through a change in life and that is kinda a awk-ward age any ways. I had 2 teachers that no matter what was encouraging me and always there. I didn't think much of it back then, but now as I'm older if it hadn't been for these 2 teachers making an impact on me I don't think I would of had the confidence to go back to college when I was older. I was one of those hyper kids and didn't know till I was grown that I had dyslexia also. Even thou there are a few good teachers that will go way and beyond for kids, sometimes you just have to do what you think is best for your kids and not all parents are able to home school, I'm sure glad I have had the experience of both.
kitten

I took KB to the Dr yesterday

About 2 months ago Kb got to the point where she couldn't walk. I thought at first that she had just twisted or sprang her knee. After about a week it was not better, so I took her to our local Dr. He was out that day and I had to see one of the other Dr's. This Dr is OK but she scared me a little. She said that KB had a growth in her knee. I got all upset that she made the appointment a month away. I felt like she needed to go ASAP. Our regular Dr would not be in for a week and I was going to get him to change it to an earlier appointment even if he had to change what Bone specialist she was seeing. Well, Life took over and I wasn't able to ask for an earlier appointment. My mom got sick that week. She has COPD. I dealt with her a week before the Dr put her in the hospital, which gave me a little break. Then my JB got sick and was having asthma attacks. Then KB got sick and had bronchitis and phenomena and my DJ got bronchitis. O' Boy! Well, in the mean time KB was resting because she was sick and her knee got where she could walk on it. As she got better the more she did, but when it got to hurting, her little hyper self would rest that leg. When we went to the Dr yesterday he said it had to with her growth plate because she is growing so fast and her ligaments and tendons were irritated. He said for a month she could not run, jump, bounce, ride bikes, do cart wheels. and ect. I just laughed and said she will explode! He told us if she didn't she could have surgery on that knee and that would put her down longer. KB was real quite till about half way home and then all the sudden she yells out "HE HAS TOOK MY LIFE AWAY!" I tried real hard not to laugh. Bless her heart! About an hour after we got home, in her drama tone, she looks at me and says I guess I can be a little girl for a month! I couldn't help it but I busted out laughing. I told her that I would try and put the swimming pool up by this week-end, but she could do all her fancy tricks. I'm just glad it wasn't as bad as I first thought and I hope I'm able to keep my hyper little girl settled enough for we wont have to do the extreme.
kitten

