I am ready for Christmas... this is the first year that I haven't had this overwhelming feeling that I can't quite explain. Usually, I am upset all through the holidays...
I don't have too busy of a week, clean house and maybe rake leaves today. Hopefully, DH will feel better and I can cook my deer chilli. Gumbo soon :-) Hmmm, I wonder if New Year's Day would work.....or maybe the saturday after... DH stayed home, he seems better, but I need to go get him some mucinex. Tuesday I have some more food to deliever. I can't really give exact details, but the Lord always has things under control. I had no idea until yesterday where the food was going, (except for some already delivered) but the Lord did. It is awesome how He provides needs for 3 different people in one move ;-). He had the place for me to take the food, filled the need of a person desiring to give it and blessing several families with the food. This is the point I was trying to make yesterday, God does the work, we just have to listen and wait and trust that He will do it. He always does. :-P
Mom arrives tuesday, which is my 19th anniversary BTW :-). God blessed me with a great husband that just keeps getting better. Wednesday, we have to go grocery shopping and pick up stuff for Christmas Eve. We are having the 'family' Christmas Eve here for the first time. :-) Mom, Amberly and I are planning on going to the movies sometime this week, I'm just not sure when. Thursday everyone will be coming over, so if we go it will have to be early. Hopefully, they will get Shawn Jr.'s ignition fixed.
I guess I need to buy a bible study program. The one I used to use is all changed (for the worse as usual) and dialup is so slow).
Some waters are for swimming in... you just have to jump in the deep water, makes me think of the Lake in the Circle... jump in and swim and drink of Him...
Ez 47:1-5 Afterward he brought me again unto the door of the house; and, behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward: for the forefront of the house stood toward the east, and the waters came down from under from the right side of the house, at the south side of the altar. 2 Then brought he me out of the way of the gate northward, and led me about the way without unto the utter gate by the way that looketh eastward; and, behold, there ran out waters on the right side. 3 And when the man that had the line in his hand went forth eastward, he measured a thousand cubits, and he brought me through the waters; the waters were to the ankles. 4 Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through the waters; the waters were to the knees. Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through ; the waters were to the loins. 5 Afterward he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not pass over : for the waters were risen , waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over
and when you walk through the waters I will be there, and through the flame... you'll not, no way be drowned....and you'll not, no way be burned....
Monday, December 21, 2009
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Dumbing Us Down-a sort of book review?
I just finished reading "Dumbing Us Down: the Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Schooling" by John Taylor Gatto. I had to make myself read past the first chapter (the 7 lesson school teacher), I didn't really agree with most what he was saying in that chapter. BTW-- You homeschooler's would probably enjoy the book.
Once I got past the first chapter, I agreed with a lot more. I do agree with *some* things he says, maybe just not the correlation/causation. He basically attributes the whole breakdown of the family and community to public school. I think there are other, much more contributing, factors. (not to say that ps has not played a large part, but the centralizing of the school especially)I think TV is horrible (and yes we do watch plenty of it). Kids do not have time to think. We certainly aren't teaching them to think critically. Kids need to have down time, time with nothing to do but be creative and come up with ideas. Parental care also has certainly gone out the window. He would idyllically like to see things go back to pre-colonial times. I just don't see that happening, but maybe some sort of homeschooling phase where more private schools are grown out of necessity.
He is definitely right that we have lost the sense of community, especially in larger areas. It seems we have an advantage in this type of area (although many would say we were backward, lol), that we do have time to instill community in our kids and many families are raising their children instead of allowing public school to do so. Of course, there are people in larger areas that do also. I also believe that our kids are not taught to think, but to follow blindly-but I think that is more societal (such as news and what's considered to be politically correct, etc. If you take older textbooks, say, from when my father was in college, you can see a stark difference in difficulty and readability. He speaks of texts from 1860's and I would like to see those myself, that would be interesting. One of the things I found absurd was his objections to having to ask to go to the bathroom.? I don't think that is a real issue. In fact, kids ask their parents all the time to go to the bathroom and I haven't seen one harmed yet, lol. He says that school teaches class position (in society) and I lean more towards it equaling that out. However, we seem to be sliding back into a class hierarchical system. He also says that using grades or smiley faces teaches emotional dependence, but I also see that as a normal trait for children to want to please adults. How often does your child seek your praise? Does that mean they are emotionally dependent on you? I don't think in a negative way. Now do we necessarily want them desiring to please the teacher? Well, I guess that depends on the teacher's agenda! :-) He discusses worth and while I know that peer relationships and academic failings and affect a child's self-worth, that ultimately (at least initially) comes from the family.