Reasons to Homeschool

I have gone back and put the ones that apply to me most in bold. And guess what? They all apply.
Spend more time together as a family.
Spend more time with children when they are rested and fresh rather than tired and cranky from school.
Avoid having to struggle to get children to do the tedious busywork that is so often sent home as homework.
Allow children time to learn subjects not usually taught in their school.
Allow children to have time for more in-depth study than what is allowed in school.
Allow children to learn at their own pace, not too slow or too fast.
Allow children to work at a level that is appropriate to their own developmental stage. Skills and concepts can be introduced at the right time for that child.
Provide long, uninterrupted blocks of time for writing, reading, playing, thinking, or working so that the child is able to engage in sophisticated, complex activities and thought processes.
Encourage concentration and focus - which are discouraged in crowded classrooms with too many distractions.
Encourage the child to develop the ability to pace her/himself - this is prevented in a classroom where the schedule is designed to keep every child busy all the time.
Spend a lot of time out-of-doors. This is more healthy than spending most weekdays indoors in a crowded, and often overheated, classroom.
Spending more time out-of-doors results in feeling more in touch with the changing of the seasons and with the small and often overlooked miracles of nature.
Children learn to help more with household chores, developing a sense of personal responsibility.
Children learn life skills, such as cooking, in a natural way, by spending time with adults who are engaged in those activities.
More time spent on household responsibilities strengthens family bonds because people become more committed to things they have invested in (in this case, by working for the family).
Time is available for more nonacademic pursuits such as art or music. This leads to a richer, happier life.
Children will not feel like passive recipients of subject matter selected by their teachers. They will learn to design their own education and take responsibility for it.
Children will realize that learning can take place in a large variety of ways.
Children will learn to seek out assistance from many alternative sources, rather than relying on a classroom teacher to provide all the answers.
A more relaxed, less hectic lifestyle is possible when families do not feel the necessity to supplement school during after-school and week-end hours.
Busywork can be avoided.
Learning can be more efficient since methods can be used that suit a child's particular learning style.
Children will avoid being forced to work in "cooperative learning groups" which include children who have very uncooperative attitudes.
Children can learn to work for internal satisfaction rather than for external rewards.
Children will not be motivated to "take the easy way out" by doing just enough work to satisfy their teacher. They will learn to be their own judge of the quality of their own work.
Children will be more willing to take risks and be creative since they do not have to worry about being embarrassed in front of peers.
Children will be more confident since they are not subject to constant fear of criticism from teachers.
Peer pressure will be reduced. There will be less pressure to grow up as quickly in terms of clothing styles, music, language, interest in the opposite sex.
Social interactions will be by choice and based on common interests.
Friends can be more varied, not just with the child's chronological age peer group who happen to go to the same school.
Field trips can be taken on a much more frequent basis.
Field trips can be much more enjoyable and more productive when not done with a large school group which usually involves moving too quickly and dealing with too many distractions.
Field trips can be directly tied into the child's own curriculum.
Volunteer service activities can be included in the family's regular schedule. Community service can be of tremendous importance in a child's development and can be a great learning experience.
Scheduling can be flexible, allowing travel during less expensive and less crowded off-peak times. This can allow for more travel than otherwise, which is a wonderful learning experience.
Children will be less likely to compare their own knowledge or intelligence with other children and will be less likely to become either conceited or feel inferior.
Religious and special family days can be planned and celebrated.
More time will be spent with people (friends and family) who really love and care about the children. Children will bond more with siblings and parents since they will spend more time together playing, working, and helping each other.
Feedback on children's work will be immediate and appropriate. They won't have to wait for a teacher to grade and return their work later to find out if they understood it.
Feedback can be much more useful than just marking answers incorrect or giving grades.
Testing is optional. Time doesn't have to be spent on testing or preparing for testing unless the parent and/or child desires it.
Observation and discussion are ongoing at home and additional assessment methods are often redundant. Testing, if used, is best used to indicate areas for further work.
Grading is usually unnecessary and learning is seen as motivating in and of itself. Understanding and knowledge are the rewards for studying, rather than grades (or stickers, or teacher's approval, etc.).
Children can be consistently guided in a family's values and can learn them by seeing and participating in parents' daily lives.
Children will learn to devote their energy and time to activities that THEY think are worthwhile.
Children will be able to learn about their ethnicities in a manner that will not demean. Children will be able to understand multiculturalism in its true sense and not from the pseudo-multicultural materials presented in schools which tend to depict others from a dominant culture perspective.
Children will not learn to "fit into society," but will, instead, value morality and love more than status and money.
Children do not have to wait until they are grown to begin to seriously explore their passions; they can start living now.
Children's education can be more complete than what schools offer.
Children who are "different" in any way can avoid being subjected to the constant and merciless teasing, taunting, and bullying which so often occurs in school.
Children with special needs will be encouraged to reach their full potential and not be limited by the use of "cookie cutter" educational methods used in schools.
Low standards or expectations of school personnel will not influence or limit children's ability to learn and excel.
Children will be safer from gangs, drugs, and guns.
Parents will decide what is important for the children to learn, rather than a government bureaucracy.
Family will not be forced to work within school's traditional hours if it does not fit well with their job schedules and sleep needs.

Are we there yet?

No, not the movie. I mean the point were we finish up for the summer. My answer is no. Last year we pushed till Christmas and after Christmas break we work on their weaknesses to make sure they were completely ready to go forward. This year didn't work out like that. I was just going to work through the summer, but when August came my boss still didn't have anyone, so I gave her till September. Yea right! They got the point where they kept increasing my hours and I got to falling behind on my kids school work. They didn't seem to care, but I was trying to do the right thing. A little over a month ago my husband went and quit for me. I just got to the point where I couldn't do both. I did leave them in a major tight and they still are in one, but they left me in a tight also. I got to looking over the kids work and we like about a month and a half before we finish, ( and that is pushing it) plus I had to drop Aron's online science class. Yes, we will finish about the time the other kids do,(I hope in a way for their sake because they like to spend time with friends and family during this time) but I like to work on their weaknesses before I let them out. So, I'm wondering if I should do an hour or 2 a day most of the summer or start at the 1st of August instead of September. Maybe I could do like 1/2 and 1/2. That way they don't get burned out and still get the part they need to succeed. I guess I shouldn't worry so much and just let this take it's coarse and if we don't get to where I want to, then we can buckle down a little more next year. The more I think about it I think we may just start at the 1st of August and do a little tutoring like stuff here and there through the summer. Nothing to hard or to much that way them and me can get the rest we need.
kitten