Later in the book, I come into more agreement. Less TV, definitely not extended time in school, more free time, smaller schools, more community spirit, LOCAL CHOICE, etc. are some of the answers we need as a society. You might have no interest in this, and it may not make much sense without reading the book- I guess I am just thinking outloud. But you are welcome to borrow the book if you like ;-)
Once I got past the first chapter, I agreed with a lot more. I do agree with *some* things he says, maybe just not the correlation/causation. He basically attributes the whole breakdown of the family and community to public school. I think there are other, much more contributing, factors. (not to say that ps has not played a large part, but the centralizing of the school especially)I think TV is horrible (and yes we do watch plenty of it). Kids do not have time to think. We certainly aren't teaching them to think critically. Kids need to have down time, time with nothing to do but be creative and come up with ideas. Parental care also has certainly gone out the window. He would idyllically like to see things go back to pre-colonial times. I just don't see that happening, but maybe some sort of homeschooling phase where more private schools are grown out of necessity.
He is definitely right that we have lost the sense of community, especially in larger areas. It seems we have an advantage in this type of area (although many would say we were backward, lol), that we do have time to instill community in our kids and many families are raising their children instead of allowing public school to do so. Of course, there are people in larger areas that do also. I also believe that our kids are not taught to think, but to follow blindly-but I think that is more societal (such as news and what's considered to be politically correct, etc. If you take older textbooks, say, from when my father was in college, you can see a stark difference in difficulty and readability. He speaks of texts from 1860's and I would like to see those myself, that would be interesting. One of the things I found absurd was his objections to having to ask to go to the bathroom.? I don't think that is a real issue. In fact, kids ask their parents all the time to go to the bathroom and I haven't seen one harmed yet, lol. He says that school teaches class position (in society) and I lean more towards it equaling that out. However, we seem to be sliding back into a class hierarchical system. He also says that using grades or smiley faces teaches emotional dependence, but I also see that as a normal trait for children to want to please adults. How often does your child seek your praise? Does that mean they are emotionally dependent on you? I don't think in a negative way. Now do we necessarily want them desiring to please the teacher? Well, I guess that depends on the teacher's agenda! :-) He discusses worth and while I know that peer relationships and academic failings and affect a child's self-worth, that ultimately (at least initially) comes from the family.
Later in the book, I come into more agreement. Less TV, definitely not extended time in school, more free time, smaller schools, more community spirit, LOCAL CHOICE, etc. are some of the answers we need as a society. You might have no interest in this, and it may not make much sense without reading the book- I guess I am just thinking outloud. But you are welcome to borrow the book if you like ;-)
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Busy Busy
Sooo much to do, I don't know where to start. Tons of housework/laundry to do, have to deliver angel tree presents, make some phone calls about some other stuff, wrap a ton of presents, package and mail presents, pick up a couple more I forgot, help a friend with a project, plan for GA (that can wait until after Christmas, but it is on my mind) and pick up stuff to make deer chilli. Speaking of GA's I need to call and see about going to Children's hospital...and I haven't touched a single Christmas card this year...
Amberly is staying home with a sore throat, so I don't have to do the music program and party today. I am thinking it's from allergies. It's not incredibly red and no fever, but it hurts... I also need to figure up how many families and who gets the food baskets. I can't remember who made the boxes, I think maybe it was Patsy Carver, but that is really a blessing. I never thought of that. It's really nice when people help like that and know what needs to be done without even asking them. That reminds me, I need to call Brenda too...oh and I need to (after christmas) plan the ladies meeting. I have something different in mind. I'm so glad I can come now on wed and to the ladies meetings. I hate that I missed the Christmas party.
I had more to say, but I can't remember so I will get to wrapping and cleaning...
Amberly is staying home with a sore throat, so I don't have to do the music program and party today. I am thinking it's from allergies. It's not incredibly red and no fever, but it hurts... I also need to figure up how many families and who gets the food baskets. I can't remember who made the boxes, I think maybe it was Patsy Carver, but that is really a blessing. I never thought of that. It's really nice when people help like that and know what needs to be done without even asking them. That reminds me, I need to call Brenda too...oh and I need to (after christmas) plan the ladies meeting. I have something different in mind. I'm so glad I can come now on wed and to the ladies meetings. I hate that I missed the Christmas party.
I had more to say, but I can't remember so I will get to wrapping and cleaning...
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
it's the little things....
Feckles has confiscated all of Amberly's 'talking' toys. She has a Dora doll (that is REALLY annoying at 6 am, especially when you have a headache), a husky from build a bear, and two puppies that look like her and make dog noises. Oh and a furbie. She is fascincated with them. We have had several people looking at both trucks. Someone might buy Shawn Jr.'s thursday, we will see. It's tempting to put my car out there, lol. They are both going in the thrifty nickel too, maybe I will have to call and have them both dropped!
Shawn got up at 3 am and I woke up with a headache. It is a little bit better this morning, but it needs to go away so I can study. Hopefully when I get on the elliptical it will go away. :( This is day 2 of my diet. I have gained another 3 lbs for 13 in total. NOTHING fits, so I have a month to wage war against the waistline. Please pray that DH will start exercising again. When he does his blood pressure is normal. Right now it is just above or at borderline (130/90 or a little above). If he will do something now, he can prevent taking meds which is is opposed too. I'm concerned it will get worse and that he will refuse meds and that is not a good thing. So pray for God's convictn, sic' em Lord. Speaking of, God is faithful for even the little things. I got a call Sunday morning that Shae had lost Shawn Jr.'s senior ring (and don't mention it to her, I wouldn't say anything except for the good end result needs to be shared). She was really upset and had been crying and was afraid to tell me. (I had made Rachel talk with her about being careful with it, etc... when she first got it) so anyway, I kinda figured that would happen when he gave it to her (not because of her, just because that is the way I think, lol). But I was very calm when Rachel called and told her it was not like she chunked it, an accident is an accident and that I bet someone would find it, see FHS on it and send it back to the school. Well I called Mrs. Janet to let her know my schedule for the week and what do you know, some from Texas had found the ring in the mall parking lot and called the school with it, so it is on it's way home ;-).
Hey Lisa, you still want to decorate my blog page???
So today is haircut at 9 am. Study for reading test, then hopefully go to texarkana and take it and then be free. It really depends on this headache I think and how quickly studying goes....Oh I almsot forgot, Amberly and I started polishing the antique stilver plated coffee service that my dad just brought (I didn't want the case to get broken in the trailer), that was my great-great-grandmother's and wow, silver cleans up really easily. I can't wait to get it all finished. There are some spots, so I am going to read up and see how to get rid of them, if I can....
Shawn got up at 3 am and I woke up with a headache. It is a little bit better this morning, but it needs to go away so I can study. Hopefully when I get on the elliptical it will go away. :( This is day 2 of my diet. I have gained another 3 lbs for 13 in total. NOTHING fits, so I have a month to wage war against the waistline. Please pray that DH will start exercising again. When he does his blood pressure is normal. Right now it is just above or at borderline (130/90 or a little above). If he will do something now, he can prevent taking meds which is is opposed too. I'm concerned it will get worse and that he will refuse meds and that is not a good thing. So pray for God's convictn, sic' em Lord. Speaking of, God is faithful for even the little things. I got a call Sunday morning that Shae had lost Shawn Jr.'s senior ring (and don't mention it to her, I wouldn't say anything except for the good end result needs to be shared). She was really upset and had been crying and was afraid to tell me. (I had made Rachel talk with her about being careful with it, etc... when she first got it) so anyway, I kinda figured that would happen when he gave it to her (not because of her, just because that is the way I think, lol). But I was very calm when Rachel called and told her it was not like she chunked it, an accident is an accident and that I bet someone would find it, see FHS on it and send it back to the school. Well I called Mrs. Janet to let her know my schedule for the week and what do you know, some from Texas had found the ring in the mall parking lot and called the school with it, so it is on it's way home ;-).
Hey Lisa, you still want to decorate my blog page???
So today is haircut at 9 am. Study for reading test, then hopefully go to texarkana and take it and then be free. It really depends on this headache I think and how quickly studying goes....Oh I almsot forgot, Amberly and I started polishing the antique stilver plated coffee service that my dad just brought (I didn't want the case to get broken in the trailer), that was my great-great-grandmother's and wow, silver cleans up really easily. I can't wait to get it all finished. There are some spots, so I am going to read up and see how to get rid of them, if I can....
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Have I lost it?
I think I have lost my mind. I'm going to switch my internet class to statistics and take it mon-wed from 4-5:15. A friend that can help me if I need it is in there and I just saw this morning it's the easy guy whohoo. Perfect. So this summer I can just take two internet classes.I was concerned about stat's only being offered on campus. I also really wanted the easier guy. YAY. So here's my lonnnggg schedule. Monday 10-12 invertebrate zoology, 1-3 Genetics 4-5:15 statistics 6-10, Tuesday 3-4 biology semina,r Wed 10-12, 1-3 repeat of mon morning. That will be a realllllyyy long day monday, but I will be thre any how, so might as well take statistics. And I'll have to go straight to church on wednesday's. I'm really glad the end is almost here. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Just one last push to study for two tests. Just gotta stay focused a few more days...
We had a really nice lecture yesterday. :/ We were supposed to be lectured on rarity and extinction. But apparently the nutty professor was listening to hanity on the way to school so instead we got an angry lecture on cap and trade, welfare economics, really fun interesting stuff and just so related to rarity. We have decided to sabotage his radio haha, not really but wish we could!