I Love being a cheerleader! But

I'm the type of person that loves to cheer other people up! I'm not bragging it's just my personality. I have also noticed this trait in my little girl, but I also noticed another trait in her that I have that I don't like. Even thou we love to cheer other people and always make them feel good about themselves we don't have the self esteem we should have. I'm not looking for others to be my cheerleader because I have KB and she has me and for me that is enough. But I was wondering if most people that seem to always be the "cheerleader" for some reason doing this to make them self feel good or what? I'm glad that my little girl loves to help others, but I don't like the low self esteem she seems to of got from me. I really don't know why I have a low self esteem my self. Most of the time if you don't know us well you would think we are Happy Go Lucky all the time. I'm also wondering if this healthy or if there is something we good do to build our self esteem.
kitten

I just love the Demin Jumper!

When I found this site about 2 years ago I was so lost to so many things and didn't even know it. All these wonderful ladies have been a blessing to me. When I 1st started I had no clue how to home school. These ladies have helped me learn so much to help my kids, gave me encouragement, and they have even taught me stuff about the net I never knew, so I guess you can say I have been home schooled also. LOL! I have learned how to blog, add links and so much more. The Demin Jumper to me is not just a home school group, but a place with a bunch of ladies I consider my friends. The other wonderful thing about the DJ is I have learned so much about so many different people and where they live. From a girl from Mississippi this has been a wonderful experience.
kitten

OK, I guess this is my fuss day!

After I made my post this morning and poured my heart out I was OK for awhile. Then I thought about another thing my hubby said last night. ( I guess this is bash your hubby day, but it really feels good to get this off my chest! HA!) He made the comment that we all had to go to bed because someone had to go to work around here. Excuse me! I did work 40 hrs a week or so for almost a year, home schooled our kids, cooked, cleaned and whatever I needed to do to help out. No, I'm not getting paid anymore, but he was the one that said I needed to quit work and focus more on the kids and being a mom and wife. He said that the little bit I made would not be missed, that me being home doing the other things were more important. I guess I'm just over reacting, but I have feelings also. I hope this little up roar will pass soon! I hate it when the balance is off at home it makes everything else off. OK, Hopefully I'll feel better now!
kitten

A slap in the face!

My husband and I have had some major problems in our younger years. He got all stupid and and thought the grass was greener on the other side. The last 3 yrs has been wonderful. Yea, we have had our problems, but not all that fussing and no more worries. In the last 3 weeks or so he has been real grumpy! I know he just had surgery and his teeth is hurting him, but we don't have insurance and every time we turn around we having to fork out money on something that needs replacing. Like the frig, beds, and re-doing the house. But in the last week his has just all down my throat. It seems like every time I turn around he is fussing at every little thing I do and he doesn't acknowledge any good I do. He has been going through my van, my purse and everything else. If he doesn't know exactly what it is he raises his voice and I've got to the point where I'm very defencive. Well, yesterday out of the blue he was asking about a check I wrote and was ugly about it. I was like HELL Daniel it's from the savage grocery store, duh! Then he is going to get all defencive on me and say I'm acting like someone that's got something to hide or cheating. WHAT? Where in the world did that grap come from! I have been very patient with him the last few weeks because everyone has their moods and I've been letting him have his, but yes I got on the defencive side yesterday because it has got old. So, this morning I woke up in a mood and when he ask me why I had my panties in a wad I was like, well you accused me of cheating over nothing and I'm not the one who has gave the reason not to be trusted. Then he gets all stupid on me and says he didn't say all that and I was hallucinating. I went off! I reminded of the detail that went down Sunday, then all the sudden he is like well you are acting defencive for some reason. Well, DUH! You have been grumpy for a while and going through my stuff and it has gotton old! We talked through it and even laughed before he went to work, but I'm just hoping in the back of my mind that he's not messing up and trying to throw the blame like he has done in the past. I'm really hoping we have all this garbage behind us and it's just something he is going through. Talking about throwing a curve ball! Well, now I have got all this off my chest I feel so much better. I'm hoping that is just a thang and will be over.
kitten

My Dear Sweet Cupig!

I just enjoy doing the secret pal thing on the Denim Jumper. It’s not because of the getting, but getting to get to know all these ladies and make friends. I get so caught up sometimes trying to figure out how to spoil my pal and then all the sudden I get a package. Each and every time it’s a joy. This time I had cupig. She was a lot of fun and really touched my heart. That’s what it is all about!

My avatar!

I’ve been wondering about changing my avatar again. On the Denim Jumper I use a Panther with fire. I have always liked panthers. Before the panther it was 3 kittens or cats that had sunglasses and really showed the real side of me, but on the other hand when I got tired and aggravated I went to the panther that shows that part of me. Even thou I like panthers I feel the Puss’n boots is more me. I guess I’m just trying to figure what kind of person I want people to know me as. I guess I’ll think about this a little while and hopefully get some comments to help me decide. I guess I can try and find a picture that shows both sides. Cattitude is everything, happy go lucky and Take me as I am.
kitten

Finally!

For the past 12 or so years I have been having problems with my health and the Drs have done this test and that test and no one knew what was going on. They have even told me it was all in my head, but it was hormonal. Okay, that really helps. They have checked my thyroid I don’t how many times. Okay let me start at the beginning to paint a big picture. After I had my middle child the Dr. put me on the Depoe shot. I gained a lot of weight. I was bigger than I was when I was pregnant. The Dr. said I was allergic to the shot. When I didn’t loose weight they checked my thyroid. I felt bloated and pregnant. When JB was almost 3 I got pregnant with KB. After I had her I lost back down to my normal size. I started having more problems which we knew was female, but didn’t know exactly what. In 2001 they did a partial hysterectomy. In 5 weeks I gained 60lbs. The Dr. said that it wasn’t my thyroid so my ovaries must have gone in shock. Nobody believed that all I was eating and drinking was Jell-O and water. I kept on pushing even thou I knew something was wrong with me, but it seemed like no one was listening. My body got to the point where it was shutting down. One Dr. said she must have narcolepsy, the other Dr. said it is hormonal, but did nothing and the other Dr. sent me to a Physiatrist and he said it was all in my head. He also said it could be hormonal. He took me off work. At the age 30 I kept crying and saying things like…. I’m too young to feel this old, why doesn’t anybody listen and so on and so on. I was put on my disability about 5 years ago and really don’t know for what. I just knew that there was something wrong. Last December they took out my ovaries. They have checked my heart because of my swelling and it was healthy. I got to point where I stopped complaining. The last 2 months I have been on a diet and exercise and gained almost 15 lbs. I just started crying. My husband and I watched a program and this lady was having some of the same problems. But I didn’t know exactly what to do. Well, the other day my little girl told my momma that she had pinched my boob and I cried because they were sore. My momma told me I shouldn’t be having soreness and I told her I felt pregnant and at the same time like I was fixing to start my period. My momma told me, Katie you have had your ovaries out; you shouldn’t be feeling this way. I went to my new family Dr. and told him, thinking he wouldn’t do anything, but it was worth a shot. He shocked me! He asked how many times you have had your thyroid checked. I told him more times than I can count. He said, I hate it’s took so long for you to go through what you have been going through and I’m going to send you to a gland Dr and get to the bottom of this and hopefully get you to finally feeling normal. Finally someone listen to me and I’m not crazy! LOL! I can’t wait till I go to this Dr. to find out what’s wrong. I finally have a chance of feeling normal. As soon as I find out I will repost an update.
Kitten

My favorite place!

I really love the Denim Jumper! It is my place where I have a lot of great ladies to talk to. It helps me to escape. It’s a place where you feel warm and cozy and just let it all hang out. We also have secret pals where we get to spoil each other and give each other support. I do wish that the D.J. was a little chattier. But that is ok.
I chose this picture, because this is how I picture the D.J.

A little more bragging on my babies

The power to brag on my babies is great!

I’m so glad that I have my new computer for I can use Power Point, Word and Excel. Power Point gives me the power to make my babies certificates. Word gives me the ability to check my spelling and grammar. Excel gives me the power to keep good records of my kid’s school work and make them progress reports. They had asked me if they could get report cards for they could show the family their grades. I think for right now it will be a good idea because I think they need a little something for someone else besides me brag on them.
Here are their certificates I have made them to give them something to brag about and show off.

KB's fish

My little girl has decided to collect fish. She is very fascinated about them. So we did a little research on her new little friends. That's another good thing about Homeschooling, you can use your kids interest as a part of learning. Here's a few things we have learned.........