The Lord is always so faithful. He always takes care of our needs. Every year I don't know how we will manage Christmas and every year He always comes through! Not that the focus is on gifts and such, but He cares about it because we care about it. My kids don't get much throughout the year so it is nice to bless them at Christmas. I didn't get to get an Angel tree gift, but I plan on getting some groceries and I have two kids on my mind that I might try to buy gifts for.
We had a really nice lecture yesterday. :/ We were supposed to be lectured on rarity and extinction. But apparently the nutty professor was listening to hanity on the way to school so instead we got an angry lecture on cap and trade, welfare economics, really fun interesting stuff and just so related to rarity. We have decided to sabotage his radio haha, not really but wish we could!
The Lord is always so faithful. He always takes care of our needs. Every year I don't know how we will manage Christmas and every year He always comes through! Not that the focus is on gifts and such, but He cares about it because we care about it. My kids don't get much throughout the year so it is nice to bless them at Christmas. I didn't get to get an Angel tree gift, but I plan on getting some groceries and I have two kids on my mind that I might try to buy gifts for.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Closer
Ok, I am NOT buying any more vehicles right now, lol. Although technically, Shawn Jr. bought his. I have to say Mil-Way is really good, we are moving all our stuff over there. It's really nice to not have to worry about Blake driving my car. It has no heat and no defrost, so winter time is not a great time to drive it. And it also shakes after you get to a certain speed. It is also nice to not have to worry how Shawn Jr. will get back and forth to college. That has beena good little truck, but we know it won't last forever. They ought to be happy this Christmas with each a new truck!
I moved my hair appt to tuesday. I will be almost out of school, lol. That is funny, because I won't have to fix my hair that much. That's ok, though I am ready to get it done! I am also ready for my break. So we got the wrong title for Blake's truck, we now have the correct title, so I have to go get his tagged today. Then I am done with that business. I have sped class (3 quizzes) thursday, a final monday and a final tues or wed just whatever I decide on that one. Then I am FREE for about a month. YAY. Rachel and I are hosting the ladie smeeting in janurary, the first one I get to go to in a while! I'm glad about that.
I moved my hair appt to tuesday. I will be almost out of school, lol. That is funny, because I won't have to fix my hair that much. That's ok, though I am ready to get it done! I am also ready for my break. So we got the wrong title for Blake's truck, we now have the correct title, so I have to go get his tagged today. Then I am done with that business. I have sped class (3 quizzes) thursday, a final monday and a final tues or wed just whatever I decide on that one. Then I am FREE for about a month. YAY. Rachel and I are hosting the ladie smeeting in janurary, the first one I get to go to in a while! I'm glad about that.
Friday, December 4, 2009
TGIF
I've gotten lots of research done for my EIS project this morning, so now I need to compile and reword. (from the nutty professor of course!) I had my last IS395 class last night. YAY -now I only have one class on thursday next week. NO Comprehensive finals. A few open book quizzes in SPED and a big test in ecology and one in reading and them I am done. And of course finish this enormous project. In Ecology, I've got 1/3 of a book to finish, read the chapter on population dynamics (and whatever else he decides), view all the videos, (well with the exception of those 15 that aren't classroom appropriate), finish 2 chapters in reading, do my response journal, read two chapters of SPED, start making a study guide for ecology and flash cards for reading. UGH I need more time!! It's looking like i might have to stay home Sunday. I'm praying I get a lot done tomorrow so I don't have to. I really don't like missing sunday morning. I also need to clean house sometime, but the family will be able to help.
In the remainder of my life, we may have found a good deal on a vehicle for Blake. We worked with Milway and I really like them, so we will finally move all our accounts over there. The guys are going to look at the truck tonight. The funny thing is, this is the guy that had a hand in us finding out about the house. He is the one that told Bobie it was for sale. Small world, eh? I missed a call to sub this morning, but I guess it was for the best, I needed to get some work on that project done. I hope to finish it up this weekend and get that class off my plate because next saturday we have the GA Nursing Home visit. I really hope to do a service project next quarter. And I really want it to be the Children's Hospital...
In the remainder of my life, we may have found a good deal on a vehicle for Blake. We worked with Milway and I really like them, so we will finally move all our accounts over there. The guys are going to look at the truck tonight. The funny thing is, this is the guy that had a hand in us finding out about the house. He is the one that told Bobie it was for sale. Small world, eh? I missed a call to sub this morning, but I guess it was for the best, I needed to get some work on that project done. I hope to finish it up this weekend and get that class off my plate because next saturday we have the GA Nursing Home visit. I really hope to do a service project next quarter. And I really want it to be the Children's Hospital...
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