A freshwater fish. Ornamental aquarium and pond fish (Carassius auratus) of the carp family, native to East Asia but introduced into many other areas. The goldfish was domesticated by the Chinese at least as early as the Song dynasty (960–1279). It is naturally greenish brown or gray, but its colour varies. Selective breeding has produced more than 125 breeds, including the veil tail, with a three-lobed, flowing tail, and the common, pet-shop comet. They feed on plants and small animals and, in captivity, on small crustaceans and other foods. They have become naturalized in many parts of the eastern U.S.

Goldfish are amongst the hardiest of all fish, which no doubt contributes to their popularity. Give a goldfish a good sized aquarium, well filtered water, a few plants with several pebbles and sand on the bottom and it will be much healthier, happier and live longer. With a little care and attention the tank will also become more interesting and an attractive focal point in the home .
Water quality Water is not only the environment in which fish live - it is the 'air' they breathe. Pay regular attention to the water and your fish will thrive. Ideally you should allow at least two gallons of water per fish. More once your fish grow over a few inches long. If you don't have in-tank filtration, water changes should be carried out every week - about 30 % of the volume. Even if you do have a good filter unit you should still carry out a 30 % water change every 2 or 3 weeks. Use tap water, ideally mixed with a little hot water to warm it to room temperature. You should also add tap water de-chlorinator before you pour the water into the aquarium.
Feeding your Goldfish To stay healthy, active and colourful Goldfish need a regular balanced intake of a range of essential nutrients. The best and easiest way of providing these is with a complete, balanced diet. AQUARIAN Goldfish Flakes have been specially formulated to provide all the nutrients goldfish and other cold water fish require-ensuring excellent growth, long life, less pollution and reduced stress.
How Often? How Much? Ideally you should feed your fish every morning and evening. Sprinkle a few flakes on the water. If they are eaten within a few minutes give a little more food. If the fish stop feeding, or after about 15 minutes, remove any uneaten food with a small net.
Health care Many fancy Goldfish are prone to swim bladder problems. This susceptibility is in part due to the selective breeding process, which shortened the body and hence the swim bladder of varieties such as the Oranda and Black Moor. This is, however, made worse by poor water conditions, overfeeding and sometimes by low water temperatures. Fish showing signs of disorientation can be helped by ensuring that they are kept in good quality water, with frequent water changes, and by installing a small heater thermostat to keep the temperature at about 20 C.

Falling a little behind on my New Year's Resoultion

Thanks to my friend kiwi from the Denim Jumper she gave the boost
I needed to stay on track to loose weight and get in shape, but I'm falling
behind on the me time. I guess it a little hard with working the hours I am for now.
Hopefully they will get shit straight at work and I can go ahead and quit. I know we
need the money, but whats more important? My kids and my health or money? Well
I choose the 1st one. Now if my job will just hire someone. I don't like who I have been
because of being so tired and stressed, but I guess it will all work out, it always does.
Another big thanks to my friend kiwi!
kitten

I'm stressed to the gill(Part 1)

I have been soo stressed lately its not even funny. Before Christmas I was working every week end and schooling all week. On top of that we go to theropy 2 days a week, co-op on Wed., being momma, wife, cleaning house and all the other things that go with being with a women. I thought that through Christmas break I could get a break. Boy was I wrong. I worked 2 weeks 40hrs and the 3rd week they had me at 30 hrs, but I told them I couldn't work that Wed.(I was too tired) My husband was having surgery that Friday and they where trying to work me through the week. I told them that I would work that Sunday to make up Wed., but I called in cause of Dan Dan wasn't able for me to leave. SO, This week after school has started they got me down for 40 hrs. I can keep this up, but don't want to leave them hanging. It's gotton to the point where I'm snappy and tell people off in a heart beat. I'm blunt and upfront, but I'm a big ole softee so I don't go off like I have lately. I guess in way its a good thing to keep people running over me, but in a way it's not. Well, I'm gonna come back later and finish this little vent cause I got to take the kids to theropy.
Kitten

My oldest

My oldest child has a chance to go to a school his 11th and 12th grade for gifted kids.
It's mainly science and math. If he goes he can get a 2yr scholarship at Mississippi State.
But there are a few problems to this and I have till next fall to weigh 'em out, 'cause if we are gonna let him go to this school, we will have to sign him up this fall.
Here are few of the proplems..........(1) The school is 3 hrs away from home and he will only be 15 &16. (2) My husband is an Ole Miss fan. (3) He's gonna be soo young when he's able to finish I wanted him to go to a JR first.
Besides the 2yr scholarship this school will be free also, but that's so far for my baby. But on the other hand I don't want to hold him back.
If any one has any suggestions I would appreciate it.
kitten

My vent for today!

One thing that really gripes my rear end is people that brown nose and people that don't know how to be their self.
Let me make myself more clear. Here's just one example.......(I could give a 100 but I'll just give one. Ha!) The other day I was at work and this big boss of the stores come through. Our manger fusses about her all the time but while she is there MS Betty is her best friend and she keeps telling we got to do this and that, act like this or that and do this or that. I'm like oh Hell no. Take me as I am or don't take me at all. I don't kiss up and I'm me. If you don't like me or how I do things then thats your problem. I was standing there taking a few minute break and she told me I needed to put out my cig. I said, NO I'm taking a break. MS Betty said that the lady could write me up if she don't like it. Then MS Betty comes over and puts my cig out. I flew off the handel. I do a dang good job and I'm not going to pretend to be someone I'm not.
This issue has been a thorn in my ass for sometime now. I know that my DJ friends have noticed my sig line, but this one time just really pissed me off.
kitten
PS> Last night when I was really up set I had alot more to say, but one problem I have once I go to sleep I'm over what was bothering me. Maybe if something else triggers this pitpeeve I'll come back and really vent!
kitten

My New Years Resolutions

I 've got two things I want to try and do this year. One is do more blogging(having more me time) 2nd is to try loose wieght and get in shape. Two of my buddies on The Demin Jumper and I are gonna work on the wieght thing together. The other I got to do own my own. I feel if I take a little time everyday to put my thoughts, feelings and concerns in my blog it will help me to let out a little stress and help me stay more focused.
Kitten

Some more of my silly kids

My kids enjoying our pool

Enjoying summer break!

This week has been great! I went and bought a pool for the kids and my husband and I. I was not able to get a very big one this year, but it's enough to get out in and enjoy. Since my dad passed away, I have decided to take more time with my husband and kids and enjoy them, instead of a little time here or there and the rest is momma/teacher/wife. I got to get this done ,I got to get that done, and ect., ect. My kids have really enjoyed mom & dad taking time to relax and do more QT with them. They are only young once, so we better enjoy tham as much as possible. Don't get me wrong, when it's time to start back with the school stuff we will just like always, but I'm gonna take more time with them outside of school work and house work. So what if my house isn't cleaned 1 day.LOL! That's my biggest pet peeve.
kitten

Buuerflies

My little girl wanted us to look up butterflies.
I found the most fasinating butterfly. It may not be that intreging
to yall, but I just had to share.
Greta oto is one of a number of similar transparent winged butterflies. It comes from central America, and is found from Mexico to Panama. It is quite common in its zone, but it not easy to find because of its transparent wings, which is a natural camouflage mechanism.Family: NymphalidaeGenus: IthomiinaeLatin name: Greta otoCommon name: The Glasswing

Gifts from my Secret Pal

Sorry

Sorry I haven't blogged in a while, but my life has been stressfull and hecktec lately. I have several things I want to post, but hopfully things will start settleing down and back to normal soon. Or, aleast what we consider normal.HA!
kitten

Critical Thinking Skills

These are the critical thinking skills books I use to help my children. It helps improve on test scores. It helps with logical thinking,similarities& differences, sequences, classifications, analogies, vocabulary development, antonyms & synonyms, following & writing directions, descriptive writing, spatial awareness, measurement, geometry concepts, map reading, graphic organizers and much more.
kitten

schooling through the summer

Since February I have been working only on my kids weaknesses. I have put their curriculum away till August. This summer we still planning on doing some tutoring over at the Mid-South Theropy center. Also I plan on going around the house pricing everything and playing store to help teach Kb the concept of money and also for all 3 can learn how to add taxes, and count money back without using a caculator or something. I want them to enjoy their summer and not get too burned out with schooling, but I still think it's important to do somethings with them that they will think is fun , but learning in the process. I feel that if I'm able to strenghten their weaknesses they will enjoy school more when we actually start back in August. I'm hoping to build their confidence back up where the school has knocked them down. That has alot to do with their anxieties.
kitten